Voices from the Trail Staff: 2011-2012
So maybe we’re not The New York Times.
We’re not the most elite or the best in business. We’re not hardcore journalists who follow Johnny Depp’s limousine around. And we’re definitely not the most mature, and don’t intend to be.
If we’re not having heated debates about how to eat string cheese (you obviously string it), we’re practicing the weekly broadcast or writing articles. But of course, we’re not always stuck in a classroom every Tuesday and Thursday after school. You’ll find us on the football field or basketball court taking pictures or on the bleachers tweeting game highlights. We’re dancing the night away at Homecoming. We’re singing along to band and choir at concerts. We’re everywhere all the time at the same time.
It’s amazing, really. This is where a football game can be recaptured with a story or where a broadcast can be so ridiculous that it made you laugh after a crappy day. This is where Venus and Mars will listen to your troubles or where you’ll find out if that new Penelope Cruz movie is good enough to watch. This is the little boy on the street corner selling newspapers in old London movies yelling “EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!”
The people behind the writings broadcasts are just among the students. We laugh. We cry. We make mistakes. We annoy each other. We fail classes. And on top of everything, we’re a delusional, irregular, happy family. Our own ohana. Our small little familia.
And this family is here for you. We’ll make your day here at Voices if you but ask. Join the fun. Make this family a little bigger. This is where the pen is mightier than the sword and we’re the knights wielding the awesome power. We’re on a quest to bring the best (unintentional rhyme). There’s only one question remaining.
Can you handle it?
Read all stories written by Everyone
Mrs. Fox: Adviser
In the early years of Monterey Trail, there was a newspaper called Voices in Print. It was a print edition paper, with a class too. As time went on, interest in the publication dropped and the paper was slowly phased out. When the adviser at that time decided to call it quits, I quickly volunteered to pick up the pieces and run with it. But now, it would be different. Due to budget cuts, there was no way we could have a monthly, or even quarterly, edition. Online publcations were becoming more and more popular and the way newspapers were going, so why shoudn’t we? So in the 2008-2009 school year, we recreated ourselves, with the help of some very creative and forward thinking students, to become Voices from the Trail, an online publication.
I am so proud of my students and all their hard work and grand ideas. They WOW me over and over again. I am so blessed to be the adviser of this program!!
Read all stories written by Laurie Fox
Vanessa Duong: Videographer/Broadcast Editor
Hi! My name is Vanessa Duong. I’m a freshmen this year and in way too many things. Hehehehe. I’m in Key Club, Data (General Cabinet), Chess, Tennis (JV), Voices From the Trail, Japanese,and EAC. Way too much, huh? I’m just trying things out and making my way through high school. You must know that I LOVE to cook! Just find and ask me and there is a 99.99% chance I will cook for you! AHAHAHA. I was born in Kingsville, Texas and I moved here in 2007. I love to play golf and soccer, but this year I decided to try a new sport which is tennis. From what I hear, I am very nice, thoughtful, understanding, easy to talk to, creative, funny, likes chip (specifically barbecue), likes Mexican food, LOVES DRAGONS, and likes anime, and manga.
I have a to say that I am very imformed with current events. Daily, I watch the local news, CNN, internet, and entertainment news. I like to know about what is happening the world (especially anything technology related) and how it may effect us now, as well as the future.
Now to less serious stuff. I LIKE TO DRAW AND PAINT! I relieve stress this way and I will draw whatever I feel. I like traditional art (pencil, paper, paint, soft pastels, and etc.) the most. If you see me in class, I’m probably going to be doodling some way or another. I’m currently drawing mostly anime, manga, and cartoons. Although I am able to do still images of things, I’m trying to improve the best I can!
So that about somes me up! Any questions? TOO BAD GO FIND ME! Say hi or just come and talk to me! See ya!
Read all stories written by Vanessa Duong
Davina Vo: Co-editor
Hola, me llamo Davina Vo. I am the co-editor of Voices From The Trail. I am also the ASB President (Associated Student Body, if you didn’t know what that stood for), treasurer for the Design and Technology Academy, proud Link Crew Leader, and some other stuff that is irrelevant. Why am I here writing this right now? Well because Cap-squared forced me to. Not only that, but because I enjoy being a part of something that is connected so well to the school. I love being involved and what better way to be involved than to be part of the online publication that is all about Monterey Trail? I am very school spirited and I really do love being here. I have my bad days, but everybody has those days. Quoted by Hannah Montana. I’m a peculiar person who has been told that she is quite ubiquitous. I love meeting new people & I enjoy great company. My favorite color is blue & I like long walks on the beach. Any questions? Come introduce yourself one day. I don’t bite.
Oh wait, yeah I do.
Read all stories written by Davina Vo
Suhail Elias: Sports Reporter/Writer
Hi my name is Eli Whitney…
Just kidding my name is Suhail Elias and I am the sports writer for the awesome Voices from the Trail. I joined VFTT because I want to become a baseball broadcaster in the near future and heard that this will really help me. A hobbie I do outside of VFTT is being starting catcher for Monterey Trail baseball. I like listening to a lot of different kinds of music like rock, hip hop, Spanish music, Indian music, and almost anything I will listen to. I’m the world’s BIGGEST GIANTS FAN; I freaking love them. I’ve been a baseball fan ever since I was 7 and have always loved it. I can probably tell you anything about the game, rules, players. I’m a stats freak and that’s why I would want to be a sports broadcaster. I know so much more then Eillene thinks she knows. Without music, I cannot get to bed. It has to be playing to sooth me down. I took piano this last term and really enjoyed it. Now I am trying to learn as much as I can so if you ever see me and you have a piano, ask me to play it. I love Spanish music because my friend Carla got me HOOKED and know I keep looking for new music. Any genre can get me hooked so hook me up with some music guys.
Have fun reading all of our amazing articles and leave comments. We LOVE comments. Enjoy y’all!
Read all stories written by Suhail Elias
Brian Nguyen: Staff Writer
Hi my name is Brian Nguyen. I came from a Vietnamese family full of Buddhist. I learned about much of my history from there. I am 14 years old. I joined Voices from the Trail seeking something to do for this high school. I see that Voices from the Trail is interesting activity done so far like writing this staff profile right now. Well I like playing video games, listen to music, and hanging out with my friends. High school is a new different direction in life for me because everybody changes, but they are the same inside. My life revolved differently before, because my life felt like it passed in a couple of seconds. I still have high hopes in the future!
Well my goals are mostly different from others I think, I want to know more about my grandfather. He sadly passed away during the Vietnam War in the jungle. His body was found floating down the river. Well I don’t really know much about him, my dad and grandmother doesn’t know he looks like, and there were no pictures of him. I hope I can one day go back to Vietnam to find more about him.
- Brian Nguyen (-_-)
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Staff Profile: Jennifer Tang
Hey everyone!
My name is Jennifer and I am a freshman here at Monterey Trail High School. There is not much to tell. I am a member of several clubs here on campus. I am a part of the Debate Team, Voices From The Trail, Asian Club, EAC as well as being on the general cabinet for DATA. I joined all of this hoping that I would realize what my interests are. But no luck, because I love every club that I’ve joined! I enjoy being involved in so many programs on campus.
I love to read, bake. And I could spend all day drawing. I might seem shy on the outside, but when you get to know me, you’ll be surprised that I’m not that quiet, shy girl any longer!
I guess I can be described as unique. Growing up in the capital of Vietnam, I never quite fit in when I first moved here to California. And yes, I do speak fluent English, and Vietnamese.
If you see me on campus, make sure you say hi!
Well that’s all for now, byeee!
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Ali Nadeem: Staff Profile
Hello! My name is Ali Nadeem. I joined VFTT because it seemed very fun and interesting—and it actually is! I listen to a lot of rap and R&B music. My favorite rappers are Lil Wayne, Drake, and Eminem. I also like the Harry Potter series. I love food and eat it whenever I get the chance. I hate tomatoes. They are NASTY! I also like to play basketball and soccer. I really want to skydive and bungee jump; some people say it’s crazy but I think it would be fun. Well, that is pretty much it, bye!
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Eillene Valencia: Staff Writer
How do you do? I’m Eillene Valencia and I’m a senior at Monterey Trail. I joined Voices from the Trail in hopes of becoming a better writer, especially with my interest in becoming a sports journalist later in life. I didn’t realize how much VFTT would help me bond with students who have the same interest in journalism as I do, and it’s a great club to take part in. Aside from Voices from the Trail, I’m also a three-year member of Impulse Dance Company. I have been dancing for six years, mainly coming from a krump and hip-hop background before getting interested in lyrical and contemporary upon joining Impulse.
My other interests include baseball and music. I have been a fan of baseball for 2 years (Go Brewers!), but others may think I’ve loved it my whole life, especially with how knowledgeable I am with useless baseball trivia and statistics. I believe I’ve been musically inclined my whole life. I’ve been able to pick up a guitar or sit near a piano, and just teach myself how to play. I enjoy singing in front of large groups of people and I’ve developed my voice well enough to join Vocal Ensemble in my junior year. It’s a wonderful experience that’s definitely helped with the nerves.
Enjoy the amazing articles by the writers of Voices from the Trail. All of us here have worked hard to become published and further our writing ability that will help us as students and future journalists. Thank you!
Read all stories written by Eillene Valencia
Rajiv Ram: Staff Writer :D
Hi my name is Rajiv Ram and I love FOOD! Well besides me loving food, I enjoy having fun and just living life to its fullest. I joined this club because I wanted to get active in school and if you are reading this I hope that you are also involved. I love listening to music, from rock to rap to techno, and much more. Something that I love and always will is riding my long board, just feeling the wind and the enjoyment of falling on the ground and getting back up. Going back to the music, my favorite artist is Eminem. DON’T HATE HATERS! Now food, food is great, I always have a sweet tooth. Well I guess this is it.
BYE, BYE
Rajiv Ram
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Gerard Herbert: Broadcast Manager
Hello there, it’s Gerard. I am the Broadcast Manager for Voices From the Trail. I joined Voices to help my writing and so far I have. Voices From the Trail is a fun after school club that I enjoy very much. I am a amateur photographer and I love sports. I play on a soccer team in the fall and I enjoy playing golf. You can find me at a lot of the school’s sporting events, mostly football games. I hope to see you at those events supporting our Mustangs.
Goodbye,
Gerard Herbert
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Mariama Catambay: Staff Writer
Hi, I’m Mariama Catambay, and I am 14 years old. I joined Voices from the Trail, because I want to get involved with the school newspaper. I thought it would be fun to be involved in it. Photography, singing, and dancing are a few things I do in my free time. I also like to bake and cook for my siblings and friends. I love cute things, like seriously. If I see something sooo cute, you are going to think that I’m crazy.
I may seem boring and quiet to you, but behind the curtains I am very sociable. I am just like candy kisses when you get to meet me, but really crazy when around close friends. I am caring and I am very helpful. At times I can be lazy, and other times I just feel like doing work. I am involved in Key Club and of course, Voices from the Trail. I am planning to be involved in other clubs later on in my high school year. I love to challenge myself a lot. Next year, I plan to take honor classes so it can be more challenging.
Thanks for reading my amaaazzing BIO (: I know, I’m soooo awesomeee!! 
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Jasmine Aduna: Staff Writer
HOLA AMIGOS! I’m Jasmine Aduna, and I am a freshmen here at Monterey Trail High School. A lot of my close friends convinced me to join Voices From the Trail, as well as my mom who was a reporter in middle school. I am really enjoying being in Voices because its not just a whole bunch of writing. I get to meet new people through interviews, and I have a lot of fun being the person who tells everyone “what’s up” at Monterey Trail.
I am a very confusing person. One hour, I could be yelling, and the next, I won’t say anything at all. I am very hardworking, and I try to do my best at everything I do. However I’m not perfect, so a lot of the times I’m very lazy. I played bass guitar for 2 years and am currently trying to master this skill. When it comes to music, my favorite and most inspirational musicians are Michael Jackson, Ritchie Valens, and Ne-Yo.
I love cheese cake! I am a BIG Twilight Fan as well as a Justin Bieber Fan. However, right now, I am upset with him, because he is going out with Selena Gomez so I’m not as obsessed with him as I used to be. I love performing. It doesn’t really matter what kind of performance as long as I’m on stage. In other words, I have trouble being an audience member. I enjoy writing and reading, mostly reading. I read the Twilight Saga in about three weeks, not straight but each book I finished in about three days. I have probably read five 250+ page books in the past month. Some of my favorite books are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Wuthering Heights by Charolette Bronte, The Maximum Ride Saga by James Patterson, and The Host by Stephenie Meyer. James Patterson is one of my favorite authors because every book I have read by him has been so good.
I am in band and let me tell you, band is the GREATEST elective to have! You get in for free at all the home games, you have a free concert every school day, and you become a more talented musician. Performing during half-time gives you the greatest feeling ever! I’m never nervous on the field because I’m performing with all my awesome band geeks and playing my favorite Mowtown songs. Concert music is awesome as well because when you play it correctly, you feel accomplished and the music is so moving.
My favorite movies are all the Twilight ones of course. Titanic is also a great movie because it is so romantic, but sad. Leonardo Di Caprio is one of my favorite actors! He’s is an awesome actor as well as very sexy. I like The Pirates of the Carribean 1-3. I only liked 1-3 because Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley were awesome in those movies. I am IN LOVE with Johnny Depp! He is another of my favorite actors.
That is pretty much what I’m all about… yup. Well TA-TA for now!!!
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Bryan Mai: Staff Writer
Hello, I am Bryan Nguyen Mai. A lot of people call me Bry, since there are multiple people named Brian that I know, and my old teacher used to call me Mr. B Mai Valentine. I am one of the many freshmen in VFTT. I joined because my friend, Anne Capcap, pressured me to join. I like doing things… I like computers, airplanes, grass, and rocks. I was told I was a creepy and odd person, which I can’t deny. I make money from things that I do that I won’t tell you (check my Facebook 
). I am a “spirited” person and very nice… to most people. I like using ellipses (…) and paying in coins. Yes, it annoys the cashier but it helps them with their counting and gives me a good 5 minutes of happiness. I have also been banned from paying coins at McDonald’s. It is a legitimate ban, the manager told me to stop because it wastes time and holds up the line.
My choices of words are kind of weird and common, which would include: “Oh Snapple”, “Don’t player hate, negotiate.” and a lot of others that I shouldn’t list for random reason. I like a lot of types of music and almost every type of movie. I can’t ride a bike; I just want to point that out. I haven’t had a bike since I was 4 years old and that one had training wheels. I am a creative and funny person, I think. Yeah, that might be a complete lie that you would personally have to find out. I speak Vietnamese, English, and somewhat French.
Au revoir, chao, and goodbye,
-Bryan Mai
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Julio Ramon Sanchez: Staff Writer/Broadcast Editor/Web Design Director
Hey! I’m Julio Ramon Sanchez, and some of my hobbies include music, photography, and computers. My favorite kind of music is Rock and Roll (and Ska!) My favorite band is The Beatles!
I am currently a freshman and a DATA student (Yeah!). Along with Voices from the Trail, I am also involved in drama club as part of the backstage crew and our school’s Band. I never considered joining VFTT until a friend of mine in the club, Anne Capcap, convinced me to go to a meeting, where I began my first article. A week later I returned and got my article published and learned that I really enjoy writing. Also, I didn’t know how to eat string cheese but now I do! Voices from the Trail is a very fun and creative club and I am glad I joined!
Well I guess that’s it, so see ya, adios, aloha!
Read all stories written by Julio Ramon Sanchez
Anne Capcap: Staff Writer
So guys. I don’t know what to write. Ironic since I’m a staff writer. Har har har.
I am so lame.
Bonjour, mes amis! Je m’appelle Anne Capcap. Yes, that’s my real last name, and yes, you can call me any nickname you can come up with (Double-Cap, Capsquared, Bottle Cap, CAPrisun…) I am a freshman, and I think it’s obvious that I love writing. Music’s my first love; I play ukulele, piano, flute, alto saxophone, and baritone saxophone. I can’t dance for my life, and the last time I tried my hardest in sport, I got tackled by a guy from the wrestling team during flag football. Welcome to the life and times of a little fish in a big pond.
My writings are just me in ink. It’s got soul and blood and sweat and personality. It might just look like a bunch of words, but if you pay more attention, you can find something hidden. I just love how, with a pen and a piece of paper, I can paint mental pictures, tell or retell stories, change people’s minds, or maybe just organize the jungle of thoughts in my head. Being a part of Voices lets me explore my capabilities as a writer. To others, writing is just a way to pass school, which is true. But because I won $2,000 for writing an essay for GEARUP (total bragging rights; don’t judge me), it doesn’t just help me pass school, but it’s even helping me towards the future and beyond. That’s not the reason I love it though. Writing is simply my own way of creating magic. My pen is the wand, and I’m the magician.
Hopefully in the future, this little fish in the big pond can help you out. Maybe I’m not the brightest or most swaggalicious person you’ll ever meet, but I’ll try my best to make your day here at Voices!
À bientôt, mes amis!
-Anne M. CapSquared
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