Vol. 3, No. 3
Class of 2025 EDITION
The Sunburst
Zepeda/
Seniors, Signing Off Celebrating Our First Group of Graduates
By Percy Ednalino Sunburst Advisor
They may have spent their freshman years as Bears, Bulldogs, Lions or Spartans, but for the past three years the members of Del Oro’s Class of 2025 were the brightest of Suns.
They’ll always be Suns.
For Del Oro’s Class of ‘25, it started sophomore year at a newly built school in a part of town that few paid attention to when it came to academics and athletics.
It was a sophomore year where P.E. classes during the first semester were held in the 600 building’s hallway and collaboration room and students ran laps around the quad because the gym and track were not yet com-
pleted.
Senior Jalynn Hammond is the Kern High School District’s student representative on the Board of Trustees. Hammond
said transferring from Mira Monte, a fully established school, to a school still under construction was a definite adjustment.
“Even though we didn’t have
a gym or a fully functioning PE area, we really made the best of it,” she said. “We had the most supportive teachers who constantly reassured us that we were going to get through this journey together.
“Honestly, they made sure we never felt like we were missing out on anything. It was a unique experience, but one that brought us closer as a class.
Sophomore year for the Class of ‘25 also was a time where the only other students on campus were the freshmen from the Class of 2026. It was a year with new teachers, no lockers, and no bell system to remind students when classes began and ended.
For current ASB president Alexandra Cruz, transferring to Del
Jayden
The Sunburst
Del Oro’s Activities Director Desmond Ramey (foreground) reminds the members of the Class of 2025 to smile during their Senior Sunrise group shot on Sept. 20, 2024. There were plenty of reasons to smile this school year for the first-ever graduating class of Suns, whether it was from a senior-specific event like Grad Bash or a final trip to the campus library.
Estefany Cano/The Sunburst Goodbyes are permanent, so instead we bid farewell to The Sunburst’s first graduating class of staffers: (L to R) Leshlie Medina, Alexandra Cruz, Jayden Zepeda, Kayla Vaughn, Miguel Estevez, Paola Rivera Lopez, and Joanna Serrato.
OPINIONS
A Letter from the Editor: Signing Off
Senior Kayla Vaughn reflects on a high-school career filled with “firsts”
By Kayla Vaughn Editor-in-Chief
Right now, I’m writing this as I come home from our school’s inaugural Senior Signing Day and Awards Ceremony ( feeling a bit emotional, not gonna lie). As I officially step down from being The Sunburst ’s first Editor-in-Chief, I want to share my thoughts, and give thanks to everyone who made the last three years unforgettable.
My counselor had told me that I had to transfer to Del Oro after my freshman year at Mira Monte. Reluctantly, me and my family went to the Golden Valley presentations where Mrs. Bentley showed us the archetype photos of the school; when the beautiful campus we see today was once nothing more than an unfinished, 77-acre canvas. Literally since day one (dare I say, even before I stepped foot onto campus), I heard the same mantra time and time again: being part of the first-ever graduating class. As I heard this being uttered at every school event under the sun, and in every conversation where Del Oro is mentioned, I never truly knew the weight of that title – until now.
When the Newspaper club had its first meeting in September of my sophomore year, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I wrote my name down on the sign-up sticky note, and – out of some unknown wave of hubris –I decided to strike the iron while it was hot, and take on this editorial role, as naive as I was. Little did 14-year-old me know, we would set a precedent for future Sunburst members who wish to engage with the DOHS community in their own way. Whether you like drawing, writing, design, video editing, podcasts, photography, social media marketing, there are many opportunities for upcoming Sunburst staff to find interests that spark their curiosity, like I did.
Mind you, I often found myself to be very reserved. But with this newfound curiosity and ambition for storytelling, I was able to get out of my comfort zone by interviewing dozens of peers and community members, and decid-
ed to branch outside of school by getting involved with South Kern Sol ’s Youth Reporter program –and I owe all that to my time as editor-in-chief.
I am forever grateful to have been awarded by local multimedia experts during the Kern High School District’s Journalism Day two years in a row, and to have my work in The Sunburst nominated for the KHSD’s annual Promoting Excellence in Activities and Athletics in Kern (PEAAK) awards three years in a row. I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to tour Arizona State University’s Downtown Los Angeles campus and the Cronkite School of Journalism (not to mention getting a sneak peak at the Grammys’ red carpet), and to have toured the ESPN sports broadcasting facilities during a CSUB vs. Pepperdine baseball game. And now that we are at the end of the school year, I continue
to look back on these incredible experiences and how they made my high school experience so, so meaningful.
Speaking of, there are many people I wish to recognize who made these opportunities worthwhile:
Thank you to my fellow senior colleagues: Alexandra Cruz Rivera (sports editor), Jayden Zepeda (multimedia editor), Miguel Estevez (sports editor), Jo
Percy Ednalino/The Sunburst
Sunburst Editor-in-Chief Kayla Vaughn received acceptance letters from Pepperdine University and six University of California schools, but this fall she will attend classes at prestigious Wellesley College in Massachusetts. The school’s alumnae includes former U.S. Senator and First Lady Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, director Nora Ephron, and journalist Diane Sawyer.
Percy Ednalino/The Sunburst see Vaughn Page 5
The Sunburst’s seniors have left a lasting impact on Del Oro beyond the pages of the campus newspaper. L to R: Vaughn, Leshlie Medina, Paola Rivera Lopez, Alexandra Cruz Rivera, Miguel Estevez, Joanna Serrato, Edwin Campos and Daylarlyn Gonzalez.
anna Serrato (social media manager), Leshlie Medina (photo
Looking back on their time as Suns
By Michelle Hernandez Moreno Guest Columnist
In my past three years of going to Del Oro, I have experienced and learned many new things about school, myself, and so many life lessons. Although I am sad to leave Del Oro and all I have learned here, I am grateful for all the memories this school has brought me and the happiness I couldn’t have found anywhere else.
As a senior sign-off, I never thought this day would come so soon, nor did I ever want it to actually happen, for that matter. It’s funny, when I first heard that I would have to transfer to this brand-new school, I didn’t want to at first. I thought I would miss my friends and lose everything. Instead, I gained relationships with some of the best people I have ever met, and I am still in contact with my old friends.
I realized a new school was exactly what I needed. I found myself not only meeting new people, but meeting a new version of myself. I became more involved in school, my sports, grades, and more involved in growing closer with teachers. I put myself out there to make new friends, to talk to people that came from other high schools, and joined sports I never thought I would do, such as cross country and soccer.
I fell in love with everything this school had to offer me, and everything the new version of me felt safe enough to try. I even joined ASB, finding that I not only already love school, but that I love being in school events, planning them, making promo videos, and taking part in rallies throughout the years. I fell in love with being a part of school, joining a family and creating lifetime memories.
Although I had quite a few downsides throughout my years, who hasn’t? I am blessed to have my downsides be so small and common, making me overjoyed that all my experiences are outweighed by a landslide of good over bad. The only lowlights of my years at Del Oro have just been crashing out over essays, math, and of course mean girls – but hey, that’s high school for you. Instead of hanging on to those things, I choose to strive past them, to thrive and remember that these things happen no matter where you go.
Michelle, Miley Hernandez Moreno
reflect on school highlights, lowlights
By Miley Hernandez Moreno Guest Columnist
My journey ever since coming to Del Oro has undoubtedly been a roller coaster I have yet to finish. It feels like I went through a movie, if I had to sum my last four years up.
I went from being the oldest on campus for three years straight to being the first to graduate from a brand-new school, although I didn’t have anyone to look up to or guide me. Being at a school with no juniors and/or seniors was pretty awesome, especially during lunchtime and with all the space on campus.
My senior year started off unpredictably: I had dyed my hair red the day before school for the fun of it, got sent to the dean the very first day, and again a few days later… I kept switching classes, etc. It was pretty amusing the first month.
I unfortunately had problems with myself mentally because of past issues, and not everything went as planned. For example, a friend had separated from our group so we lost some connection. I had to make a schedule on what days I would hang out with one group and what days another. And then there was the whole process of applying to college and realizing that every moment in school was going to be my last. Now, I wasn’t one of those kids who thought they would be immune to senioritis, but I didn’t expect to crash out this much. (A piece of advice for incoming seniors, please take college Government and Economics over the summer, you’ll regret it if you don’t.) I had been on top of ASB really good, trying to help our school activities spread and make rallies enjoyable. But eventually, once you reach the peak of a mountain you have to plummet down for a while to reach the next one.
Cross country was always exciting since it’s my main and favorite sport. It was my close friend Sonia (Alba) and I the majority of the time racing. I got to see Sonia gap me and reach her potential. I’m still seeing it to this day of how amazing she is. I had set a PR (personal record) as well but started hurting, so my last few races weren’t that good.
I cried, knowing that was the see Miley Page 6
Emely Zavala Maldonado/The Sunburst
Seniors Michelle Hernandez Moreno (L) and Miley Hernandez Moreno have made an indelible impact on Del Oro’s campus culture, from academics to activities and athletics. This fall, they’ll begin attending classes at California State University, Bakersfield.
DUBAI A NIGHT IN DUBAI A NIGHT IN
By Alexandra Cruz Rivera Sports Editor
Did you miss Del Oro High’s Night in Dubai?
On May 3, Del Oro’s Associated Student Body welcomed students to “A Night In Dubai” for a memorable, historic first prom. Much like winter formal, this year’s prom was hosted off-campus. Prom was held across the street from the school at the G-2 Ranch and with ASB’s hard work and dedication, they were able to bring the Dubai-inspired theme to life and allow students to build unforgettable memories.
Additionally, ASB was able to crown the first-ever prom court –replacing the traditional king and queen titles in favor of the Sun, the Sunset, and the Stars – and finally make a lasting impact on the first graduating class of seniors.
Many students questioned how the venue on a ranch would be transformed into a night in Dubai; however ASB representatives worked endlessly to transform the site into an immersive experience so that Del Oro students could experience the night they deserve.
Senior Vanessa Hurtado shared how ASB’s efforts made the theme come to life and made it an overall memorable experience.
“I heard commotion about Dubai at a ranch,” she said. “I’d say the gold and vibrant colors really brought the scene to life and prom doesn’t revolve around decorations anyways.”
However, prom did revolve around this year’s 2025 court. Del Oro’s ASB had the honor to crown three students to the first-ever prom court. At the dance, students voted their peers for prom court. Del Oro was proud to crown the following students: Alexandra Cruz for Sun, Susana Jacome for Sunset and Jayden Zepeda for Stars.
After the crowning of the court, the festivities continued on and off the dance floor. Many students enjoyed the unique foods avail-
Alexandra
able at the prom.
and
Other students enjoyed living it up on the dance floor and making memories. Having a memorable prom was crucial to those graduating seniors who only had the chance to celebrate prom once.
As the night came to an end, emotions stirred in the final moments of prom when the song “Good Old Days” by Macklemore played and a group of seniors sat in front of the stage reminiscing about their final high school moments.
“Everyone was crying, it was the peak of everyone’s emotions and where I’d say we, as seniors, had a moment to take it in that this is really it,” Hurtado said. “This really is the end.”
Del Oro’s ASB enjoyed hosting the very first prom and was excited over the successful turn out of the event. They strived to make this prom especially memorable for the graduating seniors, and were able to achieve just that.
“We spent our Friday afternoon setting up, and on prom day we came early and stayed until clean-up to make sure prom was a blast,” said sophomore and ASB Representative Anita Rubalcado. “For this being our school’s first prom, I think we nailed it and we hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did.”
Advisor’s note: This story was originally published in its entirety on May 8, 2025 at www.delororsunburst.org.
Percy Ednalino/The Sunburst
Seniors
Cruz Rivera
Jayden Zepeda were named the Sun and Stars at Del Oro’s first prom on May 3.
Percy Ednalino/The Sunburst
Prom was a time for celebration for seniors like (L to R) Jayden Oliver, Xenon Ding, Miguel Estevez, Vincent Tejeda, Ashley Mendez, Ashley Guerrero and Vanessa Hurtado.
Merelin Morales/The Sunburst
There were many locations available for photos during prom, just ask seniors Jessel Vega, Jenessa Vega, Emily Coronado, Nicole Barrios and Kimberly Becerra.
First Class (from page 1)
Oro from South High was something she did with reluctance.
“I had already found a friend group at South and dreading having to start over at Del Oro,” said Cruz, who is also The Sunburst ’s sports editor. “I remember thinking how weird it would be to not have bells but I thought it was unique so I felt very curious to see how that would work.
“Overall, once I got to Del Oro I really found the no-bell system very nice because it felt like (having) more independency rather than having to rely on a bell.”
The Class of 2025’s first year at Del Oro helped set the tone for how the school was viewed by the rest of the Kern High School District, whether it was in the classroom, on the playing field or in the community. Junior year was a chance for them to show the other schools in the district that they needed to pay attention to what was going on at Del Oro.
Academic Decathlon finished its first season of competition tied for fifth place with Mira Monte in the Super Quiz and was ranked sixth overall against schools with established programs that had seniors who participated in multiple years. For Del Oro’s Scholastic team, Paola Rivera-Lopez placed third in Literature while Joanna Serrato placed second in her Speech. Jackquelyn Munoz placed third in the music category for the Varsity Team.
Cruz, along with Miguel Estevez, Edwin Campos and Jayden
Oliver, were the school’s first representatives at the Kern County Science Fair. Estevez and Campus captured second place in the Earth and Environmental Science category while Cruz earned an honorable mention in Biological Sciences.
Meanwhile, The Sunburst ’s editor-in-chief, Kayla Vaughn, captured the Best News Story prize at the district’s Promoting Excellence in Activities and Athletics in Kern (PEAAK) awards while Estevez took home the Best Sports Story award at the district’s an-
Vaughn (from page 2)
editor), Paola Rivera Lopez (online editor), Daylarlyn Gonzalez, and Edwin Campos. I am lucky to not only have been part of this journey with you all, but to have the pleasure of calling you guys my friends. In spite of the stressors of adolescence – you know, AP/ DE classes, college applications, scholarships, the whole shebang – know that your kindness, spirit, and contributions to the newspaper have never gone unnoticed. I will forever cherish the times we have spent together.
Thank you to the staff members who will be carrying the torch after we’re gone: Estefany “Atlas” Cano (photo editor), Merelin Morales (news editor), Alisson Gonzalez, Ismerai Briseno, Nataly Gurrola, Maikayla Jones, and so many other staffers who have helped shape the charm, vision,
nual Journalism Day competition. Vaughn won another PEAAK for Best News Story as a senior, while Sunburst Multimedia Editor Jayden Zepeda won the PEAAK for Scholar Photographer.
When it came to sports, the boys varsity cross country team outpaced the rest of the competition, capturing both the South Yosemite Horizon League and Central Section championships.
“I feel really proud that I was part of the team that won during Del Oro’s second year of opening,” Davy Gomez said. “I think we set the standard for our other classmates to be great and work hard.”
For wrestler Maria Mejia Manzo, junior year was when all eyes were on her as she racked up win after win on the mat. She would end the year with a 30-9 record – she broke the 100-win barrier during her senior year – and finished first in the SYHL tournament. She capped off the season with a fifthplace finish at the CIF Central Section Masters tournament.
The members of the Class of 2025 on Del Oro’s cheer squad also had plenty to celebrate. The team hosted the Pep and Pagentry Arts Association of Central California (PPAACC) finals and captured second place in the Scholastic Senior Division behind Class of ‘25 veterans Ta’Hara Stevens, Vanessa Hurtado, Ashley Guerrero, and Ashley Mendez. It was the team’s first year of competition.
But for some members of the Class of ‘25, there were still some
who wrestled with understanding what it meant to be an upperclassman.
“My brother Leo was incoming Class of ‘27, so I was very eager to start with him and build the school community,” said Vanessa Hurtado, a varsity cheerleader and ASB president during her junior year. “I dragged him to all my events for ASB and FFA to let him get a feel. I love the unity and togetherness school events and clubs bring. I really wish our current seniors felt more of that and maybe our efforts to create a culture could (have been) more worthwhile.
“We have proven to be very disconnected but we only had three years together compared to the usual four, so I can’t blame them too much. That’s just the way it is.”
Time will tell how the Class of 2025 views its senior year. With college applications and acceptances, AP tests, final exams and other things occupying the collective thoughts of Del Oro’s first graduating class, there hasn’t been time for introspection.
One thing is certain, however. When the new school year starts in August, an incoming group of freshmen will try to make their presence felt. The Class of 2026 assumes its place as the school’s seniors, hopefully taking to heart the lessons learned from those who came before them.
But it’s the members of the Class of 2025 whose absence on campus will be undeniable.
and mission of The Sunburst newspaper into all that it is today. I am so excited to see what the future holds for you all, and I am confident that you will go on to do amazing things!
Thank you to our advisor, Mr. Ednalino: I genuinely don’t think that this segment can fully encapsulate my gratitude for the impact he has had on my life, but you know what, I’ll give it a try nonetheless. Even at my lowest moments, he has hands-down been one of my greatest and kindest advocates throughout my high school career. I think I speak for many when I say that he is truly an incredible human being who cares for his students and his Sunburst staff members, and wants nothing more than for our futures to be bright. I can not thank you enough (and as always, what
happens in Room 603 stays in Room 603).
Thank you to DOHS staff, students, parents, and Bakersfield community members for your readership and endless support: Whether you have interacted with one of our IG posts, donated to us, or read from our website/published issues over the years, I am honored that you have placed your trust in us as a news source to report on stories that are important to DOHS and greater Bakersfield community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for supporting our work.
And for me, it all goes back to the idea of being the first to do it: the first seniors to graduate from Del Oro; the first Journalism Day win for Best Front Page; the first PEAAK award win for Best Design (knock on wood). At first, it
seemed like no big deal. But this was until I realized: our campus and its newspaper have only existed for three years, yet our staff have already set the bar high. I only hope that in five years, ten years, twenty years, A HUNDRED years (looking at you Blue and White), The Sunburst will continue to thrive in longevity. I am optimistic that through our work in cementing the foundations, future students and staff will strive to build this newspaper’s legacy, and stay true to the long-term goal of serving and informing our community.
But until then, I am going to miss my time as editor-in-chief, and will continue to carry my journalism and communication skills with me — in college and beyond.
Signing off, Kayla Vaughn
The Sunburst
Percy Ednalino/The Sunburst Ashley Mendez, Ashley Guerrero and Vanessa Hurtado pose with cheer coach Desmond Ramey during Senior Sunrise.
Michelle (from page 3)
When it comes to my highlights however, those are easy. Right now, my favorite memory would probably be Winter formal. It was my first and last formal ever, and I am glad to say I had the best time of my life dancing the night away with my closest friends. Our Del oro staff and ASB really worked hard to make the night happen. Other highlights I’ve had in Del Oro have been meeting some of the most amazing teachers and creating bonds with them. I’ve gone to Sunchella and had amazing times
dancing with friends both years, and Homecoming as well; I really love dancing with everyone.
Even when I feel drained and upset over my own personal problems, this school has been a safe space for me, whether it’s attending events, showing up to class, or just hanging out with friends during lunch. I am always happy to be here.
Another highlight has been my sports. I’ve only improved and gotten faster and better, all thanks to my coaches and this
Miley (from page 3)
last cross country race in high school I’d ever run. I wouldn’t be there the upcoming year, but I completed my goal and was happy to meet my team. I even found a guy I started to like and eventually by November we started talking. Now we’re dating!
I later moved on to soccer and gave it all I got, had a beautiful senior night with a bunch of good saves from being goalie. Now, I’m currently on the track team, just enjoying the runs.
I got back into that school spirit.Being a rally commissioner and a valuable part of ASB has made me proud to pour hard work and dedication into trying to make
things work. I got mad on the inside, stressed that I couldn’t do everything I wanted and crashed out multiple times a day. I definitely would do it all over again.
I made close connections with teachers and coaches who both helped me learn about life and also made me wonder why the heck am I even here doing this? Especially now that the year is coming to an end, it definitely feels hectic knowing I’ll graduate, have senior activities, rallies, dances, AP tests all close together, and much more – all in the last month, piled together.
Senior year is really something.
Art Gallery Exhibition Showcases Senior Works
By Merelin Morales News Editor
As the school year comes to an end, Del Oro’s art community took the time on April 28 to show some of its creations when it hosted its first Senior Art Showcase inside the library.
In addition to artwork created by members of Del Oro’s first graduating class, there’s also was an exhibition titled “From Crayons to Clay.” This exhibition was a collaboration between TK students from Crescent Elementary and art students at Del Oro.
The TK students were taught a lesson on animals where they learned about the different features each animal has. By the end of the unit, they were told to draw their own animal using tempera paint sticks.
“My students then got those
amazing program. Being in sports has always been a part of my life, but being able to participate in them here at Del Oro brought out a version of me I never thought I would see. I’ve been pushed past my limits mentally and physically, and learned many lessons I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. I have always been someone who is both an introvert and extrovert, quiet but always willing to put myself out there and enjoy new things. Del Oro has only helped bring that side of me into
a new light, helping myself and others to realize school is more fun when you actually just try the fun events and plans they offer.
I couldn’t be more happier with the impact I’ve both gained and made here at Del Oro, but I am beyond sad to say farewell when the time comes. So in the meantime, I will use what time I have left to continue filling my heart with memories, and leaving my Senior mark. I thank this school and its people everyday for who I am now.
drawings and made them into sculptures,” Del Oro art teacher Madison Holmes said.
Senior Kimberly Robles said she enjoyed recreating the pupils’ artwork into a three-dimensional sculpture.
“The most fun part [was] trying to get into the kids’ minds and figure out what certain things are, such as if the arms are actually arms or wings,” she said. “I also enjoyed putting my own signature art style onto the art itself.”
Holmes said the senior art showcase featured work from students in her advanced classes whom she’d taught for all three of their years at Del Oro.
For senior Kimberly Becerra, the project was about more than creating a sculpture.
“I wanted to bring a kid’s drawing to life, not just to make them smile, but to show them that their
Yet despite all the things I said that make it sound frantic, I really enjoyed all the highlights of this year along with the senior activities I participated in. I ended this year on a good note and can’t say I regret anything, I’m happy to have made a high school memory box and know that Del Oro will always hold a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t change my fate for anything.
My most important highlight of senior year will always be my friends. We had to cut out the bad people we thought were good and it made our souls finally breathe. My friend group has always helped me be a good person
and reach higher than I thought I could. I shared moments with them that made us stronger and closer. They truly are a blessing from God to me and I will deeply miss the hangouts and practices we soon won’t have. But mark my words I will come back to see my underclassmen thrive and be sure to give the best advice I am able to for them.
What a long school year it’s been, but how special it has been as well. Thank you for the memories.
Advisor’s note: Both columns were originally published in their entirety on May 9, 2025 at www.delororsunburst.org.
creativity matters,” she wrote in an email. “That every scribble, every bold color, every wild idea they dream up has value. With the art gallery, and by bringing their art piece to life, I’m able to show that their ‘weird ideas or ugly art piece’ aren’t so weird or ugly.
“Art isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility. And when kids realize that, they start to believe not just in their art, but in themselves.”
Holmes said she was “very
excited” for the gallery because of how professional the gallery space looked. Students painted the space, obtained real mounting for the art work, and also set up nice lighting. They also got a sign donated to them. The Jazz band also performed and the Floral Design class created small bouquets. Advisor’s note: This story was originally published in its entirety on April 28, 2025 at www.delororsunburst.org.
Emely Zavala Maldonado/The Sunburst
Yasmin Elizeth Tirado poses next to one of her paintings during April’s gallery show.
FEATURES
What’s in a Quote?
Selecting the Right Yearbook Quote is Critical, According to Students, Staff
By Alisson Gonzalez Staff Writer
Choosing a quote to go with your senior yearbook photo can be tedious. You often have limited time to choose a quote. It also has to reflect your personality. Most importantly, it has to be memorable.
But is it really a life-or-death situation when it comes to senior quotes? This may have been the case for some Del Oro seniors –after all, they will be the school’s first class of graduates.
English teacher and Yearbook advisor Nancy Cisneros encouraged students to think about their senior quote early because it’s a year that already has a lot of stress. She said that not only is it tedious for the seniors but also for the yearbook staff: Seniors must submit their quotes on paper forms. Quotes must also be screened for appropriateness. Then yearbook staff has to match the quote with the senior’s photo.
Although it may not seem much, it can be a lot when you’re dealing with a couple hundred students.
Librarian Isaac Richert agreed with Cisneros: “I think they’re fun to look back on, especially as an adult when you have a few years in between high school, because you can see how you’ve changed and if you still think the same.”
Senior Kimberly Becerra chose the lines “Ready to head into the unknown? Nope, let’s do it” from the animated series “Gravity Falls.” Becerra said her quote summed up her fear of what she’s about to face when she starts college.
“I’m scared about what’s to come in college but I’m also excited,” she said. “The fear of heading into something you aren’t used to is scary, but not letting that fear stop you is when you are able to start something.”
When it comes to Del Oro’s teachers, however, most have either forgotten their senior quote or just didn’t have one. On the
other hand, Dean of Students Justin Brooks was extremely lucky and had two quotes.
His first was “My only love sprung from my only hate,” spoken by Juliet Capulet from William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Brooks said the quote was meaningful to him because he described himself in high school as a “huge theater kid.”
His second quote was more inspirational: “All it takes is a voice. A single voice becomes a hundred, then a thousand, unless it’s silenced.”
For some Del Oro seniors, picking the right quote was done to help preserve high school memories.
Yaritza Carrillo chose “Nothin’ lasts forever, least we got these memories” from J. Cole as one of her two selections.
“I picked that one because we’ll always have these high school memories,” she said.
Biology teacher Lynna Ha was excited to share their senior quote: “A hill is just another opportunity to pass up your opponent.”
Algebra and Intro to Engineering teacher Juan Constantino could not stop laughing when he was asked about his quote. Instead, he wrote it down: “How did I survive Geometry? Suhcahtoe.”
Like Constantino, some seniors chose their quote with the intent of being humorous.
Michelle Hernandez Moreno chose “You all were just stepping stones to my victory” from “My Hero Academia” as her quote.
“It’s just for fun and laughs,” she said.
She said it wasn’t difficult to find a quote, but she in hindsight she wished she had instead used “At least the crash outs were fun.”
“I loved my crash outs,” she said. “They were funny.”
While most seniors may agree that the greatest value of having a quote in the yearbook is the emotional connection it creates. When Del Oro’s seniors look back at their quotes years from now, they may feel nostalgia, a sense
of laughter, or perhaps cringe, but they’ll also feel the emotions that come from knowing how much they’ve changed over time.
note: This story was originally published in its entirety on April 29, 2025 at www.delororsunburst.org.
Advisor’s
Jayden Zepeda/The Sunburst Today, Mr. and Mrs. Richert are two of the most popular staff members at Del Oro.
Isaac Richert/Special to The Sunburst
Centennial High’s 2009 yearbook featured seniors Isaac Richert dipping Hannah Renick (aka the future Mrs. Richert) for their “Cutest Couple” superlative photo.
ONE FINAL WORD
Finding Her Place, Purpose at Del Oro
Jalynn Hammond reflects on time with ASB, KHSD Board of Trustees
By Jaylnn Hammond KHSD Student Board Member
When I was asked to write my farewell, the first thing I thought of was all the people I need to thank: the mentors, the friends, even the peers who believed in me along the way.
By now, I think most people know my story. But a lot of people don’t know the real story. So this farewell is called “Finding My Place.”
If you don’t know me, my name is Jalynn Hammond, and I have the honor of being the first-ever Black student board member in our high school district. I come from a low-income community.
And while people like to say I “helped open Del Oro,” I like to say Del Oro helped open me. It gave me more experiences, more connections, and most of all more of a family.
But who was I before Del Oro? I’m glad you asked. I was still finding my place. I wasn’t exactly the best kid, but I wasn’t the worst either. I was just… searching. One thing I always knew? I wanted to help others. That’s what drew me to leadership.
I had already been student body president in elementary and again in middle school, so I knew when I got to high school, I wanted to take ASB seriously. I’m proud to say: I’m four years strong in ASB.
Last
kids I grew up with. I won’t get a fresh start.” Back then, I couldn’t see all the opportunities in front of me because I hadn’t yet found my place.
And then I met someone who changed everything. Her name is Gail Bentley. Mrs. Bentley gave me a chance. She put me in a room with local community members and that first year, I probably talked to every community member in our district.
She wasn’t just helping me network. She was helping me find my purpose. And that purpose led me to this role to serve as your student board member and to represent voices like mine that often go unheard.
It has been the greatest honor of my high school experience to be both a student board member and a proud Del Oro Sun.
Still, even with all that, I was still finding my place. When I got the card saying which school I was going to attend, I didn’t believe it. It felt too good to be true.
I actually applied to Bakersfield High School because I thought I could “find my place” there. You know the saying: Once a Driller, always a Driller. BHS appealed to me with its strong sense of family, of community – something I deeply needed at that time.
I was coming from a school that was predominantly Hispanic, but not very open to other cul-
tures. And in that space, I struggled to figure out who I was or who I wanted to be. I was still finding my place.
As the story goes, Mr. Sanchez – yes, that Mr. Sanchez – actually denied my request to transfer to BHS. Funny enough, I didn’t even find that out until years later. And now we laugh about it. Because he brought me somewhere better. He brought me to Del Oro High School: the brightest land on Earth.
At first, I didn’t like the idea. I complained to my mom, “I’m going to school with all the same
Look Back at the Class of 2025
Now, as I prepare to leave Del Oro and step into a new chapter, I’m proud to share that I will be heading to Houston, Texas to attend Texas Southern University, an HBCU with a legacy of leadership, excellence, and community. I’m excited to continue finding and now defining my place as I pursue new dreams and bigger goals.
This school, this community, and this journey helped me do something I was searching for all along
I finally found my place.
Farewell for now,
Jalynn Hammond
Despite some bus parking issues, Senior Sunset created some wonderful memories for the Class of 2025. The weather was nice. Slowly, Del Oro’s seniors gathered at the end of the Santa Monica pier for a group shot. There were hugs. There were laughs. And there were tears. But mostly, there was a spectacular sunset witnessed by the members of Del Oro’s first graduating class as Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” played in the background.
Kacie Martinez/Special to The Sunburst
On Aug. 5, 2024, senior Jalynn Hammond was sworn in as student representative for the Kern High School District’s Board of Trustees. She was the third student representative in the Board’s history and the first from Del Oro. This fall, Hammond will attend classes at Texas Southern University in Houston.
Percy Ednalino/The Sunburst