With a spirit that withstands it all and as an artist of extracurriculars, Junior Teddy Hinahon is a highly involved student at Rancho Cucamonga High School. He is the social bunny of the senior class that brings a welcoming energy into the places he goes. He is most often regarded as JT.
His friends perceive him to be an extroverted personality while leading with intention.
“I consider him one of my best friends. He is never afraid to go out of his way to checkup on you whether its getting you food or something,” senior Kayla Diep said.
The sport of golf, choir, and Key Club is where he spends his time, but do not be fooled in the surplus of activities. He has shown dedication to each of them.
Of the three activities, golf is Hinahon’s longest standing commitment. It is a passion sparked in his childhood with the encouragement from his long standing golfing buddy, his dad. Growing up with the sport practiced at home, it drew him to tryout his freshman year of high school. He recalled having some reservations as a freshman, but was given a spot on the varsity team. He is on a streak of three years on the varsity team.
According to Hinahon, the moment that made the biggest impression on him was his first win in first place, and building bonds with his teammates after a CIF loss.
In choir, Hinahon has an accredited four years, but he has been a participant of the art since his fifth-grade year. Not only does he currently take the class, but he has expanded out into musicals. Some of them including The Music Man, James and the Giant Peach, Frozen Jr. where he played Grand Pabbie, and Drake the butler in Annie Jr. during his middle school years.
Some of his following accomplishments within the commitment to choir are his roles in Chamber Choir and Meistersinger. Within the class he has become part of a more selective group focusing on the classical eras of music. As a Meistersinger, he is involved in activities such as the Disneyland Candlelight Vigil where the group recently sang at the park for the public.
In the most recent months, he has taken part of the school’s benefit concert where after an audition routine he sang Paramore’s famous hit “Still Into You.”
Serving his community with Key Club, Hinahon volunteers with his friends to reach out to others.
“I like to help people and I like to communicate a lot,” Hinahon said.
It is an essential factor in why he has fun taking part in a variety of clubs. They are just opportunities to connect.
Hinahon serves as the Spirit Coordinator and the Member Relations Chairman for Key Club. The members rely on his exuberance to keep the energy flowing. He also previously served as an officer in the clubs of CHOC and COH.
“You spend a second with JT and your mood is boosted, and you’re laughing,” Diep said.
A follower of the limelight, Hinahon expresses his love for K-pop and the positive energy it reinforces in him. He even admitted his inclusion of his quirk for the genre into his college applications. His current favorite listen is “Wa Da Da” by Kep1er. The lyrics take on the theme of striving for your dreams in spite of the setbacks. He strives to be like his dad. His ultimate goal is to repay the hardships his dad has faced with his future accomplishments.
His friends carry high regards towards him, and leave with a note.
“Don’t stop being you and keep Wa Da Da’ing on,” senior Samantha Oceguerra said.
