The Featheralist: Volume 04, Issue 03 (Senior Issue)

2 SENIOR ISSUE 2022 VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03

FOREWORD Dear Class of 2022, I’ve been penning forewords for senior issues ever since I was a freshman, always honoring the relationships I had fostered with the graduating class of Del Norte. I never could have imagined that the time to write the letter to us would come so quickly.

This is a belated letter, written the day after graduation. Yesterday, I sat in the iconic white chair, walked the turf in blistered feet, cried and laughed as I celebrated one of the biggest milestones of my life.

Sitting on the field, in the same seat of the hundreds of upperclassmen I watched graduate in years prior, filled me with layers upon layers of emotions. Nostalgia as I reminisced on the years of growth that had now become a part of a stage in my life I was meant to move on from, at the connections I made or missed during my time at school. Feeling left behind as I realized I grew up much faster than I was ready for. Hesitation at how little I knew about what was to come. But at the same time, I felt an indescribable level of pride, as I thought about how far we’ve come since we first stepped foot onto campus. Happiness to move on to the next stage of my life, excitement at how much more the next years will bring.

But more than anything, I was grateful. Recently, I went out with a friend and we played the game We’re Not Really Strangers. The card I pulled said, “Both players share something you’re most grateful for in this current moment.” And in the moment my name was called as I stepped on stage to receive my diploma, walking in front of rows of teachers, friends, classmates who had shaped my high school experience reminded me of how grateful I was for every moment that had made me into the person I have become. That I was beyond privileged to have loved and been loved by people who lift me up, people who remind me of all there was in the world to look forward to, people who serve as motivation to become someone both I and they could be proud of.

So to us, I say, we did it. Though we may have felt unprepared as we faced each external and internal conflict, though we may have felt layers of nostalgia, hesitation, pride, happiness as we embarked on the final step of our teenage years, I know that we will never be more prepared than now. Growing up was tough, but Class of 2022, I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else to do it with.

I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. May each single day fill you with an appreciation for the last and an excitement for the next, and may your lives be filled with an abundance of love and joy.

Thank you. It’s been real.

Best, Andrea Baek President, Editor-in-Chief Signing off one last time

TO THE CLASS OF 2022, For so many years, I’ve followed the coattails of your journey.

Throughout high school, middle school, and even elementary school, I could always count on having you to pave the way to an anticipated future. As the class most similar in age to mine, I’ve grown alongside many of you, become friends with many of you, and cherished memories with many of you.

Yet this is where our stories diverge. This is the part where graduation caps are thrown, the setting sun casts a glow over the horizon, and dandelion seeds scatter in the wind. It’s hard to imagine that, for all of the growth that has happened in this singular location in a singular era of time, it’s finally branching out into a multitude of new beginnings. You will go to new places, no longer sheltered inside the realm of our shared high school experience. For the first time when I walk onto campus next year, I won’t see you within classes or

fleeting moments throughout the day. Instead, I’ll be picturing you on another campus or destination, somewhere which seems impossibly far away, growing new roots in what will become another significant crosspoint of your journey.

Watching you graduate feels, in many ways, like a demarcation of a period of time for me as well. It’s knowing that the oceans are more turbulent yet exciting than the puddles; that the “future” is both something so abstract yet so vivid. I’ll miss you dearly, yet I know that your story is still unfolding.

I hope this issue can be like memorabilia: to recognize how far you’ve come in the last 4 years.

To paint in words and brushstrokes the vibrant colors of your memory. To give you another thing to hold in your hands and see for yourself the marks that you’ve made. Because this issue is a product of the shared memories, all of the cross-sections of time and lives formed from the common theme of your class, your identity.

I hope that you can feel the heart and thought captured within these pages as you flip through.

But know that there’s so much more.

That the magnitude of your memory far exceeds what can be put onto paper. That your future is so much more than a destination. That the best, that fickle thing which never seems to find its roost, is still yet to come.

All the best, Ellen Xu President, Editor-in-Chief Class of 2023

TO OUR S To all the seniors that I have became friends with, this message is for you. Thank you for becoming the older brothers and sisters that I never asked for but have grown to love. You have taught me so much and I can't wait to see what you do in the future. Whether you send a spaceship to Mars or find the cure to Cancer, I know that you will be the next generation of innovators. You have all inspired me, and will continue to inspire many other of the underclassmen to come.

2022 has been a rough year, to say the least, but you should all be so incredibly proud of how much you have grown. To my senior buddies, thank you for carrying me through this year and providing me with the very best insight and good company. I couldn't imagine a more inspiring and thoughtful support system.

Anna Feng ‘23

Kevin He ‘23 Good luck in all your future endeavors, we'll all miss you guys :') It's been a real blast meeting you guys and I really admire the perseverance and progress that's been made these last couple of years despite obvious bumps along the way. I have no doubt that you all will be successful in the future. Buena Suerte :) Emiliano Strutton ‘23

To the seniors, YOU DID IT! This is just the beginning and I cannot wait to see what all of you go on to accomplish. Keep killing it I’ll miss you all!!

Malia Pham ‘23

Audrey Zeng ‘23

Kaylee Hou ‘23

Bhavana Karthik ‘25

Thank you for being patient with me (a freshman) as I tried to find my way around Del Norte in the first month or so of school.

You were very kind and extremely willing to help me find my classes. I thought that as seniors, you would think that you are above helping out the freshman, but I never came across a senior that was rude. So again, I thank you all for being so friendly and considerate.

Kaitlyn Ho ‘25

The past two years have been difficult, but you persevered and pulled through. I know college admissions this year were especially tough partly due to many colleges dropping standardized test requirements, but no matter where you're going, you should be proud of yourself. Congrats!

Connor Wang ‘23

Thank you so much for being such an inspiration on campus and cultivating a culture of kindness, which is ever so important now that we are in-person. You guys set such a great example for all the freshman, sophomores, and juniors. Wishing you guys the best of luck in all your pursuits and climb towards greatness!

Daisy Zhang ‘24

Spread your wings and fly high.

Katie Xu ‘25

Congratulations seniors!! To all of the seniors I’ve had the chance to meet and interact with this year, I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished and a huge glittery thank you for all your mentorship. I can’t wait to see what all of you will achieve in the future :))))

ty for keeping our school alive and well <3

Class of 2022, YOU ROCK!!! It's crazy that all of you were once my middle school classmates. I'm proud of all of your achievements these years, and I can't wait to see how high all of you will soar!!!

Tyler Xiao ‘24

SENIORS

genre | The Featheralist

FROM OUR Thank you to the class of 2022 for being in my life. Some of you I have known since elementary school, and I cannot imagine the thought of walking past the halls and not seeing your faces everyday. Although high school has been rough for many of us, I am immensely proud of our grade and everything that it has been through. I know that as this chapter closes, our lives will only begin and we will all go on to do great things.

Yael Pasternak ‘22

Thank you everyone for pushing me to the best of my ability!! Thank you Del Norte softball for giving me a great opportunity strive and be great and for my coaches who always were with me through my highs and lows. Thank you to my parents for being the best parents I could ask for! Love you all.

Tess Altevers Harris ‘22

I am so proud of us.

Have a great day!

Carter Maciejewski ‘22

I’m so proud of everything this class has done!! Best of luck in future endeavors and have fun in college <3 Zoey Ho ‘22

As a graduating Senior, I would like to thank all of the friends I have made along the way, most of which I adventured through Water Polo with. I am thankful for the AVID program for helping me throughout high school and educating me on the ways of preparing for college. I am ready to enter college with the mindset to stay determined and push towards my goals. I would also like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me, Love you Mom and Dad! Kolby Sowvlen ‘22

Deanna Hu ‘22 After 4 years of finding myself at Del Norte, I’ve discovered that my future belongs at a prestigious Historically Black College/ University (or HBCU). Therefore, I will be attending to Howard University in the fall to connect with my culture and further the education of my identity.

Kelly Lige ‘22

00

Growing up sucks Mark He ‘22

High school is easy. it’s like riding a bike except the bike is on fire, and the ground is on fire, and everything is on fire because you’re in hell.

Emily Dern ‘22

In these past 4 years i’ve met some of my favorite people and i’m excited to see where everyone’s different paths take them!

Julia Wang ‘22

ii V I IV viiø III vi Ethan Cao ‘22

To those I’ve met and have stuck with me, thank you so much for making me a better person. I wish you the best.

Emily Kim ‘22

Thank you to all the teachers at Del Norte who have made high school an unforgettable experience! I will always cherish my time spent here, Go Nighthawks!

Sonakshi Bhalla ‘22

Seniors! I'm proud of us and all that's to come. Stay true! Xoxo Mia Magdaraog ‘22

thanks to all the teachers who have guided me through high school and the friends that i’ve made along the way :) Aditi Akella ‘22

It feels unreal to even be a senior at Del Norte, much less graduating in a few weeks, but the moment is finally here and I wouldn't have traded these memories for anything.

Hannah Chen ‘22

To all my fellow Nighthawks: Don’t fit in stand out. Pursue what you’re truly passionate about. When you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders and people are giving you s*** remember that is a reflection of who they are as a person NOT a reflection of who you are. It’s okay to advocate for yourself and be different, because it’s those differences that change the world. It can be okay to not always follow to flock.

Holden Kunowski ‘22

Good luck to you all! I know the Class of 2022 will do amazing things in the future. Go Nighthawks!

Kathryn Schneider ‘22

We goneee!!

Ryan Karpman ‘22

Month 0000 | Volume 00, Issue 00

R SENIORS

WHERE IS THE CLASS OF 2

Disclaimer! The data and statistics used for this college map was volunteered by 96 out of 674 students of the senior class.

2022 GOING?

Most Popular Colleges UC Berkeley (15) UC San Diego (7) University of Arizona (5) UCSB (5) Boston University (3)

Future Plans 48.896% In-state College 47.917% Out-of-state College 2.008% International 0.00% Gap Year

Top Majors 54.167% STEM 18.750% Business 11.458% Arts and Humanities 8.333% Social Sciences 7.292% Undecided/Other

International Locations British Columbia, Canada Ontario, Canada

Legend 0 1-5 6-10 11-20 21-30 30+

Arizona

Arizona State University Anika Aluri

Embry-Riddle University

Carter Maciejewski

University of Arizona

Dhruv Rao Ethan Cao Haley Riesenweber Hunter Mark He

California Biola University Dabin Bae

CSU San Marcos Nash Souza Ryan Gross

Chapman University Jason Mitrakos

Palomar College

WHERE IS THE CLAS

Santa Clara University Hanol Yang

Stanford University Amani Shah Flora Yuan

UC Berkeley

Crystal Widjaja Erin Dominguez Hannah Chen Justin Li Lola Bulkin Rebecca Wei Russell Kang Sanya Sitlani Sarika Pasumarthy Shruti Chari Sophie Bulkin Yajat Yadav

UC Davis

Jonathan Hyncik

UC Los Angeles Sriya Chilla Zoey Ho

Cheng-Lin Liu

UC Merced

Point Loma Nazarene University

UC Riverside

Kolby Sowvlen

San Diego Miramar College William Hayden Imaan Kamran

San Diego State University Leah Bogomolny Olivia Gants 00

Khushi Bagri Aidan Nagola Alex Zakoor Camron Santos Grace Wang Shrikriti Bikkumala

UC San Diego Aidan Rosen Andrew Pu

Anirudh Ramachandran Katelin Shum Ketki Chakradeo Pranav Kambhampati Rachel Wei

UC Santa Barbara

Clarissa Hom Deanna Hu Emily Kim Rohan Nallapati Vihan Jayaraman

UC Santa Clara

Gautam Gupta

University of Southern California James Lee

University of the Pacific Kyle Brazinsky

Georgia

Emory University

Andrew de la Pena Hannah Lee

Hawai’i

University of Hawai’i Mānoa Emily Dern Olivia Vizzard

Illinois

Northwestern University Malak Saad

University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign

Hyoungmin Kim

University of Illinois

Barnard College of Columbia University

Texas A&M University

Fordham University

Utah

Nivedita Rethnakar Tess Altevers Harris

Indiana

Purdue University Aditi Akella

Saint Mary's College Kathryn Schneider

Kansas

New York Andrea Baek

Mia Magdaraog Risa Iwazaki

New York University Richa Mallampalli

St. John's University Sydney Wallace

Southern Methodist University Madeleine Tahl

Kaavya Raamkumar Madeleine Boedeker

Brigham Young University Clarabel Skopec

Westminster College Jocelyn Jones

The Juilliard School

Washington

Massachusetts

North Carolina

Bella Chong Michael Ji

Hyeonjun Tak

Eric Wang

Boston University

Pennsylvania

University of Kansas Ryan Karpman

Amherst College

Alexandria Greenhall Julia Wang Ian Park

Holden Kunowski

Duke University

Carnegie Mellon University

University of Washington Western Washington University Ella Fontes

Washington, D.C

Brandeis University

Iniyaa Mohanraj Sunny Fan

Howard University

University of Pennsylvania

Emerson College

Gaurish Gaur Saurav Nagpal

Canada

Wellesley College

Texas

Williams College

Sonakshi Bhalla

Krishnadev Lakshminarayanan Skylar Hutcheon Anneliese Peerbolte Aashi Mittal

Rice University

Month 0000 | Volume 00, Issue 00

SS OF 2022 GOING?

Kelly Lige

University of Toronto Isabella Yan

University of British Columbia Tallulah Park 00

2022 Thank you to our amazing staff: Art Iris Ding, ‘22

Graphic Design Daisy Zhang, ‘24 Priya Tantod, ‘23 Writing Andrea Baek, ‘22 Ellen Xu, ‘23 Anna Feng, ‘23 Audrey Zeng, ‘23 Nicole Pi, ‘23 Anna Prasouvo, ‘24 Nikki Hekmat, ‘24 Rini Khandelwal, ‘24 Shriya Sankaran, ‘23 Tyler Xiao, ‘24 Cover art “Circle of Stars” by Iris Ding, ‘22 And our incredible advisers: Mr. Thomas Swanson Dr. Trent Hall

This issue is dedicated to the Del Norte class of 2022, who have filled each day of this past year with an unrivaled joy and enthusiasm for the next.