The Stagg Line
Senior Edition
ART BY SERINA SIENG
Class of 2019
Senior Edition
The Stagg Line
2
05.10.19
Drama students use experience to liven weekly announcements
PHOTO BY KENYON PIERCE
Bulletin voices improve spirit
Brianna RODRIGUEZ
An entertaining duo the announcements?’ I think it’s pretty cool.” Many people make the assumption that doing morning announcements is quite simple. Someone just reads a piece
Troubled past helps teen better himself People usually look back on their freshman year in high school and laugh. The awkward clothing, the bad haircuts, and the embarrassing relationships. For Salvador Hernandez, these things were the least of his worries. Instead, Hernandez was left to worry about much more important issues. After an incident that caused Hernandez to turn to violence in order to protect his family, he was detained by police and put into juvenile detention. He doesn’t let this define him, though. Instead, he chooses to work towards bettering himself. “I need to show that I’m different now,” Hernandez said. “I feel like I have something to prove.” During his time detained, Hernandez talked about how his views of the world changed. Although his time in detention was only three months, he felt as if he had seen enough to understand people better. “There were a lot of gang members and a lot of drug talk. Fights were always happening.” Being in this environment opened his eyes. He was able to get a first-hand experience of how “(society) really is.” Hernandez was able to see what it’s really like for the lives of those who chose not to follow the law. He was also able to meet some others people who influenced him for the better. “There were some good people like me in there,” he
Film brings comfort Aidan DANFORTH
PHOTO BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
Angel VASQUEZ
of paper into a microphone, how hard could it be? “A lot of anxiety comes through knowing you’re going to be talking to the whole school,” Dougherty said. “You
Dark past, bright future said. “They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Now living in a group home with other kids like himself, Hernandez tries to take the best out of his situation. “I actually love it there, I’m able to get help to better myself.” Through talking about his problems, Hernandez is able to control his anger better while also working on his communication skills. At first he was reluctant to take this step because of the stigma behind men expressing their emotions, but he’s now glad that he did. “It helps so much, and it doesn’t make you any less of a guy.” Hernandez is on track to completing his time in his group home this summer. When Hernandez thinks about his freshman year he thinks about how much he has grown. “It’s all about how bad you want it, what sacrifices you’re willing to make.”
Nadia Dutra is known for having a camera tripod in her backpack for any potential videos she may wish to capture. When she was 7, Dutra made “Nadia Shock,” a YouTube channel that once contained video gameplay. The channel was based on her love for “Bioshock,” a video game that helped Dutra escape her troubled life. “I know it’s an unprofessional name but I’m not shielding that important part of myself,” Dutra said. The once embarrassing channel began to morph into a vlogging and comedy channel. Her videos inspired her to try and incorporate students who felt vulnerable. “Believe it or not, students
still get bullied. I’m here to film with them and include them,” she said. In her eyes, she believes that these students share similar issues. “I had to walk out from a couple of classes because I would get panic attacks,” she said. Although these mental issues set her back, she would find herself back on the set, escaping her troubling life, allowing the cameras to keep rolling. “I don’t think I live a typical teenage life,” she said. “I just had an obsession to film and create these skits.” In her videos Dutra covers important issues. The most notable production that Dutra lead was the video displayed for the “Every 15 Seconds,” assembly. Her team helped film scenes that she could PHOTO BY KEVIN GUTIERREZ
When Julian Varelas heard the announcements at the beginning of the year, he felt like he was being put to sleep. “I made a comment about the announcements one day saying I could do better,” Varelas said. “Bagnasco was like, ‘Yeah, I bet you could do better’ so then he asked for me if I could do the job.” Varelas was given the opportunity to do the announcements after this conversation. Krissi Dougherty, while she is experienced with performing and public speaking, still gets anxious every time she goes to speak on the intercom. “The first time I did it I was so nervous,” she said. “I felt like I was shaking. It was horrible.” “Everyone I know knows that I do it,” Varelas said. “People ask my sister, ‘Oh wait, are you related to Julian from
can’t be a quiet person.” Varelas explains the different aspects of public speaking and uses his drama background to carry out the announcements. “You have to project your voice,” he said. “Since we are technically speaking in front of a crowd we do voice acting.” During these past few months Dougherty and Varelas have become a dynamic duo. “Krissi is a great partner, she’s very cooperative,” he said. “We’re good as a team.” “Julian is so much fun,” Dougherty said. She explains how they like to make interaction between each other, specifically during the news section. “If I’m ever feeling nervous about a part he is quick to let me know ‘I got this,’” she said. “He’s awesome.” Veralas is grateful for the opportunity, “I hope to get better at public speaking so maybe I can get into voice acting later.” “I’m happy I was able to do the announcements,” Dougherty said. “It looks good on college applications and it’s helped me with my reading and socializing skills.” Though unexpected, the two are glad they were able to put some flare into the morning announcements and show what having Stagg Pride Inside really is.
Nadia Shock
potentially miss because of the event. “There was a lot of emotion and so little time to create the video,” she said. “I still get compliments about it, and it feels good, it was my biggest production.” Although these professional videos need time and have an important spot on her channel, she allows for her comedic talents to take the helm. “I love my skit videos, when a new one comes out, I claim its as the best.” For the majority of her videos, her newly adopted friend group begins to act and help film. She mentions how it’s hard to get her actors to feel comfortable enough to be in front of the camera. “There are so much creativity in a person,” she said. Still, she encourages her friends to try rereading a couple of lines and taking a different approach to the scene. “After the first session, they are finally ready to film another one,” she said. Her encouraging and confident personality allows for her videos to produce an including circle. Although friends help her with the filming she loves the solitary editing process. “There is a certain way I want my videos to be edited,” she said. “If I give that up, it wouldn’t be NadiaShock.”
Senior Edition
The Stagg Line
Friends, not rivals Aidan DANFORTH For valedictorian Brianna Rodriguez, a high school experience meant more than securing the No. 1 spot with a 4.49 grade-point average. During her sophomore year in high school Rodriguez, against her parents’ wishes, made the sacrifice to leave Stockton Early College Academy and come to Stagg. SECA’s small campus made her feel small and incomplete. “It felt like I never left elementary,” Rodriguez said. Her decision to leave the academically demanding high school may have cost her some opportunities, but an unforgettable night at a football rally erases any thoughts of her return. “I didn’t want to waste two more years where I wasn’t happy.” Rodriguez’s arrival started a new legacy, one in which she cherished the enjoyment of being a teenager. “Yeah, I’m smart but I want to have fun like a real student,” she said. Although she was a prominent transfer student, she was unaware of her competition at Stagg. With a 4.44 GPA, her middle school friend and partner on the Stagg Line staff, co-salutatorian Donavin Collins, was right behind her. Although Collins went to the same elementary school as Rodriguez, he had yet to understand what a real friendship was. “I only saw my fellow students as friendly competitors,” he said. Always secluded in his studies, being isolated helped him avoid any social interactions. Collins never expected that he would eventually let go of his strict studying habits.
Hailey Edwards & Malia Christiano
Since 2008
As soon as he started to relax in his studies, a friendships started to form. “It started with my teachers, they made it better to come here,” he said. The once quiet and nervous student was able to understand what he wanted from his high school experience. During these reflections, Collins managed to bond with his once former competitors. He was stunned to know that his former biology partner would share the second place seating with him. “When Phillips walked in and and said we tied I thought it was pretty funny,” he said. Co-salutatorian Kristina Matsumoto was No. 3 for the majority of her high school career. She was only decimal places behind Collins, but managed to tie with him in the end. Matsumoto was always looking to show off her academic ability. Last year, her older sister Stephanie finished as valedictorian. Although Kristina will finish in second place this year, she is leaving a legacy that shines through her sister’s shadow. The majority of Matsumoto’s success came from sports. Compliments and words of encouragement from her coaches helped push her to aim for the No. 2 spot. The coaches helped show her ability when she was confident. Although Matsumoto felt like the underdog of the story, she appreciated the drive that Rodriguez and Collins brought. “They have worked hard to be where they are at,” Matsumoto said. “I had an idea that I was up there, but it was still a shock to see that in the end I was one of them.”
Davon Turner & Giovanna Lovato
Since 2016
Yu-Gi-Oh!
It’s time to duel Oleedia HARRIS When some students hear about “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, they just think of another average trading card game game for younger children, but for Stephen Muthart it’s much more than that. “I used to watch a show about Yu-Gi-Oh! when I was a kid.” Muthart along with his older brother started bonding through watching the show and years later he had a friend that got into playing the game. “Since he was into playing YuGi-Oh! I decided that I should just try and play too.” Ever since he played for that first time he hasn’t really stopped. “It’s just something to do that I find comfort in,” Muthart said. “I play with my friends Julian and Jacob and we usually go to tournaments twice a week.” The tournaments take place at a local card shop called Dragon’s Den
Games. There are about 30 people that compete at these tournaments. “Adults and teenagers compete, there isn’t really a limit on that,” he said. “Each tournament is pretty long, lasting from about 6 to 9.” In the game, all the players have life points and the goal is to get the opponent’s life points to zero. “There are a lot of complicated rules and strategies,” Muthart said. “I would suggest for beginners to look up some techniques on YouTube.” He said he still watches videos to help him get better at the game. He hasn’t won a tournament yet, but he eventually he wants to. “I look at playing as a little bit of a combination of wanting to win and just having fun.” Although he doesn’t plan on playing Yu-GiOh! as a hobby for a long time, he doesn’t think he’ll stop playing anytime soon. “Yu-Gi-Oh! just makes me happy.” PHOTO BY KEVIN GUTIERREZ
Top of the class
3
Yu-Gi-Oh duelist
Thomas Jones & Bryan Lopez
Since 2015
GRAPHIC BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
PHOTO BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
05.10.19
4
Senior Edition
The Stagg Line
05.10.19
Don’t forget about us ...Stagg Line seniors
to not s ie t r a p e s s all tho IODT.” is m t o n id d R “I go D1. PE driguez o - Brianna R
“People who can’t think of a good prop and quote be like...” - Donavin Collins
h it has a “S is for stress, and althollugalw s be negative connotation it wi myay the reason for me to push self.” - Camila Kendall
ready to “Well grounded, brightth,inangsd this plant grow are just a few common.” and I have in - Cevina Calderon
past, but e th on l el dw to e lik t n’ do “I n instead think about horew.”I ca impact the futu - Kevin Gutierrez
“Legacies have a hidde I’m not humiliatend tabyste of failure. mine.” - Aidan Danforth
You control . r le ol r nt co a e k li is “Life it’s every aspect of hitantidsll.” out of your - Kenyon Pierce
“Even when life sucks, make the best it. Take risks and enjoy the adventureof .” - Maria Castillo
“I learned all about life” with a ball by my side. - Niko Rosete
make you l il w k in th ou y t a “Do wh self to fit r ou y e c or f ’t on D happy. of you.” others’ expectations z - Angel Vasque
“This sketchbook represents me beca I am always open to new ideas.” use - Serina Sieng
ananas “Minions ernn mbinions!” yee ka er ris - Oleedia Har
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“Your passion will cost you sleep and will take blood, sweat and tears.” - Solomon Juarez
strength e h t s d l o h e c “This neckbelafore me. It’s a constranet of family to persevere for futules reminder ns.” - Marissa Gonza generatio
“I’ve never written book, but at leastanything in that graduated as a juI ncioan say I r.” - Shannon Bradber ry
time “Like pandas, I spend mos stin scofhomyol.” sleeping, except it’ - Jake Marcelino
Senior Edition
The Stagg Line
6
05.10.19
PHOTO BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
Coping through similar illnesses
Valles and Marchand find joy in relating from experiences
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You can either crawl in a ball and cry or you can laugh about it. Alyssa MARCHAND senior
While many friendships are based on similarities, both Richard Valles and Alyssa Marchand have used their bond as an opportunity to help each other cope with their similar health conditions. Both suffer from digestive problems, with Valles diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and Marchand with functional dyspepsia. Crohn’s disease is when inflamed intestines cause stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, and more. Functional dyspepsia is a chronic disorder that also affects the digestive tract, causing similar symptoms. This results in both of them being forced to miss school, but they don’t let their conditions get the best of them. “Since she’s going through it right now and still trying to go to school, it motivates me to go, too,” Valles said. If one thing’s certain about their friendship, it’s that it didn’t start off too well. “We actually went to the same elementary school and hated each together,” Marchand said. It wasn’t until around their junior year that the two started to interact with each other more. “I started having the same problems as him so that’s kind of how we grew closer.” From there, Marchand would turn to Valles to talk to him about her symptoms. “A lot of things that she was talking about were similar to what I’ve been going
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SILLY STORIES Marissa GONZALES
K E N YO N P P H OTO S BY
IERCE
We all know that crazy incidents happen all year but none come close to that of Gene Lewis becoming the “DoorDash Bandit” overnight. One Saturday morning Lewis’s mom told him she had to go to work and asked her son to take a delivery for her. In effort to help out, he said yes and began the process that the DoorDash app told him to do. After ordering, picking up, and delivering the food, Lewis saw that there was a note in the comments section that instructed him to leave the food on the porch because there was a sleeping baby in the house. Following these directions Lewis spotted a package on the porch that had the words “Thank you” written all over it and took it, believing it was for his mom. “I thought since the people were expecting my mom to drop it off that the pink package would be for her,” Lewis said. The family posted the incident to Facebook with incriminating pictures
from the hidden cameras. The next day at school all of Lewis’s friends teased him for stealing packages. In the end Lewis looks back and laughs about the mixup and urges others to double check before you go stealing packages by accident. For Damerien Claridy flying in an airplane is a major fear, so when he and his football team had to fly to Santa Ana for a tournament he wet his pants. Literally. This will take some explaining, though, because the pants wetting was not out of fear but rather unfortunate coincidence. When the plane was taking off Claridy and two other teammates held close with clenched hands and eyes while screaming to keep each other comforted. When Claridy finally thought he was in the clear he stood up to use the restroom; however, upon ascending, the plane hit some turbulence and he went down with a horrible fate of losing control of his bladder. Claridy looks back on the situation and, even though it was embarrassing, he can’t help but laugh.
DoorDash Bandit
Fearless Flyer
Friends from illnesses through for the past two years and it was easy to talk to her about it,” Valles said. As a result, not only did Marchand feel better, but also Valles. “Before, I didn’t know anyone that was going through what I’m going through so now I feel less alone.” For both, hanging out is a way to truly be themselves. “You try to act normal in front of everyone because you feel different, but with him we relate and understand each other,” Marchand said. From their friendship, they’ve also picked up the habit to joke around about their conditions with each other. “Treating it as a joke is sort of another way for us to cope,” Valles said. “We kinda have a dark humor about our problems, but you can either crawl in a ball and cry or you can laugh about it,” Marchand said. “You kinda just forget all of this bad stuff is happening and it just distracts you from the reality of the situation.”
Wrestlers learn values
Danforth and Vasquez excel and are taught appreciation, self-discipline Shannon BRADBERRY Wrestling is not just a sport for these two individuals. It has become a lifestyle. These students have spent so many days mentally and physically exhausted only to still push their bodies to the extreme and test their limits. Angel Vasquez has always been the bigger kid growing up. She was thrown into numerous sports and tried to find her athletic side. When she was exposed to wrestling she never thought it would lead her on the path of self-discipline and appreciation. “I’ve worked twice as hard because I’m not naturally athletic or anything,” she said. Through many days of constant drilling, cutting weight, and late nights after practice, she learned how hard work and dedication really do pay off. “The hardest thing I had to learn was that it takes time,” Vasquez said. “It was so easy to give up on myself when I didn’t get the results I wanted as fast as I anticipated.” This year Vasquez made her way to state and earned
PHOTO BY KENYON PIERCE
Donavin COLLINS
Dedicated wrestlers “All-American status.” Aidan Danforth has been invested in becoming the best version of himself since he started his freshman year of high school. When he joined the wrestling team he wasn’t expecting any of the harsh disciplinary actions it would take to succeed. “The sport in itself is very daunting,” he said. During his times of meeting certain weight classes he realized how much we undervalue everyday things. Being physically tested every day was a struggle Danforth faced. “Appreciation is by far the
most valuable thing I’ve learned,” he said. “Being restricted of meals when trying to cut weight shows you how selfish we are sometimes.” Danforth is proud to say he worked his way to the masters competition when he was just a sophomore. Although he faced self-doubt and intimidation he learned how much you have to support yourself during a match. “You have to be a bit of an airhead,” he said. “When you plant that idea in your head that you’re the best, it won’t be just a thought anymore. It will actually happen.”
Senior Edition
The Stagg Line
Guidance through cards helps others Through the art of reading tarot cards, Rebeca Solano helps provide guidance for those who are searching for it. “Most people ask me to give them guidance on love, relationships, and some ask me how they can gain more money.” Although readings help give insight they aren’t fortune telling. “It’s kind of like a healing for those who are confused or want to change something in their life. It basically helps gives answers to questions that aren’t easy to answer.” Solano’s interest blossomed when coming across a certain YouTube channel that was dedicated to spirituality. “I saw someone do it on YouTube. The channel was dedicated to tarot cards and that peaked my interest, so I began to do more research and I just kinda got into it.” “I mainly researched through googling everything and from there I began to start reading books about it.” She became intrigued with beliefs involving secrets of the universe as well as self awareness. To help Solano gain experience in her practice she began to promote her readings. “I promote my readings normally through Twitter or Instagram and inform people that I’ll be doing readings.” She normally charges between $2 and $5 a reading. Along with experience and money, she also gained friendships from her readings. “I get to meet new people who I really like and create new friendships.” Although not all who are close to her are aware of Solano’s spirituality. Due to her family’s Christian lifestyle, Solano
Skating is better together
PHOTO BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
Camila KENDALL
Homecoming
Tarot card reader chooses to hide that side of her, fearing judgement. “My family doesn’t really know I do readings. My family is super religious so if they were to find out that I do readings they’d think that I do witchcraft or devil worship.” In spite of being afraid of her family’s rejection of her practices, Solano continues to perfect her craft. “Most readers have been doing readings for years and I’ve only been doing it for 10 months so I definitely have a lot to learn.”
Positive attitude helps Tran pursue his queen dream Outgoing. Kind. Brave. Those three words are what describe Justin Tran. When he entered high school, he was having a hard time figuring out where he fit in, but that changed his sophomore year when he joined the Gay, Straight, Alliance Club and also realized the support system of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community. “I noticed that people get judged by the way they talk, act, and simply for being them,” he said. “LGBTQ helped me find my voice, make a stand and make a change.” When homecoming season rolled around this year, Tran wanted to run for homecoming queen just for fun so he was nominated on behalf of the MESA Club. To his surprise, though, his application was rejected. He said, “After my application got turned down, that’s when I took it more serious. I looked into the requirements and there was nothing that said you couldn’t be a guy running for queen, so I wanted to know why.” With the support of
math teacher Andrew Walter, he brought this to the attention of Assistant Principal Gary Phillips. Tran said, “Mr. Walter looked into it too because he wanted to make sure everything was fair. I wanted to push forward with it in the nicest way possible.” The day after talking to Phillips, his application went through. Tran was officially a homecoming queen nominee. “I felt proud of myself. I actually did something about it instead of just sitting there,” he said. “I stood up for what I believe in.” Not only was Tran excited to have the chance of running, but he was also excited to be part of the homecoming parade. The parade was brought back after seven years and Tran was the first ever male to be part of the homecoming queen truck. Even though there were some people who tried to tear him down, he maintained a good attitude. “You have to stay positive and realize that there are more people supporting you,” he said. Despite not taking the crown, the experience was more rewarding. He said, “Even if you fail, trying is better than giving up. Be yourself and don’t let anyone stop you.”
Homecoming nominee
PHOTO BY MARIA CASTILLO
Maria CASTILLO
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GUTIERREZ TO S BY KE V IN TO PH OO PH
05.10.19
Skater boys Cevina CALDERON Frequently falling off a skateboard for five-six hours in the hot sun getting bruised, scraped, and scratched up may not seem like the most ideal recreational activity, but for KeiJuan DeSoto it’s more than ideal. With a skateboard in hand nearly every day DeSoto skates to gain experiences and practice as much as possible. “At first it was just a way to get around,” he said. However, shortly after starting to skate with his friends he realized the fun that comes with it. Skating with friends inspires DeSoto to try new tricks such as kick flips, heel flips, and manuals. “It’s a better experience when I’m with my friends. I get more motivation to try new things and do different tricks.” To master these tricks DeSoto, along with his friends, Matias Saucedo and James Chom, watch YouTube videos of people doing these tricks. “Once I take that in, I try to do it myself, and it’s not always a quick learning process,” he said. Part of his process is being willing to fall and get back up. “I get scraped up and hurt a lot but it’s part of the fun.” Saucedo skates to school every day and not only uses it as his preferred mode of transportation, but uses it to spend time with his friends. “It brings us together. We can progress as a group and really learn from each other,” Saucedo said. Chom not only appreciates the friendship but the freedom that comes with skating. “The vibes inspire me, and it feels nice to go outside and skate wherever I want,” Chom said. Skating as group motivates these friends to continue progressing and having fun. What motivates Saucedo most is his friends’ and other skaters’ different paths of progression. “At the end of the day you have to realize you’re not like everyone else and you don’t progress the same,” Saucedo said. Overall, the seniors find skateboarding to be both practical and fun. According to Saucedo, “Not only is it a sport but it’s a great time to spend with friends and yourself.”
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The vibes inspire me and it feels nice to go outside and skate wherever I want. James CHOM senior
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Senior Edition
The Stagg Line
05.10.19
What I will be remembered for...
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People are gonna remember me because I’m hardly ever in class, and I’m always late to school. - Arianna Perez
The Wanderer
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I used to be known as the fat guy, now people are gonna remember me as the guy who lost a bunch of weight.
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- Jonathan Uribe
“
Fitness Nut
I’ll be remembered as a good baseball player and above all a big flirt.
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- Jordan Urbistondo
“Urbz”
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I’m a really kindhearted and down to earth person. People are gonna remember me for my advice.
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- Cierra Burdg
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Sweetheart
People are gonna remember me as class president and as the cheerleader with big hair.
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Class President
- Tenyiah Washington