SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL NEWS MAGAZINE
VOLUME XXV, NO.4 // MAY 2025
Senior Spotlights pg. 6-7
Choosing the Next Chapter pg. 12-13
The Senior Issue
Twin Separation pg. 18-19
ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
LACROSSE SENIOR NIGHT
By Cameron Reynolds
LIP DUB
SPRING RALLY
By Victor Bravo and Yamir Benitez
By Alex Corpos and Yamir Benitez
Photo on front cover by Christine Chang, edited by Sasha Efimchik
Throughout these three years in journalism I’ve learned to be more patient, hardworking, and level-headed. And, of course, my journalism experience wouldn’t have been the same without all of the people that made it incredible. I am grateful for all of the help from Haylee Huynh throughout my time in journalism, from guiding me through Indesign for my very first issue cycle, to hanging out with me at the St. Louis journalism convention, and training me how to be an editor-in-chief. I’d also like to thank Hope Callaghan for setting an example of good leadership and always making me feel welcome, as well as inspiring me with her adorable art style (see senior soakers article). As for this year, I’d like to thank Nate for helping many reporters with their InDesigns and significantly easing the workload for David and me. I’d also like to thank Noah - I appreciate how enthusiastic he has been helping with our back covers, taking on last minute articles, and completing last minute copy edits. I could never fit personal thank yous to everyone I’d like to, so I’ll try to wrap it up: I’m grateful for pre-journalism Dunkin runs with Caroline and Reese; I appreciate Victor’s humor and enthusiasm and Christine’s harsh edits and wit. And last but not least, I appreciate my co-editor-in-chief David’s commitment and willingness to work with my crazy ideas. I’m glad we worked so well together and I hope you have an amazing time at Dartmouth! I’m excited to hand off the crown to Reese and Caroline and can’t wait to see what the Raven Report team creates next year. After all is said and done, I present to you the final issue of the Raven Report: the senior issue.
ABOUT
When I first joined the Raven Report in my junior year, I only enrolled in the class for what seemed like most kids joined for: credit. I needed the elective credit to help me eventually graduate, and it looked interesting. Little did I know that I would find myself returning the next year not only as a student but as an editor. While from the outside perspective the class may look nerdy or kinda weird, you will shortly realize that the people in the class become some of your best friends throughout the year. The class allows for so much creative expression, not only through words but through images and videos. As the editor of the multimedia department, it meant getting in front of the camera, which is very vulnerable not only for others but also for myself. Being in front of the camera led to me becoming a more extroverted person and I think joining journalism has become the best decision I’ve made in the last four years. I want to thank Stan Hamelin, Haylee Huynh, Allison Wang, Resse Silva, Caroline Sieling, along with Sasha and David for making the class such a great experience.
THE RAVEN R EPORT IS A SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PUBLICATION PRODUCED IN THE JOURNALISM CLASS through the efforts and decisions of the staff and the publication’s editors and advisor. The Raven Report is a public forum for students, staff, and community.
THE RAVEN REPORT STRIVES TO PROVIDE SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL WITH INFORMATIVE, ENGAGING AND RELEVANT news. The staff will exercise integrity and accountability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about our school, community and the world.
When I look back on my four years in the Raven Report, I’ll remember the people. I think back to my first day of high school, sitting next to Stan. His goofy but sincere demeanor made me feel welcome at Sequoia, and we ended up working together for the next three years.
Along the way, I had the guidance of upperclassmen who helped shape who I was, both as a reporter and as a person. There are too many to name, but they showed me what it means to lead with patience, consistency, and care.
As Editor-in-Chief in my fourth and final year, I’ve tried to follow their example. I hope I’ve had a similar influence on the younger reporters in the room, whether through edits, kickoffs, or the small conversations in between.
The most fulfilling part of my role has been seeing students in journalism grow into focused communicators and storytell ers.
While I’ll be leaving this publication after four very reward ing years, I’ll look back on this time fondly and carry with me
Younger me would’ve never imagined stepping foot into a journalism class. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year, while choosing classes for junior year, that I decided to give it a try. I only had a vague understanding of what journalism was, but I knew it involved writing and a bit of photography, two things that I enjoyed. At first, I barely knew anyone in the class, which didn’t last long, as everyone was super friendly, welcoming and truly cared about the work we were doing. Journalism has been an unforgettable experience and I’ve met so many incredible people from the class. From the extensive writing and interviews to the hours spent behind InDesign, it all gave me a greater understanding of the ways in
BY NATE GOTELLI Multimedia Editor
How did you balance school and work?
“I work at Harry’s Hofbrau, and it just depends on everybody’s state and what they’re going through. For me, I was able to manage school and work, but I only had five classes. So once you feel ready, just go for it. But if you feel like you’re not, then just wait.”
What are your post-high school plans?
“My plans are to be able to go to Mexico and visit my family because I haven’t been over there in about two years, so I want to go see them for a couple of months. After that, I want to come home, join a trade school and become an electrician. I had a lot of friends who were doing it and I realized even though it is really dangerous, you do get paid really well. You just need to have people who can help you out, and you’ll be able to do it.”
How have you grown since freshman year?
“I’m a lot more willing to stand up for myself and that is translated into how I am as a learner. Finding that balance and being able to advocate for myself because nobody is going to do that for me anymore. I’ve also been able to manage my time better.”
What are your post-high school plans?
“I will be rowing D1 at the University of Oklahoma with a full-ride athletic scholarship, which I’m very grateful for and very excited to have received. While there, I will be studying health exercise, science or kinesiology at Dodge College, which is the health school in Oklahoma and I’m very excited to attend. I hope to pursue physical or occupational therapy and, hopefully, have a career as a team physician of sorts to collegiate or high school teams in the future. But, I don’t know, a lot can change in four years.”
What was the recruiting process like?
“Originally, I was planning on going lightweight, which is a very selective and very difficult division for rowing. It only has seven collegiate teams and all athletes must be under 130 pounds. Due to injuries and my body changing and growing muscles, I knew that I was gonna have to move up to open-weight rowing. This set me back greatly in the recruiting process, but nonetheless, I talked to Oklahoma in January when they came out to visit my practice, and on a whim, I said, ‘why not?’, it doesn’t hurt to keep my options open. That same week, I was offered an official visit and then a month and a half later I went out to visit Oklahoma. I didn’t really know what I wanted from a school, but when I visited Oklahoma in February 2024, it was unbelievable. The resources, the coaches and the academic support were all so unmatched. It just felt really right to unlock this new level of performance and to be part of a legacy.”
What were your favorite memories at Sequoia?
“There have been several memorable sports moments for me. Celebrating in the locker room after a big football win and enjoying meals together after wrestling tournaments have been great bonding experiences. A standout moment was winning the massive upset against Half Moon Bay in football. Additionally, Sequoia wrestling winning the PAL title for the first time in six years was big.”
Who were your favorite teachers?
“I got a lot. I mean, Ms. Schimek, she’s a goat. Ms. Banister is a goat and Mr. Gallegos was a goat freshman year. Mr. Dilly and Mr. Poulos are up there too. I mean, all the teachers are really great.”
What are your post-high school plans?
“My next four years will be at West Point Army Academy. I was really excited to find a college that had a STEM and liberal arts focus. So, West Point is the college that offers that, and it’s great for developing leadership skills. I’m also excited about the strong community and job opportunities available after college.”
Favorite memory in high school?
“Being on the homecoming float with my friends was pretty fun. That’s when I realized I get to be with all these people for the next four years.”
Favorite Class?
“Mr. Waters, my sophomore year. He’s my favorite history teacher, and he made learning history really fun. The curriculum was really fun and it was just a great class.”
What are your post high school plans and why did you choose them?
“I’m planning to go to UC Berkeley and Major in Computer Science. Throughout high school, I got in touch with some people who were working on research with AI. I was fascinated by the rapid pace it was growing and wanted to be a part of that.”
“I would say my art class because I’ve known my teacher for three years so I know her really well and she knows me and my art. I like to combine art with my interest in science, so all my art has to do with science and it’s really fun to be able to explore both sides of my interests and put them together in a class where you have the freedom to do that.”
Where are you going to college and why?
“I’m going to go to Johns Hopkins, and I’m planning on doing a double major in public health and also in molecular and cellular biology. Eventually, my plan is to go to medical school and become a pediatric neurosurgeon. I knew that I really wanted to do biology or medicine in the future, and for that, Johns Hopkins is the best school around here. When I visited, the campus was really nice, but also, the people were really nice and the environment there fosters a lot of curiosity. There are a lot of opportunities to choose a niche thing that you’re interested in and pursue it with a lot of resources.”
BY MAREN OCKEN & MIA RAMIREZ
Staff Reporters
As the year comes to an end, the high school era of the class of 2025 is as well. Graduating seniors are soon starting the next chapter of their lives while figuring out what they want to do next and accomplish in their later years.
“In ten years from now, I hope I’m a neurologist helping people by diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, making a real difference in my patients’ lives. I also hope that I live somewhere close to the beach and that I love my life.”
“I love baseball and a dream of mine would be to work for the San Francisco Giants as a general manager or statistical analyst. Really, anything to do with sports and data is interesting to me, and I hope to find myself in 10 years doing something related to that.”
“In ten years, I hope to be done with nursing school and I will hopefully be working in a hospital with pediatric patients.”
“In ten years, you’ll find me happily married, maybe thinking about starting a family, but definitely with a couple of dogs in a house and near the beach somewhere in California. For work, I imagine myself waking up each day and heading to my job as a physical therapist, helping people heal and grow stronger one exercise at a time.”
By Noah Chevillet Staff Reporter
With several different options heading out of high school, many students find themselves conflicted when it comes to their future.While the United States Military is an extremely viable option, fears and worries plague the minds of parents regarding the occupation and not many people stop to examine the processes and benefits of such a career.
Often, the first step of planning for life after high school is the consideration of the benefits versus the consequences of one job or education pathway over another. Many branches offer numerous aid programs, providing financial support, transportation, scholarships and assistance in completing high school. These systems provide an incredible opportunity for students from low-income families to find success both through the military and higher education, should they wish to.
master’s yet. I was able to do a delayed entry program called DEP, for people who want to finish their degree. They also give you a year towards your contract and you can start drilling with the unit before you even go to boot camp,” Army Reserve Lieutenant Samantha Cordova said.
“A force that really develops leaders in the country [...] I’ve seen people completely transform their lives.”
Samantha Cordova, Army Lieutenant “
The next step is to decide which branch of the military would be best for the goals of the individual in question. The six branches offer variety in terms of values, goals and experience, each under the leadership of different departments in the government.
For instance, some of these accommodations come from the United States Army Reserves or National Guard. Both of these occupations consist of soldiers participating in full-time civilian jobs while acting as a reserve force to be called upon in times of need. The only difference between the two is that the reserves tend to be exclusively under federal control, while the National Guard operates within federal and state jurisdiction. On top of the aforementioned accommodations, they also provide opportunities to serve before boot camp while completing a degree and a large reimbursement for already completed education.
“When I enlisted, I got tuition reimbursement since I had already had my bachelor’s done, but I didn’t have my
Statistics, details and mottos of all branches are listed on various government websites for each branch as well as other statistics websites. The United States Army is the largest, with around 400,000 personnel on active duty as of June 2024, according to USAFacts.org. Their motto says “This we’ll defend,” alluding to the defensive and occupational nature of the army as well as the rich history leading back to the Revolutionary War, consisting of a slow-moving fighting force willing to be deployed globally.
The second largest branch is the United States Navy with 330,000 on active duty. They say, “Always Courageous,” describing the daring nature of their work, setting up blockades, fighting devastating battles at sea and completing high-risk missions. The navy was also founded in the 1800s, so the motto could refer to the high risk that came with sailing unknown oceans. Next is the US Air Force, the most powerful aerial presence in the world, with 320,000 active airmen. Their mot-
to is, “Aim High… fly, fight, win.” These simple words accurately describe their role in armed conflict, yet also withhold the scientific undertone of the department, breaking barriers in technology and physics.The US Marines are another commonly advertised branch, often sending recruiters to public high schools like Sequoia. “Always Loyal” describes the values of the Marines, divulging their steadfast loyalty and willingness to be deployed in the early stages of armed conflict. The last two branches are the US Coast Guard and US Space Force, consisting of 40,000 and 14,000 active duty members, respectively. Each of these pathways offers a huge selection of various duties serving the military, with and without the violent phrasing that many find distasteful. Many find jobs in the medical, tech and financial fields while reaping the benefits of the aforementioned support systems.
“I used to be a preventive medicine specialist, very similar to the public health field. So I did a lot of inspections, testing and sending samples to look into exposures,” Cordova said. “I [later] went to a finance school in South Carolina. I’m stationed now in Fort Carson, Colorado, which is a medical aviation unit. I’m one of the finance officers for that unit.”
The final step before enlisting is to consider a motive for joining the military. Any career pathway within these departments requires lots of dedication and resilience.
“If you start out unsure, don’t [enlist] until you’re all in, because if not, you’re doing a disservice to not just yourself, but to others,” Cordova said. “It’s a force that really develops leaders in the country [...] I’ve seen people completely transform their lives. [They] found a family and a community within the military, and really did the most with it.”
UNIFORM DECISION
CHOOSING THE MILITARY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
Choosing the next chapter
BY CAMERON REYNOLDS Feature Editor
The most stressful part of the year is over for seniors. College applications are done and we’re in the final stretch. It has been a long journey for a lot of seniors as they have navigated through the twists and turns of ultimately deciding where they want to spend the next four years.
Every senior’s path has been unique, shaped by their goals, interests and overall feeling of the school. Choosing the right place is a big decision to make and it takes a lot of dedicated time to make your application the best it can be. There are mixed opinions about the college application as a whole, though the common consensus is that it’s a challenging experience.
“It was definitely a little stressful. There are a lot of essays and it feels like a lot of the time, you don’t really know what the colleges are looking for, so it’s hard to write an essay that you think will be strong,” senior Rikhil Kokal said, who will be attending the University of California, Berkeley to study math ematics. “But really, I just tried to be as authen tic as pos sible in my essays and really just shared my life story and my personality.”
Kokal has chosen to pursue mathematics, recognizing that many careers are rooted in math. As he continues to explore potential career paths, he believes that build ing a strong foundation in math will open up a wide range of opportu nities.
Senior Camilla Uiterwijk was on the fence about what she wanted to study, so she applied to half of her schools with a musical theater BFA and the other half for environmental science. Uiterwijk decided on Fordham University, where she will be studying environmental science and possibly a double major in business.
“[The process] was defi -
“I think it really just came down to visiting. I was super set on SDSU for a while, but then I visited Loyola Marymount and I realized that I did kind of want a smaller community.
Natalie Ewing, senior
nitely very stressful and it took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do in college [...] I went through that whole process of musical theater auditioning and that was probably the most stressful thing,” Uiterwijk said.
Others, especially those who focused on the CSU application, didn’t find the application process to be entirely difficult or stressful.
“The application process, specifically for Cal Poly, was really easy,” said senior Justin Schernig, who will attend California Polytechnic State University in the fall as a communica - tions major. “The CSU application is just a bunch of filling in the blanks. The UC and Common App applications for the other schools I applied for were a little bit stressful, but more so because I just procrastinated more than I should have. But I think overall, it’s actually a pretty easy process. And I think I honestly could have applied to even more colleges if I wanted to.”
Like Kokal, Schernig has been thoughtfully considering how his academic interests can support a diverse career path. Pursuing a degree in communications can open many doors to and Schernig recognizes the value in human resources, marketing and other professional fields.
Narrowing down schools
With a handful of schools on the list, it can be difficult to find a way to narrow it down to a few. Looking for what
The application process
you value in a school and what’s most important, helps to find your fit.
“I think one thing that was really important to me was that there would be a lot of opportunities to explore different classes and take a lot of elective class es [...] I’m still kind of looking for the types of career I want to follow and so I wanted a college that would allow me to do that ex ploration,” Ko kal said.
Location can also play a big role.While some students prefer to stay close to home, others want to find a completely new envi ronment, sometimes even all the way across the country.
Ewing’s final decision came down to two schools that really stood out to her and while they’re relatively close, they’re different in many ways.
“My brother lives in New York City and when I visited, I felt like that was the place that I wanted to be in. I chose [Fordham] over the musical theater programs, because a lot of the musical theater programs were in random areas of the country and I didn’t like the schools themselves,” Uiterwijk said.
Uiterwijk is still interested in finding opportunities to continue her passion for theater. Although she decided to major in environmen tal sciences, she’s excited by the vari ous ways to be involved in the perform ing arts out side the class room.
Senior Na talie Ewing is attending Loyola Marymount Uni versity to study communications with a minor in entertainment marketing.
“I was deciding between Loyola Marymount and San Diego State [and] they’re really different. They’re both in Southern California, but one is a huge state school and the other one is a small liberal arts college. So, I think it really just came down to visiting. I was super set on SDSU for a while, but then I visited Loyola Marymount and I realized that I did kind of want a smaller community. [...] But yeah, it ended up working out and I really fell in love when I visited,” Ewing said. Ewing also looks at schools with student-run theater, different clubs offered, as well as Greek life. Ewing felt that the social life at SDSU would be a little harder, as it is very run by Greek life. It was the smaller community of LMU that stood out.
In the end, choosing a college isn’t just about the popularity or prestige, but it’s about finding a place that feels right. For these seniors, the decision came down to more than just academics, but also discovering where they could see themselves thrive. With decisions finalized, the class of 2025 is ready to step into a new chapter in their lives.
Advice
“Start early, start researching and trying to figure out what you want. It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do [or] what you want to major in, just start figuring out what schools you think would be right for you. And then don’t listen to what your friends have to say. Choose based on what you want and don’t let other people pressure you,” Schernig said.
“Even if you think your SAT scores or your ACT scores are mid, I think you should still submit them, because it can get you a lot of financial aid, which is really important. And then prestige should be one of your last factors when looking at schools, because I think personal fit, just the vibe itself, the location and finances should be bigger factors in the schools you’re looking for,” Uiterwijk said.
“Use the Sequoia College and Career Center. They read over my essays and they were incredibly helpful on providing feedback and giving me places to improve. And they also were helpful in reminding me of deadlines for when to submit certain things by. So I think that reaching out to Miss Yeager and Miss Ignaitis and asking for help is a great piece of support you can get when doing the college admissions,” Kokal said.
BY JOHNNY LEHMAN Staff Reporter
The tradition of Senior Soakers involves seniors who team up and use water guns to play a game of strategy and stealth to tag a specific team to which they are assigned. If you or your
targeted by wearing a floaty, which provides immunity from being eliminated, except on purge days.
For a $10 entry fee, participants not only join in on the fun but also compete for a large prize pool. The Senior Soakers event features seniors going to great lengths to
class. He seemed friendly, but then he surprised me by shooting me with a water gun. I thought he was my friend and someone whom I could trust,” Corona said.
Amelia Ames is another student with a story of a unique way someone was eliminated.
Get out, enjoy high school, this is your senior year. It’s literally your last year to really claim to be a
Corona, senior
creativity and dedication involved in
One student, who has an interesting story of how his team was eliminated, is Nathaniel Corona.
“My targets were Derek [Hymer] and another person who was with him. They both played baseball. When we arrived at the baseball field, they quickly recognized us as their targets. Derek and his friend planned to escape through the only exit. I positioned myself elsewhere to catch them. As they ran, we missed them. On my way back, I saw a guy from my French
“I have heard that some people have targeted their closest friends and eliminated them. There have even been instances when people have literally camped outside people’s houses,” Ames said.
Ames described the thrill of Senior Soakers as rooted in creative and surprising methods used to eliminate other teams. For Ames, the creativity of the participants turns the event into a memorable moment of senior year.
Corona advised new participants to join, emphasizing the affordability of the unique high school experience, encouraging others to participate and make the most out of their senior year.
“It’s only 10 bucks [to participate] at least right now. I don’t know, prices might change, but it’s worth it. Get out, enjoy high school, this is your senior year. It’s literally your last year to really claim to be a child,” Corona said.
“Enjoy your childhood and even if the rules change, even if you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into, take the risk.”
Drawing by Hope Callaghan
BY ISABELLE PADILLA Staff Reporter
Second semester of senior year has students scrambling between IB exams, graduation, and, most obviously, prom. Between prom tickets, finding a dress or suit, making plans and more, prom is a major stressor for most upperclassmen. It seems as though tickets are getting more expensive and venues are getting farther away, which begs the question: is prom really worth it?
Contrary to the portrayals in American pop culture, this generation’s proms appear lackluster with few people dancing and almost everyone clustered with their friend groups, backs turned. With the prevalence of social media, having fun and living in the moment can be seen as “cringe” or embarrassing. Has this new age of tech and social stigmas ruined prom culture?
which range from $110 to $150 depending on the day purchased. Additionally, the location of prom is 35 miles from Redwood City, making transportation another issue for those not interested in taking the $10 shuttle provided by Sequoia. Prom can amount to hundreds, for some thousands, which can appear irrational for one night.
“I think I spent way too much money for the atmosphere I was given,” senior Olivia Manton said.
Olivia Manton, senior “
I spent way too much money for the atmosphere I was given.
One Sequoia senior spent $500 on a dress for the one-night event. The cost of the dress on top of their additional costs of $70 for nails, $40 for shoes and $60 for transportation, racks up to over $600.
Some students see prom as a oncein-a-lifetime experience, making expensive dresses and limos worth being uncomfortable for a night. For the average girl, the cost of hair, nails, heels and the dress can rack up to hundreds of dollars, which many people cannot afford.
Furthermore, the social aspects of the event can contribute to the depletion of prom culture. Teens feel more self-conscious than ever before, with social media being the basis of modern human connection. The consequences of online culture can be observed in the sudden drop in enthusiasm for prom. Students prioritize photos to post over enjoying the last few weeks of high school by living in the moment.
“Everybody was split up into different rooms, so it was hard to feel like a community,” Manton said.
These pressures, in combination with a long receipt of miscellaneous prom items, can result in more stress than excitement for the high school rite of passage. While prom is emphasized as a necessity for ending senior year, the overall cost and experience is anticlimactic, with students leaving as soon as the doors open. Prom can be more divisive than unifying in this day and age, making the experience not worth the trouble or the time for the average student.
One last ride
Senior siblings reflect on car rides, shared teams and the everyday moments that brought them closer
BY DAVID RAYMOND Editor in-Chief
One of the most sacred times of my day is the five-minute, one-mile car ride to school with my brother. The routine in and of itself is not peaceful. We typically are both running late, the music in the car is loud and conversations vary widely in our groggy morning state.
My morning routine would be far more peaceful without my brother, yet it would lack much of its joy.
My co-editor, senior Nate Gotelli, shares a very similar time with his freshman brother Luke.
“We always drive to school together and I usually let [Luke] play music. We bump together,” Nate said.
My brother Will is a freshman at Sequoia and I am a senior. This is the first time since elementary school that we are attending the same school. Being
at the same school as my brother has allowed me to spend more time with him and to relate to more of his experiences.
“[Being at the same school], we’ve definitely grown a lot closer than we used to. We used to bicker a little more, but now [my brother’s] probably my best friend,” Nate said.
Similarly, I have grown much closer to my brother this year; however, my brother’s and my closeness may not only be an effect of our shared educational habitat. It has also blossomed out of being on the same sports team.
Will and I are both on the cross-country and track teams at Sequoia. Distance running has been one of my favorite experiences here—an experience shared by another one of my fellow co-editors, Cameron, and his freshman brother, Jacob.
“Having [Jacob] on the team, it’s really cool to see him run and enjoy the sport like I do,” Cameron said.
When asked what we do at track practice, Will simply responded, “Bair Island”, a running route along the bay frequented by our team. On these roughly 45-minute runs, we have the opportunity to chat with our teammates and each other. The daily slog to Bair Island has made my teammates into some of my closest friends and strengthened the bond with my brother. Running is more than just the time we spend together; being able to share a common interest has given us common ground.
“[With] running Jacob following in my footsteps, seeing how he’s kind of piggybacked off me, working to succeed like I do, [...] it’s really cool to see,” Cameron said.
Nate and Luke on the first day of school
Natasha and Sasha on a visit to San Francisco
My brother and I growing close over the season has a melancholy feeling. It’s impossible not to address the reality that I will be leaving for college in a little over 4 months, a fact our younger siblings know as well.
“It’ll be weird not having [Nate] home,” Luke said.
Not attending the same school as your sibling or being so close in age certainly makes the feeling of leaving your sibling different. Sasha, my co-editor in chief, and his 10-year-old sister Natasha have not had the same experiences as Nate, Cameron or I by virtue of their age difference.
while Nate, Cameron and I will all be leaving the state for our education. Being in close proximity to his family even when at college is something Sasha cites as making leaving easier. Even so, there are still some things that are tough to leave behind. Natasha will miss comparing her life to Sasha’s at her age.
“Having [Jacob] on the team, it’s really cool to see him run and enjoy the sport like I do.
Cameron Reynolds, senior
“I’m not really feeling that nervous regarding leaving. I guess I’m most nervous about the actual college part: making friends, stuff like that,” Sasha said.
Sasha will be attending the University of California, Santa Cruz next year,
“It’s really important, because [my life] is way different,” Natasha said.
As an older sibling, one of my biggest worries is not being there to support my brother when he needs me, especially with the distance that comes from going to college out of state. But it’s not just the hard moments I’ll miss. It’ll also be strange not to be there for the small wins, the good races, getting a good grade on a test, and the unexpected victories we’ve al-
ways celebrated together.
“I’ll definitely miss driving to school with [Luke], staying up to 2 am talking with him, [comparing] stuff we saw on the internet–jokes, movies–I’m going to miss all that,” Nate said.
Even younger siblings, like Sasha’s ten-year-old sister Natasha, feel the weight of these small rituals.
“We do art projects together, and that’s fun because [Sasha’s] better at art than I, so I get to make it look like his,” Natasha said.
Small changes, like picking up a sibling’s old chores, will still be noticeable.
“I’ll have to walk the dog more,” Jacob said.
In the end, a common thread between all older siblings is the hope that their younger siblings will find happiness and fulfillment. Not being around on a daily basis to help ensure they are leading the life we want for them is ultimately what makes the idea of leaving so difficult.
“I just hope [Luke] lives every day to the fullest, because I definitely feel like I should have done that more when I was his age,” Nate said.
Cameron and Jacob at Cross Country senior celebration
David cheers on Will at his cross country meet
BY NOAH CHEVILLET Staff Reporter
For many twins, the journey throughout childhood has never been alone. Sharing rooms, classes, and friend groups, their lives are often closely intertwined. College, however, marks a turning point for many twins: their first real separation. For most, this milestone is both exciting and daunting as they prepare to attend different colleges.
Senior Brooke Elgaaen is heading to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, pursuing a future in healthcare. Her sister Megan, a talented athlete, has committed to Dominican University to play lacrosse.This means the two will be living about four and a half hours apart. In terms of college, their application processes were somewhat independent. While they initially explored options that would keep them geographically close, like University of Conneticut
and Eastern Connecticut, their differing preferences got in the way. Megan wanted a smaller school with a strong lacrosse program, while Brooke was drawn to a big university’s atmosphere.
In contrast, Lucia Kitching and her twin sister Sierra have many commonalities, such as music, singing and theater. This was initially challenging, yet it resulted in a close relationship of great value.
“We’re in a lot of the same circles [and] we definitely had to learn how to be in those similar circles. Because it can be hard at times, but I would say that [...] I kind of like doing the same things as her, because then we get to spend that time together,” Lucia said.
After graduation, Lucia plans to attend the University of Michigan, studying philosophy, politics and econom -
ics. Sierra has plans to head to the University of California Los Angeles next year, 2,200 miles away from her sister. Both students were successful participants of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and will graduate this year.
While many twins may look alike, they often have very different personalities, like Megan’s athleticism versus Brooke’s enthusiasm for school spirit. Despite these personality differences, twins are often closely bonded due to the amount of time they spend together.
“Up until last year, we shared a room,” Brooke said. “We always had bunk beds. […] We’ve never been separated, ever.”
This is a common trend between pairs of twins, fre -
quently describing each other as someone who’s always got their back or is their rock. Having someone to debrief with at the end of a long day is greatly appreciated, especially when that person has an accurate idea of what you’re up to.
“[My twin] is like my right hand and I’m hers. We go hand in hand with everything. That’s my sister, love her to death. I trust her with everything,” senior Jordan Crockett said.
The reality of separating for college, though, isn’t just logistical, but deeply emotional. For many twins at Sequoia, the shift means adjusting to a life where their go-to person isn’t right down the hall. It’s not just about missing someone to talk to, but feeling the absence of a steady emotional anchor.
“There’s times where I won’t really get to sit down and talk to her for a long period of time,” Jordan said. “And I just make sure when I get back, we catch up.”
Jordan and Jada both have plans to go to junior college after graduation and then proceed to a four-year university af-
terwards. They are both very passionate about sports, with Jordan excelling at football with plans to play at Foothill next year, and Jada with softball, also hoping to play in college.
Most senior twins predict their bond will remain strong even if dayto-day interactions decrease.
“My twin keeps me in check, makes sure I’m stable,” Jordan said.
“
[My twin] is like my right hand and I’m hers. We go hand in hand with everything. That’s my sister, love her to death.
Jordan Crockett , senior
While some twins report a minimal day-to-day effect, others speak to the emotional depth that their twin offers during pivotal moments.
“I’ve had my ups and downs,” Jordan said, “and for her to be able to come to me and talk to me [...] and get advice on what that’s like from her perspective - I value that a lot.”
As graduation approaches, Sequoia twins are bracing for the new challenge of separation,
while others are planning for how to stick together. Whether attending different universities or continuing at home, there’s a mutual recognition that college will shift their dynamic. Still, most twins express confidence that their bond will endure. With the Crockett’s likely schedule differences, 260 miles between the Elgaaens and even further between the Kitchings, they all seem confident they will be able to continue the existence of their deep connection. It’s a sentiment echoed throughout the Sequoia senior class. Whether the parting is easy or emotional, these students carry with them not just the memory of growing up together, but the shared resilience and identity that being a twin brings.
Behind Senior Success
BY REESE SILVA Feature Editor
DUSTIN WATERS
How do you create a supportive environment for your senior students?
I try to create space to listen to students and let them share ideas with each other to make sure their voices are heard.
What strategies do you use to keep seniors engaged, knowing their minds are elsewhere?
I try to make my lessons connect to their lives so they see the value in what we are learning. For my Gov/Econ class, we learn a lot about personal finance and study how current events impact them today.
How do you help seniors manage their stress?
I do frequent check-ins about their grades, obviously, but I also see how they’re doing outside of that. Asking how they are doing in sports, with their job, how their weekend was, and building that personal connection.
Why do you think seniors find you one of the most supportive teachers?
I think it’s because I actually ask them about themselves. I’m genuinely interested in their lives, which builds a good chemistry with my students and, as a result, in the class.
Do you face any challenges while trying to be supportive for seniors?
Yeah, there are always some quiet students who are less open to talking to me, which is perfectly okay. Also, I noticed a lot of seniors have trouble getting to my class on time.
What do you think is the most important thing teachers can do to support seniors, especially in their final year?
I would say try to connect with them individually and learn a bit more about who they are and where they’re coming from outside of school. I feel like it’s just important to build those personal relationships so you know each other as people. What is the most rewarding part of working with seniors?
I love it when seniors tell me that what we are learning is useful to them and something they will use later in life, like how we’re learning about taxes in my Gov/Econ class. It makes me feel like I’m making a genuine impact on these kids. How do you believe your support has affected se niors?
I think I’ve made it so students feel comfortable talking to me, can open up to me and not feel judged. I hope that they feel the same with other teachers, in other classrooms, as I try to build a safe and fun learning environment. What do you hope seniors take away from your Gov/Econ class as they graduate?
Honestly, I hope they develop and maintain a healthy credit score and I want them to be informed citizens who participate in our democracy.
Mr. Waters and Charlie Waters, his dog
Recognizing teachers for going above and beyond for Sequoia's seniors
SUBATHRA RAMANATHAN
How do you manage balancing academic rigor and supporting your seniors?
IIt’s not difficult to maintain rigor and teach your students with the respect they deserve, but the balancing act comes in when I have to ask, “What are the consequences of the students’ behav ior?” I remind students that one test doesn’t define them and I allow retakes, setting expectations for students and giving us that push and pull relationship.
How do you create a supportive environment for se niors?
I think it’s important for teachers to name what students are feel ing. I understand that when students say they are exhausted, it’s not just because they were up on TikTok all night. There may be small steps one day and big steps the next, and that’s okay. Do you face any struggles when trying to be support ive?
I do struggle with some kids who may be loud, or maybe they say a slur that is completely unethical. I feel like in the moment, I have to say something to them, but I’m also worried about calling them out and making them feel like crap for the rest of the day, so I struggle with [being supportive] every minute.
Are there any strategies you have used to make seniors feel heard and understood in your class?
I think it’s good to let teenagers know that you enjoy teaching them and that they are more than a paycheck. It’s about showing them that you see them as human beings and that they are amazing, because they are.
What do you do to help seniors stay engaged and motivated during class, especially when they may be feeling burnt out or distracted?
A lot of work has been done on the health of the teen brain and it’s proven that they need to be allowed to turn on and off and have free will. We already tell them which space they have to be in per hour, so it’s important to give [them] choices as much as possible. How do you build strong relationships with seniors?
It goes both ways. If they are willing to open up to me, I am willing to understand and accept who they are. That creates a strong bond.
What do you hope your lasting impact will be on the seniors?
I hope they know that they can do hard things and to be nice to people around the country. Is there anything you would love your seniors to do post-graduation?
I would love my seniors to be off their devices when they interact with older people because they grew up in an era where digital devices weren’t everywhere, so they may feel ignored. Maintaining professionalism is key, especially since seniors are now attending colleges with older professors. I just worry about the divide between actual seniors in age and seniors in high school.
Ms. Suba in her classroom
Just like the final song of a playlist, seniors are approaching the end of their high school journey. Throughout high school, students go through many phases, and music can help reflect their current phase or even bring back old memories and nostalgia.
Senior Darika Osorio talks about the adventure of going from a freshman to a senior so quickly, she likes to acknowledge her favorite freshman songs.
“High School Musical [are the] songs, [that] as a senior, [give me] the chills, because it’s so nostalgic,” Osorio said.
Along with music acting as a time machine that can bring back memories of a younger you, it can also be a unique language that can express emotions and bring people together.
Senior Lucia Kitching strongly agrees that music is a very diverse language and suggests a song that reminds her a lot of important people in her life.
“I would say 100 percent music is definitely a language, and I think that as far as lyrics go, there are people who prefer production or people
Senior Hits
Victor Bravo - 22 songs, 1hr 35 min Public Playlist
who prefer lyrics. I’m definitely more on the side of lyrics, because it’s like a person is speaking to you, and that’s the whole point of music,” Kitching said. “I think the song Green Light by Lord is one of the songs that is very nostalgic of late middle school, early freshman year. It’s just more of a reflection of what my friend group played all together.”
As the years go by throughout high school, people’s musical preferences change; it can be a drastic difference caused by those surrounding you or by pure coincidence.
Osorio mentions how her family influenced her music preferences and how, when she got to high school, her preferences started to shift.
“I’m Hispanic, so freshman year I was more into reggaeton, or like the stuff that you hear from your mom, but as I entered probably junior or senior year, I started [listening] to more rap and those types of songs, and that’s what I listen to now,” Osorio said.
Osorio is not the only senior to have gone through changes in musical taste; senior Miguel Ortega went through a similar change, except his
transition was influenced by listening to artists that were featured in his favorite songs.
“I did have the same music taste from middle school [coming into high school], but now I’ve expanded the artists I listen to, [thanks to different collabs],” Ortega said.
Unfortunately, just as senior year is coming to an end, this article is too, and what better way to end this 2025 season than with a musical suggestion from the Sequoia High School seniors, along with their favorite songs throughout high school. The playlist below is like walking through the hallways of high school once again.
The alternative to pop
BY ANGELIQUE SILVA Staff Reporter
Pop is out, so what’s in? Just when you thought pop music ruled the airwaves forever, a cultural shift is quietly reshaping the soundtrack of our lives.
thing, like Midwest emo,” Schumacher said.
Another member of the music club, junior Sydney Martin, agrees and points out that many indie artists, including rap and alternative music artists, have
“If you go all the way back to the 1920s with jazz, the young people were all [listening to] jazz and were dancing to jazz. And the old people [at the time] thought that jazz was bad music, or was harmful to the youth,” Schumacher said.
lish is really popular. She has been pretty popular for the past couple of years. Clairo, Gracie Abrams
Schumacher explains that people are listening to punk and rap music as a way of protesting
ture, and he shares
ical expression through music has happened
shares that the youth have always shifted their style of music
Beyond Pop: Top Alternative Tracks
Recommended by the Sequoia Music Club
Never Meant by American Football
Up Up by Elusin
Need Me by Xaviersobased
Red Bottom Sky by Yung Lean
Yng16 by Sickboyrari
Kingdom Hearts Key by JPEG MAFIA
Just Your Doll by Snow Strip pers
800 db cloud by 100 gecs, Dylan Brady, and Laura Les
Icedancer by Bladee
Vampire Girl by Misfits
He references how many young people in the 1960s were huge fans of pop music, but when the new genre of rock music emerged, many parents were unhappy with the change of culture and heavily criticized the different sounds.
“All of the older people were like, ‘This is sinful or satanic.’ But now all of the dads are like, ‘rock and roll is the best,’ but I don’t like this new stuff,” Schumacher said.
After emails and group discussions,
AC/DC has been selling out arenas for 50 years, but their 2025 “Power Up” tour may be their final tour. The North American leg of the tour started in Minneapolis on April 10th and will end on May 28th in Cleveland.
The current “Power Up” tour has the band playing all of their greatest hits, such as Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me
All Night Long and many others. With all these hit songs being performed, AC/DC typically attracts a crowd of over 90,000 fans, old and new.
Considered one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time, AC/DC first made their debut in the hard rock space in 1973. The band was started by two brothers, Angus and Malcolm
cemented AC/DC as one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time.
AC/DC’s performance in Pasadena on April 18th lit up the Rose Bowl with rock n’ roll energy. Over 50 years after their debut, the band is still going strong. Alas, only two original members of the band are still touring, those being Angus Young and Brian Johnson. Even with this setback, the band still put up a great performance. At the beginning of the show, Johnson’s voice didn’t sound like it used to, but by the end, he sounded as good as ever. They opened the show with one of their classics, “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It).” Even with being in their 70s, Young was able to run all around the stage and even have a 10-minute guitar solo at the end of “Let There Be
setlist for the tour
and background vocals. However, the highlight of the show was during “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” when they brought out 21 cannons to do a 21-cannon salute during the song. Additionally, the visuals of the show were amazing, with electric highlights on the scoreboard during “Thunderstruck,” and fire and pyrotechnics on the stage during “Highway to hell” and “Demon Fire.” They also had a oneton bell suspended on stage for “Hell’s
The crowd was also really engaged with the band. During some of their songs such as “Thunderstruck,” “T.N.T.,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Train,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You),” they were singing along proudly. Chris Chainey and Ste vie Young, the bass players and nephews of Young, excelled in their bass performances
The show was a thrilling spectacle, taking visuals, and an mance by AC/DC that
Staff Reporter
The guy in the suit
BY MARLENE LOPEZ Staff Reporter
Walking down the halls, it’s impossible not to notice Jesus Calixtro Blanco with his stylish suits, which stand out against everybody else’s sweatpants and baggy fits that they wear to school.
Calixtro, a junior in the Digital Arts Academy (DAA), consistently arrives at school in formal American-style tuxedos. He explains that his decision to dress this way is influenced by his family’s financial situation, which motivated him to make a unique fashion statement.
“I’ve always lived below middle class; [...] one might consider poor. So, once I managed to get my own job and my own money, I chose to take charge of the way people saw me,” Calixtro said.
Calixtro began purchasing quality garments that most consider outlandish or extravagant. However, to him, this style has become his norm, a shift from when he first started dressing formally in the 8th grade.
“When I first started dressing like this, it was very amateur. Just dress shirts and slacks, and the slacks weren’t even properly tailored. They were too long, too baggy or just too tight. Over time, as I’ve done my research, I’ve found different ways of tailoring,” Calixtro said.
learning tailoring and differ ent fits, he eventually chose a more American, baggy fit like the American sax suit. He takes inspiration from his 1940s style book, Gentleman’s Gazette and ASCO key. Taking those ideas, he plans to refine his style in
the future with suits specifically for the warmer seasons.
Given how distinct his fashion choices are compared to other students, Jesus has adapted many strategies to handle criticism.
“If it’s anything that’s actually constructive, I’ll write it down and just start looking for anything that could remedy my look or the way that I approach things. But if it’s anything rude, I pay no mind. I’m dressing for myself, not so others will have something pretty to look at,” Calixtro said.
While Calixtro doesn’t mind getting misunderstood for his look, he doesn’t judge other students who prefer a more casual and comfy style.
“Other students who don’t really reach my high standard of dress, I don’t mind. They wear what they want, and I will not judge them for that, as many people don’t have the money, the time or even the willpower to do such a thing,” Calixtro said.
Jesus Calixtro’s suits go beyond making a statement; They represent resilience and personal growth. It started out as a way to take control of his financial situation and now, it has turned into his own formal attire that sets him apart in a hallway full of sweatpants and hoodies. For him, dressing up isn’t about impressing others; it’s more about him reclaiming his identity one suit at a
“
I’m dressing for myself, not so others will have something pretty to look at.
Jesus Calixtro Blanco
Q&A with Jesus
Q: What do you wear after school or during the weekend? Is it the same attire or do you switch it up?
A: During school days I wear more full outfits, with simple solid color ties and shirts or print patterns. And on the weekends I go more casual with Chinos/Linen slacks and a dress shirt & tie (Some times a sweater vest).
Q: What is your favorite accessory?
A: My favorite accessory,the whole suit itself. There’s nothing quite like a well tailored suit that just really fits a person properly.
Q: What part of your style are you most proud of, and why?
A: I’d say that the part I’m most proud of, regarding my style, is how different it is. There was once a time where the way that I dressed was considered the norm. That is no longer the case today. The way I dress is considered something different, something completely new from everyone else’s style.
BY SASHA EFIMCHIK Editor-in-chief
Pickleball players are taking over tennis courts and I hate it. Pickleball was invented in 1965. If you’re like me, you might have thought of pickleball as the new kid on the block, becoming popular around 2020 or so. This misconception is likely because pickleball participation has grown by over 300 percent over the past three years, according to the 2025 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. Additionally, 19.8 million people play pickleball in the U.S., which is a 45.8% increase from 2023. What that means to me is
The bigger problem with this pickleball epidemic is the damage the nets create. They are on wheels, which means they can be moved to play tennis. But, the wheels of the pickleball nets leave harsh indentations in the court. Last time I was playing there a ball hit the hole and flew up, disrupting play. As a tennis player, I find this unacceptable. If people want to play pickleball, new courts need to be created for them, instead of damaging existing tennis courts. The sheer number of pickleball players also creates longer wait times for tennis players, which is unfair be
Tennis takes years of practice to be able to play well consistently, whereas anyone can play pickleball after a couple weekends of fooling around. I’m not against people having fun, but this game should not be getting in the way of tennis players getting their practice.
Putting pickleball courts on tennis courts feels like if a Little Tots plastic basketball hoop was installed at all public basketball courts, right in front of the main hoop. You can move it, but there’s a dent under the hoop now. Something tells me that if that were the case, there would be a lot more people taking issue with it.
I understand pickleball as a recreational activity for older adults, but there are now pickleball lessons available for children. I think that this is a waste-if children want to play a racket sport, they should play tennis. Children are young and full of energy; I think running around a full-size tennis court would be healthier for them than a small pickleball court. Also, in my opinion, pickleball is too easy to require classes. No other sport can be mastered as quickly as pickleball and signing children up for pickleball classes over tennis classes is a big sign of society becoming lazier.
Pickleball needs to stay a fun silly activity like cornhole instead of being an accepted alternative for the real sport of tennis. Cities need to create separate courts for pickleball instead of damaging existing tennis courts.
BY NATE GOTELLI Multimedia manager
After the release of Avengers: Endgame 6 years ago, Marvel Studios has been on a roller coaster of ups and downs. With hit movies like Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 and TV series such as Loki and WandaVision giving audiences hope for the future, box office bombs like The Marvels remind viewers of the recent struggle for Marvel to return to its glory. But, with the new release of Thunderbolts* being what many say the best movie since Endgame’s release, it may look like Marvel is on the uprise coming into Avengers: Doomsday.
The movie follows a ragtag group of villains from previous Marvel properties having to work together to defeat the evil entity, The Void. The team consists of Yelena Belova, US Agent, The Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, Bucky Barnes, and Bob. The main character of the movie, Yelena Belova, is portrayed by Florence Pugh. Throughout the movie, she is dealing with the constant and very human struggle of depression due to the death of her sister, Natasha Romanoff, known as Black Widow. This overarching theme of depression and how to overcome it is the greater battle that each character deals with. With Thunderbolts* being a very grounded film, audiences feel as if they can connect with the characters on a deeper level and understand their struggles.
Characters like US Agent played by Wyatt Russel, Red Guardian played by
David Harbour, and Bob Aka The Sentry played by Lewis Pullman have all become fan favorites. While US Agent and Red Guardian are returning characters, The Sentry is a new addition to the Marvel franchise. His first appearance in the comics was in the year 2000, and fans have waited a long 25 years to see him adapted on the big screen. The true star of the movie is Sebastian Stan returning as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Solider. Ever since his first appearance, fans have felt that Bucky hasn’t been a dominant force like he used to be. But this movie gives him plen ty of action to show off his character’s strength. The ac tion scenes in this movie are nothing short of absolute cinema. Fight sequences will remind viewers of previous projects like Daredevil, The Punisher and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The opening sequence follows Yelena fighting through a crowd of men in a tight hallway. This scene immediately grabs viewers’ attention and sets them up for what the rest of
the movie is like. Each member of the team gets their own creative way to take down opponents in battle, which reminds viewers of the team-ups found in Avengers movies.
Thunderbolts* is a must-see for anyone looking to have a good time for two hours and five minutes. The action and comedy elements entertain audiences while the mature themes help to connect to the characters. But after the credits roll, make sure to stay seated for not only the longest post-credit
The deferred exploration of gender and sexuality
BY LUCIE ARCHAMBAULT Staff Reporter
According to the Trevor Project, in 2023, 51% of LGBTQ young people reported that they have felt discriminated against due to their sexual orientation. Discrimination and hostility can be present anywhere and are not
Toxicity from peers and friends can create a strict set of rules that students may feel like they need to follow in order to fit into the gender stereotypes. This creates deference toward expressing and exploring gender. Ex-
In a study conducted by the Journal Self and Identity in 2014, 32.8 percent of participants reported feeling very stigmatized when misgendered.
“When people don’t use pronouns correctly it makes it feel like you and
Art by Lucie Archambault and Priya Ansnes
BY CAROLINE SIELING News Editor
The story of Sequoia Japanese students during World War II
In 1942, 54 fewer students signed up to attend Sequoia for the 1942 to 1943 school year. People had not been moving for new opportunities or a better price of living; 61 Japanese Sequoia students had been sent away to internment camps around the country. Many of those from the Bay Area were sent to the Tanforan detention facility in San Bruno. The location is now a shopping center.
“Long before [Tanforan was] a shopping center. It was a horse race track, and it was a temporary holding place for the Japanese before they would get onto a train to a permanent camp,”
Tim Brand, Sequoia instructional associate, said.
Conditions at Tanforan did not change much from its days of horse holding and its time as a temporary holding camp for these Japanese people. Many of these camps crammed large families into single horse stalls that were sparsely filled with the small amount of belongings that they were allowed to bring. These students and their families, like other Japanese Americans at the time, were suspected by the U.S. government to be spies for Japan during the war and were sent away under this suspicion.
This is a story that may feel detached from the Sequoia attended today, however, this was the reality for those Sequoia students. Their stories are preserved in The Archive project, started by Glen Michaelson, late Sequoia German and math teacher, and continued by current Media Center Specialist Elizabeth Snow.
“I learned a lot from these journals [...] by seeing these journals and the scans of them, it reminded me that these were real people living in history,” Snow said. “I definitely had a new appreciation for that time period [after reading through the archives]”
Featured in this project are hundreds
of archived works from the mid-1930s to the late 1960s, including yearbooks, school newspapers and the meeting logs of the Sequoia Japanese club. This project acts to preserve the stories of these Sequoia students that were previously buried in thousands of papers and old yearbooks. Old newspaper publications from the Sequoia Times paper that predated the Raven Report give insight into other students’ perspectives as their classmates were being sent away. Though many Americans at the time who were not Japanese were unaware of the severity of the situation.
Brand’s mother was living in California at this time and experienced this shock as it happened in her community. “Her friend disappeared, and my mom never heard what happened to her. A lot of the Japanese Americans lost all their property, lost their businesses, lost everything that they had to leave behind,” Brand said.
Just around two weeks before, the paper featured a message about students being sent away, Sequoia students wrote about the school’s reaction at the time. The first statement about the matter was published March 10, 1942, with the headline To the Japanese Students.
This statement reads, “When the order was issued for all persons of Japanese ancestry to leave the restricted area including the Sequoia high school district many were the Sequoians who thought with sympathy of their fine friends and classmates who are Japanese.We, of course, realize the necessity for the order; and though we are sad to have you Japanese students leave Sequoia [,] we know that each one of you feels that it is his patriotic duty to his country to comply with the order [...]” This was the only statement on the matter published in the Sequoia Times until March 27, 1942, when they shared
the news of the Sequoia students that were sent away; this news was spread in a section titled, Half of Japanese Students Depart.
That statement said, “By truck, car, train, and bus, the families of 31 of Sequoia’s approximately 60 Japanese students have been evacuated from Redwood City.”
The news was brief about the departure; the students were mentioned again in the Oct. 27, 1942, issue, where they cited low enrollment of the new school year due to their departure to temporary holding camps.
From their temporary accommodations at places like Tanforan, Japanese people were then primarily sent to larger internment camps around the country. Two Sequoia students wrote letters to their teachers while at these camps, which were also included in the Sequoia Times Oct. 27, 1942 issue. These letters describe the conditions of the camp rather positively, but add notes that detail the harsh conditions that they had grown accustomed to.
“Each apartment has four windows and is furnished with, besides other things, a coal stove. A new innovation is the addition of ceilings, which will considerably add to the privacy, so wanting at Tanforan.’’
The section continues speaking about the students’ experience leaving their old lives behind as they left for the large internment camps. However, there are persistent patriotic reminders following any negative mentions.
“Kay Takahashi, in her letter to Miss Burns, librarian, said that she had to keep fighting a lump in her throat when leaving Tanforan, when she passed Sequoia and especially when she was passing her home in Belmont. Both Ben [Iijima and Kay] mentioned being homesick, but realized the move was for the best.”
AT HOME MEXICAN BOLI
BY MICHELLE RECINOS & YULIANA SOTO Staff Reporters
With summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a cold snack. While grabbing a popsicle from the local supermarket might sound convenient, making them at home can be even better. With endless shapes, sizes, and flavors, homemade popsicles offer a fun and tasty way to cool down.
Adding an ethnic twist, here is a recipe that shifts away from the stereotypical popsicle but is still as enjoyable. If you haven’t heard of frozen aguas frescas, it’s a popsicle that you eat out of a bag instead of the traditional wooden stick. It’s mostly known to originate from Latin America, as most drinks and snacks are consumed from a plastic bag.
They normally don’t come with the classic flavors like blueberry, cherry, grape, and lime. These popsicles contain the flavors of horchata, mango, tamarindo, and jamaica. These flavors each come from their own plant, like hibiscus flowers, cinnamon, and tamarind. They’re mixed with water and sugar, and other additional ingredients to enhance flavor.
There are different recipes for each flavor, but we personally started with the one for Jamaica. Here is the recipe and the directions on how to make it, so you can have a refreshing snack to cool you down during upcoming hot, sunny days.
