MAHELA CABRINI
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
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Goodbye Seniors
3-6 Graduations
6
Entertainment
7-15 Senior Profiles
COURTESY OF PHILIP HALPERN
BY MIMIA OUSILAS incoming editor-in-chief
Dear class of ‘22, I am sure that you’re all ready to move on from Berkeley High to your futures filled with bigger and brighter things, but I ask that you take a moment to bask in it all. You did it. You conquered four of the weirdest, most challenging, and most rewarding years you might have ever experienced. You all left Berkeley High halfway through your sophomore year, with so much uncertainty in the world. No one could’ve expected the challenges that were to come. While the next two years pushed the world through thick and thin, your persistence to fight for change and rekindle Berkeley High’s spirit never wavered. As the first senior class back in person after a year of distance learning, you faced a challenge: How can Berkeley High return to normal? Despite several challenges, among them grief and tragedy, you did not fail to revive the invigorating energy during Spirit Week. African Diaspora Dance shows, Our Monologues, Dance Production, sports games, and so much more have rekindled the spirit and love that made them so special to begin
with. That is because of you. You lost a year of in-person learning, but that did not stop you from making your senior year as special as it could ever be. In February of 2020, the sexual harm walkouts called for radical change in Berkeley High’s handling of sexual harm and rape culture. Despite the pandemic shutting down school just a month later, you did not stop the continued fight for change. Through distance and in-person learning, you fought for improvements in the Title IX office on campus. You initiated sexual consent education presentations in classrooms this year. Berkeley High’s momentum for protest and change did not waver one bit in the face of the pandemic. And when we experienced loss and tragedy, you handled grief with the maturity and responsibility that I know you will carry with you in your future. It was a hard year. There’s no denying it. But it did not stop you from fighting for justice, bringing the energy, and finding courage and strength in a year that tested us all. So, congratulations on so many things. Not only for graduating this phase of your life, but for finding spirit and joy in a time like no other. Berkeley High will miss you all, whether it be your inspirational drive or your relentless spirit.
Goodbye Senior Jacket Editors!
Not pictured, but still loved: Raven Fonseca Jensen, Amaya Polanco Zimmerman, Andrew Huang, Rioka Hayama, Owen Blair, Anabel Fredman, Rose Roston, Chloe Tripier.
ISABELLA TASSO
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GRADUATION ISSUE
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BRIDGE GRADUATION BY LAUREN HUANG incoming features editor
A mellow hum filled the air on the evening of Thursday, May 19 as families, friends, and Berkeley High School (BHS) staff filed into the school’s library to attend the Bridge program graduation celebration. After a dinner of enchilada, coleslaw,
and beans, attendees wove through festive balloons to find their seat at a table. The ceremony commenced with recognition for BHS staff who contributed to this year’s Bridge cohort, a handful of students took turns approaching the podium to give their appreciation speeches to staff members as well as fellow students.
In his speech, Communication Arts & Sciences (CAS) senior Jalen Banks thanked Jennifer Hammond, one of his Bridge teachers. Banks plans to attend San Diego State University in the fall to study film. Since his transition from Longfellow Middle School to BHS, Banks has improved his grades and hopes to continue his aca-
demic success in college. Banks described Bridge as a collaborative family outside of the classroom where peers feel comfortable asking one another for help. Academic Choice (AC) senior Rahma Rouabah came to Bridge the second semester of her sophomore year and was met with a relaxed environment that mo-
tivated her to focus on her work. She plans to attend the University of California, Berkeley to study social and environmental sciences. “I had so many resources and I was able to talk to many people when I had a problem and I didn’t know what to do,” Rouabah said. “[Bridge] relieved the weight on my shoulders.” Bridge helped Rouabah
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learn to take advantage of resources provided to her, which she said she would be sure to practice in the future. At the end of the ceremony, each senior received a dedicated Bridge sash and posed for a class photo. The importance that the Bridge program held in the lives of the graduating class of 2022 was palpable.
AFAM GRADUATION BY AMELIA WILEY MOREIRA features editor
On Saturday May 21, the Berkeley High School (BHS) African American Studies Department hosted its 32nd Annual Celebration of Excellence for the graduating class of 2022. In the opening minutes of
the ceremony, student hosts Drianna Clay and Bryan Edwards introduced themselves. Cheers and chanting accompanied the graduates, dressed in black and red, as they filed into the auditorium. The energetic mood of the ceremony continued as the audience stood to sing the Black National Anthem, followed by an uplifting spo-
ken word poem performed by Young Gifted & Black, a youth performance group. The ceremony included many opportunities to highlight excellence among students, including a presentation of a $1000 merit scholarship to two students by Irma Parker, founder of the Parent Resource Center, and pioneer of uplifting Black students at BHS.
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In addition, there was an acknowledgment of the numerous student leaders in the class. The event’s keynote speaker was Dr. Kimberly Mayfield, the first Black associate professor and current Dean of the School of Education at Holy Names University. In her speech, she addressed the theme of the ceremony: “Black to
the Future” and highlighted many of the important Black figures in history. To end the 32nd Annual BHS Black Graduation, the class of 2022 graduates took the stage. Two by two, they were presented a sash, and told the audience who they “stand on the shoulders of ” and what they would be doing next year. The mood of the cer-
emony was filled with excitement for the future from both the audience and the graduates. As class speaker Ny’Aja Roberson said in her speech, “This is your moment. Take it in, bask in the joy, the beauty, the essence, the Black excellence … remember your worth and your power. We come from kings and queens … own that, embrace that.”
part of a family, and wanted to thank their families, teachers, and classmates for supporting them on their journey towards graduating. Jonah Shick, a graduating senior, put it beautifully in his speech, where he compared his time spent with his CAS family to a symphony. “My music is simply a backdrop in the symphony of teachers, classmates,
and misplaced freshmen screaming in the C3 hallway. From Mr. Pratt’s long sweeping ballads to Ms. Daly’s staccato polyroots, riddled with students’ dismay, each teacher truly offers their own orchestra in their own class, and each student must play an important role in performing the rest of the piece.” “I’m truly proud to be
part of such an amazing class, and hope we can all bring some of CAS wherever we go,” he said, finishing poignantly. The ceremony concluded with each member of CAS leaving the church feeling grateful for their time spent with their CAS family, and feeling excited for what’s to come following their days in high school.
CAS GRADUATION BY ELLORA MOOKHERJEE-AMODT incoming opinion editor
The First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley was beautifully lit at the May 23 graduation with the beaming smiles of the Berkeley High School (BHS) graduating Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS) class of
‘22. The evening started with a reception where the 54 graduates posed to take pictures with their families and fellow CASmates. At 5 PM the graduates had vanished behind the altar and their families filled the church. With a quick introduction, they emerged from each side of the altar, 27 on each side, to their seats
and listened as Philip Halpern, Art of Video Production teacher and CAS lead teacher reminisced on their shared journey over the past four years. Then, the graduates themselves each walked up to the podium one by one and delivered speeches, all with a similar sentiment: They felt lucky to have spent their high school years as
COURTESY OF MARGARET SANDIEGO
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
AHA GRADUATION BY LUISA BERTOLLI sports editor
On May 24, Berkeley High School (BHS) seniors from Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA) reveled in their success, as their high school career culminated in a graduation ceremony at Oxford Elementary School. The AHA lead teachers
Devon Brewer and Amanda Toporek gave a brief introduction before the first speaker of the night, Laura Gorrin, an AHA math teacher, described the high school experience of the graduating class as “a story of novelty, of adults figuring things out as they go along, of change and turmoil and making the best of what we got.”
Many students echoed the sentiment that being surrounded by AHA’s community of creative thinkers provided them with solace. AHA fosters close peer relationships and teacherstudent bonds: illustrated through student recollections of vulnerable moments during hard times, motivating words from beloved staff, and the endless snacks
supplied by teachers. The curriculum is guided by an emphasis on arts and humanities, and provides students with various artbased enrichment opportunities. “Because [AHA students] are all artists, they are very encouraging when kids are trying different styles of art-making,” said science teacher and co-teacher leader of AHA, Devon Brewer.
The ceremony progressed like a conversation between students and the audience. During the speeches, exchanged remarks reverberated throughout the auditorium: echoes of encouragement, laughter, and praise. After each AHA student had given their speech, the selected student speaker Dwayne Clay III emphasized the individuality pres-
SAYLOR COLE
ent in AHA. To end the ceremony, AHA staff awarded three students with five hundred dollar AHA scholarships, and the night concluded with a catered dinner outdoors. As Clay put it, “The house of the Jackets is now the house of even bigger singers and dancers, actors and directors, animators and painters.”
SENIOR AWARDS BY KIRA RAO-POOLLA incoming news editor
On May 25, Berkeley High School (BHS) held its annual Senior Award Ceremony from 6 to 7 PM in the M-Gym, where nine different scholarships and awards were highlighted at the ceremony, including the BHS Alumni Scholarship,
which was presented by several alumni from the class of 1963: Donna BackstromJones, Bonnie Borden, and Frances Goodson. Borden explained how the scholarship began at their 50th high school reunion, when they had accumulated donations in memory of their classmates who had passed away. “We’re very eager to sup-
port Berkeley High School because it’s a wonderful school; ... we have such fond memories of being here,” Goodson said. Several students were selected for awards without any application, such as Ruby Lim-Moreno, a senior in Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA), who won the Helen Chue Chun Memorial Music School Schol-
ROWAN KENNEDY
arship. She expressed her excitement at winning the award. Jasmine Platt, a senior in Academic Choice (AC), was selected by her teacher for the James Berry Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding student in drama. Platt explained that she enjoys acting, which pushes her to “speak out and use [her]
voice.” Lev Gruber, a senior in Berkeley International High School (BIHS) who won the First Step Award and the In Dulci Jubilo Scholarship, plans to double-major in Math and Physics at Harvey Mudd. He expressed his appreciation for Mary Jacobs, a counselor who will be retiring at the end of this year, who pushed him to apply
for these awards. He also described his gratitude for the financial support, which is difficult to access and handle as a college student. “It’s just hard to figure out money [in college],” Gruber said. “A lot of people don’t have the support, so it’s good that we have [these awards] to have support for everyone here who doesn’t have their own.”
story about a recipe for paella from a blog. Wilan went on to list many of the other quirks of BIHS, such as its plethora of acronyms and the numerous debates on the topic of whether numbers are real, but he also acknowledged many other unique opportunities in BIHS, emphasizing that “[it] is a stupendously ridiculous place, but
also a wonderful one.” Rosie Bultman spoke next, saying that she feels most inspired by “how our school has tackled rape culture.” While she acknowledged that sexual harm issues are far from resolved, both at BHS and on a larger scale, she said that “we [students] have done something to tackle the seemingly insurmountable problem that
is rape culture.” The next speakers were Riya Jivan and Hanim Nuru. “As two students of color, we have built upon a predominantly white small school to uplift ourselves as BIPOC students,” said Jivan. “We have found community by creating spaces to express ourselves and share our experiences with other BIPOC students.”
BIHS GRADUATION BY ERIN BARTHOLOMEW incoming investigative editor
Much like Berkeley International High School (BIHS) itself, the BIHS graduation on May 26 was filled with feelings of self congratulation and self deprecation, but also with nostalgia. The ceremony felt very
intimate, especially considering that BIHS is one of the largest small learning communities in Berkeley High School (BHS). “Our community felt really big and seeing everyone together [at the graduation] felt good,” said senior Ruth Sarasohn. Harrison Blatt, the new vice principal, gave a short speech, and said that while the class of 2022 has “en-
dured tragedies and traumas over four years,” they have still “filled BHS with joy.” On a more humorous note, senior Adam Wilan started his speech with the words, “Feliz Navidad.” He explained that it was a reference to the International Baccalaureate (IB) English test taken three weeks ago, where seniors had to read a
CLARA ELM NETTESHEIM
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
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AMPS GRADUATION BY NORAH LEE sports editor
The Academy of Medicine and Public Service (AMPS) graduation opened on May 26 with a few words from counselor Claudia Gonzalez, who began her Berkeley High School (BHS) career in AMPS, and now ends it with this 2022
class of graduating AMPS students. She tearfully declared that she is “AMPS for life,” a sentiment that would be reiterated throughout the ceremony as a central theme of the AMPS community became clear: the permanence of the bonds. After speeches by students Destiny Evans and Eric Flores, the master of ceremonies Emily Sidharta
led the transition into the procession of students that were to walk the stage that Thursday on the 26th of May. Names were called one by one, and for each student an AMPS adult — Tasha Jackson, Diane Kung, Linh Le, or KZ Zapata — offered a touching anecdote or testament of character. These affirmations often began with qualities of the stu-
dents as people, then connected those to the type of learner they resulted in, and further linked what was learned to an impact on the community. After the teachers’ affirmation, each student would take center stage to make a statement that they had previously written. Elder Ivan Argueta wrote to his fellow AMPS members: “If my brain allows it, I will
remember all of you until the day I die.” The ceremony wrapped up with speeches from Ronesha Perry and Jasraj Dhillon, the latter of which said, “See y’all at the reunion,” drawing chuckles from the audience and agreement from the AMPS students. Following this, an impromptu sing-along broke
MALIN MORELL
out as Nayo Polk took the stage to encourage all AMPS members to join in karaoke to the song, “End of the Road” by Boys II Men, a testament to the intimate and interactive nature of the ceremony. The night concluded with an ‘AMPS-Fam’ cheer, and the compassion and pride in the room was palpable as the celebration came to a close.
MLP GRADUATION BY KAIYA JORDAN incoming news editor
Berkeley High School (BHS) students opened the Multilingual Program (MLP) graduation on May 27 by welcoming the audience in over 17 languages. The Multilingual Program is a Berkeley High School (BHS) small learn-
ing community that serves students who have a first language other than English and who have been going to California public schools for fewer than six years. The event celebrated MLP seniors, students entering mainstream classes next year, and graduating seniors who were connected to the MLP. Furthermore, the graduation included all
students who had partaken in the program, presenting individual awards highlighting specific skills. The five English Language Development (ELD) classes presented an MVP award to five students for exceptional qualities and involvement in MLP. Kushal Chaurel, a sophomore, read a poem about the struggles and celebration of
COURTESY OF DANIELLA MAAZE
being an immigrant in the US. “Who speak multiple languages like me/… Perhaps these people who are similar to me have … tried to erase their own very identity,” Chaurel said. “... Only to chase after the American dream in the so-called ‘land of freedom.’ ” Ajmal Khan, an junior who is transitioning into mainstream classes next
year, said, “For the past three years at Berkeley High, I have met people from all over the world who taught me so much about their languages, countries, and their wonderful cultures. ... Thank you for making ELD a welcoming community where I learned so much with my so little English.” Senior Bushra Saghir also gave a speech.
“Throughout my 2 years of school, I learned ... good communication skills, facing challenges bravely, and never giving up,” Saghir said. “The MLP community is my other small family.” The ceremony ended with all graduating students standing in the front of the room joyously waving flags of the countries they represented.
“[This is] a cathartic moment for us to come together and just celebrate,” said Laurel. He himself is FilipinoAmerican, and highlighted his own experience with belonging. “Because of all the solidarity this year and because of all the challenges we faced, it’s so uplifting and inspiring just to see all of these students together in one place,” he said. “My son
is here, and for him to see people gathered in a room who look like him ... has just been unbelievable.” Student club leader Sidharta was an organizer of the graduation. She was shouted out by both staff and students as a reliable and hardworking figure within the group. APIC is a close-knit community full of people of dif-
ferent backgrounds, from varying cultures, and with vibrant personalities. The graduating class of 2022 is going out into the world with an incredible support system, and will be able to look back at this event with pride. “If there is light in these dark moments, you are that light,” said Laurel, as he addressed the students for the final time.
API GRADUATION BY MARINA HOWARD incoming entertainment editor
On May 28, the Asian Pacific Islander Club (APIC) welcomed its graduating seniors into post-high school life. Graduates were encouraged to adorn clothing from their own cultures. The room was bright with kimonos, saris, and bar-
ongs. Friends and families watched and applauded from the crowd as students received diplomas, and the atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation. Before custom APIC graduation stoles were bestowed upon each student, Academic Support Coordinator Matthew Laurel, Academic Choice (AC) English teacher Sakiko Muranaka
and student leader Emily Sidharta spoke to attendees. “I remembered being rewarded for being diminutive,” said Muranaka on her experience as an Asian American student in a primarily white institution. She spoke about how she wished for them to have lives that connect them to their cultures rather than push them away.
COURTESY OF KRITHI DE SOUZA
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
LATINX GRADUATION AVA MUSSI
BY RUBY FREEDMAN entertainment editor
On June 1, Berkeley High School’s (BHS) Latinx community gathered in the BHS Little Theater to celebrate the 2022 Latinx graduates. The ceremony began with a somber acknowledgement of the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in
which the majority of the victims were Latinx. “My heart aches for the families of the children and teachers lost in this very sad and preventable tragedy,” said Amanda Moreno, a teacher at BHS, sponsor of the Latinos Unidos (LU) Club, and facilitator of the ceremony. Next, a group of graduates performed Danza Azteca, dressed in elaborate
headdresses and beadwork. The theater was filled with lively drumming. This year, LU’s fundraising not only allowed families to enjoy a meal before the graduation, but also created the Justicia Scholarship Award, which was awarded to graduates Sol Valencia Topete and Joaquin IniguezSargis. They shared how they were deeply impacted
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the pandemic hit Latinx communities worldwide. “Some of us had to take care of a sibling, take on a new job to make ends meet. … Through it all, we have persevered and made it here today,” said Valeria Melendez-Capetillo, the final speaker of the night. “I, as well as all the graduates here, am a product of those who fought for a
better life,” said MelendezCapetillo. She highlighted that although being from an immigrant family comes with difficulties, they pale in comparison to the joy in “being able to speak a different language, having a variety of amazing food and music, [and] having a really big family.” These are points of pride in the BHS Latinx community.
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by the sense of unity they have felt in the Latinx community of students at BHS. “I’ve known most of these people since elementary school, so it’s a very strong community,” remarked Iniguez-Sargis. For the BHS Latinx community, this graduation was a symbol of hope for the future, especially considering the heaviness with which
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22. The name of our school mascot (3) 23. Day that administrators hate and students await (8) 24. The ___ is coming (5) 25. ___ Thursday (5)
Leave a message for a graduating senior on the Jacket website! The Jacket is bringing back our popular graduation message board! Brighten someone’s day by leaving a congratulatory message for a friend or relative, or for the entire senior class.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
ANYA DRAVES
NOLAN WHITEHILL
Small School: AC BY JOSEPHINE MORASKY staff writer
Ella Wadbrook, a senior in Academic Choice (AC), has made a significant impact socially and politically at Berkeley High School (BHS), through her establishment of the mock trial team. Wadbrook co-founded the mock trial team, a competitive way for students to refine their public speaking skills while exploring the field of law. Wadbrook also participated in the Law and Social Justice pathway at BHS, the BHS sailing club, and Vote 16, a club
Anya Draves, a graduating senior from Academic Choice (AC), is an incredibly hardworking, passionate, and caring student and person. During her time at Berkeley High School (BHS), Draves has left an impressive legacy. As a passionate climate activist, Draves worked with the Berkeley City Council to ban plastic produce bags, supported Berkeley Unified School District’s transition to reusable foodware in cafeterias, founded BHS Zero Waste Club, and
helped launch the Meatless Monday campaign. Draves’s passion for climate justice and sustainability is undeniable; she has worked to have as small a footprint as possible while leaving large shoes to fill. Draves is also proud of how hard she has worked academically. “I apologize to all my teachers this year for my lack of energy in the first semester, I was sleep deprived the whole time,” she said. “But in the end, I’m really proud of how I did and how things turned out.”
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Small School: AC BY SIMONE FAULKNER staff writer
Draves will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, and though she has not declared a major yet, she is interested in criminology and physics. Her advice for younger students is to “find something you love and are passionate about, and dedicate yourself to that.” She attests that it will be easier to motivate yourself to work if you enjoy what you are doing. She described how she regrets doing activities to impress colleges or other people, and explained that “the reality is that what ‘looks
best’ and what will make you the happiest and lead to the most success is genuinely doing the things you love.” Draves will undoubtedly do great things in her next chapter of life, and what she has achieved during her time at BHS is just the foundation for her future endeavors. “I think my main accomplishments have been learning a lot,” she said. “Yes, academically, but also about myself: who I am, what I like to do, what my interests are, and what I need to be successful. I think that is my biggest achievement.”
ELLA WADBROOK
that advocates for the voting age to be lowered to 16. Since she attended a middle school outside of the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), when Wadbrook came to BHS, she knew a limited number of people and felt slightly disconnected from the larger school community. Four years later, after realizing her passion for activism, Wadbrook has found many ways to contribute to and engage with the Berkeley community.
Two years ago, over Zoom, Wadbrook cofounded the first mock trial team in BHS history. Her passions expanded and she began to influence those around her, inspiring students to practice public speaking and explore different tactics of critical thinking. Along with the Law and Social Justice class, the mock trial team gave way to Wadbrook’s interest in careers relating to activism and politics, which she will be studying this com-
ing fall at UC Santa Cruz. “[Berkeley High School has] impacted me in a lot of ways politically, I think as well,” Wadbrook said. “It’s allowed me to explore activism and my interest in politics and it’s been super beneficial.” Wadbrook encouraged students to avoid competitiveness in the AP environment, and to create a schedule that permits an enjoyable high school experience. “You have to live in the moment,” Wadbrook said.
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SEBASTIAN ESTEVA
FIONA FIREPINE
Sebastian Esteva has always been impressed by the impact he could make at Berkeley High School (BHS). During distance learning, he researched finances extensively, and said that he “loved everything [he] learned.” This experience, coupled with the fact that California has some of the worst financial literacy standards in the country, led him to start the Financial Empowerment Club. In addition to Wednesday
meetings, the club visited classrooms to spread their message, and has presented to about half of the senior class on credit scores, investing, and everything they think BHS students will need to know to be financially literate after high school. He also co-founded HERO, which aims to improve students’ relationships with drugs. One last club Esteva is involved in is Tea Club, where he is vice president. Its sole purpose is to provide a space to drink
Small School: BIHS BY MATEO TSAI staff writer
tea, relax, and socialize. Since the age of 4, Esteva has practiced the Japanese martial art Aikido. “I’ve grown so much from that experience, in terms of community, and also selfdefense and confidence. Just being active in general,” Esteva said. Aikido’s global reach allowed him to continue in a variety of places, such as when visiting family in Mexico, or when his family lived in upstate New York. Aside from all of his concrete achievements, what
sets Esteva apart more than anything is the undeniable kindness he brings with him to everything he does. He’s the kind of person to notice you’re alone, and instinctually come over to keep you company. Next year he’s headed to Stanford University, where he is currently undecided in his major, but hopes to continue to work on financial literacy. Before that, he hopes to spend some well-deserved time with family to relax.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
MY JACKET PEOPLE
CHLOE BURKE
ESTELLA ZHOU EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FIONA FIREPINE
FIONA FIREPINE
When I joined the Jacket as a staff writer, determined to make a difference, I had no idea of the growth I would undergo in my next three years on the paper. Undoubtedly, the Jacket has been the most rewarding part of my Berkeley High School (BHS) experience. My very first assignments took me to protests, city meetings, and youth homeless shelters. Chasing contacts across town while I stressed about imminent draft deadlines, I witnessed firsthand how spreading people’s stories led to change. Next, editing Features during a year online showed me a resilient, beautiful side of Berkeley I would have never seen otherwise. As Editor-in-Chief, I experienced my most fulfilling year yet. I’ve learned to make tough decisions in difficult times, and developed the confidence to stand by them. I’ve learned to communicate my own vision, while making room for others’ ideas. Finally, I’ve realized that nothing can beat the thrill of sending the paper to the printer on Thursday night, after hundreds of collective hours of work. The feeling of knowing that in just a few hours, over a thousand copies will be distributed to students and subscribers across the country, is indescribable. It’s exhilaration. It’s accomplishment. It’s palpable relief that you’ll finally catch a sorely needed night’s sleep after four frenzied Latenights in a row. It’s optimism that the stories in tomorrow’s paper will make a difference. My time at BHS has been characterized by challenges. From the schoolwide awakening regarding rape culture in 2020, to our crazy pandemic year and the tension of a tentative return to normal, Jacket has grounded me and given me purpose. There have been highs (dropping everything to break a story before any other news outlet), and there have been lows (spilling three-day-old tikka masala all over myself as we throw away the leftovers in the pouring rain after Latenight). But at the very heart of my Jacket journey are the brilliant people who push me to be my most creative self, who inspire me with their unfailing hope in the possibility of change, and most of all, who I am humbled to call my dearest friends. Asha, Jeremy, and Clara, somewhere along the way, you became some of the people I respect and care for most. Half the time I can barely put up with you, but please know that I believe your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for open-minded discourse are exactly what BHS – and the world– needs right now. Stella, Siena, and Cigan, you are the power trio, and I will forever cherish our Thursday night grinds. You’ve taught me how to lead with true compassion. My Jacket people, you have shown me far more than how to write the best headline, hook the reader with an anecdotal lede, and challenge a politician during a tough interview. You have taught me how to ask the hard questions that will better our society, and be unrelenting in the pursuit of answers. You have shown me the meaning of persistence as we uncover the reality of sexual harm at BHS. You have shown me the bravery we must strive to embody as we set foot into this world as young adults and tackle today’s urgent challenges. Through you, and through uplifting the voices of others, I found my own. Mr. R, I am endlessly grateful for your mentorship. You have taught me to trust myself, and also to draw on the strength of my community. Thank you for advocating for us time and time again. Mimia, I could not imagine a better person to take over the mantle of Editor-in-Chief. I am confident that your sincerity, vision, and commitment to bringing in new voices will take Jacket to new heights.
Chloe Burke’s commitment to community and leadership is evident as she describes her experience at Berkeley High School (BHS) with an infectious smile. As BHS’s ASB president, Burke worked to create a diverse executive team, and foster communication between students, staff, and the administration. Her focus was to unite grade levels through common events and upperclassmen mentorship. Burke organized welcome back videos, the school
carnival, and the schoolsanctioned Spirit Week. Burke joined ASB leadership as a freshman because she wanted more representation in decisions that occurred at BHS. “There are countless improvements that can be made at BHS and we need more diverse perspectives in leadership roles in order to have success [in] improving the student experience,” Burke said. Aside from her role in ASB, she also discovered a passion for STEM, and how
BY HANNAH GROTHREIDY staff writer
it can benefit communities of color. Next year, she will major in psychology at Howard University. After college, Burke hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career in clinical therapy or neuroscience research. “Mental health is overlooked within minority communities,” said Burke. “There are not a lot of black women in the field of psychology. I want to create more representation and easily accessible ways to deal with mental health, whether
in where they are today. Quarantine, Forney reflected, gave them a chance to become who they want to be without expectations from everyone else around them. While the pressure of keeping up with trends and others’ ideals remained, quarantine made it easier to focus on other priorities. “Even though [the pressure] was on social media rather than being in my face at school, it was a lot easier for me to have alone time and really find what I value
and what’s important to me,” Forney said. “So now, leaving in my senior year, I’m very comfortable in my own skin and what I enjoy.” Forney will be attending the University of Puget Sound in Washington this fall, where they will study business leadership. This choice of academic focus comes from their passion for economics and small business start-ups. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while ‘cause I did an internship where that was
MAIZE CLINE ISABELLA TASSO
Graduating senior Maize Cline was one of the four co-presidents of Berkeley High School’s (BHS) Women’s Student Union (WSU) for two years. From becoming a WSU leader in the beginning of the 202021 school year to “starting the club over from scratch,” Cline and her fellow presidents have done incredible things. “With weekly meetings online, handling the club was tough,” Cline said. “But, we got through it and it strengthened the WSU.”
BY FINOLA JACKSON staff writer
this is through implementing programs or inspiring more minorities to get involved in this career field.” Burke advised freshmen to participate in leadership. However, she also said, “If you are not involved in leadership, you can still be a leader. If you feel there are any problems within smaller places like the classroom, step up and do what you feel is right. When you feel passionate about a change that can be made, take it into your own hands to lead.”
OLIVIA FORNEY
Small School: AHA
Olivia Forney, a senior in Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA), is graduating this year with a strong understanding of who they are and what they have to offer. Their positive attitude combined with their leadership skills demonstrated through cheerleading have left an indisputable impact on the Berkeley High School (BHS) community. Looking back at their four years at BHS, it was inevitable that the pandemic would play a role
Small School: AC
One notable project the club undertook was to file a lawsuit against the Berkeley Unified School District. This led to the club’s presidents, including Cline, being featured in ESPN’s 37 Words documentary for the 50th anniversary of Title IX, as well as running a “Know Your Rights” workshop for BHS students. As a result of the lawsuit, BHS hired new Title IX coordinator Jasmina Viteskic. “This new hire was a giant victory for all of us,” Maize stated.
LILY FROST
who I was interning for, the people who got to decide ‘Oh, this small, random hair supply company is going to get our money and get to watch them grow’,” Forney said. “I just want to be in that type of work environment.” With the high school chapter of Forney’s life coming to a close, they are ready for a new beginning and surroundings. With their goals and aspirations in mind, Forney said they “just want to sort of see where college life takes [them].”
Small School: AC BY MIRABAI PARNELL staff writer
Cline has been able to regain a sense of community in the WSU, and some of her favorite moments were the weekly meeting check-ins. “I think that activist groups can often get lost in the hubbub of projects and movements,” she said, “but the most valuable time we have is with our members.” Proving herself to be resilient, Cline is attending Brown University in the fall with an undecided major, though it’s “likely something in social sciences.” Her plans for the
future center around channeling her current interests into a life that feels fulfilling. Cline and her co-presidents are handing their leadership down to four “incredibly skilled” students, and Cline feels confident they will turn WSU into an even more notable and powerful space for women and others who need it. Overall, Cline’s high school experience was tumultuous, but in her words, “I stuck to my guns and stuck to my people, and we made it through.”
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
RIYA JIVAN ROWAN KENNEDY
When Riya Jivan entered Berkeley High School (BHS), she had no idea that four years later she would be graduating with newfound confidence, gained from her high school experiences. One such experience was her role in Our Monologues, a student-run production that highlights underrepresented voices in the BHS community. Jivan said, “Being a part of Our Monologues… during [COVID-19] has had the biggest impact on my time at BHS.”
It especially affected Jivan as a person of color. Surrounded by similar people, telling stories through selfexpression gave her not only an outlet, but a community. Jivan said it was “both exhausting and rewarding and gratifying” to be in charge of Our Monologues this year. Jivan has also been involved in the Berkeley International High School (BIHS) BIPOC Student Union. After a year, she had the opportunity to lead the club and create a space for
DEFINING 22 CLARA BROWNSTEIN
NEWS EDITOR
Small School: BIHS BY SOFIA RODRIGUEZ staff writer
students in BIHS who felt underrepresented in their classrooms, like she had. The space allowed students to share their experiences, and as Jivan said, “ultimately end up in full rants sometimes.” Not only did it allow students to express themselves, it also helped them realize that they shared experiences as a community at BHS. During her time at BHS, she has been able to grow more comfortable with her identity and sticking up for herself. Here, she has found
a support system where she feels authentic and loved. After high school, she plans to continue with her passion for performing arts as she makes the jump from Berkeley to the University of Toronto. She hopes to work with children to better their experiences in school. If there is one piece of advice she could give, it would be, “Sometimes, you really have to put yourself out there in order to get what you need. It might be scary, but it’s so worth it.”
MIUMI SHIPON
Small School: AC BY TOBI HAIMS staff writer
Since Miumi Shipon, a senior in Academic Choice (AC), first stepped foot onto Berkeley High School’s (BHS) campus, they have gained a strong sense of identity as a creator, writer, critical thinker, and artist. Shipon’s first two years at BHS were difficult; she felt creatively isolated and stuck, unable to think about her own needs and desires. However, at the end of her sophomore year, quarantine opened up a space that enabled her to blossom.
At the beginning of shelter-in-place, Shipon started Antifragile Zine with her friend Macey Keung. Antifragile is an artists’ collective and magazine, accessible in print and online, which features all artists of color. “We really try to highlight voices that would go unheard otherwise,” Shipon said. The magazine aims to build a creative community and be a source of inspiration, which was especially difficult during quarantine. Aside from that remark-
able endeavor, Shipon has dedicated lots of their time and energy to dance. She has been dancing at the Berkeley Ballet Theatre since she was 5 years old. Since her performance at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, she has veered away from ballet, but continues to explore contemporary dance. Shipon has also developed as a writer and poet, and will continue this at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as an English
LINDSEY CHOU ROWAN KENNEDY
Lindsey Chou has held many titles in her time at Berkeley High School (BHS). She participated as the co-president of the Women’s Student Union (WSU), student representative on BHS’ Sexual Harm Advisory Committee (SHAC), Delegation President of Youth and Government, and deputy on the senior class leadership team. In her time at BHS, Chou has grown into an active leader. Coming in as a freshman, she described
herself as quiet and shy. Due to the fact that she transferred to BHS from Albany, she initially didn’t know very many people. Now, however, she is able to look back at her high school experience with pride. One of Chou’s greatest accomplishments during her time here has been leading the WSU since her sophomore year. “Me and my friends picked it up over COVID, and we kind of revitalized the club ... it’s been a really great success,”
she said. The organization meets every week and provides a safe space for students of marginalized genders. Their accomplishments have included several period product drives, holding “Know Your Rights” workshops with a Title IX lawyer, and a currently active lawsuit against the US Department of Justice. Serving as a student representative on SHAC — a committee made up of students and staff that helps the school improve
NOLAN WHITEHILL
major. “My proudest thing is really just coming into my own person. … Knowing who I am at a young age and what I want to do in the future, I feel very secure in myself,” they said. In the future, Shipon hopes to start a radical new wave of feminism. Shipon senses a growing frustration in our generation at the lack of intensity known to feminist waves of the past. They hope for a new surge of ferocity and radical thought in feminist literature.
Small School: BIHS BY AELIA GYGER staff writer
the culture around sexual harm — Chou helped hire the current Title IX coordinator, Yasmina Viteskic. Chou had some final advice for younger students at BHS. “Don’t limit yourself, because I think BHS is really unique because of how big it is,” she said. “So really take advantage of all of that and push yourself out of your comfort zone, to meet new people and to try new experiences [that] will make your high school experience the best it can be.”
FIONA FIREPINE
So, let’s address the elephant in the room. Last Friday. Our unofficial “Rally Day.” We engaged in traditional senior activities — shouting, dressing up ridiculously, et cetera — for better or worse. But, unfortunately, horrendously, the juniors egged us. The juniors (or maybe even sophomores?) turned the C2 hallway into a slip n’ slide of eggs. Basically for the first time in our four years here, we saw the famed Berkeley High School (BHS) tradition play out — but in reverse. It’s awkward and embarrassing and … maybe better left unmentioned in the graduation issue of the Jacket. But I find that I can’t look away from that moment, and maybe that’s because it does capture something about our grade. Whether we like it or not, we’re messy. We’re not the tragic seniors of 2021 and 2020, who lost the end of high school to the pandemic. Definitely not the previous classes either, who seemingly upheld Berkeley High School (BHS) traditions with ease. It’s hard to formulate a narrative for the class of 2022. Yes, we’re getting a graduation, and we’re grateful we’ve had senior year in person. But we all entered this school year off-balance. We had lost a lot, and it felt impossible to make up for lost time. We missed out on rites of passage from getting our licenses to sitting on the senior steps. But no matter where we started our senior year, I want to ask, how are we ending it? Some would say we should be embarrassed because of the aforementioned Rally Day incidents, but I’d say we should be proud of the traditions we did carry on. It’s an accomplishment to have a Dare Night, a game of Assassin, a Ditch Day, a minimally-harmful Rally Day, a (kind of…) senior prank. We returned to school with a pressure to continue, to carry on what had existed before us. We should be proud that we’ve created some memories for next year’s seniors to riff on, and definitely to hate on. Many of us were also determined to build on the momentum of the 2020 walkouts. And we’ve done that — 200%. Even if we were present back then, it wasn’t really our movement. We may not have done anything as eye-catching as wearing all red and storming the district offices, but we’ve been there for the endless Zoom school board meetings, meetings with the BHS administration, and the inevitable controversies — and we’ve seen results. We’ve seen the hiring of Yasmina Viteskic, Shafia Zaloom, and Mary Keating. We’ve helped Berkeley middle schoolers learn consent, and future seniors will experience school differently because of us. Our job has been to rebuild and reinvent and we’ve done it as only we could. As the pioneers of the Universal Ninth Grade (U9) (check out a comprehensive analysis of its successes and failures at berkeleyhighjacket.com), we’ve never really been more of the same. We laugh at the so-called “justice” and “respect” hives (although “empathy” was the best), but maybe those ideals really have stuck with us. We’re impassioned and empowered in the culture that BHS fosters for us. We are not afraid to care and to try. You’ll probably hear a lot of ‘22 slander walking the halls of BHS, but it’s only because our story isn’t tragic or glorified or anything straightforward, really. But it’s ours.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
DANGERS OF A SINGLE STORY
ADAM WILAN
JEREMY HERPIN & ASHA BAUDART-GEHLAWAT
MANAGING EDITOR & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
MALINA MEISSNER
FIONA FIREPINE
At one point or another during our time in high school, we’ve all learned that much of what we’re taught in class isn’t going to be needed in “the real world.” And while it’s true that it isn’t commonplace to find your average 45-year-old explaining the many stages of mitosis, there is still value to be found from our time as students, though much of it is more subtle than we’d expect. So today, as per our contract with the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), for a final and conclusive review, we will explore the dangers of a single story. Yes, the TED talk may be overplayed, but its message is one that can not only be applied on a global scale, but also on a smaller and more personal one. Any senior can tell you about the Mary Jacobs love journey we all inevitably ascend to. The story starts as an email, and then two – and eventually, your inbox is flooded with incessant reminder emails, or love notes, as we’ll call them. We’ve pretty much never looked twice at a single “From Mary Jacobs: REMINDER” email, that is, until we fell into another inevitable senior redundancy: the CCC addiction. And this is where the real romance begins. From then on out, absences are cleared, scholarships are recommended, and breath mints are received. Ms. Jacobs is our Mariah Carey tribal music: time and time again, groups of seniors watch as their “I got an email from that Mary Jacobs woman” turns into a “Ms. Jacobs told me all about her night out yesterday!” And as such, we see the teachings of BHS blossom and flourish: we dismantle a single story. In a similar (but less acknowledged) vein, is the way many BHS students view admin. Because of inevitable controversies and teenagers’ general disregard of authority figures, BHS admin get a lot of undeserved animosity. We believe there is much more to be understood about their role in our community. They do, at the end of the day, have student’s best interest at heart: and while we may not agree with everything they do 100 percent of the time, it’s more than ever crucial We acknowledge the work they do, and the ways in which they’ve contributed to working towards goals shared with many students. As our time at BHS comes to an end, and we reflect back onto the most important knowledge we’ve gathered throughout our years of classes, the #1 recurring takeaway from our four years, as a whole, is a more developed understanding of the importance of working with others. Yes, OPCVL has been a blast, but the pinnacle of our high school experience has been conversations with people we disagree with– whether fundamentally or on a more superficial level. Whether in group projects or class discussions, these arguments have taught us not only to work with others in a way that emphasizes varied perspectives, but also to reflect on some of our own values. And that is what we believe the TED talk was trying to tell us. Dismantling single stories isn’t just about understanding that people are different, it’s about actively acknowledging it and keeping an open mind. We’ll leave the closing words to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “Your education really IS the job of a lifetime. And it commences now.”
If Adam Wilan is to be believed, his hobbies include “sitting in [his] bedroom, playing video games, eating ham sandwiches, and dreaming about the future.” Wilan serves as a Chief of Publicity, a captain of Berkeley High School’s (BHS) debate team, and co-lead of the Twin Club. He played BHS tennis and participated in drama through Youth Musical Theater Company. Wilan lived in Boston and Switzerland before living in Berkeley. “I’m not content
to just be in one place. I want to hop, skip, and leap,” he said, suggesting that his early life has shaped his high school years in many ways. Wilan says his time at BHS has been full of memorable moments. “Berkeley High is a uniquely bizarre and wonderful place to be… There’s just a ridiculous amount of opportunity,” he said. Discussions in George Palen’s class, in particular, made an impression. “One day, instead of doing calculus, we talked about how the
BY STEPHANIE JERSEY staff writer
world should be run by wisdom and compassion, rather than greed ... a truly wonderful way to spend class.” Twin life has been part of Wilan’s identity since day one, and while he quips that being a twin can be “deeply draining,” he knows it is a wonderful way to walk through life. “Everybody should have a twin,” he said. He also said of being born before his brother Jack, “it was the best 17 minutes of my life.” In the fall, Wilan will
Nuru has found value in the large student body, where a diverse array of clubs exist, which she credits with allowing her to form close relationships while deepening her appreciation for her ethnicity and culture. Nuru highlighted the importance of these communities, saying “It has been reassuring to have BSU and MSA because … there are other people you can identify with who have certain passions or goals and are the same ethnicity as you. That’s been
important for me because I could see myself in others.” Nuru has made it a priority to make BHS an inclusive space for people of all races, religions, and cultures as ASB Vice President. This year, she spearheaded the cultural fair at BHS: “I was proud of the fair because people were able to come in their cultural clothes and see performances from different cultures. It was inspiring to see.” Nuru has participated in multiple sports in ad-
SOFIE LEDOR ANDREW HUANG
For Sofie Ledor, being part of Communication Arts & Sciences (CAS) has made her senior year at Berkeley High School (BHS) a great experience. “I love CAS. It’s guided me in a direction that I’m really thankful for, which is towards a social justice-y path,” said Ledor. Ledor co-founded the student-led initiative CAS Against Misogyny (CASAM) alongside three other CAS students, where they “have monthly periods
BY MIRIAM REICHENBERG staff writer
attend Wesleyan University and study political science. He and Jack made a deliberate decision not to go to the same college. “It will be nice to differentiate and fly out into the world as a solo person,” he said. Wilan believes that reaching out to others and chasing your passions, hopes, and dreams are worthy pursuits for BHS students. In true Wilan form, his parting words were, “stay away from jazz, liquor, and people that do you harm.” Sound advice.
HANIM NURU
Small School: BIHS
“When I started my freshman year at Berkeley High, I didn’t know who I was or what I liked,” said Hanim Nuru. Now, as the Associated Student Body (ASB) Vice President, varsity basketball player, and member of the National Society of Black Engineers, Muslim Student Association (MSA), and Black Student Union (BSU), Nuru leaves Berkeley High School (BHS) with a sense of her academic interests, as well as a deeper connection to her identity.
Small School: BIHS
where [CAS students] split into groups of misogyny affected groups and misogyny privileged groups … and then we lead discussions talking about the patriarchy, misogyny, sexual assault, rape culture,” said Ledor. The founders of CASAM began working on their lesson plans over distance learning, and introduced their initiative to the CAS senior class this year. In their most recent class discussion, CASAM helped students brainstorm healthy
FIONA FIREPINE
dition to basketball, including softball and rugby, which allowed her to branch out and have fun. “They were always something I could look forward to after school,” she said. For Nuru, her athletic and social endeavors will not stop at BHS. She plans on joining club sports as well as the BSU at the University of Chicago. As she looks ahead, she is enthusiastic about the new chapter of her life. “I’m so excited to get out of California and to be in Chicago.”
Small School: CAS BY MADELYN PHILHOWER staff writer
ways to stay safe and build support systems in college environments, which is top of mind for many graduating CAS seniors. Ledor is going to Pitzer College next year, where she wants to pursue urban studies. This interest “was fueled by two things … one, [my CAS] senior thesis … where I’ve done a lot of research on high density living, car dependency, and walkable cities, and ... an internship here with councilmember Rigel Robinson,” she said.
Besides the knowledge of housing, infrastructure, and urban planning she gained during her internship, Ledor will be taking BHS values along with her to college. “[CAS] really instills some core values in you, [like] to challenge white supremacy, [to] not accept whatever the system of power is asking [of] you, or just to challenge what you see. I think that’s pretty unconventional [because] in most school systems, you’re conditioned to accept whatever is given.”
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
KOKWE DADZIE NOLAN WHITEHILL
When Berkeley International High School (BIHS) senior Kokwe Dadzie transferred to Berkeley High School (BHS) her sophomore year, it took some getting used to. “Finding a community that I felt I was actually a part of was difficult, just because my first high school was a quarter of the size of this one, and my middle school[’s] graduating class was 26 kids,” Dadzie said. That same year, Dadzie joined track and field, run-
Small School: AC BY SOPHIE HORVATH staff writer
“I loved that at Berkeley High, I could take such a wide variety of classes and kind of explore various interests,” said Philippa “Pippa” Kennedy, a graduating senior in Academic Choice (AC). Kennedy explained that she used AC’s flexible schedule to take advantage of the dance program at Berkeley High School (BHS). Kennedy, an avid dancer, started in the modern dance track at BHS, and worked her way up to the Dance Production class as a junior
ning the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. When quarantine began in 2020, track “provided that consistency for me and … [a sense of] community.” Dadzie also tutored middle school students over Zoom, helping them with writing assignments. “[I’m] proud of doing the tutoring, because ... I’ve always really liked helping people, I’d just never found a way to express that,” Dadzie said. “I feel like I was lucky to have the opportunity over
COVID-19 to feel like I was actually doing something.” This year, Dadzie joined Crash Course Consent, a student-led group that makes videos to spread awareness about consent, and became one of two script writers. When Rosie Bultman, the founder of Crash Course Consent, approached her about taking on script writing, Dadzie was hesitant at first. However, she accepted the offer and became an integral part of the team, helping
A TRIBUTE TO MS. MARY JACOBS Small School: BIHS BY MADELYN PHILHOWER staff writer
create Crash Course Consent’s first three videos. Reflecting on the impact of Crash Course Consent, Dadzie said, “It’s shown more people that consent education needs to improve, and also that there are [many] ways that you can contribute to the conversation around consent.” Dadzie’s journey at BHS reflects her message to all students: “Go with what you’re interested in and try everything. Don’t be scared of opportunities.”
PIPPA KENNEDY and senior. Dance Production is a “student choreographed and led class. … [A]ll our shows are self-choreographed, we choose the music, we choose the costumes,” Kennedy explained. Kennedy not only approaches dancing with enthusiasm and vibrancy, but all other aspects of her life as well. She recalled that the other part of her high school career she is most proud of was pushing herself in science classes. At Vassar College, she is
thinking about majoring in Biological Anthropology or Environmental Science. Kennedy expressed interest in working on the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve, a resource for students conducting research and a location for activities. From her dance journey to trying out new passions, Kennedy remembers to put her all into her work, while also maintaining a positive energy with all the other aspects of her life, such as friends and self-care. Ken-
FIONA FIREPINE
nedy wanted to express an essential piece of advice to high school students: “I think being young is beautiful, and such an amazing time in our lives, but it’s very reassuring for me to hear that this isn’t necessarily the high point in my life, there’s so much more out there.” Kennedy has multitudes ahead of her, from continuing her dance journey in college to exploring her future in STEM, and much more. “That’s been resonating with me,” she said of her future.
EMILY SIDHARTA YASMEEN BAWANY
Throughout her four years at Berkeley High School (BHS), Emily Sidharta has shifted from being a shy and nervous incoming freshman to an extroverted and confident senior. From her freshman year to her past three years in the small learning community Academy of Medicine and Public Service (AMPS), Sidharta has continued to make strong and long-lasting connections with her peers. During her high school experience, Sidharta has
become president of three BHS clubs, all of which she has attended since her freshman year. Currently, she is the president of the Asian Pacific Islander Club, Berkeley High Seido Karate Club, and is copresident of the Red Cross Club. Additionally, she attends the National Honor Society and the Tea Club. Starting out as a ninth grader, Sidharta was unsure of which classes to take, but found many options in and outside of BHS. She chose
to enroll in AMPS as well as three Berkeley City College (BCC) classes to improve her credits and GPA. Time in clubs and AMPS has really honed her interests in STEM-related courses and public speaking on top of potential careers. In her sophomore year, she took BCC’s counseling course, earlier this year she took Exploring Health Issues, and right now she is taking Child Growth and Development in preparation for the upcoming
Small School: AMPS BY JASPER LOVVORN-BLACK staff writer
four years as a student at Stanford University. After graduation, Sidharta plans on attending Stanford “with the intended major of Human Biology and Pre-Med” to become a pediatrician. Sidharta recommends that everyone use the resources that are available to them, whether that be academic support, counseling, or anything else. She also adds that people should “try to become involved in things that you are passionate about.”
SIENA COHEN-PARIKH & ADELINE PRASKINS
COPY CHIEF & MANAGING EDITOR
PENELOPE GILLIGAN
If you were to walk into the College and Career Center (CCC) during any period, on any day of the week, you’re bound to be intercepted by Mary Jacobs. She’ll ask if you have a hall pass with a sympathetic smile because she knows you probably don’t. If you were to ask a random student, “What’s the best place on campus?” they would say the CCC, an airconditioned haven that provides a space to get work done or to just catch your breath within the usually chaotic environment of Berkeley High. This year’s underclassmen may experience their own CCC after we’ve gone, but we know it won’t be the same without Ms. Jacobs. Among the list of questionable dares members of the senior class attempted to complete as part of this year’s dare night, seniors were challenged to send Ms. Jacobs a heartfelt email, a task most found easy. This dare meant more than its point value on the spreadsheet. It represented a deep appreciation and gratitude for Ms. Jacobs, especially in light of her retirement at the end of the year. In late May, students planned to bring bouquets of flowers to Ms. Jacobs, thanking her for her extensive contributions to Berkeley High School (BHS). Ms. Jacobs made herself available to every single senior at BHS during their college application process this fall as she persistently encouraged students to work with essay readers and organized informational meetings with college representatives. Upon walking into the CCC this fall, one would hear Ms. Jacobs calling across the room as essay readers became available, and the background chatter of students, comfortable and happy in the safe space created in the CCC. Not only has Mr. Jacobs been there to give helpful advice on applications and decisions, but she’s always also available if you just want to check in and chat. She has provided an environment on campus in which students can feel supported both academically and emotionally. Every holiday, Ms. Jacobs hands out candy and walks around the CCC, celebrating with all of the students. When we go to her with questions, she doesn’t always know the answer, but she always goes out of her way to find it, or to connect us with someone else who may know. It’s unique to have the support of such an incredible person, and every student at BHS, especially upperclassmen, should feel tremendously lucky to have had the experience of knowning Ms. Jacobs. Best of all, Ms. Jacobs runs the @berkeleyhighcounseling account on Instagram. Many students remember her asking them for a song to put in the background of a post on the account’s story, or ideas for making Instagram Reels to share important information in an entertaining way. Her unceasing kindness, optimism, and aid to students will not be forgotten by seniors from the class of 2022 — nor from students who graduated years before. Unity among students at a school of 3,500 is rare, but anyone on campus who has met Ms. Jacobs can speak to her warmth and compassion.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
DWAYNE CLAY
PHOTO BY RYEN REED, COURTESY OF DWAYNE CLAY
Small School: BIHS BY AVA RAMSDALE staff writer
Rosie Bultman has been a leader among her peers through debate, track and field, and dedicating her time at Berkeley High School (BHS) to mentoring other students, most notably through her work in creating consent education videos. “I’ve met so many wonderful people here of so many different backgrounds,” Bultman said. “I think I’ve made great connections with a lot of younger kids there, and I can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”
Bultman organized Crash Course Consent and released several consent education videos for BHS students. Though Bultman faced pushback from the school and administration, she did not let that stop her. Bultman said she was proud of herself and her team, as it took copious amounts of hard work that paid off in the end. Bultman was inspired by the walkout in 2020 over rape and sexual harassment at BHS. “I wanted to do some-
“I have been pretty much any and every title within the BSU [Black Student Union],” said Dwayne Clay. Over his four years at Berkeley High School (BHS), Clay has been active in the community in many ways: he was the coordinator and secretary for the Black Student Union (BSU), participated as a link leader, was a member of a student-run mental health club, and performed in the African Diaspora dance shows and drama productions on campus. When asked about how he has impacted the BHS
community, Clay touched on how he hopes his distinct sense of style has helped create an accepting environment. “I just want other people to be open about how they express themselves,” he said. “Especially [for] African American people [to] just [be] able to express who they truly want to be and be empowered.” Clay was also the 2022 Prom King, a win that “everyone thought [he] wasn’t gonna get.” He shared that this doubt motivated him to work even harder. “I have tried to take on things
BY SASKIA FREEDBERG staff writer
that a lot of people think I couldn’t take on, things that just haven’t been done,” Clay said. “I’m usually the only Black boy at senior awards.” Clay shared that he has also been shaped by the diverse BHS community. “Berkeley High has definitely given me the space to be the person I’m speaking of, because here, there really [aren’t] any limitations,” he explained. “There are so many different people here, you are open to a variety of things, so I feel like that has definitely just been an influence on who I am today.”
As for the future, Clay will study psychology and political science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also plans to minor in African Studies, continue acting, and possibly intern as a clothing stylist. As he leaves BHS for Los Angeles and beyond, Clay shared advice on how to thrive for BHS students. “Use all of your resources. There is somebody here for everything,” Clay said. “Just be who you are, and ... I find that’s going to get you everywhere.”
ROSIE BULTMAN thing, and that walkout I think really inspired me because it really showed me what students were capable of organizing,” said Bultman. Bultman hopes she can continue impacting people’s lives in the future and would like to go into a life of public service, preferably within the California government. Inspired by her experiences at BHS, Bultman wants to reimagine education and make “economic changes” in hopes that she can create more equality
and economic opportunity. Furthermore, Bultman is president of the BHS debate team and considers it “her child.” When she originally joined the team, she said that she struggled to be quick on her feet during debates, but she has now grown and is a stronger debater and leader. Additionally, she uses her own growth to coach the younger debate members. “It’s the best feeling when you love something and then you bring it into somebody else’s life,” Bultman said.
KRITHI DE SOUZA
ANDREW HUANG
Small School: AHA
Krithi De Souza has accomplished many things during her time at Berkeley High School (BHS). As the current senior class president, De Souza has been a leading force in planning events like prom and Senior Sunrise. Additionally, she has been an active member of BHS Stop Harassing and was captain of the BHS water polo team. In her work for BHS Stop Harassing, De Souza conducted presentations to middle schools and freshmen in order to
teach the next generation about consent. De Souza expressed how much she enjoyed being able to lead the water polo team. “I was really proud of being [captain]. I never imagined that I would be in that position coming into the sport,” she said. De Souza noted that throughout her years at BHS, she has learned to advocate for herself more, and has become more selfconfident. She also reflected on the connections she has made at BHS through com-
MALINA MEISSNER
Small School: AC BY OHAD AVIRAN-FINKELSTEIN staff writer
munities and resources. “BHS is a place that has a lot of nice things to offer for so many people,” De Souza said. “I think that at any other high school, it would’ve been difficult to explore all of these interests, but BHS really let me try everything.” She later explained that she was happy to have the opportunity to do sports while also trying musical theater, activism, and leadership. “I really hope BHS can keep its spirit in the students and that we continue to do these
traditions. I just hope it stays strong and that it [continues to] be as good of a place for them as it was for me.” De Souza will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as an undeclared social science student next year, and is hoping to study abroad sometime during college. For incoming underclassmen, De Souza recommended doing as many things as you can while you have time, because you never know what you will enjoy.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
MILES DAVIS
NOLAN WHITEHILL
Small School: AC BY ZADA SANGER staff writer
Ava Nemeth’s passion for righting wrongs and making a positive impact is pronounced, and has been throughout her career at Berkeley High School (BHS) as a student in Academic Choice (AC). As a leader of the Women’s Student Union since her junior year, she has made incredible strides for the betterment of the BHS community and beyond. She and a few other WSU leaders filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education in March of 2021 to
combat the amendment of Title IX laws that would greatly diminish the protections and rights afforded to victims of harassment and abuse. Though not resolved yet, this case has the potential to be the driving force in reform and improvement of federal Title IX laws. “I’ve always wanted to make a difference,” Nemeth said. Her efforts have also led to BHS’s placement under federal investigation for poor handling of Title IX matters, which may re-
Throughout his time at Berkeley High (BHS), Academic Choice (AC) graduating senior Miles Davis has taken on many roles. In the past four years, he has been a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, a Green Dot ambassador, and, as of his senior year, the vice president of BHS’s Black Student Union (BSU). This year, Davis played a large role in organizing the BSU’s Black History Month event. He looked back on the planning process and turnout fondly. “I love being able to put on events with
the BSU,” he said. “I just love the community that we build. It was really fun.” Davis said that the BSU’s impact is most notable in the community and connections it forms between Black students, making his time as vice president impactful. “I feel like, in a way, I’ve helped build a little bit of the community,” he said. Davis’ advocacy for Black students doesn’t end there. He recalled meetings in which he spoke with district and community members to improve the quality of life for Black BHS students,
Small School: AC BY PEARL GAUTHIER staff writer
through limiting violence and maintaining a strong community. “Hopefully my words will later help translate into a better future for Black students at our school,” he said. When describing his high school experience, Davis explained the struggles he went through to find his passion. He was unsure of his purpose until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, along with the massive rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Seeing a light shine on injustice in his community sparked a pas-
sion for activism. “I’m inspired to help and better our people,” Davis said. In terms of plans for next year, Davis will be attending California State Northridge, where he will be majoring in psychology and minoring in African American studies. Watching his dad, who works for the non-profit Felton Institute, Davis is inspired to start his own business or non-profit targeted towards helping the Black community. “I just want to make a name for myself in a good way, that also helps my community,” he said.
AVA NEMETH sult in the allocation of funds and resources to the school to finally address these long-standing issues. Nemeth also said she feels “so grateful for the access to resources, amazing people, and just this amazing environment to further ideas brought by Berkeley High.” She said the BHS Law and Social Justice program was paramount to her finding that a career in law was what she wanted to pursue. After high school, Nemeth will study Criminology, Law
and Society at the University of California, Irvine, and then hopes to attend law school. She wants to practice a kind of law where she could help people in need and change the world. Nemeth’s advice to BHS students is to “stop caring” about what other people think of them. “When I learned to do that, I found more brain space to care about big things, things that matter, which allowed me to accomplish a lot more,” she said.
ZARA TAYLOR
YASMEEN BAWANY
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Zara Taylor, a senior in the Academy of Medicine and Public Service (AMPS), put in tremendous effort through the years and used Berkeley High School’s (BHS) resources to the fullest extent in order to achieve her goals. Taylor is extremely appreciative of the people who have helped her grow during her time at BHS, especially her teachers, including Tasha Jackson, Matt Bremer, and Diane Kung. “Meeting these people has been
just amazing,” Taylor said. Taylor has wanted to be a doctor since she was nine years old, and with the start of college, that dream is becoming a reality. Though this dream originated from watching Grey’s Anatomy, it has grown to be much more than that. “I’ve always had a fascination for medicine,” she said. “I really want to have an impact on people’s lives, but also the human body just fascinates me.” Taylor hopes to be a fe-
MALIN MORELL
Small School: AMPS BY AVHA MEISELS staff writer
tal surgeon in the future. “I want to work with maternal fetal health, and I think women’s health is super important,” she said. Throughout her years at BHS, Taylor has worked towards this goal by taking numerous medical classes and going out of her way to get as much experience and knowledge as she can. “I’m trying to immerse myself in medicine as much as I can,” she said. Next year she will be attending the University of California, Davis with
plans of becoming a surgeon. During her time at BHS, Taylor has had to overcome challenges. She said the size of BHS can make it hard to find your people at first and be very overwhelming. Despite the obstacles, Taylor acknowledges the positives about BHS. “My favorite things about BHS are the sense of community and school pride that everyone has,” she said. “I like how diverse it is and ... it teaches us real world things instead of just academics.”
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
KO WIEDLIN
FIONA FIREPINE
Small School: BIHS BY SERENNA REDWOOD staff writer
Anna Pelegrino, a senior in Berkeley International High School (BIHS), has truly loved her time at Berkeley High School (BHS) despite the chaos of the last couple years. One of the things Pelegrino is most proud of from her time here is co-directing Our Monologues this year, which is a student run production where the cast performs stories. “It was really powerful to take the cast on this whole journey,” Pelegrino said. The process of directing Our Monologues
“I know everyone says it, and whenever you hear it, it’s pretty easy to just brush it off,” said Ko Wiedlin when asked for advice for current Berkeley High School (BHS) students, “but seriously, these four years fly by so fast. Take advantage of any opportunity, surround yourself with people that you like, and just remember, you get out of it what you put in.” Wiedlin, a senior in Academic Choice (AC), has spent the last weeks of his high school career reminiscing on his time at BHS.
Small School: AC BY JONAH LACHS staff writer
Among his many accomplishments is his position as captain of the BHS mens varsity soccer team, after playing for all four years. “I remember growing up and watching the team, and then finally being able to have a leadership role on the team,” he said. “I always wanted to keep the team really close, set up traditions and then just make sure everyone is having fun and making the most of high school soccer. It’s my hope that I impacted the team as much as I wanted to.” In his senior season,
Wiedlin led the team to a record of 13-6-4 and took them to the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. In addition to this leadership role, Wiedlin was also the senior class vice president. “My leadership team and I helped organize a bunch of fundraisers and events,” he said. “We helped to plan prom, which had a really good turnout this year, and we sold more tickets than any other class in a long time.” Wiedlin said that he “loves Berkeley High,” and “thinks [he] made [his]
mark on it in these ways.” In the fall, Wiedlin will be attending San Diego State University, where he will be studying kinesiology. However, despite having chosen a school and selecting a major, Wiedlin feels that he is “going into college kind of blind.” Wiedlin’s final message to all BHS students is this: “You’re going to figure out who you are regardless. Just try new things and at the end of the day, remember that high school is just another step in your lives.”
ANNA PELEGRINO
lasted about eight months, and Pelegrino said the directors made sure to look for a diversity of voices. “Seeking out voices that we’re missing to create this beautiful collage of Berkeley’s experience … it’s been really powerful and beautiful,” she said. Pelegrino also participate in a service called Haircuts and Connections, which partnered with the Berkeley Shower Program to provide unhoused people with hair cuts and other services. “I understand more about what [unhoused people]
need from us because sometimes what we think they need is not what they really need,” Pelegrino explained. Pelegrino plans to take the idea with her next year to the University of California, Davis, where she will be majoring in neurobiology, physiology and behavior. Pelegrino thinks highly of BHS. “I’ve had people in my classes with a yacht and living in a shelter. It’s a pretty wide cross section,” she said. Pelegrino’s favorite classes at BHS have been Chicanx Latinx Lit-
erature and Biotech, and she remembers teachers like Mr. Kaku, Ms. Simon O’Neal and Ms. Jacobs for having a positive impact on her. BHS has taught her how to advocate for herself, which Pelegrino will take with her moving forward. “I think I’m gonna miss it,” said Pelegrino of BHS, “I really love BHS, with all its chaotic issues … I wanna see what our grade does because I think we have some really cool people who are gonna do some really awesome things.”
JACK WILAN
FIONA FIREPINE
“Berkeley High School [BHS] does a great job of teaching me the insanity of humanity,” remarked Berkeley International High School (BIHS) senior Jack Wilan. Over the past years, he has grown to thrive in the organized chaos that characterizes BHS. Throughout the past four years, Wilan has participated in debate and musical theater, served as chief of publicity alongside his twin Adam Wilan, and played for the BHS tennis team. He
MALIN MORELL
Small School: BIHS BY ARIANA YEROVAM staff writer
also co-founded both BHS’s Financial Empowerment Club and Twin Club. These involvements have allowed Wilan to channel his social and creative personality into things that benefit both him and his larger community. “Berkeley High offers a lot of really great programs that once you get into you don’t really want to leave,” said Wilan. He also feels that he’s been able to make a “lasting impact” by making the morning bulletin videos. Outside of school, Wilan
is an avid thespian, and has executed numerous productions for both the Berkeley Playhouse and the Youth Musical Theater Company. Wilan moved between San Francisco, Boston, and Switzerland at a young age before finally settling in the Bay Area for the better part of his educational career. Having transitioned from a small private middle school to BHS, he experienced tremendous growth. “Berkeley High has given me a wider perspective on
the world,” he explained. In the fall, Wilan plans to attend Tufts University in Boston, where he is interested in studying political science. Alternatively, he aspires to “settle down with a wife and have three kids. I’ll name them Jack Junior, Jack the Second, and little Jaqueline.” Finally, he added that he’ll “also probably work for a lumber mill somewhere in Nebraska.” Evidently, Wilan has a brilliant future ahead.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
GRADUATION ISSUE
GEORGIA DAVIDSON
PENELOPE GILLIGAN
& Orange (2022) and The Imbolc of Rosemary (2022). “Both are a little avantgarde and strange, but magical,” she said. “I’m a very nostalgic person…I like to take pictures to [one day] show my grandchildren…” Davidson loves to capture moments of her life through film and photography. They think having the opportunity to archive life through that lens is something everyone should endeavor. Davidson attended Albany High School for two years before getting accepted into BHS. They
Small School: CAS BY HELEN KIBEL staff writer
have a great appreciation for the resources available at BHS and the family-like community of her small school, Communication Arts & Sciences (CAS). “I feel I have the space to be who I want to be, make things I want to make [and to] do things I want to do,” she said. Davidson speaks reverently of their time at Berkeley High by saying, “[I’ve] grown in how I see the world.” Although Davidson only attended Berkeley High for two years, and with one being online, they
still say they’ve “changed for the better” at BHS. “I have such a huge appreciation for this school,” they said, “My grandparents met here in the ‘60s and ran away together, so I wouldn’t be here today without this school. I wish I could have been here longer.” Davidson plans to move to New York City with four friends to attend the Pratt Institute to continue studying film. Their advice is to not “stress over minor inconveniences or risks,” and to “take a step back and look at life as a whole.”
RUBY LIMMORENO
Small School: AHA BY SAMUEL FELDMAN staff writer
For Ruby Lim-Moreno, a graduating senior in Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA), music has been one of her central attachments to the Berkeley High School (BHS) community. Lim-Moreno plays bass trombone in the BHS Jazz Ensemble and tenor tuba in honors orchestra. Lim-Moreno has made connections with the world around her through her music, becoming not only a valued part of the BHS musical community but a head men-
Georgia Davidson expressed great zeal when describing their film work at Berkeley High School (BHS). She had clear ambitions for creative projects, and BHS provided access to resources to make those visions a reality. As the head of the school’s Film Club for two years, Davidson championed creativity and inspired students to start making art for themselves. She has been in many film and photography classes, and she is most proud of the films she made this year, including Story of Red
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tor at the BMuZ music camp. When she looks back on her accomplishments over her four years at BHS, she is “most proud of the first really good solo [she] played.” Lim-Moreno has also made an impact on the local music scene. “I think it’s important that more people like me are in the scene,” she said. “I [have been] a part of trying to get more diversity in the music program.” It has taken Lim-Moreno time to find herself and her place at BHS. “Freshman
year was rough, and I was kind of all over the place,” Lim-Moreno said, and her situation only got worse come sophomore year. During the pandemic, Lim-Moreno found spending time with her own thoughts to be valuable. “Take time to yourself,” she advised students. In Lim-Moreno’s first two years of high school, she was surrounded by so many people that she was forced to go along with the flow, but after quarantine,
Lim-Moreno felt like she had a much better grasp on herself as a person. “If you take time to … figure things out in your head and be with yourself, you become so much more confident and secure in what you’re doing,” she said. Lim-Moreno plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the fall to study music. In the future, she plans to continue her instrumental pursuits, and expressed interest in being a teacher as well.
EMMA LYNCH
YASMEEN BAWANY
When Emma Lynch reflects on their Berkeley High School (BHS) experience, they think of three key items: robotics, nuclear physics, and math. Lynch was the programming lead for the BHS Robotics Team during the 2020 school year, while also working with a University of California (UC), Berkeley research group. With the group, Lynch made breakthrough discoveries in Alpha-Beta particle simulations, even publishing papers on the subject.
COURTESY OF RUBY LIM-MORENO
Small School: BIHS BY ELIOT HERTENSTEIN staff writer
“I’ve gotten exposed to a lot of different things early on [at BHS],” they said regarding BHS’s diverse community. “There are so many different people with so many different perspectives, and so many different insightful ideas about how the world works and how the world should work.” Lynch is also a mentor, founding Willard Middle School’s MathCounts and Math Circle programs, helping two students qualify for the MathCounts State
Championship in 2021. Lynch’s philosophy is simple: do what you’re interested in, and be ambitious. “Normally, things turn out okay, and if not, it’s easier to backpedal than jump in,” they said. During their time at BHS, Lynch enjoyed being part of the Spanish program, specifically the AP Spanish Literature class. “I used to say ‘Spanish is my least favorite class,’ but this class is so cool,” Lynch remarked. “A lot of the time,
we have a very America-centric [view], when there are these countries right next to us that have such a big impact on us.” Lynch will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall, where they hope to further the research they have conducted at UC Berkeley, working with a professor to “see a different side” of nuclear physics. They also hope to apply their robotics knowledge to mentor a robotics team in Massachusetts.
OWEN BLAIR