The Trojan Oracle Vol 7
April 2025
Introducing the Prom Court
This years's nominees were: Vicente Aborqui, Jose Llamas, Brandon Reyes, Edgar Zamora, Fidel Zamudio-Huerta, Emilio Surposa and Alexandra Iturriaga, Victoria Trujillo, Valery Hernandez, Yaresli Villafan, Georgina Perez, Iris Miranda.
Snacks, stickers, and school spirit — prom court campaigns brought the Land of Troy to life this season. Senior Camila Meza explains, “I liked how some people put in a lot of effort so they could win, and yes, I was gonna vote for one person, but then I saw another trying harder and giving things out the week of, so I voted for them.” Camila’s point is that determination and creativity during campaign week actually changed people’s minds — and votes. This proves that when students go beyond posters and put genuine thought into their campaigns, it not only builds school spirit but also earns real respect from their peers.
Being on prom court isn’t all glitter and glamour — it's also late nights and true dedication. Senior Brandon Reyes describes, “The hardest part of campaigning was staying up late at night either making posters or getting the goodies I was going to pass out ready. Even though I had lots of support from many different people, my number one supporters were my close friends Xochitl and Gisselle.” Basically, Brandon is saying that campaigning takes a team, and the long hours aren’t possible without loyal friends. It’s a reminder that behind every successful candidate is a support system that believes in them just as much as they believe in themselves.
Not every challenge during prom court season came from competition — some came from being creative. Senior Vicky Trujillo had this to say: “I think the hardest thing about campaigning was having to keep putting up my posters and magnets because you want to make sure you are constantly innovating the way you promote. I would have different posters and sayings every other day to keep people’s interest.” When it’s all said and done, persistence is key. Even with setbacks, staying visible and positive shows true leadership — something that’s far more important than just winning.
Support during campaign week meant everything to many candidates. Senior Valery Hernandez shares, “The hardest part of campaigning for me was to get people to vote for me. My number one supporters were my best friend Valeria and my boyfriend who were there for me helping me and supporting me.” In other words, Valery is saying that emotional support is just as valuable as physical help during a campaign. Whether it’s hanging up flyers or offering encouragement, friends and loved ones help carry the pressure.
It turns out, success in campaigning isn’t about the flashiest items — it’s about standing out while staying true to yourself. Senior Lali Ramirez points out, “Vicky’s magnets and glasses were different and could be used more than once.” Lali’s appreciates when candidates offer something creative and useful, it sticks — literally and figuratively. This shows how originality matters more than just following what’s been done before.
At the end of the day, prom court campaigning wasn’t just about winning — it was about showing up, standing out, and supporting one another. From custom giveaways to loyal teammates, this year’s court reminded us that effort, creativity, and kindness still rule the Land of Troy.
By: Moises Lopez
Just Go!
Prom can always be a fun and memorable experience for seniors, using this time to all get together and enjoy this moment for the last time. The biggest part of the night sometimes is not the actual dance, but the getting ready with friends part. Junior Eli Serna explained, “The process of getting ready for prom was so fun for me. I got to help my friends and see them get pretty. It felt exciting and lovely.” In other words, Eli describes building these memories as a highlight because this is an event that she will never forget.
Part of the prom night is the crowning of the King and Queen of CPHS. Senior Brandon Reyes describes the moment he found out for sure that he was to be crowned, “I kinda knew I was going to win, but in the moment it felt surreal. I was excited over the fact that all the hard work finally paid off, and I was able to live a moment not many get to experience.” Brandon’s point is that he felt very lucky to have won prom king and was surrounded by friends and love. Senior Vicky Trujillo points out, “Winning prom queen was definitely cool. I was so excited when I heard my name, and everyone around me celebrated, and I just felt loved and happy.” Vicky shares that when her name was called, she was full of excitement and joy. She will never forget this moment from her senior year.
Senior Matthew Figueroa recommends, “future seniors should go to prom because you only get one senior prom, enjoy it while it lasts, and have fun.” Matthew's point is that he wants everyone to experience the fun one last time before seniors head off to a new chapter in their lives after high school. Senior Sara Rodriguez also suggested, “It’s important to try to go to prom your senior year because it’s the last time that the full class will be together. We will all move on with our lives, and with that comes more responsibility, which means less time for friends. I am glad I went because I will have this cool memory with my friends, plus who doesn’t love to get glammed up for a day?” If you have second thoughts about going, it seems like everyone agrees: just go! It will always be a memory that students get to have from high school.
By: Natalie Jimenez
Ballin'
Our Unified Sports event was surely fun. Junior Janis Fregoso shares with us her experience, “My favorite part was when we would be running up and down the courts and whenever the buddies made a point, everybody would cheer and be excited about the accomplishments they made. It’s fun to have that inclusiveness.” In other words, this basketball event was one you couldn’t miss. High school is a place where everyone should feel included, no matter gender skin color, or disabilities and Trojan Buddies do that. Janis shares her thoughts on Trojan Buddies, “I would like everybody to acknowledge Trojan Buddies as a whole. I want people to know this is to include our buddies in everyday life.” What Janice is doing is encouraging our Trojans to join Trojan Buddies and get the chance to make new friends that will last a lifetime. This experience reflects how Trojan Buddies and Unified Sports create a welcoming environment where inclusion, celebration, and meaningful connections thrive for all students.
For many people, halftime shows are the most exciting part of games. During our unified sports event, Junior Bleu Delgado and other students performed “I Want it That Way” by Backstreet Boys. Blue says, “We performed this song that was recommended by Ms. Broas for the talent show. We really liked this song and knew that students would know it. I felt pretty good performing in front of the audience and I didn’t feel nervous at all. I was happy being cheered on and seeing people enjoy our performance.” Bleu explains how he performed confidently in front of the whole audience. The audience definitely appreciated the effort put forth by the halftime show team. We all lit up the gym with our phone flashes and sang along with the boys; “You are my fire, The one desire, Believe when I say, I want it that way.”
Many might expect players to feel nervous before a major event like Unified Sports, but that wasn’t the case for junior Selena Toscano. “I was ready to play and feeling fantastic and I’m happy that we won, I was happy about shooting the ball and scoring. I wasn't nervous leading up to playing against Otay Ranch. I was excited to play and ready to win! Go Trojans!” Selena’s enthusiasm and Trojan pride shine through, showing just how powerful a positive mindset can be. Her energy is a great example for everyone—on and off the court. Moments like these truly capture the spirit of Unified Sports and what it means to be part of a team.
We all should know and recognize that in games, the ref plays a huge part in the events. Senior Anthony Flores was one of the referees of the evening and he says, “Being a ref in the unified sports was a great experience because I’m always on the court instead of being on the sideline of the court. Making calls was also a fun thing I got to do since I was trying out something new. Also, being there to help our Trojan Buddies was a good experience; helping them to score points and cheer them on was a highlight.” In other words, it seems that Anthony, along with the rest of the ref team, had a great experience volunteering as refs and it made it that much more entertaining because the Trojans won. Get involved with Trojan Buddies by attending meetings and planning activities just like this one. See Ms. Broas in room 203 for more details.
By: Reina Guerrero, Evelyn Rodriguez, & Delilah Velasquez
A Day of Conversation and Discovery
Because of Darci Kimball, our beloved Science Innovative Academy (SIA) Coordinator, students had the privilege of participating in an educational field trip to the San Diego Safari Park that combined hands-on science with real-world conservation efforts.
The highlight of the day was an engaging lab experience where students examined Rhino DNA samples as part of an interactive lesson on wildlife conservation and genetics. Through this activity, students learned about the scientific methods being used to help save the endangered species and gained a deeper understanding of the critical role genetics plays in preserving biodiversity. Senior Camila Pineda says, “We got to learn how Rhinos are important to our environment and how we can help prevent extinction, such as using sustainable wood, paper, and palm oil.”
Following the lab, students boarded the Safari Park tram for a guided tour through the animal habitats, where they were able to observe species in naturalistic environments closely. After the tour, everyone enjoyed exploring the park’s many attractions, making for a well-rounded day that combined learning, adventure, and lots of fun. SIA coordinator Mrs. Kimball shares, “My favorite part was being able to enjoy the animals in their authentic habitats; it was refreshing getting to see, especially because we don’t get to see that every day.”
Thanks to Mrs. Kimball’s thoughtful planning and coordination, the field trip was both educational and inspiring, offering students a meaningful look at the importance of science and conservation and the roles they play in our lives.
By: Gabriela Garcia
Shocking Views
This year, our photography class, led by club advisor and CTE Photography Teacher Mrs. Bradley, went on a couple of field trips, including the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Balboa Park located in San Diego. Students explored different environments and caught shocking views of airplanes, buildings, and other animals. Senior Kryssa Santos shared that her favorite field trip was to Balboa Park, “The Japanese Garden was the best part of this field trip because of how the environment was colorful and fresh, also the koi fish felt majestic and taking pictures of them was such a cool experience.”
There are so many amazing places around the world to go take pictures, Junior Jazmin Rios shares where she would go to take pictures, “If I could go anywhere in the world to take photos, I would go to Paris because they have amazing different types of flowers, and their architecture is so intricate.” Junior Isabel Ortiz also shares where she would go, “I would enjoy going to the Los Angeles Zoo to see the life of animals and to see what’s different from our zoo here in San Diego. If it wasn’t for Mrs. Bradley, I wouldn't enjoy photography as much as I do now.” Interested in attending some of these fun-filled days out in the community? Don’t hesitate to join our CPHS Photography class or club; see Mrs. Bradley in 709 for details or reach out to your counselor.
By: Alfonso Padilla & Vanessa Archundia
Being on the principal's honor roll at Castle Park High is a big deal. It means maintaining a 4.0 cumulative GPA or higher, and it's a testament to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Mr. Gonzalez, our principal, sums up what it means to be an ideal Trojan: “The ideal Trojan is a well-rounded student who works hard, gets involved, and leads with integrity. A true Trojan cares about learning, participates in school life, and treats others with respect. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or around campus, the ideal Trojan gives their best, stays positive, and sets an example for others. What really makes a Trojan stand out is a commitment to growth, service, and representing Castle Park with pride.”
Junior Abril Anderson shares her thoughts on being on the honor roll: “The most rewarding part of being in the principal's honor roll is showing my parents what I’m capable of and making them proud. Growing up, they always pushed me to strive in school, and now I can demonstrate that their support has paid off.”
Senior Julio Garcia has his own motivation: “My overall goal in my academic journey is to get a good job in welding one day. My dad is a welder, and he inspired me to follow in his footsteps. If I can get that job, I’ll be able to pay my bills and hopefully buy my own house someday.”
Valedictorian Andra Martinez offers some advice for maintaining a high GPA: “A strategy to keep a high GPA and become valedictorian is to always make use of your time. Even if you only have 10 minutes, start an assignment because if you don't, you might never start it or end up doing it last minute. This helped me always turn in my work on time. Also, if you’re confused or don’t understand the lesson, ask for help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re not giving up. Make having a calendar a habit. It helped me keep up with deadlines and avoid overpacking my days. It’s important not to overwork yourself; take breaks. Lastly, make sure you eat properly. I believe one reason I always performed well was because I had breakfast before school, ate during lunch, and ate when I got home. This might not work for everyone, but taking naps instead of being on my phone helped me a lot. If you know you’ll get distracted by your phone, take a nap, walk, or get something to eat. Trust me, you’ll be more productive.”
You heard it here, Trojans! Some of our top academic students have shared their insights: prioritize your well-being, let others inspire you, and make your loved ones proud. Congratulations to all our Trojans on the Principal's Honor Roll. Remember, it's never too late to join this prestigious list!
By: Brandon Reyes & Ashley Rodriguez
Good Food with Friends
Food fairs are an integral part of the Trojan community. It’s a lot of fun to organize and a chance for us to all eat something new. Clubs are given an opportunity to show off their chef skills. This past food fair, we had clubs like AP Spanish sell munchies that consisted of a variety of Mexican candies, Photography Club sold banana pudding and lemonade slushies, and the Class of 26 sold chicken wings and rice. Junior Guadalupe Velez thought that IB club had the best snack/food because “they had delicious tostilocos.” Senior Victoria Trujillo had a different perspective because she said that the Class of 25 was the most legit, “they had sold out on their amazing baked potatoes.”
As the year comes to an end, clubs are hoping that they meet some of their goals for fundraising goals they set at the beginning of the school year. Senior Denise La Croix, the MEChA president, said that one of their goals was to fundraise for “the projects that involve social justice and address issues in society.” The club also had the goal of raising money for their banquet to celebrate their mechistas and their hard work. We love our food fairs, and we wish we could have them every day. Until that happens, Trojans do look forward to these few times out of the year where we all get to enjoy some good food with all our friends.
By: Sara Rodriguez & Abigail Montoya
Towards the end of the year a lot of us get “tired” of school. My seniors know what I mean. But there are always students on campus who continue to do their best. This month of April, we had junior Victoria Solis and sophomore Ethan Zamorano be nominated for Trojan of the Day.
Victoria was nominated by Ms. Nelson, and she had this to say about Victoria, “Victoria is a kind, passionate, and solution-oriented student who is always willing to help others and provide much-needed guidance. She is a positive influence on her classmates, and she makes each activity more fun.”
When Ms. Nelson explained that she is solution-oriented, Victoria expanded on this idea by saying, “It’s okay to complain sometimes because it helps you get your feelings out, but if all you do is complain and never try to fix the problem, nothing will get better. The problem might even get worse. When you start thinking about solutions, you’re doing something to improve the situation instead of just staying stuck in it.”
In response to why it's important to maintain a positive vibe and how it helps both in and out of the classroom, Victoria shared, “I think it's important to have an optimistic attitude so that you can get things done. I can't really say I'm a peppy kind of person, but I do like to try my best to get things done, and when problems come, I just say ‘oh well’ and try to keep going.”
Ethan was nominated by Mr. Vargas, who shared this about him: “Ethan comes to school with a great attitude every single day. He tries hard in his classes, helps his classmates, and is always willing to share or participate during lessons. He is a wonderful example of how learning can take place while having fun and being your authentic self. Great job, Ethan!”
When asked why it’s important for Trojans to be their authentic selves, Ethan said, “I think it’s important for Trojans to be their authentic self because it helps create a welcoming and positive environment at school. When you're being yourself, you’re more confident and comfortable, and that encourages others to do the same. It makes our school community stronger because we’re all bringing something real and unique to the table.”
Mr. Vargas mentioned that Ethan always shows up in a good mood. So we asked him: What do you do before school to ensure you have a positive attitude to start the day? Ethan replied, “Before school, I try to get a good night’s sleep and eat something in the morning so I’m not tired or distracted. I also take a minute to think about what I’m grateful for or something I’m excited about that day. That helps me walk into school with a good attitude and ready to make the most of it.”
By: Isabel Ibarra & Lesley De Leon
