Fall semester is over. Classes are done and Christmas is here. It’s that hectic time where we either graduate, transfer or register for more courses again for next semester. We at Talon Marks have realized that throughout this semester, students have experienced more than anyone has taken note of. So here it is. Our list of Top Ten things that happened this year. Brace yourself…

1) The one year anniversary of Sept. 11.

As painful as this was to look back on, it made people throughout the world remember that our country is strong. We paid homage to those in uniform and vowed to never forget.

2) The faculty union

We at Talon Marks have always supported the faculty, so in essence, we support the union. While many students complained about homework, that wasn’t all that was on our teachers minds. Faculty spent long hours campaigning and put hard thought into something that would change the way that they worked forever.

3) The Football team was an inch away.

This year, the Football team made us proud. Although we didn’t win the Strawberry Bowl, we did recognize one thing. They strived to work collectively as a team and played not only with body and mind in focus, but with spirit and heart.

4) The grand opening of Avalon.

The 15 million-dollar project benefited more people than the residents. It also gave jobs to those in nursing, landscaping, rehabilitation and cosmetology.

5) John Grindel is the new interim president.

Grindel, who’s main goal for the college was “student success” took on his first semester at Cerritos College as the new interim President. Welcome aboard President Grindel!

6) People were dropping classes like crazy.

Here’s where we say, if you’re going to register for a class, make sure you stay in it. The statistics for people dropping classes this year was outrageous. Keep in mind before you drop a class that someone was turned away for the seat that you are so casually giving up.

7) Radiofest rocked the house.

WPMD (Where People Make a Difference) presented Radiofest. If you missed it, there was rap and hip-hop on the first day and Rock music on the second day. Radiofest was also made complete with the support of KROQ and Power 106. We are looking forward to it next year.

8) The Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot went off with a bang as 260 people came to participate in the canned food drive during the Thanksgiving season. First place went to Julie Stewart with 11 minutes and 27 seconds and to Geraldo Flores with 11minutes and eight seconds.

9) New Falcon Way.

After the construction and traffic Cerritos College finally finished up New Falcon Way in August. Most are happy about the safer and more convenient way to enter the school.

10) Our ‘maybe’ war on Iraq.

Ok, we realized that this one wasn’t exactly campus related, but it sure has made a lot of heads spin. Whether you’re for it or against it, the fact is that war is a possibility. All there is to do now is sit and wait the a decision, and pray for a positive outcome for our nation.

Although the semester always starts out slow, we can all agree that it goes by very fast. So whether you’ll be returning to Cerritos College next semester or transferring to a new school, we wish you the best of luck. See you next semester.