Writing and performing music is a deep form of expression for RHS students
(full story on page 2) VOLUME 32 | ISSUE 4 | MAY 2025
Nice Car, Bruh (full story on page 6)
Baby Fever
(full story on page 8)
Court to Sand
(full story on page 18)
THE FLASH RISING ARTISTS
PHOTO BY OLIVIA CRUZ
EDITORAL
Trump administration silences international students with the threat of deportation
It began when ICE agents took Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from his university-owned housing. They told him his student visa had been revoked. When they learned he had a green card, they told him that it had been revoked, too. Khalil was being targeted for his involvement in the encampment movement the previous year as a student negotiator. The administration argues that his involvement showed support for Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization, and because of this, Khalil’s presence in the US is a threat to national security.
What this boils down to is that Khalil is being detained and deported because of his political beliefs. By branding international student supporters of a free Palestine as supporters of terrorism, the Trump administration is silencing their free speech.
Whether or not Hamas deserves its designation, conflating supporters of Palestine with supporters of Hamas is a slippery slope. And punishing a legal permanent resident of the US who committed no crime for his political beliefs is an exercise in authoritarianism.
Since this first detention, many other students have been detained or had their visas revoked, whether for their political speech — one Tufts student was detained over an op-ed she wrote for her student newspaper — or something as minor as a parking ticket.
According to the Associated Press, at least 1,024 students at 160 institutions of higher education have had their visas revoked. Facing numerous lawsuits, the Trump administration began to restore access to a key records database for many international students who had it revoked for minor offenses. The courts have slowed the Trump
administration’s attacks on international students, but the battle is far from over.
The visa revocations have sparked concern and fear for the million international students studying in the US. One anonymous student from China studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill began to carry her immigration documents and passport out of fear, despite not having any criminal records. She was advised by her school’s international office to do this.
“That is the most scary part because you don’t know whether you’re going to be the next person,” she told the Associated Press.
By: The Editorial Board
DIANE KRAUTHAMER
in this issue:
EDITORS-IN-CHIEFS:
Radian Hong
Milana Kozlova
Cassiopeia Le
SECTION EDITORS:
Cole Broumas
Shane Byron
Olivia Cruz
Bhoomi Kumari
Saraswathi Murugan
EDITORS-IN-TRAINING:
Micah Bielling
Kaelyn Cunningham
Ashley Kim
Cole Mccoy
Bailee Sexton
STAFF REPORTERS:
Mark Bonitz
Jason Cardanini
Kevin Feng
Evan Gordon
Tristain Gurkin
Brady Kretzmer
Varshuu Manojkumar
Carson May
Tayeeb Naseri
Alexia Offner
CJ Shafer
Audrey Tzeng
Tessa Wagnon
RHS students share their musical journeys of songwriting and band life
With a passion for songwriting, performance and self-expression, Weichers and Flores aren’t just consuming music — they’re creating it. Alana Weichers, a current junior at Rocklin High School (RHS) and Arabella Flores, a graduating senior, are carving out a space for themselves in the local music scene together.
RISING A R I T S
Their band, Angelo, came together almost by accident. It originated at a Vacation Bible School program, where Flores and a few others jammed together, forming a connection over music. What began as an informal gathering quickly became something more serious when Flores’ father unexpectedly booked them for a restaurant performance. Flores shared how her dad walked in and said, “You guys are going to perform at a restaurant.” Suddenly, they had a deadline to put together a set list, and a new sense of purpose.
Weichers found her way into the band after meeting Flores in a PE class. Weichers said, “Arabella was like, ‘Wait, dude, you’re Filipino. You sing. You’re my buddy. Why don’t you join [the band]?’” Soon after, a casual guest appearance quickly turned into
“ I feel like I was blessed with this talent. If I don’t use it, like, what am I doing with my life? ”
- Arabella Flores
a permanent role as the lead singer. “I felt a lot of pressure to be liked by them,” Weichers said. “Bella loved me, but she talked so highly of these people, and they already sounded so talented. I never had vocal lessons, technique, or strategy. I just sang. I felt like I was underneath all of them, and I felt this pressure to make a good impression. But we ended up all getting along.”
For Flores and Weichers, music was a fundamental part of their upbringing, shaped by their families and Filipino heritage. Flores was raised in a household where music was constant — her father played in a cover band, performing ‘80s hits and Filipino
Writing music comes from suppressed emotions. “ ”
- Alana Weichers
had a few key differences from her band members. Singing was second nature to her, inspired by Disney princesses and childhood performances at family gatherings. However, she often struggled with comparison. “I felt very behind, because so many people are talented, and I knew I had the ability to sing, but I couldn’t stop comparing myself to other people.” Although she never had formal lessons, she was determined to push herself forward.
Weichers sees songwriting as a means of expressing emotions she struggles to articu late in conversation. “Every time I’m feeling something or very emotional, I write it down in my notes,” she said. “Then, when I feel creative, I put two and two together and I’m like, ‘Yo, this is fire.’ My songs are about how what I went through as a kid shaped me into the person I am today. Sometimes, I hate that person, sometimes I love that person. It’s a really big push and pull.” For Flores, songwriting often begins as poetry. “I take poems, put music behind them, hum melodies, then put it on my guitar and record it,” she said.
Despite their talents, both Flores and Weich ers grapple with imposter syndrome. Flores admits that self-doubt often holds her back. “I get really frustrated because a song will sound good, but then I think, ‘How do I fix this?’,” she said. For Weichers, repetition breeds insecurity. “It gets to a point where you hear your own song so much, you’re like, ‘Dude, this sucks. Nobody’s gonna want to listen to this,’” she said. “But then you play it for a friend, and they say, ‘Oh my god, this is so good!’ Either everyone’s lying to me, or it’s just myself.” Yet, despite their doubts, both are deter mined to pursue music. Flores hopes to collaborate with a producer who can bring her ideas to life, while Weichers aims to re lease music by summer or after senior year. “If I do, it’ll probably be on YouTube. I just need to stop doubting myself,” she said.
By: Olivia Cruz, Senior Editor
LEARN ABOUT J O S H
U A FEVER
Joshua LaFever, a sophomore at Rocklin High, has been crafting his musical path since he was seven years old. “I just got a piano one Christmas and decided to try it out,” LaFever said. His real musical passion ignited two years ago when he picked up his brother’s unused guitar. “It was hard, but I picked it up pretty quickly,” LaFever said, noting he’s mostly self-taught. LaFever began writing his own music last year, moving beyond covers to create original riffs. “I just started experimenting with my own stuff,” LaFever said. Though he hasn’t written many lyrics yet, he sees each
I just create a story and tell it through the lyrics. “ ” - Joshua Lafever
His biggest musical influences include Avenged Sevenfold and Slipknot. “They were big influences on me,” LaFever said. He recently performed with friends Tristan McKee and Parker Huntington, where he faced his nerves while playing a solo in front of a packed gym. “It was nerve-wracking, but I just practiced and went for it,”
Though LaFever doesn’t plan to pursue music as a career, he’s committed to continuing his passion. “Music is more of a side hobby, but I want to keep writing,” LaFever said. His grandfather, a musician for over 60 years, remains his biggest inspiration. “He’s the reason I even picked up the guitar,” LaFever
Au Revoir to the French Program
The lanuguage is retiring with the teacher
Rocklin High School French teacher Stephanie Arino, whose students call her Madame, is getting ready to retire. Likely retiring with her is the French program, which she built from the ground up since the opening of the school in 1993.
Many of the French I students working in Ms. Arino’s poster-filled classroom or outside on the blue tables in the grass, enjoying the spring weather, will have to make a choice come the 2026-2027 school year — they must either switch to another language or continue their study of French online at a community college.
“Obviously I’ve been here too long,” Mrs. Arino said. “I need to move on with my life. I love teaching, I love kids. But there’s a time where you have to stop. So it will be very sad next year, but at the same time I’m ready to move on.”
Many students have come to her with concerns about the changes coming to the French program, she said.
Currently, three world languages are offered at RHS — Spanish, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). As RHS total enrollment has declined in recent years, so has its French enrollment. This has been exacerbated by the introduction and expansion of the ASL program. But Mrs. Arino said she doesn’t believe ASL offers the same benefits as a foreign language with its own culture and grammar.
Mrs. Arino and Spanish teacher Brent Carlson created the one-year foreign language graduation requirement at the very beginning of RHS.
“We felt that a language surely exposes kids to the world outside of Rocklin,” said Mrs. Arino. “I kind of feel it also shows students a little bit about how other people live, and I feel that that’s something that we’re very naive about in the United States.”
ASL has its own benefits — especially if students plan to work in a medical profession or with the elderly or those with hearing loss, Mrs. Arino said. But these are often not the reason students choose to take the class.
“It is easier of the two languages because with Spanish and French you have to learn how to write,” she said. “They’re choosing it for ease. And my concern, which I told admin, is that colleges will see that as a problem.”
For many students, Mrs. Arino is the reason they chose and continued with the French program.
French II student Giuliana Pagliai said, “I heard that the teacher was really good, and she really is. She’s one of my favorite teachers. I heard the class is really fun.”
Her classmate Aubrey Bales agreed. “I feel like French is a hard language to learn, but Madame makes it so you have the supplies that you need to learn the language and it is
very helpful how she teaches it,” she said.
After Mrs. Arino retires, Bales plans to take French online at Sierra College.
“I feel like the community at school is much different and it’s much more help ful when you have other students in class learning the same thing as you and you can work together on assignments and stuff,” she said.
Bales decided to take French be cause of her older sister’s glowing review of the program. It has since be come Bales’ favorite class.
If there were no French program, Bales said she would have likely tak en ASL instead.
Mrs. Arino said her friends teaching at other schools have seen a decline in their foreign language programs as well and that even Sierra College has dropped some of its foreign language classes.
“It’s a trend that I see as kids being too stressed to take on a language,” she said. “A language takes a lot of time and a lot of prac tice.
Assistant Principal Michael Pappas said that declining enrollment was a major factor in the decision not to seek out a new French teacher.
“We don’t have enough sections that we would have to be able to put in a full-time hire, since we’re declining in enrollment,” he said.
Next year, French I will no longer be offered; the year after, the program is expected to end with Mrs. Arino’s retirement. Mr. Pappas said there are no specific plans to seek out a new French teacher at this time.
“It’s a lot of trying to look ahead in the future, and you can’t know exactly what that’ll look like,” he said.
Even if the French program doesn’t leave with Mrs. Arino, her students say the program wouldn’t be the same without her.
“I think just like Madame’s a very support ive teacher,” said French III Honors student Amanda Stauts. “And the class itself is a great environment. And she just makes this such a great learning experience. And she has a great energy that she brings to class.”
By: Radian Hong, Editor-in-Chief
START YOUR ENGINES
A new club at Rocklin High is being revved up!
The new Car Club at Rocklin High School (RHS) combines the best of both worlds by allowing students to share their passion while contributing community service to our city. The love for cars has been around forever, and as high schoolers get their license, a car club is the perfect way to share their interest with others.
Currently, the RHS Car Club has set high goals and ambitions that include hosting car meets and community service opportunities. Junior club member Jashanveer Khinda said he wanted to join the club because he is “really into the car community” and has been to a couple meets before.
“Everyone’s nice,” he said. “It’s a good time.”
This club is open for anyone to join. Although the thought of joining a car club
might seem intimidating, junior William Lynes said, “I recommend this club to anyone, even if you have a pretty basic car you can still join this club.”
You don’t have to own a car to be included in this club. Other hobbies such as photography and social media are a big part of the club, and people with those talents are always needed. So whether you own a car or not, want to take some cool photos, or show off your car, this club is a great place to start. The club’s president, Zach Clarke, said, “We’re going to be having FLEX meetings, and people can ask questions about cars, talk about them, show pictures, and then also grow photography too because car photography is pretty popular too.”
This club also involves collaborations with other car organizations. Local meets are hosted by groups such
“ Expect a lot of car meets and events where people bring their cars and show off what they have built.
as 916 CNC and Gapplebees, which give students a chance to connect with professionals and expand their knowledge. Car meets happen often, so there are plenty to attend. Clarke “posts meets that are happening locally pretty much every week” on the RHS Cars Instagram account.
One goal for the club is to bring back the car show that was formerly held at the school carnival. “Next school year, the Harvest Festival, I would love to bring that car show back,” Clarke said.
Cars can be more than just a way to get around for many people. Lynes said, “[People] can really just express themselves. Having a car, it’s an accomplishment. And being able to mod it out, make it look how you want, it shows your artistic style.” For many enthusiasts, cars serve as a canvas for creativity, and a way to reflect their personality and
LITER V8
passions — whether it’s custom paint jobs, upgraded sound systems, or unique interior designs. The modifications people make to their cars are an extension of their identity.
CARS OF THE CAR CLUB
The 335i is part of BMW’s famous 3 Series, which are known for their luxury and performance. The first generation of these was made from 2006 to 2013, which include models like E90, which is the sedan, E92, which is the coupe, and E93 which is the convertible. This vehicle is powered by BMW’s N54 engine, which is a twin turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-6. Twin Turbo engines use two turbos to compress the intake of air and fuel, adding power and performance.
The 335i comes in either a 6-speed manual transmission, which means there are 6 gears in the car to shift from, or a 6-speed automatic which automatically shifts gears for you. While a manual transmission is harder to use and takes practice, it makes the car a lot faster and adds a whole new level to driving.
The 335i also came with new updated technology such as the iDrive infotainment System, which is BMW’s communication and entertainment screen inside the car. These systems are very useful for naviga-
tion and can even change driving modes. These cars also took a huge step in safety as dynamic stability and traction control were introduced.
The BMW Gran Coupe M8 Competition brings one of the most luxurious and high-performance cars you’ll see. The Gran Coupe is the 4-door version of the M8 Competition. Although it may be a little heavier, this sedan packs a staggering 617 horsepower stock and can go from 0-60 MPH in just 2.7 seconds.
BMW debuted this model in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2020 that they would introduce the Competition version. The Competition cars include adaptive suspension and a sportier look with enhanced handling and performance. The M8 Competition is part of BMW’s G16 generation, with a focus on performance and luxury driving experience. The M8 comes with a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, one of the most powerful and best-sounding engines out there.
The features of this car include carbon fiber and aluminum accents, a 10-inch touchscreen, and leather upholstery. One of the coolest features of this car is the adaptive suspension that changes the damping rates to match driving conditions. Damping rates affect things like handling and stability, and the adaptive changing allows
for a consistently smooth ride in the M8 Competition.
The BMW 330i M Sport is a performance-enhanced version of the 330i. This ride comes with an aggressive aesthetic and has been a staple in BMW’s history. The 330i was introduced in 2012 in the F30 generation. These were produced from 2012 to 2019, but the 330i wasn’t available until 2016.
This car was a big step up from the 328i with improved performance and technology. The 330i comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4 engine making 255 horsepower. This car can go from 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds.
The M Sport package comes with enhancements to the suspension and brakes, as well as a custom M Sport exhaust. These help improve the handling and responsiveness of the car, with the lower suspension adding more stability. This car was specifically designed to provide drivers with an agile and performance-oriented sedan. This car stands out for those who want a comfortable and well-handled ride. A prominent figure in BMW’s 3 series, and is a perfect car for all driving conditions.
By: Brady Kretzmer, Staff Reporter
DYLAN CHASE
DYLAN CHASE
DYLAN CHASE
BABY FEVER
EXPERIENCING Parenthood
Every spring, Rocklin High School (RHS) child development students can be seen on campus walking around carrying baby baskets. Inside are the robot babies that child development gives students to help them prepare for life as a real parent. The babies operate through bluetooth bracelets worn around students’ wrists and can start crying at any time. Each time the baby cries, students have two minutes to respond before their grade drops. The student has to either feed it, change its diaper, burp it, or rock it. Students have to guess what the babies need, although many say that they learn to recognize the different types of crying after a while.
The babies make life much more difficult for students because they have no idea when it could go off. Sophomore Kylee Caswell said, “I couldn’t eat or sleep or take a shower or use a bathroom without worrying that it might go off.”
Child development teacher Robyn Parratto said, “It’s like a bomb.”
For students that do take the babies out in public, it can be difficult if the baby goes off. Mrs. Parratto remembers one past student who got pulled over for having a baby in the front seat. “When the cop saw that it was a doll, he was like, ‘Okay, have a good day,’” Mrs. Parratto said. Additionally, some students have been driving when the baby goes off and have had to hold the baby and drive at the same time. Mrs. Parratto pointed out that this is one of the ways the fake babies are more difficult than regular babies, because students have to respond immediately or see their grade drop.
She has also heard stories from students who had people believe the babies were real. She remembers one female student who took the baby out in public and had a very negative experience. “It was an elderly woman who shamed her about being a teen mom, because she didn’t realize the baby was fake. She was like, ‘We know what you did. I hope you’re proud of yourself,’” Mrs. Parratto said.
Mrs. Parratto has also had male students who have taken the babies out in public and received very different responses. “I had a male student who took it out in public, and [people] were like, ‘Oh, we’re so proud. Good for you. Taking responsibility,’” she said.
However, the babies aren’t just realistic to other people — they can also feel very real to the students, leading most students to feel very protective of their babies. “When I hold the baby, I find myself rocking back and forth. it’s just
BOMB” “It’s likea
a doll, but here I am, rocking it. You can watch it in the classroom. It’s just an instinctual response,” Mrs. Parratto said.
Still, most students are glad to give their babies back, mostly because of how disruptive they are at night. Caswell remembered one time in the middle of the night she was up “a whole hour because it kept asking to be fed, then burped, and then for a diaper change, and then fed, and then burped. It was just a nightmare.”
Caswell said, “I think it really showed me how much my mom had to go through, especially since she said I was a naughtier baby than mine. I can’t imagine how stressed and worried she must have been.”
To Mrs. Parratto, the baby assignment is more than just a taste of taking care of a baby’s physical needs or carrying it around. “I want students to realize there is a world more than themselves,” she said. “I want students to kind of [consider] the weight of, you are responsible for keeping that human alive.”
Because the baby is bluetooth, it gives Mrs. Parratto a full report, including information like when the baby turned on and off, grades for each of the baby’s four needs, event start times, and a section of mishandles.
There are four mishandles: head support, wrong position, shaken baby, and rough handling.
Head support is the most common mishandle that comes up, and it is when a student
doesn’t properly support the baby’s head. The baby’s head wobbles, and head support usually happens in the middle of the night when a student is trying to get to the baby quickly and forgets about supporting the head. Wrong position, such as people putting the babies on their stomachs or tilting their heads down, happens occasionally also.
The more serious mishandles are rough handling and a shaken baby. Rough handling is anything from dropping the baby or throwing it, and if the baby suffers enough damage it will shut down. Mrs. Parratto rarely ever sees either of these, and if they do happen it’s usually interference of other people.
Caswell said, “One of my friends had PE while she had her baby, and someone ended up kicking it across the room.” She herself also had someone else threaten to hurt her baby, showing that most damage to the babies comes from other people and not the actual students with the babies.
“What makes me nervous with these abuses is when they don’t relate to any kind of care need,” Mrs. Parratto said. However, every student gets the chance to go over the baby’s report individually with Mrs. Parratto and talk about their experience, allowing them to justify any unusual mishandles.
By: Audrey Tzeng, Staff Reporter
Before the Cap Toss
What does it take to plan graduation?
As the school year winds down, the senior class eagerly anticipates the culmination of their high school journey: graduation. The ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone — a moment of joy, reflection, and accomplishment. But behind the scenes, a select few dedicate themselves to ensuring this special day unfolds seamlessly.
The Graduation Committee is responsible for more than just organizing the ceremony — it is divided into several subcommittees that manage different aspects of the event. These subcommittees oversee tasks ranging from stage decorations to the highly anticipated speech contest. They also play a pivotal role in selecting key elements such as the graduation quote, the color scheme, ticket designs, and the program layout. Every decision is made with the goal of ensuring that the ceremony captures the spirit and identity of the graduating class.
inspirational speeches. “It’s been a good experience, and I honestly think it’s benefited me in a lot of ways,” she said. “I’ve also made connections and met new people.”
For many seniors, the tradition of honoring the graduating class began last year, when they served as members of the Honor Guard.
tee works and how planning the entire ceremony happens,” she said. “It also gave me the opportunity to be a part of what my fellow peers graduate with. I wanted to be part of that experience, and I wanted to help plan it.”
I wanted to be a part of that experience, and I wanted to plan [gradutation] -Bhavya Sridhar “ ”
Bhavya Sridhar, a current senior, is part of the Speech Contest Subcommittee, which is in charge of arranging the valedictorian and
Sridhar spent hours with several other students in the brutal summer heat, planning and executing the physical aspects of the 2024 ceremony. Sridhar recalls the experience as a pivotal moment of inspiration. “Honor Guard was a really good experience for me to learn about how the Grad Commit-
This year’s graduation also marks a significant leadership change within the school. Mr. Douglas, who has been overseeing graduation for years, is retiring, and the responsibility now shifts to Ms. Stedman. Though the first time planning and executing such an important event can seem daunting, Ms. Stedman has the benefit of having Mr. Douglas on campus to be a resource as questions arise. Shessaid that learning from past experiences has helped her navigate this year., “Mr. Douglas has left me in a great spot, especially with him still being on campus to check in with,” she said. “He is incredibly organized, so I’ve been able to follow his lead from past years and get done what I need to get done.”
SHANE BYRON
Students and parents tend to overlook the extensive planning that goes into the ceremo ny. The planning process begins more than a year in advance. “We’re prepping at the end of the previous year to start the graduation for the following year,” Ms. Stedman said. “Maybe 12 to 13 months in advance. Then we meet with our actual committee at the be ginning of the school year, and that’s when the student part gets involved.” The time investment stems from the effort to make graduation student-led. If the ceremony was led and planned by one individual, the yearlong process would turn into a month long one. However, administration has placed an emphasis on getting students involved and leading the process to capture what the grad uating seniors want on their special day.
Perhaps the trickiest part of the annual celebration is controlling the uncontrollable. It takes one parent or one student to really change the direction of the event,” Ms. Sted man said. You only need one student to make a decision that maybe doesn’t represent them or the school, and it kind of throws the event. Although we can pivot and take the focus off that negative, it definitely adds a layer that I always have to be thoughtful about.” More importantly, she said she has enjoyed the process despite facing the pressure and challenges of piecing together such a large ceremony.
With a background in marketing and event management, Ms. Stedman finds that this process is her cup of tea, she said. “I love coordinating planning. I love all the details. So this has been fun for me,” she said. And beyond the logistics, the opportunity to work closely with students is what excites her the most. “I love the op portunity to work with the student grad committee,” she said. “Having been a math teacher, I miss that classroom connection with students. You connect differently when they’re part of a group or a class versus just a quick hello on campus. I love having this group that I get to meet with reg ularly, seeing their personalities come out, and watching all the creative ideas they come up with.”
By: Saraswathi Murugan, Senior Editor
The class of 2025’s Graduation invitation design
SHANE BYRON
SHANE BYRON
February 14th has become ingrained in American culture and is either loved or loathed by people. But for two couples on Rocklin High School’s campus, Valentine’s Day looks a little different. Day in, day out, the Douglas’s and the Harter’s spend every day working and going home together. As such, both couples don’t tend to celebrate this love-filled day for two different reasons.
Lara and Mark Douglas have been married for 38 years [add how many years they have worked on rocklin high’s campus]. They have a wholesome and fun reason why they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. They met at their first campus, Valley High School in Santa Ana California, where they had a teacher friend in the math department whose husband was in the Gulf War and was not around to celebrate Valentine’s Day. “We started this whole thing where we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day because they couldn’t be together, and we were the Black Hearts Society,” Mr. Douglas said. But as they’ve moved on, they continue their tradition of not celebrating because Mr. Douglas believes that Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark Holiday. “It’s for those who
don’t necessarily do everything they should in their relationship throughout the year, so [he tries] to make sure [he does] that throughout the year.”
VALENTINE ...OR NOT? BE MY
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas met as teachers at the same school so their relationship “developed from the very get go of being at school,” Mrs. Douglas said. Teachers at school dating seems like a crazy thing, and would cause a lot of talk amongst the campus.
In the years that Mr. and Mrs. Douglas had kids going through elementary and middle school, they had to coordinate their schedules to make sure they had one of them picking up or dropping off their four kids. Ms. Douglas said, “Luckily, we had a whole pool of teenagers, we had kids that would pick them up and bring them back, and we always knew the background of people so we got the best of the best for babysitting.”
Soon, both Mr. and Mrs. Douglas will be retiring, Mr. Douglas at the end of this school year and Ms. Douglas the following year. They have a plan to move to Nipomo after Ms. Douglas’s last year. Mr. Douglas
said, “[he’ll] spend the year getting everything ready for selling out house and getting everything ready for the move.” They are both extremely excited for this new adventure. However, Ms. Douglas said she is having a rough time with Mr. Douglas not being here next year.
Jeff and Monica Harter have been married for 10 years, and they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day for a different reason. Jeff Harter is known around RHS campus as Coach Harter because he is our varsity boys basketball coach. Basketball is a winter sport here at RHS and we have a very important game that happens on Valentine’s Day, the Quarry Classic. Mrs. Harter said, “It’s all hard during basketball season, but we usually do stuff with our kids.”
Mr. and Mrs. Harter met in their credential program at San Jose State University in 2009. They were both preparing to become teachers and had a reading night class together that happened once a week. Mr.
Harter said, “[he] found out through some careful recon that she was single and might be interested in going out with me, and then one day at the end of class, [he] said, ‘hey, would you be interested in going out on a date?’ And she said yes, and the rest is history.”
“ I found out through some careful recon that she was single and might be interested in going out with me, and then one day at the end of class...
Since they work together at the same school, they know many of the same kids and can debrief the day. Harter said, “We care about kids and our school and our community. We talk about our stories from the day, interactions, funny moments with kids, tough or struggling moments, whine, and complain a little bit, but that’s definitely one of the things that connects us.”
They still have young kids that are going through their first years of elementary school, and the elementary schools start school earlier and get out sooner than RHS does. Mrs. Harter said, “[They] trade off every morning, so one of us will take our oldest two who go to Breen at 7:35 and 7:40, and then the other will drive our youngest to preschool in Roseville. We’re really lucky because my mom is local, so she goes and picks them up at Breen, and then they play at the park for an hour and then we meet at home.”
So with the craziness of the school year, they are thankful to have the summer months off to spend time together as a family. Mr.
Harter said, “We get all those school holidays or breaks off together, so we’re able to kind of recharge [and] reconnect.”
By: Kaelyn Cunningham, Business Editor
clean dirt
“I’d like to go ride in Montana, because I know they have, like, a bunch of spots and trails that or Oregon, just somewhere where there are not too many cities or like towns, like up in the mountains somewhere.” -Tyler.
WHY DIRT BIKING
Dirt biking, I’ve seen a lot of videos of other people riding dirt bikes. My older brother has been riding a lot. I have a lot of friends who have been and I just haven’t been able to, like, get into any other sports, really, because it’s kind of boring after, like, the first couple of games for me, I’ve tried out basketball. I’ve tried oto play football with my friends. I’ve tried soccer. Nothing really seems to interest me.
WHY DIRTBIKING
When my brother took me out one time to finally teach me how to ride a dirt bike its kind of the most fun sport thing that I’ve done. My favorite type of terrain is forests and stuff, because I like going out, connecting with nature, and I don’t really like going to tracks and stuff, because there’s just too many people.
DECIDING TO GO WITH PEOPLE
I kind of planned a race, but going to the tracks and stuff when there’s like, a bunch of people just seems like a little bit of a hassle. I like to just at least have, like, a small group, because I don’t like
having to ride with a giant group of people and have to dodge all of them if someone messes up and we have to stay down, or someone crashes and you have to help them up or something.
FIRST TRAIL
The first trail that I went on, which was just the basic or the first trail that was closest to where we parked at, it’s probably the most hardest one, because I haven’t rode a rock a lot of trails before, but I’ve ridden in a couple one of them, but that one had the most like turns and curves, and it had a bunch of jumps.
PASSIONATE ABOUT HONDA DIRTBIKES
I like Hondas in general, because they’re, like, reliable, mostly, than any other brand. And also I just like the colors of the rides on dirt bikes and stuff. Red’s one of my favorite colors. When I’m older, I’m probably gonna have to get on 250s because 150s are more like beginners, like, if you’re a kid or a teenager.
FUTURE LOCATION TO RIDE AT
I’d like to go ride in Montana, because I know they have, like, a bunch of spots and trails that or Oregon, just somewhere where there’s not too much cities or like towns, like up in the mountains somewhere. My dream bike is probably a Kawasaki, kdx, 200
BACKGROUND
I started dirt biking around maybe two months ago. I’ve been going out like every single weekend. My brother said I’ve been getting really good at it. I like to take it kind of fast. I take it kind of slow just to get used to it. But once I’m used to one, I like to go fast up in the higher gears, just kind of keep it like flowing.
By: Tayeeb Naseri, Staff Reporter Staff
“I just love portraying someone and kind of going past your acting capabilities and trying to be like that character…”
- Benny Williams, RHS Junior
Lights, Camera,
PASSIONATE ABOUT
I want to be an actor because it’s really fun.You can connect with people. And it’s just, I’m really good at it, I like pretending to be something. I just love portraying someone and kind of going past your acting capabilities and trying to be like that character, really that character.
BECOMING AN ACTOR
Probably eighth grade. That’s when I started doing theater. I’ve done three shows and, yeah, it’s been really fun. And I’m trying to start doing commercials and shows and auditioning for movies and stuff. For the theater, you have to sing and dance, which is mainly it, and then you start getting [into] acting. But for the auditions, for the other ones, I have to send in tapes of me, just me, making my own script or something or other, productions I’ve done with acting jobs. I’ve gotten no lead roles in theater. I’ve gotten a pretty big role in this one acting job. But it was all right, and I’m gonna start going for more acting jobs. I’ve only done one so far, and we’re gonna try to get a lot more.
PEOPLE YOU LOOK UP TO
I actually have a lot. I look up to Tom Holland, I look up to Adam Sandler and, We’ll go with that. Tom Holland, he’s just a great actor. He’s just kind of just so good at what he does. He’s like, that got that passionate feeling, just like, so amped up and like, just, he’s just really good for the role, and he’s just a great actor. Adam Sandler, he’s really funny, and he can, like, play any character, and he’s just a super good, funny actor.
CELEBERTY ENCOUNTERS
I have not met [any actors]. Okay, well, kinda because my mom’s friend, his daughter’s actually a movie actor, and she’s
been in two movies, so I’ve kinda met her. But someone who I really wanna meet. I wanna meet Jace Norman from Henry Danger. Also, he’s another guy I look up to because I’ve been watching him forever, and I want to meet. Oh, I want to meet, I forgot his name, but he plays Dexter Morgan. He does Dexter and Dexter, he’s such a really good actor. And, yeah, that’s it.
Oh, my favorite films are probably The Truman Show, some Marvel movies and that’s really it.
OTHER CAREER OPTIONS
If I do take on theater, I’ll probably, actually, I might stray away from theater and do acting, but for now, I’m currently working on auditioning for Tarzan. But, yeah that’s it really. I don’t really know. I’m not really good at making my stories but if I wanted to do something, maybe I’d probably go into singing like I’d probably straight away from acting and singing but mostly acting.
FILMS TO BE IN
Probably a Spider Man movie, or, like a show about a killer or something.
By: Mark Bonitz, Staff Reporter Staff
TOP SHOTS TOP SHOTS
Scan this QR code for free top shots all taken by students in Rocklin Media. If you love photography and are interested in being a future photojournalism student, you can contact jrubinstein@rocklinusd.org
ZACHARY BURDICK
VIOLET YANG
COLE BROUMAS
ZIYI YANG
SOPHIA BROOK
NATHANTHORNDYKE
CAROLINE KENNEY
NATHAN THORNDYKE
EITAN RUBINSTEIN
JELANI RUSFELDT
BAILEE SEXTON
court To Sand RHS volleyball players are switching from indoor to beach court To Sand
At Rocklin High School (RHS) more and more students are joining the Beach Volleyball program. Students join for several reasons, including more practice for indoor volleyball, the community, and height acceptance. Sophomore at RHS, Luciana Daley, started to play beach volleyball freshman year. She “[likes] beach more because [she] enjoys the community, and [she] enjoys playing with all [of her] best friends.” The beach team meets every Monday and Wednesday at Harry Crabb Park. There are four beach courts and RHS takes up two. With varsity being one court and JV right next to them, it creates connections that
otherwise may not be there if they were on separate courts, like indoor is. Players stick with their partner through a whole match or even a tournament. But in practice, the coaches can switch pairs up, leading to more bonds with all girls on the team.
Another reason beach is becoming more popular is that athletes can use beach practice as extra practice for indoor. It is harder to jump and move in the sand, so playing in the sand “benefits [athletes by] jumping higher and moving faster, because the sand holds you back,” according to coach Devon Quok. Quok is also an assistant coach
for the Girl’s RHS Varsity volleyball team and has seen the girls improve in jumping higher and moving quicker. RHS sophomore Saide Schonhoff likes that players “get to touch the ball every point,” which improves all-around ball control.
In indoor, players focus on one or maybe two main skills and the rest get rusty over time. But in beach, every athlete has to be able to execute every area of volleyball to score points and win. One particular skill, setting, is usually only used by one or two members of a team. For beach, everyone
has to be able to set the ball perfectly without any spin. In addition, indoor volleyball players need to be tall to cover more court for passing and be above the net to hit the ball and score points. But beach volleyball is more about placing the ball in smarter areas to score. Schonhoff, being 5’4, appreciates that “height does not matter as much.” Schonhoff doesn’t have to be tall to put the ball to the back line, she just has to be able
to have ball control and know to hit where the opponents aren’t. After time, athletes stop growing and are no longer tall enough to play indoor, so they switch to beach, where shorter heights are more accepted.
Volleyball has become more popular and spots on teams and colleges are more and more scarce. Schonhoff is switching to beach because “there are already so many girls playing indoor” so she has more of a chance to make it to higher levels for beach.
Playing beach volleyball also benefits girls in non-sport-related things. They get tan. Everyone wants to get tan. It is in peak UV time and in the warm sun. Quok said, “It’s outside and in the sun, so everybody likes that.” Athletes not only come to get better or to try a new sport, but they come for many reasons. Beach volleyball is gaining more and more popularity and for good reasons.
By: Tessa Wagnon, Staff Reporter
Beach Volleyball Growth Over Time
Beach Volleyball at RHS has been gaining more and more popularity since its creation in 2021.
2022
16 Players
14 Players
18 Players
2025
24 Players
DOWN TO THE BUZZER
Rocklin defeats the Jesuit Marauders for the section title
“
The game isn’t over until it’s over. Keep fighting.”
- Reeve Slone
MVP
REEVE SLONE
With under two and a half minutes left, the Rocklin High School (RHS) boys basketball team needed a spark to turn the tide of the game. That spark was junior Reeve Slone, who hit a wide open corner three to get the game within one point. The crowd was now booming, the stadium shaking. And all Rocklin needed was one final stop and a score to complete the comeback.
The Jesuit Marauders passed the ball in after Sloan’s clutch three, but the Marauders couldn’t even make it past half court with senior Connor Delaby flying in for a crucial steal, driving to the basket before dishing it to senior Ely Willis, who laid it in for the goahead score. Stunned, the Marauders’ coach stood speechless, failing to call a play as the final seconds ticked away. The Thunder walked away as Section Champions with a hard fought 46-45 victory.
Though the game always remained close, the team struggled on offense, shooting just 27% from the field, 1-for-10 from three-point, and 5-for-13 from the free-throw line. Something was off — and the Marauders’ well-coached defense was a reason for that. The Thunder’s star player Mark Lavrenov has been the team’s leading scorer all year, making the majority of his points in the paint. The Marauders recognized this and double teamed Lavrenov and and always kept a man in the paint, eliminating Rocklin’s offensive plan. The team went into halftime down by two and needed a change.
Coming into the third quarter, the Thunder adjusted its offensive scheme, relying less on the paint and shifting to a more perimeter-focused attack. The struggles continued, and the Marauders were still carrying the momentum. The team “could have quit, but [they] didn’t” and still proceeded to challenge the Marauders till the very end, said Lavrenov.
“There were so many times [that the team] could have backed down, so many moments where it felt like the game was slipping away,” said Lavrenov, but the Thunder kept fighting and “kept trusting in each other” and in the end that’s what made the final difference.
This no quit mentality is what kept Rocklin in the game. In the fourth quarter, it all changed, the team’s new perimeter focused game plan was starting to finally click. The Thunder hit five three-pointers, raising their three-point percentage to 25%. Their overall field goal and free-throw percentages also improved. The momentum started to slowly shift but the Marauders still had their foot on the gas and were not letting up. Everything changed in those final minutes when Sloan drilled the game changing three. Throughout the season, Sloan has been struggling to dial in his three pointer and what better time to dial it in than in the Championship.
The Rocklin student section erupted and attempted to storm the court. The team “suffered, [they] struggled, but no one ever quit” said Coach Steven Taylor, this team has “been through so much” and had to fight and give everything they had to get past this not so easy road but “that’s what makes it more rewarding.”
Sloan was named MVP of the game, coming off the bench he led the team with 14 total points and multiple three pointers. Sloan delivered his best game of the season when the team needed it most. Close behind was Delaby who finished second in scoring with 11 total points, but what made Delaby so special is the way he got under the opponents’ skin and played with relentless effort. He had a standout defensive game, recording four steals one of which stole the game away from the Marauders.
Although Rocklin’s season ended in the Division II state semifinals with a loss to Clayton Valley, their journey was historic. Their section title is more than just being champions but shows their relentless effort and grit, proving themselves as champions not just on the scoreboard but in their fight to the very end.
Sloan said that the team just had to “keep fighting” and that it didn’t “matter what the score [was], no matter what’s happening” The team always had a shot at winning the whole thing and they “refused to give up.”
The final buzzer sounded and the team walked away crowned Section Champions.
By: Cole Broumas Sports Editor
EITAN RUBINSTEIN
EITAN RUBINSTEIN
EITAN RUBINSTEIN
Opinion: Trump is Making a Lethal Attack on International Relations
How are Trump’s political and economic policies affecting our nation, and what will it bring in the future?
Trump has now been in office for four months, and even before his presidency, numerous of his plans for America have brought concern to those of both parties. Most notably, his controversial tariffs.
Since his campaign, Trump has made it known that he wants tariffs to be a big part of his economic plan for his term. These tariffs, he believes, will “restore U.S. manufacturing,” encouraging companies to increase production on American soil. Recently, Trump has succeeded in implementing tariffs, some of which include some of our closest trading partners like Canada and Mexico.
Trump implementing Tariffs on Canada
brought back retaliation tariffs, creating a trade war between a once strong alliance. Because of this retaliation tariff, gas prices are rising, as Canada is our main supplier of oil. Other than oil Canada also supplies electricity and uranium and without their natural resources the cost of that for consumers can rise.
Before the tariffs Trump even announced taking over Canada as the 51st state, baffling Canadians and many Americans. Trump has been hurting the U.S. ‘s alliance with its closest partners since the beginning, and now put it into effect with the tariffs.
All countries receive a baseline tariff of 10%, but are not limited to just that. Tariffs
on other key countries include China, which received a 34% tariff, Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam received 46%, and all of the European Union at 20%. According to CNN Business, China already had a 20% tariff on goods, but “combined with pre-existing tariffs, that means Chinese goods arriving in the US would be effectively subject to tariffs of well over 54%.”
Many of these countries have placed or spoken of retaliatory tariffs, one of which is China, which responded with a 34% tariff on U.S. imported goods. China, although a political rival to the U.S., has been a vital trading partner for many goods and resources, but with this trade war started by Trump, international relations and
-Donald Trump “
They’re going to come in and they’re going to pay a price for taking our treasure.”
trade have come to a halt.
Trump’s administration attacked Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Trump has made many statements about his intent of essentially taking over Greenland. J.D. Vance said, “Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” (AP News). To this the foreign minister responded with a video to the Trump administration criticizing his actions and accusations against Denmark. “But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies.”
-Donald Trump “
however, this can come to a quick end with Trump’s economic and political actions so far. M Steven Fish, a UC Berkeley professor of Political Science, said, “Trump aims to drive America toward autocracy, and he is reorienting America’s foreign relations to align our country with foreign dictatorships.”
To which Fish’s statement makes a lot of sense, because interestingly enough, Trump did not include Russia on the tariffs list, and instead blamed President Zelenskyy for starting the war, calling him a “dictator without elections.” The Russia-Ukraine conflict did not start in 2022, but actually in 2014
Our power will be used if others do not play by the rules.”
Hurting relationships with Denmark consequently hurts America’s relations with the European Union as a whole, that means hurting the relations with 27 other countries and the alliances they have within.
The United States has been a country with a great deal of respect and influence on world trade and politics,
when Ukraine began to leave the sphere of influence that Russia has been keeping it in. Once Putin realized that, in 2014, he “ illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula and started an armed aggression in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas that grew into a long-running conflict that left thousands dead” (AP News).
Not only that, Trump also demanded that Ukraine pay back America for all the money they’ve given to Ukraine for the war, alongside natural resources such as coal and oil. Under Biden’s administration, the U.S. gave aid to Ukraine for a humanitarian cause, not expecting to get paid back. Trump believes Ukraine owes the U.S. the money back, but supporting other nations in need is the key to developing stronger international relations, which will help battle war.
J.D. Vance surprised the whole world with his statement, “Why don’t you wear a suit,” towards Zelenskyy who wore a black outfit with the Ukrainian national symbol. Criticizing a nation at war by what they wear demonstrates the ignorance of Trump’s administration and blatant disrespect towards the President of another nation.
Maintaining those positive relationships with other countries and supporting them is the way the countries of the world come closer together. Supporting countries for a humanitarian cause is the right thing to do, and in the long run, will bring better political relations and economic growth. Economic and political peace is much easier to achieve that way, but with Trump severing the once peaceful relations with foreign nations, economic and political stability will turmoil.
By: Milana Kozlova Editor-in-Chief
jenny humphrey gossip girl
C m b c o k e a
In the early 2000s, television was making a spectacular resurgence in the age of streaming platforms and TikTok fads. Famous programs like “Friends,” “The Office,” “Gilmore Girls,” and “Gossip Girl” have seen a rise in popularity, attracting new viewers and devoted followers. It’s been 10 years and these shows are still relevant today, because of accessibility, nostalgia, and social media’s potent influence.
Streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu have made it simpler than ever to rewatch (or discover) vintage TV series. In the past, people had to buy pricey DVD box sets or wait for replays. Now, it only takes a few clicks to binge-watch old shows like “Gilmore Girls” or “Gossip Girl,” contributing to their resurgence.
In contrast to the TV environment of today, several of these shows, especially those from the 2000s, offer distinct storytelling. They are still as captivating now as they were when they first came out because they emphasize character-driven drama, clever language, and coming-of-age themes.
In addition to their accessibility, these shows have been given new life by social media.
Reminiscent trends have flourished on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, where users post videos, fashion ideas, and noteworthy sayings from earlier decades.
“I think older shows are coming back into popularity,” said Gracie Julian, a “Gossip Girl” fan. “Social media platforms are why — nowadays that’s all everyone is on, especially younger audiences.”
Julian pointed out that early 2000s TV fashion and aesthetics are frequently glorified online. Blair Waldorf from “Gossip Girl” and Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City” are still regarded as fashion icons, and current generations emulate their looks in contemporary ways.
However, it goes beyond aesthetics. Curiosity is also piqued by TV show sounds that become viral on TikTok or Insta Reels. A famous statement or a line from the show may cause someone to ask, “Oh, where is that from?” Julian said. “They’re going to want to watch it as well because it sounds like it would be interesting.”
Trending audio clips, GIFs, and meme culture have given shows that first broadcast
before social media a second lease on life. Take “The Office,” for instance. Even people who have never seen the show can identify its famous moments because many of its most memorable scenes have become global memes.
Nostalgia is another factor fueling this trend. According to The Dowling Catholic Post, older Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z fans are returning to their favorite shows from childhood. There is a calming quality to watching a series that takes you back to a simpler era. Rewatching an old favorite can seem like a warm hug in today’s hectic and frequently stressful world — a means to escape reality and remember your adolescent or childhood years.
However, nostalgia isn’t limited to the past. It concerns the feelings and experiences associated with these programs. Even if technology and fashion have evolved, the friendships, relationships, and problems seen in shows like “Gilmore Girls” and “One Tree Hill” still feel relatable.
It’s hardly surprising that networks and studios are making money from the popularity of these beloved series on streaming services.
the two
BRG.G.’s Top Four
eboots and revivals are popular right now, however they rarely capture the essence of the original. For instance, the “Gossip Girl” revival failed to capture the charm that made the original series so popular, despite its attempts to modernize it. To maintain the franchise’s freshness, “That ‘90s Show,” a follow-up to “That ‘70s Show,” introduces new characters while also appealing to nostalgia. Audiences desire the comfort of the “Friends” they already know and love, not necessarily a new version of “Friends.”
In the end, the 2000s TV comeback is evi- dence of the enduring value of a strong nar- rative. Whether it’s Michael Scott’s embar- rassing yet amusing antics, Rory Gilmore’s bookish charm, or Blair Waldorf’s witty one-liners, these characters never go out of style, thanks to social media and streaming services always being an option.
By: Bailee Sexton, Design Editor
oth “Gossip Girl” and “Gilmore Girls” have influenced viewers’ views of wealth, ambition, relationships, and social power, despite their radically different tone and settings. The glamorization of Manhattan’s elite in Gossip Girl (2007–2012) foreshadowed the emergence of social media culture and reinforced the notion that influence thrives on scandal. “Gilmore Girls” (2000– 2007), on the other hand, sparked discussions about class, ambition, and modern womanhood by celebrating intelligence, strong female relationships, and small-town charm.
Due to nostalgia and streaming’s capacity to reach new viewers, both series saw revivals: “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” in 2016 and “Gossip Girl” in 2021. “Gilmore Girls” aimed to give its loyal fans closure, while “Gossip Girl” tried to offer a contemporary critique of wealth and power. However, neither reboot was able to adequately recreate the originals’ “magic.”
In spite of this, “Gossip Girl” and “Gilmore Girls” continue to influence conversations about privilege, identity, and the changing meaning of success in a world that is constantly changing.
2000’s teen programs
BE MY VALENTINE
Teachers and admin who work side by side with their Valentine!
“We started this whole thing where we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day because we couldn’t be together, and we were the Black Hearts Society...” - Mr. Douglas
February 14th has become ingrained in American culture and is either loved or loathed by people. But for two couples on Rocklin High School’s campus, Valentine’s Day looks a little different... Check out the rest of the story on page 12
UPCOMING EVENTS:
5/19: Senior Awards
5/20-5/21: Instrumental Concert
5/21: Powder Puff Game
5/22: Chamber Concert
5/26: No School
5/28: Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
5/30: Senior Rally
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Mr. and Mrs. Harter on their wedding day.
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