Senior activities send off class of 2024

Sophia Pu and Brian Ly

May 30, 2024

The senior sunset marks the coming end of the school year and the high school experience. Seniors were able to participate in a plethora of activities throughout the month of May.

Seniors were handed cookies for being accepted to college, with a variety of choices like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. (Bren Belmonte)

Acceptance Cookies – May 17

At lunch, the Associated Student Body (ASB) offered free cookies in the Quad to seniors who were accepted into college. After the students stood in line to get checked in, they were presented with dozens of boxes of chocolate chips, white chocolate, and oatmeal raisin cookies. ASB members handed each senior one cookie of their choice.

Seniors begin to draw the names of their future schools at the quad. (Brian Ly)

Chalk Day – May 22

ASB offered seniors chalk to draw the name of their future college or other post-secondary options, such as the military. Students received a piece of chalk in exchange for their student ID, which was returned at the end of the activity. Students were given the quad space to collaborate on drawing images like their future school name and mascot.

Rejection Ice Cream – May 24

Similar to Acceptance Cookies, ASB handed out free ice cream products at lunch for seniors who were rejected from college. The students checked in with a rejection letter if needed and were given a choice of an ice cream sandwich, Haagen-Dazs ice cream bar, or Haagen-Dazs cookie cone.

Senior sunset was held at the bleachers, where seniors were allowed to play on the field and spend the day with their cohort. (Brian Ly)

Senior Sunset – May 24

From 5 p.m to 7 p.m, ASB hosted the annual Senior Sunset at Gabrielino. Students were allowed to sit up on the bleachers or play on the football field while they waited for the sun to set. The event featured the movie “High School Musical 3” and snacks for seniors, along with paper caps made by Roosevelt Elementary School students. Following the sunset and the end of the event, ASB took a large panoramic photo of the attendees.

Balloon Release – May 30

At lunch, the seniors will be given a balloon and gather in the Quad. ASB will play an upbeat song that represents the class of 2024 on the speakers, and at the first chorus or major beat drop, the seniors will all release their balloons and watch them fly away. Seniors submitted their requests for the song that plays at Balloon Release and ASB selected it. The ceremony is meant to represent letting go of their high school life and flying free into adulthood.

Senior Awards Night – May 30

From 7 p.m to 9 p.m, seniors who were invited to the Senior Awards Night will receive recognition for their achievements and work at Gabrielino. Students are encouraged to attend with family. Seniors will also be receiving their cords and sashes that Gabrielino sanctions to wear at graduation during this event.

Grad Bash – May 31

To round off their last day of school, seniors who bought a ticket for Grad Bash will board buses to Universal Studios Hollywood at 12:30 p.m. They will depart at 1 p.m. and spend the night going on rides, taking pictures, and dancing at parties hosted by DJs around the Park. The students will head back to Gabrielino at 2 a.m., to be picked up at 3 a.m.

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About the Contributors

Sophia Pu, Editor in Chief

Sophia Pu is the Editor in Chief for the school newspaper, marking her fourth year with the team. Outside of her editorial duties, Sophia is involved in Speech and Debate and enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in nature. Her commitment to the newspaper grew from a passion for interviewing a diverse range of individuals she might not have interacted with otherwise.

Brian Ly, Production Chief

Brian Ly is the Production Chief for the Tongva Times and is entering his fourth year with the paper. In his personal life, Brian has a keen interest in insects, collectible card games, books, and movies. He even aspires to raise his own "Gregor Samsas" when he finds the right environment. Interestingly, Brian initially joined the newspaper in his freshman year, mistaking it for a history class due to the presence of a textbook. Despite the unexpected start, he remained with the Tongva Times, drawn by the strong sense of community and the chance to interact with diverse individuals, from school athletes to the mayor of San Gabriel.

Bren Belmonte, Staff Writer

Bren Belmonte is a Photographer and Staff Writer with three years of experience on our newspaper team. Outside of journalism, Bren enjoys cosplaying, photographing friends, reading manga, watching anime, and listening to music. Bren chose the journalism class in sophomore year after encouragement from family members in the industry. Since then, they've recognized it as a future passion and career interest.