How Hillsdale Is Quarentining Page 2
Senior Map Page 4-5!
Awards were announced in an online presentation on May 22nd Black parents association of SMUHSD: Shawn Cotton Jr., Kennedy Berthiaume CSM Scholarships: Jooelle Harding, Edgar Hernandez Hernandez, Ericka Mejia Dominguez, Adriel Alfaro Zavala Foster City Rotary Club Scholarship: Anya Lance-Chacko George Feely Memorial Scholarship: Sophia Eftekhari, Megan Olson HHS Class of ‘69 Scholarships: Alyssa Cano, Jayden Fong, Christa Hung, Tawni Richardson, Shannon Xuereb HHS Fondation “Pay It Forward” Scholarships: Cynthia Alejo, Robbie Button, Brandon Castro, Jimena Gamero, Zach Gomes, Kempton McCarty, Nataly Quezada, Shannon Xuereb HHS Achievement Award in Dance: Robbie Button Excellence Award in Leadership: Meghan Olson, Morgan Smith, Lauren Tong HHS Blue Blooded Spirit Award: Drew Aspillera, Giovanni Braccini-Lopez HHS Capstone Scholarships: Frankie Attard, Madeline Cyr, Miranda Farrow,
Clap Because We Care Movement
Maddie Dixon and Andi Taylor Senior Staff Writers
Every night at 7:00 pm people across the world gear up with pots and pans and claps and cheers on porches, balconies, and windows to show their appreciation for the essential workers that are risking their lives to help us through this pandemic. Beginning in New York and captivating cities such as San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and some in Italy, this celebration of thanks, originally named the Clap Because We Care movement, is slowly becoming the new norm in these rapidly evolving times. Small neighborhoods are joining in as well and sometimes even
Teagan McKelvey, Towan Sevillia, Jenna Tobin, Annette Yang, Hillsdale Drama Booster Scholarships:Ruby Juballa, Catherine Lange, Patrick Lucey, Matthew Mulkerrins, Abby Reddy, Brie Sloves, Piper Supplee, Maggie Wilson
Chong-Kit HHS PTSO Scholarship: Catherine Lange, Anya Lance-Chacko, Shawn Cotton, Chaninder Rishi HHS Alumni Scholarships: Pratikshya Karki, Jimena Gamero, Hannah Eftekhari, Sophia Eftekhari Harry Therkelsen Memorial Award: Emily O’Donnell John Papan Memorial Scholarship: Giselle Hernandez Kannan Family Scholarship: RJ Abed, Lea Twicken Make a Difference Scholarship: Jimena Gamero, Pratikshya Karki, Anya Lance-Chacko, Jesus Sanchez Merport Family Scholarship: Vivian Valdez, Juliana Spataro, Gislle Hernandez Robert Mark Viczorek Memorial Scholarship: Casey Mulkerrins San Mateo Panhellenic Alumnae Scholarship: Catherine Lange San Mateo Rotary SMART Scholarships: Daniella Ibarra, Quinton Stepps, Nataly Quezada, Vivian Valdez, Ericka Meja San Mateo Rotary Four Yeear College Scholarships: Jimena Gamero, Jesus Sanchez, Pratikshya Karki, Maggie Wilson San Mato Rotary Community College Scholarships: Lizzy Americo, Brandon Castro, Moises Garcia, Zach Gomes, Daniel Macias, Vivian Valdez Thomas Roy Harny Scholarships: Teanna Bautista-Leung, Amy Bruhns, Ruby Juballa, Nicole Taurany, Anya Lance-Chacko, Zach Gingold Badger Scholarship University of Wisconsin-Madison: Eric Elgaard Peninsula YMCA Community Hero Award : Jonathan Mongiello-Daher Junior Giants Harmon and Sue Burns Scholarship: Teanna BautistaLeung Volunteer Scholarship University of Tennesee, Knoxville: Em Miller National Merit Commended Scholars: Madeline Cyr, Catherine Lange, Brie Sloves, Nicole Taurany, Lea Twicken, Blake Williams Hillsdale Valedictorians: Carmen Bregoli, Natalya Chun, Conor Cregan, Madeline Cyr, Emily Ho, Emma Jedrzejewsk, Catherinee Lange, Madeline Lee, SeNah Park, Abby Reddy, Chaninder Rishi, Nina Rothe, Jesus Sanchez,
putting their own spin on it. In this time of global emergency, this is just one of the ways people are banning together, although apart, to support essential workers. The Clap Because We Care Movement is not the only way people have been supporting essential workers. In the Bay Area, on April 23 at 12:00, residents were encouraged to stand on their front lawns and sing the song “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” Locally, a small group gathered (six feet apart) across the street from the local Abbott Middle School, equipped with hand-held signs and instruments to serenade passersby. In addition, many have taken to social media to share their stories, and
Kyoto Principal
Christine Lee Copy Editor Q: What is your role at Hillsdale? A: I am a Co-Principal, one of 3 this year under Mr. Gilbert’s leadership. I am the Principal of Kyoto House and I have a 12th grade advisory in Cusco House. I provide some support to the World Language Department and the English Language Development Department. I also support some of the special activities like the graduation, and some of our school-wide parent groups like the PTSO and Latino Parents as part of my responsibility for the school facilities. Q: How long have you been at Hillsdale and what is your favorite thing to do on a daily basis there? A: I’ve been at Hillsdale for five years. My favorite thing to do on a daily basis is to talk with students. The conversations
are usually fun and interesting. Q: What are your future plans? A: My plan right now is to retire and get really good at woodworking. That is my plan right now but plans can change, evolving, even expanding with time. I also plan to live abroad in the future. Q:What will you miss most about Hillsdale and your role on campus? A: I will miss being part of the grown and discoveries of the students. I think that Hillsdale does some very, very good work in the lives of students. Supporting that to happen by helping teachers and students is a fulfilling thing to do. Q: Any parting words and/ or advice for the class of 2020? A: I want every student to understand the value of doing things beyond classes. Every student should find a thing or things and then
An additonal farwell to... Sheryl Taylor: Health Office Bella Sandoval: History Dept. Jessi Havel : Counseling Jennifer James: Special Education
Araceli Cordova: Wellness Maria Elwood: Instructional Ast. Deb Stuart : Special Education
Natalie Schmier, Brie Sloves, Piper Supplee, Lea Twicken, Blake Williams, Kristen Wong, Anusha Yelanji
Leadership Officers for the 20202021 School Year! ASB Officers Jacob Reed Lily Bodin Amaro M Josuee Meghan Lau Senior Class Officers Emily Rodriguez Keenan Edge Nicoole Masarova Marcos Cardenas Junior Class Officers Allyson Chan Ruby Jones Geeorge Jiang Victoria Vanos Sophomore Class Officers Viviene Gilbert Arabella Barata Hope Loy
give thanks to health care workers. The tags “#StayHome” “#WithMe” have been used to encourage citizens to stay at home instead of spreading the virus. Hillsdale freshman Katherine Lim notes that “Some Good News by John Krasinski is nice.” She, along with many other people across the country enjoy watching Krasinski, an actor best known for his role as Jim in the hit sitcom The Office, spread positivity during this time, broadcasting songs and dances done by the casts of “Hamilton” and “The Office.” In this time of uncertainty, it is important for us to remember how to smile and think positively, and together (in spirit), from clapping to singing, to entertaining, we are doing just that.
Hillsdale Says Goodbye to Mr. Kirk
HHS Music Booster Scholarships: Liam White, Candace Ding, Blake Williams, Patrick Lucey, Matthew Mulkerrins, Catherine Lange, Tyler
Marty’s, Comics, Polls & more Page 8
Website: https://issuu.com/hillsdalescroll/docs
June 7th, 2020
Senior Awards
Senior Spotlights Page 3, 6, 7
explore them. Teachers should encourage this and help it to happen. What I am going to do now, a little bit of woodworking, is something I discovered in school. I’m going to pursue that now after more time than I intended. It is important to note that I have carried this idea with me for decades. So take advantage of high school to find things and then explore them. These things will stay with you for a long, long time.
District Moves to Credit/No Credit Lizzie Manis Senior Staff Writer, Copy Editor
On April 16, a month after school closed on March 13, the SMUHSD Board of Trustees decided that grading would be switched from letter grades to a credit/no credit system for the 2020 spring semester. The board voted 3-2 that this was the best option for allowing students to maintain credit for their classes while taking into account the unusual and sudden shift to distance learning mid-semester. This change will only apply to the 2020 spring semester. Some proponents of credit/no credit grading policy defined it as “the best of all poor options,” but one that was necessary to address the wide range of issues the pandemic created, including varied access to technology, changing responsibilities and
pressures at home for students, the diversity in teachers’ ability to shift course content to an online format quickly, and the absence of the structure and face-to-face supports with teachers and staff many students depend on. What is needed for credit is to be determined by individual teachers, and by leaders of departments for each course. The student opinions of this new grading scheme varied. At the board meeting, students from across the district spoke of equity; others wanted a choice. Some in favor of credit/no credit stated that students should not be focusing on grades but mental health in current circumstances. There were also several mentions of how this system lowers stress in an otherwise very stressful time. Students in favor of other options, letter grading or giving student choice,
also had support from parents, students and some board members. Some students were adamant that high-achieving students’ work would be undermined. Many expressed concern that without grades, students would not have the motivation to complete work. Many worried about how colleges would respond to sophomores & juniors who had credit/no credit marks on their transcripts. Ms. Dingman, Oaxaca 10 English Teacher, stated that while it was a difficult decision to choose the credit/no credit system, “it was the right thing to do given this situation.” She recognized both sides of those who are impacted, as some have a strong support system and others are struggling because of the outbreak. Credit/No credit grading was the district’s attempt to level out these discrepancies.
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June 7th, 2020
thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com
Humans of HHS: Quarantine Edition
By Nicole Kaye Valenzuela: Senior Staff Writer
How Hillsdale spends its time sheltering in place...
Mrs. Seligman: AP and CP Cusco History Educator My moods during shelter-in-place swing pretty widely. Some days I’m thrilled: I spend more time with my kids, and I eat a leisurely lunch while reading the newspaper. I’m not spending any time in the car schlepping my kids to music lessons and soccer practice, and I’ve read more books in the past two months than I’ve read in the past two years.
But then some days I’m down in
the dumps: I miss my students, and I miss my co-workers. I miss my independence, and I miss normalcy. So even though it’s been a joy to play so many longforgotten board games, it’s also been a stressful time of worrying about my students, my elderly parents, and our fragile world. These pictures capture the yin and the yang of my shelter-in-place experience.
Mr. Galea: Music Director My days consist of waking up, sitting outside while my dog, Thug Rose, plays on the lawn. This is a nice time to enjoy the beautiful weather the Bay Area has to offer with a cup of coffee in my hand!
My mornings are nice where I get to hang out with my roommate and good friend, Nathan, before he goes into work at Trader Joe’s, as he is an essential worker! Then my afternoons consist at my desk with Rose underneath on her bed where I attend my emails and other necessary Hillsdale materials and I can get some quality work done. No day is complete without a lovely phone call with my good friend, Mr. Yowell a n d a F a c e Ti m e chat with my mom!
Ms. Lauderdale: Ms. Lum-Ku: Marrakech Biology Timbuktu Every day I feel grateful for the first time in my life I’m
The most difficult part of sheltering in place is not being able to see my students, hug them, and help them through this difficult time. I miss them more than I could ever have imagined. When I am not working, I go on long walks, exercise A LOT, and Zoom with my friends and family. I enjoy having the time to work out and cook healthy meals. I also dove back into my love for arts and crafts. Lately, I read a lot which is something I usually don’t have time for. Having the time for myself has been nice but it doesn’t beat being at school with my students or being able to spend time with my family who are in San Diego. Here is a picture of me and the rocks I found on a hike to the beach
to have my home and family to shelter-in-place with, and try to channel my worried-energy about the world into doing what I can to make this day better for whomever I can; mostly this means my kids and my students. In the mornings, my own kids are distance-learning, and by noon (when most high schoolers finish breakfast ;-), I am distance-teaching. My kids’ love of baking has exploded, so
exercising regularly (thanks to Yoga with Adrienne & PE with Joe & laps around my house). For our “Spring Break” we decided to stay up late, watch Harry Potter and The Mandalorian, and have a family sleepover in the living room. The sofa-bed was such a luxurious place to collapse after a long day of video meetings that I convinced my family to leave it out indefinitely.
Mr. Stevens: Oaxaca History Hour after hour of zoom calls have made me realize that my flexibility is minimal (it takes a while for me to get up after sitting crossed legged for zoom calls). Some students (shout out to Samra!) and my humanities partner and her daughter (shout out to Ms. Sanchez & Maya!) have gotten into workouts by Chloe Ting. I don’t think she’s a real person, and she’s way too cheery while
narrating her torturous workouts. But, it has h e l p e d me keep somewhat in shape, while I’ve been cooking anything & everything during shelter in place! :)
Milan Hortencia Suárez: Cusco Senior As a senior, I do wish I was able to attend prom, the senior celebration for the Hillsdale effect, and perform my senior solo at my dance recital. But, sheltering in place has allowed me to do many things I was pushing off for the summer: cooking, donating clothes, and planning for leaving for the University of Washington. My mom and I have been making masks (picking back up my old hobby of sewing) and have donated upwards of 200 to hospitals and family members
across the US. This pandemic has been a time to look out for the medically, financially, and physically vulnerable people of our country and I’m glad that the country has a deeper appreciation for the workers on the frontlines as well as small business owners that I hope we will always remember; it’s also been a time for me to be able to take care of my mental and emotional health. Overall, staying at home made me focus on what was actually important in my life— taking care of myself and others.
What Hillsdale students would say to future generations about these times... The following are quotes taken from student respones in a survey sent via Canvas when they were asked what they would say to their future children about quarentine
“ Imagine never leaving your house. No school, no friends, no one. If you absolutely have to go outside, put on a mask and avoid everyone else like the plague. All the streets filled with electric cars you see now (hopefully in this marvelous hypothetical future), almost empty...Everyone was ending their emails with “Stay safe,” and starting them with “In these uncertain times...” and sprinkled them with heavy handed metaphors about storms and rainbows. The skies were a little clearer, people were a little sadder. We communicated through screens not because we wanted to, like you do now, but because we had to. We made pie and brioche and read the news more than ever. Because we needed some kind of connection to what our leadership or lack thereof was doing, and we accepted our sense of powerlessness quickly because that was the only thing we could do to adapt.”
“It was hard working from home in this difficult time and being away from family, friends, and school but was for the best.” “Tough, but not impossible. There were cons, like not seeing my friends and being barred from going outside and connecting with people but there are pros. I did things that I've always wanted to do like cook or try new hobbies. I could still connect with friends too, and we held virtual movie nights and playing games or just talking. For me, the shelter in place took some things away but also provided new opportunities.”
“Anything can happen so don't take your normal life for granted” “Pros: None of the issues made by institutionalized education. Cons: Deficient social interactions Take that how you will”
“It’s like bring inside a cage by yourself and the only things in there with you are a home phone and a computer. You aren’t allowed to touch anything outside of your cage in fear that you will potentially die and you cant trust your friends arent gonna be infected. but you can hug them virtually through your computer and can talk with them. You are still able to go outside but stay in your 6 by 6 cage. You discover that there isnt much to do inside and are able to debunk things about your house and family you probably wouldnt have known if not for being stuck.
“Quarantine brought the community together in a way that could only be described as odd...But as the weeks went on families bonded and people realized the really important things they were taking for granted. Such as spending time with friends and you're after school activities. The time would just fly as we emerged ourselves in the world around us. This lock down has not only been memorable but has highlighted the importance of nature and caring in a community. And oh my gosh am I over it.” “BORING”
“Unreal, Scary, Isolating, Fear of the unknown.”
“All the fun was shut down, I never went to prom and was excited to go so I bough a pricey dress but i will never get to go, plans were made to go places during the summer were gone, being made fun of because the class of 2020 Was “not going to graduate”, relationships were strained and isolation generally boring and aggravating .”
“It's weeks on end of the same day. All that changes is what you had to eat and whether or not you got in a fight with your sibling. The work piles up and you don't notice it until it's too late. The only thing that keeps you going is the fact that next school year might not be as much of a catastrophe.”
“Surreal; it's like we suddenly jumped into some crazy sci-fi movie.” “he COVID-19 months were some of the most insane and most boring times I had ever gone through. Everyone had COVID-19 on their minds; they were reminded of it every time they checked their devices, talked to family members, and walked outside. We couldn’t go to school, and instead we had to do all of our assignments online. FaceTime calls and Zoom meetings replaced face-to-face interaction with friends, and those brief interactions we did get in person were done at a distance of 6 feet. Most businesses, restaurants, and activity spots were closed, and those that were open were limited to delivery orders. It was almost as if the whole world was shut down.”
May 22nd, 2018
June 7th, 2020
Senior Spotlights Senior Spotlights
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Website: www.hillsdalescroll.org
Sports Profiles (cont.)
Teanna Bautista-Leung: Altruist
Website: https://issu.com/hillsdalescroll/docs
Senior Spotlights Candace Ding: Musical Leader
Girls’ Volleyball Julianna Eng
Girls’ Tennis Baseballnot only volunteer at events to Jamie Arjun Mahanty help the community butZhang we get to
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(cont.)
Candace Ding is an tries to help each other improve.” extremely talented senior who She doesn’t plan to study music Max Rothe: Entrepreneur has been a member of Band since professionally after high school, Samuel Chen bikingbut andwill skateboarding 6th grade. She originallymakes played continue music as a hobby Staff Writer gear and merchandise, products flute for 5 years, and then she in the future. Candace explained, made with the help of Max’s switched over to bassoon. Candace “Music is a good father. Their original product was way to balance explained her passion for the band, “I Bracelet, emotions shift my focus from a Chain whichand helped the company. ThisCandace idea love having a break in theinspire school busy day.” has been able about when Max cut bikestudents improve day to rehearse music with came students to watch other chains to form a bracelet, and in other grades, and eventually alongside She is proud of the then developed the clasp toher. make performing on stage withit more them.wearable. hard work and Max buildssupport that she’s garage, and alsomusic department I think everyone reallyproducts valuesin his witnessed in the enjoysand building obstaclesher for bikes the time we have together during years at Hillsdale.
do so while making new friends from other high schools.” In order to stay organized, Teanna created a system in which she makes an effort to stay a month ahead. She researches volunteer events for Key Clube early and organizes them in a document for easy access Teanna Bautista-Leung is in the future.This motivates her to a generous and responsible senior finish her school work and Key known for her involvement in Key Julianna Eng has been Jamie Zhang has been on Arjun’s baseball journey Club work. In college, she hopes Club since freshman a high and skateboards. He builds ramps the Hillsdale tennis team for all playing volleyball since sixth beganyear, at around age five, whenCircle to join K to continue her and has them in his backyard. school variation heofstarted the college playing tee-ball and four years, and has been playing grade. In addition to playing for service work. Teanna hopes people Max Rothe is a senior here Not only does Chain Loose make developed a strong interest for the tennis for four and a half years. Hillsdale all four years, she also club Circle K. Teanna explained reading will consider joining Key plays on He enjoys mountain products, F oa rclubt hteam, e p and a s t hopes t h r e eat Hillsdale. love going on climate rallies in the Max and his friends sport. He“Iplayed her passion for key club, reallyon Hillsdale’s For Jamie, tennis helps her relieve to continue playing at San Diego biking and skateboarding with perform shows at birthday parties, stress and she more loves thethan inclusiveyears Abby Dacumos has been city. Making a difference and even because “it’s varsity team for all fourClub years and enjoy the community and service next year. She explained his friends. In addition, he likes school, and the Maker Faire. Max and supportive environment has been a crucial partjust of many a community service club. thatan State integral part of Hillsdale’s making history on the September aspect of Key Club. Sinceplays Keyat shortstop, tennis team has, especially with how she enjoys volleyball because to be active outside, be creative, is passionate about his work, important It’s a place where you get to put Enviromental Club, and the club’s 20th Climate Strike was such an Club is an international infield,club andand... third. Arjun says all the different players with “it’s a really big stress reliever. I build things, and meet people. saying, “It is not about making yourself out there to meet more president for the pastof two years.His passion amazing experience.” wentbut focusing on helping just love the feeling playing, for the outdoors led She money, different personalities. “I try he enjoyed “being able to exists around the that Bay...we get to people lot of fun.” feelBetween and every time I’m onmeetings the court onhim to his company, the community.” They want to myhave best toa make everybody their weekly onfound explaining the Chain importance of learn from Madison and all theand nothing else me. If I’m started Chain Loose show that the skate community other players. All the players on comfortable and to bridge theTuesday’s andbothers involvement withLoose. theHe club to her, “I love being...with having a bad day at school, or any with his friends when he was only is positive and supportive, like a the team have been great and gap between different ages,”Hillsdale’s Garden after school, a group of people that have the taught me a lot about how to Jamie says. Her favorite memories problems… I forget all about it. My in fourth grade, and his current family. For instance, unlike some other planning, she spends passion appreciation For the deal pastwith twoadversity.” years, His favorite are when there are meets whereandteammates...make me happy, and teamsame consists of six and people. His sports,for you can go to a skatepark hours a week involved ourdream Earthforasthe I do. This club I just 4enjoy the relationships and initial company andreally find professionals there that Seren Benjamin has partbeen was integral “just showing up to “one match determined the win,around connections can explained make through make an indoor skateThrough park you the club. IShe whatwas to means a lot to me. it can I’veskate with. In the future, practice daya and hanging and most of the team is alwayswith in why Bring Change toevery Mind, When to recall and sell theirdeveloped products in my it. As they want to sell bike parts on with organization a bunch of guys… we share there to support until the lastshevolleyball.” loves about the asked environmental really enthusiasm nationally recognized a favorite memory she found it of now, they are continuing to online distributors and get funding one common goal and we can point.” In the future, she hopesclub, “One of my favorite things… and passion for the environment that focuses on generally ending just mental enjoy each other.” to continue playing in college. hard to just pick one, but decided sell their products and expand for shows. Max will also continue is the we Julianna grew onthe company. and haveHisrealized how illness stigma, is at Hillsdale. will continue her passion for the on thegarden Saturdaythat practices. goal with his important to run Chain Loose in college. He Boys’ Tennis: Ben Liao campus. Being ableattothe plant preserving planet She senior explains, “it was endthings of company now is toour make cool is.” is a talented with ingenuity Bring Change to Mind meets environment at UC Davis’ College theseeds/seedlings week, so we had no to products, create greatanyone memories,interested and talent in product design, and he sport. He played for all four yearsfrom andgames watching encourages every Thursday and has continued of Agriculture and Environmental prep for… We can just relax, and and cultivate a wider interest in nd his company have an exciting on Hillsdale’s tennis team. He them grow into beautiful flowers to join Mr. Emmanuel in room Science to meet over Zoom. Throughout where she will study explained how much had changed enjoy playing volleyball together.” the skate community. His company future that is full of potential. and veggies is so cool. I also really 251 next year! In the fall she for a career in the environment. the school year the club officers since freshman year, when they Boys’ Volleyball Victoria Kondratieva: Ballroom Dancer organize events.Seren explained, only won one of thirteen games; Anya Lance-Chacko they have won seven. He “During school we do lots of passionatenow, Zack Dwyer about the same things this is something “that makes Senior Staff Writer explained how the team gets events to get the students involved, you are. You the theater has been for her:[you] “I love get to help make very unique, everyone’s like Throughout all four along better after playing through but participation in running those decisions for ‘oh you do ballroom dancing!’ the community... When you’re the organization...” tough games against schoolsyears Amy Bruhns has been events is completely optional! Seren went doing a show with someone, youVictoria seemed very to explain why He likeon Carlmont and Woodside. involved with Hillsdale’s Drama passionate about what she does Club officers often run the events, this club enjoys tennismeaningful because it’s “not have to trust them or itandwon’t has been how unique it is. I “enjoy Department. She was in all of the as physical,“After but more of a mental but we love anyone that would for her personally, work. I also love the joythat theatre I had a it’s couple dancing; the musicals, two of the plays, and B e n L i a o h a s b e e n sport, and it can be a calming like to come out and help! We do friend passsolo brings to people. I lovecommunication going away due to suicide, I that you have to playing tennis for eight years, game.” He hopes to keep in touchwas also a member of the drama events typically once a month, but old. Ben have between the partners is very out after a show and seeing the left extremely confused and since he was 10 years was with his teammates, althoughclub and a part of drama class occasionally we have weeks smiles on people’s faces. important. There’s You get to know your didn’t knowbemuch about started tenniswhere with influence fromreally he won’t playing for his since sophomore year. Theater partner [whom which she’s been we put on multiple such hisevents dad, and in as middle school school team in college–although nothing better than that feeling.” mental illness at the time... Ever working with for three years] and enjoyment for the for intramural sports.has been an integral part of her She tributed the support of her stress busters weekfound (deadtrue week), or since I’ve possibly joined this club... [it’s] it’s a lot of fun to not just dance but life since the beginning, and she Zack Dwyer started Mental Health Awareness Week.” Victoria Kondratieva has spend friends, family, and educators who time with him... and it’s just been incredibly rewarding. I’m Softball: Bella Zalba playing this pastin season. once didvolleyball 5 musicals a yearbeen doing ballroom dancing since a lot of fun, and also I guess it’s an Seren continued to explain what so grateful allowed her to apply theater to for everything I’ve Though he mainly plays basketball Bella Zalba has been where every day of the week sheshe was four, participating and interesting sport,….It’s more like she loves about playing the club, “The class projects, in allowing her to softball since agelearned four and and the people I’ve been and had played baseball from wasgrades rehearsing.At Hillsdale duringsucceeding at large competitions a performance—it’s something has been playing for Hillsdale club itself forms such a great sense 9-11, he wanted to try her theater involvement able toallwork alongside. It’s such sincebalance she was eight. In 2015, she between sport and art.I get to wear show seasons four years. She has been on the something newshe thiswas year. involved It was learning, and collaborating with of community where everyone with school work. She’d like todresses an important cause, and I’m so finished fourth at the California elegant and gracefully varsity team for three years and with theater at least three hours a “more fun than I expected”, he like minded peers. And I get to can come togetherherand talk about National Dance competition. say to the readers, “Do compete a show with other couples, glad organizations like this exist position is outfield. For Bella, the more how “positive” and day.said, Sheciting explained important “I’ve done a couple of nationals, recreating a bygone atmosphere of York City! It do it all in New things that aren’t the typically team hastalked an easy and instant at least once in your life. You that give students and young “chill” environment. For example, in Belarus, I was sixth on the a ball..” She explained how “ there bond, can dependadults on each doesn’t get any better than that! about.” Additionally, sheand explained learn so much, you get to meet during practice, “there’s music the voice they deserve about nationals out of 200 couples which are two different types of dresses: She recalled her journey Theatre has and always will be going and everyone’s just dancing, how the club hasother. allowed her to topics that are usually avoided.” somecool. great people, might was really In 2012 I wasand one you there’s Ballroom which is long and and how she thought about softball hanging out, cracking jokes”. my home. It’s a safe space where get involved withgames: Teen“As Advisory discover a passion for something high school Seren will join of the few couples participating a little kid IAfter grew up looks like a prom dress and there’s Senior night was a unique memory: you are free to be whoever and Board. She explained how watching thatthere game… aand then in world championships, which a short one for Latin which is more you never knew you had.” She will mentor program to help other since he was the only senior, it was youyear finally get you to play in it. All was really exciting and also open..[she prefers] Latin, because whatever you want... the world are summits every and continue to study acting in college BC2M clubs. Seren concluded little kids are watching you I play is just so indescribable basically “Zack Dwyer Night”. “I stressful.” Victoria performs with it’s more open, you don’t have to get to meet otherthese club members by explaining, different than anything thought it was pretty funny and and learning about performing, a is at your feet. I wouldn’t be Change and I’ll probably come back as an and so “Bring a team in a private studio in be more conservative. You can not something I expected at all else... I just couldn’t imagine my who I am without it and I will throughout the alumni Bay Area. The passion of hers, “Outside of class, to go watch thetoyounger Mind has been such a huge Belmont and hopes to continue show your emotions and do crazy life without it. I want my team to happen”, he joked. Overall, too… it’s just circle never loving the stage. ” board has beengirls important to a full I’m there looking forward to creating, part of my life, and I’m super working while going to stuff.” However, shestop explained of experience.” fell in to know I love them very much Zack was very happy he played, Santa Clara University next year. how it is, “really hard to dance Seren, “You get type to meet people She excited to get to continue my love with softball, in part because and that I’m so glad that this is meeting people he wouldn’t have Ruby Juballa: Designer & More Unfortunately, Santa Costume in heels. You have to practice from all over California who involvement are involvement team the I getorganization. to finish my senior met otherwise. He wishes to of her family’s with thewith
Abby Dacumos: Enviromental Activist
Seren Benjamin: Wellness Advocate
Amy Bruhns: Actress
Brie Sloves: Mock Trialer
Clara doesn’t have a ballroom in heels every day because you R u bthat y nobody J u b a l lcan’t a hfall a sduring the competition.” team. “It’s something Q: What have you enjoyed the most about Hillsdale? else does because it’s notwith a partthe DramaIn the end, Victoria been involved A: What I enjoyed theCmost a t hine rmy i n efourqyears u i c katl yHillsdale f o u nwas d amy involvement in of a school program.atSoHillsdale I guess tells of how she truly enjoys Department through our Chamber String Orchestra. I started in freshman year as the principal cellist and welcoming community where it’s just something that makes what she does. Despite having continued playing for every year after that. As the orchestra grew, I made a bunch Club on me athe littleDrama different fromboard, other being to balance school work with h e tocplay o u lmusic d e xwith p r ethem s s every h e r sday. e l f .It opened up many of friends — it was a sblast Brie Sloves has beenpeople.” the improv team, and being inshe proclaimed, “Yeah, She explained how even dancing, opportunities for me as Catherine well; I had the honor of playing in a trio with Joseph Noh and explained that she a member in Belarus there’s only ballroom Victor Lin (the music gods) in my sophomore year, which was an incredibly fun and of Hillsdale’s Mock plays and musical productions it takesasa lot of time, but also grew dramatically as an actress humbling experience. I looked forward to performing in festivals and concerts every year,for multiple years. She d a n cwell i n g oas n taking p r i v a t e drama t e a m s .as it’s my hobby and such a big Trial team a class. and in tolife in music. general. H.I.T. Jamie Ip working together with everyone create Without music,has my life would B-flat! Victoria added how part of me, I can’t give it up.” has portrayed Forensic ScientistsHowever, She has been involved with theater
the sport. “The feeling I get when
season with. Let’s go win CCS!”
continue playing for fun in college.
Catherine Lange: Improviser
Catherine Lange has been a member of the Hillsdale Improvisational Theater Squad, or the H.I.T. Squad for 4 years. She auditioned for the team as a Freshman and was thrilled to have made it on the team.
helped Catherine to break out of her shell and be more social. She believes that all of life is essentially improvisation. After high school, Catherine hopes to participate in improv at UCLA, where they have 4 great teams. She is excited for new challenges that will be presented in her future improv endeavors, as Hillsdale’s improv style is different from the average improv team.
during the main seasons, and has taken on attorney roles for offseason invitationals. When asked what she enjoys about Mock Trial, Brie cited the adrenaline rush that she gets during competitions, the supportive teammates and coaches, and the nuanced arguments built into each team’s theory. Next year, Brie will be attending Carleton College. She hopes to become involved with Mock Trial at the collegiate level and explore new roles, trial tactics, and case law from a new state.
since she was three and has been a part of Hillsdale’s drama since freshman year. She explained why theater is important to her, “My favorite thing about theater is that the community itself is really inclusive- everybody works really hard to create a space where we can all be ourselves and feel free to try new things without any consequence of judgement or making mistakes” Through drama Ruby improved her time management, she created a study group within the department
because a lot of students share classes, and through that she was better able to balance school work. Although the current crisis leaves a lot of things unclear, she believes theater will be a part of her life in the future where it’s behind the scenes or on stage, “I see theater as something I can always go back to,” she concluded.
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May2020 22nd, 2018 June 7th,
Sports Profiles Sports Profiles
thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com
The Hillsdale Scroll profiled seniors who have shown exceptional leadership and dedication to their sport and
have been integral members of their teams. We chose the& seniors by contacting the coaches on the various Girl’s Tennis Boy’s Basketball Softball sports teams and referring to Mr. Stevenson, our Athletics Director, for coaches we were not able to contact. Natalie Schmier Shawn Cotton Jr. Volleyball Girls’ Soccer Girls’ Water Polo Hailey Wrestling Babcock
Madison Luzar
Trevor Church
Natalie Schmier has been playing From finishing second tennis for 3 ofMadison her 4 Luzar yearshas atbeen place in the Del Mar frosh/soph tournament Hailey Babcock has been on the Hillsdale waterhow, polo and to executing an 8 Hillsdale. She explained involved with sports since she was swim team for all four years second pin against a challenging she really, “loves playing on the of her high school career. She opponent as a senior, Trevor Hillsdale tennis team, because 5 years old and has continued it for started swimming at a young age Church has channeled his will every year at Hillsdale, spending it’s a very close-knit community and because of this, felt obligated power, stamina, and strength to 10-12 hours a week each sport that I love being a swimming part of.” She to continue in high turn his hand to wrestling. He season. As an underclassman, she explained how she enjoyswas getting school. Madison initially has been on the team for four a tri-sport playing unsure water polo, but servingathleteas co-captain for to connect withabout the community by afterwasyears, volleyball, basketball, and softball. getting dragged to a practice by a three of those years. Apart from getting to play with most of the explained “ every sport I friend, she found that well how individually, Church team, especially as captain thisshe pastlovedShe doing the sport. To her, these sports has hadlove a huge role in how others play I just the competition... year. Natalie explained how for were not only a great way to get on the give team me performed. “I con...Sports something to her, “playing tennis doesn’tbut keep in a daily workout, also to captained the team for 3 years do. Sports has been my whole life me from being toand complete meet new able people have a good but behind the scenes, I helped and I’m glad it has. I meet so many all my time. school work. During her Sometimes first three years of organize a way for the team to people andfornew friends… Also, swim, she didn’t wrestle the two years Hillsdale I have to askMadison teachersfeltorthat friends having teammates that got your care or try as much as she should didn’t have a wrestling coach. what work I missed because of have. But in her senior year, the I also worked with many of the back anytime you need is a really a match but, I’m always able to team’s new coach, Coach Mike, wrestlers one-on-one to help them good feeling.” She made sure to get the helped work done that I need to her feel motivated as well improve with their balance schoolwork by technique doing it get done.” She plans continue as improve her to times. This year as well as give them credit for right after school and then the playingas tennis captain, casually Madison’s after organized sticking with one of the toughest rest after practice. Her words Hillsdale, butevents she plans on joining many to create a welcoming sports at Hillsdale”, he said of of his advice to anyoneOverall, readingChurch this are community withininthe team such contributions. has an ultimate frisbee team college. if you’re, playing as potlucks, tie-dying shirts played“athinking huge roleabout in the wrestling and laser tag. As a freshman at team Hillsdale, dedicating sports inatschool...DO IT. Justtime, try Berkeley next year, Madison looks hard work the sport. out energy, you gotandnothing to tolose. It’s forward to joining a water polo such a great experience to have Badminton club but will definitely miss her in high school.” Hailey plans on teammates from the Hillsdale team. becoming anJason Atletic Lin Trainer and Boys’ Water Polo continuing to be involved with Grant Romberg sports, either volleyball or softball.
Football Dylan Loftus
Swim Team Tiffany Choy Dylan Loftus has been involved with football throughout Jason Lin has played on his years at Hillsdale but regrets the badminton team for four years. not playing sophomore year, as he As one of the leaders of the team, always liked football but, “didn’t Grant Romberg has been he says that he “helps people who know how [he] for did8 until doingmuch water polo years and are new to the game… with their [his] senior year when [he] got toyears. various skills to get them started”. swimming for the past three He field “mainly polo”. What makes badminton special be on the the (does) whole water game.” Grant Romberg doesn’t just do is the “self-motivation” and the On average in practices alone Polo for the school he spentWater 20 hours a week on theteam, special “connection between the but also for the Golden State coach”, Ti fand f a nthe y C h o y iand s ait field. He explained his passion players Water Polo club team. His main makes the team and the game hardworking senior who has for the position sport:“Itonreally water takes polo isallwing. that much more fun and happy. played multiple sports throughout of your When mind...asked I alsowhat enjoyed the he enjoyed His most memorable moment is her time at Hillsdale. One sport brotherhood of it, football is the about water polo he explained, making it to CCS in an extremely she’s very involved in against is the “Just theitcompetitiveness one sport that takes a whole thatthat close, three-set match team. She’s it and just swim a Mills that wentbeen intoswimming a win-by-2 team tocomes win awith game, youI’m have I like the for Hillsdale herthird freshman at the endsince of the set. It to trustcompetitive and have dude faithand in your aggressiveness that comes with dream for him, andashe wascome teamtrue captain for team and there is no feeling like year,was the sport.” He recalled that his after twoSenior tough year, losses her especially Sophomore and winningmost a game as a team.” He memorable moment would last year in the PAL tournament prior to the season being cancelled. explained the importance be, “probably last yearofasthe a team to teams they had beaten before. Tiffany excitedly explained, game, “I really just fell in love we had never won a CCS game, In college, he hopes to make time “Everyone together around ever, in theI history Hillsdale with the game. wish Iofcould to play comes badminton and meet and the same interest bonds and we won last year and that be inspired by creating people who are have played high school football was just moment.” between to much different better thangrade him atlevels the game. for longer but aI really reallycool enjoyed my time playing while it lasted.” build a community. We all hold He plans on continuing football each other up, congratulate one at Sacramento State, and wants another, and chill together. I really to say to the readers, “If you like the sense of family that is built have ever thought about playing allowing for friendships on and football or wanted to play football off season. After high school, she but there is something holding plans to continue swimming at a you back, just go for it. Even if collegiate level. She will likely you don’t play it gets you in great start at the club level to allow shape and you make friends while herself ample time for schoolwork doing it, it’s a great atmosphere.” and other clubs in college.
Boys’ Track Spirit Team Felix Miyago
Morgan Smith
Spirit Squad Baseball Nicole Jester
Drew Aspillera
Alex Santos
Felix Miyago, a senior, Nicole Jester has been has been running track for 3 on the spirit squad since she was Drew Aspillera High School. Shawn Cotton has been years a freshman at Hillsdale, but has has been at Hillsdale Morgan Smith has been involved baseball asked what he liked most been doing cheer with since she was for 13 playing basketball since he was When a part of the chear team for all of years, and spent 12-18 about his sport, he responded in second hours a grade. When inquired 4 and hasAlex continued it throughout Santos has been herhow four yearshasat something Hillsdale, and “Track about week what practicing. she enjoysHe about explained the playing soccer for ten years, all four years of high school. He’s withwould practice twicehave a week for everyone. You don’t to and cheer and some memories value of the sport toshe’s him, “I enjoy playing club soccer for sport nine of truly dedicated to the and be cheer fast and you don’t & have to be had, for football basketball on Nicole explained, enjoy those years, and15 playing the the continuous “I competition that spends around hoursona week strong—you just She haveexplained to find why performing and cheering in front Friday nights. Hillsdale team for past three years. you always have to have. There on it. He explained how important an event you enjoy.” For those of my friends and family because it’s been a valuable community is a certain This year, a memorable moment when thinking of joining the Hillsdale they always basketball is to him personally: cheerkind me of on attitude and was the game against San Mateo, forteam her,next “What enjoy most you stepsupport on that field that you track year,I according to about provide so much for me. I “Not only have I worked really since “it was the team everyone cheer wasiseverything our the program Felix, “track especially fun need to have so your team can be also enjoyed...performing in rallies hard mytowhole lifebad”. to get wanted beat so To where calm I do. you Nothaven’t only found would with we fun firstgot year,towhen routines Also...the and dances.” successful. camaraderie the right team’snow, nerves, gave a pep am butshe basketball also what you’re at yet. It’s She continued, stating most part of a cheer forgood the games, but very we would that comes withherbeing talk: “We tolife do such this, so put teaches mehave about as being satisfying to discover the event our memorable moment are her “first also form bonds between everything else ondetermined your mind to team and having teammates and responsible, being you find the most enjoyable and homecoming rally and half time away”. They ended up defeating through our buddy systems. coaches that always got your do things, and how to work well thenteams progress from a beginner to at the game my freshman year.” San Mateo 3-0 and then continuing We also be thereFelix to support back.”Nicole He explained how baseball at would it.” Personally, with others I willstreak. use these skills a master In the future, would “like on a long winning Though other school events and perform isand histryout life andforhow many valuable recommends the 4 by 4 relay races. to see Sonoma for as long as I live.” Although she isn’t planning on playing at the rallies. I loved this sport and lessons heinlearned state cheer team the fallfrom and it, “ One being a student-athlete soccer after high school, shecan doesbe see where go from there.” my team!” Since practice started thingI’ll I learned is that you will fail say that being thewas captain of the difficult, Shawn determined.
Girls’ Track Burnsshe was ableBoys’ laterKayla in the evening 7/10 times no matter what, but Basketball
team has given an was opportunity “The key forher me to stay to be a leader, she wouldn’t focused and where I always reminded to work on school work before it’s how you react to those 7 fails normally put herself out there. Ericmatters Bower the most.” He plans myself that without grades, there practice and balance things well. that to continue baseball at Skyline She added how important cheer has would be no basketball. So I made Girls’ Basketball it mandatory to get my work done.” been for her, “Being a part of the next year and then transfer to a 4 Dannyle Thomas Basketball is more than just a game cheer program has helped shape year college to continue his career. for Shawn, “It’s life...It means the me into the person I am today. Cross Country/Track world to me as I will keep doing The relationships and memories this until I can’t anymore... I enjoy will last for a lifetime, and I am working with others on the court very lucky to have been on this and the feeling of being free every team all four years!” She plans on time I’m in a game or in practice. tryingKayla out forBurns the cheer team when has been The sound of the basketball going running she starts school at Track the University in Hillsdale’s & since freshman through the net is probably one of Field of team Nevada, Reno inyear. the fall. Eric Bower has been the most satisfying things in the Kayla first decided to do track playing basketball for Hillsdale world and I wouldn’t do anything after thinking “why not?” when for four years. As a member of many people had commented on the team, he leads by “being there Dannyle Thomasaway.” has to take that satisfaction her speed on the field during her been playing Shawn plans tobasketball continue tofor play eleven years of playing soccer. In for your teammates as much on the court as off the court”, saying Hillsdale at fora four years, JV basketball 4-year university her four years Kayla has had lots that it’s “when things start to freshman and sophomore year,; next year as a point guard. of success on the track, including really click on the D court, e a n because Meiman has varsity for junior and senior years. getting first place at PALs for that’s when been involved in you have trust inboth yourtrack and She explained how basketball triple jump in her freshman and teammates”. cross Reminiscing country for about all four years “made a big impact on my life. junior years. This year, she is his favorite memories,He’s he pointed at Hillsdale. been running It was something that was so fun going to represent PAL at CCS out the quads, because the energy for me and it was a good hobby, cross country since 8th grade, and for both Triple Jump and the from the crowd is “surreal”. He’s a way to relieve stress. It kept me at Hillsdale would go to 4x100 relay. During her years on stuck with basketball since 4th practices in shape at the same time–it was 5 days ahe week for 10 hours the team, Kayla had had lots of grade because likesmaking “how fast really fun overall.” Her favorite practice a week. He explained crazy memories and times full paced of [basketball] is” and how memories were that of the senior of laughter. She’s loved being “the only his way passion for the to really winsport, is to “ I enjoy night games against Aragon: part of a team where she could be ablebeing to play well with involved in ayour sport that is “Senior night was so much fun, meet new people and bond with teammates”. Next year, he is one of my most fun nights I’ve had less about competing with others coaches that have supported her going to UCSB with the hopes at Hillsdale, I almost cried because and more about competing with throughout her S o Hillsdale p h i a Rcareer. o s e r hof a swalking onto the team there. it was so emotional. So many of yourself. I enjoy how the goal is been involved with many my friends...at least 40-50 people to always improve your own times, Golf: Jackson Gilbert extracurriculars throughout in the stands [were there] for me, and everyone is working for the including my mom and family Hillsdale from the art program Jackson Gilbert, a senior, same goal so it has a very friendly, and friends. There were balloons Breen Mee has been to tennis, to lacrosse. She was picked up his first golf club when cooperative for me, posters, gifts, itsoccer was sofor on the girl’s tennis team forhealwascommunal 2 years old. Heand has played involved with Hillsdale much fun. We played Aragon, and atmosphere.” Although on a school golf team since 6thbalancing all four years of high school and four years and has been playing honestly, that was the most fun practice with school grade. The golf team practices 4work was spent 8-10 hours a week during tennis since she was little, and part. I’ll definitely miss playing days atough, week, he sometimes going would use small chunks the seasons. He explained why he was in the top singles and team with my cousin and my sister to ranges to play.during Jacksonthe stated of time school day likes of funwe’re playing captain as an upperclassman. She and soccer,“it’s my friends lots because that the “strong community” such as advisory or lunch to be and workinginto withdifferent my closeplaces friends explained why she’s passionate all splitting of the golf team was why he productive. Dean explained how for college.” Dannyle hopes to on the pitch towards a common about the support, “I love how enjoyed the sport, which he plans important involvement with continue intramural basketball to continue to playhis in the future. goal.” Inwith order to balance soccer any success or failure comes from at San Jose State next year. sports has been, “Track and cross with school work he made sure to yourself and it’s a mental game as always complete it before practice. well as physical.” Sophia put in country taught me that hard work Nevertheless, he explained, “This lots of work during lunches and pays off. Putting in the extra effort activity means the absolute world between classes on homework at practice directly contributed to to me... all my stress goes away so she could spend extra time at better results in meets, and seeing when I have the ball at my feet.” practice. She’d like to say that, this progression and payoff of He plans on playing intramural “Tennis gets looked over a lot hard work can be applied to other soccer in college and joining an which is understandable but for parts of life, especially school & unofficial soccer league. He wants anyone considering it it’s a pretty grades.” He wishes that the track to say, “Thank you to the coaches sick sport don’t be afraid to try it, season wasn’t cut short by the virus and other players who have made :).” She works coaching kids and and plans to continue to run on his these last four years amazing.” hopes to continue tennis in college. own, but not necessarily on a team.
Dean Meiman
Lacrosse and Tennis Sophia Roser
Boy’s Soccer Breen Mee
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June 7th, 2020
Website: https://issuu.com/hillsdalescroll/docs
Sports Profiles (cont.) Softball Sophia Eftekhari
Sophia Eftekhari has been playing softball since she was seven and a part of Hillsdale’s Varsity team since her sophomore year. Sophia really dedicates herself to the sport, hitting, practicing defense, and working out five-six days a week in addition to traveling to tournaments with
her travel team during pre season alone. Total, she spends anywhere from ten-fifteen hours a week practicing. In the spring, there are games two-three times a week, and practicefor two hours a day when there aren’t games. She continues to work out on her own outside of practice, hitting every weekday and taking reps with her sister and practicing with her travel team over the weekend. She explained how important the sport has been in allowing her to grow, “I enjoy putting in hours of work and seeing my result pay off. I enjoy having a team and being there for one another on and off the field. I enjoy learning the game, whether its new techniques, rules, mental approaches, or even the history
and evolution of the game.” As a student athlete she made an effort to prioritize and explained how some days she had to prioritize fieldwork and other days it was school work. Despite this, Sophia truly has a passion for softball, “ I love the energy on the field, laying out for balls in the outfield, throwing runners out stealing when I’m catching or messing with the defense as to whether I am planning on slapping or hitting away. I love how softball is a game of failure because it pushes me to get better.Mentally I still think I am the stalking seven-yearold who was one of the slowest players on the team; now, I often surprise myself when I track a ball 40- 50 yards over my shoulder.”
Swim Team Sean Isomatsu
Sean Isomatsu has bn swimming competitively for roughly the past 10 years. Previous to shelter in place, he was practicing 15 hours a week,
consisting of early morning practices at 5 am and practices at 6 pm in the evening. He explained his passion for the sport, “ If you add that up, I’ve been in the water most of my life... I have three main reasons why I enjoy swimming so much. The sense of camaraderie you get with your teammates, the direct relationship between hard work and success, and just the feel of the water on your skin.” He worked to fit his life and school work around swim as it is an important aspect of his life. He humbly put the testament
of his successes to the people around him, “The reason I was able to do all of this was thanks to my loving mother and father, my passionate coach, and my supportive teammates.” Although he doesn’t plan to continue to swim competitively after graduation, he explained how “the lessons I’ve learned like the power of consistency and hard work will live on in other aspects of my life. I think swimming is a testament to my ability to commit, and drive at something consistently which.”
Senior Spotlights (cont.) Piper Suplee: Actress
Piper Supplee has been doing theater since she was 8 when she was involved with theater camps. Theater is something she cares deeply about, “ I really like getting to explore different parts of my personality through different characters that I play.
I like the nervous energy I get when I’m about to go onstage for a live audience. And I really love the insane and amazing theater community and all the antics that happen backstage.” Piper was driven and did most schoolwork during the day while still at school, and used the rest of her free time in rehearsals to complete things. She explained, “It can be overwhelming but you feel really accomplished if you can balance it all.” She plans on continuing theater as a Drama and Theatre Arts Major at the University of Birmingham as well as some regional musical productions over the summer and in England.
Cole Bishop: Environmentalist
Cole Bishop has been a part of Hillsdale’s Environmental club for three years and spends around two and a half hours per week with the club during the
meetings and helping with the garden. He explained his passion for the club,“I really enjoy the leadership lessons that were taught through the club. I was the vice president last year so I got a little taste of what it was like to help organize something. I also enjoyed going camping with my friends, making tacos for the food fair, and creating a garden. Since most activities happened within school hours it was easy to balance with school work. The picture above is from the club’s sunrise hike on Sugarloaf.
Casey Mulkerrins has been a part of Hillsdale’s basketball team for three years, and the tennis team all four years. He explained his passion for both, “I enjoy playing sports because it
How we deal with adversity helps to define us. The adversity of having so many rites of passage taken away (prom, graduation, etc.) will ultimately serve you well down the road. Good luck, we will miss you, but look forward to witnessing all that you will accomplish.
All my friends in the class of 2020 and some of the sweetest, funnies, and caring people I know. I’m so proud, and I love every single one of them. There is tons to say, but, well, most of all, thank you (us) for being healthy and safe before we even think about all the missing "senior things."
gets my mind off of other things. I get to enjoy the moment while exercising in a fun way.” Because of long practices during basketball and tennis seasons he would get work done before and after practices. He will continue to play sports after graduating for fun and says he will miss Hillsdale sports. He concluded by saying, “Participating in sports means a lot to me, because I put so much time into it. The tennis team got to CCS my sophomore for the first time in over 20 years. The basketball won CCS this past year on an unforgettable journey. I am lucky to have been a part of both teams.”
Monthly Horoscopes by Catherine Lange
Boy’s Basketball & Tennis Casey Mulkerrins
Hillsdale’s Messages to the Class of 2020
Throughout high school, I felt like I was getting closer to the adult who could affect real change in the world. Then in mid-march, the things I thought I could control, were slipping through my fingers. Emergencies cannot make us what we are not. They reveal who we always were. They reveal what Hillsdale made us and what we make ourselves. Our resilience, our strength, our ability to adapt, that’s what makes us human. We’re graduating from Hillsdale, but we’re also graduating from a pre-pandemic world. As we move from high school into the formative stages of independence and adulthood, the world moves too from one plagued with ignorance, and bigotry, and destruction, into one that we are in charge of making better. We are the transformative generation. We knew the world before and we will use that knowledge to create a better world after. My decisions will never control how the future unfolds. But our decisions will. -Catherine Lange
Be patient. The world is always changing. Instead of panicking and not doing anything ... STOP this is the time to be creative show what you can do and learn how to survive this pandemic. STAY SAFE
Congratulations, and while I could never experience what you are going through I still feel awful for what you are having to face. This kind of wall only makes you stronger than every generation before, and I know you will do great things! They say the end is the best part but this definitely isn’t the end we wanted. Instead this is just the beginning and we’re gonna grow from it :)
Be Better.
“It’s gonna get hard before it gets easy, I already know, it’s gonna take a little rain before the seedling starts to grow.”
We’re all in this together! Congrats!
I’m gonna miss you all omg its going to be so weird “ruling” the school, and not having you guys around, you guys are truly like bothers and sisters to so many of us, I’m sad I didn’t get to finish the yr with you guys but I’m so blessed to have known you and have had the chance to become friends with some of you.
I miss you :( You have all worked hard, but things are just getting started. Look ahead because it’s full of opportunity. Good Luck!
Wear a mask.
June 5th, 2020
thehillsdalescroll@gmail.com
Covid Reshaping Cinema Gal Balaban Senior Staff Writer
A lot of the things we enjoy have suffered due to the current pandemic. Among them is the film industry. Anticipated releases from Fast & Furious 9 to Mulanhave been delayed by months to a year due to the virus shutting down movie theaters. Numerous productions have also shut down/postponed for 2021 releases, including Avatar 2, Jurassic World:Dominion, The Matrix 4, and a lot more. At the moment, the earliest film to be released once theaters reopen is Tenet, a sci-fi action movie from Oscar nominee Christopher Nolan that’s scheduled for a July 17 release. If Tenet goes forward and succeeds it could indicate that people are once again ready to go to the theater. Some films have also completely forgone a theatrical release in favor of a direct-to-streaming release such as Trolls World Tour. This release began a feud between Universal Pictures and theater chain AMC when the chain accused Universal of forgoing the necessary window for a film to play on theater screens before it can screen digitally, while Universal argued that the special circumstances warranted the film skipping theaters altogether.
After this, AMC refused to screen future Universal films if the studio ditches a theater release for another film. In other cases, Disney made their film adaptation of Artemis Fowl into a Disney+ original, Paramount sold the rights to its comedy The Lovebirds to Netflix and Sony sold its Tom Hanks war film Greyhound to Apple TV+. The Oscars have also changed their rules this year to accommodate films that don’t screen in theaters at all. Before this, even Netflix films like The Irishman or Marriage Story needed to screen in some cities to be considered for awards, but this year the Academy will consider films that had to go straight to streaming services, such as Oscar-winner Spike Lee’s upcoming Netflix war movie Da 5 Bloods which is out on June 12. Once restrictions are lifted, because of the theater-studio feud, things will likely return to normal. The fact that box office was at a global all-time high last year indicates that people value the cinematic experience and will continue to go to theaters once the world returns to normal. Meanwhile, profits for streaming services’ are skyrocketing as consumers are currently left with no other option to watch films than from the safety of their homes.
Thanks for another wonderful year!
Comic Art by Alleria Li
8
How Hillsdale Shelters in Place
Marty Awards Go Virtual Isabella Murray Senior Staff Writer
Hillsdale’s first virtual Marty Awards took place on May 9 hosted by three seniors, Catherine Lange, Abby Reddy, and Megan Mayhan. This annual event is dedicated to recognizing students involved in drama productions in the past year. Despite the unusual circumstances, many students were able to come together virtually to celebrate their accomplishments. Reddy observed, “I thought it was a really fun experience and although it was a new way to host the Martys, we had a lot of people show up and participate.” The Marty Awards are in memoriam of a former Hillsdale student, Marty Neswick, who was a prominent member of the drama department and whose life was tragically cut short at the age of eighteen. This year’s theme was “Disney Through the Decades,” and students donned Mickey Mouse ears accordingly. The award ceremony commenced with a grand showing of Disney-inspired costumes and Zoom backgrounds. Disney songs along with Broadway musicals played while students debated the superior Disney movie. Between awards such as “Best Tech Crew,” and “Rising Star,” student video performances were featured. Some truly hilarious and inventive sketches and songs were featured between the announcements of the winners. One such performance was a Disney medley sung Editor-In-Chief: Anya Lance-Chacko Copy Editors: Lizzie manis Brie Sloves Christine Lee Advisor: Ms. Mylan Comic Artist: Alleria Li
by the student hosts. The medley mused over the past year’s noteworthy drama events to the tune of classic Disney hits. Lange said, “Though at first I was disappointed [that] a senior rite of passage in the drama community at Hillsdale, would be online, we still managed to incorporate sketches, songs, and the kind of community that makes the Marty Awards so great.” Brie Sloves, a student who edited together video clips for the Marty performances, said, “It was a lot of fun to be able to watch different clips come together. It felt like I was uniting people despite being far apart.” She was part of one of the more unusual performances, called “Harry Potter and His Puppet Pals.” As is the way with any technology, not everything on Zoom worked according to plan. Screens froze, audio cut out, and links mysteriously vanished, but nothing was able to get in the way of an ultimately successful and entertaining day. Mayhan said, “Despite some tech. difficulties, it was a fun show and I’m glad we could put it on. Of course, it was different than any Martys show we would have expected but we all made the most of it and got to make light of our situation and appreciate each other’s hard work throughout this year.” The Marty Awards concluded with a digital version of the traditional senior sendoff. Students got to enjoy a video featuring memories of all the seniors in the drama department.
Senior Staff Writers: Lizzie Manis Nicole Kaye Valenzuela Brie Sloves Christine Lee Gal Balaban Isabella Murray Catherine Lange Lucas Chan Maddie Dixon Andi Taylor
Editor’s Goodbye
Anya Lance-Chacko Editor-in-Cheif
Around this time a year ago, the former editors, Henry, Eilleen, and I were sitting at a cafe late into the evening to put the final touches on the May issue. It’s so crazy to think about how much has changed since then, but I’m even more grateful now than I was then to be a part of The Scroll. Not only has it meant so much for me in allowing me to share my opinions and ideas (or escape a little from the stresses of our public education system into the intricacies of InDesign), but during these times I’ve also regained some hope in our generation. I was so happy to see the number of people who responded to our survey, and all the seniors who answered questions to be included in the spotlights. In pulling together these pages I realized the incredible passion, leadership, thoughtfulness, and dedication that exists within our senior class. The countless hours students put into sports and passion projects blew me away. These times can seem hopeless, but so much of our student body is still holding out hope and continuing to make an effort, whether it’s as simple as helping out The Scroll with a survey or as intense as making hundreds of masks. We just need to keep going, not with a blind eye, but with directed passion. Yes, it is heartbreaking that our last days of high school were stripped away, but we can direct that frustration into helping those who have lost so much more. There are a lot of things
that this current crisis has gotten me thinking about, the AIDS crisis and climate change among them. In the 80s it took scientists forever to do anything about the thousands of people who were dying because of lack of concern for the demographic it seemed to be affecting. I want to believe that our generation is better, and I think in some ways we have been. But in the words of Greta Thunberg, “To do your best is no longer good enough. We must all do the seemingly impossible. Yes, we need a system change... but all the big changes in society have been started by people at the grassroots level.” These times have proved to me the power we can have by making a few changes in our lives for the betterment of everyone, and if we can flatten curves and clear some skies by merely staying inside, then there’s so much more we are capable of doing to save the world. We need to become the next generation of environmentalists, scientists, leaders, doctors, activists, athletes with campaigns and filmmakers with perspective-shifting stories who prevent future pandemics from happening; class of 2020 I know we can do this because t h e s e pages s h o w that, in m a n y ways, we already a r e !