Student News Site of Ruben S. Ayala High School

Bulldog Times
While this year's E-Board elections seemed normal from the campaign period to the voting, it was revealed that there was alleged fraud with the initial voting. As a result of this, a re-vote was initiated with paper ballots to ensure no cheating would occur again. Pictured left to right, top to bottom: Don Kumar (10), Dylan Rasmussen (10), Dylan Chang (10), Amber Lin (10), Alina Lopez (11), Jadelyn Chen (11)
E-Board elections results arrive but not without controversy
Left to right, Michaela Allen (12), Jacob Tan (12), Karly Welsh (12), and Madison Garcia (12). The characters prentend to be shocked by the death of Tan's character.
The Murder at Haversham Manor: A double-layered theater comedy
The harvest festival, open for anyone of all ages, is a great way to spend time with friends and family. But was this year's event a hit?
Harvest Festival: Is it still a hit?
With many seniors in the process of filling out to their college applications and juniors starting the research process, the AVID class took a field trip to the University of California, Riverside to open their eyes to other opportunities.
UC Riverside AVID trip inspires next class of college students
Lucas Liu (10) and Don Kumar (10) advertise their campaigns for Speaker of the House and Secretary on the library stage. Each of their themes and posters represent their values, and what they hope to bring to the school.
Fierce campaign week amidst 2024-2025 E-Board elections
Dress to Impress (DTI) has become Roblox's latest viral game, enticing players with its fashion based competition. However, its TikTok fueled popularity, pay to win aspect, and novelty driven appeal leads people to wonder if DTI is here to stay, or if it's just another fad.
Dress to Impress: Roblox’s latest fad
Lebron James and his son Bronny James are official players of the Los Angles Lakers. Lebron James wears number 23 while Bronny James will be wearing number 9 while the play together
Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA history
Drama club has been gradually growing over the years, but one of the best things about it is the community it has. Every member is supportive of one another with no judgement or hatred for what the other is doing.
Club Spotlight: Drama Club
To this day, "Dreams" still has many listeners hooked onto the atmospheric, dreamy melody that the Cranberries created. As the short season of fall comes around again, this song is making a reappearance.
Song Spotlight: Dreams
From left, Cayenne Lo (11), Ashley Chang (11), Elisabeth Lee (11), Audris Yueh (11), Cassie Du (11), Eva Acantara (11), Elisabeth Lee (11), and Priya Devine (11) gather together for Halloween. Halloween marks a day of fun, terror, and mystery. Students come to school and spend the night in costumes ranging from fan-favorite cartoon characters to dark classics like witches or ghosts.
[Photo Essay] Costumes and characters: the spirit of Halloween
Drama club has been gradually growing over the years, but one of the best things about it is the community it has. Every member is supportive of one another with no judgement or hatred for what the other is doing.
Club Spotlight: Drama Club
The members of Project Blush promote their cause with fun props and knick knacks during Club Rush on September 13. Pictured left to right: Mia Chen (10), Lisa Chen (10), Jeree Apan (10), Aniya Grant (10), Emily Hsieh (10).
Club Spotlight: Project Blush
With the overwhelming amount of clubs at Ayala, it may be hard to find the right club to join. If you are looking for a volunteer club to join, check out these clubs to see what might be best suited toward your interests!
Volunteering Clubs Guide: Contributing to the community? 
TED Talk Club promotes public speaking and presentation skills to equip students with the ability to communicate on a higher level. All students can benefit from being a member of TED Talk Club because of the invaluable lessons taught.
Club Spotlight: TED Talk Club
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Club is held in room B111 every other Wednesday where students educate and learn about the rights and freedoms they are entitled to by the government and how they could utilize those as a high school student and out in the world.
Club Spotlight: Turning into a new era of USA
"I made this record in the space between life and death. It feels like I've waited an eternity for you to have it. I'll wait a bit longer. I've waited a decade already," said  Halsey via Facebook. "The Great Impersonator," Halsey's new album, is full of raw emotion and portray's the artist's life in a new and untold light.
Album Analysis: “The Great Impersonator” by Halsey
In keshi's sophomore album "Requiem," he innovatively intertwines what it's like to love and what it's like to lose. It's an album of alluring melodies and touching lyrics.
Album Analysis: “Requiem” by keshi
Mad Tsai's first album, "teenage nightmare," released on October 10, 2024. It takes listeners through a journey of the harsh reality of teenage years unlike the cliché teen movies Hollywood forces us to believe.
Album Analysis: “teenage nightmare” by Mad Tsai
Released on June 21, 2024, Gracie Abrams' album "The Secret of Us" describes the intense and hectic feelings that come from the aftermath of a breakup. The relatable lyrics give listeners a fresh perspective on love and heartbreak, like pages in a diary.
Album Analysis: “The Secret of Us” by Gracie Abrams
Clairo's third studio album, "Charm" is the album analysis for September. The album perfectly encapsulates the month through its whimsy.
Track by Track: Charm
Lebron James and his son Bronny James are official players of the Los Angles Lakers. Lebron James wears number 23 while Bronny James will be wearing number 9 while the play together
Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA history
During their Yorba Linda game, Sarah Avila raced down the field to score a touchdown.
Sarah Avila: Powering through her obstacles
Senior Zachary Zheng in his letterman jacket covered with patches showcasing his accomplishments in football and academics.
Zachary Zheng: The Definition of Student Athlete
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, their second in five years. With now eight World Series wins to their name, the Dodgers look to continue a hot streak going into next season.
Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series
Boys Varsity Football loses a close match-up to Etiwanda High School. The Bulldogs, making the D6 playoffs this past Sunday, will face off against Northwood High School on the road.
Boys Varsity Football loses final matchup of league season
During their Yorba Linda game, Sarah Avila raced down the field to score a touchdown.
Sarah Avila: Powering through her obstacles
Senior Zachary Zheng in his letterman jacket covered with patches showcasing his accomplishments in football and academics.
Zachary Zheng: The Definition of Student Athlete
Ella Galindo (9) and Emma Nuñez (9) together at the recent Walnut game. Their drive and focus led them to securing spots on the Varsity Volleyball team
Ella Galindo and Emma Nuñez: Rising Stars
Ava Trujillo (9) prepares for the ball to be hiked so game play can begin. This was during the flag football game on August 27 where the Ayala Bulldogs played against the Quartz Hill Royals. Although a difficult game Ayala was able to prevail with a win.
Ava Trujillo: Trailblazing her path through flag football
Track and Cross Country star Lauren Villegas smiles proudly next to the sign of UC Davis, the school she has recently decided to commit to.
Lauren Villegas: A Family Track Star
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, their second in five years. With now eight World Series wins to their name, the Dodgers look to continue a hot streak going into next season.
Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series
The fifth regular edition of Sports of the Week once again sees the approach of both the NBA playoffs and the start of the MLB season.
Sports of the Week: 3/5-3/11
As always, Dodgers news powers MLB narratives while Juan Soto gets the Yankees back in the conversation for the top teams in the American League going into the 2024 season; NBA keeps on going as the playoffs slowly inch closer.
Sports of the Week: 2/20-3/4
MLB is as exciting as ever while the NBA is actually as exciting as ever in this week's edition of Sports of the Week.
Sports of the Week: 2/12-2/19
The biggest game of the year was also the center of attention for this week's Super Bowl edition of Sports of the Week.
Sports of the Week: Super Bowl Edition
Boys Varsity Football loses a close match-up to Etiwanda High School. The Bulldogs, making the D6 playoffs this past Sunday, will face off against Northwood High School on the road.
Boys Varsity Football loses final matchup of league season
Varsity Flag football celebrates their seniors at their senior night game.
Flag football’s inaugural season promises bright future
The Varsity team huddling together at their last game of the season against Bonita's Bearcats.
Bulldogs Season Recap: Girls Varsity Volleyball
Ayala plays their final away game of the season, falling short to the strong Damien team. This will leave Ayala to one league rival left, the Etiwanda Eagles.
Ayala Football loses in final away game of the season
Ayala Bulldog's Boys Varsity Football falls to their league opponent Upland Scots, 28-31. The Bulldogs, with 2 games left, look to not fall to last place with the final away game upcoming.
Bulldogs lose thriller in final moments in first League home game
(From left to right) Seniors Victoria Rivas, Sydney Rich, Julian Juarez, Tyler Johnson, Ben Trull, Angelina Hernandez, Donovan Thomas, Alexander Florentinus, Nathan Cheng, Ryan Chen, Joshua Chan, and Roseanna Ashak line up in front of the pool as the friends, parents, teammates, and coaches commemorate the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs dominate against Bearcats during Swim Senior Night
The Varsity Girls Flag Football team fell to Chino High School's Cowboys during their previous game on Monday.
Girls Varsity Flag Football falls to Chino
After securing their third win in a row, the Junior Varsity (JV) team continues to advance after sweeping the court against Jurupa Valley's Cougars.
JV team secures another volleyball victory against the Jaguars
After the success of their previous records, our girls in the Varsity Softball team continue to push forward in their league as they win against Alta Loma Braves.
Varsity Softball team destroys Alta Loma Braves
After pushing through a close game, the JV Boys Volleyball team finished the week winning both of their games. They left the crowd at the edge of their seats during the tight game against the Los Osos Grizzlies where they won 2-1.
JV boys volleyball finishes the week with another win
Senior (from left) Patrick Ladrido, Johnathan Lozano, Jaydin Maddox, and Christian Martinez stand together for one last home game picture before playing Alta Loma in their senior night.
Boys basketball ends their season with a phenomenal record
Seniors Megan Diep, Malia Ishibashi, Lilianna Craig, Priyana Jhaveri, and Samantha Najera pose for one final picture together during senior night.
End of Season: Girls basketball shares their season’s insights
After Mikayla Benavidez (10) was able to walk it off for Ayala, players swarmed the field in celebration of their furthest CIF run yet.
CIF Quarter Finals: Varsity girls soccer bounces back
Moments after Sofia Torres (12, center) scored a goal to increase the lead to 4-2. Katie Trinh (11, left) and unidentified (right) celebrate with Torres in what ended up being a triumphant win in Round 1 of CIF play.
CIF Round 1: A good start for varsity girls soccer
The Bulldogs were able to secure the victory in a high-scoring game against the Chino High School Cowboys.
Girls’ Varsity Water Polo triumphs over Chino Cowboys
Despite the criticism Crestejo faces for being part of the LGBTQ+ community, he still lives out loud and unafraid of the backlash he receives. From receiving rude comments online to facing hate in-person, Crestejo doesn't let the haters get to him and embraces his identity.
Bulldogs of Ayala: Collin Moreno-Crestejo
Alfaro performing at the Jumangi rally on August 23. Swaying along to Alfaro's song, the audience raised their phones as flashlights.
Diego Alfaro: Nobody said it was easy
Over the past three years, Rosas has given everything in order to have the privilege and honor of saying that he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Bulldog Times. Now, he says goodbye.
Farewell from the Editor-in-Chief
Farewell to the Bulldog Times' seniors: Ryan Wu, Gianna Spagnolo, Rachel Dunn, Abby Le, Isabel Sim, Angelina Zhao, and Adrielle Dumandan.
Seniors of BDT: Farewell, but not forgotten
Visual ensemble member Candice Tseng (10) did not let her injury stop her from going to the SCPA Championships in Dayton. Her teammates were surprised by how she still decided on going on. "When she first got injured, we were all really scared. And then when she decided to still perform for Dayton, we were all just super surprised how she was able to recover so quickly," Visual Ensemble member Isabella Kourosmehr (10) said.
Bulldogs Of Ayala: Candice Tseng 
There are many movie franchises out there that have been affected by this theory of the "trilogy curse," but what exactly is it?
Cursed Thirds: Trilogies gone wrong
Microtrends have been a big part of 2024, and everyone has fallen into the trap of microtrends. Are they as beneficial as we thought they were?
From hot to not, the rise of micro trends
Many hand clocks around classrooms are getting replaced by new digital clocks that now display the time, the date, the day of the week, and attached to it being a schoolwide speaker.
What happened to traditional analog clocks?
Released on September 25, 2024, Mozart's rediscovered piece "Ganz kleine Nachtmusik" surprises many fans of classical music, and while Mozart is decomposing in his grave, his talent remains so popular that he still manages to compose yet another single.
Decomposing yet still composing
With the advancement in technology, one can't help but wonder if it has affected brain development amongst children and teenagers. Attention span? What's that?
Are adolescent brains developing slower?
"Close your eyes, little one" Sophia Lam
“Close your eyes”: Comic illustration
Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to these runner-up entries!
Spooky Scary Stories: ’24 Runner-ups
Thank you to everyone who participated in this Halloween's writing contest!
Spooky Scary Stories – ’24 Halloween writing contest
Friends Kyle Cheng (9) and Derek Chen (9) also have AIR books. Chen is reading a classic "The Hobbit" and diving into the literary works of J.R.R Tolkien. Cheng is reading "The Neptune Challenge."
[Photo Essay] AIR books: read to succeed
As Dear Asian Youth (DAY) club and South Asian Culture Club (SACC) continues to inform students on campus regarding subjects of Asian culture, they recently collaborated together to host a DAY x SACC Art Festival. This festival featured a wide range of art forms from origami to digital pieces.
DAY x SACC Art Festival
Death is an unfortunate habit, isn't it?
A “Wholesome” Story (1/3)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (6/6)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (5/6)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (4/6)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (3/6)
With the 2023-2024 school year coming to an end, it has been a roller coaster of emotions and memories. What's better than a playlist that captures these emotions?
[Playlist] Your 2023-2024 school year wrapped
Want to learn more about your favorite topics? These podcasts are a great way to do so!
A guide to educational podcasts
Want to learn more about your favorite YouTubers? These podcasts are a great way to do so!
A guide to YouTuber-hosted podcasts
Silent Night, Gloria, Joy to the World, Little Drummer Boy. These are a few of the classics that are sung while going door to door Christmas caroling. These classic and traditional songs tell a story that no other Christmas songs can do.
[Playlist] Traditionally Christmas
Blast from the past! Here is a list of nostalgic songs to bring you back to your childhood!
[Playlist] Nostalgic songs from our childhood
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Introduction
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Introduction
"Close your eyes, little one" Sophia Lam
“Close your eyes”: Comic illustration
Cosmic Powers: Issue 8
Cosmic Powers: Issue 8
Cosmic Powers: Explained
Cosmic Powers: Explained
Cosmic Powers: Issue 7
Cosmic Powers: Issue 7

Bulldog Times
Student News Site of Ruben S. Ayala High School

Bulldog Times
For many LGBTQ+ teens, coming out can be a terrifying ordeal. While some friends and family may be more supportive than others, fear prevails.

Facing the reality of coming out

Trina Lizama, Staff Reporter
October 31, 2022
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