2009-2010 Yearbook becomes Pacemaker finalist

With many awards already under their belts, the Volsung staff is once again nominated as a finalist for the 2010 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Award for the Atypical yearbook. Returning staff members Laura Nevarez, Marcello Mendoza, Carlos Ontiveros, Andrew Vega, Rhea Santos and Karissa Prudhomme waited for this year’s results which will be announced on April 17.

Roy Mendoza, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor
March 7, 2011

After a long year of hard work and anticipation, the 09-10’ yearbook staff has been granted the honor of being a 2010 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist.

The NSPA Yearbook Pacemaker contest, which had a total of 380 submissions, commenced mid-way last year and closed applicant opportunity on Jan. 18, 2011. After being reviewed by a team of specialists, 51 high schools were selected to enter the final round of the competition. Among the books chosen was Atypical, the product of the 09-10’ Volsung yearbook staff.

“Before the year began, I was really nervous about how the staff would work together, or if they’d even be able to work at all,” former Editor-in-Chief Tiare King said, “but after only a few months I realized that they all got along so well that working together wasn’t a problem at all.”

Though they did not know each other well, the yearbook team was prepared to take on anything that was coming their way. With both experienced photographers and writers, the members were able to find similarities amongst themselves, which allowed them to thoroughly communicate and befriend each other. Although there might have been differences throughout the year, the team had the ability to move forward and make sure that nothing hindered them from obtaining their prize. “One thing I can truly say is that we all worked together,” current Editor-in-Chief Laura Nevarez said. “Even though it was stressful at times, we always managed to get our work done.”

Along side their achievement came yet another outstanding recognition: winning the first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association.

“It’s really exciting to be a part of a staff that can potentially win a high title in school journalism,” former writer Isabel Cardenas said. “It’s also great because all the hard work the whole ‘Atypical’ staff put into the book can be shown across the whole country.”

Though the final winners for the Pacemaker are yet to be announced, it’s safe to say that most, if not all the staff members, are anticipating the spring, JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in order to hear the final results.

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About the Writer

Roy Mendoza, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor

Roy Mendoza is quite the multitasker. Not only is he a senior with a full schedule at Downey High, he is also mentoring his freshman sister, and has taken on the double duty of Co-Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor of The Downey Legend. The busy student found his interest in writing during his middle school years and always sought to improve his skills as a reader and writer. He continued with this skill along to high school where, as a sophomore, he was offered a chance to be a part of history in the making by joining Downey High’s first ever Online Newspaper staff. Taken aback by the offer, he accepted, and two years later, he is glad he did because Mendoza holds a position now that has only ever been held once.

“I feel so honored to have a double position,” the ambitious writer said. “I know sometimes the stress might get to me, but I have my Co-Copy Editor behind me at all times, and I need to be behind my E.I.C. one-hundred percent. I have her back completely, and I know she has mine because we’re the team captains, along with the Photo Editor. We have to set an example.”

Mendoza is glad to have met and surpassed his goal to stay on the staff of The Downey Legend for the rest of his high school years, and plans to attend the University of California: Berkley after two years at Cal State Long Beach. He hopes the skills he has learned throughout his time in newspaper stay with him, as he wishes to be a reporter for The New York Times.

Mendoza is proud of his position on staff, but he also makes time for friends and family as well. On the weekends, one can usually catch this teenager at popular local hang out spots with friends. One thing is for sure: there is much in store for this motivated yet humble individual.