~*~As many of you may know, the Class of 1999 recently graduated. The members of the C/O '99 have definitely made a tremendous impact in my life, be it in school, or in my extracurricular activities outside of school. As the immediate past class, the C/O '99 peeps, particularly the ones who've come from National City Middle School, have spent many hours, days, weeks, months, and some, YEARS with me, inspiring me, some challenging me, but ultimately affecting me... though neither myself nor them may have realized it at that time... This is my simple way of recognizing these C/O '99'ers who, in their own way, have affected me, and contributed to making me the person that I have evolved to be. Though the page is entitled IT'S SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE... I hope that it is not a goodbye, but simply a so long, see you soon! I send my love out to all of you! Y'all know who you are! Take care! ~*~

Americo Penaflor - I first met McCoy at a Student Advisory Board Meeting in 1997. I was this shy sophomore who did not know anybody... but right from the start, Americo, being the nice and friendly person that he is, came to the rescue! He made me feel welcome there. Needless to say, Americo and I have become great friends; I admire him, I look up to him (even though he’s only like an inch taller than me---jes playing!), and I see him as my “tide”... Nearly two years later, after his graduation, the valedictory address with that absolutely awesome paragraph on Huxley’s The Brave New World (Geez, I wonder whose idea that was!), his hernia surgery (Oh you poor baby, I hope my pillow....Er, your pillow now, helped you recoup!), and walking him to class on his first day in college (Mesa College’s summer session), and many others, I find myself having a great difficulty with the inevitability that he’ll shortly be on his way to Berkeley. Though it saddens me to think that I’ll be alone in SAB (being Co-Chair jes isn’t the same without my wonderful SEXYTARY... and who’s going to console me during the fair when a mean judge mistreats me???), knowing he’ll be hundreds of miles away probably partying with the best of them, I’m somewhat glad that he’s going to Berkeley because it’s what HE wants! ...And for someone so smart, Berkeley should be honored to have him! Coy is probably the only person who truly believes I’ll realize my dream of graduating VALEDICTORIAN jes like he did; don’t worry, I’ll try my best not to disappoint you, but more importantly, myself! I hope he knows jes who he has become in my life...



Anyah Hoang - Key Club has always been an organization that I truly cherish in my heart, not jes because of all the good we try to do towards the betterment of the homes, schools, and communities all over the world, but also for the lasting friendships it enables its high school teen members to establish. Anyah was the 98-99 Division 11 Lt. Governor. I feel so privileged to have had the many opportunities that I’ve had, as president of my school’s Key Club, to have worked with Anyah. She is a great leader and role model. Despite being faced with a steep obstacle of trying to keep the club alive (my club had no advisor at the beginning of the year, and when we thought we had found one in Ms. Shapira, she quits on us because she felt Key Club was “cramping her single life”, and many other problems) Anyah never ceased to support me; she always believed in me! As a result of her influence, my club was able to garner the highly prestigious honor of receiving a California-Nevada-Hawaii District Tree, a feat accomplished for the first time by a club from Division 11! Anyah, like Americo, will be attending Berkeley and will be moving hundreds of miles away, but has made it very clear to me that she will keep in touch jes to see how things go with Key Club. I hope I don’t let her down as I serve the term of 99-00 Divisional Secretary!



Bryn Moser- I first met Bryn, or BAM da Co-Chair, as I sometimes refer to her by, at an SAB meeting. I had the pleasure of serving as her secretary during my sophomore year, and as her “other half” (Co-Chair) during my junior year. Bryn’s one of those amazing Wonder Women out there... I thought that they were extinct, but Bryn has shown me that they’re not extinct, only endangered! (Thank goodness!) Though swamped with work from all her AP and IB classes, and extracurricular activities like serving as San Diego High’s CSF President, SAB Co-Chair, Key Club Divisional Secretary, riding her beloved horse, etc., she always made time for the science fair! Name an event and you could be sure that Bryn was there, that’s how dedicated she was! Aside from the many great things about Bryn, she is also a phenomenal writer! She wins writing contests left and right, and she’s part of my driving force when it comes to writing. (This year I placed 5th in San Diego County’s US Academic Decathlon Essay Competition!) I hope someday I will do Bryn proud; I seem to be carrying following in her footsteps (CSF President, SAB Co-Chair, Key Club Divisional Secretary, etc....) I hope that when she looks back she’s not disappointed in what I have done with the legacy she’s leaving me. I am jes so glad she’s staying in San Diego; I know she’ll continue to be around the science fairs scene, but I will still miss her nevertheless...



Eliza Tamayo - Eliza May Tamayo came from rival intermediate schools (she’s from Granger Junior High, I was from National City Middle School), and the way Liza and I started to become friends was because we were both running for the office of AIA president. She beat me, but as the saying goes: “every cloud has a silver lining”. From my loss, I was able to gain her friendship, among many things. In retrospect, I’m kinda grateful that I did not win the election because looking back, I don’t think I was ready to handle being president of AIA as a junior. Being a commissioner and having Liza as my commissionership’s Officer-In-Charge taught me many lessons that will help me do a better job as the 99-00 AIA Vice President, than if I had won the 98-99 presidency. Liza has helped opened my eyes wider. Though on my yearbook she wrote: “I don’t know what advice to give you” she’s actually given me many words of wisdom that will continue to affect my life long after Liza goes to Irvine. Together, we’ve both realized that things happen for a reason, even though we may not know what that reason is at that time. I was so disappointed when Liza did not get Class Valedictorian even though many of us know that she’s the more deserving person, but Liza, being the trooper that she is, responded to the disappointment with optimism. Her response: “Don’t dwell on the past because you cannot change it! Learn from it and make the most out of the future because God gives you everything when it is the right time...” The biggest lesson Liza has taught me is patience, and to that, I am extremely grateful!



Eugene Deleon - X-Man Gene’s SLOW!!! Man, is he slow!!! TRIX! X-Man is Gene’s wrestling nickname since he’s always armed with witty remarks and an arsenal of excuses for everything, and SLOW is pretty much his Spanish/Physics nickname (cuz Gene tends to space out in class, etc.)! Gene was like an older brother to me. He was always there to listen to my problems, “spy on Twix” for me, and jes make me laugh when the times got so frustrating that I’d jes be all grouchy at practice. =) Gene made my job as SUHI’s wrestling manager more enjoyable. Though he talks a lot, Gene is actually a very deep man who is of a few words. I’ve known Gene since I was a freshman (Ms. Mauck’s Spanish class), but I don’t really know him, KNOW HIM cuz he’s so darn secretive! ...but what I do know about Gene is that he’s such a free spirit. He’s shown me how to “lighten up” and jes laugh! I’ll always remember Holtville, Ms. Padilla’s Spanish class, Mrs. Rymer’s room during Nutrition Break, ELP, lunch, and sometimes after school (especially during Physics class when you asked so many questions!), you and yer FORMALity and Smashing Lumpia routines, and yer Int’l Affair Show Choir falsetto (sorry I couldn’t take the class, I couldn’t fit it in my schedule), etc.... Memories, you sure made a lot of them a lot funnier that what they probably would have been if it hadn’t been for you!



Fernan Balsalubre - Triple Twist Skeeter, that figure skatin’ band nerd is sooo creepy! No wonder he’s majoring in Psych! TRIX! Fernan and I have been friends since I was in the 7th grade. He was one of those National friends who’ve remained a good friend despite the transition to high school. From those National days in which we’d run that blasted mile together, to those Physics times, Fernan was always looking out for me. He was like a big brother who always had my best interest in mind. He’s such a smart person who kicks butt in anything related to speech, debate, poetry, and writing, but more than that, he had a wonderful sense of humor! You should’ve seen him during GO BANANAS WEEK---> he dressed so gothic it looked almost like drag! But he was a good sport about it. I’m so sad he’s going so far up north for college (and his mushy letter on my yearbook that made me cry didn’t help one bit!), but I’m sure we’ll continue to be friends despite the distance... We always managed to stay friends without any regard to distance before that I’m sure we can do it again!



Herberta Zulueta - Herbie Derbie was our 98-99 ASB Prez. Everybody knew who Herbie was in school... I’ve known Herbie since I was a 7th grader at NCMS, but it wasn’t until she became a part of AIA that we began to really know each other. Herbie was probably what Filipinos call a “LAGARE QUEEN”, (‘lagare’ means handsaw) because not only was she practically living in school because of ASB, she’s also one of the best Thespians that has ever graced the school, one of AIA’s best artists, one of the most dedicated members of CSF since day one, as well as the 2-yr captain of the swim team... I don’t know how Herbie handled it all, sometimes sacrificing her grades for the sake of others, but she did it! Herbie has me convinced that if I want something bad enough and I work hard for it, I will get it! She was probably my #1 supporter during my quest to become the first in the school’s nearly 80-year history to hold the prestigious title of District Student Board Member... Ever since the 7th grade when I attended my first board meeting I’ve had 2 dreams for my senior year: to be the student rep, and to win the Creasers Foundation Scholarship, and thanks to Herbie’s support, her belief in my abilities, and her rays of sunshine, I am halfway there! On May 19, 1999 I found out that I will be the 99-00 student rep! Thank you sooooo much Herbie; I never would’ve done it without you! Luv yah!



Jennifer Lapira - Jenn and I really got to know each other over the course of my junior year. Though quiet in classes during most of the time, I have come to know Jenn as an outgoing and sometimes “kalog” chick. She and I both shared the “Mrs. Waddell’s Pre-Calculus class DEEP CONFUSION” this year... Boy were we glad to have it done and over with! Jenn was always there to rescue me from my Physics “emergencies”, and was by my side during those nerve-racking days in which the TERMINATOR (Mrs. Waddell) would make us stand in front of the boards, in twos, and solve math problems in front of the whole class. I enjoyed working/not working with Jenn; whether we were positive as to what we were doing, or completely clueless as to how to deal with them blasted conic sections, she was always there by my side! =) And I’d never forget our library hi-jinx and adventures with email. Oh, and who could forget our late night talks regarding Sweethearts and PROM??? Aren’t you glad I mentioned something to a certain someone regarding a certain event??? Admit it, you had fun! (Heh Heh Heh!) Too bad I didn’t get a pix!



Joy Pizarro - Joy was my Academic League partner in crime so-to-speak. She and I were co-captains of the Varsity Team, and we jes had this winning working chemistry! From our humble days in biology (she was a sophomore, I was a freshman) to Ms. Padilla’s Spanish class, to 7th period, to the dreaded Physics class, Joy never ceased to amaze me with her superb work ethic! Had the faculty given out an award for Best Time Management Skills during the Senior Awards Assembly, Joy probably would’ve gotten it! Despite the rigorous academic load, being the “head banana” in ROTC, and being an AIA officer, Joy never gave Decathlon and League anything less than her 100%. Voted the team’s Most Inspirational Player, she was definitely deserving of that honor! And in AP Computer Science, she was always ready with an attentive ear to listen to the latest edition of the “soap opera” I’ve gotten myself entangled in. No matter how silly or stupid whatever the “latest scoop” was, Joy was always there to hear me out and offer advice. Thanks! I’ll surely feel somewhat decapitated during the beginning of the season for next year’s league without you, but don’t worry, I’ll do my best to win SUHI that Metro banner that was so close to our reach this year!



Matthew Wright - Me hungry... I want some Matsu Rice! Heh heh heh... Matt and I are a part of this secret organization (A clue to its name is towards the end of this), but I won’t divulge the name of it because we might get beat up or something! Trix! 8P Matt’s the kind of guy who was quiet, hung out in the library, and messed around with the computer a lot, but don’t think that he’s boring! He’s quite creative, fun-loving, and outgoing! I really got to know Matt via AIA. I’ve known him since I was a 7th grader at National (when he absolutely abhorred Algebra and Honors Science), but we didn’t become close until high school. Matt has shown me that there is a way for a COMEBACK if you try hard enough, and if you really pursue it. He and I shared some of the same gripes regarding AIA; though the circumstances were not all that good, the outcome: a great friendship, was! I’ll never forget Retreat!!! Boy, was that an experience! From Lip Service, to Jomer’s “I ATE LUMPIA” visual scrabble game, to the HUGE cockroach Dominic “captured” in a Ziploc baggie that escaped to send Jan running with fright, to sneaking to the guys’ cabin in the middle of the night to play Nintendo, cards, and to pig out, to talking smack about a certain individual who deserves it, you name it, Matt and I had fun together at Retreat. When we came back to school, the bond we’ve established during Retreat would continue in AP Comp Sci. “C++ BWAHAHA!!!!” was what Matt put on the yearbook. =) I thought that after years of for, do, and while loops that he’d get tired of it, but he’s going to pursue Computer Science in UCSD; GOOD LUCK! =) But the most important thing though, was that we were able to make this brother-sister type bond---> M&M JB for life!!! (and don’t yah 4get it!)



Mazie Dechico - Mazie was probably the closest friend I had in 7th Period(Academic League/Decathlon). We were both new to the school(she was a new sophomore from Granger and I was a new freshman from National), and the class. We were also both “victims” so-to-speak of the evil “senior clause”: it was a year in which only seniors were allowed to play Varsity... Unfair as the rule was, Mazie and I gutted through it, playing JV. It was via playing JV that Mazie and I really got to know each other. We’ve become great friends over the years, and she’s actually like an Ate to me. Through all my dramas, etc. Mazie was there to listen, give advice, and make me smile. Mazie showed me how to “lighten up” at times. She thinks she may have been somewhat of a bad influence, but the contrary is true: she’s shown me to live life to its fullest and enjoy what I have now because I may not have it tomorrow. Last year Mazie “inherited” my position as AIA Treasurer, and she did not disappoint me. This year, I “inherit” Mazie’s position as CSF President, and by the same token, I hope I do not disappoint her. Don’t worry, I will do my best! Jes don’t get upset if I don’t pass the AP Comp Sci test---> I haven’t received the results yet, but the pessimist in me is telling me that I probably got a negative score on it! 8P



Roda Pacheco - Roda, Eugene and I were in the same boring Spanish class. I was a freshman and they were sophomores. Roda and I got to know each other better through Key Club and tennis. Roda served as my Key Club Secretary, as well as one of our captains for the school tennis team. It was during the Key Club Mountain Retreat that Roda and I really bonded. We were tent “roomies”, and since the retreat tended to drag on, we ended up playing lots and lots of miniature pool. Roda was probably the most dedicated person in Key Club this year, considering we had so many problems to begin with. Even though Roda was swamped with her hectic senior class load of AP and Honors classes, and her job, Roda always found time to do Key Club stuph, as we call ‘em... But jes being a good Key Clubber was jes a start. Roda was also a great friend. She was also like an Ate to me, like Joy and Mazie. We were all in the same AP Comp Sci class, and Roda always had a ready ear. Having been through similar situations, Roda was able to relate to me and emphatize, not jes sympathize! Roda has taught me to never give up. She herself has faced many instances of adversity, but she is still strong. I admire Roda. She may have been disappointed at the outcome of her last semester at SUHI, but she is such a strong individual, that we are certain she is bound to come out of the setback even stronger!!!



Xia Lee - Xia is a freakin BRAINIAC! I am serious! Girl scored a perfect 800 on the verbal portion of the SATs, and narrowly missed a perfect 1600 combined!!! She is usually shy and quiet, but once you get to know Xia you’ll realize she’s really talkative, and even quite cynical at some times. =) Xia was down right our school’s best Decathlete and Leaguer! She’s my role model. She’s smart epitomized! Xia may hate homework, but it’s okay cuz she can ace any given test any given day of any given year! She’s really something! She was my biggest supporter at matches. I feel like half a person now that she’s graduated. I’m hoping to fill her shoes as the next Academic Team President and MVP, but it’s going to be absolutely TOUGH! No one can quite compare to a XIA LEE! I’m quite privileged to have known Xia. Many people do not know her since she is so quiet, I feel sorry for them... they have no idea what they’ve missed out on by not knowing Xia! Xia and I both excelled in academics, but we both struggled in tennis, which is part of how we got even closer. Oftentimes we found ourselves practicing long hours after we’ve just finished the regular long 2 hours of tennis practice jes to get better. It paid off! Xia finally got the victory she’d waited for for so long, and I improved my personal record by so much this year. One of my unforgettable memories about Xia would have to be the FENCE INCIDENT after tennis practice during the 1998 season... Xia was hilarious! But now she’s off to better and greener pastures: DARTMOUTH! I’m sure she’ll do jes fine... I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these days I see her on TV as the new Jeopardy College Tournament Champ! Good luck in college!



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MICHA SES:

I hope you enjoyed viewing this page... If you shed some tears, ish ohkae! By the way, the layout for this page was made possible by my very good friend HUTCHYLADY! Thanx for everything gurl!!!

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