Photo courtesy of Dutch Howard, yearbook head editor
Hot Yoga
bark. redwood
Editorial teaser
Read The Bark’s position on TUHSD’s lunch provisions.
In March 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cut around $1 billion... Continue on pg. 7...
Marin Prom Boutique is back and better than ever NEWS BRIEFS
By Tessa Marshall
The Marin Prom Boutique opened at 11 a.m. on March 8, filled with excited customers waiting to review the inventory. Senior Charlotte Lacy, junior Morgan Sicklick and countless other volunteers have dedicated several months to organizing the boutique, which welcomes high school students from all over the Bay Area. Located at The Village in Corte Madera, the boutique offers free prom attire, such as dresses, tuxedos, shoes, jewelry and accessories.
Redwood students started the boutique, but this year, they are collaborating with surrounding schools such as San Marin High School, Tamalpais High School and San Rafael High School. The boutique aims to ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, can have something to wear that they feel confident in at prom without the price burden. According to a recent Bark survey, 67 percent of students think prom is too expensive, demonstrating the need for initiatives like the Marin Prom Boutique.
Sophomore Brooke Hansen is a first-year volunteer at the boutique.
“We’re making [the boutique] accessible to all high school students in the Bay Area, which is a much bigger commitment than last year, but it’s turning out well,” Hansen said.
The boutique has received more inventory since last
THIS YEAR, THE boutique increased the amount of suits that they offered, bringing more men in to the shop than ever before.
year, thanks to donations from local community members and major brand sponsors like Birdy Grey, Windsor, Jarlo and Camille La Vile. They are also a chapter of Becca’s Closest, a national organization whose purpose is to make prom more affordable. Many dresses are brand new, with some valued at over 300 dollars. Celebración Tuxedos in San Rafael is also working with the boutique to give students a 15 percent discount on suit tailoring and a complimentary handkerchief.
Hansen highlighted the rewarding experience of seeing students react when they try on the boutique’s clothes.
“A guy came in [to the boutique] and was so excited to try on a blazer. He was beaming,” Hansen said. “That’s exactly why we do this, so everyone can have that special moment without worrying about the cost.”
The boutique has a variety of styles, from long sequin gowns to fun mini dresses, in sizes from extra small to extra large.
Mercedes Garcia, a senior at Novato High School, notes the benefits of having the prom boutique as a collaborative effort by schools across Marin County.
“I got to meet so many people from schools I wouldn’t normally interact with,” Garcia said.
The Prom Boutique has given away 180 items to various high school students in the Bay Area just in the first weekend.
tmarshall@redwoodbark.org
Trump’s defunding of Federal School Safety Board raises concern
By Paige Catanese
“As a father who knows the pain of losing a child in a preventable school shooting, I urge the administration to act with urgency and empathy. The lives of our nation’s children and educators are too important to play politics with,” said Tony Montalto, whose daughter, Gina, was murdered in the 2018 Parkland High School shooting. Nikolas Cruz killed 17 students and staff and injured
17 more, the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse Board was created. This advisory board constructed a website that offers teachers and administrators resources and recommendations for mandating school safety. After the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Texas, the board was expanded to include 26 school safety experts and education leaders.
Continue article on pg. 4...
Senate Bill 1137: Intersectionality
By Ellie Braggs
On Sept. 27, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1137, a landmark bill that amends multiple sections of California’s Civil, Education and Government codes to formally recognize intersectional discrimination. This term refers to the idea that overlapping identities — such as race, gender or religion — can create distinct forms of bias that are not fully understood when considered separately. The bill, reinforced statewide as of 2025, requires schools and employers to evaluate discrimination by individual identity categories and how those identities
interact.
The law’s potential impact resonates with students who see it as a meaningful step forward, including senior Sara Hernandez.
“Honestly, I do think [the bill] is helpful,” Hernandez said. “Younger generations have powerful voices, but older generations, with what they’ve faced in the past, [may not know what to do when faced with discrimination. This law] especially helps them.”
Continue article on pg. 3...
By Ofelia Huneeus
Black History Month lunch: Redwood High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) celebrated Black History Month with a special barbecue sandwich fundraiser at lunch on Feb. 28. Students enjoyed five dollar sandwiches, prepared by BSU members. The fundraiser aimed to highlight Black culture and bring the community together in celebration of Black History Month.
Mock Senate:
On Thursday, March 27, from noon to 2:45 p.m., Government students will participate in a mock senate in the library to deepen their understanding of the lawmaking process. Ann Tepovich and Lindsey Kornfeld, who will guide and monitor the proceedings.
Pi Day:
On Friday, March 14, the Leadership class put on the annual Pi Day Contest during lunch. Students gathered outside the Small Gym to watch fellow classmates recall as many digits of pi as they could and present homemade pies for the judges.
Night of Blues:
On March 14, the annual “Night of Blues” was held at the Corte Madera Community Center where the Advanced Performance Workshop (APW) performed. This special event showcased the musical talents of the APW students.
Photo by Lynette Ki
Photo by Lily Skinner
Photo by Graham Weir
VARIOUS BUSINESSES HAVE donated a total of over 800 dresses, suits, shoes and accessories.
Photo by Isabelle Davis
Photo by Alana Leifer
Photo by Isabelle Davis
Leadership’s third annual ‘Red Fest’ fosters a sense of community in the student body
By Gabrielle Franklin and Scarlett Musgrove
On March 21, the South Lawn was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity as Leadership students organized the school’s annual “Red Fest,” a lunch-time celebration filled with food, games, music and an abundance of Redwood spirit. Students flocked to the event throughout the day, eager to participate in a diverse range of activities, creating a sea of red as they enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Redwood’s Leadership class was the driving force behind Red Fest, dedicating hours of effort to bringing their vision to life. Renata Lionetti, the junior class president, explained the collaborative nature of the project.
“We all work as a class when it comes to big events like this. Basically, what happens is we’re split into committees. For example, [junior] Lily Skinner and I were on food and communications,” Lionetti said.
“We’re trying to unify the school by having activities at lunch and food and whatnot. It’s usually a pretty big success and people get excited about it. We try to really advertise it during the weeks leading up to it.”
Leadership also organized various food options, all sold for just five dollars. The boba, pizza, barbecque and burritos were highly anticipated, attracting a line of students from the small gym to the entrance of the main
Lionetti also highlighted the significance of Red Fest in fostering school unity and community amongst the diverse student body.
“Red Fest is really fun. It’s been going on for the past two years,” Lionetti said.
Red Fest is awesome because more people stay on campus, and you get to build relationships with your community.
Nico Les, freshman
Beyond the efforts of the Leadership class, various clubs and Peer Resource members played a crucial role in making Red Fest a success. The club members and students set up and managed numerous booths and activities, catering to the high demand from their peers.
One such student was sophomore Tatum Buoy, who ran the Student Lead Anti-racism Movement (SLAM) class’s table.
“I like that [Red Fest] brings a lot of school spirit and community to Redwood,” Buoy said.
At this table, Buoy focused on education
and inspiration regarding people of color in the music industry. A spinning wheel displayed different decades. Students were then challenged to guess the name and artist of the song, earning a sweet treat if they were successful.
“Here, we’re educating people on inspirational people of color in the music industry and how they broke down the barriers for other people of color,” Buoy said.
Community spirit was a recurring theme among participants. Junior Lucas Bennett, a Peer Resource member, worked their class’s booth. The class members set up friendship bracelet beads and strings of various colors and letters, helping students make their own customized bracelets.
“We’re giving out friendship bracelets and promoting Peer Resource to new incomers and creating a welcoming space for them to join,” Bennett said. “[Red Fest] is community building for Redwood, you know, it brings people together.”
Adding to the fun and games, freshman Nico Les was managing the “Guess the Candy” table. Les expressed his enthusiasm for Red Fest, his first time experiencing the event.
“As a freshman, I’ve noticed a lot of the juniors and seniors go off campus for lunch. Red Fest is awesome because more people stay on campus, and you get to build relationships with your community,” Les said.
The overwhelming success of this year’s Red Fest weighs heavily on the strong sense of community and school spirit at Redwood. The dedication of the leadership class, the enthusiastic participation of clubs and Peer Resource and the excitement of the student body combined to create a memorable experience. The South Lawn may have turned to its usual state after the lunch bell rang, but the positive impact and the fun students had at Red Fest will resonate within the community and leave them excited for next year.
bark@redwoodbark.org
Cade Jaffee Freshman
“I like Red Fest because of the candy. Everyone is here for the candy and the liveliness.”
Molly Pipitone Sophomore
Owen Malone Junior
Sophia Mauro Senior
“Red Fest brings school spirit and builds the community at Redwood.”
“Red Fest brings unity and togetherness in our community.”
“In Peer
SENIORS BROOKE ELLINGTON and Ally Woodruff-Milner sing in the Advanced Performance Workshop performance.
Photo by Gabrielle Franklin
Scan the QR code to watch the video recap of Red Fest.
LEADERSHIP CLASS SET up various activities, including spikeball, which is enjoyed by junior Leo Centeno.
Photo by Elle Wilson
Personal device guidelines may change at TUHSD
By Wyatt Levine
Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) is currently planning additional technology policies that will take effect in the fall of the 2025-2026 school year to crack down on disruptive behavior on computers during classes—a personal device ban. Rose Chavira, Senior Director of Information Technology (IT) at TUHSD, is in charge of making the proper arrangements to adjust for the changes.
“There’s a lot of student-to-student chatting going on on personal devices and that is actually one of the types of activity that they are trying to prevent by creating the cell phone policy. But then, the subset of the students in the room that have a personal device, like a laptop or tablet, are continuing that activity and it’s not exactly equitable,” Chavira said.
According to Chavira, the district is facing much more pressing issues than students simply being distracted in class. Since TUHSD’s internet provider can track all device activity on the Wi-Fi, the district has been alerted to illegal activity coming from student devices—specifically, cases of copyright infringement.
“We as a district are responsible for [illegal activity on campus] and could face legal action,” Chavira said.
Senate Bill 1137, from pg. 1...
In the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD), the importance of this legislation is apparent. The district’s 2024 Youth Truth survey indicated that LGBTQ+ students experience harassment and bullying at more than twice the
Chavira clarified that this is not a push to ban Apple products specifically.
“[The school has] a few different Macintosh-based labs at Redwood, the one in [room] 177 used by [the journalism classes], the one in [room] 521 used by the photography program and then there’s a graphic design lab in room 404. So, those are not going away. Those are district-provided devices that are going to remain in use in the coming school year,” Chavira said.
To prepare for the switch to school-provided devices, TUHSD’s IT department plans to replace older Chromebooks with newer, wide-screen ones. The Wi-Fi will also be updated to improve the devices’ processing speeds, which is one of the main critiques of the current school-provided devices.
“[The district is] planning an upgrade to the wifi system so that all of the Chromebooks in the cart will operate a lot faster. The Chromebook technology has now surpassed what the wifi network can handle, so we are working on a comprehensive upgrade to the wifi network,” Chavira
rate of all other students. Notably, this survey was framed around intersectionality.
For some students, intersectionality highlights the complexities of having identities that are not always visible or easily understood. An anonymous source, who will be referred to as Alex, shared that being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and a Baptist Christian has led to unique challenges.
“I’ve faced backlash in queer communities for being Christian,” Alex said. “Sometimes, the [minority] within the minority becomes what’s [targeted]. I think an intersectionality amendment would help cover those bases.”
said.
Junior Julian Roth, a student activist who amassed over 1000 signatures on a petition against the Yondr pouch purchase, shared his insight on the IT department’s new proposal.
“[Personal devices are] so much faster. Even though there are more distractions, it makes everything more efficient. I can open up my laptop and it doesn’t take [multiple minutes] to boot up. Most students will agree you can just access everything so much more quickly. You can open more tabs without having the computer load slowly,” Roth said.
Roth regularly uses a Remarkable, a Kindle-like device with which he can write on with a pen to take notes. He wonders where the line will be drawn on what devices will be banned or allowed.
“I’m not entirely opposed to it; it just needs to be thought out,” Roth said.
wlevine@redwoodbark.org
wonderful and timely to see the state of California name and adopt legislation on this important aspect of their antidiscrimination laws.”
Still, students remain cautious, noting a disconnect between messaging and meaningful change.
I’ve faced backlash in queer communities for being Christian.
Alex noted that the fear of discrimination once led them to hide personal details — even avoiding being seen with their partner at work. While new legislation aims to protect against discrimination, it may still be difficult to speak out.
“Alex”, anonymous source
“I’m now trying to get hired by a bigger organization because they have more laws in place to protect [against] discrimination. I’m not worried when they ask me what my pronouns are,” Alex said. “I just hope that students or people in the job market who are intersectional feel more comfortable bringing up issues they face. But in reality, I do think speaking up against discrimination, especially when you are in a minority, is just difficult in the first place and it goes unanswered.”
Hernandez shared how identity can shape perception and pressure in schools.
“At the start of high school, I tried to act as Latina as I could, but it didn’t feel right. When I lived in my country, I just acted [like] myself, but here, it was like I was putting on a performance,” Hernandez said. “There was one day I wore [larger hoop earrings] and people treated me differently. Even one of my friends said, ‘That’s not really you… you don’t dress like that.’”
The new law also pressures institutions — like schools — to address discrimination more actively. TUHSD senior director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Catherine Flores reported that the district has prioritized this work for years.
“[We’ve made] concerted efforts to raise consciousness about this in everything we do,” Flores said. “It is exciting,
“There aren’t a lot of people of color on the board. They say they want to listen to us, but there are students who have strong voices that aren’t being heard and it would be great if [the district] used their [feedback],” Hernandez said.
The district continues to expand its inclusion efforts, seeking new ways to support all students and create a more equitable environment.
“We are always in conversation about how to ‘level up’ our work,” Flores said. “Although it’s March, we’re already discussing what we’d like to implement next year for professional development.”
ebraggs@redwoodbark.org
Infographic by Linnea Koblik
“IN ORDER TO protect the district from things such as malware and copywriting infringement, it is making it easier for the district to say ‘leave your devices at home,” Chavira said.
Photo by Elle Wilson
Infographic by Ofi Huneeus and Paige Catanese
EACH CLASSROOM COMES equipped with 35 Chromebooks for students to use throughout the day.
Photo illistration by Hilah Brekhus-Lavinsky
Trump’s Defunding, from pg.1...
However, on Jan. 24, the Trump administration disbanded the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse. In a recent statement, the administration reasoned this decision, stating that the committee “will be focused solely on advancing [their] critical mission to protect the homeland” instead of focusing on school safety and practices.
Without the board, teachers and administrators can only access resources previously published on the website. Going forward, school districts will rely more heavily on state and local initiatives and practices regarding safety. Redwood parent Zac Torry emphasizes the importance of federal resources — which are now gone — in ensuring his children's safety at school.
“Federal programs are very important. States can only offer so much funding and the federal government provides a lot more collaborative efforts and collaboration amongst the states so we can better arm ourselves with education and resources,” Torry said.
With this resource absent while school violence rises, he expresses his concern about this disbandment.
“The Federal School Safety Board provided us with knowledge and information to keep our schools safe and secure. Therefore, I feel it'll impact our school safety,” Torry said.
Liz Webb is one of the five Reed Union School District Board of Trustees members. She describes safety as the number one priority for the board, regardless of whether federal resources exist.
“[Safety] is woven into the fabric of the mission and vision of schools. In order for students to thrive, they need to be in a safe environment. So that is the number one priority,” Webb said. “It's incredibly valuable for schools to have federal, state and local support across the board. That doesn't mean that the schools won't continue to thrive if resources change. In my purview, it depends on how much the schools rely on those resources to execute.”
For Redwood specifically, Torry is confident that the school will succeed despite the board's disbandment.
“I think Redwood is fairly prepared. We have a very progressive government and county that will continue to maintain school safety and security even without perfect federal funding,” Torry said.
With the death of his daughter, Montalto has experienced the devastating nature of school violence. He became the president
of Stand, an advocacy group for school safety in Parkland, Florida, to prevent families from enduring the same trauma he went through. In an interview with K-12 Dive, he highlighted the importance of
prioritizing safety within schools.
“America’s schools are critical infrastructure, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, and school safety is not a partisan issue — it’s
pcatanese@redwoodbark.org
Marin Catholic’s planned field lights spark lawsuit
By Emma Rosenberg
Preserve Ross Valley, a group dedicated to protecting the natural beauty of Ross Valley, has filed a lawsuit against Marin Catholic High School (MC) in disagreement with the approval of installing lights on the Kentfield campus’s athletic turf football field.
The lawsuit claims that “the Board of Supervisors, which approved the lights plan on Dec. 17, violated the California Environmental Equality Act (CEQA) by granting exemptions from environmental review that the plaintiffs contend did not apply to field lights.”
This approval allowed for the installation of four 80-foot-tall light poles on the field. The lawsuit is pushing for a full environmental review, which they believe should have been conducted before.
MC’s website claims that the lights' purpose is to “meet the demands of our student athletes by creating a safer and more efficient football field use.” They argue that there is a lack of field space in
a growing sports-focused environment in Marin County, especially for female athletes. Since the request for lights has been argued before, MC has decided to go with a new approach that they deem more
respectful to the surrounding neighbors. The website said that many neighbors' concerns are the hours that the lights will be on. The site now claims the lights will only be in use until 7 p.m., which “represents
a 30 percent reduction in light usage from the last proposal.”
MC varsity football player and senior Branden Johnson believes that getting lights is important and should not be overlooked.
“Night games completely change the way football is played. It brings [the] community together and is a big part of school and football culture,” Johnson said. “[MC] has the best bleachers and stadium set up in Marin County but people do not show up for the games. The only times the student section shows out is when we are playing away and under the lights.”
erosenberg@redwoodbark.org
To read the rest of this story, scan here:
Infographic by Larkin Moffett a moral imperative,” said Montalto.
VARSITY FOOTBALL HUDDLES under the lights at an away game in front of a vibrant student section.
Photo by Matthew Knauer
opinion opinion
Our humility has gone from polite to harmful
By Jace Harms
is a difference between overconfidence and honest selfrespect.
At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Timothée Chalamet declared that he was "really in pursuit of greatness," insinuating that he believed he could be considered “one of the greats” in acting. That comment sparked an explosion on social media platforms such as TikTok, with many viewing the remark as arrogant. Chalamet’s speech only gained the traction it did because it was unusual that someone widely viewed as talented and popular would admit to being such. In reality, it isn't what he said that is so shocking, but rather that he said it. I believe the backlash about Chalamet’s speech proves that modesty has gotten out of hand. A celebrity being honest about their talents should not make someone feel threatened.
Overconfidence is widely considered one of the worst qualities one can possess. The Greeks told the story of Icarus, Shakespeare of Macbeth and almost every modern antagonist is portrayed as overconfident. However, there
A study by a series of doctors published in The Mayo Clinic found that humility can lead to a phenomenon called imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome happens when someone feels like a fraud despite evidence of their accomplishments, often due to downplaying their achievements to avoid seeming arrogant. This psychological barrier can lead to decreased confidence, self-doubt and anxiety, undermining a person’s potential. When humility turns into self-deprecation, it doesn't foster growth or improvement, but discourages ambition and perpetuates insecurity.
The issue of excessive humility is especially prevalent among high school students. According to a March Bark survey, 87 percent of students downplay their achievements to some extent, with 39 percent doing so often or all the time. This tendency can be particularly harmful during high school when students form their identities and prepare for their futures. By downplaying their success, students risk undermining their self-confidence and limiting their ability to take pride in their hard work.
Research also supports the idea that embracing self-
confidence can lead to better outcomes. A 2023 study from the American Psychological Association found that students who acknowledge their strengths are more likely to pursue leadership roles and achieve their long-term goals. The study revealed that 68 percent of students who reported feeling confident about their abilities took on challenging projects, while only 32 percent of those who struggled with self-doubt did the same. This demonstrates that self-recognition isn’t just about feeling good. Rather, it’s directly linked to taking action and having more
Being too prideful, however, is often very damaging, as it can isolate one from others and make you seem entitled. It is smart to know when to take pride and when to have humility, such as after a test that others may not have been as successful
It’s time we individually celebrate our accomplishments and aspirations more, as we can be more successful if we do. Next time someone like Chalemet gets up to voice their pride, we shouldn't expect him to be modest for us to feel about ourselves. Instead, we should recognize his accomplishments and feel inspired ourselves.
jharms@redwoodbark.org
Reckless Republican rhetoric threatens American values
By Ben Mueller
using dehumanizing rhetoric and constantly attacking others does nothing for our nation.
I should hope that most Americans who have watched the popular film “The Hunger Games” would argue that it takes place in a postapocalyptic dystopian society. In the movie, tributes are sent to fight each other to the death for televised entertainment. While television is still prominent in modern America, social media has taken a large role in entertainment for many Americans. If social media existed in Panem, one could argue that it would play a large role in the entertainment wrought by the Hunger Games. Perhaps social media could even display the tributes' deaths in short form with popular sounds or other motifs.
Recently, I ventured onto the White House Instagram, expecting respectful content that would present the newly elected president's achievements and plans for the future in a dignified manner. Instead, I was met with a sight best described as vile: a video entitled “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight.” ASMR stands for Autonomy Sensory Meridian Response and is largely meant to be a form of relaxing content. Hearing the chains of those who are the backbone of our economy being sent to countries where they might meet their demise should not be classified as relaxing.
Many of those deported do not survive, returning to violence they fled from when leaving their country. In a 2020 report, Human Rights Watch claimed that at least 138 deportees had been confirmed as murdered after being deported between 2013 and 2020 in El Salvador. 70 others had been confirmed as having suffered sexual assault, torture and more upon their return. The estimated number of deaths is far higher than these numbers even before the deportations of the Biden Administration, according to Human Rights Watch. Why are we, the wealthiest nation in the world, posting people being carted off to their deaths in a mocking social media post? Why are we exploiting the less fortunate for our gain and our entertainment? Dehumanizing Republican rhetoric, specifically social media posts, harms our nation by causing division and violence from within and making our nation appear weak and ignorant on the world stage.
This post isn’t an isolated incident. Across the internet, various Trump-supporting Republicans and official government social media channels frequently dehumanize minority groups and those less fortunate in the interests of their politics. But
“Make America Great Again” seems to carry the promise of making America a proud, brilliant nation. It seems to imply progression to a more golden age, but lately, it has implied regression to the 1930s, as Trump attacked minorities for America’s shortcomings. As a devastating plane crash rocked the nation, the President blamed the crash that killed 67 on diversity, equity and inclusion policies (DEI). His vicious attacks on various identities following the crash led to a reduction in the staff of an already understaffed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of his efforts to eliminate “waste” in the government through the Department of Government Efficiency. In the months leading to the crash, the FAA came under fire as a string of near misses hit airports nationwide as tired, overworked air traffic controllers attempted to do one of the most stressful jobs in the world. According to CBS News, over 90 percent of air traffic control towers in the US are understaffed. The Trump Administration's firing of FAA employees will lead to more death, worry, and stress in an industry that is already feeling the effects of understaffing.
Not only does Republican rhetoric pose a legitimate threat to the lives of those in our nation, it also creates division among the American people. He called rioters at the Capitol “patriots,” stoking the fire for future attacks on our democracy. He has also frequently taken jabs at his political opponents, using derogatory terms and even racial taunts, such as when he called Elizabeth Warren of
before publishing the video online as proof of his supposed strength of character. However, Abraham Lincoln believed that attacking political opponents doesn’t show strength of character. In fact, he believed it showed quite the opposite.
President Abraham Lincoln is best known for being “honest Abe,” a reference to his honesty, humbleness and role in freeing the slaves. In his political career, he focused on keeping America unified. According to a New York Times opinion article by David Brooks, Lincoln believed you succeed in a democracy when you treat others as friends and not as enemies. Lincoln once said, “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. Therein is a drop of honey that catches his heart, which, say what he will, is the great high road to his reason.” In other words, being violent in your speech is unlikely to lead to reason from your opponents. Attacking an ally and person seeking aid from your country will not lead to the “drop of honey that catches his heart.”
Many also believe that his social media posts do not promote American values. According to a March Bark survey, 82 percent of students who had viewed a social media post from the White House under the current administration found that the post did not support American values. It’s easy to see why — when Trump posts an AI-generated video of “Trump Gaza” featuring Trump dancing with a scantily clad Muslim woman and depicting Gaza as an unimaginably wealthy Middle Eastern paradise for him and Elon Musk. So what does posting from the White House and presidential Instagram account attacking minorities for “Making America Great Again” accomplish? Less than nothing.
Trump wants to portray himself as a Christian, American man who brings justice to criminals. The Trump administration needs to empathize with those not in their party to portray Trump as the strong, almost mythical figure he claims to be. If the Trump administration can post content portraying Trump’s accomplishments, America will not look like a toddler driving a truck.
In the end, it’s important to remember that we cannot change the presidency ourselves. This is the choice Americans made and are now stuck with. Critics should not stay silent during the Trump administration and instead should participate in protests as a way to counter injustice. This is our planet, our rights and our future, and we must fight for it, tooth and nail. Peaceful protests are an effective way of getting the government to listen to the people. If a protest can get one person to change their mind, or be open-minded to arguments from an opposition, it will have been effective. For the next four years, we cannot be silent and complacent.
bmueller@redwoodbark.org
Illustration By Lucy Jeffers
Illustration by Jace Harms
Not everything is embarrassing
By Tallulah Knill Allen
Maybe it’s someone on TikTok proudly showing off their Stranger Things cosplay; maybe it’s a girl enthusing about her love for fanfiction. Maybe it’s making extended eye contact with a stranger through a car window. All these things could constitute the uniquely human experience that is cringe — defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “an inward feeling of acute embarrassment or awkwardness.”
The importance of “cringe” to the internet — and its unique role in virality — is nothing new. Think about the try-not-to-laugh compilations of our middle school years, featuring people mispronouncing simple words or a retail worker snapping at an entitled customer. Much like cringe today, these compilations and Vines often capitalized on the vulnerability of those in positions of lesser societal power: a fat woman swimming, a kid falling off his bike. However, in addition to this, cringe has taken on a new connotation: the fear of being seen as trying too hard or caring too much. In all of these cases, whether “cringe” is being assigned to interests seen as weird, to legitimately embarrassing moments, or to the mere concept of caring more than society deems appropriate, it has been a corrosive force that prevents us from authentically living our lives. Being able to laugh at ourselves is an essential skill that cringe has prevented us from developing. Something often labeled as “cringe” is mistakenly waving at somebody, thinking they are waving at you. But that is just a fact of being human, even if it is unfortunate. “Cringe” has rewritten the script of normal embarrassment, demonizing it into something we should avoid at all costs.
and could get over some of their anxiety towards average social situations.
According to an article by Anuja Anil Pradhan and Carly Drake, professors at North Central College and the University of Southern Denmark, who studied their reactions to “cringe” while watching the show “Indian Matchmaking,” cringe entertainment like reality television and “The Office” can be a source of connection.
“Cringe is more than a fleeting feeling or fodder for yet another reality TV franchise, and maybe it’s a good thing that so many people are drawn to this sort of content. In our case, pushing past secondhand embarrassment and reflecting a bit helped us better understand ourselves and each other,” they wrote.
To an extent, cringe exists for a reason — to tell us when we are going against the principles of society, or at least the principles as we have interpreted them. However, its role in limiting how we authentically pursue our passions and in changing how we relate to others has become a corrosive force.
But there is light on the horizon for the future of cringe. Upon winning the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor, Timothée Chalamet gave a speech professing his pursuit of greatness in acting.
“I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role and how much this means to me, but the truth is this was five years of my life,” Chalamet said. “I’m really in pursuit of greatness. People don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by
He’s a great actor, so he can get away with this. But I think we should all be taking something from this, which is that trying can be cool. It is cool. We shouldn’t restrict ourselves from pursuing our passions as much as we want to, as authentically as we want to, with the goal of not appearing cringe.
New Starbucks cups: A not-sogreen solution
By Chloe Jennings
On Feb. 11, 2025, a new compostable Starbucks cup policy was implemented in 14 states in various locations, including several in Marin. The policy aims to cut Starbucks’ carbon and water footprint by 2030. Starbucks is seemingly making a big difference with the change through the advertisement for an “eco-friendly” cup; however, the new Starbucks cups are not as eco-friendly as they seem. Compostability and small switches to slightly better products are not the solutions America needs to solve pollution.
According to the Starbucks website, the company has developed compostable cold cups and lids. The new cups are made from fiber-based paper boards with a bioplastic liner, making them opaque. However, according to a study from Science Direct, bioplastics contain toxic properties including cellulose and starchbased products. According to Sustainability Metrics: Life Cycle Assessment and Green Design in Polymers from the University of Pittsburgh, although the production of bioplastics produces fewer greenhouse gases, they produce higher levels of pollution resulting from fertilizers, pesticides and land use.
For Boston University psychologist Stefan Hoffman, who works at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, dealing with embarrassment is precisely his goal for his patients. He designs exercises for his patients with anxiety to put people in situations that they fear most. The outcome? His patients learned how to laugh at themselves
We should let ourselves cringe. Similarly, we should not rush to assume that the cringe we feel is inherently bad. Yes, there may be people online or in our lives who like something embarrassing, and maybe they like it to the point of being slightly embarrassing. But rather than rejecting that emotion, we should embrace the cringe, now and forever, and be the cringe we wish to see.
tknillallen@redwoodbark.org
The fine print of the fiber-based Starbucks cup lid reads, “commercially compostable only. Facilities may not exist in your area.” Then, in larger print below, “compostable.” A glance at the cup does not provide any clarity on how the cup should be disposed. Starbucks needs to be more transparent on what commercially compostable truly means.
To continue reading this piece, visit the Opinion section of our website: www.redwoodbark.org cjennings@redwoodbark.org
AI is making creativity and critical thinking a struggle
By Emily Garcia
As a child, I could turn a cardboard box into a spaceship, castle or secret hideout. Now, I watch as high school students ask ChatGPT to write their essays, do their math homework or even just brainstorm project ideas. Have we really come so far in technology, only to lose the creativity and critical thinking that once set us apart from each other? This very introduction was written by ChatGPT.
As I sat down to write this article, I was struck by my lack of motivation to find a creative way to address this problem. I have noticed this pattern among my classmates who use artificial intelligence (AI) for almost anything. Some even use it to create affectionate items, such as birthday cards. Our unwillingness to think outside the box is deteriorating more and more as we continue to utilize AI as an alternative to coming up with our own ideas. This rise in AI is ultimately ruining our creativity and critical thinking ability, and we should all reduce our dependence on AI tools.
The overall use of AI has grown within the Redwood community. 29 percent of students use ChatGPT once a day for general inquiries, and over 75 percent use it at least sometimes to brainstorm ideas for school, according to the March 2025 Bark survey. These numbers suggest that as the use of AI increases, so does students’ inability to think originally. Similarly, on a broader scale, a Pew Research survey found that “among teens who have heard
of ChatGPT, 19 percent have used it to help them with schoolwork.” Within this group, 69 percent believed it was acceptable to use AI, 39 percent believed it acceptable to use it to solve math problems and 20 percent said it was acceptable to use it to write essays. As AI becomes more integrated within academic environments, many students’ critical thinking skills deteriorate, creating a form of reliance on AI websites.
As the number of students who use AI to develop new ideas continues to rise, the concern surrounding AI seems to increase as well. In another Pew Research study, 52 percent of Americans said that they felt more concerned about the overuse of AI. A similar trend has been seen in schools, with a third of high school teachers reporting that AI tools do more harm than good, as found in another Pew Research study.
In a Virginia Tech College of Engineering article, faculty members shared their opinions on the impact of AI.
“There is a potential risk of diminishing critical thinking skills if users depend too heavily on AI-generated content without scrutiny. Also, as these models are trained on vast amounts of internet text, they might unknowingly propagate biases present in their training data,” Eugenia Rho, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech said.
creativity.
“The downside of brainstorming with AI was that some students voiced concerns about overreliance on the technology, fearing it might undermine their own thoughts and, consequently, confidence in their creative abilities. Some students reported a ‘fixation of the mind,’ meaning that once they saw the AI’s ideas, they had difficulty coming up with their own,” Habib
While the use of AI could enhance creative thinking, the over-reliance on websites such as ChatGPT can actually limit our ability of original thought. Habib found through her research that AI is often repetitive due to it recycling content instead of creating original content. Overdependence on these websites will eventually make our thinking repetitive, presenting the risk of losing the confidence to create independently. As students especially begin to lose confidence in their creative abilities, they will eventually struggle to approach challenges on their own and lose certain problem-solving skills.
Not only do critical thinking skills suffer with the use of AI, but so do creative abilities. In a research conducted by Sabrina Habib, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of South Carolina, she observed the effect of AI on student
It is critical that as a society we continue to exercise our ability to create as it is one of our most unique abilities that can set us apart from one another — and that set us apart from AI and websites such as ChatGPT. It is vital to find a balance between using AI as an assistance and attempting to think for ourselves. We need to make an effort and challenge ourselves to create originally first before asking for the help of AI.
egarcia@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
Illustration by Nadia Massoumi
editorial
“Free school lunches are essential for student wellbeing.”
Government cuts endanger student health
TUHSD
families set to be burdened by cost of lunches
Imagine walking into the school cafeteria, eager for your lunch, only to learn that the funding has been cut and lunch is off the table. Imagine that something crucial to your day and well-being has become an afterthought, believed to be “nonessential.” For many children in low-income households across the United States, a lack of funding for school lunches could soon become a reality. In March 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cut around $1 billion from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools program (LFS), which provide funding for free school lunches.
According to the USDA, 41 states, including California, have opted into the LFPA program. LFPA awards funding to states to provide foodpurchasing assistance explicitly targeted at schools and childcare institutions. According to the USDA, the LFS program was designed to “strengthen the food system for schools and childcare institutions by helping to build a fair, competitive and resilient local food chain, and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved producers and processors.”
Similarly, the LFPA supplies funds for individual state, territorial and tribal governments to purchase local foods to help support small-scale or marginalized producers. This program enables states, tribes and territories to cater directly to the essential needs of their population. Both programs help support and uplift local communities and provide critical food to schools nationwide.
The lack of funding could have a devastating impact. Both LFPA and LFS focus on sourcing local food for lunches and cutting these resources could decrease the availability of free and reduced school meals. According to a statement by the School Nutrition Association president Shannon Gleave, the cuts to LFPA and LFS would “cause millions of children to lose access to free school meals at a time when working families are struggling with rising food costs.”
in the number of students unable to afford school meals. California operates under the California Universal Meals Program (UMP), which supplements federal funding from the USDA. With the $1 billion cut, California would have to use more state funding to continue providing free school lunches.
Losing funding for school lunches causes a ripple effect that impacts more than just physical health and stability. A pre-COVID-19 survey conducted by No Kid Hungry showed that 80 percent of teachers saw a decrease in concentration due to hunger. When students have to deal with overwhelming hunger or worry about food insecurity, it harms their performance at school. It can negatively impact their education, even leading to grade repetition. Skipping lunch is much more than just an empty stomach during class. It can have long-term impacts, causing students to underperform and struggle to reach their full potential. This only widens the gap between those who can afford to provide food and those who cannot.
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POLICY:
All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of The Bark staff.
According to a March Bark survey, 44 percent of students self-reported eating the school’s free lunch or breakfast. Of that 44 percent, 19 percent of students self-reported relying on that free lunch for financial reasons. On a national level, the data is even more concerning. Research from the Education Data Initiative showed that across the country, 20.1 million students receive either a free or reduced lunch.
Additionally, data showed that across all surveyed school districts, 87 percent saw an annual increase
A BARK to March Madness. Can’t wait for seven periods of AP Basketball!
A BITE to the lacrosse boys’ new hair. Let’s hope the sides grow back by prom!
A BARK to Justin Timberlake performing at Bottlerock. You better rock your body and bring sexy back to Sonoma.
A BITE to AP tests. These are going to be Actually Painful.
Although some may argue that it is not a school’s responsibility to provide food, this oversimplifies a complex situation. Education is more than teaching; it is about ensuring students can learn. Cutting budgets that provide ways to even the playing field for underprivileged community members is harmful. Food should never be a privilege. Every day, Redwood cafeteria workers provide essential nutrition to underprivileged students thanks to funding from Tamalpais Union High School District Officials. However, with funding gone and California forced to spend even more on lunches, local farms and businesses may feel the consequences as the government turns to cheaper food sources. Although California is more secure with the UMP, students nationwide may feel the repercussions of a lack of funding for school lunches. The public must stay informed about these issues and policies and keep them in mind when voting. Contact state representatives and push for policies prioritizing student well-being over “government efficiency.”
Have an opinion regarding anything that appears in The Bark or in general? We encourage our readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters to The Bark should be 500 words or fewer, typed if possible and signed. They must be emailed to bark@redwoodbark.
A BARK to the UV going up. Too bad our attendance is going down.
A BITE to spring. The only bees we’re seeing are the ones on our transcripts.
A BARK to the live-action Snow White. Fingers crossed that the apple isn’t poisoned with bad CGI!
A BITE to Block Blast. Thanks for blasting away our time!
A BARK to online classes. My grades aren’t on the line anymore.
A BITE to the vending machines. I can’t get one because they are broken.
BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.
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feature feature Beyond ‘gym bro’ culture
Creatine benefits the brain and body
By Matthew Knauer
Once dismissed as a supplement only for “gym bros,” creatine is now making its way into the wellness routines of teenagers, adults and even the elderly. Despite its reputation as a muscle-building aid, the chemical compound offers benefits that extend far beyond bodybuilding.
“Most of my friends make fun of me for taking [creatine] because there’s this mainstream idea that [it’s] only for gym bros and athletes. But I think it’s for everyone: girls, boys, teenagers, adults and elderly,” said “Anna,” who asked to remain anonymous because of the false stereotypes surrounding the supplement.
For decades, companies like Optimum Nutrition, MuscleTech, and BioEngineered Supplements aggressively marketed creatine to young men seeking to increase strength and muscle mass. Yet, recent research has revealed a broader range of potential health benefits — from improved cognitive function to faster recovery in aging adults — prompting even healthcare professionals to reconsider its value.
researched dietary supplement, is wellknown for its ability to amplify strength and athletic performance. However, its effects on cognitive function could be considered its most significant advantage.
“What sold me on [creatine] is its impact on brain health. Some studies show it supports mood by regulating how neurotransmitter building blocks are produced. Creatine helps with mood in the same way an [anti-depressant] helps with mood,” Baker said.
What sold me on [creatine] is its impact on brain health...Creatine helps with mood in the same way an [anti-depressant] helps with mood.
Dr. Jill Baker nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioner and wellness coach in Marin County, Dr. Jill Baker, initially bought into the stigma that Anna witnessed surrounding creatine. Yet more profound research unveiled a litany of advantages, ultimately changing her perspective.
“I had only known creatine as something I would see men take to make their muscles bigger, so I never thought much of it. But I started digging a little deeper and found that [it] has enormous benefits. Now I’m [creatine’s] biggest advocate,” Baker said.
While millions of Americans take creatine in supplement form, nearly everyone consumes it daily — just not enough.
“It’s an amino acid that is found in all complete protein sources, like red meat [or seafood],” Baker said. “The problem is that the typical diet that most people have does not contain enough creatine.”
Creatine, the world’s most extensively
In 2018, the National Institutes of Health published a systematic review summarizing findings from 53 studies examining creatine’s impact on the brain. The results were unequivocal: creatine improved memory, reaction time and executive function while significantly mitigating the effects of sleep deprivation and age-related cognitive decline.
“The brain health benefits are so compelling to me,” Baker said. “[The fact that] we can have a little more clarity and that our moods can [improve] is amazing.”
With considerable experience working alongside professional athletes, creatine is one of the first things Dr. Josh Heenan, a strength coach, recommends to his clients. Similar to Baker, he admires the positive impact the compound can have on the brain.
“High doses of creatine — more than 10 grams a day — have been shown to support recovery from concussions by boosting brain energy, reducing inflammation and aiding cognition,” Heenan said.
Yet creatine’s ability to heal the brain extends well beyond concussions; studies prove it can combat migraines, posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries in children and other neurological diseases, albeit with a higher-than-normal dosage — as Heenan mentioned. Although most of the general population does not face such specific health issues, the benefits of creatine on the brain are evident.
As sleep deprivation has reached unprecedented levels, with the Center for Disease Control reporting that 73 percent
of high school students lack sufficient sleep, creatine may be more valuable than ever. Senior Ryan Scott began taking the supplement to improve his gym performance but has also seen an increase in energy levels.
“I’ve felt my overall energy throughout the day increase significantly. I don’t get nearly as tired as I used to,” Scott said.
When creatine enters the body, it’s stored in muscles as the molecule phosphocreatine. As the body uses up adenosine triphosphate (ATP), whether during exercise or throughout daily activities, creatine regenerates ATP, providing additional energy.
“When I’m exercising, I feel so much more energetic, like I’m given an extra boost,” Anna said.
The energy boost is prevalent during high-intensity training, where athletes exert maximum effort for a short period.
“During activities with quick bursts [around] 10 seconds of work, our body utilizes creatine as a fuel source, giving us more readily available energy,” Heenan said. “This allows high-level athletes to improve performance by increasing the length and force with which they can output maximum effort.”
performance boosts were first publicized after British sprinters Lindford Christie and Sally Gunnell won gold in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, claiming they benefited from creatine supplementation. In the following years, the compound was researched heavily, and by the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, it was estimated that 80 percent of the athletes were taking creatine. And for good reason, as studies found significant evidence backing creatine improving athletic performance.
as sore after working out or after a game. It has significantly improved my recovery,” Anna said.
Baker highly recommends the compound for athletes who subject their bodies to significant physical strain.
“It’s a really good idea to take creatine for people who are working out a lot. It’s easy to have a depletion of energy if you’re not getting enough fuel, and that leads to muscle and bone breakdown and more injuries. If you’re really loading up your body and pushing yourself physically, [taking creatine] is a good idea to prevent injury,” Baker said.
Despite its numerous benefits and the abundance of studies, creatine still has a negative reputation.
“I never wanted to take [creatine] because I had heard all these misconceptions about [gaining] weight and getting bulky,” Anna said. “But I kept getting hurt, and I read a few studies about creatine helping reduce injuries, so I decided to [try it out]. I haven’t looked back since.”
Creatine supplementation may cause an initial weight gain between two to four pounds due to increased water retention in the muscles. However, over time, the compound promotes fat loss and lean muscle growth, leading many users to lose weight in the long run.
“People often think that creatine will make them ‘big,’” Baker said. “This is not the case at all. On creatine, we hold a little more water in our muscles, but not very much, so it’s certainly not making people fat.”
Most of those who gain significant weight are overdosing on creatine, taking much more than the recommended grammage.
“The use of creatine has been shown to increase lean body mass, decrease short sprint times [and] increase vertical jump [height],” Heenan said.
Since its rise in the 1990s, creatine has evolved from a niche supplement used by Olympians to a performance enhancer used by athletes and non-athletes alike. Scott, a weightlifter, attributes some of his success to the supplement, which has been found to increase strength in compound lifts between 16 to 43 percent. Like Baker, he recommends it to those who are physically fit and active.
“Creatine has improved the quickness of my muscle growth and also my muscle recovery. I strongly believe all athletes and anyone engaging in physical activity should be taking it,” Scott said.
In an era where sports specialization in high schoolers is more common than ever, athletes often endure year-round practices, weight training and conditioning. This burdens the body immensely, making recovery essential to avoid injuries and heighten performance.
“I have practice or weights almost every single day of the year. But [after I started taking creatine], I don’t get nearly
“For [those] who use [creatine] to make themselves really big and strong, they’re taking huge dosages,” Baker said. “That’s not necessary. Everybody can take 3-5 grams a day and have a big impact on their clarity, on their mood and their bone health.”
Unfortunately, the data surrounding creatine’s impact on adolescents is menial, but Baker is skeptical there are any issues.
“There’s not much data for people under 18, but I doubt there are any problems with [adolescents] taking it. It just hasn’t been studied [on the youth],” Baker said. “But this is a supplement known to be very safe.”
Supplements come in many forms: powder, gummies, pills and drinks. Baker, along with many other experts, contends that form does not matter as long as users take three to five grams of creatine daily. The Vitamin Shoppe, the world’s largest vendor of creatine, asserts that creatine usage is increasing nationally, specifically among women and the elderly. New studies continue to dispel the common misconceptions about creatine, highlighting the versatile benefits that all demographics can enjoy. Always consult a doctor before using creatine.
Photo by Matthew Knauer
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
IllustrationbyNadiaMassoumi
Are we covered, California?
The landscape of public health insurance evolves
By Grace Gehrman and Tallulah Knill Allen
At 6:44 a.m., on Dec. 5, 2024, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was fatally shot in New York City. Americans responded with a combination of apathy, condemnation and outrage, as the political climate heated up and those across the political spectrum discussed the assassination — but most of all, its motivation. The widely publicized event unified the millions of Americans who have suffered from the health insurance climate in America and sparked debates over the privatization of healthcare.
The nation took to the social media app X, with different accounts posting satirical comments about Brian Thompson’s death. One tweet reads, “I’m sorry, prior authorization is required for thoughts and prayers.” Another, “Does he have a history of shootings? Denied coverage.” While those comments are crass, they underscore the public’s frustration with the current health insurance landscape.
As of 2023, roughly 25 million Americans under 65 do not have health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The consequence of
not having health insurance in America is paying out of pocket for every doctor’s visit, emergency room trip, bottle of medication, surgery or operation that one may medically require to live. Per year, uninsured Americans will spend 38 percent more on healthcare than those with any sort of coverage, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reports.
Ironically, those who aren’t insured are typically below the poverty line — meaning that some of the poorest citizens in America pay the most for healthcare; if they can’t, they could be among the 26,000 people who die each year due to lack of health insurance, according to the NIH.
Policy shifts
With new proposals from the Trump administration, the number of people who are uninsured might reach an all-time high.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was initially championed by President Obama in 2010 to expand healthcare coverage, currently provides insurance for Americans who fall below the poverty line or have medical disabilities through Medicaid, and also protects the elderly through Medicare. The Trump administration intends to cut the ACA’s funding by 90 percent, complicate and shorten the enrollment process and
dismantle the protections for marginalized communities that President Biden added during his term.
These measures, particularly the proposed budget cuts, will save Congress $880 billion. They will also likely jeopardize the health of 72 million poor and disabled Americans.
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) estimates that anywhere from 750,000 and 2 million people will lose ACA coverage if the new regulation passes. It will also prevent “Dreamers,” undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, from accessing public insurance.
adults until they are 26, but if the ACA is dismantled, young adults will have to fund their own insurance starting at age 18. Even while these changes remain speculative, Curtaz explained why students should be aware of the potential policy shift.
It really is a death sentence to be poor in this country, now more than ever.
Heather Curtaz, Math Teacher
Head of the mathematics department Heather Curtaz underlines the potential ramifications of these policies.
“I read an article in the New York Times explaining [Trump’s plan to liquidate Medicaid], and I thought, ‘It really is a death sentence to be poor in this country, now more than ever,’” Curtaz said.
Proposed regulations also enable insurers to stop covering gender-affirming care. One anonymous student, who will be referred to as Lucas, is a senior and has his own concerns about the prospective policies as a transgender person, especially on what they implicate for genderqueer youth.
“I think that a lot of legislation being pushed against transgender youth is very scary… I feel afraid for myself and my peers for opportunities that were available to [us] five years ago or currently. It feels like we're going back in progress rather than moving forward,” Lucas said.
These developments have led Lucas to question what steps he should take now, in case of the outcome that he must protect himself in the future.
“I've had thoughts like, ‘Do I need to stock up [on gender-affirming care] now? Do I need to figure this out now before my options go away?’” Lucas said. “[I’ve] even thought, ‘Do I need to look for underthe-table sources of hormone blockers or gender-affirming care?’”
Beyond the current proposed cuts and amendments, if the government were to repeal the ACA altogether, the age cap for family insurance could regress from 26 back to 18 — meaning, students could be at risk of getting permanently booted from their parents’ insurance as soon as they turn 18. Currently, the ACA allows the safety net of family insurance to protect young
“Teenagers need to recognize that this could immediately impact them as soon as they turn 18,” Curtaz said. Once off of family plans, 18-year-olds could pay up to $600 a month for a health insurance premium if they don’t qualify for any public subsidies or have insurance through a job, which most teenagers don’t.
Healthcare’s role
Despite the cost, access to healthcare remains paramount. As for Curtaz, she has had school-subsidized insurance since she began working at Redwood nearly 30 years ago. This position has defined her experience with healthcare, enabling her to undergo medical procedures with minimal personal cost.
“I recognize that I'm in a place of privilege in this — that I have health insurance [through working at Redwood]. I've made decisions in my life, my career, to not leave [Redwood] simply because of the healthcare,” Curtaz said. “Last year, I had surgery. I think I paid $150. I have no idea what healthcare costs. Because my insurance is so good, I don’t have to know.”
Though expensive, health insurance is a necessary expenditure. Hospitals require a substantial financial base to function, especially given new — and costly — medical technological advancements.
Redwood parent Julia Vinogradsky has been a respiratory therapist in Daly City at Seton Medical Center for 18 years. She explained how hospitals’ need for profit can interfere with patient welfare.
“At times, hospitals focus on profits over patient well-being, which happens more than people think. At the end of the day, hospitals are still a business. Even if they say they're nonprofit, hospitals cannot afford to lose money, so a lot of the time they'll still prioritize financials over focusing on patient well-being — [and] that’s really hard to see,” Vinogradsky said. To read the full article, visit redwoodbark.org
Redwood through the years: A glimpse into the past
By Nick Hartung
The following photo summaries are based on insights from Richard Torney, a Redwood alumnus from the Class of 1966. The photographers of these images are unknown, but they were sourced from the Redwood High School website.
TAKEN IN AUGUST of 1958, before the first class ever stepped foot inside the building, this photo captures the front of the newly built Redwood High School building. In 1957, to supplement the growing school-age population of the Tamalpais Union High School District, a large portion of the Larkspur marsh was leveled and filled to build the school buildings and subsequent roads. In the background, a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe is visible with the period-correct California yellow license plate with black lettering. The woman in the picture is unidentified but is unlikely to be a student, as school had yet to begin. That year, students who previously attended Tamalpais High School and Archie Williams High School (previously known as Drake High School) wewwre reassigned to Redwood based on their address, with those from Kentfield, Ross, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Tiburon and Belvedere making up the majority of the school’s original student body.
DURING THE EARLY days of Redwood, students took six classes a day — five core subjects (English, Math, Science, History and Physical Education) and one elective, which could range from art to woodshop. This undated photo captures students studying in the library, likely during the “library” elective period. “They’re in there doing their one hour [of study time] and, no doubt, goofing off,” alumnus Richard Torney said. The library was much later renamed the Bessie Chin Library in honor of longtime Redwood librarian Bessie Chin.
Dating in the digital age
By Hilah Brekhus-Lavinsky
“[HAVING A ‘TALKING stage’ on Snapchat] is common to start out a relationship but after you get to know the person on Snapchat it’s important to create a relationship with them in person too,” freshman Carlie Catanese said.
A GROUP OF students make their way into the library during the 1962-63 school year. Richard Torney, a Redwood alumnus from the class of 1966, identified several students in the photo as Harry Smith, Justin Fleischman, Eugene Garcia, Mark Reed, Bill Gentes, David Crossley and Tom Cook. On the right, two upperclassmen are likely assisting the librarian behind the library desk.
DATED TO 1962, this photo captures Redwood’s front parking lot jammed with cars, a daily occurrence in an era before parking permits. Alumnus Richard Torney remembers the front lot always being full, but there generally was more space in the back lot.
“The more studious people seemed to head towards the front lot, and the back lot was where the rebels were. People didn’t get caught smoking in their car in the front lot; they got caught smoking in their car in the back lot,” Torney said. In the foreground, a Rambler, a Chevy Station Wagon and a Mercury sit among the tightly packed rows of vehicles. At the time, many students chose to eat in their cars, much like they do today, especially since Redwood had a closed campus policy that prevented them from walking off campus during lunch.
nhartung@redwoodbark.org
“It’s honestly the standard to have [had a ‘talking stage’] on Snapchat. It feels like if you aren’t doing that then you are not taking the right steps towards getting in a relationship,” sophomore Cole Sandrich said.
“[SNAPCHAT] IS THE most common way [for high schoolers] to meet people and get to know [eachother] especially if you don’t have a class with that person or they go to a different school,” junior Lily Patrizi said.
“[SNAPCHAT] IS GOOD for meeting people but when talking in person, the connection is stronger. For teenagers, there’s not a lot of people you can meet if you don’t use social media,” senior Kai Gaultier said.
To read the full article on modern-age dating, scan this QR code. hbrekhuslavinsky@redwoodbark.org
LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS KEEP VANISHING
By Nina Baker and Annie Burlingame
For close to two decades, journalist Vicki Larson brought the vibrant stories of Marin County to life as a lifestyles editor for the Marin Independent Journal (Marin IJ). When she joined the publication in 2004, the lifestyles department had 12 passionate journalists dedicated to capturing what makes Marin unique and bringing those accounts to our neighbors.
In May of 2021, towards the end of Larson’s 19 years at the Marin IJ, Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund located in New York, purchased the publication with little interest in serving the community in the way Larson had for so many years.
“[Alden’s] interest was not funding good journalism. Their interest was in buying properties [like that of the IJ] with real estate so they could move [the Marin IJ] out of the real estate into something smaller, slash the staff and then sell that property,” Larson said.
who had been a part of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and they blacked out [those who had been laid off], which was more than half of the staff. [Then the staff] wrote scathing editorials on the front page, and [eventually] all of them got fred by Alden. Every single one.”
Despite the Denver Post’s long list of accolades, Alden’s power over the media industry shows that even the highestachieving publications are at risk. Beyond the trend of corporations taking over local publications, newspapers in general have become considered lower priorities in many places.
Your role as a journalist is to speak truth to power. at’s what we do.
Vicki
Larson, Marin Independent Journal former lifestyles editor
By 2023, the lifestyles staff had been cut down to just two people. Frustrated, Larson decided to write a column calling out Alden on their unjust tactics but was told that if she were to publish it, she would be fred for insubordination. She published the article and then left the IJ promptly, unwilling to stick around at a publication that had strayed so far from her values.
Unfortunately, Alden’s grasp on newspapers isn’t limited to Marin County. It is a national issue, given that the hedge fund owns upwards of 300 publications across the U.S., including Pulitzer Prize-winning publications like the Denver Post.
“When Alden bought the Denver Post, they slashed their staff, as they do everywhere. The Denver Post was going to have nothing to do with that [nonsense],” Larson said. “So, they ran a photo of all the editors and reporters
In 2023, Edison, Georgia, was over half a million dollars in debt. The local community was lost, with no idea where their tax money was going, as clear necessities like the police department were left majorly unfunded. The city faced other issues: with a lack of economic growth, many institutions– including local newsrooms– were forced to downsize. The Albany Herald, a publication in the area, was forced to shrink its 65-person newsroom to just two reporters over the last few decades. Lucille Lannigan, one of the two reporters on the current staff, moved to Albany at the height of the economic crisis. She began reporting on the issue, highlighting the city council’s failure to fle a state audit and their persistent defcit spending. Lannigan’s reporting, along with help from many community advocates, eventually paved the way for an entirely different city council, as the newly informed community elected better-ft members.
Not only did her reporting open community members’ eyes to crucial issues, but it also showed the broader implications of having a strong local news presence.
“Having [a local] newspaper anchors people in place because they have someone holding their politicians accountable to make the best decisions,” Lannigan said. “It’s also important to have strong newspapers to tell people’s stories because it really humanizes a region that
national publications simply cannot supply.
“[Local news] is essential to preserving democracy. Things are still going on, like local politics, but
OUTLETS FIGHT TO VANISHING VOICES HEARD
[if] you don’t have a newspaper that’s paying attention to everything that’s going on, [information] can slip through the cracks,” Lannigan said.
According to the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, California alone lost around 24 percent of its newspapers between 2005 and 2019, mirroring national trends. Even in Marin, several community newspapers, including the Mill Valley Herald, Ross Valley Reporter and San Rafael Newspointer, have either shut down or merged with larger , less local newspapers.
This contributes to the cycle of news deserts, leaving places like Marin with limited access to essential information. The reduction in resources also threatens community engagement as people must turn to other sources to stay informed.
Natalie Hanson, a journalist who has reported on Northern California news for local and national audiences since 2018, has seen frsthand the consequences of corporate ownership of publications.
“All this institutional knowledge gets lost, and I do think that that’s another sign of the times that the business people who run these corporations have so much say in what’s covered. But I also think [that when] interests don’t mesh, [publications] end up covering things that the business owner wants to be covered. Personally, I saw that at the [Marin] IJ, and I saw that [at] the [Chico EnterpriseRecord]. I see it all over the place,” Hanson said.
However, Hanson suggested there may be a solution: nonproft journalism. Publications like CalMatters or ProPublica are donor-funded but have gained the same amount of traction as other outlets when it comes to covering issues on the state or local level.
“I think nonprofts are probably the only way this is going to go at this point,” Hanson said. “[But] do I think that it’s the best way? Not necessarily.”
While relying on donors might seem like a good idea, nonproft publications can become vulnerable to the personal interests of those donors, raising concerns about the newspaper’s infuence and longevity.
“I’ve seen nonprofts start to veer back into the same land because it’s still the case [that] whoever’s giving you all this money has an interest,” Hanson said. “If you have a lot of money from certain commercial interests or the Chamber of Commerce, then that’s still going to affect how much you can actually cover, especially people who might be engaged in certain corruption.”
Despite all of these obstacles, many journalists remain committed to their work because they recognize the importance of the industry.
“[Most] people don’t have the time to spend hours and hours poring over city council agendas, [so] that’s our job, and when we lose that, there’s just so much that the public is missing out on,” Hanson said.
Though it may seem as if there is no clear solution to this problem, one thing remains true: many student journalists across the country have the freedom that many publications are currently losing.
“I love it when young people are fred up by journalism, because we need you,” Larson said.
Despite publications facing obstacles, local journalists around the country understand that the industry is changing and are doing everything in their power to continue storytelling and hold community members accountable.
“I think your role as a journalist is to speak truth to power. That’s what we do,” Larson said. “And if we’re not going to speak truth to power, then what are we doing in this business? Because certainly it doesn’t pay us enough for a living wage. We do it because this is who we are. This is what we stand for.”
bark@redwoodbark.org
Infographic by Linnea Koblik
review review
Turning up the heat at Hot Yoga Republic’s newest studio
By Lily Skinner
After five successful years in its San Rafael location, Hot Yoga Republic (HYR) opened the doors to a second studio on February 19. This new studio is tucked away in Strawberry Village. Upon walking in, you are welcomed by a very lively atmosphere and quickly greeted by the friendly staff at the front desk. After putting your shoes and other items away in the lobby cubbies, the heated studio — lined with mirrors and windows looking onto the lobby — awaits!
The Strawberry studio feels slightly hotter than the San Rafael studio. Being in a very hot room can, at times, feel miserable, but the instructors do a great job of keeping everyone motivated while leading crunches, planks and vinyasa which is a series of movements that bring you into a downward facing dog. HYR offers a variety of classes including Power Yoga, Hot Pilates and 26&2 (Bikram Beats), all ranging from 60-90 minutes.
Hot yoga and other workout classes can feel daunting considering everyone is at different levels, but this studio did not feel competitive. The instructors did a great job of
VISIBLE TO SHOPPERS, Hot Yoga Republic merchandise advertises the new studio to bypassers.
making everyone feel comfortable with their skill level, correcting both beginners and the more advanced yogis on their technique, fostering a community and comfortable environment.
In addition to the health benefit of doing yoga, there is also the perk of a student discount! From Mar. 31 through Apr. 30 Redwood students have access to the “Redwood High Five” deal, which entails $5 classes. In addition, the first 20 students to sign up for the first Mar. 31 class get a free sweatshirt of their choosing.
Having been to both studios, I would recommend the Mill Valley location to those less experienced with yoga as a whole. As a beginner myself, the instructors felt very attentive and made me excited to take another class. Hot yoga is a freeing experience that is great for both the body and mind. Everyone should take advantage of it, and Hot Yoga Republic is a great place to get started.
lskinner@redwoodbark.org
CELEBRATING THE GRAND opening, co-founder Kathryn Keown and captain Toby Richards take pride in HYR2.
Get $#*t done with productivity apps
By Aurora Sreba
March marks the middle of a period when students of all grade levels feel pressured to balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and social commitments, while seniors in particular struggle with senioritis and college decisions. Luckily, there are digital tools designed to help you manage your time, organize your tasks and stay focused on your goals. Whether you need to improve your productivity and time management or simply need support developing healthier habits, here are the top productivity apps that will help you manage your time and stay on track during this second semester.
Opal:
Opal is an app blocker and timer app that helps users stay focused by blocking distracting apps during designated focus times, allowing users to concentrate on their tasks. When downloading the app, it will ask users questions based on their daily average screen time and which habits users would like to change, such as constantly checking their phone, feeling anxious or stressed and
mindless scrolling. Opal then allows users to select up to three distracting apps, such as TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat. The app connects to your iPhone’s screen time to lock you out of your chosen distracting apps, turning staying off of them into a game by rewarding users with gems for achievements. Users can intentionally take breaks to unblock an app for a limited time, however, if you use the breaks wisely, and are motivated to eliminate your mindless scrolling, this is the app for you.
Finch:
For those looking for an app to manage overexhaustion and stress, Finch is the perfect option, allowing users to develop healthy habits while improving their mental and physical well-being. Finch enables users to practice self-care progressively by assigning small tasks to users, including drinking water, stretching and taking three deep breaths. These tasks are designed to keep the users motivated to try and better themselves by forcing productive habits. Because this app is more gamified, as users can earn cute pets and complete quests, it is more oriented towards self-care than towards completing tasks such as homework or writing an essay. However, if you are looking for motivation to get through day-to-day tasks, check out this app.
Structured:
Structured is a productivity app designed to help users organize their day by breaking down tasks into manageable portions. The app allows you to create a timeline of your day from waking up to winding down, helping you set tasks and deadlines, and sending you notifications as reminders to keep you structured throughout your day. Users can assign the specific time and duration that they have to complete an event or task. Structured also allows users to customize the colors of their schedule to make it visually appealing. Once you complete tasks, the app allows you to check them off, making completing tasks feel rewarding for users.
Flora:
Flora is another focus app that gamifies staying productive while avoiding distractions. The app is simple
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO open Snapchat, Opal blocks students from entering the app.
to use: when you want to focus, you plant a virtual seed in the app to help “grow your tree.” Users set the duration for how long they want to stay focused and keep the app open. If they work without interruptions, the seed grows into a tree. However, if users leave the app, there is a count-down warning of five seconds before they must return to “save their tree” or else it dies. This visual method of allowing your tree to grow with a consequence if you become distracted by other apps makes the process of focusing both engaging and rewarding for its users.
All of these apps are designed to make completing your daily tasks and assignments more effective and rewarding. If you are looking to block out your top distractions, such as scrolling on your phone, I believe that Opal is the most effective as it won’t let you access your distracting apps. If you are feeling overwhelmed as it gets further into the second semester and have difficulty finding your focus, be sure to check out these productivity apps to help you organize your schedule and complete your tasks.
asreba@redwoodbark.org
Photo by Elle Wilson
Photo Illustration by Aurora Sreba
Explore thin-crust pizza at Vinny G’s
Vinny G’s Pizza and Cocktails is a new pizza restaurant located in Novato. It was opened by the Ghiringhelli family, who have successfully owned and managed multiple restaurants in the Bay Area. Walking into the building, I was immediately greeted by a friendly hostess as light chatter floated through the room, creating a very welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant is a huge space with a large “party” room containing a vintage arcade with posters hanging on the walls. I tried the Caesar salad, the classic pizza and the Margherita pizza.
Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad came out chopped with the option of a light pepper spread. The salad was refreshing and the croutons provided the perfect crunch. The tossed salad ensured that the lettuce was evenly coated in dressing and topped with parmesan cheese, making this a nice way to start the meal. It is the perfect appetizer for three to four people to split evenly.
Classic Pizza
The Classic Pizza is an 18-inch New York-style thincrust pizza topped with ricotta cheese, pepperoni, sausage,
By Molly Gallagher mgallagher@redwoodbark.org
peppers, oregano and garlic with a light drizzle of olive oil. It was perfectly prepared with a bit of spice, resulting in a very tasty bite. The ingredients mixed together flawlessly, making each bite unique but not overpowering. I would definitely recommend sharing this pizza with at least one other person, due to the size and how filling each slice is.
Margherita
The Margherita is a 10-inch artisan-style pizza, also a thin-crust, but is not as enjoyable as the Classic. This pizza had an abundance of tomato sauce and in every bite, there were thinly sliced tomatoes. The sauce was plentiful, but there wasn’t enough cheese to offset it, so most bites were just bread and sauce. For this pizza, I would recommend asking for less sauce.
Vinny G’s is a great addition to the pizza scene in Marin, offering residents an opportunity to explore thincrust pizza. With friendly staff, quick service and plenty of parking, the restaurant creates a warm and welcoming environment. In addition to a pizza-filled menu in which you can make or choose your own pizza, they also offer a variety of desserts and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant or even a place to meet someone for lunch, Vinny G’s is the place to be.
Sweet dreams! Insomnia Cookies
By Estelle Smith
We all know and love Crumbl Cookies. Their new weekly lineups are all the rage. But, what about Insomnia Cookies? Open until 3 a.m. with locations in San Francisco and Berkeley, this cookie spot is perfect for night owls and anyone with a late-night sweet tooth. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter or just need a warm, gooey pickme-up, Insomnia Cookies delivers — literally! Their menu ranges from regular cookies to ice cream pints, ice cream sandwiches and cookie cakes. I got five of the most appealing cookies that their menu had to offer and here are my ratings of each one.
Double Chocolate Mint Cookie:
If you like a mint chocolate mix, you would love the double chocolate mint cookie. The rich dark chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the refreshing burst of mint. The balance between the two is perfect — neither the chocolate nor the mint is too overpowering. This cookie deserves the perfect rating just for its amazing combination of flavors and textures.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup:
We’re on a roll with these great ratings! The chocolate peanut butter cup cookie is a peanut butter lover’s dream. The buttery cookie base is packed with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, adding just the right balance of creamy and chocolatey goodness. While it’s nearly perfect, a touch more chocolate would have made it even better. Still, it’s an absolutely delicious treat that satisfies any peanut butter craving!
S’mores:
The S’mores cookie brings all the classic campfire flavors into a single bite. The soft and decadent chocolate cookie has melted marshmallows, graham cracker pieces and chocolate chunks. Though it’s a solid cookie, the overall texture and flavor weren’t my favorite.
Savor Spring salad recipes
By Hilah Brekhus
#1. Peach, Mozzarella and Prosciutto Salad
This salad contains a base of baby spinach and is topped with peaches, mozzarella, crispy prosciutto, basil, salt and pepper. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Greek yogurt and maple syrup come together to make a flavorful dressing. The simplicity of this salad allows all the individual and unique flavors to shine through. The vinaigrette dressing is not overpowering but still contributes to the salad without making it feel heavy.
#2. Creamy Cucumber Salad
Consisting of just cucumbers and onions and dressed with sour cream, lemon juice, dill, sugar and salt, the creamy cucumber salad was the easiest and fastest to make. The zesty dressing flatters the less prominent flavored cucumber nicely. However, the onion-to-cucumber ratio was slightly off, leaving an overbearing onion taste. This profile was somewhat masked by the delicious and creamy dressing.
#3. Pear Salad
I had extremely high expectations for the dish, which disappointed me even more than the cucumber salad. This salad has lettuce, pear, Roquefort cheese, avocado, green onions and caramelized pecans. The dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. The salad’s taste does not accurately reflect the amount of ingredients required for it, as the pear is washed out by all of the other ingredients, and the avocado does not play a significant role in the overall flavor. All of the flavors seemed to cancel out, leaving the salad tasting bland and unsatisfying, resulting in a last-place ranking.
hbrekhus@redwoodbark.org
Salted Caramel:
If you can’t tell from my ratings so far, I love anything chocolate. If the cookie doesn’t include chocolate, it’s not likely to receive a great rating from me. But, if salted caramel is more your style, this cookie is definitely for you. It has sweet caramel, savory sea salt and toffee baked into a sugar cookie base. It was good, but not good enough to get it again.
Double Chocolate Chunk:
If you’re a chocolate lover, this cookie is a musttry! It’s fudgy with chunks of smooth milk chocolate to incorporate a melty, creamy contrast. Each bite is packed with deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet. While it’s delicious, its richness can get overpowering. Otherwise, this is a near-perfect chocolate cookie!
Insomnia Cookies proves it's not one to sleep on — especially when you’re craving something sweet after hours. With standout options like the double chocolate mint cookie and the chocolate peanut butter cup cookie, Insomnia delivers warm treats that hit the spot. Whether you’re team chocolate or prefer something different, there’s something on the menu for everyone. So, next time you’re up late and need a sugary boost, give Insomnia Cookies a try. You might just find your new favorite midnight snack!
esmith@redwoodbark.org
VINNY G’S PIZZA and Cocktails opened its doors on Tuesday, March 25.
Photo by Elle Wilson
THE CLASSIC NEW York-style pizza is perfect to share and insanely delicious.
Photo by Molly Gallagher
Infographic by Lynette Ki
Snow White’s remake is one rotten apple
By Cora Champommier
Cinderella without her glass slipper. Belle without a changing beast. These examples are all equivalent changes to the rumors circulating about Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Snow White, as before its release, press on the deletion of a Prince Charming and the Seven Dwarfs spread. Remakes usually stick to the original storyline, avoiding large changes that disrupt the already-loved characters and plot. Snow White, however, had plans of drastic changes like no prince to save her and “magical” creatures portrayed in an array of diverse actors instead of the seven dwarfs. When I went to the theater, I didn’t know what to expect and whether or not the production team decided to continue with these plans or stay true to the original story.
Recently completing a run as Juliet in Broadway’s Romeo and Juliet, Rachel Zegler was picked to be Snow White, sparking controversy on her portrayal because of her Colombian descent. Many Disney fans felt that the character should have fair white skin as in the cartoon, but Zegler’s strong singing talent and powerful acting proved
that she was the correct choice. In an interview with Allure, Ziegler stated her hopes for diversity in the film industry for the future.
“My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like,” Ziegler said.
Alongside Ziegler in a star-studded cast was Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Andrew Burnap as the love -interest named Jonathan and Martin Klebba as the dwarf Grumpy. However, Ziegler’s strong performance couldn’t uphold the entire film. A mixture of flat acting and poor music writing led to my eyes fluttering asleep at multiple moments.
The story starts off as usual with Snow White, orphaned early with the death of her royal parents, being kept within palace walls doing chores for her evil stepmother. When Jonathan, a striking bandit, steals bread for the hungry citizens beyond the gates, Snow White becomes inspired to continue her late father’s legacy and become a leader her kingdom can depend on.
This fearless persona was not found in the original 1937 Disney animation, where Snow White is softspoken, traditionally “feminine” and delicate. Online users have even given the original praise, saying it portrays “soft girls” around the world and they do not need every princess to be vocal and strong. This new take on the princess is an enlightening message for young girls that a princess can do more than be “saved” by a prince. However, she still ends up falling in love with Jonathan after what seems like meeting for just ten minutes, making the storyline feel rushed throughout.
I didn’t feel connected to any characters, as there was minimal development and many names to remember between the main characters, seven dwarfs and Jonathan’s group of bandits. No true message came through from the film and there was no need for the movie. I have never heard anyone beg for a live-action remake of a Disney classic and I wish that more time, effort and money was put towards new franchises and movies instead of recycling old successful content for more profit. The Snow White movie felt reused with added elements so producers could say they are more progressive, overall leading to a dull watch. Maybe little children will admire the cute animated critters, choreographed dances and new songs, but for anyone debating on going to the theater to watch the Disney classic, I would save your money.
Season 3 ‘White Lotus’ review
By Gabrielle Franklin
“The White Lotus” is a drama series on HBO, which was first released in 2021. Each season takes place at a luxurious White Lotus resort in a different location. The show follows a group of wealthy guests on vacation who, despite their intention to relax, often find things rarely going smoothly. Instead, their flaws and secrets are exposed, leading to drama and often, surprising consequences. Each season features a new set of characters, so you don’t need to have seen previous seasons to enjoy the current one. Season three of “The White Lotus” is set in Thailand. Right from the start, there’s a sense of unease, highlighted by images of monkeys that seem to be watching everything, hinting at hidden secrets. Here’s a breakdown of the first three episodes and if this season is worth the watch:
Episode 1: 5/5
Viewers are introduced to several groups of characters: The Ratliff Family: A wealthy family headed by a controlling father named Timothy (Jason Isaacs). The mother, Victoria (Parker Posey), shows indications of relying on pharmaceuticals. Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) is the arrogant favored son. Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) is an academically driven daughter who seeks independence from her family. Lochlan (Sam Nivola) is the youngest son and is easily influenced by his older brother.
Jacqueline (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Lori (Carrie Coon): A group of friends from college with a toxic dynamic. Jaqueline is a famous actress, Kate a wealthy wife, and Lori a financial outlier, all women feeling inferior to the other. Greg (Jon Gries) and Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon): Greg, a character who featured in the first two seasons, returns, now married to Chloe. This immediately raises questions amongst viewers, especially given his past involvement in a murder.
This episode introduces these characters and their potential conflicts, leaving you wanting to know more.
Episode 2: 4/5
THE LEOPARD - THE LEOPARDDRAMA DRAMA
This Italian drama is set in the 19th century and is intriguing to watch through the intricate costuming and detailed sets. The Leopard tells a story about the Prince of Salina, Don Fabrizio Corbera, who undergoes the experience of a changing Italian lifestyle during Garibaldi's conquest. There is only one season with six episodes that are each around one hour long. The show is easy to delve into, with twists and turns of romance, affairs and tragic family dynamics.
This episode dives deeper into the established dynamics of the characters. We gain further insight into the Ratliff family’s internal struggles, including Timothy’s legal troubles and the unequal treatment of his children. The complexities of the friendship between Lori, Jacqueline and Kate are further explored, revealing their two-faced nature and competitiveness. Rick’s mysterious past and his potential connection to Jim Hollinger, a man searching for the man who killed his father, are also brought into sharper focus. While the episode successfully creates character depth, the pacing felt a little bit slower at times.
Episode 3: 5/5
If I could give the latest episode, six out of five stars, I would. This episode is the calm before the storm, focusing on the idea that cracks are starting to appear in the relationships and storylines of various characters. Victoria’s dream about a tsunami symbolizes her subconscious awareness of a near disaster. The Ratliff family’s flaws are laid out and Rick’s potential quest for revenge for his father’s murder adds another layer of curiosity. The friendship between Lori, Jacqueline and Kate continues to unravel. Belinda, a healing apprentice at the resort,recognizes Greg from Hawaii’s White Lotus several years ago, causing him to feel threatened as she hints at a potential past romance. Gatuk, the hotel’s security guard, gains an ambition to become a bodyguard, leading him to potentially dangerous territory. The episode sets up future conflicts as well, particularly between Timothy and Rick, with eerie music heightening the suspense.
Season three of “The White Lotus” builds tension, creating a sense of anticipation that something important is about to unfold. The characters are complicated and flawed, making them relatable and engaging, while the show’s use of subtle clues adds depth and intrigues viewers. After the first three episodes, I can’t wait to watch more and highly recommend that everyone watch and enjoy as well.
cchampommier@redwoodbark.org gfranklin@redwoodbark.org
Shot in Montecito, California, the series has eight episodes, each under 40 minutes, about simple and practical hosting hacks. The show incorporates a casual and friendly feeling, with Meghan Markle explaining doit-yourself (DIY) projects for which she loves to surprise her guests. Friends and famous guests are invited to stay at her estate, where she shares her cooking, gardening and hosting knowledge. As a hostess, Markle shares ways to make visitors feel looked after and cared for during their stays. Overall, the show gives off a playful vibe, offering creative and thoughtful ways to make guests feel welcome. The show feels like you are conversing with a friend with the inclusion of Markle’s behind-the-scenes activities. The second season has finished filming and is expected to be released this fall.
RUNNING POINT - SPORTS RUNNING POINT - SPORTS COMEDY COMEDY
having to take over as president
a
caused her
shows she can defy the gender standards of the workplace, leading strongly as a woman while dealing with backlash from the players and other employees. Short and sweet, this series is only 10 episodes, each episode around 30 minutes long, making for a quick binge-watch. The series encapsulates the classic family drama with relatable aspects of sibling rivalry, romance, drama and comedy.
Running Point, starring Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, is a sports comedy with female empowerment. The storyline follows Gordon
of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team due to
major scandal that
brother to step down. Gordon
Photo courtesy of Disney
español español
Cocinando con Bark: Ceviche Peruano con plátanos
Por Kate Harrison
Historia
El ceviche, especialmente en Perú, se elabora desde hace tanto tiempo que se desconoce el origen exacto. Pero probablemente se elaboró por primera vez en Huanchaco, una pequeña ciudad de la costa de Perú habitada por la civilización Moche. La civilización floreció entre los años 100 y 800 D.C. en Perú. Los pescadores capturaban el pescado y se lo comían directamente del mar. A veces sazonaban el pescado con chile y algas o lo marinan en tumbo, que es similar al maracuyá y otros cítricos. No fue hasta la llegada de Colón a Latinoamérica en 1492, cuando los cítricos, como limas y limones, estuvieron
EL CEVICHE PERUANO es muy fácil de hacer y está delicioso en un día caluroso.
disponibles para su uso en el ceviche. También trajo cebolla y cilantro, ingredientes habituales del ceviche. A medida que el ceviche se extendió por el país, fue cambiando según las zonas geográficas. En la costa, es bastante sencillo: sólo pescado, lima y condimentos. En las zonas montañosas, se añaden camotes y maíz. El ceviche se considera uno de los platos nacionales de Perú y puede ser un aperitivo o un plato principal.
Ingredientes:
1 trozo grande de mahi mahi (o orta pescado blanco) 2 limones
2 limas
1 cebolla morada, finamente picado
1 jalapeno, finamente picado 1 cucharada de coriander
1 cucharadita de jengibre fresco
Sal al gusto
2-3 platanos
Aceite (suficiente para freír)
Proceso:
1. Lava y corta el pescado en dados medianos.
2. Corta los limones y las limas y exprime sobre el pescado.
3. Deja marinar el pescado con los cítricos durante 20 minutos en el refrigerador.
4. Mientras esperamos, pela los plátanos en tiras finas y los freí a fuego medio hasta que estén crujientes y de color amarillo oscuro.
5. Corta la cebolla y el jalapeño y añádelos al pescado. 6. Añadir el cilantro y la sal, luego mezclar.
7. ¡Servir con los plátanos! ¡Disfrute!
Resultados:
¡Este plato es delicioso y perfecto para el clima más cálido! El pescado es super fresco y los sabores se mezclan muy bien. Los plátanos añaden la cantidad perfecta de crujiente cuando se comen juntos. ¡Definitivamente voy a hacer esto en el futuro!
kharrison@redwoodbark.org
FRÍE LOS PLÁTANOS en aceite hasta que adquieran un color amarillo oscuro.
Actores italianos interpretan papeles latinoamericanos
Por Petra Novotny
El debate en torno a la autenticidad cultural en películas, específicamente en Hollywood, es un tópico controversial que ha aumentado en los últimos años progresivamente. Estas opciones de casting conducen a elogios y críticas a través de varias audiencias. Una práctica recurrente es elegir actores italianos para interpretar personajes latinos. Esta costumbre ha dado lugar a muchas conversaciones sobre la autenticidad, la representación y la autenticidad apropiadas para la comunidad latinoamericana. Pero también plantea la pregunta: ¿qué significa ser actor?
La tradición de elegir actores italianos para papeles latinos se debe principalmente a la falta de actores latinos. Pero la industria del cine también favorece las estrellas renombradas en lugar de la representación auténtica. Por ejemplo, Scarface, publicado en 1983, fue protagonizado por Al Pacino — posiblemente uno de los mejores actores de todo tiempo — también conocido por su papel como Michael en Godfather. En Scarface, Pacino fue retratado como un narcotraficante cubano que vive en Miami. Una década después en “Carlito ‘s Way”, Pacino interpretó a Carlito, un ex convicto puertorriqueño que intenta una vida salida de delitos tras salir de prisión. Algunas personas no ven ningún problema en que los italianos interpreten personajes latinos, especialmente bien respetados actores como Pacino. Este argumento sostiene que el propósito de actuar es para impresionar a alguien completamente diferente de ti. Pero de lo contrario, hay limitaciones a este pensamiento y la práctica anticuada puede ser conservadora y poco ética.
La idea principal de actuar es transformarse en un personaje. Haciendo esto, los actores no se aprenden un
guión; dejan atrás su propia identidad aprendiendo nuevas manierismos, actitudes y perspectivas. Ya sea un personaje ficticio, un asesino o alguien con una visión del mundo radicalmente diferente, el trabajo de un actor es encarnar y sumergirse en el papel para transmitir una actuación creíble. Maria Civano es profesora de español en Redwood y cree que los papeles latinos deberían ser interpretados por los actores latinos, ya que esto ofrece oportunidades a comunidades subrepresentadas. Pero también ve dos lados del dilema.
La tradición de elegir actores italianos para papeles latinos se debe principalmente a la falta de actores latinos.
“Tiene que haber una persona que sepa los acentos, que conozca los acentos de los latinoamericanos, porque somos todos diferentes, y que controle si no van a usar una persona que es latina, que haya una persona a cargo que controle que el acento sea correcto, que no fue lo que pasó,” Civano said.
“Tengo dos emociones. Una es la parte donde hay suficientes actores que son latinoamericanos, americanos que han nacido aquí, como los mexicanos americanos, por ejemplo.”
Pero también reconoce que con la preparación adecuada, los actores italianos pueden cumplir sus papeles.
A la larga, Civano cree que un actor experto con el entrenamiento dialectal puede tener éxito, asegurando que quede la autenticidad cultural. Pero también es importante notar que muchas películas populares de los años 80s que eligieron actores italianos para papeles latinos no tenían el mismo conocimiento cultural que hay hoy en día.
“No sabía cómo un puertorriqueño hablaba si yo no conocía un puertorriqueño. No sabía sí ya ahora que es global y que hay gente de YouTube Tik Tok habla ahora lo escuchas más pero en los 80 no no había,” Civano said. Con tantísimos recursos en el mundo actual, no hay excusa para acentos incorrectos o películas inauténticas. El debate sobre la autenticidad cultural sigue siendo un asunto complejo y en evolución. Mientras que actuar se trata fundamentalmente de transformación, muchos discuten que la representación y exactitud no deben ser sacrificados al ser entregado a estrellas. Históricamente, no tenían el mismo conocimiento sobre la cultura latina. Pero, en el mundo conectado globalmente, muchas personas creen que no hay motivo para la representación incorrecta.
Foto por Kate Harrison
PICAR LAS CEBOLLAS y añadirlas al pescado.
Poto por Kate Harrison
Foto por Kate Harrison
Ilustración de Lucy Jeffers pnovotny@redwoodbark.org
sports sports
Winter sports recap
By Jake Post
Boys’ basketball
Leading Redwood basketball to its first NCS championship game in history and taking home his second MCAL championship, coach Jay DeMaestri had a milestone year, eclipsing 100 wins with the Giants. Ending the season with a record of 22-8, and an MCAL league record of 7-1, the boys finished the season ranked fiftythird in California according to MaxPreps. MCAL Player of the Year was given to Redwood senior Semetri “TT” Carr and seniors Brennan Woodley and Simon Leonard honorable mentions.
Girls’ basketball
The Giants jumped up 59 spots this season to end up ranked 52nd in California. Their final record tallied at 24-10 with an undefeated league record, placing first in the regular season and taking home the MCAL championship. Their season in MCAL was nothing short of dominant, with all of their MCAL playoff wins by more than 18 points. The girls also made an NCS run, placing third. Junior Kitty White, senior Maya Saibel and junior Brooke Denler were all given the first team all-league achievement.
Bayon siblings break decades-old records
By Morgan Sicklick
Boys’ soccer
Taking home another MCAL title in a thriller, boys’ soccer had yet another staggering season with a record of 8-35. Placing second in the MCAL regular season, the team held a record of 5-1-3. This year's big wins for the team included a 3-2 against Woodcreek, a 2-1 victory over Terra Linda and a 3-2 win vs. Archie Williams. Senior Sam Gersch and junior Kamran Madani were named to the first team. Seniors Masa Fujita and John Anderluh earned second-team honors and Eddie Diaz, Ben Sherry and Ike Gebhard received honorable mention.
SENIOR FORWARD SARAH Farese dribbles through defenders, trying to take the lead.
Wrestling
PLAYERS MASA FUJITA, Ben Sherry and Oren Weingarten share their perspectives on the second half game plan.
Girls’ soccer
Redwood came up just short of taking the MCAL pennant home, losing 1-0 (6-5) to Tamalpais High School in penalty kicks. Despite this, they ended up having a great season with a record of 12-3-6. They finished the regular season second in the league with a record of 5-0-3. Their season ended with a close loss to Miramonte in the first round of NCS. The Giants’ AllLeague players included MCAL Player of the Year senior Sarah Farese, senior Tessa Marshall making first team, sophomore Teagan McCormick, sophomore Evie Dickerson, senior Ava Walkeryee making second team and sophomore Addison Ryba given honorable mention.
“If you want something, you have to set a goal. You have to see the end first, then work towards it,” senior Antonio Bayon said after competing in the pole vault event at the track and field meet on Mar. 20 against San Rafael High School and Novato High School while setting the new school record in the event after jumping 15 feet and four-and-a-half inches. The old record holder jumped 15 feet and four inches, but Antonio Bayon properly prepared himself to set the new record.
Antonio Bayon wasn’t the only Redwood student who broke a record this past week. His sister, sophomore Julia Bayon, broke the school record in the 100-meter dash after running an incredible 12.00 second race at a track meet at San Ramon Valley High School on Mar. 22. The old record holder ran an astonishing 12.03 second race in 1979, but that was no match for Julia Bayon.
“I’ve been doing track since I was really young and it’s always been a really big passion of mine. My dad has always pushed me and my siblings really hard to do the best we can in our sports,” Julia Bayon said.
For Antonio Bayon to break the pole vault record, he first had to set a goal for the meet and try to achieve it. He set his goal a little over the original school record to try and take the title, but taking that title took more than just after-school practices. Antonio Bayon spends four hours a week practicing for just pole vault but over 20 hours a week training for track.
“I realized that I needed to do something every day in order to [achieve my goal]. Even if you want to take a break, [it has] to be purposeful,” Antonio Bayon said.
Both siblings put a lot of time and effort into their training, taking the term studentathlete to a whole new level.
“I trained as much as I could to take the title. I train basically six days a week if we don’t have meets,” Julia Bayon said.
Not only is this type of training physically demanding, but mentally as well. Sticking to one goal can be mentally challenging when it takes time and time again to achieve it. Antonio Bayon stuck to one saying that allowed him to keep training and stick to his goal.
“It’s important to stay positive and work hard for something you want to achieve,” Antonio Bayon said.
If anyone listened to Antonio Bayon’s saying about the importance of working hard and staying positive, it would be his sister Julia Bayon. This is her first season back after battling an injury last season and being out the entirety of it.
“This accomplishment means a lot to me because I was injured for all of last season and this is my first season coming back. I think it really shows all the work that I’ve put into it and being able to accomplish this so early in the season,” Julia Bayon said.
As Antonio Bayon competes for his final year on the track team and Julia Bayon competes for her second year on the track team, she reminisces the times that her and her brother spent together and the lessons she has learned from him.
“My brother is such a huge example for me,” Julia Bayon said. “I don’t think I would be as good as I am without him being a great role model to me.”
msicklick@redwoodbark.org
BRENNAN WOODLEY BRINGS the ball up the court during a home game against Marin Catholic.
Photo by Graham Weir
SOPHOMORE BEATRICE NASS aggressively fights for a loose rebound under the hoop.
Photo by Lucy Miller
Photo by Jake Post
JULIA BAYON SHOWS off a winning wrestling belt after becoming the record holder in the 100-meter dash at the Big Cat Meet two weeks before she broke the school record on Mar. 22.
Photo courtesy of Redwood XC and Track Instagram
ANTONIO BAYON PERFECTLY clears the 15-foot 4.5 inch high pole after training for months to break the school record.
Photo by Dutch Howard
The wrestling team placed second as a team at the MCAL championships, with five first-place winners, two third place winners and a fourth place winner. seven out of eight athletes qualified for the NCS playoffs, and as a team they placed 22 out of 91 with three medalists.
FRESHMAN AYAN NASEER works to pin this opponent to the ground at the first day of the NCS tournament.
Photo courtesy of Redwood Wrestling Instagram
Photo by Jake Post
Meet the captains What has been the most memorable part of your high school sports career?
By Mason Garbo and Owen McDaniels
Boys’ varsity tennis
Left to right: Liam Martinez, Roshan Kapur, Tug Ricordel
“My most memorable time was the group tournament we participated in down in Palo Alto. We were bonding really well and it was just a great experience, being with a bunch of guys that are so enthusiastic about tennis,” senior Tug Ricordel said.
Boys’ and girls’ varsity swim
Left to right: Owen Pritchard, Morgan Sicklick, Charlie Scott, Izzy Babb, Oliver Rogers
Not pictured: Annabelle Kilgore, Sara Jordan, Lukas Knauer
“My most favorite memory of swimming is practicing as a team, playing as a team and winning as a team,” senior Owen Pritchard said.
Boys’ varsity track
Left to right: Holden Turner, Antonio Bayon
“Last year in MCAL’s, I won three events, qualified for state and this was just an all around cool and unforgettable year,” senior Antonio Bayon said.
“Winning MCAL’s was definitely my most memorable experience on the track team,” senior Holden Turner said.
Boys’ varsity volleyball
Left to right: Evan Wang, Jack Alley, Beckett Shewey
“My most memorable experience was beating International,” senior Beckett Shewey said.
“My most memorable experience was finishing off our undefeated season last year after not winning the championship my first two years I was on the team,” senior Jack Alley said.
Boys’ varsity baseball
Left to right: Sam Gersch, Matthew Knauer
“My favorite memory was playing at Oracle [Park]. Being able to be in the dugout, on the well-maintained field and getting the overall professional experience,” senior Sam Gersch said.
“Closing out the MCAL championship against San Marin in front of 2,000 people was special,” senior Matthew Knauer said.
Boys’ varsity golf
Left to right: Jack Mount, Brody Root
“My favorite moment during my high school golf career was winning MCAL’s my sophomore year,” senior Brody Root said.
Boys’ varsity lacrosse
Left to right, top: Graham Weir, Reed Werner, Luke Tempero, Cameron Momsen
Left to right, bottom: Hayden Donehower, Jack Anderson, John Anderluh
“Last year I scored my first goal against De La Salle in the NCS semifinals,” senior John Anderluh said.
Girls’ varsity track
Left to right: Marley Nacco, Jenna Beauchamp
“My most memorable experience was winning MCAL’s for the past two years,” senior Marley Nacco said.
Girls’ varsity lacrosse
Left to right: Presley Pewitt, Sadie Hann
“[My favorite memory is] when we beat MC last year in MCAL’s in double overtime and we had four players down,” senior Presley Pewitt said.
“Bonding and laughing on all of our long bus rides with my teammates [are my most memorable moments],” senior Sadie Hann said.
Girls’ varsity softball
Left to right: Makaila Eller, Hailey Carlton
“My most memorable moment during my softball career was winning MCAL’s my sophomore year,” senior Hailey Carlton said.
“A walkout triple to beat Petaluma 6-4 this year,” senior Makaila Eller said.
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Photo by Owen McDaniels
Sports Spotlight: Charlotte Philkill masters the pool, trail and dojo
By Morgan Sicklick
In an era where most athletes dedicate themselves to specializing in one sport, senior Charlotte Philkill has taken a different approach—excelling in multiple disciplines that test endurance, strength and mental resilience. Whether she’s racing on a mountain bike, leading her team in the pool or practicing martial arts, Philkill’s commitment to pushing herself to the limit is undeniable. With impressive achievements in mountain biking, water polo, swimming and taekwondo, she has made a name for herself as one of Redwood’s most versatile athletes.
“I feel like [all the sports I do] contribute to each other. I wouldn’t be able to commit to just one because I get bored. I like doing all of them,” Philkill said.
Philkill’s athletic journey began at a young age, influenced by her family and a natural curiosity to try new sports. She picked up mountain biking early on but didn’t start competing until her freshman year of high school. By her sophomore year, she joined the Bear Mountain Biking National Team and the Redwood Mountain Biking Team, her first experiences with competitive racing.
water polo — though not in the way she expected. Originally, she hoped to play volleyball, but after not making Redwood’s team, she turned to water polo as a way to stay active. Already a strong swimmer, she quickly adapted to the sport and made the varsity team by sophomore year.
“A few of my friends recommended water polo to me as a freshman, so I tried out, never touching a ball before, and made the team. I found it really fun to do, so sophomore year, I took a leap and decided to try out for varsity, not expecting that I would make it, but I did,” Philkill said.
Senior Annabelle Kilgore has played water polo and swam with Philkill since they were freshmen. She spoke to Philkill’s hard work and cheerfulness in water polo.
She is truly one of the most joyful and determined people that I know.
Annabelle Kilgore, senior
“As an individual, [Philkill] rarely ever missed a practice, worked hard in every drill and relentlessly pushed herself to ask questions and understand plays,” Kilgore said. “She didn’t just bring skills to our team, but every single time she walked onto the pool deck, whether it was for swimming or water polo, she had a smile on her face and a positive attitude.”
polo, she values the problem-solving aspects and the trust between teammates, especially in high-pressure moments.
“My dad was a mountain biker, so he was the one that got me into it,” Philkill said. “I began to travel a lot for competitive races, got good coaches and experienced great races.”
Prior to riding a mountain bike, Philkill was introduced to taekwondo, instantly finding a passion for the sport at just five years old, and eventually becoming a third-degree black belt.
“I started taekwondo at a very young age, but I just kept going back and I really liked it. I worked my way up to receive a first-degree black belt at 11 to now a third-degree black belt,” Philkill said.
Like many children in Marin, she started swimming at a young age, competing with Tidalwaves Swim Club. That experience eventually led her to try
While mountain biking, taekwondo, swimming and water polo might seem vastly different, Philkill sees strong connections between them.
“A lot of mountain biking when you’re training is low zone: keeping your heart rate down and going at a faster pace. I feel like that’s really applicable because that’s what you want to do when you are swimming,” Philkill said.
Her experience in mountain biking has helped her develop controlled breathing and pacing, which translates well into swimming. Meanwhile, the explosive power needed for mountain biking sprints and taekwondo matches has enhanced her ability to perform under pressure in water polo.
Philkill found a deep camaraderie in team sports like water polo and the Redwood mountain biking team. In water
“Figuring stuff out as a team, even without the coaches and lifting each other up and believing in each other creates that team spirit that I enjoy,” Philkill said. “When we’re in the water and we have a hard game, we have to rely on each other [which] makes a really special bond.”
In mountain biking, the team offers a more relaxed and adventurous environment, allowing Philkill to push herself while also having fun exploring new trails.
“It’s a highlight of my week,” Philkill said. “What I like about it is that it isn’t the same route every single time I go out and ride. There’s always something new or funny that’s happening.”
As she looks ahead, Philkill plans to continue mountain biking at the collegiate level. Depending on where she attends, she’s also open to joining a club water polo team. Reflecting on her
athletic journey, she believes one of the most valuable lessons she has learned is the importance of pushing past mental barriers—an ability that has shaped her success across all her sports.
“Everyone has fears that we create in our heads. Instead of letting them stop you, acknowledge them and push past them. Apply yourself—don’t let fear hold you back from trying. And if you fail, do it again,” Philkill said.
Reminiscing about her senior year, Philkill feels proud of the progress she’s made—not just in terms of results, but in personal growth and resilience.
“The results weren’t always exactly what I wanted, but competing in so many different sports was a huge learning curve,” Philkill said. “I learned so much from everything I did and there were moments that made all the hard work worth it.”
With her unwavering determination and love for competition, Philkill leaves a legacy of hard work, versatility and fearless ambition, making her a true inspiration for future Redwood athletes.
“She could single-handedly lift our team spirit,” Kilgore said. “I’m lucky to have had her as a friend and teammate for water polo and swimming these past four years. She is truly one of the most joyful and determined people that I know.”
PHILKILL ADMIRES HER senior poster for water polo created by her fellow teammates after being on the varsity team for three years.
Photo by Evelyn Harper COMING
jump at the 2024 Pan-American Championship international race, Philkill pulls her weight back to land.
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Philkill
LOOKING TOWARDS THE goal, Philkill, in black, who had seven combined goals and assists, uses her strength to boost out of the water and take a shot at goal.
Photo by Evelyn Harper
Alumni lacrosse network creates a long-lasting program
By Kate Barker
Beginning in September last year, the Redwood lacrosse program began a push towards connecting alumni back to the school, hoping to ensure the continuity and legacy of the program. In the past, nothing has linked graduates to the lacrosse program, and there’s been no way for these alumni to give back. Now, class of 2017 Redwood graduate Jack Elders has planted the seeds of an alumni network by emailing past students and collecting feedback on the extent to which alumni would like to get involved.
The lacrosse alumni network now allows graduates to help fundraise for the current program, work as assistant coaches and grow the program's interconnectedness. It can even extend beyond helping students at Redwood.
SINCE HIS LACROSSE days
in 2019, Zach
early 2020, 2021 and 2024 to help coach and inspire players on and off the field.
“[The network can be] a resource for guys who graduate and are looking for jobs or want advice. Just having people you can always reach out to that share the same kind of Redwood lacrosse experience,” Elders said.
Another goal for the network is to give current players a broader view of their sport than their current high school experience.
“Culture continuity is probably the biggest thing for me. There are thousands of players that have come before you, worn the same jersey, worn the same number [and] lived kind of the same life as you. Some have done it in a great way, so [I want] to continue those traditions as much as possible,” Elders said.
Multiple alumni players have stepped in to coach the lacrosse teams as a result of the network. Class of 2022 graduate Lucas Ross returned to be an assistant coach for this year’s varsity team to support the current players and give back to the program that meant so much to him in high school.
“I'm only three years older than the oldest kids on the team, so I want to be able to relate to them as a younger person but also have a little more maturity and experience,” Ross said.
Zach Thoma, co-head coach of junior varsity lacrosse and 2019 graduate, wants to use his influence as a coach to run successful practices, ensure his players' success on and off the field and emphasize the importance of having fun.
“It’s great to be around the program again. Most of the coaches have stayed the same throughout, so I think the overall brotherhood of the program is amazing. It's always fun to come help out, even if it's [just] two hours at night,” Thoma said.
The other co-head coach of junior varsity, 2010 graduate Adam Rosenthal, seeks to create a community where the kids care about each other and feel supported.
“I think mentorship and guidance for young men in particular right now is really important. I think especially in Marin, there's so much pressure and expectations on people, whether academically, athletically, socially or family-related stuff,” Rosenthal said. “I think that having adults who know what it's like to be in that world and who have navigated the ups and the downs to support the kids and make sure they feel cared for [is essential].”
LUCAS ROSS PLAYED on the varsity lacrosse team in 2022. “[Now, as a coach, I want] to support the players any way I can, make them better every day and make sure they’re having fun,” Ross said.
it was officially dedicated to the class of 2011 Redwood lacrosse player Ben Rosenthal, who passed away five years ago. Going forward, the lacrosse program will hold an annual “Ben Rosenthal Memorial Alumni game.” The game will forevermore celebrate his life and honor his impact at Redwood. In December, this first annual game drew alumni dating back to 2013 into a match against the current high school players.
The alumni network will continue to honor those who have come to Redwood before and give back to the current players by bridging the distance of time and connecting the community under the foundation of lacrosse.
The alumni game is the final way the network interweaves current and past players. As of last December, kbarker@redwoodbark.org
Girls’ flag football could ‘touchdown’ next fall
By Paige Edelen
“I think it’s so important that women have the same opportunities as men do, and it’s so amazing that our school is helping that happen in Marin,” Katie Malas, a junior at Terra Linda High School and center on the girls’ flag football team, said.
Terra Linda completed its second year with a team this past fall, playing 20 games between September and November. They played opponents in Marin and throughout the Bay Area, such as Novato, San Marin, San Rafael, Analy and Rancho Cotate. In February of 2023, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) made flag football an official high school sport, leading teams to form across the state — including at Redwood.
Sophomores Lauren Van Dusen and Juliet McNamara recently began promoting a girls’ flag football team. They had always been interested in the sport and took action last November.
“My sister did [Klassy Kickoff] and our friend who goes to Saint Ignatius High School was on the flag football team there. They both had the best time, so we wondered, ‘Why doesn’t our school have flag football?’” Van Dusen said.
The girls met with athletic director Jessica Peisch in December to discuss forming a team, and they organized a meeting for interested students in January.
“We had the informational meeting to gain traction and had a lot of support: the classroom was full,” Van Dusen said.
Although this is more than enough students to form a team, 50 sign ups are necessary to go to the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) for funding.
Van Dusen and McNamara have been working to boost interest, including hanging posters in hallways and talking to friends. However, aside from the current group of 31 girls, the pair has had difficulty gaining interest from students.
“It’s hard to get the word out to everyone. As sophomores, it’s easy to go up to friends in class and explain this cool thing we’re trying to start, but it’s a lot harder to get upperclassmen interested enough to join,” McNamara said.
Peisch, who has been working with Van Dusen and McNamara, explained the next phase: involving TUHSD.
“The next step would be talking to the district and looking into the funding aspect of adding another sport in the fall. Our district is currently decreasing enrollment, so involving [them] would examine what it would look like to add another team, [which] may require eliminating another team,” Peisch said.
The district's funding would include money for referees, facility rentals, jerseys and other equipment. The criteria for adding a new sport involves multiple steps. First, it must be approved by CIF, and there must be interest from the community or students, both of which have already occurred. The sport must also, when possible, be of interest to all schools in the district and be available for all genders; however, flag football would be added as a girls’ sport only, and as of now, only at Redwood. Lastly, the district must be able to financially support the team.
Tamalpais and Archie Williams high schools do not currently have flag football teams, but San Rafael, San Marin and Terra Linda do. However, the participation from these three schools, including Redwood, still does not meet the requirements for the sport to become part of the Marin County Athletic League. The team would instead play in a non-MCAL league, likely with the other Marin schools that played last year.
“If there are five schools [participating] for three years, then it becomes an MCAL league. There is [also] a North Coast Section; this was the first year that [flag football] had a postseason,” Peisch said.
Van Dusen and McNamara are eager to start and have
high hopes for the team.
“The first season, in my eyes, [will be] pretty competitive. We want to start very strong, maybe even hold tryouts, depending on how many people come. We want to come out excited and committed,” McNamara said.
Beyond competing for wins, Van Dusen and McNamara are also fighting for athletic equality.
“I want more people to get interested in girls’ sports at Redwood. If we can get this started in the fall, then hopefully we can build a community, meet new people and support girls’ sports more,” McNamara said.
pedelen@redwoodbark.org
at Redwood
Thoma has returned in
Photo courtesy of Zach Thoma
Photo courtesy of Lucas Ross
SENIORS SCREAM LOUDLY for their teammates while senior coaches Ashlin Quach and Ronan Ralston celebrate in the air.
Photo by Angelina Purvey
lifestyles lifestyles
Paddy O’Leary races toward greatness
By Isabelle Davis
Whether tackling the Dipsea Race, researching cancer treatment or creating short films, Patrick “Paddy” O’Leary is always pushing boundaries and inspiring others. In 2023, at age 35, the oncologist, film producer and former national Ireland Lacrosse player won the 112th running of the Dipsea Race. The Dipsea Race is 7.4 miles and the oldest trail race in America; he won with a time of 47:23. The year before he placed second.
“When I moved to San Francisco in 2013 at the age of 25, I found my way back into running through the Marin and San Francisco trail running community,” O’Leary said. “The San Francisco Running Company had big group runs so I joined them and fell in love with trail running. Then, I realized that [I was good] enough at [running to make something of it], and it kind of snowballed from there.”
Growing up in Dublin, Ireland, O’Leary began running at a young age
because his dad was a runner and a crosscountry coach. In his college years and up until his 20s, he played for the Irish national lacrosse team, where he had a successful career. Later, he switched gears to fulltime trail running when he moved to the United States for a postdoctoral research position at the University of California, San Francisco. For several years, O’Leary attempted to get a spot in the Dipsea race, which is a lottery system. But it took him until 2019, which ended up being one of his favorite races ever.
“[In my first race,] I had 1400 people ahead of me. [I thought to myself,] ‘How are you going to pass all these people when there’s traffic, a single track and poison oak everywhere? How are you gonna catch everyone?’ But I ended up passing like 900 people, came in 499th and won the runner section. It was the proudest top 500 position I’ve ever had,” O’Leary said.
After running the Dipsea four times, he plans to take on the course again this year on June 8.
“[My first Dipsea] made me fall in love with the race: the chaos of it, getting to run with 8-year-olds up to 80-year-olds, men and women and everyone competing. It’s a really fun event. The [entire] community comes in behind [you], like when you go up and crest over Cardiac Hill, the energy up there and at the finish line is unparalleled,” O’Leary said.
Senior cross-country and track athlete Marley Nacco has run the Dipsea seven times and is inspired by O’Leary’s drive and athletic ability.
“He is the definition of a Dipsea runner: super determined, positive and humble. I wouldn’t want anybody else to win the Dipsea because he is so deserving of it. He’s a great guy, and he’s so upbeat,”
Nacco said. “My favorite part of the Dipsea is getting passed by him.”
O’Leary ran in the Invitational section of the race the year he won, so due to the staggered start times for each group, he passed people of all ages.
“The year I ended up winning [the Dipsea], I went out irresponsibly fast at the start and was on the edge of maybe going too fast, blowing up completely, and having to walk the rest of it. I think I [walked] that line perfectly, [though]; I think that gave me the advantage,” O’Leary said.
The Dipsea Race is capped at 1,500 runners and has no age requirements. Many Redwood students participate, whether running or hiking the race or completing the trail on their own time. According to the March Bark survey, 65 percent of Redwood students would be interested in running or walking the Dipsea race once in their lives.
“It’s a really hard race, but the environment is super upbeat and joyful, and everyone is so positive. It’s seven miles of everybody working together, even though it is a race,” Nacco said.
Not only does O’Leary crush the Dipsea, but he has also qualified for the Irish Mountain Running team in three world championships.
“In 2015, I started doing Ultra races, competitive shorter trail races and my first marathon. And in 2016, I started to run with the North Face, and then two years later, I qualified for the Irish team, so I got to do my first World Championships. I have been fortunate to compete in three World Championships: in Spain (2018), in Argentina (2019) and in Thailand (2022). This year, I’m going to do the trials for the team, and then hopefully qualify for the World Championships in the Pyrenees in
O’LEARY REACHES A footbridge at mile six after descending hundreds of stairs in the Steep Ravine.
September,” O’Leary said.
Sophomore cross-country and track athlete Justin Shern has run the Dipsea Race three times and is a fan of O’Leary. “I remember when he passed me; it was honestly kind of amazing just to see how strong he was. He was running impressively fast while we were still going uphill,” Shern said. “From [his] speech and just seeing the way he held himself after the race, he seemed humble, super nice and [like] a great guy. That’s why he’s part of the Dipsea running community and the running community here in Marin as well.”
idavis@redwoodbark.org
Draped in purple, rooted in love: Barbara Meislin
Former teacher offers wisdom about gratitude and mindset
By Lucy Jeffers
If you’ve ever crossed paths with her, you’d remember her extravagant appearance—but chances are, you don’t know her name. She is the enigmatic woman of Tiburon, dressed every day in purple from head to toe: a walking vision of vibrancy and warmth. To those who don’t know her, she’s simply “The Purple Lady.” Barbara Meislin has devoted herself for decades to a singular mission: spreading joy wherever she goes.
In moments when the world needs it most, Meislin’s presence is a beacon of gratitude and peacefulness. A woman whose personal outlook is one of unwavering optimism, Meislin has learned that the best way to find joy is simply to keep looking for it in different places, and of course, to keep sharing it.
Meislin was Redwood High School’s first French and Spanish teacher when it opened in 1958. While teaching, she became pregnant with her first child, Lori.
“The child that I was pregnant with when I was teaching at Redwood unfortunately had a serious, very rare illness and died at seven,” Meislin said.
This tragedy, along with the loss of her brother to cancer, prompted Meislin to create the Library of Hope at the Hospice of Marin, a service that provides resources to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Losing her daughter caused Meislin
to reflect on her systems of processing tragedy. To instill hope in anyone struggling to process their hardships, she wrote a book titled “No One Can Ever Steal Your Rainbow.” Meislin emphatically tells readers that the good inside them remains untouchable, unwavering in any situation.
“We all have things that hit us in life that we don’t expect, but we still have to find joy in life and share it with other people,” Meislin said.
Another enduring gift given in her late daughter’s honor is a congenial gazebo in Tiburon’s McKegney Park near the bike path, where people often stop for a few minutes to bask in the serene ambiance. The gazebo, which looks out onto the graceful stillness of San Francisco Bay, is a physical representation of one of Meislin’s core beliefs: everyone in the world often overlooks the value of taking time to be present and grateful.
“Be aware of how many people are suffering throughout the world and how fortunate we are here. We are blessed in what we have in this county,” Meislin said. “There are
many people who don’t have [luxuries], so do something for somebody else every day and be very aware of saying thank you.”
A great source of joy for Meislin is music. After she heard someone playing guitar at Del Mar Middle School, she knew she had to learn how to play, and her passion for music eventually brought her to teach guitar at Dominican University.
This prompted her love for writing and performing French music all over Marin County. Though Meislin has had a long, multifaceted career in music, she summarizes its purpose quite simply.
“Music has just been a constant part of my life and it gives me great joy,” said Meislin.
To further share the delight that music brings her, she is a longtime volunteer at Bread & Roses, where she helps give marginalized groups access to free, live performances. Dave Perron, Executive Director of the organization, has had the opportunity to work closely with Meislin and notes how her passion for music has helped the community profoundly.
“Barbara has
been a tireless force in our efforts to bring music to new audiences. She understands the power—sometimes therapeutically— that music can bring, and she just wants to get that to as many people as possible,” Perron said.
If you’re still wondering where all the purple fits in, you have to understand that it isn’t just a fashion choice; it’s a lifestyle.
“Colors, through the energy of their wavelengths, have a certain effect on the body and psyche,” Meislin said. “Purple gives joy. It’s a way to connect with other people.”
In a world that is becoming more and more fragmented, a reminder to connect couldn’t come at a better time. Nowhere is this better displayed than at a playground in a small village in Israel called Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam—meaning Oasis of Peace, in Hebrew and Arabic—where 50 Israeli and Palestinian families have lived together for years to show that peace is possible. Barbara Meislin created this playground in honor of her daughter, Lori. At that time, neither of them was aware of the infectious and vital joy that their lives, short and long, would eventually create together.
Learn from Meislin and find something in every day for which you are grateful. ljeffers@redwoodbark.org
Photo courtesy of Tony DiPasquale
Photo courtesy of Thomas D’Anieri
Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Knight
Behind the scenes Russell Earl transforms visual effects
By Vivi Endler
Recently celebrating his 30th anniversary with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), visual effects supervisor and Redwood parent Russell Earl has been nominated for 50 awards and has brought home 13 of them for his work in movies like “Avengers,” “Star Trek,” “Transformers” and more.
Earl grew up in a small town just outside of Boston. In high school, Earl worked in the woodshop program, which fostered his interest in industrial design.
“When I was in high school, they had a very unique woodshop program [that] was more like an apprenticeship. When I wasn’t in class, I was spending my spare time in the woodshop building hands-on furniture, which was one thing that drew me to industrial design,” Earl said. “I was always interested in trying to figure out how to make things work; I would take things apart and put them back together. I had a book of the behind-the-scenes work on Star Wars when I was a kid and when I was in college, I knew I wanted to do that [for a living].”
Earl attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for college, initially looking to study architecture. After he visited RISD, he discovered industrial design, a more niche field that also appealed to his interests and chose to pursue that instead.
In college, Earl applied for an internship in Los Angeles, seeking out a hands-on opportunity for special effects in a more professional atmosphere.
“I got an internship when I was in college and they were doing computer screen graphics for this movie called
Art Spotlight: Bella Beach
By Grace Gehrman
Advanced Placement (AP) Art student Bella Beach creates complex narratives through clay and canvas, using different mediums to convey themes of pop culture and social commentary. Specializing in painting and sculptural ceramics, Beach has been working with a variety of techniques since she was little.
“My first memory of doing art was in preschool. I vividly remember making a little heart-shaped collage for Valentine’s Day and cutting out pieces of fabric and colorful paper to fit the card. I remember the feeling it gave me, of finally being able to do something I enjoyed,” Beach said. “I [would] sit down, make crafts and forget my worries of having to do anything else.”
Beach’s favorite types of art are Baroque, a style that originated in Rome and was popular in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; Neoclassicism, popularized in the following two centuries and focuses on classical orientations of balance and order; and realism, committed to depicting authenticity.
“My art is heavily inspired by how I view others in my everyday life and how I view myself. I tend to create art that reflects femininity, specifically through the lens of my adolescence, and selfdiscovery that I am currently facing. I lean toward showing what emotions look like to me, usually
Patriot Games. When I got there, they said, ‘Okay, there’s a desk,’ but nobody gave me anything to do. I took it upon myself to look at what they were doing and learn,” Earl said. “I started [working on the same visual effects as them] and then showing people, [asking for their input]. The two guys that were doing the same job [as me] didn’t have an art background so I was just bringing something different to the mix and [the company] ended up using the stuff I was working on.”
Inspired by this work in industrial design and furniture building, Earl applied for a job at Trumbull Company as a traditional model maker. Earl described the creator of the company, Doug Trumbull, as the “grandfather of visual effects,” teaching him skills to advance his experience that brought him to his current position at Industrial Light & Magic.
Famous filmmaker and philanthropist George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, founded Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in 1975. This year, Earl is celebrating his 30th anniversary with ILM.
“[George Lucas], at the time, started hiring people to make spaceships [that] looked like they were in space and battle. He built his company for that. Then, when the company was successful, he started getting his friends like Steven Spielberg and other directors to use [ILM] to work on those movies,” Earl said. “A lot of [popular] movies have visual effects in them, especially early films like “Jurassic Park” and “The Terminator,” [which] were ILM. [ILM] has been around for a long time, sort of building up and changing. When I first started, there were maybe 80 or 100 people there and now we’ve got five offices [around the world].”
As the company has grown, Earl has had the privilege of representing his team at award ceremonies.
“I’m lucky that I get to represent hundreds of artists that work on these movies. It’s a combined effort, [but] I was fortunate enough to represent the team for the first Transformers movie, which was pretty well received. It ended up getting an Academy Award nomination, so that was exciting and particularly special,” Earl said.
A variety of computer programming classes are offered at Redwood, teaching students an introduction to different technologies. Computer Programming 1-2 and Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles, co-led by Nicholas Sullivan-Friedman, assist the class in building projects they’re interested in, making it an individualized and flexible class. Computer programming classes are a way to build experience with technology and visual effects, which can lead to a career like Earl’s later in life.
“The computational thinking practices that I try to build for my students are extremely applicable to the kinds of workflows that you develop when doing visual special effect creation,” Sullivan-Friedman said. “If students have an interest in [visual effects], they are able to dive deeper into them and then build projects, leveraging what they’re
with vibrant colors and rounded shapes,” Beach said.
When gravitating toward the flow state, a state of mind artists reach when their focus is entirely captivated by their work, Beach likes that she can be detailoriented while also preserving her natural creativity.
“My favorite thing about doing art is the focus and attention it takes and the joy it gives me,” Beach said. “I love paying attention to the little details because that alone frees me from stress and worry.”
learning to specifically learn more about those topics in [AP Computer Science Principles]. I definitely foresee a couple of my AP Computer Science Principles students leaning into animations or doing particle effect building at a low programming level next year.”
Earl thoroughly enjoys his career path and where his life journey has taken him.
“For me, I just like working with different teams of people and trying to put good work up on the screen, but at the same time still having fun and not taking it too seriously,” Earl said.
For aspiring visual effect artists, Earl believes that an optimistic attitude is the way to achieve your goals.
“No matter what you’re given, just do your best. Try your best and do the best job you can do. Whatever it is, have a good attitude and learn as much as you can absorb. Find people that you can talk to and trust. There are no dumb questions. Learning and doing your best, having a good attitude and helping other people [brings] success,” Earl said.
vendler@redwoodbark.org
ggehrman@redwoodbark.org
ADJUSTING THE CAMERA, Russell Earl gets the perfect shot for “The Electric State” in Seattle, Washington.
Photo courtesy of Russell Earl
Photo courtesy of Bella Beach
FILMING BACKGROUNDS IN Rio for “The Electric State,” Russell Earl shoots content for the recently released movie.
Photo courtesy of Russell Earl
Remembering Bark adviser Sylvia Jones
By Jamie Glennon
Zoning off in room 177 and observing the art on the walls is like reliving the riveting breakthrough stories of history. From Former President John F. Kennedy’s momentous assassination in 1963 to Bark administering its frst sex survey in 1974, the Bark classroom’s walls highlight the biggest coverages of Redwood journalism. On this very wall, right next to Charles Schwartz’s Peanuts cartoon stamped in a 1968 Bluewood appearance, legendary Bark advisor Sylvia Jones is painted alongside her cursive signature. Every teacher hopes to make a lasting impact on their students, but Sylvia Jones went to the next level, educating Redwood students over four decades. Although taken from the physical world in December of 2024, Jones’ trademark
had no idea at the time. Even then, she was thinking about elevating [our] writing and [teaching us to] expect more of [ourselves],” Schmitt said.
Jones’ expertise in English helped guide Barkies in developing their investigative interests. However, she was careful not to overshadow teens’ creative potential.
“She had the right balance between advising and letting us [run] the paper and the staff. If we made mistakes, she wouldn’t catch us every time, but she was there both as a sounding board and a backstop,” Schmitt said.
During various political activist movements nationwide in the 70s, many Barkies admired Jones’ innate ability to ease potential confict between students and the administration.
“She would be your strongest defender. She had this knack of being your toughest critic but also your
biggest advocate,” Schmitt said. Beyond acting as an intermediary between the reporters and readers of the paper, Jones tended to the Bark’s issues and helped students fnd their place in journalism, but she did it in her spunky style.
“She didn’t like some [ledes I wrote] and [she would write] in these big, black letters, ‘TRITE’ across the [top], or ‘You can do better!’ It wasn’t a put down; she knew how to both motivate you and also push you to be more creative, more thoughtful, but also more challenging [in] taking on topics that were
mind, [Jones] will always be a very youthful instructor,” Schmitt said. “For me, the image of [Jones] was always set in that classroom, it wasn’t as she aged through the years, and [her passing] immediately took me back to that class. [Jones] would be in front, and she’d have this droll sense of humor with this look in her eye.”
Her presence was captivating, which is impressive in a room of lively, opinionated teenagers.
Jones’ teaching style had something special about it. Schmitt liked to call it “thorough,” while Ostrom attributed her style to dealing with a classroom full
strident” teens.
“In my
“Many of us were barely 16… and she taught us how to use our individual strengths to make a better world — it wasn’t only about making deadlines,” Ostrom said. Jones continues to inspire Redwood community members to look beyond deadlines and into the most pressing questions. Schmitt and Ostrom give a glimpse into what Bark felt like 48 years ago, but the best way to understand Jones’ impact is to look at the memory she has left behind.
To learn more about Jones’ impact on the local community, read the extended version of this article.
jglennon@redwoodbark.org
The Bark’s digitzed version of Sylvia Jones’s signature
Photo courtesy of Morgan Jones