On April 30, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of approximately one billion dollars in federal grants dedicated to mental health programs in public schools. These funds, which were initially created under President Biden in the wake of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, were aimed at increasing access to mental health professionals on campuses nationwide.
The Trump administration cited concerns over how the funds were being used, specifically claiming that too much of the money was allocated toward diversity, equity and inclusion rather than direct mental health services.
In Marin County, where schools like Redwood have long-standing wellness programs, the decision has raised concern among school mental health professionals. Spencer DeWoody, a therapist at the Wellness Center, expressed frustration about the broader implications of the cuts.
“Students nationwide are going to have access to fewer supportive services for mental health, and that's really frustrating as a social worker,” DeWoody said.
Redwood’s wellness services are somewhat protected from these new policies due to local funding and community support, partnering with the Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) and receiving financial backing from the Tamalpais Unigh High School District Foundation.
“We have partnerships with BACR, which has contract workers who are on site but work for the nonprofit organization,” DeWoody said. “The district has a longstanding contract with them, so I do not think things will
By Elsa Houtkooper
Starting in August of the 2025-2026 school year, the bell schedule will change. Instead of fourth through seventh period on Tuesdays and Thursdays and first through third period plus SMART on Wednesdays and Fridays, students will now have first through fourth period on Tuesdays and Thursdays and fifth through seventh period plus
change anytime soon.”
Though pointing out Redwood’s fortunate situation, DeWoody is still concerned for students in less affluent areas.
“I’m especially concerned for schools with fewer resources; mental health support could be the first thing they are forced to cut,” DeWoody said.
For many students, school is the only place where mental health care is accessible.
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SMART on Wednesdays and Fridays. The purpose of the change is to align the schedules with Archie Williams High School and Tamalpais High School.
Principal Barnaby Payne provided insight into the district’s reasoning behind the schedule change.
“One [reason] is teacher collaboration. If [all the schools in the district are] on the same schedule, then, for example, every Algebra teacher in the district could plan lessons and work on curriculum together,” Payne said.
“That kind of collaboration can be really powerful.”
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In the wake of the Trump administration’s recent attacks on press freedom, Bark confronts the evolving landscape we face as journalists.
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Solar Canopies and EV chargers in the backlot
The Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) will begin construction on a solar energy project in the Redwood’s East (Back) Parking Lot. The project will include solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Construction will primarily occur during the summer.
RFK Jr. supports Point Reyes ranchers
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced support for ranchers at Point Reyes National Seashore who are facing eviction due to a legal settlement limiting livestock operations. He urged federal officials to intervene, citing the cultural and historical value of the ranchers. A congressional review is ongoing as eviction deadlines loom.
TUHSD hosts fifth annual Just Dinner
The fifth “Just Dinner” was hosted by the TUHSD Racial Justice Task Force, connecting parents, guardians, students and staff in meaningful conversation over dinner. The event was located at Dr. Martin Luther King Academy in Marin City and brought together a large, diverse group of district community members.
Students showcase talent in art festival
The third annual Redwood Arts Festival took place on Wednesday, May 28 , showcasing work from students across the art department. Led by art teachers Susanne Maxwell, Bradford Butler and Lauren Bartone, the festival featured the work of Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design 3D, AP Art and Design 2D, Drawing and Painting,
Redwood
School
REDWOOD PARTNERS WITH Bay Area Community Resources to employ counselors, which protects the school from federal funding cuts.
Ceramics, Photography,
Read the Bark’s position on freedom of the press.
Photo by Matthew Milan
Illustration by Brooklyn Saputo
Illustration by Emily Garcia
Teachers being able to work together isn’t the only benefit. In the future, the new schedule would allow students to take a class at one of the other schools.
“Since enrollment is decreasing acros the district, some programs might be at rsisk. With aligned schedules, students from different schools could access the same course — say, AP Psychology — even if it wouldn’t have enough enrollment at just one site,” Payne said.
Although there are benefits, some students don’t find the new schedule compelling. Junior Savia Shenkin currently isn’t enrolled in a first period, allowing her
Photo by Elle Wilson
ON FRIDAYS, THE SMART period is between first period and lunch which allows students to get a head start on their weekend homework.
to sleep in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Shenkin is worried about how the new schedule will affect which periods she doesn’t want to take.
“If you want to sleep in, sure, you take a free first — but if you also want to get out [of school] early, you have to take a free fourth. I don’t want to take only two periods a day,” Shenkin said. “If they kept the current schedule, then I could take no first, and no seventh and since they are on two different days, I would still have three classes daily.”
Not only does she dislike how the change of schedule will affect her on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but the junior also doesn’t like how it will affect her Fridays.
“On Fridays, some people want to get out [of school] early, but now they can’t. And then [the district] is putting SMART after that, which feels kind of stupid,” Shenkin said.
Like Shenkin, junior Airis Cerecedes shares concerns about how the new schedule could impact students.
“[The new schedule is] frustrating because if you don’t have a seventh period
class, you’re technically free to leave, but then you must return just for SMART period to avoid being marked absent.
It’s even harder for students without transportation because they’ll have to stay
in the library, which defeats the purpose of not having a seventh period in the first place,” Cerecedes said.
ehoutkooper@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Brooklyn Saputo
“I just feel like there will be less mental health support at schools and for a lot of students, school is the only place they feel safe and have a chance to meet with a mental health provider,” DeWoody said.
The funding cuts have drawn criticism from mental health and education advocates nationwide.
Layla Renee Conreras, founder of Change for Chee, a school safety and mental health advocacy group formed after the Georgia school shooting, called the decision “deeply disappointing and dangerous,” in a statement to Fox Five Atlanta.
“We need to be building more support systems, not dismantling them,” Conreras said.
In response to the media backlash, Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, stated that the
By Mason Garbo
The 12th annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival commenced on Memorial Day weekend from May 23 to May 25, transforming the Napa Valley community into a vibrant hub of music, gourmet food and exotic wine.
The festival began on Friday, featuring a diverse lineup of performances across multiple stages. Early acts included California-based heavy rock band The Alive and DJ UMAMI, mixing tracks that energized the crowd. Green Day closed out day one with a fired-up, politically charged set that lit up the night. Earlier in the day, the second headliner, Sublime, brought a laid-back SoCal vibe with Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob, at the mic, honoring the band’s legacy while giving it new life.
Junior Charlie Poser noted the enthusiasm the crowd brought during Green Day, making it his favorite performance of the night.
administration does not intend to eliminate mental health funding entirely, but instead restructure it.
“The department plans to re-envision and recompete its mental health program funds to support students’ behavioral health needs more effectively,” Biedermann said.
While schools like Redwood are fortunate enough to have substantial local funding and long-standing partnerships to maintain our mental health programs, the loss of federal support raises serious concerns for less resourced communities. School is their only mental health resource for many students across the country. Without sustained investment from the government, advocates worry that the students who need help the most will be the first to go without.
mmilan@redwoodbark.org
“I thought the best act by far was Green Day. The venue was packed and everyone brought such great energy and [the Green Day] performance really ended the day on a great note for me and my friends,” Poser said.
Saturday continued the weekend’s momentum with a packed schedule of performances and culinary showcases. Redwood senior Tyler White emphasized the amazing food that the festival offered, which is often overlooked by festival-goers.
“I thought the most underrated aspect of the festival was the food. There is so much variety, and I feel like the chefs are bringing their a-game, ” White said.
Daytime highlights included rising pop and indie artists like Benson Boone and as the sun set, the main stage came alive with a sleek, crowd-pleasing set from Justin Timberlake, who delivered a mix of new hits and nostalgic favorites.
“‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ was for sure my favorite hit song that he played. It’s so catchy and the whole crowd was singing along,” White said.
The final day of BottleRock was held on Sunday. Headlining the JaM Cellars Stage, Noah Kahan captivated the audience with an emotionally driven set, featuring his biggest hits like “Stick Season” and “Northern Attitude,” as well as an unreleased track, “The Great Divide.”
“Honestly, heading into [Kahan’s] performance, I wasn’t too excited because I am not the biggest fan, but after watching, that was without a doubt the best performance of the weekend,” Poser said. The biggest shock of the threeday festival was that rapper Flo Rida unexpectedly canceled his scheduled performance just a couple of hours before showtime.
“I still have no idea why he canceled and it ruined the day for me,” White said.
A BottleRock staff member mentioned that “transportation issues” were a possible cause of the late cancellation. However, aside from the unexpected cancellation, the festival was jam-packed with iconic music and delicious food, leaving attendees with memorable experiences. mgarbo@redwoodbark.org
Bark’s “Echoes of Democracy" project investigates the current political landscape shaped by the leadership of the Donald Trump administration. Through a combination of interviews, insightful commentary and visual storytelling, the project delves into critical issues such as political polarization, declining trust in institutions, the normalization of extremist rhetoric and their impact on students’ civic engagement.
Bark’s “Feeds of Influence” report delves into how social media shapes the lives of students. The report highlights issues such as overconsumption, mental health challenges and the spread of misinformation, all prevalent on many social media platforms. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok contribute to anxiety and body image concerns while also normalizing online harassment.
ORIGINALLY PERFORMING AT BottleRock’s third stage in front of a few thousand in 2022, Noah Kahan debuted on May 25 on the JamRock Cellars stage before a crowd of over 40,000.
ARMS PASSIONATELY SWAY as Justin Timberlake performs his hit song “Rock Your Body” on Saturday night.
Photos by Mason Garbo
Infographic by Lynette Ki
Echoes of Democracy Feeds of Influence
By Ofelia Huneeus
Senior next steps day
On June 3, seniors arrived on campus proudly sporting merchandise from their future colleges, jobs and gap year programs. As their final week of high school kicks off, seniors have been capturing moments through photos, social media posts and shared memories—celebrating not only the end of an era, but the exciting new chapters ahead.
Senior Skip Day
On May 30, seniors took part in the annual tradition of “Senior Skip Day” by heading to Stinson Beach for a day of sun, celebration and class bonding. With graduation just around the corner, the unofficial outing gave students a chance to relax and spend time together outside of school. Groups gathered on the sand with beach games, snacks and music, soaking in the warm weather and the end-of-year excitement. The day served as a memorable send-off and a chance for seniors to reflect and connect before parting ways in just a few weeks.
ohuneeus@redwoodbark.org
Photo by Julia Laury
Photo by Charlotte Lacy
Reweighing the ‘freshman 15’
By Paige Catanese
While scrolling through social media to find cute college dorm room decorations or rushing outfits, a video captioned “How to avoid the freshman 15” appears on the screen. Another one follows, “The freshman 15 is real,” paired with a slideshow of photos displaying a young woman’s body. And another, “What I eat in a day to avoid the freshman 15.” Incoming freshmen can’t help but wonder if they will become victims of the 15-pound weight gain during their first year of college. In reality, college freshmen tend to naturally gain minimal weight, and the unease behind this weight gain can hurt the college experience for new students.
The notorious phenomenon occurs when college freshmen experience weight gain due to the absence of home-cooked meals, stress, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, increased snacking and other lifestyle changes from high school to college. The term “freshman 15” originated in the 1980s, quickly becoming prevalent in popular culture. Despite its growing relevance, this 15-pound weight gain is not supported by research. A study in 2008 conducted by the University of Utah showed that, on average, college freshmen gain approximately 2.7 pounds throughout the year, and only 11.5 percent gained 15 pounds or more. Dr. Pam Miller, a licensed and board-certified psychologist, attributed this weight gain to the significant change in a student's life when entering college.
the University of Georgia also shows similar weight gain patterns in college students and those who didn’t attend college, meaning this weight gain may not even be attributed to attending college. But despite the normality of gaining a couple of pounds in the freshman year of college, students are still fearful.
According to the May 2025 Bark Survey, 28 percent of students said they fear the “freshman 15,” which will cause them to change their eating and exercise habits when entering college. Dr. Rachel Campbell, a professor of sociology at Grand Valley State University, observed the significant fear that weight gain causes, especially in young females.
“A study found that women in particular feared weight gain. This fear was linked with dieting and taking other harmful actions to stave off weight gain. This gets to the heart of another much more dangerous phenomenon, disordered eating,” Campbell said in the same podcast.
“The transition to college or independent living can be hard for some. For students who do gain weight in their first year, most [of it] occurs at the beginning of the year, when the transition is most dramatic and rapid. But as we have discussed, this is a small change in weight for most students,” Miller said in a recent interview on the podcast “The Freshman 15: The Who, What, and How it Harms Us.”
Small weight changes can also be influenced by the transition from childhood to adulthood. The World Health Organization states that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is between 10 and 19, leading to inevitable weight and body composition changes. Research from
Satire:
By Hilah Brekhus-Lavinsky
Campbell brings up a dangerous side effect of the fear instilled by the “freshman 15”: disordered eating. The anxiety of weight gain often manifests in restricting food and overexercising, also classified as anorexia or an eating disorder. Eating disorders not only consume the college students' experience by putting food and exercise at the center of their priorities, but they can also have adverse health effects that may be irreversible. According to Nemours Children's Hospital, malnutrition is caused by the underconsumption of calories and slows brain function, changes the skin, hair and nails and decreases blood flow, causing low body temperature. Some more serious and long-term side effects are damaged nerves, reduced bone strength and density and slowed
IllustrationbyPaigeCatanese
The expectation that all college freshmen gain 15 pounds during their first year of college is a myth and can cause severe harm to how these students eat and exercise. Instead of experiencing the joys of college, students are watching a scale, skipping meals and spending their free time on the treadmill. The stigma around the “freshman 15” can limit students’ first months of college and can potentially lead to more severe health problems. So next time you see a video advertising the “low-carb snack options to avoid the freshman 15,” scroll. Next time you hesitate when getting an ice cream with friends, order a double scoop, because being happy and healthy in college should be above keeping off a couple of pounds.
pcatanese@redwoodbark.org
information to give you.
Trump is making America dumb again
By Ben Mueller
“I love the poorly educated,” were the words of President Donald Trump after winning the Nevada Republican Caucus. During his second term as president, Trump has not only worked to gain the support of the “poorly educated” but also to expand his influence through the destruction of educational bastions. In dismantling the Department of Education (ED), Trump cut funding for special education programs, educational loans, civil rights in education and more. Without federal funding, underfunded schools, including many in poor, rural areas that voted for Trump, will suffer, and America will fall further in education and literacy rate rankings.
Cutting the ED is also a political advantage for Trump, as 56 percent of voters without a college degree voted for him. When Trump removes a college degree, he guarantees future voters for himself. Trump’s dismantling of education and educational programs signals a path towards anti-intellectualism, threatening the foundation of our democracy.
Anti-intellectualism, or distrust in the educated and education, is not new. While we have never seen it on such a large scale in America, it has crawled out of the darkest corners of history. Totalitarian governments have used anti-intellectualism to promote their ideals and create distrust in certain groups to promote their rule.
Anti-intellectualism is often signaled by ignorance of common knowledge, such as the ignorance of important documents or even the burning of books. In the first days of his presidency, Trump posted a visual of himself on Instagram as a king, a blatant disregard for the Declaration of Independence. This was met with thunderous approval from his followers, even though the Declaration of Independence firmly decrees that America will be without a king.
To continue reading this piece, visit the Opinion section of our website: www.redwoodbark.org
bmueller@redwoodbark.org
As a junior nearing the end of my third year of high school, I could provide an extensive list of advice I have for incoming juniors. This list would include: become friends with your teachers (having a confirmed letter of recommendation is nice); don’t vape (you will be judged) and don’t get involved in drama (high school is too short to waste it on stupid friend group beefs). If I could only pass on one piece of advice, I would disregard all of the unimportant things listed above because there is one piece of advice that tops all of the others. Do NOT become best friends with the seniors. Here’s why: First off, it is NOT helpful to have support from a senior as you navigate through the hardest year of high school. Though they will actively be in the college application process and will have recently been juniors themselves, just ask a parent or college counselor all of your questions! It does not matter that they haven’t been in high school for 30-plus years. They will totally have accurate and helpful
Secondly, you may think that it would be nice to have a close friend outside of your grade to talk to, but this is not true. It is super fun hanging out with the same people every day and having no variety. Even better, if there is drama in your grade, by not being friends with a senior, you save yourself the hassle of having to explain the situation to them. If you need an outside perspective or helpful advice on said drama in your grade, too bad! Remember, anything is better than having a friend who is a senior.
The third reason not to become best friends with a senior is that when they are freshmen in college, they may invite you to visit them, which would be SO boring. Who would want to stay on a college campus for the weekend, go to frat parties and hang out with older and cooler people? Definitely not me. I would rather go on a fourhour tour with my mother led by a monotone tour guide than have my friend show me the parts of campus that I would actually go to and not the ten libraries that have been there since the 1700s. I am so thankful I avoided the seniors this year because the last thing I want to be doing next year is visiting them.
The last and most important reason why I advise against becoming best friends with any seniors is that there is genuinely nothing more heartbreaking than counting down the days until your best friends leave you behind, move to
another state and start a whole new chapter of their lives as you are stuck in the last one. All of the amazing memories shared suddenly will be overshadowed by the sickening feeling that grows stronger and stronger as graduation creeps closer. Trust me, it’s not worth it.
hbrekhuslavinsky@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
Illustrations by Penelope Trott
Forgetting is forgiving
By Tallulah Knill Allen
My whole life, I’ve wanted to record everything around me — the daily recess drama in my third-grade diary, my weekly schedule of outfits in my middle school journal, passing thoughts in my freshman year Notes app. The things I am trying to remember as I approach the end of my time in high school are different: all of the green in Marin, the golden light in the evenings, the view of Mount Tam from Redwood. Everything seems valuable, nothing too small or insignificant.
This urge to record and remember isn’t unique to me. There is a great emphasis placed on preserving the individual moment: buying souvenirs from vacation destinations, journaling so that we can recall how we felt and exactly when we felt it, taking photos at prom until we have one with each friend. With iMessage and iPhone cameras at our fingertips, it has never been easier to capture everything in the realm of importance. A life well recorded, it seems, is the life best lived. This urge to remember, though, can come at the expense of an authentic experience of the present.
For many, anticipation of the future can come as a detriment to their experience of the present. Krystine Batcho, professor of psychology at LeMoyne College, wrote about the phenomenon of “anticipatory nostalgia,” which can cause individuals to experience the present as the past.
Debunking
the
“Paradoxically, the desire to hold on to the present might jeopardize full engagement in it. Envisioning the future can bring the sadness of missing the present prematurely and anxiety about what will come next,” Batcho said.
There is a part of me that wants to remember how I feel right now forever — the meaning behind every photo in my camera roll. That isn’t all bad; as Tim Wildschut, a professor of psychology at the University of Southampton, wrote, a desire to remember the current moment can reflect the value of the present.
“That early sense of loss is the recognition of the fact that what you are experiencing is very special and unique. Your brain thinks ahead at such a moment and knows that this is something that you will recall with great pleasure later on,” Wildschut said.
Remembering is part of leaving any place. A lot of growing up is remembering: keeping with us the best
parts of where we have been. However, an equally important part of growing up is allowing ourselves to forget. We should let our lives change around us. We should experience the individual moment for what it is, as something that can only be lived once. This time of our lives is fraught with the belief that every moment must be captured, cherished and infinitely valued. And somehow, it must also be lived in.
In fact, as scholar Lewis Hyde wrote in his book “A Primer for Forgetting,” remembering and forgetting go hand in hand.
“Only when [forgetting] operates in concert with memory can forgetting clear new ground without foreclosing the past,”
I don’t yet know what I will remember about Redwood. But, as I leave, I think that I have to let myself forget. Forget the minutiae, forget the color of the halls, forget the flood of students in the library during finals and the sticky heat in May. And I will trust that the things that matter most are the things we can never forget: the connections made in this squat yellow building and the versions of ourselves we will carry for a lifetime.
tknillallen@redwoodbark.org
myth that high school is the best four years of your life
By Nick Hartung
We’ve all
reported having had negative feelings about their high school experiences. High school takes place at a very
also mentally and emotionally. The myth that high school should be the best years of your life sets up a cruel comparison. If you didn’t thrive in those four years – if they were isolating, painful, or just plain boring – you might feel like you somehow failed at the most fun part of your life. Especially with the one-sided narrative many high schoolers portray on social media, it is incredibly easy to feel like your high school experience is falling short of what it should be. Whether that's in comparison to how you look, the relationships you maintain, or the parties that you are going to, comparison in this light can be incredibly harmful. Cybersmile, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to digital well-being, found that 90 percent of young people see themselves negatively and feel dissatisfied with their
Despite these beliefs that many teens hold, high school is in no way meant to be the quintessential four-year experience of one's life. High school is the time to make mistakes, learn, and grow as a person. Throughout high school, teens are learning how to balance, organize, manage and
most importantly, learn, making this perfect experience a falsehood. Only because the changing brain is harder to conceptualize than physical abilities – such as playing an instrument or sport – do youth lack the self awareness to understand how inaccurate the myth of the high school years is. It would be laughable to expect Tom Brady to have been his best at 16 years old, similarly, no logical human would expect Taylor Swift to have the best voice at 17. It is through the human experience that we learn and grow, and one's “peak” should be once one truly understands who they are as an individual. According to Medium, the average ages at which people self-report their “peak” in life are between 25 and 35, but every person experiences life differently.
Being a teenager is hard. Teenagers are impulsive, emotional and make poor decisions. While reflecting on their high school years, many people will not remember the friends they made or the crazy parties they attended. Many people will remember how lonely and hard it was to be a teenager in high school. They may remember the horrible fights with their friends, the times they cried over a bad test grade, or when they had to eat lunch alone. High school is not an amazing experience for everyone, and in no way should a teen feel guilty or despairing if their experience is the same.
High school is not the best four years of life. For some people it is the worst, hardest, most boring or overwhelming four years of their life. One’s best years of their life come at different times and for different reasons. When reflecting on your high school years, it is important to remember that as long as you walked out of those doors as a different person than you entered four years prior, you didn’t waste it. And that is enough.
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
IllustrationbyNatalieVinogradsky
“How can a dyslexic person be the Editor-in-Chief?” This is the question many asked after I was selected to be Editor-in-Chief. Honestly, I probably would have asked myself the same question when I was first diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade. But, no one ever asked this question within our program. The Bark supported me regardless of my challenges; they knew not to call on me
I have always been an opinionated person. Ever since I was a child, I’ve had strong convictions that I was right about pretty much everything and nothing brought me more glee than sharing my views with any available ears (mostly my mom, who was forced to listen). While Redwood lacked a speech and debate competition, it did have a rather thriving community of writers who voiced their opinions in the named section of the Redwood newspaper. That is what initially drew me into Bark
Every day in my freshman English class, long before I knew what Nonfiction or Advanced Journalism even were, I would read every opinion that Bark had to offer. I read over 100 opinions, some dating back to 2011. I knew after those hours spent reading that the Bark was my Redwood outlet for opinions.
However, as soon as I joined Advanced Journalism, I found much more than just a place to articulate my political convictions -– I discovered a thriving community of passionate high school journalists all bent on one mission: to make a difference however they could. All of my desires to debate and argue left me at the door.
The first thing that strikes you when you enter Room 177 is the overwhelming sense of kindness emanating from every student. My first time creating a page during the Cub edition left me floundering at my computer, utterly
Standing in front of the Bark
as
— the prerequisite class. It wasn’t until a hole opened in my schedule at the 11th hour and my mom suggested I pursue journalism, that I joined Nonfiction. During the Cub edition of my first year, I missed
to read aloud and were patient with me while it took me longer to edit their writing. The Bark allows us to embrace our journalistic strengths — writing, design, photography and leadership—to produce the best paper possible. This program has changed my life.
When I transferred to Redwood after my freshman year, I searched for a community at my new high school. My mom suggested I join the Bark, saying she had heard good things about the program. I never imagined how much it would come to mean to me. The Bark became not just my home on campus—it became my family.
At such a large school, I might never have met most of my fellow Barkies. But, they’ve become the ones I look forward to seeing in class, running around town and spending late nights with during production week. I’ve never felt so proud to be part of a community.
My Bark family has done so much more than produce a newspaper; we’ve come together to make real change in our community. This year, we identified major gaps in our suicide education curriculum and took our concerns to the district office. Thanks to the efforts of the Bark staff, the entire curriculum surrounding suicide was restructured. It’s moments like these that motivate me to be a changemaker and to continue surrounding myself with people who care about making a difference.
Schneider. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten. That dream has always been inspired by the incredible educators I’ve had over the years. Still, no teacher has impacted me quite like Erin. She was the teacher I always dreamed of having. She encourages creativity, builds genuine relationships with her students and lets us learn through our mistakes. In my junior year, I asked her if I could create an April Fools’ edition. She was hesitant at first, but told me that if I did it right, I could go ahead. That edition became a highlight of my high school career. I only hope I can someday be half as impactful a teacher as Erin.
To my fellow Editors-in-Chief—I couldn’t have asked for better people to spend this year with. I’m going to miss our near-daily FaceTime calls, constant texts about literally everything and Philadelphia adventures together. I truly don’t think I could’ve made it through this year without you by my side.
After over 600 hours editing, in class, on phone calls and traveling coast-to-coast together, I am incredibly thankful for this program—for my Bark family.
With love, Charlotte
At the heart of our Bark family is our adviser, Erin clacy@redwoodbark.org
confused by the labyrinthine world known as InDesign. Fortunately for me, I had two incredible Barkies who supported and guided me throughout the entire process and I created a page I was quite proud of. At its core, I truly believe that is what Bark is about — creating quality content through collaboration and understanding.
As Editor-in-Chief, I have had my fair share of struggles. From forgetting some of the lesson plans (thank you, Erin, for the help) to having to redesign a cover 15 minutes before we sent it to the printer, every day certainly brought a new challenge. And while I would like to say that I fostered a fantastic community of Barkies who grew and learned under my leadership, that wouldn’t really be the case. I have just been fortunate enough to collaborate with all of the fantastic people in seventh period, who are the reason I look forward to Bark every day.
To my other Editors-in-Chief, thank you for all the time we spent together, from each nightly FaceTime to our frantic story around Reading Terminal Market. I have loved every minute and I look forward to seeing all the incredible things you two will do in the future.
As Bark and high school come to an end, I can’t help but reflect on how grateful I am to have experienced Redwood in the way that I did. Bark has taught me the importance of understanding, the value of discussion and
paste-up, where we got together to lay out pages, and had to have other Barkies cover my responsibilities. I continued to do the bare minimum throughout the beginning of my junior year, busy with the bustle of high school and treating the Bark as just another class. Until something changed.
At the National High School Journalism Convention in Boston, alongside 60 other Barkies, I learned from incredible professional journalists — namely in sports. That’s when it clicked: the ability to pursue my biggest passion, sports, in a class and potentially even as a career path is truly amazing.
But, something else clicked too: On the trip, I made several new friends and strengthened bonds with old ones. My newfound appreciation for those surrounding me in the program inspired me to produce my best work.
From there on out, I was determined. I covered every available sporting event that winter. Soon, I became the sports editor and began honing my leadership skills with the same passion, leading me to where I am today.
None of this would be possible without the many opportunities the Bark provides. What other class gets to travel across the country to hear from experts in the field? Or to pursue your passion by covering high school sports? What 17-year-old gets to teach a class, creating lesson plans and leading 100 students to create their own news publication? I also give much credit to our advisor, Erin Schneider, who saw potential in me and continued to push me to do my best work.
Love you guys, Beckett
btudor@redwoodbark.org
Behind our 24-page print editions, social media posts, infographics and articles published on our website is an intertwined, tight-knit community. That’s the power of a student-led program: communal responsibility brings people together. There’s a reason Room 177 overflows with Barkies at lunch — because the environment is so accepting and kind. Barkies are recognized across campus for their articulation and ability to speak, developed through interviews, class discussion and constant conversation. I’m the prime example, growing from a shy, timid freshman to an outgoing senior leading a class full of students.
Double bylines, late nights at paste-up and thoughtful discussions force us to truly connect with one another, creating a strong sense of unity within the Bark. More than any article written or game covered, I’ll miss those moments of connection.
My journey in journalism will continue and covering sports will certainly fulfill me. But, a Bark-sized hole will be left, as nothing can replicate the friendships and community this program has given me.
Forever grateful, Matthew
mknauer@redwoodbark.org
the strength of a community. I am so thankful for every one of you, Barkies.
room
Editor-in-Chief was the last place I thought I’d find myself for the vast majority of my high school career. Just a day before my sophomore year began, I wasn’t even signed up for Nonfiction
editorial
“The district has a responsibiliy to uphold student press freedom.”
Standing strong for student press freedom
In the wake of the Trump administration’s recent attacks on press freedom, Bark confronts the evolving landscape we face as journalists. In February, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the White House would monitor and select which press organizations would have access to press briefings. This switch departs from over a century of tradition, where the White House Correspondents Association, an independent organization, managed press access to the White House. As a result, the Washington Post remarked, “journalists and media critics warned that White House control of the press pool threatens the foundations of a free press.”
Moreover, threats to student journalism are surfacing in the Bay Area, despite it often being viewed as a “liberal hotspot.” At San Francisco’s Lowell High School, a journalism adviser, Eric Gustafson, was reassigned by Lowell's administration after his students published coverage in their newspaper that described teacher harassment of students.
The action of Lowell’s administration contradicts the California Education Code, which states that “advisers cannot be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against for acting to protect student expression or refusing to infringe on protected speech.”
is our inherent right that doesn’t require special recognition, there have been occasions where their active support has been truly appreciated. Following Bark’s editorial that urged the district to show the suicide prevention documentary “Not Alone” to the study body, the district recently announced they would work to consider Bark’s call-to-action in next year’s curriculum
Bark expresses our sincere thanks to our teachers and educators for consistently fostering a school environment that actively promotes thriving student journalism. In large, teachers, students and administration have graciously allowed us to conduct interviews with them, photograph them and their classrooms candidly and prioritize Bark — even during class time.
Editors-In-Chief
Matthew Knauer
Charlotte Lacy
Beckett Tudor
Head Copy Editors
Tallulah Knill Allen
Kate Harrison
Emma Rosenberg
Copy Editors
Wyatt Levine
Vivi Endler
Gabrielle Franklin
Anna Youngs
Leina Khan
Ellie Braggs
Skyla Thomas
Nina Baker
Evan Wang
Petra Novotny
Tessa Delay
Henrik Vrannes
Lily Skinner
Chloe Jennings
Elsa Sherman
Madison Bishop
Opinion Editors
Penelope Trott
Evelyn Harper
Ben Mueller
Feature Editors
Nina Howard
Cora Champommier
Paige Edelen
Lifestyles Editors
Kate Barker
Annie Burlingame
Jamie Glennon
Sports Editors
Henry Barker
Morgan Sicklick
Finn Nelson
News Editors
POLICY:
All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of Bark staff.
In a time when press freedoms face growing threats — nationally and locally — Bark reflects on the independence we’ve enjoyed under the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD).
After seven years in the position, Superintendent Tara Taupier will retire from TUHSD this June. Bark appreciates the lack of administrative interference with respect to our publication. Under Taupier’s tenure, our newsroom has successfully voiced student and staff opinion, published controversial April Fools’ editions and editorials critiquing the board. While the Board’s neutrality towards our publication
A BARK to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. We love the decaffeinated tea!
A BITE to math tests on senior ditch day. We can’t even calculate how mean that is.
A BARK to graduation on June 12. The tassle was worth the hassle!
A BITE to the school-issued Chromebooks next year. Class will be over by the time we sign in.
As district leadership changes, Bark welcomes Dr. Courtney Goode to assume the superintendent position, effective July 1, and expects that he will continue to protect the student press rights and uphold the standards to protect student expression and adviser security. As a staff, we look forward to building a productive relationship with our new superintendent based on the ideals of democracy and student press freedom. At a time when journalistic integrity is increasingly under threat, our newsroom defends the right to act independently and to seek truth and report it.
Have an opinion regarding anything that appears in Bark or in general? We encourage our readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters to Bark should be 500 words or fewer, typed if possible and signed. They must be emailed to bark@ redwoodbark.org.
A BARK to the 170 percent tariff on vapes. This should help keep the TAR OFF our lungs.
A BITE to busy work, the academic version of white noise.
A BARK to the senior prank. Tam gave a lot less of a TAMn than Redwood did.
A BITE to senior in good standing. At this point, no one will be standing in the amphitheater.
A BARK to Katy Perry going to space. Seems like the “one that got away” was gravity.
A BITE to the Chromebook fire trend. Let’s hope it gets extinguished.
BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.
Outside Opportunities Managers
Molly Gallagher
Jace Harms
Senior Staff
Alana Leifer
Julia Delsol
Hailey Carlton
Taylor Allan
Layout Designers
Emily Garcia
Nick Hartung
Reporters
Ashlin Quach
Lucy Miller
Ellie Smith
Mason Garbo
Lily Bell
Elsa Houtkooper
Liam Healy
Anya Ghazi
Jack Block
Richard Byrne
Grace Gehrman
Adviser
Erin Schneider
Hilah
Brekhus-Lavinsky
Paige Catanese
Ofelia Huneeus
Review Editors
Brooklyn Saputo
Mariel Goodhart
Aurora Sreba
Spanish Editor
Matthew Knauer
Video Editors
Jake Post
Sean Cunneen
Matthew Milan
Games Editors
Hayden Donehower
Adela Tabak
Podcast Editors
Jay Knopping
Mo Colaco
Scarlett Musgrove
Business Managers
Audrey Bennett
Leighton Olsen
Maggie Walsh
Social Media Managers
Isabelle Davis
Angelina Purvey
Tessa Tuatini
Data Analysts
Tessa Marshall
Evelyn Spiegel
Kate Morgan
Web Designers
Natalie Vinogradsky
Emily Hitchcock
Art Consultants
Zach Dinowitz
Nadia Massoumi
Lucy Jeffers
Multimedia Designers
Lynette Ki
Linnea Koblik
Larkin Moffett
Photography Editors
Graham Weir
Owen McDaniels
Elle Wilson
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
By Lucy Jeffers
By Richard Byrne
ljeffers@redwoodbark.org
By Molly Gallagher
Scan the QR or search Games on redwoodbark.org to view the keys and online versions of all games. games@redwoodbark.org
Illustrations by Lucy Jeffers
To rush or not to rush
By Madison Bishop
Four Redwood alumni — Makena Mock (‘23), Gillian Jambeck (‘24), Grant Richards (‘23) and Sienna Garsten (‘23) — all currently attend separate universities. Based on observation and experience, the college students expressed their insight on the Greek scene from both affiliated and unaffiliated perspectives.
Greek Affiliated:
Mock is a Tri Delta at the University of Tennessee (UT) and Jambeck is a Chi Omega at the University of Minnesota (UM).
Mock expressed gratitude for her tight-knit community she has found through her Greek chapter, a branch of a national sorority established on campus.
“It’s no mystery why I go to school in a different environment because of my not-so-positive high school experience. My worst days [at UT] don’t compare to my worst days back home,”Mock said.
Jambeck also feels confident that those meaningful connections will prevail in her postgraduate future.
“I got into a sorority that I love. Greek life is smaller [at UM], so a lot of people kind of hate or pick on it a little bit. But, I think that [makes it] a tight community,” Jambeck said. “I do think I’ll stay connected with my chapter after college. [Chi Omega] does a good job of connecting with our alumni and we have a board that connects [us all].”
Mock identified cliques as a challenge she has experienced.
“I am in the ‘southern’ sorority, which is mainly in-state girls from the greater Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis areas,” Mock said. “The cliquishness is definitely apparent.”
Jambeck shared a similar sentiment.
“Sometimes, [my sorority] can be clique-y, so that is something that is hard about it,” Jambeck said.
Although both are out-of-state students, Jambeck, however, did not find a lack of diverse regional makeup in her sorority.
“Something cool for me [is that] there are people from all over the place [in my sorority]. I get to learn about different cultures or different people’s hometowns,” Jambeck said.
The Greek life recruitment process, most commonly known as “rush,” felt intense for Jambeck.
“The rush process was stressful. It’s
a more prominent role at larger institutions.
very draining. [There is] a lot of talking to people and sharing about your life,” Jambeck said. “Learning about others is great but at the same time, you’re being judged and judging other people, which can be a little bit scary and intimidating.”
However, Mock’s experience with rush differed from Jambeck’s.
“[Rush] went as smoothly as it could go, and I had the opportunity to choose which path I wanted to go,” Mock said. “I am best friends with the girls I met on the first day of rush. It was the most rewarding process and I would do it all over again.”
Non-Greek Affiliated:
It’s not simply “go Greek or go home” for all college students. Garsten is a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) and Richards is a sophomore at the University of Puget Sound (UPS). Both chose to be unaffiliated with Greek life during their college experiences.
Coming from Marin and having experienced a high school where they often felt overlooked, Garsten sought something different at Cal.
“I never considered rushing because I knew that community was not for me. I’m queer and I hold that part of my identity really close to me. From what I’ve been told and conditioned, and [from] the scene of sorority girls, it didn’t look like a super accepting and opening space for me,” Garsten said.
“[I wanted something different] coming from Marin and from Redwood, because I [have had] experiences where I didn’t
another community that I’ve found a lot of safety and security in,” Garsten said.
While acknowledging Greek life’s prominence at Cal, Garsten emphasized that it’s not the only way to connect socially.
“I spend a lot of my time going to live band shows. I’m also really into the Grateful Dead culture, [which is] really big in Berkeley,” Garsten said. “I have a job [reading] with kids at a local elementary school, which takes up much of my time. I play basketball sometimes recreationally with friends. Greek life has a big position here because I’m at a big university, but it’s not necessarily the only thing you can do.”
Garsten also reflected on the Greek system’s broader issues, crediting their insight to a sociological ethnography they read for their sociology class called “Paying for the Party,” which went through a researcher’s time at a university, staying inside of a dorm and looking at who got into sororities and who didn’t.
“I also [see how] Greek life is very exclusionary and a really messed-up system based on a lot of class and racebased hierarchies,” Garsten said. “A lot of the white girls were accepted into sororities and felt a sense of belonging, whereas a lot of students of color that tried rushing and students of lower class just weren’t accepted.” Despite attending a school where Greek life is present to a smaller degree, Richards has found fulfilling social alternatives through clubs and weekly traditions.
“I do not feel like I am missing out because I’m not in a fraternity,” Richards said. “[My friends and I] started the Spikeball club this year. I also do Intramural volleyball, which is really fun. Socially, I also [have] ‘Sunday Family Dinner,’ where my friend group tries a new restaurant every Sunday.”
Richards believes that Greek life plays
“Greek life at [UPS] does not have many barriers between the non-Greek and the Greek houses,” Richards said. “Greek life [here] is around 20 percent and my school is the size of Redwood, so it definitely is present but doesn’t play a big role in the general social vibe of campus.”
Richards also highlighted the practical upsides of remaining unaffiliated.
“A pro [of not being in a fraternity] is I do not have to live in the [fraternity] house for two years. [Living in the house] requires a meal plan and sub food, which isn’t very good and more expensive than having your bedroom, kitchen and bathroom,” Richards said. Still, Richards maintains a respectful view of Greek life.
“I have some friends in Greek life and it’s great for them. I actually was studying in the Pi Phi basement last night,” Richards said. “I would say go for it if you want to [rush]. I felt comfortable with my ability to socialize and didn’t really think [Greek life] was for me. But, I think Greek life at [UPS] does a great job of no hazing, respecting boundaries and creating great communities.”
The experiences of Mock, Jambeck, Richards and Garsten highlight how Greek life offers both benefits and challenges. For some, it provides a strong sense of community, leadership opportunities and lifelong friendships. For others, it may not align with their values, personal identities or social preferences. Ultimately, the choice to join — or not join — a Greek organization depends on personal values, goals and the kind of community one seeks to build during their college years.
To read the full article, visit the Feature section of our website: www.redwoodbark.org
mbishop@redwoodbark.org
MAKENA MOCK (LEFT) celebrates being formally invited to join one of the sororities at the University of Tenessee, Tri Delta, on Bid Day.
Photo courtesy of Makena Mock
SIENNA GARSTEN (YELLOW bandana) and friends match spirit and fashion at a game day for Cal football.
Photo courtesy of Sienna Garsten
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
By Annie Burlingame and Skyla Thomas
Once the college deposits are paid and graduation caps are ordered, many secondsemester seniors tend to have one thing on their mind: summer. Homework goes unfinished, grades start to drop and overall motivation plummets.
According to a recent Bark survey, 50 percent of seniors skip class once a week or more, and 61 percent report feeling unmotivated to complete schoolwork daily.
This widespread phenomenon is known as senioritis, characterized by a senior's sharp decline in motivation and engagement towards the end of their high school experience. While some dismiss it as laziness, scientists believe that other factors are at play. For some students, it's a chance to savor their last few months with their classmates. For others, it can be a sign of burnout and depression.
One foot out the door: Is Senioritis real?
foot out the door. Most seniors are already looking towards what they're doing next year and are not as focused on what they're finishing up this year,” Scott said.
Many students reflect that this is not a unique experience, including senior Ryan Rembrandt. Rembrandt states that even though he regularly attends his classes, many of them feel less important this year compared to his junior year.
“I'm just here, I have to be in class and I'm showing up. But I feel like most of my lessons are kind of repetitive, whereas in junior year, I was more like, ‘I’ve gotta take in this information,’” Rembrandt said.
While colleges look very closely at the rigor and grades from students' junior year transcript, many seniors deny the importance of maintaining strong grades through senior year due to the college application process having concluded.
This is another reason why seniors feel an overwhelming lack of motivation: many students are already admitted and enrolled in college, or have their next steps plans arranged.
“All attitudes change and [students have] already gotten into college or they know what their next steps are,” Plescia said.
For most colleges, students must submit their final transcript, and according to The Princeton Review, “they can rescind the offer if they see a worrying drop in performance. In addition, many colleges have requirements that a student never receive a grade below a C- ever, in any class. And that includes the second semester, senior year.”
I certainly think, whether students can name it or not, there is a bit of anxiety about the next steps.
Ian Scott, Counselor
David Plescia, who has been teaching at Redwood since 1998, states that there are two factors that he believes most contribute to senioritis.
“One [factor that leads to senioritis] is the sun, and two is [Advanced Placement] testing. When the sun is out, senioritis sets in; they're like hibernating bears,” Plescia said.
Redwood counselor Ian Scott sees a similar trend.
“ I would say it's a symptom of one
While most students are still trying to maintain their grades, many are burnt out from the college process and the rigorous course load they have taken on in years prior. Unable to relax for the last three years, seniors are now more focused on completion.
“This year, I've kind of just focused on what I need to get [done] at the end of the day,” Rembrandt said.
However, behind the senior skip days and trips to the beach, the final stretch of high school isn’t always as relaxing and care-free as many students expect it to be. Now that many know what their next steps are, students are faced with the reality that they are leaving the community they have known for years and moving into the
unknown of their future.
“I was expecting this time to make [me] feel the most relaxed and laid back. But for some reason, I feel like there's a lot of stress right now. You kind of just gotta get through it and keep up [your] final grades,” Rembrandt said.
According to Scott, it isn’t uncommon for students to experience pre-college anxiety.
“I certainly think, whether students can name it or not, [there is] a bit of anxiety about the next steps. I'm nervous to go somewhere where I may not know anybody, or to start a whole new chapter of my life,” Scott said.
However, it's important to acknowledge that not every student falls into the senior slump.
“There are certainly some seniors who kind of stick with it and push through and
are diligent all the way to the end,” Scott said.
Many seniors have found ways to try to combat their lack of motivation, whether that is putting their phones away, setting aside time to get homework done or potentially missing out on some social plans.
“[I like] putting my phone away. My phone has been a big problem. If I'm distracting myself, one way that I can still focus is by telling my brain to focus and listen to music,” Rembrandt said.
Although the finish line seems nearer by the day, seniors like Rembrandt are continuing to find ways to stay grounded in these last couple of weeks. And with finals approaching, staying focused is essential, even if it means missing a little sun.
bark@redwoodbark.org
Infographic by Larkin Moffett
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
By Evelyn Spiegel and Maggie Walsh
Introduction
High school can be overwhelming, with busy schedules and endless homework. Managing workloads, balancing time and getting the most out of the high school experience challenges many. However, after experiencing the four years of high school flying by, I have found strategies to manage your limited time in high school. The fast pace of high school can often get in the way of enjoying the
developing strategies to manage your time is essential in maximizing the high school journey.
Reducing Stress
In Marin, excessive pressures are constantly placed on students to perform well and maintain impressive grades. However, in the midst of worrying about the grade of your last math test, it can be easy to lose track of the bigger picture. While it is important to put your best effort into education, it is not beneficial to be overly harsh on yourself for something as simple as the grade on your last test. Instead of worrying about something that happened in the past, focus on what you can do better in the future. In order to reduce scholastic stress, it is important to avoid procrastination so that you can spend time doing activities you love.
By Evelyn Harper
As the end of the school year approaches, seniors are beginning to think about an exciting tradition within the graduation ceremony: decorating graduation caps. Decorating graduation caps is a great way to show self expression, reflection and celebrate the past four years of one's high school career.
In order to make the perfect graduation cap, you need to decide which route you want to take. There are many different ways that you can design your cap, whether it be using inspirational quotes, pop culture references or showing your next step on your cap, whether it be college, or
Friendships
Not only is it crucial to spend time doing activities you love, but it is also key to surround yourself with people who uplift you. The social transition from middle school to high school can be harsh as you meet many new people and begin to build new friendships while simultaneously trying to uphold past ones. Ultimately, what should be prioritized is surrounding yourself with the people you are happiest around. Having friends you can lean on is essential in the process of maximizing your highschool experience.
something else. Once the design is chosen, all you need to do is gather the materials and put together your cap!
Of course, high school is not always smooth sailing for everyone. When faced with challenges during a major time of change, it is really vital to dig into the resources provided. Support can often be found through relationships with your family and friends, but it is also often offered by teachers. Forming positive connections with educators can create a safer space in high school. Similarly, leveraging off of resources like the Wellness Center and College and Career Center will most definitely aid any underclassmen students in the path of success.
Conclusion
Going into high school, I was always warned that the years “fly by” and now
say that those words could not be more true. Making the best out of these four short years is very impactful and will leave you remembering your high school experience in a brighter light. Overall, the simplest ways to manage high school is to find ways to reduce stress, form meaningful friendships and utilize provided resources. I feel lucky to have formed meaningful connections with new friends and teachers, while leaning on the resources around me. I felt constantly uplifted despite often feeling overwhelmed by my rigorous workload and busy schedule. High school is short, but there are many ways to make it impactful.
bark@redwoodbark.org
logo were cut out of paper and stuck on the white base with super glue. Lastly, small rhinestones were glued with super glue along the sides of the cap. This is just one of the many ways you could decorate your cap!
To make a graduation cap similar
Michaels, a craft store in San Rafael, has everything you need to create a unique cap. From colorful cardstock, rhinestones, stickers and glue, the store has it all. Shopping at Michaels is excellent if you are unsure what materials you want, as you can browse the store’s many aisles. However, some of the materials at Michaels can be expensive, with one pack of rhinestones priced at $17.99. A cheaper next step on your cap, you can print it on this background. After this, you can add decorations using craft or hot glue. If you plan on using rhinestones, like those shown in the photo, it is good to use a strong super glue to ensure that they stay on throughout the ceremony.
Creating a graduation cap is a fun way to showcase your creativity, personality and accomplishments while closing out your high school career. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be meaningful to you. No matter the design chosen, a decorated cap serves as a reminder of the journey taken, a celebration of all the hard work put in to reach this point and a symbol
eharper@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Polidora
By Adela Tabak and Lynette Ki
“The Spins” - Mac Miller
“The Spins” is not your typical emotional or nostalgic graduation song. Produced by Mac Miller, an American rapper known for his laid-back style, this song samples Half Mast by Empire of the Sun, a vibrant and upbeat song. Miller was 18 when he released his breakthrough mixtape K.I.D.S (Kickin’ Incredibly Dope Sh*t), so when he shouts, “Oh hey, I just graduated high school,” it isn't far from the truth. This song is about living in the moment and captures the excitement and fast pace of life.
“Night Changes” - One Direction
“Night Changes,” released in 2014 by the British pop band One Direction, captures the fear graduates often face when transitioning into the next chapter in life. Graduates can associate this song with moving on, and as time passes, new, scary experiences seem to take over. But this song reminds us that “there’s nothing to be afraid of, even when the night changes.” Along with this, the rhythm has a slower pace and speaks on how even though these memories may pass, they will not change the friendships and special moments made when reminiscing on high school experiences.
“Where’d All The Time Go?” - Dr. Dog
The nostalgia of this song speaks volumes as seniors reflect on how fast time has flown throughout their high school years. Ever since the song’s release in 2010, it has offered a carefree style that enriches excitement about graduating
By Mariel Goodhart
One of the best parts of summer in the Bay Area is the abundance of concerts, especially ones performed by big artists. If you want to add some music to your 2025 summer plans, here is a guide to some of the many Bay Area concerts you can attend.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is currently on The MAYHEM Ball World Tour following the March 7 release of her new album MAYHEM. Gaga’s second US performance on her tour will be at the Chase Center on July 22nd. Although MAYHEM is expected to be the dominant album, Gaga will also perform many of her older hit songs. The concert will be on theme for Gaga, who is known for her elaborate costumes and dances.
Post Malone
Just a day after Shakira’s big performance, Post Malone will take over the Oracle Park stage on July 1.
and experiencing the final moments that being a senior in high school provides. This is especially prevalent when the rock and alternative indie band Dr. Dog chant, “Where’d all the time go? It’s starting to fly. See how the hands go, waving goodbye.”
“Good Old Days” - Macklemore ft. Kesha
“Good Old Days” by Macklemore, featuring Kesha, is a nostalgic song about appreciating the present and recognizing that you're living through experiences that will someday be remembered as “the good old days.” Even if things may not seem good in the moment, as seniors graduate, the lyrics “I wish somebody would have told me, babe, someday, these will be the good old days” deeply resonate and capture the feelings of leaving a familiar world and stepping into an unknown future.
“Good Riddance” - Green Day
Released in 1997, this song emphasizes the need to cherish each moment before graduating. It demonstrates that even though these moments pass quickly, redirection in life is something all graduates are going through in this new phase of life.
a
“It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it's right, I hope you had the time of your life,” perfectly embodies a hopeful tone throughout Green Day’s song.
Music carries humans through each season of life, capturing memories and stories that will last a lifetime. These songs enlighten the new experiences graduates will soon encounter after high school through nostalgic reflection. They play
Katy Perry
Shortly after her space expedition, Katy Perry touched down on Earth for The Lifetimes Tour. She will be performing at the San Francisco Chase Center on July 18. Perry’s show is built around a robot storyline, and so far, the opinion of her tour has remained generally negative. Theories on the internet attribute a disorderly performance from her to a rushed effort to remove any references to her controversial trip to space. By the time Perry performs for the California Gurls in San Francisco, fans can hope that she makes some tweaks to her show in response to the criticism.
Zach Bryan
Unlike his song, Zach Bryan will be heading West for an August 15 end-of-summer revival at Golden Gate Park. The concert will be the second time he visits the Bay in his Quittin’ Time Tour that began in the spring of last year. Bryan always opens up the concerts on the tour with the song Overtime, and he is known to play lots of his more popular songs. He is not coming to San Francisco alone and will bring the rock band Kings of Leon, the country band Turnpike Troubadours, and young singer Noeline Hofmann. Bryan discovered Hoffman’s song, “Purple Gas,” on Instagram and later worked with Hoffman to release it as a duet.
Shakira
Shakira will visit Oracle Park on June 30 as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. Her performance will feature new choreography for her famous dances, and the singer plans to change outfits a total of 13 times in one night. Shakira will perform a mixture of her classic songs, including “Hips Don’t Lie,” and songs from her most recent album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. The concert is expected to be full of energy, dancing and colorful effects.
Infographic by Lynette Ki
Infographic by Mariel Goodhart
By Gabrielle Franklin supernatural power.
Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners” takes viewers into the depths of the 1930s Jim Crow South. The movie is a combination of supernatural horror, historical drama and blues music. Set primarily in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the film provides more than just vampire thrills; it dives into the themes of cultural identity, spirituality and the racism in America during this time period.
The story follows identical twin brothers, Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore, both roles played by Michael B. Jordan. After serving in World War I and working for the Chicago Outfit, they return to their Mississippi hometown with stolen mob money, aiming to establish a juke joint for their local Black community. The brothers bought an old saw mill and recruited talent, including their musically gifted younger cousin, Sammie Moore played by Miles Caton, whose blues possessed a
The opening night of their juke joint was eventful, with Sammie’s music summoning the dead. However, this energy also attracted unwelcome attention: a coven of vampires led by a charismatic but menacing Irish immigrant Remmick played by Jack O’Connel. What follows is a desperate fight for survival, forcing the characters to confront not only the undead but also their own pasts, beliefs and the societal levels surrounding
By Scarlett Musgrove
PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, is a well-known and renowned nonprofit organization that provides public programming throughout the United States with a range of content from news, history and arts, to educational children's shows. Recently, the Trump administration has cut federal funding for PBS because it was “not aligned with Administration priorities,” according to a Department of Education spokesperson. This has directly affected PBS, causing 25 percent of employees to go on temporary leave, affecting resources needed for their high-quality production of shows. As many know and loved PBS Kids shows growing up, here is a review of some beloved and popular hits in memory of not only PBS, but our childhoods, too.
The film did an excellent job at incorporating a blend of genres — historical, supernatural horror, musical, action and drama. However, there were some pacing issues, particularly a slow buildup in the first half before the vampire action fully began. At times, the plot felt predictable and the movie fell short in its attempt to create uncertainty over which characters were trustworthy. However, once getting through the slow buildup, the second half of the movie was filled with constant action (if you aren’t a fan of gore, I recommend not staying for the second half).
Separate from the action, the movie did a great job of using themes of cultural appropriation, particularly through the character of Remmick, the Irish vampire. His wanting to convert others into vampires and his use of Sammie’s stories and songs reveal a metaphor for the historical exploitation of Black culture. The movie portrays segregation, racism and the economic struggles faced by Black Americans in Mississippi during the 1930s. The story incorporates the historical experiences of various marginalized communities, including Black Americans,
beloved characters like Elmo, the Cookie Monster and Big Bird, the show perfectly balances education and entertainment, each character representing different personalities and lessons. Sesame Street will forever be engraved in my memory of childhood and is an excellent series for educational fun.
“Wild Kratts”
The series blends exploration, scientific discovery and learning into every episode. With a high rating of 5 stars, “Wild Kratts” is an exhilarating animated series, where brothers Martin and Chris Kratt explore the animal kingdom. With help from their high-tech power suits, they transform science into thrilling adventures, making
Chinese immigrants, Irish immigrants and Native Americans, telling the shared struggles and complex relationships under systematic oppression. For a detailed breakdown of these compelling characters and historical context, I encourage readers to take a look at the accompanying infographics.
Overall, “Sinners” was an enjoyable
“Sesame Street”
Starting with a classic, Sesame Street has been streaming for over 50 years now, with a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. It is a children's educational series, incorporating real-world lessons — from the alphabet to teaching inclusivity, diversity and kindness — in an age-appropriate way. With
watch that I would definitely recommend to others. The movie was thrilling, thought provoking and an overall entertaining film that holds historical weight. The movie opens conversation about its deeper meanings long after the credits roll.
gfranklin@redwoodbark.org
ecology and biology exciting and fun with imaginative storytelling. Each episode keeps things exciting, from villains to animal rescues and superpowers. The show incorporates real facts about nature, inspiring kids to keep learning and stay engaged with the world around them.
“Curious George”
“Curious George” is another top hit, introduced as a series in 2006. With a 4 out of 5 stars, this beloved educational series follows the adventures of the curious monkey George and the Man with the Yellow Hat at his side. George is a mischievous but beloved character who explores the world, introducing young viewers to basic math,
science and engineering concepts. The show is vibrant and humorous, encouraging problem-solving and creativity in a fun and approachable way. This cheerful classic is a great watch, offering foundational learning through lighthearted storytelling.
“Arthur”
“Arthur” is another timeless PBS Kids classic, earning a 4 out of 5 stars. Centered around Arthur Read, an eight year old aardvark and his friends and family, the series explores everyday childhood experiences. From troubles and sibling rivalries to school challenges and major life lessons. Arthur’s honest and relatable story telling sets the show apart as it doesn’t shy away from real-world topics like bullying, honesty, diversity and empathy, all delivered in a way kids can understand. With its warm humor, memorable characters and its catchy theme song, “Arthur” has shaped generations with its thoughtful and heartwarming approach.
PBS Kids has long been a trusted source for enriching content and beloved children's shows, shaping many childhoods. Despite challenges with funding cuts, its impact on children's learning and development is undeniable. These series are more than just shows; they are lasting memories.
“SINNERS” STARRING MICHAEL B. Jordan, promises a compelling cinematic experience.
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Infographic by Gabrielle Franklin and Lynette Ki
Photo
Photo courtesy of PBS Kids
Illustration by Lucy Jeffers
Snapping on the sidelines: Damian McIntosh
By Jack Block
Junior Damian McIntosh runs and operates two Instagram accounts and a TikTok page where he covers sports news for the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL), featuring notable games and star players. On his account, @allmcal on Instagram, McIntosh makes infographics notifying his fans of where the game is played, what to expect, what the score is and highlights the best performances across MCAL sports. McIntosh has gathered 1,300 followers on @allmcal. On his personal Instagram and TikTok accounts @dm.visualzz, McIntosh has over 3,300 followers, where he makes hype videos for teams across the Bay Area.
McIntosh has recently been posting videos covering MCAL baseball, softball and lacrosse games. With the playoffs in full swing, McIntosh has been busy collaborating with several MCAL teams at Redwood, Archie Williams High School, Marin Catholic High School, Novato High School, San Marin High School, San Rafael High School and Tamalpais High School. Before he was a photographer and videographer, McIntosh was actually a baseball player himself.
“I have always had a love for sports. When I got into filming, I realized that I was more talented as a videographer than as a player. That was a way that I could do something within sports,” McIntosh said.
McIntosh found his passion for videography and photography at Archie Williams High School during his freshman and sophomore years, where he launched his Instagram account
by creating a video for Archie Williams’ freshman basketball team. McIntosh has improved since then and has even worked with Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer.
Working with Spencer, a former professional lacrosse player before switching to basketball, McIntosh created a behind-the-scenes video along with the help of YouTuber Mitchell Pike.
“It was an unexpected invitation. I got
an email from [Pike] who was coming out from the East Coast to shoot a video with him, and he was looking for videographers in the Bay Area along with Spencer,” McIntosh said.
McIntosh used the experience working with Spencer to motivate him to become a better videographer and to grow his social media presence.
“It was something that made me prove myself. We did two shoots the day before [working with Spencer] and [Pike] brought three videographers out to test and see who would shoot with Spencer,” McIntosh said.
McIntosh is often seen shooting pictures and videos at several MCAL games.
Junior and varsity water polo player Jasper Roblee believes that McIntosh is building a fan base around MCAL sports.
“It’s cool to see a lesser-attended sport like water polo get more publicity and recognition, especially from someone in our community,” Roblee said.
McIntosh frequently makes updates to his Instagram account to keep others in touch with MCAL sports.
“I prefer going to [McIntosh’s] page rather than a website like MaxPreps to get information about MCAL sports, because I think it is easier pulling up his account on your phone rather than signing in to a website and searching for the school,” Roblee said. “[McIntosh’s] posts also highlight important information regarding
quality photos and videos which were posted to his accounts.
“I found his videos from the baseball MCAL championship really inspiring, and it showcased a lot of his talents as an editor and videographer,” Roblee said. “The photos and videos demonstrate how hard he works and how dedicated he is to filming and editing.”
McIntosh is in pursuit of taking his high school
McIntosh’s content, view @allmcal or @dmvisualzz.
jblock@redwoodbark.org
Tommy Guerrero turns tradition into taste
By Angelina Purvey and Nina Baker
Since bursting into the Marin culinary scene in 2023, Kito’s Taco Shop has certainly made its mark on Marin. Known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious menu, the restaurant has received steady adoration from the local community. At the center of it all is owner Tommy Guerrero, who brought Kito’s to life two years ago.
Guerrero, who moved to Northern California six years ago, has had a passion for cooking since he was little.
“My first memory was being in my grandma’s kitchen, eating her Mexican food. I’ve always had a bunch of different
jobs, but I think food was always a passion for me,” Guerrero said.
His dishes draw major inspiration from his grandmother’s, “Gramma Kito’s”, creations. But he wasn’t fully able to showcase these dishes until the shop.
After managing restaurants for different owners for many years, Guerrero decided it was time for his next chapter.
“I got tired of working for other people and wanted to do my own stuff. [So I] saved all my money and invested in myself and my business,” Guerrero said.
He opened Kito’s in 2023, unknowing of the praise it would soon receive. Although a risk in opening a brand new business, Guerrero has felt the reaping
benefits almost immediately.
“The most rewarding part is knowing that my idea was right, and I believed in myself, I believed in my product, I believed in my cooking and I knew that once the food got out there that people would enjoy it. That’s the most gratifying thing, people enjoying the food,” Guerrero said.
Not only has he created a restaurant known for its delicious food, but he has also created a family-friendly atmosphere for the staff. Roxie Monty, a junior and Kito’s employee, elaborated on the environment that Guerrero has created for his workers.
“The shifts go by really fast because I honestly just have a lot of fun working there with all the chefs in the back, the girls I work with and with Tommy,” Monty said.
Guerrero also focuses on the community aspect, honing in on giving back and getting involved with the greater community that supports Kito’s.
“[Kitos] is very involved with the commnity. We donate to just about every school. Our pocketbook [is open] for all the fundraisers [for those schools]. We love where the restaurant [is located], we have met a lot of great people [we want to give back to],” Guerrero said.
Monty also reflects on how supportive Guerrero is to the community and is appreciative of all that he has contributed. She believes his giving personality is one of the main reasons Kito’s has become so successful.
“He’s really good with people. He’s friendly with all of his customers and
has many regulars that he knows well. [Additionally], he also sponsors a local flag football team, and that is [just one of the many ways] he’s involved in the community,” Monty said.
Whether someone is just looking for a good taco or someone friendly to talk to, Kito’s always has an open door. Tommy Guerrero has built a friendly environment for both staff and his customers, making Kito’s desirable to all.
bark@redwoodbark.org
GUERRERO, SURROUNDED BY the vibrant colors of Kito’s Taco Shop, prepares a drink for a customer.
Photo by Elle Wilson
CUSTOMERS WALK INTO the charming entrance with vibrant colors on a popular taco Tuesday.
Photo by Elle Wilson
JUNIOR WILLY STEELE glances at 3rd base, debating wether to steal during the MCAL championship game.
Photo by Damian McIntosh
Photo by Jack Block
Alumni share career advice
By Anna Youngs and Isabelle Davis
On May 23, guests from Redwood’s vast alumni network were welcomed back to campus to share takeaways from life after Redwood. Here are some of the highlights:
Paige Peterson – author and photojournalist
Graduating from Redwood in 1973, Paige Peterson began her career as an actress, working mainly on movies.
Shortly after she started to gain success in movies ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ ‘Working Girl’ and ‘Mask,’ Peterson was diagnosed with Cowden's Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and underwent nine surgical operations over the course of ten years.
“A lot of people thought I wouldn’t survive, but I never thought I wouldn’t,” Peterson said.
Despite the diagnosis, Peterson pivoted to a new career in writing and photojournalism.
“ I had to make a living, and I had to take risks to do that, because there wasn’t a backup. There were no parents who were going to say ‘I’ll cushion your fall,’” Peterson said.
Without a doubt, one of the best takeaways Peterson had was to take on challenges and always be a good listener.
Buzz Bonneau – engineer and business owner
Alumnus Buzz Bonneau (‘99) launched his mechanical engineering career by starting a medical device company for kidney stone removal. After years of trial and error and an FDA-approval failure, Bonneau moved on to work with fellow alumnus Alex Salz. Bonneau and Salz started a wetsuit brand using high-end Japanese rubber to be extremely water resistant, warm and durable. Bonneau spends his days surfing and enjoying the community, enjoying a flourishing business with a two-man team.
Maggy Kepler – MS candidate in genetic counseling
Graduating Redwood in 2016, Maggy Kepler went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for her undergraduate degree before earning candidacy for a master of science (MS) in genetic counseling. While attending Cal Poly, she was introduced to genetics research, but it wasn't until her fourth year in a career interview that she appreciated genetic counseling.
“We’re not just scientists…we’re really teachers. We’re working with patients that are coming in from all different areas of the world and from all different educational backgrounds,” Kepler said.
Kepler took time to look into genetic counseling before committing to pursuing her MS. She asked herself about the degree of continuity she wanted with her patients, which would determine the standardized tests she would have to take.
As the Redwood alumni network grows, former students are achieving great success in their fields. We can’t wait to see what the class of 2025 and beyond will accomplish as this year comes to a close.
In memory of Alexandra Hinks
By Cora Champommier
Alexandra Lily Hinks, or “Owl” to her family and close friends, was a funny, outgoing and charismatic soul. She earned the nickname “Owl” early in life, after her older sister mispronounced her name as “Owlexandra.”
“She was always trying to do the right thing, the honorable thing and charitable thing,” a friend recounts.
Born in London, England, to Victoria and Paul Hinks, Alexandra grew up joyfully alongside her older sister, Robin Hinks. She led her life with kindness, empathy and deep attentiveness for those around her. When she was younger, Alexandra’s mother recognized her loving spirit through her extensive care toward her baby dolls, childhood pets and numerous school awards for her kindness and playful outlook on life. Alexandra loved her little white terrier, Elsa, going so far as to take off Elsa’s collar each night because she wanted her to be comfortable while she slept.
Alexandra treasured her childhood and enjoyed musical theater, singing and dancing alongside her family.
“She asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day, and I said, ‘just something lovely and creative.’ She memorized at 10 years old all the lyrics to ‘Hamilton,’” Victoria Hinks said.
Alexandra’s loving nature extended to many parts of her life, as she routinely volunteered with her mother at the Saint Anthony Foundation to serve food to the unhoused and enjoyed working with young children at her primary school. Alexandra hoped to be a preschool teacher and a mother when she was older, reflective of her disposition to care and protect others; someone who never put others down and “killed with kindness,” as a friend remembers.
Alexandra’s warmth and presence were felt by everyone around her. Her laughter was infectious, always paired with her signature bright smile.
“You could just feel [the joy], and she felt so happy to be around. That doesn’t mean she was always happy; it was just that when you were around her, you felt good,” a close friend and fellow cross-country runner said.
Alexandra radiated the sunshine she basked in, and was “in her element when she was out in nature, with water [and] outside,” a friend said. Alexandra loved sunsets, especially when she could see them with her friends, who now remember her through the colors of the sky, especially the pinks, which were her favorite.
Alexandra’s interests reflected the joy she brought into the world. Alexandra loved the show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” the movie, “The Florida Project” and cooking meals and desserts for her family to try. She often attended movie screenings at her mother’s workplace and enjoyed her mother’s homemade lasagna.
To honor her daughter, Victoria Hinks gets an owl design on her thumbnail each time she gets her nails done, and the Hinks have a sparkling pink Christmas tree that they’ve kept up all year, decorated with owls and other trinkets from each holiday spent with Alexandra.
“I wear pink every day. I have my pink bracelets, or I’ll wear a pink shirt, and I have pink everywhere in my room – pink bows, pictures of her, anything that slightly reminds me of her,” a friend said.
Alexandra will be remembered for her ability to love fiercely, choose kindness and spread her light to those around her, always inspiring people to see the best in themselves and others.
cchampommier@redwoodbark.org
PAIGE PETERSON, AN accomplished actor and author and photojournalist, shares her experience with Ms. Madden’s SMART class.
Photo by Isabelle Davis
We spoke to eight seniors about their experiences at Redwood, asking about moments of growth throughout high school, impactful people in their lives, what they appreciate most about Redwood and what lessons they will take with them into the future. Their answers illuminate exactly what it means to be a Giant.
By Taylor Allan and Tallulah Knill Allen
What is one aspect of the Redwood experience that is underappreciated/that you are grateful to have experienced?
“[One great aspect] is how many different interests there are here. There’s somebody with every single possible [interest]. I’ve met people here who are NASCAR fans. I thought I was the only NASCAR fan in Northern California. There are just so many different, new things that you can learn and experience.”
What is one aspect of the Redwood experience that is underappreciated/that you are grateful to have experienced?
“The school spirit here. At other schools, [students] are like, ‘I’m not really into it.’ But I feel like here, everybody is very involved with sports and clubs, and I really like that about [Redwood].”
What is a friendship or a connection you made at Redwood that has made you a better person?
Charlie Scott
“Mrs. Jaime. [She] used to be the Redwood swim coach 10 years ago. I was on the school site council with her sophomore year, and then I had her for AP United States History junior year, and we talked a lot about swimming. She came to some of my meets and watched me and other students. It was fun to get to know her both in class and outside of class.”
What is the biggest lesson you will take away from your time at Redwood?
Makaila Eller
“Take it one day at a time. Go slow and enjoy your day. Don’t worry about tomorrow.”
What was your biggest moment of growth throughout high school?
“I quit rowing. I had a chronic back injury, and I [chose] to stop fighting that every day of my life. I was able to take time to heal and reconnect with my passions. I was able to spend a lot more time on music and Redwood TV. I was able to meet a lot of new people and make a lot of friends that I know I’ll have in college.”
What was your biggest moment of growth throughout high school?
“[At] the beginning of sophomore year, I realized that I was annoying as a freshman. I wanted attention … In
What is a friendship or a connection you made at Redwood that has made you a better person?
Kaitlyn
Widman
“All of the friends I’ve made. I came to Redwood knowing, like, two people, and now I can go in the hallways and recognize five out of 10 faces, which is a lot better than when I started. I made connections with everyone I could, and they all made me a better person. Surround yourself with the people who you want to be like. It makes a big difference.”
What is the biggest lesson you will take away from your time at Redwood?
“Keep a good credit score. It’ll make your life easier.”
bark@redwoodbark.org
Jadon Shapiro
Brooke Ellington
Dylan Phares
Joseph Abuhalawa
Abby Matson
Illustration by Nadia Massoumi
When it comes to the definition of a Redwood athlete, senior Sam Gersch sets the standard. A rare two-sport, four-year varsity athlete, Gersch has competed in soccer and baseball throughout high school, fully dedicating himself to each team and becoming a cornerstone of Redwood athletics.
His recent season has only further cemented his legacy. On the soccer field, Gersch earned first-team allleague honors his senior season, building on an honorable mention award as a junior. He led the team in scoring with 11 goals (averaging 0.7 per game) and also tallied 4 assists. But Gersch’s impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.
There aren’t many high school students who can balance being a two-sport varsity athlete, getting good grades, maintaining solid relationships and everything in between.
Senior Maya Saibel is an exception: as the captain of her field hockey and basketball teams, she led both to Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) championship victories and placed third in the North Coast Section (NCS) Division I for basketball. The senior has also been awarded MCAL first-team the past two years for basketball and was given the Marin Athletic Foundation Award this year for her athletic and sportsmanlike contributions. Not only are her field hockey and basketball skills through the roof, but in the 2024 Klassy Kickoff football game against the junior class, Saibel stood out as the key contributor to the seniors’
“I’m not the best technical player with my feet, but I feel like I understand the game,” Gersch said. “I think what sets me apart is my mindset and competitiveness. There’s a saying, ‘I hate losing more than I like winning,’ which applies to me really well.”
As a winger, Gersch constantly pressed defenses, disrupting plays before they could fully develop. His intensity and high rate forced opponents to game-plan specifically for him, elevating his status as a leader.
Junior Chase Martin, who played alongside Gersch for three years, emphasized how vital Gersch was to the team’s performance.
“[Gersch] was one of our best [players]. He helped us on and off the field and did everything you could’ve asked of him as a teammate,” Martin said. “He was the perfect captain— [he] held everybody responsible and pushed us all to be our best.”
For Gersch, stepping into leadership roles on both soccer and baseball teams came naturally, largely because of the captains who had led before him.
“Looking back, what helped me the most was being able to reflect on the captains I played with throughout my four years,” Gersch said. “They showed me what it means to be a leader on and off the field. Leading by example is huge—anybody can talk, but showing people how to lead through your actions is what really sticks.”
That mindset translated seamlessly to the baseball diamond. As a two-time captain and two-time first-team all-league honoree, Gersch was a key force for the Giant’s success. This year, he posted a .304 batting average, knocked three home runs, stole 12 bases and drove in 19 RBIs.
He played a key role in the team’s back-to-back Marin County Athletic League championships, helping the Giants to a 28-5 record last year and an 18-8 finish this season.
Gersch approaches everything with intensity and focus, whether at practice or in games.
“I take practice just as seriously as anybody,” Gersch said. “When I’m focused on a drill or something I’m trying
dominant win. As a stellar athlete on both the court and field, her leadership role and work ethic helped younger teammates see what it takes to be a Redwood athlete.
“I think I took a big leadership role and was a role model for my younger teammates. I really represented what a hard-working athlete should be on and off the field,” Saibel said.
By playing sports all throughout her childhood and high school, Saibel has learned a lot about herself and skills that will last longer than on the court.
“I think both [sports] gave me different experiences, but also helped me grow as a person and a leader. I learned a lot about hard work and managing things at different times,” Saibel said.
For many athletes, tough practices or losses can get in the way of staying connected as a team. When this is the case for Saibel, the key to overcoming something challenging is to stay positive.
“I think the end goal in mind for me was always just having fun and the success that comes at the end. Whenever we were having a tough practice, I would think that this is all just putting in the work for everything that’s going to happen and that hard work paid off,” Saibel said.
Junior teammate Brooke Denler has seen the leadership that Saibel expresses when times get tough.
“[Saibel] is such a great leader and always has good energy to hype us up,” Denler said.
As Saibel’s high school athletic career ends, she reflects on her biggest achievements both on the court and field.
“I’m most proud in field hockey for winning four straight MCAL championships, keeping the dynasty going,” Saibel said. “For basketball, when I came into the [Redwood] program, it wasn’t too strong. I think I helped build a really strong program and got Redwood back to the top of Marin County and [at] the top of Bay Area girls basketball.”
Athletics has taught her many lessons over the years, which she hopes to take with her to the University of California, Santa Barbara, as she continues her academic career.
“I think playing sports has shown me how to work
to work on, I don’t let other things dictate my performance. Practicing like I play helps me slow the game down and that makes it easier to execute under pressure.”
Gersch’s preparation doesn’t stop on the field, either.
“The night before games, I try to envision how I’ll play, what pitches I might see or how defenses might line up. I don’t drink caffeine before games to stay calm and in control. Playing calmly and trusting in my ability is what really helps me.”
As Gersch prepares to graduate, he leaves behind big shoes to fill on both teams. He’ll continue his athletic career at Middlebury College in Vermont, where he will play baseball and bring his trademark mindset to the collegiate level.
msicklick@redwoodbark.org
really hard and [taught me] that I can get a good result when I put that work in. In school, I have that same mindset and I’ll take that with me into college,” Saibel said.
After years of dedication, Saibel has learned concepts that can help future athletes and students who hope to embody her same values.
“Being a good teammate is first and foremost the most important thing you can do,” Saibel said. “If you uplift everyone around you, then you can be the best version of yourself as a player and leader.”
Photo courtesy of Douglas Zimmerman
Photo courtesy of Maya Saibel
Photo by Graham Weir
msicklick@redwoodbark.org
her serve in preparation for her next match.
Known for her quiet confidence and team-first mindset, senior Jordan Marotto has become the defining presence on the girls’ varsity tennis team. Two years in a row, she has been named Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) Player of the Year and voted the Marin Independent Journal’s Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year. Marotto has demonstrated herself as a friendly, leadership-oriented captain and a powerful, standout competitor.
“Throughout high school, being able to have a team that was really supportive
motivated me to try my best and perform the way I did,” Marotto said.
Senior Julia Laury has been a long-time high school teammate of Marotto’s and has seen her leadership in action and her devotion to the team throughout her high school career.
“Jordan is a very bubbly person to be around. She brings the vibe of everything up. She works really hard, and she likes to motivate everyone else. You see her working hard, which gives the team motivation to work hard alongside her,” Laury said.
Marotto’s journey has been one of steady growth. Joining varsity as a freshman, she quickly stood out not just for her skill but also for her consistent drive and humility. Over the years, Marotto has stepped into a leadership role –– supporting underclassmen, organizing practices and always putting the team above herself.
“I think consistency and putting in the work are essential. Also realizing that [tennis] is not solely an individual sport, as much as it seems like that, especially in high school, you're playing for a team,” Marotto said. “A lot of the things you do should be team-focused, not as much as self-serving. I think that playing for something bigger than just yourself opens up many opportunities.”
As Marotto continues her next four years at Cornell University, it remains clear that she will use the lessons learned from tennis throughout the rest of her life.
msicklick@redwoodbark.org
“Stunting can be pretty difficult. Some skills took me months to learn that should have taken me a day because it's just scary,” Fox said.
In her free time, Fox coaches elementary and middle schoolers at the Corte Madera Recreation Center and volunteers to assist the JV team.
“I connected a lot with the lower teams, making sure that they always knew who I was, and they would come to me if they had questions. [I worked on] creating a whole environment for cheer and not as much of a division between JV and varsity,” Fox said. “During basketball season, I was at almost every one of JV's warmups leading the warmups, helping them assemble the quarters [and] fixing what wasn't going well.”
Senior co-captain Devyn Johnson admires Fox’s extra hours in the gym and her determination to lead the team while improving her flying skills.
OVER THE ENTIRETY of the season, Semetri Carr averaged 81.7 percent at the free throw line.
Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) Player of the Year two years in a row, University of California, Berkeley commit and No. 95 ranked recruit by ESPN in the class of 2025, senior Semetri “TT” Carr was a defining factor in the basketball season. After transferring from The Branson School for his senior year, Redwood fans were prepared for Carr to dominate other MCAL teams. Carr’s success stems from his ability to lead, energize and execute when it matters most.
“As an athlete, [I] try to provide energy,
create plays, score—whatever’s needed to win,” Carr said. “As a teammate, I try and be a leader, give [everyone] confidence.”
Carr’s transition into a new program didn’t hold him back. It elevated him and his new team. Carr was consistently the highest scorer on the team this year with an average of 34 points per game. After Carr came to Redwood, the Giants took home their first MCAL title after years of falling short to Carr’s previous team, Branson.
Senior Tyler White transferred from Branson in his junior year and has played with Carr for many years. White commented on Carr’s presence on the court and in the locker room.
“He is always a leader, brings great energy in the locker room and helps to set the tone for the game,” White said. “He’s highly competitive while also bringing the rest of the team up with his positive attitude, which is exactly what you want in a teammate.”
Even after tough losses or long practices, Carr kept his eyes on the bigger picture — his future in college basketball.
“What’s motivated me is always trying to get to the next level,” Carr said. “Just knowing I have something to look forward to.”
As the Cal commit wraps up his high school career, he hopes that others will see the true meaning of being an athlete and that it isn’t just about physical looks.
“Effort matters. Size doesn’t,” Carr said. “I’m not always the biggest guy on the court, but I try to play the hardest.”
msicklick@redwoodbark.org
“I have always been a hard worker, and when I have a goal, I want to reach it. My parents have pushed me to be the best athlete I can [be],” Bayon said.
Junior sprinter Marco Cleary believes the track team wouldn’t have had the successful season they had without Bayon.
“We couldn’t be where we are without [Bayon] this year. He adds so much value to every meet,” Cleary said.
In addition to his individual events, Bayon recently achieved a career accolade of a 7042-point total between all his events, which only five high school participants have ever accomplished, and is currently second in the country.
Not only is Bayon a standout athlete for the track and field team, but he also has a lot of energy. He is always looking to make track fun and relieve the pressure on himself and his teammates.
Three-year varsity athlete and two-year cheer captain, Syracuse University commit Gemma Fox has undoubtedly left her mark on the Redwood Cheer program.
“I think people need to understand that cheer is a sport. We're not cheering for ourselves, we're not performing for ourselves, we're performing for other people, which skews the concept that we're not really a sport,” Fox said.
Fox began cheering on junior varsity (JV) her freshman year and quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a JV captain during football season her sophomore year and joining varsity that spring. She spent her first three years cheering as a base, then she began flying. Coming into a new position was a daunting challenge for Fox.
“Having her as an example pushes me to want to be better. Even though we're co-captains, I still look up to her and want to be the best I can be because of her,” Johnson said.
Throughout her years cheering, Fox has suffered ankle injuries, a broken nose and constant changes in the structure of the cheer team. She has remained a steadfast leader that her teammates, co-captains and coaches alike look to for guidance.
“We've had six different coaches over the four years and it's been really hard. I think [Fox] is really good at handling her emotions well and keeping focused even when things are tough,” Johnson said.
There are dual-sport athletes or even trisport athletes at Redwood and throughout Marin County, but some consider senior and University of California, Berkeley commit Antonio Bayon to be a ten-sport athlete, a decathlete for the track and field program. The decathlon consists of the 100-meter run, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter run, 110-meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500-meter run. Bayon immediately stands out and is recognized for his pole vaulting school record of 15 feet and 5 inches, and his recently acquired school record of 14.81 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles, but is valuable in all events. Bayon attributes his track and field success to numerous variables.
“He’s always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. It takes the weight off everything, remembering that the track is also a place to hang out with our friends,” Cleary said.
Few have ever reached Bayon’s eventual goal, but Bayon believes that with his dedication, anything is attainable.
“I want to qualify and compete in the Olympics, either in 2028 or 2032. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and I know I can do it,” Bayon said.
Besides his physical goals, Bayon thinks that track can provide numerous positive opportunities in his life.
“It keeps me coming back, just having goals and the grind that it takes to be successful has kept me in the sport,” Bayon said. “I grow with ambition and determination, which are skills that benefit me outside of the sport.”
jpost@redwoodbark.org
JORDAN MAROTTO PRACTICES
Photo by Henry Barker
Photo by Henry Barker
SENIOR GEMMA FOX is thrown into the air by her stunt group at the halftime performance.
Photo courtesy of Gemma Fox
ANTONIO BAYON CLAPS his hands as the crowd follows in sync.
