Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined

The Academy Chronicle
Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined

The Academy Chronicle
Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined

The Academy Chronicle
Iliana Maldonado

Iliana Maldonado, Editor

Iliana Maldonado is a sophomore at Mt. SAC Early College Academy. This is her second year as a staff member of The Academy Chronicle and her first year as an editor. In her free time, she enjoys reading and building DIY mini models. She values ambition and wishes to gain a position of power in journalism. She plans to pursue psychology in college, but she doesn’t have a specific college in mind. Her personal goals are to grow her earring collection and write at least 10 astonishing articles.

All content by Iliana Maldonado
The new "Avatar: The Last Airbender" movie was a subject of discourse for some time, given the unexpected leak and the issues that followed it.

The Avatar Returns…Earlier Than Expected?

In April, the long awaited "Avatar: The Last Airbender" movie was leaked, and thousands of fans were thrown into shock.
Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
May 11, 2026

The beloved animated kids show "Avatar: The Last Airbender” is finally getting a movie revival, with longtime fans reviving their childhood memories and dusting off their old memorabilia in preparation...

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The future is really bright for us...or is it? With the rising trends towards AI, the West Covina Unified School District has begun to teach educators how to use this long forbidden program at the cost of precious time, resources, and funding.

[Photo] OPINION: Are you human? Check to confirm

April 27, 2026

The future is really bright for us...or is it? With the rising trends towards AI, the West Covina Unified School District has begun to teach educators how to use this long forbidden program at the cost...

If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of writing your letters of recommendation, look no further.

Top Marks or Dying Sparks?

Lots of students ask for letters of recommendation, but there's a lot that goes into writing one---let alone a good one---for both the students and the staff.
Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
March 23, 2026

Though the phrase gets tossed around often, letters of recommendation truly do vary in effect. Whether you’re required to send one out or just looking for a way to boost your application, the way that...

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JC Romero is a passionate freshman at MECA, and with him, he's bringing his own unique skills.

Freshman Friday | JC Romero

Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
March 13, 2026

If you’ve heard the punchy strings of an electric guitar around campus, then get ready to put a face to the sound as MECA welcomes JC Romero, a talented guitarist with aspirations to fly sky high—in...

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Gabe Nicholas enjoys the dogsled games as he is pulled by the sophomores.

[Photo] GALLERY: MECA Winter Olympic Game

Story by Desiree Vazquez, Writer
March 11, 2026

Anthony Reyes (12), Sofia Hernandez (12), Reyli Salazar (12) pull Patrick Reyes, math and Academic Decathlon teacher at MECA.

A lot of people miss the importance of sleep---often at the expense of self improvement.

OPINION: Bring Back Bedtimes

Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
February 2, 2026

Countless students struggle to get sufficient amounts of sleep—and even when they get the recommended amount, it never seems like enough. From assignments to studying, I, like many others, find difficulty...

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Sophomore Sophia Sanchez dances in the crowd.

Sophomore Sophia Sanchez dances in the crowd.

Sophomores, Michael Warawita, Lola Faniel, Sophia Marroquin and, M.J. Beltran all laugh together during the Rally.

Sophomores, Michael Warawita, Lola Faniel, Sophia Marroquin and, M.J. Beltran all laugh together during the Rally.

Juniors, Felix Acevedo and Christian Aleman embrace after Christian won a Rally game!

Juniors, Felix Acevedo and Christian Aleman embrace after Christian won a Rally game!

Hanna Fofana (9) and Mia Orozco (9) smile as Mia wins a coupon to the Student Store at MECA.

Hanna Fofana (9) and Mia Orozco (9) smile as Mia wins a coupon to the Student Store at MECA.

Matt Johnson (P.E teacher), Alex Palacios (security guard), Gabe Nichols (history teacher) and volunteer at MECA, help with Pancake Breakfast.

[Photo] Recap on the First Semester

Story by Desiree Vazquez and Jason Li
January 20, 2026

Matt Johnson (P.E teacher), Alex Palacios (security guard), Gabe Nichols (history teacher) and volunteer at MECA, help with Pancake Breakfast.

Cheer is just one of the many components driving MECA's school spirit, but alongside the club and sports teams, there's so much more!

2-4-6-8 Do We Need To Coordinate?

Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
January 12, 2026

School spirit: is it an exuberant crowd cheering on their favorite team, or the collective will of students in unity while studying for their finals? While many can agree that the community at MECA is...

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This year brought a new change to MECA: the return of the Renaissance Rally.

Old Event, New Energy

Story by Julian Puente and Iliana Maldonado
January 12, 2026

Inspired by previous renditions of the event, the Renaissance Rally will make its debut at MECA on Jan. 16, boasting the same excitement of class competitions, with a blend of academic appreciation sandwiched...

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The "student slump" has become a huge problem for students, drastically affecting their education.

It’s Not Just the Sophomores Who Slump

Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
December 5, 2025

The term “sophomore slump” has been passed around for quite some time, relating to a lack of interest regarding educational experience and a drop in motivation following their freshman year. But, it...

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Most people ignore the posters on campus, but this behavior may run even deeper than we thought.

Can You See Me? Poster Blindness on Campus

Poster blindness, a term coined in 1998, has become even more prevalent on MECA´s campus, creating a haze of constant confusion and conflicting sources of information.
Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
September 24, 2025

Similar to an epidemic, poster blindness has swept throughout Mt SAC Early College Academy (MECA)like a plague; originating from misinformation and mundane design, posters (and presentations) blend noteworthy...

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Missing the Memo Featured Image. Drawn by Savannah Banuelos

Missing the Memo

Are communication methods at MECA effective?
Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
May 12, 2025

Being a small school like Mt. SAC Early College Academy (MECA), many assume that communication wouldn’t be an issue, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. Being a new school comes with its...

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Despite the fact that Sophia Sanchez has grown up, her personality and presence haven't changed.

Freshman Focus: Sophia Sanchez

Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
March 24, 2025

Those who know Sophia Sanchez tend to agree that her lighthearted, bubbly nature is what draws them towards her, making her known for cracking jokes and sunny smiles that are sure to light up a room. “It...

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Lily is playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with Issac Rico-Perez during the Link Crew Picnic. (Right to Left) Lily Erazo (9), Miguel Orozco (9), Marvin Lopez (9), and Issac Rico-Perez.

[Photo] Freshman Focus – Lily Erazo

Story by Raeka Wang, Editor
March 19, 2025

Lily is playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with Issac Rico-Perez during the Link Crew Picnic. (Right to Left) Lily Erazo (9), Miguel Orozco (9), Marvin Lopez (9), and Issac Rico-Perez.

Despite the multitude of clubs to choose from, most people don't know what goes on behind the scenes when managing a club.

MECA’s Clubs: What You Need to Know

Story by Iliana Maldonado, Editor
March 6, 2025

Despite the multitude of clubs offered at MECA, nobody really knows the true extent of these organizations, from the responsibility that comes with it, to the challenges that students face inside and outside...

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Not many people know much about the Golden Globes, and even less know about Emilia Perez, a foreign film causing a lot of discourse among audiences.

Stolen Spotlight

Story by Sarah Ulloa and Iliana Maldonado
February 21, 2025

Nobody really knows why Emilia Perez (a foreign film and musical) swept the Golden Globes, but many suspect unfair advantages, improper calls, and a rigged system of critics, especially when faced with...

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Senior Dominik Maldonado makes a jaw dropping block against freshman Natalia Jarquin, surprising viewers who were watching.

A Block to Remember

Story by Sarah Ulloa and Iliana Maldonado
February 13, 2025

Senior Dominik Maldonado made a devastating block for Coronado’s basketball team against Natalia Jarquin, a freshman, continuing to play to the very best of his abilities despite temporarily being a...

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Academically Inclined, Journalistically Refined
Iliana Maldonado