The Smoke Signal

As Brad left his AP Physics class and met Angelina on her way out of AP Calc, they were enchanted by the mass of blue surrounding the amphitheater. Expecting the best, and anxious for the Back to the Future brilliance, they sat down and opened their hearts to the sounds of 2015’s spirit.   Angelina: Hey Brad, how much do you think it cost them to put all of this blue up? Brad: Not sure, but from what I heard, the Freshmen are pretty well off as far as funding goes… A: Yeah, I can tell! They definitely outshined…

By: Brandon Fuhs, Jaynelle Gao, Anjali Kanthilal,  Jade Shi, & Sonali Toppur                 Connie Chen Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated? Did you imagine this during your freshman year? Connie Chen: I feel pretty honored knowing that people acknowledge and appreciate my hard work. I was pretty surprised when I found out because I didn’t think very many underclassmen knew who I was. [Laughs], freshman year! Not at all! I remember seeing the Homecoming Court on stage and trying to guess who in my class would be a part of them senior year. I…

By: Brandon Fuhs, Jaynelle Gao, Anjali Kanthilal,  Jade Shi, & Sonali Toppur                      Justin Chew Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated? Did you imagine this during your freshman year? Justin Chew: Freshman year, I would’ve never thought I would’ve been voted Homecoming King, because when I was a freshman, looking up at them, they looked like idols, but I don’t see that in myself, so it’s kind of strange. SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission? JC: I think the people I’ve met for the last four years have…

Come check out the editorial staff’s top picks for their favorite summer songs! Post in the comments to tell us what music you enjoyed this summer! Create a playlist at MixPod.com

By: Angie Wang On April 15, 2011, MSJ’s Performing Arts department plans to hold their annual Jazz Dance, a formal dinner and dance event held at the Fremont Marriot. The event features MSJ’s renowned jazz band as well as guest vocalists. Various selections by Duke Ellington, Dave Eshelman, and Frank Sinatra will be performed at the year’s gala, named “April in Paris” after the song by Vernon Duke. This year, Band Director Monica Kraft has decided to expand the event to other performing arts classes outside of the Jazz Band. This year’s gala will also feature a string ensemble from…

Come check out the editorial staff’s top picks for their favorite song remixes! Post in the comments to tell us YOUR favorite remixes! Create a playlist at MixPod.com

By: Vishal Bajpai   On Friday, March 11th, a terrible earthquake hit Japan. At 9.0 on the Richter scale the earthquake produced over 50 aftershocks, at least seven of which were at least 6.3 on the Richter scale. The quake not only caused damage but also unleashed a huge tsunami which has killed at least 4,164 individuals while 12,000 remain unaccounted for. The terrible tragedy continues to unfold as more aftershocks hit Japan and the country deals with damage to its nuclear facilities.   The MSJ community has responded to this horrific event with hope and compassion; many school organizations…

By: Alekya Rajanala and Matt Farberov Late on Friday, March 18, MSJ was vandalized by an unknown number of suspects. The suspects broke a window of room P-1. Afterwards, the suspects broke the window of Counselor Merri Blum’s office in the administration building. Her office was then defaced by the vandals with fire retardant. The administration has said that nothing was stolen although Blum’s office was damaged by the retardant.   If anyone has any information pertaining to the vandalism please contact any of the following:   Resource Officer Gregory Pipp:  510-656-3600 x37106 Principal Sandy Prairie: 510-656-3600 x37210 Campus Supervisor Brandi Speier:…

Come check out the editorial staff’s favorite duets! Create a MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Join the Smoke Signal staff for 2011-12! Download the application here and turn it in to Mrs. Cohen by March 14th in room N9: (Application is now closed. Interview dates will be posted soon.)