News From the Students, For the Students

The Griffin Gazette

News From the Students, For the Students

The Griffin Gazette

News From the Students, For the Students

The Griffin Gazette

A poster of the Europe summer trip giving viewers information.
Los Al's Europe summer trip
Reese Neiger, Staff Writer • September 22, 2023

LOS ALAMITOS, CA -- This summer, the Los Alamitos community has the chance to take a memorable European trip. From June 9 to June 18, travelers...

A representation of student work through a stack of textbooks and the Google Classroom page for Journalism.
Grades, extracurriculars, perfection: The pressures of being a junior in high school
Jasmine Lee, Staff Writer • September 22, 2023

LOS ALAMITOS, CA -- In a pool of high-achieving students who have dedicated their lives to hours of studying and working to maintain a perfect...

Trash that isnt picked up contributes to an unclean campus.
A trashy problem on campus
Justin Freyre, Staff Writer • September 22, 2023

LOS ALAMITOS, CA -- Looking at Los Alamitos High School's campus, it is easy to admire the school's cleanliness. It is apparent how much care...

Advanced film students announce cross country documentary

A preview into cross country culture, an ode to its long history, and an appreciation to Mr. Brown and his advanced film students
Summer+running+had+these+XC+boys+eagerly+waiting+to+get+back+on+the+game%21+
Los Al cross country’s Instagram, @losalxc
Summer running had these XC boys eagerly waiting to get back on the game!

LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Deeply resonant moments of resilience and spirit captured on film, the Los Alamitos High School advanced film students attempt to chronicle our cross country team.

With two races at Mount Sac and CIF prelims coming up, the team has yet again devoted themselves to placing themselves on top at League Finals. Paying homage to Los Al’s elite runners and challenging their will, the film crew invests in inspiring not just athletes, but all who dread the pressure of emotional and physical turmoil.

“We want to experience that family basis and really unlock that passion,” said senior Jamisen Penick, one of the film directors on the project. While major motivators include improving their sense of professionalism and digging deeper into diverse topics, Penick also questioned the discipline and devotion of running on Los Al’s cross country team. Johnny Flaim, senior, another director on the set, recalled sharing a revelatory experience at Beast Games, witnessing the boys’ warfare chant while huddling and swaying side to side like fierce bulls.

Premiering around the end of XC season, Penick and Flaim teasingly insisted that the documentary will have its famous debut at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood; actually, it will be showcased on YouTube.

“Everyone looks at football like ‘oh yeah’… but we [need to start giving] equal exposure to every group,” said Mr. Brown, head of Griffin News and Los Al’s film productions class.

However, a fair amount of runners were reluctant to the idea of bulging, black camera lenses surrounding the relentless hills like statues every Wednesday in Central Park.

“To be honest, I was kinda [freaked out]. I had to focus on my form because I didn’t want to look stupid,” junior Thalia Griffith said. Although a majority of Los Al’s cross country team recoiled at the idea of seeing themselves during races, some appreciative athletes perceived the documentary as a way to look upon old memories and trigger high school nostalgia.

“You know, I’ve definitely had a good past three years… this is going to be my fourth and last year,” said senior Gavin Ordinario, a Varsity runner. “I definitely will feel a sense of nostalgia, and I’m hoping for the best senior year that I can have.”

“It’s been flawless! Exceptional professionalism! Hollywood bound!” said Coach Celestin, head coach of XC and the girls’ varsity group. 

Story continues below advertisement
View Comments (3)
Donate to The Griffin Gazette
$1010
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Los Alamitos High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
About the Contributor
Ella Suos, Staff Writer
Ella Suos is a sophomore at Los Alamitos High School this year. Ella is in her first year of journalism and hopes to pursue a writing profession in the future while running marathons. Ella spends her leisure time running, reading classic novels, and experimenting with unique recipes. She is a member of the LAHS cross country team, and her ambition is to run a 100-mile race. She loves shopping at vintage boutiques downtown and aspires to be like Angelina Jolie. She joined journalism as another way to engage with the famous LAHS and improve her writing skills. 
Donate to The Griffin Gazette
$1010
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (3)

All The Griffin Gazette Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • K

    Katie A.Sep 17, 2023 at 10:39 am

    I can’t wait to see this documentary!!

    Reply
  • S

    Sydney ForsyteSep 16, 2023 at 12:28 am

    This article was so descriptive and informative! I love it!

    Reply
  • J

    Johnny FlaimSep 2, 2023 at 9:39 pm

    WOW! I got Informational and entertaining. Great Article

    Reply