10. EOC Geometry and Algebra retake

Clubs, classes combine to create live history museum

Junior Aaliyah Van Tol outlines an equal rights poster for the museum.

PHOTO BY SAKARI WILSON

Junior Dalila Montalvan and senior Emma Lorber paint signs like the ones civil rights activists used in the 1960s.

PHOTO BY ALEXIS BERNAT

Who is your favorite historical Black figure?

"I think Malcolm X — very important. I liked his views, he was passive, but not very passive with his ideas. It’s because I feel like he wanted it to be known — to get his point across. I liked the way that he thought. I like all of the Black activists from that time period, I feel like they’ve done so much for us. They even inspire modern day activists right now, even in different fields, not necessarily just Black activism, but all activism." — senior Taylor Sterling

What is something you think more people should be aware of about Black culture?

"How impactful it is on everything. The more I learn, the more I know that it has impacted everything that has happened, even currently – things that are happening.

From music to just general things. Things like waist beads are really popular now, originally African culture. A lot of things people do or try is an imitation of African culture, so you should know where it’s coming from." — senior Emma Lorber

Creating drama

Thespians plan first play in 3 years

By Brooke Butler, Staff Writer

The curtain will rise again.

At least that’s the goal of 20 students, meeting after school once every other week to rehearse and set up their upcoming play, in a new theater club. The club arose after the drama class was disbanded in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of teacher Vaughn Henderson.

“Last year was tough,” junior vice president Riley Dion said. “We couldn't do any productions. But this year we have a club and are working on ‘The Lightning Thief,’ which I’m really excited about.”

Due to the transition from a class to a club, advised by science teacher Jennifer Russo, the group has had more scheduling issues than it did with a definite classroom routine. However, members of the club are grateful that they still have an outlet for their art.

“We don’t have the time we did in class,” said Dion. “We still practice on Fridays, but it’s difficult for me because I also play softball.”

Despite the challenges faced, the group is grateful for some of the ups that come with a club.

“People who didn’t want to take the class can now join the club,” Dion said. “More people auditioned than usual, so it’s great to see different people getting involved.”

The lead in their upcoming play is a new member. Senior Daniel Funes will be playing Percy Jackson.

“I've only been here since this year,” Funes said. “I'm having fun, so I’m not upset it's a club now.”

Henderson’s death led his classroom to be repurposed for the athletic department. In the process, the props, costumes and sets that had been purchased over the years were thrown out.

“It happens to art programs. It's fine, we are used to it,” President Amalia Phend said. “We now have a plan to sort of rebuild the program, and (Thespians) are going to states in March. It's going to be great!”

Funds have been difficult to access due to confusion about the theater program’s two different organizations, a drama class/club for putting on productions and a chapter of the International Thespians Society for state and national competitions. The money that had been raised when Henderson taught the drama class could not be transferred to the Thespians, according to district accounting procedures. So Russo set up a GoFundMe for “PBHS Thespians” to pay for the rights to put on the show and to purchase props, costumes and set materials.

The Thespians will perform “The Lightning Thief” one night only, 7 p.m., Thurs., April 21, in the auditorium. Tickets are not yet available, but will be out soon.

Practice makes perfect as sophomore Elizabeth O'Toole rehearses a dance ritual for the upcoming play.

PHOTO BY COBY BARBAROSH

"The Lightning Thief"

based on the Percy Jackson novel by Rick Riordan Thurs., Apr. 21 7 p. m. Auditorium

Sophomore Elizabeth O'Toole, senior Daniel Funes and junior Talia Bartley act out dialogue while rehearsing for the April 21 production of "The Lightning Thief."

PHOTO BY KEANU SILVA

Senior Daniel Funes uses an umbrella as a prop for a sword while rehearsing a scene with sophomore Matthew Barbosa and junior Jackson Hutton.

PHOTO BY KEANU SILVA

Senior Amalia Phend directs a scene during rehearsal.

PHOTO BY KEANU SILVA