AHS Cougar: Albany High's Own Extraterrestrial

BY NATASHA SHALLIKER, Cougar Online

With the election of Savannah Miller as Associated Student Body President, ’s four-year reign at is coming to an end.

April has been involved with leadership since middle school. After her first year in the eighth grade, she was presented with the Cobra Award for commitment and hard work. She continued to be secretary through her sophomore year and then Commissioner of Athletics junior year. Her senior year nobody dared challenge her ascension to ASB President.

Leadership class teacher John Bailes said, “April has proven this year to be effective in making key decisions for all students and directing the associated student officers to various successful goals, most notably in getting the ASB accounts out of the red. I am proud of all she accomplished.”

Throughout the last five years, April has been extremely involved with and committed to leadership and many other school-related activities.

As a sophomore Yang forced her way into journalism and has now become an Editor-in-Chief. She is responsible for all online content found on albanyhighcougar.com.

“As much as I appreciate April’s significant contributions to journalism, to leadership, to athletics, and to a myriad other activities, I appreciate her most in the classroom,” said English teacher Ned Purdom.

“You must always be on your toes with April; she thinks about things few ponder, and is always ready to shake up a class with incredibly perceptive and provocative comments.”

Yang is also an active participant in Albany High Theater Ensemble. She has graced the Light Crew with her brilliance all through her high school career, assuming the role as co-head with classmate Ezra Berger during her junior and senior years.

In addition to lights, April has been a leading participant in publicizing shows. The organization adviser of Theater Ensemble, Sarah Samonsky, stated, “Whenever you walk into a space where April is present you think you’re in charge, but in actuality she is. April has a very calming influence on a group. She is so talented-there is no limit to her talent. Her sense of humor is beyond dry. She is witty, sharp, genuine, beautiful, and self-directed.”

During the winter months, April Yang spent much of her time kicking butt in the Wrestling Room. Ever since the eighth grade April has been one of the , receiving much praise for her outstanding technical skill.

Head Coach Kermit Bankson stated, “April is one of the hardest working and most dedicated wrestlers we have ever had. She is one of the major reasons why Albany’s Girls Wrestling team has had the success it enjoys.”

She placed in the Girls’ State Tournament three years in a row, whooped Varsity boys on multiple occasions, and was an NCS Champion. Yang was made co-captain with Andy Choi during her senior season and the whole team looks up to her.

April Yang is also a leader in One Heart Club, Albany High’s Christian Club. She leads discussions in her sub-group of the Club and brings delicious food. Yang also regularly attends her church in Berkeley and enjoys helping with Sunday school and singing with the choir in both English and Mandarin (yes, April is also bilingual).

Not only does she belt it out with her church, April sings in Albany High’s a-capella group Vivace. She has also played the saxophone with Pep Band this past year.

Ever since her freshman year, April has been on the . In addition to helping advise the City Council on programs and issues advocating environmental sustainability, Yang is one of the main organizers of the annual .

Though it may seem unbelievable, April does all this and more while maintaining ridiculously good grades. This being said, she is very indecisive and is weighing a variety of college options.

She is also one of the wittiest, most caring, and best conversationalists anyone could hope to meet. April’s AP Comparative Government teacher, , stated succinctly, “April is awesome because she is so well rounded: student, athlete, musical, and fun to be around.”

How does she do it? April Yang must own a time-turner.

Read more from Albany High at http://www.albanyhighcougar.com.