(November 26, 2003) — While most of their friends slept in after either celebrating or distressing over the Glendale High football victory the previous night, 53 seniors met at Clark at 6:30 a.m. Nov. 15 for the class trip to Catalina. During the hour-long bus ride to Long Beach, students slept, snacked and anticipated the day’s plans. Accompanied by Principal Doug Dall, his wife, Assistant Principal Joan Shoff, ASB Advisor Kristina Provost and class advisor Ellen Armitstead, students were greeted by the Catalina Travel Connection with Krispy Kreme donuts and leis. After loading the Catalina Express speedboat, some played cards while others slept, ate or complained about the on-and-off drizzle outside. Despite the precipitation, the group arrived at Avalon Bay an hour later and received an introduction to Catalina from tour guide Juliet Walters. Students were given vouchers to use on miniature golf, an adventure tour of the isle or bike rentals. Seniors then had free time. Some said they had been to Catalina before, while others had never experienced it. Senior Tadeh Amirian, visiting the island for the first time, described it as “a mini-Europe!” Armitstead said that she was glad students did things they’d never done before, such as kayaking and fishing. The group reassembled at Steve’s Steakhouse for lunch, the cost of which was included in the $80 ticket price. Provost gave a speech thanking class president Armen Mnazakanyan and advisor Armitstead for their work in planning the trip. After lunch the group posed for an ASB photo, at which time over 15 students gave their cameras to Dall to take group pictures. The group split into two for half-submerged submarine rides, during which students were able to buy food torpedoes to feed fish. Two hours after loading the Catalina Express back to Long Beach, the bus pulled up to Clark’s loading zone and students once again felt the delicate November drizzle. Shoff compared the trip to senior Ripsime Dzhanikyan’s mood ring, both of which started out gloomy but remained relaxed—or “green,” in the ring’s case—throughout. “It was gloomy in the beginning,” senior Michelle Rivera said, “but it cleared up. It’s been fun; it was worth it.” While most enjoyed its adventurous aspects, others had different opinions on the trip. Senior Allen Moosakhanian said he had “lots of laughs and a headache,” and Alek Bartrosouf said, “The sleep was great.” Shoff and Armitstead said that they were proud of the seniors for their cleanliness, respect and courtesy. “We got compliments on how good the kids were,” Shoff said, “and we said we expected it because they’re Clark kids.” The Catalina trip is fairly new for Clark; the Class of 2004 was the second to attend. Last year, 58 seniors enjoyed similar activities on the island.