Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined

The Academy Chronicle
Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined

The Academy Chronicle
Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined

The Academy Chronicle
William Liu

William Liu, Editor

Williams Liu is a sophomore here at Mt. SAC Early College Academy. This is his second year as a staff member of The Academy Chronicle, and this is his first year here as an editor. In his free time,  he enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, and playing video games. Liu values community, specifically camaraderie, because he wants strong and loyal friendships.  His goals here at MECA are to earn an AA degree.  He wishes to pursue a successful career in the medical field, either as a nurse practitioner or pharmacist. In the future, he also wants to eventually start a non-profit and provide supplies to students in need. 

All content by William Liu
Students and Professors logging in to Canvas on Thursday May 6 were met with the message from ShinyHunters. Screenshot provided by Caryn Gerstenberger

Data Breach: Canvas Hacked Before Finals

Story by William Liu, Editor
May 8, 2026

Canvas, an online learning management system, was hacked by the group Shiny Hunters on May 7, shutting down many college classes, including those taken by MECA students at Mt. SAC. Students at many campuses...

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While walking by the art center, one of the tour guides of ULV explains how their school is very connected to the arts. One of the examples the guide explained was the memorial that was painted behind him.

While walking by the art center, one of the tour guides of ULV explains how their school is very connected to the arts. One of the examples the guide explained was the memorial that was painted behind...

One of the two groups that toured ULV listen to their tour guide as he explains the in campus stores. The group, at the center of the campus, are told about the university's cafeteria, cook story, and gym.

One of the two groups that toured ULV listen to their tour guide as he explains the in campus stores. The group, at the center of the campus, are told about the university's cafeteria, cook story, and...

James Phan (10th) and Kyle Cao (10th) listen to the tour guide as he explains what establishments are near the school. The tour group goes around the border of the school, showing what shops and restaurants they have.

James Phan (10th) and Kyle Cao (10th) listen to the tour guide as he explains what establishments are near the school. The tour group goes around the border of the school, showing what shops and restaurants...

Kyle Cao (10th) asks a question about the University of La Verne's Campus. The 10th graders tour around the school, see what the university has to offer.

Kyle Cao (10th) asks a question about the University of La Verne's Campus. The 10th graders tour around the school, see what the university has to offer.

Each year, the Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity hosts the Community Building Awards. Photo Credit: Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity

Community Builder Award: MECA’s Student Winners

Story by William Liu, Editor
April 30, 2026

The Community Builder’s Award Ceremony is a prestigious event held to honor those who actively participate in their community. Whether it be having hundreds of hours in service projects or working...

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Freshman Friday: Jayden Jaramillo

Freshman Friday: Jayden Jaramillo

Story by William Liu, Editor
April 27, 2026

Mt SAC Early College Academy (MECA) has students with a wide range of hobbies. From sports to music, our students possess many different skills. Volleyball is one of the bigger sports at the school, and...

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Lucy Padilla (11th), playing the lead heroine role of Katherine Plumber in the play the "Newsies".

Senior Send Off: Lucy Padilla

Story by William Liu, Editor
April 7, 2026

To be on stage, acting a character you admire is one of the greatest honors an actress could have. Lucy Padilla, a senior at Mt SAC Early College Academy (MECA), has had such an opportunity, landing herself...

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Sophomore Juan Alarcon expresses a shocked and amused reaction to something on his friend, Jasmine's phone!

Sophomore Juan Alarcon expresses a shocked and amused reaction to something on his friend, Jasmine's phone!

Junior Katelyn Chung shares a nice moment with her dance partner, sophomore Ethan Bymaster!

Junior Katelyn Chung shares a nice moment with her dance partner, sophomore Ethan Bymaster!

Juniors Wincent Situ, Ethan Tatlonghari, and En Hao Xie share a laugh together as they take pictures!

Juniors Wincent Situ, Ethan Tatlonghari, and En Hao Xie share a laugh together as they take pictures!

Sophomores, Lola Faniel and Mimi Bautista dance together with their friend Jasmine (on the left)!

Sophomores, Lola Faniel and Mimi Bautista dance together with their friend Jasmine (on the left)!

Sophomores, Lola Faniel and Michael Warawita have fun dancing to the music!

Sophomores, Lola Faniel and Michael Warawita have fun dancing to the music!

Sophomore, Lily Erazo having a nice conversation with her date!

Sophomore, Lily Erazo having a nice conversation with her date!

Couple Orlando Marin (11) and Hailey Huizar (10) pose for their pictures!

Couple Orlando Marin (11) and Hailey Huizar (10) pose for their pictures!

Waking up an hour earlier can be extremely difficult for many, making many asking the question: Do we really need Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time: Do We Really Need It?

Story by William Liu, Editor
March 15, 2026

Waking up an hour early in the spring is a normal occurrence for most Americans. While there are benefits to doing this, some describe adjusting to this time change as a soul-wrenching, bone-crushing,...

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The current state of the internet is absolute chaos, with big names like TikTok, Roblox, Kai Cenat, and more all experiencing their own controversies.

Online Drama: What is going on?

Story by William Liu, Editor
February 13, 2026

The internet is a very handy invention; it allows users to discover any information on whatever they desire just by using their fingertips. It also lets people make connections they otherwise wouldn't...

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Looking for something to do after school? Esports is looking for new players!

Esports Season Schedule Overview

Story by William Liu, Editor
January 20, 2026

Esports is not only competitive online gaming, but it is also a way to bring the online community together as a whole. Just like football or basketball, Esports is loved by many, and people all over...

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Ms Banh currently teaching her second period anatomy class. She smiles for the camera.

Teacher Spotlight | Tiffany Banh

Story by William Liu, Editor
December 12, 2025

Being a part of something from the beginning and staying with it to its current stage is something that not many people usually do. Whether it is a commitment or a job, people usually find something different...

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Check out the news for this week!

MECA Weekly Announcements

Story by William Liu, Editor
November 20, 2025

Hey Timberwolves! It's your weekly broadcaster, William Liu! Unfortunately, we don't have the time to make a video this week, so instead we will be announcing the weekly events through text. From this...

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The new art teacher, Samantha Lujan poses for a photo in her classroom.

Teacher Spotlight | Welcome Samantha Lujan

Story by William Liu, Editor
September 29, 2025

This year, Mt. SAC Early College Academy (MECA) welcomes Samantha Lujan as the new art, ceramics, and esports teacher. Lujan is not new to teaching art, as before she came here, she was already teaching...

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Ryan Huynh (9th) and Emily Du (9th) looking over towards the teachers during the UCR freshman field trip.

Freshman Focus – Ryan Huynh

Story by William Liu, Editor
May 30, 2025

Ryan Huynh is a Mt. SAC Early College Academy (MECA) freshman who plans to work hard on his future here. After starting at Hollencrest Middle School, he came to MECA with his friends in hopes of building...

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Gabe Nichols hyping up the MECA volleyball team before a game. Go Timberwolves!

MECA’s Volleyball Team

Story by William Liu, Editor
May 12, 2025

Volleyball is a competitive sport where two teams try to keep a ball in the air while forcing it over to the other team. It is played everywhere, including schools. The game is adored by many people all...

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A story about the mysterious husky that wandered onto MECA and was found by our staff on campus!

Tashi the Lost Dog

Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
March 20, 2025

What do you do when you see a lost dog wandering around? To be more specific, a lost husky who manages to stroll onto school grounds and capture the hearts of all the students? This is a weird situation...

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Freshmen College Classes, Are They Ready?

Freshmen College Classes, Are They Ready?

Story by William Liu, Editor
March 11, 2025

College classes are time-consuming, stressful, and hard to understand. But with this comes a big pay-off, giving college credits and experience in the course. These courses were only available to upperclassmen...

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Parisa Rodriguez showed Hijar's daughter how to make an origami dog at the Red Ribbon Fair at West Covina High School on October 26th. Hijar would often attend school events outside of the school day to support the students of MECA.

Farewell Ms. Emily, Welcome Ms. Karen

If you’re a student at MECA, then you know Ms. Emily as the friendly face in the front office, sitting right behind Ms. Julie. But you can’t see her there now. What happened to Ms. Emily?
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
February 25, 2025

When Timberwolves think of great staff members, what comes to mind? Kindness? Caring? Hard-working? Having one of these traits is excellent, but all three are rare and unique. Luckily for Mt. SAC Early...

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Freshman Friday - Kyle Cao

Freshman Friday – Kyle Cao

Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
February 21, 2025

Being the son of a very successful restaurant owner is cool, but being the son of a very successful restaurant owner whose restaurant is right next to your school is another! Kyle Cao, a freshman at Mt....

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Love in the Quad

Love in the Quad

Is age only a number? The opinions on age gaps are hilarious; people dislike age-gap relationships because they think it’s weird. But what about people who are already in a relationship? Let’s dive in and meet some couples on campus to see how they feel about age-gap relationships and whether it’s a yes or a no.
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
February 14, 2025

Have you ever walked down the street and there's this one couple all lovey-dovey? But when you see their face, the woman looks pretty young, like she's in her mid-20s, while the man has wrinkles all over...

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The major rules on campus are the dress code, food policy, phone policy, and the free period policy. The West Covina Student Handbook tells you everything that you have to look out for, or you might be in some serious trouble.

Campus Rules! For the Better or the Worse?

Have you ever wanted a cup of water, so you raise your hand just to be shot down by the teacher saying, “You should have gotten it on your BREAK”? You, confused, ask why, and she tells you it’s against the rules to let students out right after the period starts. Like hello? Miss, I just came back from P.E. I'm dying of dehydration, and you're denying me access to an essential part of life? Well, you wouldn't be the only one that has experienced this kind of situation before. Today, we look at campus rules and how they have changed for the better or for the worse.
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
February 12, 2025

 There are many rules on the MECA campus, one of which is the free period rule. The MECA Safety Procedure and Student Handbook tell us that when students check-in for a free period, they are allowed to...

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Bullying and joking can sometimes look alike. How can you tell the difference?

Understanding the Line Between Fun and Harm

People tend to think bullying is just friends joking around and messing with you, but is it? What is bullying? Let’s see what students at MECA think about the difference between bullying and just joking around.
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
January 7, 2025

What is bullying? Is it just friends joking around and messing with you? How do people know if their friends are just kidding? Do they have bad intentions? According to StopBullying.gov, a website...

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Jasmine Arce loves listening to music and can often be seen wearing her favorite pair of wireless headphones around campus.

Jasmine Arce – Freshman Friday

The amazing journey of freshman Jasmine Arce
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
November 20, 2024

Jasmine Arce, a freshman at MECA, is quite interesting! Born on a marine base here in California, she hopes to work with something that has to do with law or biology. As a kid, she never really stayed...

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Freshman Friday | Ivan Chavez

Freshman Friday | Ivan Chavez

Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
November 14, 2024

Ivan Chavez, a freshman at MECA, plays many sports such as hockey, soccer, and volleyball. He’s very competitive in sports and has lots of interests.   From Jubilee Christin's school, Ivan...

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Disney Magic Comes At A Cost

Disney Magic Comes At A Cost

Will Disney's recent price increases raise concerns about the affordability of its parks?
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
November 14, 2024

Once upon a time, Disney symbolized Magic and adventure for families. Still, now people wonder whether the dream of visiting its parks is becoming a pricey luxury rather than an attainable and affordable...

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Disney Magic Comes at a Cost

Disney Magic Comes at a Cost

Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
November 10, 2024

Once upon a time, Disney symbolized Magic and adventure for families. Still, now people wonder whether the dream of visiting its parks is becoming a pricey luxury rather than an attainable and affordable...

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SAT Yay or Nay?

SAT Yay or Nay?

The SAT is a very important test among sophomores, juniors, and seniors, but is taking the SAT really necessary?
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
October 28, 2024

With the SAT coming up and the people stressing over it, people have been considering getting rid of the SAT exam. Some people choose to do it, some to skip it. This could make a huge impact on schools...

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New Houses Feedback

New Houses Feedback

The ultimate question, are the old houses better than the new ones? Or are the new ones better
Story by William Liu and Rena Wang
October 28, 2024

MECA’s new houses came with many changes to the competitions and events, which led to an uproar among students with the changes. Let's see which majority of the students like the original houses better...

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The winning leap, Felix Acevedo and Christian Aleman jumps to catch the football as it hurls towards them, while Abraham Arambula, Trinity Camacho, and Scharle Alvarez-Resley, stays behind them ready to act defense if their teammate didn’t catch the ball.

The winning leap, Felix Acevedo and Christian Aleman jumps to catch the football as it hurls towards them, while Abraham Arambula, Trinity Camacho, and Scharle Alvarez-Resley, stays behind them ready to...

They have it all! ASB members have set up a stand to sell food, drinks, and snacks! People go to the stand to buy chips, nachos, and drinks to eat and watch the game with their friends!

They have it all! ASB members have set up a stand to sell food, drinks, and snacks! People go to the stand to buy chips, nachos, and drinks to eat and watch the game with their friends!

Let the games begin! Announcers hype everyone up as the games are starting to begin! Kristabella Rodriguez(12) and Mia Romo (11) are announcing the flag football game between Hearts and Diamonds vs Clubs and Spades.

Let the games begin! Announcers hype everyone up as the games are starting to begin! Kristabella Rodriguez(12) and Mia Romo (11) are announcing the flag football game between Hearts and Diamonds vs Clubs...

The decisive catch! A very clean catch from Christian Aleman, and to have a good catch you’ll have to have good prejudgement to know exactly where the football is going to land and catch it.

The decisive catch! A very clean catch from Christian Aleman, and to have a good catch you’ll have to have good prejudgement to know exactly where the football is going to land and catch it.

It's too pricey!!! Angelo Karsouny (12) playfully argues with Jocelyn Pena (9) and Audrey Spencer (12) about the price of the nachos! He picks up a chip and jokingly complains about the nachos.

It's too pricey!!! Angelo Karsouny (12) playfully argues with Jocelyn Pena (9) and Audrey Spencer (12) about the price of the nachos! He picks up a chip and jokingly complains about the nachos.

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Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined
William Liu