NEWS

Written By: Madison de la garza

Wrapping Up A Successful Year

created by brighton hall digital publishing

issue 5June 2, 2015

Page 1

Looking Back On Where We Came From

The year is 2009. A little girl walks into a small building past a sign that reads “San Fernando Valley Pro-fessional School,” and enters a class-room. No more than five or six kids sit at their desks, smiling and laughing as their teacher reads them a book. The little girl decides she’s going to like it there. Flash forward to the year 2015, a girl exits her car and walks across the parking lot and up the stairs, past large silver letters that spell Brighton Hall. She walks up the stairs and into a classroom filled with more than twenty kids, listening intently to their teacher as he reads aloud what has been shone onto the screen by the projector. The girl thinks back to the dirty carpets, yellow tiled floors, thin yearbooks, and nearly-empty class-

rooms. She looks around and sees the students that don’t remember the tiny hole in the wall this school once was, and she sighs, feeling sorry that they will never feel the pride she does. This summer will mark our third year as Brighton Hall. We have now gotten used to the freshly painted walls and crisp, clean classrooms and we have forgotten how hard some peo-ple have worked to get us here. In one summer, we managed to fix up an old church and turn it into a thriving place for learning. It’s easy to forget the ac-complishments we have made. Before BH, there was SFVPS. One small building with five class-rooms, two bathrooms, and an office. Now, we have seven classrooms, two bathrooms, and three offices. Not to mention, we gained an entire floor and

a gym! If that doesn’t show you how far we’ve come, I don’t know what will. Not only are we as a school very successful, but our students are as well. Every day, someone is missing due to working on making their dreams come true. The magic of our school is that we can work towards our dreams without having to wait until we graduate. For-tunately, we’re all taking advantage of that privilege and are getting out there to make Ms. Angie and the rest of the faculty proud. So, the point of this article is; the next time you see Ms. Angie or anyone who stood by her and helped get us to where we are now, you might want to thank them. They really deserve it.

Wrapping Up Our YearWritten by: hillary leWis

This year has been very excit-ing with lots of fun things going on at Brighton Hall. I have learned so much this past year, not just about school but about friendship, loyalty and so much more. Not only have I grown a lot aca-demically, I have grown as a person as well. Everything I have experienced has taught me so much about life. This year, I have learned to be my own per-son despite what society tells me to be, and not care about what other people think about me. It’s really hard, espe-cially in this industry, where everyone wants you to act a certain way, look a certain way and be a certain person. Thats when I have to remember to stay

true to myself, because in the end be-ing yourself is all that matters. I have learned not to take anything for grant-ed. The friendships I have formed and the long lasting bond I have with my friends are so valuable. I have learned to keep going when I want to give up, because in the end everything works out the way you imagined it would. There is so much I have accomplished this year with acting; from auditions, to acting classes, to filming a web se-ries and a lot more. I use to wonder why it took so long for me to accom-plish my goals, but now the pieces of that puzzle are all coming together. Everything in life takes time, nothing

just gets handed over to you. It still is really hard to understand, and some-times I still wonder why I haven’t ac-complished more. Then I realize that when it’s meant to be it will happen and that hard work pays off. I am so excited for this summer! I am going to Dallas for two weeks, Chicago and Missouri. The best part of my summer is definitely going to be sleepaway camp. I am going for three weeks and I am so excited to see all my camp friends. I am definitely looking forward to what next year will bring and the new adventures that I will have.

SUMMER EDITION

My Brighton ExperienceWritten By: aBBy sMalBerg

Page 2

What We LearnedWritten By: keely alona

I learned a lot this year, not only academically but personally. This year has been full of new experiences, re-kindling past relationships and grow-ing. I’ve got to know myself a whole lot better through everything that hap-pened to me, good or bad. The experi-ences i went through this past school year has shaped me into the person I am and i’m grateful for that. I had a great school year, it was beneficial for me that I was able to be more inde-pendent with all my work. I have an

incredible group of friends that I am so thankful for. Also, this year I was able to meet new friends. One of the biggest lessons learned for me this year has definitely been to appreciate and cher-ish the time that you have with the people you love because it is precious. The people you surround yourself with are very important, so pick good ones. This year I have started to understand better than ever that staying true to myself is extremely crucial. I accom-plished many goals. I grew fond of new

hobbies that i never would expected to have loved. I made a new club volley-ball team and im proud of that. This was the first year my sister wasn’t liv-ing at home and surprisingly, it made us closer. My summer will consist of competing in lots of beach volleyball tournaments and spending time with my family and friends. I learn about myself more and more everyday and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Eighth grade has been a fun but also challenging year. Each year the school year gets harder, but I’m look-ing forward to moving on and going to high school. I think everyone has learned important lessons this year that will help us in the future. It has really surprised me how much the year has all tied together with my studies and the things I have experienced out-side of school. In history, we were learning about our capital and our presidents, and I got to go to D.C. for Spring Break. We saw all the monuments and muse-ums, and it was an amazing experi-ence. In history, we were also learning about John Paul Jones. When I went to go visit my brother at the United States Naval Academy, John Paul Jones’s crypt is buried there and there is a whole museum based on him. In Science, we were learn-ing about our atmosphere and space crafts. My brother is majoring in aero-space engineering and he got to show and explain all the cool things he was

clearning. I also became very interest-ed in all the new things and plans we have for our future in space. In English we read The Book Thief takes place during Hitler’s reign and the Holocaust. I actually was cast in a short film about the Holocaust and it was very moving. I even got to audition for the part of Liesel in “The Book Thief” and was close to booking

the role. Which would have been very interesting! The year has just wound up tying up perfectly. I’ve become really close with some amazing friends who I can’t wait to have more adventures with in the future. I think this is definitely a year to remember and one I will talk about in the future.

Being Editor In ChiefWritten by: daisy torres

In the first issue, I had the op-portunity to experience the responsi-bility of being editor in chief. I worked alongside Abby and Jameel. Although Jameel didn’t have the official job, he helped us by coming up with ideas and choosing articles. The basic tasks of being editor and chief is skimming through arti-

cles, and choosing which ones go into the paper or not. I’d say the hardest part about being editor in chief is de-ciding on articles. I always wanted to include everyone in the paper, but I’m only aloud to chose a select few. One of the main responsibilities of being EIC is monitoring people and giving them ideas on what to write. Although I

mainly chose what goes into the paper, everyone’s job corresponds according-ly. It takes a lot of responsibility to take on this job. In the future, I would like to re apply for this job in high school, if the class is available.

If I Could Change Anything...Written by: valeria de la maza

Page 3

This year at Brighton Hall, many events, exams, and more were held. I’m going to specify about the events and what the future might hold for Brighton Hall. Examples of events we had this year are; ERBs, AP final ex-ams, Valentine’s Day Dance, Winter/holiday event, choir performances, BH Live, Prom, etc. In my opinion, the Val-entine’s Day Dance was fun because I got to go with all of my friends and dance to the music. However, some-thing I would change about the way it all played out, would be to separate the younger kids and the older kids like so; 8th grade-12th grade would be in a separate dance from the younger kids. The reason why I would do that is because the older kids like different type of music, different activities, etc.

It would just be an easier way to make everyone feel comfortable, happy, and satisfied. Another event I would modify would have to be the BH Live perfor-mance because I was involved in it and there was some conflicts. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed performing. I thought it was very fun and exciting. However, I did think it was not very well planned in terms of preparation for the actual show. For example, we did not have a planned soundcheck ahead of time. Also, many perform-ers, including my group, did not get an equal amount of time for rehearsal or soundcheck, and the choir section of it was not well-communicated with the people who managed the sound and microphones so it did not turn out

perfectly. All I would’ve changed was the way time was managed, to prepare ahead of time and to be more respon-sible in terms of scheduling. Although, I do admit, everyone seemed to have a great time, and that’s all that matters. In terms of the future of Bright-on Hall, I really don’t know what to expect. I would like the school to hold as many events as it did this year be-cause it really was cool to have as a distraction from the actual learning. I do hope, however, that they plan the events more thoroughly and more carefully thought and planned out. All we can do, is enjoy our precious, long-wanted summer and hope for the best next year.

The Creators Of Digital PublishingWritten by: daniel divenere

This year at Brighton Hall, many events, exams, and more were held. I’m going to specify about the events and what the future might hold for Brighton Hall. Examples of events we had this year are; ERBs, AP final ex-ams, Valentine’s Day Dance, Winter/holiday event, choir performances, BH Live, Prom, etc. In my opinion, the Val-entine’s Day Dance was fun because I got to go with all of my friends and dance to the music. However, some-thing I would change about the way it all played out, would be to separate the younger kids and the older kids like so; 8th grade-12th grade would be in a separate dance from the younger kids. The reason why I would do that is because the older kids like different type of music, different activities, etc.

It would just be an easier way to make everyone feel comfortable, happy, and satisfied. Another event I would modify would have to be the BH Live perfor-mance because I was involved in it and there was some conflicts. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed performing. I thought it was very fun and exciting. However, I did think it was not very well planned in terms of preparation for the actual show. For example, we did not have a planned soundcheck ahead of time. Also, many perform-ers, including my group, did not get an equal amount of time for rehearsal or soundcheck, and the choir section of it was not well-communicated with the people who managed the sound and microphones so it did not turn out

perfectly. All I would’ve changed was the way time was managed, to prepare ahead of time and to be more respon-sible in terms of scheduling. Although, I do admit, everyone seemed to have a great time, and that’s all that matters. In terms of the future of Bright-on Hall, I really don’t know what to expect. I would like the school to hold as many events as it did this year be-cause it really was cool to have as a distraction from the actual learning. I do hope, however, that they plan the events more thoroughly and more carefully thought and planned out. All we can do, is enjoy our precious, long-wanted summer and hope for the best next year.

My Year At Brighton HallWritten by: J.p.

I think this year Brighton Hall improved a lot. I want to first talk about the students; everyone of course has people they would like to hang out with more, and I think even if someone doesn’t like another person they would still treat them nicely which is some-thing that I think is actually very hard to find. Just like I know i’m not the most likable person, but people would

still take time to talk to me and be nice to me, and I find that really nice. I re-ally like the teachers too, I know I am probably am not that good of a student but they would still take time to help me. My favorite thing is that Bright-on Hall gives me more chances to do what I like, like BHlive or the art show and things like this,and I know it’s hard to put on things like this because

it’s a very small school so I apreciate it a lot when we have it.Overall I really love this school and I really hope that it will be more and more successful each year,and I believe that Brighton Hall will improve more and more each year.

Upcoming Summer Concerts

Brighton Hall ConcertWritten by: Jayde emory

Page 4

This spring, we had a very suc-cessful and outstanding Brighton Hall Concert. We feel very fortunate to have such an abundance of talented stu-dents. These students work so hard to pursue their dreams and aspirations. We pride ourselves in our student reputable determination to continue to learn and grow to make themselves ultimately better people. The concert this spring was such a success because of the countless hours that our students and faculty put into it. It was renowned and quite impres-sive. The audience was attentive dur-ing the whole production, they were

feeding off the performer’s intriguing vibes, etc. We had such a wide range of performers; we had hilarious comedi-ans, passionate actors reading mono-logues, remarkable dancers, and in-credible singers. The concert had over twenty acts. Each one was special. Also, the bravery in each student to get up on stage and perform in front of a big audience is not only impressive but extremely crucial for their futures that they are able to do that while exuding such confidence. We would like to thank everyone involved for making the show a huge success that Brighton

Hall is very proud of.

Written by: abby smalberg and Jayde emory

TRIVIA & CROSSWORD

1: Which country gained its independence from the United States in 1946?□ A. Russia□ B. The Phillippines□ C. China

2: After the death of Pres-ident John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson was sworn-in as President in what unusual seting?□ A. On air force one□ B. In a parade□ C. In his home

3: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, who is the “Half-Blood Prince?”□ A. Severus Snape□ B. Slimy Snake□ C. Severian Slape

4: Cannibalism was once widespread and possibly still exists on which is-land?□ A. Bali□ B. Maui□ C. New Guinea

5: Which NHL star, who plays on the Pittsburgh Penguins, signed an $11.3 million contract for this hockey season?

□ A. Mario Lemieux□ B. Blake Comeau□ C. Scott Wilson

Did you know Tennessee is bordered by 8 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Geor-gia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia - more than any other in the US?

Did you know stewardesses is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand?

Did you know there is no such thing as a naturally blue food?

Did you know honey is the only natu-ral food which never goes off?

Did you know M&M’s chocolate stands for the initials for its inventors Mars and Murrie?

Did you know that you burn more cal-ories eating celery than it contains?

Did you know the fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco?

Answers to Trivia:1.B, 2. A, 3.A, 4.C, 5.A, 6.B, 7.A

Brainiac Trivia

6: Because of the population problem, in China, married couples lose various govern-mental benefits after the birth of which child?□ A. First□ B. Second□ C. Third

7: What salad, created with veg-etables topped with tuna and anchovy, is named for its city of origin, in southern France ?□ A. Salade Nicoise□ B. Caesar Salad□ C. Chinese Chicken Salad

Did You Know?

Page 5: Games

Vale De La Maza - Editor in ChiefKeely Alona - Editor in ChiefJacob Kabaivanoff - Copy EditorDaisy Torres - Copy EditorMichael Fookson - IT DepartmentCullen McCarthy - IT DepartmentDaniel DiVenere - IT DepartmentOlivia Cella - Art Department

Madison Lee - Graphic DesignerHillary Lewis - Graphic DesignerJP - Art DepartmentGavin Thompson - ReporterRiver Jordan - ReporterNicholas Lee - ReporterBryton Berdahl - ReporterJayde Emory - Reporter

Izzy Manko - ReporterAnday Tural - ReporterAbby Smalberg - ReporterJameel Shivji - ReporterJason Shine - CEOJosh Dobrowner - Chief Technician

Letter from The Graphic Designers

Messages from the Staff

It’s been quite the journey learn-ing how to cooperate and work togeth-er as a team to create these 5 wonder-ful articles. This year has definitely

been a challenge, but we are so proud of our fellow classmates for coming to-gether and creating something great. 2015 will forever be known as the year

BH News was born. Thanks for read-ing! -Hillary and Madison

I really enjoyed putting together this course! My favorite part was helping the students each find a way to use his or her talents to contribute to the projects. These last two issues have been particularly fun, since the kids got to be creative and share their stories. Finally, I’m really proud to say there were barely any typos in the newsqaper!

Page 6: Credits

A Few Complete Sentences from Mr. Shine