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Bakersfield High School

December 12, 2024

Bakersfield Drillers are defeated in 2024 Valley Championship football game by Azuliris Flores and Valerie Reyes

Staff Writers

Bakersfield High School had their Valley Championship football game against Frontier High School on Nov. 22. Drillers put up a fight, but ultimately lost to 14-31.

Quarter One

In the first quarter, a touchdown was scored by the Titans with a failed kick by Coby Watson making the score 0-6.

With 7:25 left on the clock, the Titans scored another touchdown bringing the score to 0-12; they landed the two-point conversion making it 0-14. Drillers fumbled at the 39-yard line with 5:24 left in the first quarter, ending the quarter as a shutout.

Quarter Two

Starting the second quarter, the Titans shank the ball on kickoff but end up getting the ball back. The score was 0-17 with 7:33 on the clock.

A penalty was called on the Drillers, putting the ball at the 4-yard line, but then with a kick take it back to the 43-yard line. Titans quickly got the ball to end zone, ending the second quarter with a score of 0-23.

Quarter Three

The third quarter begins with a penalty on the Drillers for an illegal procedure; the Titans then received the same penalty with 7:40 left in the third quarter. The Titans land another touchdown, making the score 0-31. Hatcher then intercepted the Titans, and Driller Isaiah Richard was injured.

Driller Jay Wells intercepted the play with 1:06 left, but a penalty occurred because the swapped

player had not finished exiting the field before the interception.

During the last 55 seconds, fights broke out on the field as a personal foul penalty after players grabbed each others’ face masks.

The Drillers scored their first touchdown of the game in the last 38 seconds and immediately called timeout. Rather than taking the chance at a field goal, the Drillers tried for another touchdown and failed; the score was 6-31.

Titan #5 Gineu Sungbeth was injured during the play and was pulled from the game. In the last 27 seconds, Titan’s Green Jr. cleared approximately 20 yards and moved the play to the 10-yard line.

Quarter Four

Frontier starts the quarter with Eserado Sanchez getting injured. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, both teams took timeouts.

A fight on the field occurred, and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was given to both sides.

With 14 seconds left on the clock, the Drillers scored one last touchdown and earned a two-point conversion. The Titans became the official valley champions with a score of 14-31.

2024 Varsity Record

Pre-Season

08/23 BHS v Edison 54-0

08/30 BHS v Justin Garza 43-0

League

09/06 BHS v Stockdale 49-0

09/13 BHS v Bullard 40-13

09/19 BHS v North 52-17

10/04 BHS v Highland 55-14

10/10 BHS v Centennial 22-21

10/18 BHS v B. Christian 23-24

10/24 BHS v Ridgeview 35-0

11/01 BHS v Independence 38-21

Play-Offs

11/08 BHS v San Joaquin 23-7

11/15 BHS v Arroyo Grande 24-21

11/22 BHS v Frontier 14-31

Photo by Adam Armstrong.

Campus beautification project brings temporary closures within Elm Grove

by Adam Armstrong, Sports Editor

After fencing suddenly appeared in the center of campus on October 14, BHS students can be heard asking why a big chunk of Elm Grove is fenced off.

The administration has confirmed that the fencing is a temporary measure as a part of the campus beautification project.

“As a part of the beautification of campus, We promised we would work to restore the grass in Elm Grove. This will be a Two-month process. In the coming days (Last Monday 10/14), We will be receiving some fencing to fence off the west end of Elm Grove. This will disrupt the flow of student/staff traffic for a month at a

Urban legends, crime, and the paranormal: “Kern County Unknown” debuts in Bakersfield

by Arline Pineda, News Editor

Get ready to explore the eerie underbelly of Bakersfield as “Kern County Unknown” makes its debut on Oct. 25 at Empty Space. This groundbreaking docuseries fuses true crime with paranormal investigation, inviting audiences to uncover the mysteries that haunt Kern County. With an engaging premiere event, including a Q&A session with renowned host Robert Peterson of the “Notorious Bakersfield” podcast, this promises to be an evening filled with spine-chilling stories and compelling insights.

time. After a month, We will move the fence to the east end. Custodial will be seeding and it is a perfect time with the weather to allow the seed to germinate. I am sorry for the inconvenience,” Ricky Ishida, the BHS Assistant Principal of Administration, wrote in an all-staff email. The fencing runs horizontally from the western edge of the grove by the portables and continues to the center sidewalk, and spans vertically from the most northern edge of the grove near G Street to the most southern sidewalk in front of Warren Hall.

Although staff were made aware of the

upcoming improvements, students were surprised when they witnessed maintenance crews setting these fences up during fourth lunch.

This portion of the beautification project is set to end in mid-December after the other half of Elm Grove has been seeded.

Kern County Unknown delves deep into the dark tales that have long lingered in the shadows of Bakersfield. Each episode highlights unsettling true crime stories and the ghostly encounters linked to them, reaching far beyond iconic locations like the Fox Theatre and Mill Creek Park. This series seeks to illuminate the hidden narratives of the region, blending historical context with contemporary investigations.

The premiere event will take place at Empty Space on Oct. 25 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $25 and are available for purchase on the Empty Space website. This is not just a viewing; it’s an immersive experience that includes a live Q&A with Robert Peterson, a respected voice in the Bakersfield community.

Peterson’s podcast, “Notorious Bakersfield,” has garnered a following for its deep dives into the

city’s most infamous tales, and he will bring that expertise to the discussion following the screening.

Kern County Unknown aims to connect the dots between the past and present, investigating paranormal sightings that resonate with Bakersfield’s crime-ridden history. Each episode combines firsthand accounts from residents with on-site investigations, offering viewers a chance to witness the blend of fact and folklore. The show will captivate both true crime aficionados and those intrigued by the supernatural. Attendees at the premiere can expect a thrilling atmosphere, complete with suspenseful storytelling and interactive discussions. After the screening, Robert Peterson will engage with the audience, answering questions about the series, his

Meet the Editors

and the fascinating yet haunting tales of Kern County. This interactive element promises to enrich the experience, providing deeper insights into the stories portrayed in the docuseries.

The fences blocked off the western-half of Elm Grove. After the seeds have rooted and grown fully, the fence will be moved to protect the eastern-half.

Photo by Adam Armstrong.

podcast,

Flyer provided by The Empty Space.

Jolie Wyatt Editor-in-Chief

Class of 2025

Arline Pineda News Editor Class of 2025

Allison Salazar Features Editor Class of 2026

Natalie Orozco-Gonzalez Opinions Editor Class of 2026

Ash Gonzalez Media Editor Class of 2027

Adam Armstrong

Sports Editor Class of 2028

“It Ends With Us:” How bad PR destroyed the film’s message

by Natalie Orozco-Gonzalez, Opinions Editor

The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” debuted in theaters on … The book gained a lot of popularity, more than 10 million copies were sold worldwide and the ticket sales were over 100 million dollars within the first week of its release.

“It Ends With Us” focuses on love and domestic violence by telling the story of Lily Bloom who grew up around domestic violence between her father and mother. As she grew older, she met Ryle Kincaid and found herself in a situation similar to her parents’.

When the news came out that they were creating a film adaption, many people expressed excitement; fans were especially excited to see that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were cast in the lead roles.

Now that the movie has been released, people have mixed emotions about it; viewers’ attention has been especially focused on how Lively and Hoover have been promoting it.

Hoover has explained that this story means a lot to her because it represents how she grew up with her mother and father. Hoover explains in both her author’s note in “It Ends With Us” and in an interview on the TODAY Show.

However, people are starting to think the reason for writing the book doesn’t mean as much to her as they thought. Some claim that “It Ends With Us” romanticizes abusive relationships.

“I don’t think it’s a very good idea to make a movie out of a book that romanticizes relationships, especially when the author uses them as a shock value for her writing rather than adding any real lesson regarding the subject,” a TikToker Kaihlinotkaylee said.

The concern

What is most concerning about the release of this movie is how Hoover and Lively are promoting it. One of the reasons why people love the book so much is because it spreads awareness and courage to those suffering from abuse and who think they can’t get out of it. So when promoting this movie, these are key concerns. The film shouldn’t be advertised as just a love story with some cute scenes and flowers because that is not what it is. It’s awareness for women suffering from abuse, and assuring survivors that they can get out of that cycle. This is not the promotion that we are getting. This is mostly being pointed at Lively.

The infamous interviews

People have been comparing the interviews that Baldoni and Lively have done, and they have made videos using these different clips. Viewers commented on the across social media that the stars were promoting different movies. In a promo video from the official “It Ends With Us” account, Lively and Hoover promoted the movie and encouraged people to go watch it in theaters.

“‘It Ends With Us’ is in theaters now; so grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to

Opinions

see it,” Lively said in the promo video.

By telling people to go see the movie with their friends and to wear floral fashion, she is making the film seem like a cute love story rather than a drama that grapples with the domestic violence and multi-generational trauma.

In other interviews where she’s asked questions about domestic violence, she dodges the questions and chooses to ignore them.

“If someone understands the theme of this movie comes across you in public and they really want to talk to you, what’s the best way for them to be able to talk to you about this?”

Jake’s Takes asked.

“Are you just asking me for my address or my phone number or, like my location share? Are we talking logistics or are we talking emotionally?” Lively responded.

Rather than just answering the question, Lively was laughing and joking around when asked a legitimate question about domestic violence and viewers’ potential response to the film. In comparison, the majority of Baldoni’s interviews focused on deeper messages of “It Ends With Us,” such as the violence and difficult choices that come with it.

“I want men to go to the theater and in some way see a version of yourself. I want men to stop asking the question ‘Why do women stay?’ Instead, I want people to ask the question, ‘Why do men harm?’” Baldoni said in an interview with CBS Mornings.

Baldoni does not reject that there are positive messages in the film along with themes of abuse, but he does not want those lighter moments to take away from the seriousness of the overall story.

“Yes, this movie is about love and hope but that we don’t shy away from the issue [of abuse],” Baldoni said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

What Baldoni has to say about the movie is truly beautiful and meaningful because he addresses the issue the movie is based on and wants people to understand that it’s serious.

Comparing the public response

What is interesting about these two interviews when you compare them is that it does seem that they are promoting two different movies. Why is it that when Blake Lively is asked a question regarding abuse and the seriousness of

All images were obtained from their respective articles.

it she doesn’t answer?

People are more surprised that a guy in the cast is the only one speaking out on domestic violence and the women aren’t.

“THAT’S the promo we needed for this movie,” was written in the comment section of Baldoni’s interview videos.

Lively has been getting a ton of backlash because she keeps avoiding the topic and keeps talking about herself. Someone even commented on the video saying, “It’s giving me me me me, did I mention ME?” one user commented on a video from Lively’s interview.

People have claimed that her acting seems as if she didn’t know what she was doing.

“I don’t think she read the book,” another user commented on the interview video.

When delivering what was meant to be very serious lines in the movie, as Lily decides to divorce her husband after she gives birth because of the domestic violence she experienced with him, Lively’s acting does not reflect that. During the scene, Lively was smiling; this neglects that the scene was supposed to be emotional and heartbreaking as the two lovers chose to end their marriage.

A lot of people uploaded their opinions online on TikTok, including:

“This could have been a powerful scene.” “Never understood why she laughed in this scene.”

“This did NOT meet my expectations.”

People have argued that they should have made the movie.

I believe that this movie could have been made better, and the promotion on Lively’s part is insanely ridiculous.

If they want this movie to win awards and be respected, they should re-film it and bring to light what the book was really about.

Drillers give back by making blankets for local nonprofits

By Yasmin Escobar Staff Writer

On November 6, the clubs of BHS gathered in the cafeteria after school to help make blankets for local organizations.

The event was sponsored by the BHS Future Farmers of America (FFA) with assistance from the National Honor Society (NHS) and was open to all BHS staff and students. Some students opted to come to participate solo or with their friends, highlighting that this community service event was a hit with Drillers of all backgrounds.

Students are confirmed to have made 105 blankets that will be donated to the Wounded Heroes of Kern County Foundation. Additional blankets are being sent to two local animal shelters.

For those who missed out, there will be a variety of community service opportunities throughout the upcoming months; be sure to listen to the announcements and ask your teachers about any opportunities that may be listed in the daily bulletin.

For NHS members, the event was a fun way to earn two of their required community service hours. Throughout the week, Drillers were reminded of the importance of community service- both for the

social significance of giving back to the community and for the advantage it can offer with the college application process.

What is FFA?

Future Farmers of America is an organization that doesn’t just revolve around students who are aspiring to be future production farmers. FFA welcomes teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and lots more– the agriculture industry requires all of these specialties to thrive.

Today, the FFA helps out individual students by helping them achieve their personal growth, and their own success through their agricultural education. The BHS FFA program pathways give students the opportunity to learn more about ag business, ag floral design, veterinary science, and ag mechanics. Interested students can learn more on the BHS FFA website.

What is NHS?

a student-run organization that is always looking for ways to give back to the community.

There are a few rules for those who have joined the NHS.

The National Honor Society is one of the merit-based honor societies at BHS that recognizes students who have demonstrated strong academics and leadership skills, have good character, and provide great service to their community and their school. It’s

Drillers said aloha to summer at first 2024-25 rally

by Allison Salazar, Features Editor and Jolie Wyatt, Editor-in-chief

Bakersfield High School celebrated the start of the 2024-25 school year with the annual fall rally on August 30. This year’s fall rally theme is “Say aloha to summer.” Students dressed in their class colors, as well as beach-themed accessories.

One of the two important requirements is that NHS members are only allowed to miss one meeting per semester; it is important to attend in order to get new information provided by the program’s student officers.

Secondly, community service is not just an expectation- it is a requirement. In the first semester, members need a total of 10 service

hours; members need a total of 12 service hours during the second semester. There is a wide variety of ways these hours can be earned, so students should not be discouraged by the requirement.

Questions about the program can be directed to Jeremy Adams, NHS advisor and BHS social studies teacher. He can be reached by email at jeremy_adams@kernhigh. org or by visiting his classroom.

Drillers work together to make and pack blankets for distribution.

Photo by Isabelle Amezcua

Game participants skateboard around trying to collect the most fish during a rally game.

Photo by Allison Salazar

BHS’s mascot the Driller Man gets the rally excited. Photo by Allison Salazar

Drillers participate in the surfboard game.

Photo by Jolie Wyatt

Driller Cheer performs their first rally performance of the year.

Photo by Allison Salazar

Varsity football players pose at the Class Color Rally. Photo by Allison Salazar

Jolie Wyatt, Azaria Hawkins, Claire Michaels, and Emma Jean Woodland are seen in Act II. Photo by Isabelle Amezcua.

Azaria Hawkins and Claire Michaels are seen in Act II.

Photo by Allison Salazar.

BHS FFA scare actor appears in costume. Photo by Isabelle Amezcua.

BHS FFA scare actors appear in costume. Photo by Allison Salazar.

Senior Demetrius Anderson gets soaked to raise class funds. Photo by Sydney Lewis.

Senior Jolie Wyatt gets soaked to raise class funds. Photo by Isabelle Amezcua.

The Blue & White Staff Volume 111, Issue 1

Jolie Wyatt, Editor-in-Chief Destinee Sims, Advisor

News

Arline Pineda, News Editor

Sydney Lewis, Staff Writer

Jaxon McKay, Staff Writer

Jackeline Oceguera Gutierrez, Staff Writer

Features Allison Salazar

Features Editor

Jaylin Dyer, Staff Writer

Isabelle Amezcua, Staff Writer

Opinions

Natalie Orozco-Gonzalez

Opinions Editor

Yasmin Escobar, Staff Writer

Aly Bueno, Staff Writer

Sports

Adam Ryan Armstrong

Sports Editor

Azuliris Flores, Staff Writer

Destiny Meza, Staff Writer

Valerie Reyes, Staff Writer

Media

Ash Gonzalez

Media Editor

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor may be sent to blueandwhitebhs@gmail.com.

Publications paid for by the Bakersfield High School administration.

Questions and advertistment purchases at destinee_sims@kernhigh.org.

DISCLAIMERS

Views and opinions expressed in The Blue and White are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or Bakersfield High School.The staff of The Blue and White reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material.

The Blue & White

Donald

Trump wins the race for the presidency

by Arline Pineda News Editor

In one of the most hotly contested elections in history, the nation has woken up to a series of dramatic results that will shape the future of U.S. politics. With the final votes tallying in, the election has produced some surprising shifts in both the presidency and the balance of power in Congress.

Presidential Race: A Huge Victory for Donald Trump

In the presidential race, Republican candidate Donald Trump has been declared the winner, narrowly defeating Democratic Kamala Harris in an unprecedented finish. As of the latest results, Donald Trump has secured 295 electoral votes, while Kamala Harris garnered 226 votes.

-Donald Trump: 49.9% of the popular vote (77,237,942 votes as of Dec. 10)

-Kamala Harris:48.4% of the popular vote (74,946, 837 votes as of Dec. 10)

The race was decided in several key swing states, where voter turnout surged. Trump flipped states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin, which were crucial to his victory, even as races in Arizona and Nevada remained undeclared.

The Republican win marks a shift in the White House after Joe Biden’s presidency, with Donald Trump now set to take office for a second term.

Senate: Republicans Gain Control

In the Senate, Republicans made significant gains, capturing several closely watched seats. With these victories, Republicans now hold a 53seat majority, while Democrats have 47 seats.

In one of the most high-profile races, Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown lost his bid for re-election in Ohio.

December 12, 2024

Meanwhile, Republicans picked up the seat previously held by retiring independent Senator Joe Manchine of West Virginia. Another loss for Democrats came in Montana, where Senator Joe Tester, who had been re-elected in three prior elections despite his state’s deep-red leanings, lost his re-election bid.

The shift in control of the Senate could give Republicans full control over the legislative agenda, with both chambers of Congress now in Republican hands. This would have a significant impact on policy-making for the next two years, leading up to the 2026 general elections.

-Republican Party: 53 seats (as of Dec. 10)

-Democratic Party: 47 seats (as of Dec. 10)

House of Representatives:

Republicans Lead for Majority

All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives were up for election, with 69 of them being particularly competitive.

As of the morning of Nov. 7, neither party had officiallyclaimed control of the House. Republicans held 205 seats, while Democrats had secured 190. A total of 218 seats is required for a majority.

Given that the Senate and the White House have already shifted to Republican control, President-elect Donald Trump will have significant power when he is sworn in on January 20, 2025. The party in control of the House can set the legislative agenda, including initiating spending legisla-

tion and potentially launching impeachment proceedings.

-Republican Party: 220 seats (as of Dec. 10)

-Democratic Party: 215 seats (as of Dec 10.)

Governor’s Races: Tight Contests Across the Country Eleven governor’s seats were up for election this year. Voters in states including Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Montana, Delaware, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Utah, and Washington made their own decisions. Races this year have focused on state-level issues, such as education policy and abortion rights.

As of Dec. 10, Republicans have secured 27 governorships, while Democrats have won 23.

Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S. Politics

With the election results now settling, all eyes will turn to the upcoming legislative battles and policy debates. The newly-elected president Donald Trump faces the task of navigating a new Congress, with a Republican-controlled Senate and potentially a Republican-controlled House.

The newly-shifted Senate is expected to play a key role in shaping the nation’s direction in the coming years. As both parties adjust their strategies in response to this changing political landscape, 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for U.S. politics.

Drillers get animated for 2024 Homecoming rally by Allison Salazar, Features Editor, Adam Armstrong, Sports Editor, and Destiny Meza, Staff Writer

BHS kicked off Homecoming on Oct. 18 with the annual Homecoming rally in the gym. Students enjoyed music, dancing, and games as they prepared for the night’s game against Bakersfield Christian High School.

Each of the rally games and

The Blue & White

activities highlighted this year’s Homecoming theme, a “Driller Animated Story,” in preparation of the big game and halftime performance competition.

Drillers experienced performances from Tri Baile, Driller Cheer, the BHS band, Thomas Woods, and a surprise dance from staff and students. The surprise dance featured students and staff, primarily campus security officers, dressed up as minions from the film “Despicable Me” dancing to the minion’s edition of the song “YMCA;” this is a notable tribute to the senior class’s upcoming “Despicable Me” themed Homecoming performance.

A Driller animated story: The 2024 homecoming halftime show

by Jolie

Wyatt, Editior-in-Cheif, Adam Armstrong, Staff Writer, and Destiny Meza, Staff Writer

Bakersfield High School had their Homecoming game against Bakersfield Christian High School on October 18. The Homecoming festivities included the football game, the crowning of Mr. and Miss BHS, and competitive performances from each of graduating class. Each of the four graduating classes selected an animated film to inspire their halftime show performance. The class of 2028 selected “Rio,” the class of 2027 chose “The Lorax,” the class of 2026 picked “Toy Story,” and the outgoing class of 2025 selected “Despicable Me.” The performances results ranked as follows:

-1st place: Class of 2025, “Despicable Me” -2nd place: Tie between Class of 2026, “Toy Story,” and Class of 2027, “The Lorax” -3rd place: Class of 2028, “Rio” The winners of the Mr. and Miss BHS competition are Thomas Woods, senior class president, and Arline Pineda, News Editor for “The Blue and White.”

After the winners of both competitions were announced, the football game was resumed. Despite holding the lead until half time, the varsity Drillers ultimately lost their homecoming match against BCHS 23-24.

Drillers participate in Homecoming rally games. Photo by Allison Salazar.

BHS dance team Tri Baile performs at the Homecoming rally. Photo by Allison Salazar.

BHS students and staff come together to perform. Participants dressed as minions from “Despicable Me” and danced to “YMCA”. Photo by Allison Salazar.

Photo by Adam Armstrong.

Photo by Destiny Meza.

Photo by Jolie Wyatt.

Stockdale vs BHS

by Jolie Wyatt, Editor-in-Chief and Adam Armstrong, Sports Editor

On September 6th, the Stockdale High School Mustangs faced off against the Bakersfield High School Drillers in a Friday night varsity game at Stockdale High. The Drillers emerged victorious with a final score of 49-0. In the first quarter, Bryson Abbot ran through the middle, scoring the opening touchdown. Joey Wheeler tackled Stockdale’s quarterback Devontay Oats. Abbot ran the ball again, colliding with number 13, and both players took a hard hit at

The Blue & White

the 1-yard line. Abbot scored another touchdown, making it 14-0.

A key moment occurred when the Mustangs’ Antwjuan Watson tried a play for number 1, but it was intercepted by Wheeler, who advanced the ball to the 50yard line. Julian Griego then scored a touchdown, adding 6 more points.

The Drillers continued their scoring streak, ultimately winning the game with a final score of 49-0 on the Mustangs’ home field.

Homecoming 2024: BHS vs BCHS

Turn to Page 7 for more information.

Valley Championship: BHS vs Frontier

Players faceoff for the beginning play. Photo by Adam Aromstrong.

Photo by Frank Lomas.