Cerritos College
Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Briana Hicks

Briana Hicks, Staff Writer

If you want to get an idea of who I am, look at some of my stories. You can find out a little bit about me in my the way I write. Growing into the role of a college student, I'm beginning to find out who I am in this life. Back when I first began coming to Cerritos, I never would've imagined that I'd find my connection to the school on the college newspaper. Let alone, find people who actually understand me as well as I understand them. My path in life is unfolding itself before, and I am so excited to see where it takes me.

All content by Briana Hicks

Succeeding in the face of adversity

Briana Hicks, News Editor December 14, 2016

Perseverance is a word that describes Gerardo Estrada. At age eight he came to the United States with his parents from Tijuana Baja California with a dream of a better life. He and his parents came over...

Culinart Arts student Stephanie Ruiz was one of the students in charge of the carving station at the Presidents Holiday Party, which took place on Thursday, Dec 8. The foods theme was Italian and included manicotti and lasagna.

[Photo] President’s Holiday Party collects 360 toys for Sparks of Love

Karla Enriquez, Managing Editor December 14, 2016

Culinart Arts student Stephanie Ruiz was one of the students in charge of the carving station at the President's Holiday Party, which took place on Thursday, Dec 8. The food's theme was Italian and included...

Page 2 – December 7

Briana Hicks, News Editor December 7, 2016

Page 1 – December 7

Briana Hicks, News Editor December 7, 2016

Thoughts on Donald Trump becoming America’s President-elect

Emily Venegas, teaching major- "I come from a family of immigrants, so it hurt me that he won. I don't like the idea of him being president and I feel like his presidency years are going to be hell."Karina...

Christina McPhee discusses her art at the closing day of solo art show at the Cerritos College art gallery on Saturday, Nov. 12. McPhees solo art show featured two series of work, Double Blind Studio Series and Second Sight.

McPhee’s exhibition gives students abstract visuals to art

Briana Hicks November 16, 2016

Art major Bradley Okundolor described Christina McPhee’s art work as having an abstract feel. “At the same time it’s kind of grounded in reality because I can sometimes picture shapes within the...

November 16 – Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor November 15, 2016

Ongoing board election results oust incumbent trustee

Briana Hicks November 15, 2016

While people were heavily focused on the national election, the incumbents for board of trustees were focusing on their own election results. Tuesday, November 8th the race to fill open seats for...

Speaker Yousef Baker instructed protestors to put their fist in the air and shout power to the people. The slogan origanted from Black Panther Huey P. Newton. The raised fist is used to encourage solidarity among minorities.

[Photo] CSULB students gather for anti-Trump protest

Terrel Emerson November 14, 2016

Speaker Yousef Baker instructed protestors to put their fist in the air and shout "power to the people." The slogan origanted from Black Panther Huey P. Newton. The raised fist is used to encourage solidarity...

Marvel creates an eccentric trip for viewers

Briana Hicks November 10, 2016

If I had to imagine what it would be like to go on an acid trip, it would look a lot like the abstract scenes in Doctor Strange.The movie was great from start to finish, but I couldn’t get over...

Group for abuse victims brought to Cerritos

Briana Hicks November 8, 2016

When society criticizes the victim of a sexual assault and views men’s sexual violence as normal that is defined as rape culture.On Wednesday, Nov. 2 the Title IX Coordinator Dr. Raphael Valyncia...

Cerritos running back Kishawn Holmes is gang tackled by 5 Moorpark Raiders. Although he rushed 30 times for 185 yards, the team was not able to successfully earn a win over the Raiders, falling 35-28.

[Photo] Cerritos on outside, looking in after loss to Moorpark

Terrel Emerson November 7, 2016

Cerritos' running back Kishawn Holmes is gang tackled by 5 Moorpark Raiders. Although he rushed 30 times for 185 yards, the team was not able to successfully earn a win over the Raiders, falling 35-28.

November 2 – Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor November 2, 2016

November 2 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor November 2, 2016

Gender neutral bathrooms in discussion for campus

Briana Hicks November 1, 2016

With the world constantly evolving California State Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a law mandating that every business with a single stall restroom must now hang signs explicitly stating the restroom...

Interviewees campaign for Vice President of Human Resources position

Briana Hicks October 25, 2016

Director of Student Program Services Norma Rodriguez expressed that since Vice Presidents have a high position, and are involved in all aspects of the campus, she would like someone who has the confidence...

October 26 – Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor October 25, 2016

October 26 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor October 25, 2016

Quarterback Nick Mitchell suffers one of four fumbles during Cerritos 28-21 loss to Bakersfield Saturday, Oct. 22. The Falcons were playing without their starting center Daniel Alanouf. Photo credit: Briana Hicks

[Photo] Mental mistakes lead Bakersfield to 28-21 win over Cerritos

Terrel Emerson October 24, 2016

Quarterback Nick Mitchell suffers one of four fumbles during Cerritos' 28-21 loss to Bakersfield Saturday, Oct. 22. The Falcons were playing without their starting center Daniel Alanouf. Photo credit:...

Quarterback Nick Mitchell (No. 3) and running back Kishawn Holmes (No. 5) celebrate in the end zone during the homecoming game against Santa Monica. The 35-point outing set a new season-high for the Falcons.

[Photo] Homecoming heroics lead to 35-13 clubbing of Santa Monica

Terrel Emerson October 19, 2016

Quarterback Nick Mitchell (No. 3) and running back Kishawn Holmes (No. 5) celebrate in the end zone during the homecoming game against Santa Monica. The 35-point outing set a new season-high for the Falcons.

October 19 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor October 19, 2016

Megan Kim was crowned homecoming queen on Saturday, Oct. 15. She was escorted by her friend Jonathan Lim and was sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa.

Megan Kim is announced homecoming queen

Briana Hicks October 18, 2016

“I was pretty confident after elections because a lot of people told me ‘oh, I voted for ballot number two, ’ which was my number. But I was still shocked when [my name was called],”...

Celenas safe haven: cop shootings

Celena’s safe haven: cop shootings

Briana Hicks October 17, 2016

Recently three cops were shot; only one was injured while the other two were killed. Although cops aren’t on good standing with minorities, they don’t deserve to die! It is agreed that there...

Quaterback Nick Mitchell gets sacked while attempting to throw a pass. Mitchell was temporarily taken out of the game, but returned to score two touch downs in the second half. Photo credit: Briana Hicks

[Photo] Falcons can’t overcome sluggish start fall to Tiger, 31-16

Terrel Emerson October 12, 2016

Quaterback Nick Mitchell gets sacked while attempting to throw a pass. Mitchell was temporarily taken out of the game, but returned to score two touch downs in the second half. Photo credit: Briana Hicks

October 12 – Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor October 12, 2016

October 12 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor October 12, 2016

Do students really have a say in ASCC senate?

Briana Hicks October 11, 2016

Every year, ASCC holds elections for potential senate members. And each year the student body decides, based off the campaigning efforts of hopeful electives, whom it thinks will best suit making a...

ASCC commissioner of external affairs Connor Gafford explained to his fellow cabinet members how students would benefit from supporting Prop. 51. Gafford and ASCC President Saul Lopez united to gain support from cabinet on Prop. 51 and Prop. 55. Photo credit: Briana Hicks

Benefits offered from propositions gain ASCC cabinet members support

Briana Hicks October 11, 2016

Prop. 51 will give existing schools, kindergarten through community colleges, access to $9 billion to help renovate and upgrade their school through the Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2016. Trying...

September 21 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor October 3, 2016

September 28 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor September 28, 2016

Stop ignoring racism, it hasn’t gone anywhere

Karla Enriquez and Briana Hicks September 28, 2016

For every Facebook debate, there’s the person who claims to be all about peace and love and declares that we need to look beyond race. The post calls for people to be color-blind and unite as one. This...

Celena’s Safe Haven Column: Skin color and Race do not define beauty

Briana Hicks September 21, 2016

It is not a compliment when you tell a black woman that she looks beautiful, and then turn around and ask her what she’s mixed with. Some people may not see anything wrong in that statement, but...

New e-mails present students with benefits

Briana Hicks September 21, 2016

“If it’s a benefit [to use student e-mails], then I probably will [get it],” said undecided major, Liseth Alba. On Tues. Sept. 13th, the college launched .edu e-mail accounts for students. Vice...

New senate positions filled with 48 hours of voting

Briana Hicks September 20, 2016

With ASCC looking to fill seats for senate for this academic year, the two-day voting process came and went. The senate hopefuls quietly campaigned inside classrooms with 21 sophomores and nine freshmen...

September 14: Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor September 14, 2016

September 14: Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor September 14, 2016

K-16 Bridge program sees improvements with Cerritos Complete program

Briana Hicks September 13, 2016

Cerritos Complete, a new program for graduating high school students, kicked off this year with a bang. The beginning of the fall semester welcomed 526 incoming freshmen students who were part of the...

August 31 – Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor August 30, 2016

August 31 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, News Editor August 30, 2016

August 24 – Page 2

Briana Hicks, News Editor August 23, 2016

Board candidates vie for CCFF endorsements

Briana Hicks, News Editor August 23, 2016

Board of trustee hopefuls showed many different characteristics aspiring to be endorsed by the Cerritos College Faculty Federation (CCFF). Area 4 trustee member Marisa Perez, kicked off the lobbying...

Faculty rallies at the Cerritos College Faculty Federation rally on Wednesday, May 4. Psychology Professor Lewellen and Business Professor Jerry Ramos were part of the rally. Photo credit: Karla Enriquez

Tentative agreement established for CCFF

Briana Hicks, News Editor August 23, 2016

After long drawn out months of nonstop back-and-forth negotiations and contract proposals between the District representatives and Cerritos College Faculty Federation (CCFF), the two have finally reached...

The struggle is real

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 18, 2016

In the world today, just being able to stay in school is an accomplishment. There are so many hurdles and hoops to jump through. Such as, paying for classes, buying books, and paying for miscellaneous...

Calhoun poses for a picture, with her little sister, that she takes of as if she were her own daughter. Calhoun is a full time student, as well as a full time security guard.

The real superwoman

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 18, 2016

“But, you have women like Jeneisha [Calhoun] […] and I feel they are the real life superheroes, ” said Calhoun’s boyfriend, Jarren Ross, with pride. Although she’s faced many roadblocks and...

Student to student advice

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 18, 2016

Students list the top ways to save money while attending school.  

Pennies4Diplomas blog interactive

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 18, 2016

As a student, many people don't really know what students are going through to get their degree. Our mission for this blog is to expose the "elephant in the room." We want to show people just how hard...

Military Ball exposes students to veteran traditions

Briana Hicks May 14, 2016

Veterans and students danced the night away under the aroma of candlelight and good music. On Saturday, April 30 students were invited to join military officials at their traditional ball. For the first...

May 11- Page 9

Briana Hicks, Campus Life May 11, 2016

May 11- Page 6

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 11, 2016

May 11- Page 5

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 11, 2016

May 4 – Page 4

Briana HIcks, Campus Life May 9, 2016

May 4 – Page 1

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor May 9, 2016

Beyonce on stage at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Riding the wave of lemonade

Briana Hicks May 5, 2016

Beyonce threw her ring at the camera, threatening to leave Jay Z. Her visual album, “Lemonade, ” took the world by storm, leaving fans wondering is she divorcing Jay Z? Many questioned if she’d...

Page 5 – April 20

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 20, 2016

Page 4 – April 20

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 20, 2016

Page 5 – April 13

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 18, 2016

Page 4 – April 13

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 18, 2016

Bookstore Sales Associate Cindy Munoz, works the bookstore’s graduation booth. The booth offered caps, gowns and diploma frames for purchase. Photo credit: Monique Nethington

Cerritos College prepares students for graduation

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 12, 2016

For the past month, graduates have been preparing to say their final good-byes to Cerritos College. As a way to celebrate their hard work, the school put together a graduation fair last Wednesday. But...

Page 4 – April 6

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 11, 2016

Freshman Channon Owens gasps for a quick breath during the womens 200-yard IM. Owens competed in two events on the day. Photo credit: Terrel Emerson

Chaffey takes the edge over women’s swim team

Briana Hicks April 5, 2016

The women’s swim team suffers to another split victory, they went on to beat out East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and lost to Chaffey College. They will compete Friday in the Pasadena Invitational. On...

Despite injuries, men’s swim pulls out victory

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor April 4, 2016
Although, the men’s swim team is suffering from injuries, the team crushed Chaffey College by 34 points. The men will compete on Friday, April at the Pasadena Invitational.

Page 5 – March 30

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor March 30, 2016

Page 4 – March 30

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor March 30, 2016

Cerritos brings heat in dual meet

Briana Hicks March 29, 2016

The swim team brought home three wins in a dual South Coast Conference meet. Both teams will compete again Friday, Apr. 1 at 12:30 p.m., at home against Chaffey College and East Los Angeles College. On...

Architecture and technology club members, Jesse Magellan (left) and Krisandra Perez (right), set up a game for their fundraiser. Funds raised from the fundraiser will go towards an event for the students. Photo credit: Briana Hicks

Architecture Club to tour New Orleans

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor March 14, 2016

Over spring break, on Tuesday, Mar. 15 the Architecture and Technology Club will be flying to New Orleans, Louisiana to get hands on experience studying the culture’s architectural designs. The...

No worries for swim teams with conference play approaching

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor March 4, 2016

From past swim meets this season, leading up to the invitational at Golden West College on Friday Feb. 26, the men have repeatedly come in a lower place than the last. The men came in sixth place...

The California College Media Awards presented a third place certificate to three Talon Marks editors, Grester Celis-Acosta (Left), Briana Velarde (Middle), and Terrel Emerson (Right) for best podcast. The students discussed a new hip-hop album that had just been released, and hope to follow up on another album in the future.

[Photo] Talon Marks takes home CCMA Award

Alvaro Flores, Staff Writer February 29, 2016

The California College Media Awards presented a third place certificate to three Talon Marks editors, Grester Celis-Acosta (Left), Briana Velarde (Middle), and Terrel Emerson (Right) for best podcast....

Page 4 – March 2

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor March 3, 2016

Miracle Jones [left] and Alisia Whirley [right] lead the audience in an open discussion. Students and staff weigh in on the heavy subject about what Black Lives Matter mean to them. Photo credit: Briana Hicks

Umoja program creates an unstoppable buzz

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 28, 2016

Students and staff were invited into the Black Lives Matter event with the smell of freshly cooked bacon and eggs. Music created a positive ambiance with songs from various artists, such as “Alright”...

Mens swimming coach, Joe Abing, watches over the swim team as they are warming up. Abing prepares the team for the upcoming swim meet on Friday. Photo credit: Terrel Emerson

Swim teams fail to consistently place

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 25, 2016

Both swim teams placed lower than their meet at Palomar, with men coming in fifth place, and women coming in fourth place. The meet took place at Rio Hondo College Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday Feb....

Swim team gets feet wet

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 16, 2016

The Cerritos Falcon men and women swim team had a chance to get their feet wet when they were invited to a two-day meet at Palomar Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6. The meet marked the first event...

Page 3 – Feb. 10

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 10, 2016

Line between races still prominent in today’s society

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 9, 2016

Over the past few years, racial tension has spun out of control in the nation. For example, African American students at Missouri State University were terrorized by Caucasian students who threatened their...

Storify: Club info day takes over Falcon Square

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 8, 2016

< div class="storify">[View the story "Club Info Day" on Storify]

Page 3 – February 3, 2016

Briana Hicks, Campus Life February 3, 2016

Falcons hope to break more records this season

Briana Hicks, Campus Life Editor February 2, 2016

Last year, Cerritos women’s swimming team, finished fourth at the South Coast Conference Championships. The Falcons defeated the hosting Huskies by 15 points, with a final score of 413, Falcons, and...

Breakout Artist of 2016: Alessia Cara

Briana Hicks, Campus Life February 1, 2016

Aleesia’s Cara debut single, “Here,” streamed over 500,000 times within the first week. Cara, is a new up and coming break out artist of 2016. Her album, “Know it All,” was released Nov. 13,...

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