The Epitaph
FUHSD, community discusses advisory restructural plans
Administration shares changes in response to student feedback
Following months of collecting student feedback, FUHSD is currently discussing ideas for a new advisory system that will be implemented in the upcoming school year, associate superintendent Trudy Gross said.
The proposed changes include transferring to shortened sessions on an online platform called Wayfinder, which allows students to interact with lessons and offers teachers flexibility in teaching content, Gross said.
“Within the topics [on Wayfinder], there are different activities,” Gross said. “What we're thinking about doing is providing a few different options, and then teachers could decide which activity they want to do with their students.”
Advisory content will include recurring topics such as Title IX and digital citizenship., Gross said. However, lesson plans will also shift to focus on overlooked areas such as anti-bias and anti-racism content, Gross said.
“We've been focusing around social emotional learning,” Gross said. “Now, with Wayfinder in place, our hope is that there would be some engagement within the classroom, and it would give teachers an opportunity to try out [new] curricula.”
The advisory change discussions center around student feedback the district received from the spring student survey, principal Denae Nurnberg said. The most common problems cited were lost tutorial time on Wednes-
day and a lack of student engagement, Nurnberg said.
As a result, another significant change is that advisory will shift to the shorter Monday tutorial period, Gross said. Math teacher Bethany Mathews said this change is beneficial because Wednesday tutorials cause more interference with students' schedules.
“I like the idea of changing advisory to a Monday because I feel like the students really utilize those 40-minute tutorials for their classes,” Matthews said. “When those are taken away, it puts a lot of stress on the students and the teachers who need to work with the students.”
Advisory was first implemented in 2019 as a response to student interest in learning about self-care strategies and accessing mental health resources, principal Denae Nurnberg said. The need for such content was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nurnberg added.
Before the implementation of advisory, teachers independently taught the subjects in their classes, but were overworked from creating the lesson plans
“"It's really good that [advisory] is going to be more interactive. [Currently], because we don't interact that much, [it] feels like it's just a lecture, and I just don't want to hear it."
—Sandy Fuentes, 10
themselves when it could easily be reformatted as a standardized curriculum, Nurnberg said.
“We hear from students and staff that there are some logistical and design problems that lead to a lack of connection in how it's being delivered,” Nurnberg said.
Despite the dissatisfaction with the current system, in the feedback form, 50% of students said they want to continue learning the content taught in advisory, Gross said.
Although it would be better if students did not feel like it took away from their work time during tutorial, junior Agnes Ko said the new advisory system will be beneficial.
"I think the new system will be much better with the addition of interactive activities because it will allow students to better experience advisory,” Ko said. “Students will be more willing to engage in activities rather than sitting through videos.”
Mathews added that she believes organizing advisory groups by grade will be beneficial in building community and creating more targeted lesson plans.
"What I see is a lot of the kids are getting the same information multiple years in a row, and they're getting tired of that," Mathews said. "If we do it by grade level, we can make sure that we're not being redundant with the information. We would be implementing it when it's actually helpful [and] valid and when they're open to it."
In addressing the concerns posed by the student body, Nurnberg said she hopes the new changes to advisory increase student engagement with the curriculum.
“It's not getting in the way of other important learning,” Nurnberg said. “The content that we are providing is a part of growing up, and hopefully students will find value in the [upcoming] shifts being proposed.”
Construction for the FUHSD robotics center at CHS has commenced after almost two years of preparation, superintendent Graham Clark said. The center, projected to open at CHS in September 2026, will serve as a communal space for all FUHSD robotics teams, granting the HHS robotics team increased resources and practice efficiency, Clark said.
Advocating for improved resources, robotics students campaigned for the passage of Bond Measure G, a local FUHSD proposition that would establish a robotics center open to FUHSD teams, robotics president, senior Karen Zhang said.
After voters approved the measure in June 2022, the robotic center’s design was approved in early 2024, Clark said.
Upon construction, the center’s projected increase in space and resources will allow the team to practice in a higher-intensity setting and more effectively prepare them for competitions, robotics adviser Ed Taylor said.
Maya Dutt and Madeleine Yee
The robotics center will allow FUHSD robotics teams to practice more effectively, Taylor said.
Illustration by Kaylin Yi
Infographic by Malar Raguraman and Ethan Xue
Photo courtesy of Jaya Singhal
New PTSA inclusion committee to foster involvement
Committee members discuss planning, goals
PTSA is forming a new Special Education Inclusion Committee this year, which is set to take action at the beginning of the next school year, PTSA president Manuela Silveira said. The purpose of the committee is to foster greater inclusion, awareness and acceptance of students with learning differences through expanding outreach and support systems, Silveira said.
The SEIC will act as a temporary committee for the coming school year until it is made perma-
nent by a bylaw review process, in which members will vote to decide to establish it as a permanent committee, Silveira said.
“We didn’t want to hold back the initiation of the committee because of procedural issues, so we set it up as a temporary committee, which still has the ability to work toward its goals,” Silveira said.
Since 210 students have learning differences and receive special education services, PTSA vice president of communications, Susan Salop said it is important for the school to improve their inclusion of this large population of students to create a healthier community.
Salop said she will lead the committee next year and hopes to bring more parents into the PTSA community. By doing so, the com-
mittee can receive more feedback on the experiences of resource students and effectively include them, Salop said.
Reflecting on the future of the committee, principal Denae Nurnberg said Salop aims to utilize her experience in special education advocacy to secure more resources for resource students.
“Salop is looking to build a bridge between our resource department [and families] who have students with learning differences so that it can be more connected with the PTSA,” Nurnberg said.
The committee will aim to collaborate with clubs that focus on inclusion for resource students.
One such club is The Differences Among Us, which has the goal of teaching the community about educational differences among the
Wellness center to provide mental self-help space
Staff talk about impact of building wellness center
Following the implementation of mental health support spaces across FHS, CHS, and MVHS, HHS prepares to open a wellness center by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year to offer students a comforting space to care for their mental well-being, superintendent Graham Clark said.
“We do have guidance counselors and school psychologists, but the center is for people to destress and deal with mental problems in a less formal way,” Clark said. “The main goal is to easily [offer] a place where somebody
who is feeling under stress can compose themselves and relax.”
Wellness centers are a unique resource in mental health support systems, as they seek to help students without individualized counseling sessions, and can be easily accessed by any student, assistant superintendent Trudy Gross said.
“[Wellness centers are] the bridge between the classroom and an individual session,” Gross said. “Providing this space offers the same level of support but that connection to the classroom setting is the next step. A lot of schools were talking about having a wellness center and we really feel like we could utilize this model and make it a drop-in space.”
For management of the center, administration will hire support specialists with a background in psychology to take charge of the space, and connect students and their families to re-
News in a minute
Local: San Francisco holds annual Bay to Breakers costume race
sources that provide professional support, Gross said.
“We see [a wellness specialist] as someone between classroom staff and our staff who often have individualized appointments with the students,” Gross said. “Students can learn strategies like ways to calm themselves, regroup and think positively, which they can apply across their lifetime.”
With its calming environment, the wellness center will also encourage students to interact with others by serving as a recreational space where they can relax or participate in activities run by wellness center staff, Gross said.
“Not everybody knows exactly what to do with themselves during brunch or lunch, so it can be a place where students meet new people and engage in group activities,” Gross said.
Despite its possibilities as a social space, school-based therapist Sarah Loyd said the wellness center’s main priority is to provide a structured place for students to regain their mental composure. Loyd said the center will ultimately provide students with easier access to mental support as the middle ground between classroom settings and scheduled appointments with therapists.
“The wellness center will be a good place for students to go and gather themselves when they are having tough moments,” Gross said. “When you are in class, everything can seem overwhelming, and [the center] will be the space [students] can use to help calm themselves down and have someone help them.”
Thousands of runners flooded the streets of San Francisco during the 112th annual Bay to Breakers 12-kilometer footrace on May 18, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. As part of the world-famous race’s festive tradition, athletes sported colorful costumes, ranging from eggs and bananas to crayons and aliens while competing, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
After the race, participants attended a dance party with music and drinks to celebrate the event’s conclusion, according to
students on campus, Salop said.
Silveira said the committee’s main goal of inclusion is very important, considering the large population of students with learning disabilities within HHS.
“There are a lot of students within this space, and we want to support them in feeling like they belong,” Silveira said.
“[We want our] non-diverse student population to understand diversity, and
The San Francisco Standard. As the longest running annual footrace in the world, Bay to Breakers attracted close to 20,000 participants this year, according to KRON4.
National: Trump revokes deportation protections for Venezuelans
The Supreme Court passed an emergency application on May 19 that grants the Trump administration the power to revoke the Temporary Protected Status of more than 300,000 Venezuelan immigrants, according to NYT.
Originally granted as a humanitarian aid measure under the Biden administration, TPS
how they can foster a community in which everyone ultimately has a space to call their own.”
said the committee’s
for
Robotics center construction
Continued from page 1
“It helps us get more competitive because we can drive in a more realistic environment,” Taylor said. “The robot gets pushed and stressed at a higher level.”
Additionally, due to the new robotics center’s proximity to HHS, the team will be able to utilize their practice time more efficiently, Zhang said.
“The center will be super helpful because right now, we don’t have a full field, and we don’t have all the things set up,” Zhang said. “[We] go to East Palo Alto because the team there has a full field, but that’s a drive away. Having a closer field will be nice, and having that field to do full cycles and practice on will be beneficial.”
By offering ample space, the new center will allow the team to overcome their current time-consuming setup process, design lead, senior Auhon Hal-
is to
dar said. As a result, practices will become significantly more productive, and the team will better be able to grow the program, Haldar added.
“A lot of the difficulties we have right now in the robotics team come from setting up our own field every day,” Haldar said. “We [set up] at the beginning and end of workshops, which cuts into 30 minutes each practice, five days a week. It’s a lot of time that’s wasted.” Resources from the robotics center will allow the team to continue improving the robotics program, which is providing students with an environment for innovation, Taylor said.
“It’s a really great venue for the students to work on the robot,” Taylor said. “There’s really no other opportunity to get together, build stuff and solve real world problems. Robotics is filling that gap.”
provided these immigrants with temporary residency and employment in the United States to escape ongoing political and economic turmoil in their home country, according to The Guardian. With the case now pending appeal in a lower court, justices have allowed the Trump administration to potentially begin deportations, according to The Guardian.
International: Former Brazilian president’s coup trial begins The trial for former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro began on May 19, dealing extensive charges of leading a criminal organization to attempt a coup d’état and overturn his Oct. 22 election loss, ac-
cording to Al Jazeera. Specifically, Bolsonaro’s plot included declaring a national state of emergency, holding new elections and assassinating current president Lula, according to Al Jazeera.
The court will collect over 80 witness testimonies for the trial over the next two weeks, including those from numerous high-ranking military and political figures who served under Bolsonaro’s administration, according to France24. If convicted, Bolsonaro will face up to 40 years in prison for coordinating the electoral plot, while dozens of his co-conspirators will be tried separately, according to France24.
Jason Lai
Elena Shim and Catherine Yang
Loyd said the wellness center is a space where students can easily access mental support without settting up appointments.
The communal robotics center will allow FUHSD robotics teams to practice more effectively, Taylor said.
Photo courtesy of Jaya Singhal
Ethan Xue
Salop
main goal
spread awareness
resource students.
Photo by Jason Lai
Photo by Elena Shim
Epitaph Diversity Audit
The student body consists of many genders, ages and racial and ethnic groups. As a school newspaper, we must reflect that diversity in our coverage. In order to assess ourselves and our source diversity, we have compiled a study of gender, race and grade across our sources, staff and the HHS population.
Reflecting on the past year, we, The Epitaph editorial board have noticed large disparities in the representation of race and grade in our work compared to the actual demographics of our school population.
Specifically, after conducting research and compiling data, we identified significant issues with representation of certain grades and races. Within our sources, we have found that our gender representation is relatively accurate, and although it does not currently require changes, we will continue to monitor it throughout the coming year.
The Epitaph’s goal is to accurately represent our school in terms of student sourcing. To do this, we aim to have our data approximate to school demographics.
This audit is intended to outline clear policies and an action plan for addressing the grade and race disparities within the diversity of our sources.
Race: Throughout the year, we have failed to accurately represent diversity of race and ethnicity with the sources we interviewed.
Specifically, we misrepresented two groups: the Asian demographic, which comprises 45% of HHS, and the Hispanic and Latino demographic, which accounts for 21% of students.
The racial and ethnic demographic of our student sources leans heavily on Asian students, who account for 59% of the people we interview, leaving Hispanics and Latinos underrepresented at 8%.
A possible reason for this discrepancy could be that a large majority of our staff is Asian, with very few being Hispanic or Latino.
Racial bias within The Epitaph’s sourcing must be solved, as students of different races and ethnicities have unique lifestyles and perspectives. By under-representing racial or ethnic demographics, we lose
opportunities to cover unique experiences that would contribute to a more holistic perspective in our publication.
Grade:
Diversity within the grades of our sources must also be representative of the population, and The Epitaph has further failed in this regard.
We have significantly failed to represent the freshman class, as they only account for 6.9% of our sources.
This is drastically overshadowed by the senior class at 41.1% and significantly misrepresentative compared to the 23.9% freshmen and 26.5% seniors school-wide.
This major discrepancy can also be explained by the disproportion among our staff members.
We have fewer underclassmen compared to upperclassmen, and with our persisting problem of not reaching out to a diverse pool of sources, our members are likely to continue interviewing students within similar age ranges.
Action Plan:
To address our issues with racial diversity, we have created new requirements for articles, which will take effect at the beginning of next year. Additionally, we will be instituting new staff training measures to help promote diversity.
In an effort to directly tackle race and ethnicity concerns, we will give our interviewees the opportunity to share their race and ethnicity.
Through this system, we can reflect on our racial diversity each cycle and adjust our measures in accordance with the level of success our solutions achieve with accurate representation.
Additionally, racial issues will be tackled through stricter requirements for diverse sourcing.
Specifically, section editors will be required to use collected data to ensure we are repre-
Race/Ethnicity
senting school demographics, with emphasis on balancing representation within our schools Hispanic and Latino and Asian populations.
Furthermore, we will teach all reporters through workshops on how to approach strangers and feel comfortable interviewing anyone.
We already have a brief training period during the summer and at the beginning of the school year, but we now know to place more emphasis on the necessity of source diversification.
To solve our more general issues with diversity, we will keep a running list of sources throughout the year to continue collecting data for future audits
Our data does not currently account for repeatedly used sources, although we aim to tackle this problem in coming years.
To better increase our awareness of news, we will be opening a tip line, available on Schoology and The Epitaph’s Instagram account, with the purpose of collecting student ideas for articles or stories our readers feel are not being reported on.
This would create more
meaningful stories since our current lack of staff diversity implies that we are exposed to similar stories every cycle.
Additionally, the executive team will give presentations to middle school students during their course selection period to involve more incoming freshmen with the publication. This will improve our connection with the freshman class, which helps to increase their representation.
To hold ourselves accountable, this audit will be present during the final newspaper cycle in coming years. This will ensure we are following through on our promises and making an effort to improve our diversity.
Moreover, The Epitaph is always looking to expand its scope and diversity, so we encourage all students to consider joining so they can provide a viewpoint we are missing. By joining, students can expand their knowledge of journalistic writing, form new connections and gain valuable real life work experience.
We hope that next year, this action plan will achieve meaningful results towards fair representation in The Epitaph’s sources.
Students must adapt to limited parking
Parking violations are avoidable discourtesies
Amanda Boles
If I bought a parking permit, drove to school one morning and had the last parking spot stolen by someone without a permit right in front of my eyes, I would feel extremely scammed, to say the least.
While this imagined scenario is dramatized, it reflects a similarly frustrating occurrence for many: Recently, the issue of students parking in the student lot without a permit has become increasingly common.
It is a simple task to follow the rules, and by parking in the lot without a permit, students are
cheating their peers who paid for a spot. Furthermore, such violations create inconveniences that can be easily avoided.
These violations, exacerbated by students gradually getting their driver’s licenses over the school year, have resulted in several announcements from administration and parking citations, principal Denae Nurnberg said.
Although this problem could be addressed by adding more parking spaces, there is simply no room for expansion on campus. Consequently, students will need to find workarounds for their transportation to school, such as taking public transportation or biking, Nurnberg said.
More specifically, carpooling would be a great solution. By joining a friend or classmate in their daily commute to school, students can fill the limited parking spaces.
Alternatively, students can park further away from school, on a local road or lot, and walk the rest of the way to school. It may be inconvenient, but the task is manageable and much more respectful than taking a space without paying.
With 180 permits being sold and only 157 spaces, parking is shared throughout the day, school financial specialist Candi Marugg said in an email. Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and usually take a couple of months to sell out, Marugg said.
Unauthorized parking only adds unnecessary stress to those who rightfully bought a permit and rely on the already limited space.
Students with permits may have to spend time circling the lot or eventually finding a different location altogether, which could result in them being late to class. School days can already be chaot-
Let us make prom fun again
Students must emphasize what makes prom great
Danielle Feldsher
Silk dresses, high heels, elaborate promposals, manicures and pedicures, styled hair, corsages— the list of prom preparations could go on and on. Every year, students face the pressure to meet the night’s unattainable expectations.
Prom has evolved into an event that lasts only one night but requires weeks of preparation. The average cost of attending a prom in the United States has approached $1,000, according to History.com.
Aside from the $80-110 entry ticket, a large part of the price lies in the preparation. Students feel pressured to find a prom date, do a promposal, purchase corsages and find rides to the event.
Many of my friends have described the disappointment of not finding a dress or date, with some even considering ditching the night because they feel they cannot meet its inflated standards.
Specifically for girls, I have noticed a nervousness they exhibit around their appearance and look-
ing the best they possibly can, to the point where the night’s focus devolves from enjoying the experience to taking the perfect photos. The result is a tension-filled evening that lacks meaningful memories or celebration, boiling down to a stressful photo shoot.
Contrary to the notion that prom is supposed to be a night dedicated to getting dressed up or taking photos, I see the more superficial aspects of prom as a secondary element of the night. Although it is exciting to document the event, the meaning behind prom lies in the bonding aspect with friends and peers.
While attending prom, I was
saddened by how much time was allocated for photos instead of experiences such as getting a meal together or hanging out with friends after prom.
Looking forward to next year’s prom, students should shift their focus to the lighthearted and memorable aspects of prom. Partaking in events with friends, such as sharing or trying fun activities, is an effective way to bond with peers and create a night that does not fixate solely on aesthetics.
The significance of looking perfect or meeting the expectations for the night has overpowered what truly matters at this iconic coming-of-age event, which is making meaningful memories
Trump, hands off the press
Policies threaten free press
Maya Dutt
The Signal chat leak. DOGE’s false savings claims. Fake negotiations with China. Throughout the chaos that has followed the start of president Donald Trump’s second term, newspapers have kept the public updated about the administration’s actions and their consequences.
However, the press is under attack by Trump’s administration, who have passed measures to limit
Most recently, the Trump administration has revoked a Bidenera policy for journalists in press leak investigations. The protection made it almost impossible for investigators to access the phone and email records of journalists to subpoena them, protecting both whistleblowers and newspapers that publish leaked information, according to Politico.
The Trump administration did this to prevent leaks, which they claim undermine Trump’s policies and victimize government agencies, according to Politico.
However, some of the most significant political discoveries in the United States, like the Watergate scandal and the Pentagon Papers, would never have been brought to light without leaks.
Leaks punish unethical actions and hold the government accountable, something the Trump administration has proved incapable of doing on its own. Additionally, the administration’s weaponization of the Department of Justice
ic as is, so complying with parking rules is crucial to being considerate toward others’ schedules.
If students need to drive, they should be more proactive by buying a permit earlier. Permits do not sell out immediately, so there is little reason not to have one if a student knows they will need parking.
To address the parking issue, administration plans to communicate concerns earlier and more consistently, Nurnberg said.
While this approach is useful, consequences need to be more clearly outlined. Citations are effective because they are tangible penalties, but should be issued when the
problem arises, not after it becomes pervasive.
In an ideal world, all students would respect the parking system. By being flexible and imposing structured penalties for parking violators, we can avoid conflict and keep the student lot reliable for those who have the right to it.
Kennedy ‘cures’ autism
RFK Jr.’s proposal is offensive, useless
Annika Abraham
In a world designed to favor the neurotypical while apathetically ignoring the talents of the autistic community, prejudice is a known monster that runs rampant throughout workspaces, schools and even families.
Unfortunately, this prejudice is exemplified by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plan for autism, which fails to account for the diverse experiences of members of the autistic community.
RFK Jr.’s plan for autism has two parts: an investigation into the causes of autism and compensation for families with children who are higher on the spectrum, according to USA Today.
While these efforts may seem noble and exploratory, the way in which they are executed is flawed and narrow-minded.
RFK Jr.’s proposal involves trying to find the environmental or contagious cause behind a disorder that most research has proven to be mostly the product of genetics or perinatal complications, according to UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.
to attack news organizations makes the removal of press protections dangerous. Journalism giants like NPR and PBS are already being investigated and face massive funding cuts, and Trump has limited newswire access to the White House to promote right-wing outlets with dubious accuracy.
This is not to protect people, but rather so he can control the message people receive about his administration, contrary to the objectives of democracy and the free press, according to NPR.
If Trump wants to make real progress and truly represent the American people, he must respect the press instead of squashing meaningful public forums. Trump must guarantee newswire access to the White House to ensure the flow of reliable information to secondary newspapers and Americans.
Reading reliable papers like Reuters and Associated Press, correcting misinformation and always double-checking any information you consume are essential. Even donating to news organizations that are being attacked by Trump can be beneficial. If we simply stand by, our democracy will truly die in darkness.
RFK Jr. even incorrectly attributes vaccines as a possible reason for the disorder, according to BBC News.
For a plan aimed at improving the government’s treatment and understanding of autism, it falls short with it’s grossly incomprehensive understanding of the disorder itself.
This project, which ignores the words of countless publications and professionals, cannot be interpreted as anything other than a catalyst for increasing the stigmatization of autism.
The second part of his proposition involves compensation for families with autistic members, implying that they are a financial burden. RFK Jr. even goes on to state broad generalizations about the autistic community by saying they will never pay taxes, hold a job, play baseball or go on a date, according to BBC News.
Not only is this statement largely incorrect, but it erases the milestones and victories of autistic people. It is characterizing them as incapable of making meaningful contributions to society, while perpetuating stereotypes that blatantly ignore their vast range of capabilities.
Instead of focusing on finding the cause of autism or paying the families of autistic individuals, RFK Jr. should focus on building inclusive infrastructure that supports the lives of the autistic community.
First, within schools, the government must invest in programs that support neurodivergent individuals by creating programs tailored to their specific needs. For example, this could include providing greater funding to organizations like the College Autism Spectrum. It could also entail creating national programs to achieve goals similar to those that The Difference Among Us club at HHS achieves, but on a larger scale.
Additionally, RFK Jr. must establish better policies to support equal opportunities for autistic individuals in the workplace. This would be an important advancement in industries largely prejudiced toward neurotypical individuals, such as retail, according to the National Library
Not only would this provide equitable opportunities to an entire community, but it would also dismiss the notion of incapability that RFK Jr.’s plan promotes. Instead, what could have been a milestone and advancement for the autistic community has been destroyed by a plan filled with shameful ignorance and
Trump’s hostility toward press freedom is a step towards authoritarianism.
Parking violations are immature and inconsiderate toward those who paid for permits.
RFK Jr.’s plan for autism perpetuates false stereotypes while failing to understand the disorder.
Illustration by Amanda Boles
Illustration by Danielle Feldsher
Illustration by Maya Dutt
The Epitaph class of 2025 presents
To infinity and beyond
Fantasyland, Pg 2
A whole new world awaits,Pg 4-5
Tomorrowland, Pg 3
Adventureland, Pg 6
Main Street, HHS, Pg 7
Senior superlatives, Pg 8
Congratulations to the class of 2025! Enter the gates of our reimagined Disneyland and explore each of the lands, ranging from Fantasyland and Tomorrowland to Adventureland and Mainstreet, HHS. As seniors approach graduation, we invite you to look back on the exhilarating ride we call high school.
Fantasyland
As seniors move on to the next chapter of their lives, they take a moment to revist magical moments from their pasts. The graduating class reflects on childhood memories, looks toward the future.
Disney characters that won over students’ hearts
“I liked Moana because the movie is based in the Pacific Islands, and I go to Hawaii every summer. Growing up, I felt attached to it [be cause] I can relate to it. It inspires me to push past what others tell me to do and to try to decide my own fate.”
—
“I really liked watching ‘Phineas and Ferb’ when I was a kid. The show was funny, and there is actually a new sea son coming out this summer which is perfect for my senior year because the nostalgia will come back. I love the show’s dynamic, how weird everybody is and the animations.”
— Avery Woodman
The tea on growing up
Teachers share advice on college, the workforce
Annie Guo and Evelyn Wang
As seniors embark on the next chapter of their journeys, teachers share advice and personal experiences pertaining to several topics, ranging from navigating college to entering the workforce.
For those who plan to attend college, science teacher Kathleen Shreve said she suggests joining clubs and activities.
“For college, one of the things that’s a little bit harder than high school is you don’t have the same base of people that you’ve known for your whole life, so joining clubs and activities based on interests is one of the best things you can do,” Shreve said. “Often, these connections last even longer than connections that you’ve made previously. Some of my best friends to this day I met because of the animation course and club I was in in college.”
Similarly, science and AVID teacher Chris Nafrada said he advises students to step outside of their comfort zones, as it is an
effective way to foster growth in college.
“College is where you meet your best friends. It’s where you figure out what it is you are,” Nafrada said. “The point is to enjoy those eight semesters of meeting new people, not staying in your dorm all the time, going out, trying new things — even things that you never thought you would do. This is the time to do it. Discover yourself and see what it means to be free, independent.”
While taking risks is important for growth, history teacher Daniela Hurst-Ruiz said it is also crucial for students to remain true to themselves and to not be overly affected by outside influences.
“The most important thing is going to college means you start a new life, but I think you need to be careful not to fall into wrongdoing,” Hurst-Ruiz said. “You need to not change your personality because people are acting differently or doing things that you know are morally wrong, and following that, I think, can be fatal.”
Furthermore, Shreve said seeking various opportunities can help students with obtaining a job later down the line.
“Taking opportunities in college to get skills that are work based, if you can find internships or work in research labs, can be
“My favorite Disney character growing up was Rapunzel. I really liked the concept of the story. My dad and I used to watch the movie together, and Rapunzel taught me to always take chances.”
— Abby Anish
really beneficial,” Shreve said. “For me, I did a lot of summer camps and a lot of tutoring, so when I was applying for teaching jobs out of college, I had a really strong resume. So just finding things that you’re interested in can help build your resume so that you have the experience you need to get a job.”
Moreover, Hurst-Ruiz said students should be open-minded to a wide variety of job positions, all of which will help them grow.
“For example, before teaching, I actually did hotel management,” Hurst-Ruiz said. “To get that degree, I had to clean rooms for six months. You think I wanted to do that? No, but it helped me to grow and also appreciate what followed afterward.”
Ultimately, regardless of the path seniors choose, whether it be entering the workforce, taking a gap year or attending college, Nafrada said students will grow immensely from their experiences and learn more about the world around them.
“You’re in this bubble, this Silicon Valley bubble. I was in a military air base bubble, and so it was just what I was used to, what I was comfortable with,” Nafrada said. “It was not until I went to college, it opened my eyes to everything.”
Revisiting childhood dreams
Seniors share childhood dream jobs, current career goals
“I wanted to be a pilot because my dad was a pilot for the Air Force. I love traveling, so with being a pilot, you get to experience free travel everywhere you go. Now, I want to be an accountant. My mom is actually an accountant, and she earns pretty good money. I don’t want to be a pilot anymore because my dad was on a mission and his plane crashed.”
— Shadrack Ayesiga
“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I liked dogs. Now, I want to be a UX designer. I realized that I don’t like biology or like learning about animal anatomy. I wanted to do something creative and something technology-based.”
— Mabel Tan
“When I was little, I wanted to be a race car driver. I just wanted to go really fast, and I also loved the ‘Cars’ movie that me and my mom watched. I now want to be a marine biologist because I love the ocean, the beach and all the marine creatures.”
— Abby Wong
Studentsexplore future careers in science andtechnology
Women in STEM Seniors pursue passions, discuss plans
Grace Ren — Aerospace engineer
Jobs of the future
Students discuss future career aspirations, goals
Grace Ren said her passion for space began when she was young, and as a result, she hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry. In 10 years, she hopes to have graduated with a masters degree and to be engineering space exploration or satellites while still pursuing other interests like art and tennis on the side, Ren added.
“While I’m sure I’ll always adore space, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to survive through the challenges that engineering throws at you,” Ren said. “During high school, I explored many different academic paths, but I always found myself returning to my original passions. While my specific plans could change, I think my overall career trajectory will stay the same in 10 years.”
Chloe
— Industrial engineer
“I
want to work on quantum computers because they can solve many problems. Their speed allows us to develop algorithms and cure diseases.”
Chloe Kim said she hopes to combine both business and engineering into her career. Industrial engineering is currently her top pick because it connects well with the business and leadership development she gained through FBLA. However, she is still open to trying new things, Kim added.
“I want to be an industrial engineer, which basically deals with optimizing different processes to make them more efficient,” Kim said. “I might go into different engineering fields like civil or electrical engineering. I know I
— Anirudh Ravishankar
many growing fields in computation, such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, there are many applications and a lot of need for chip design and more computation.”
— Ryan Yue
“I don’t see myself pursuing a tech job, but if I do, it would be in biotech. I’m interested in the study of genetics, and it is one of the only sciences that I truly enjoy. To achieve my goals, I will try a lot harder in college to ensure my graduate school application is competitive.”
— Sanvi Joshi
Photo by Jonathan Xue
Photo courtesy of Grace Ren
Photo by Isabela Guilardi
Photo courtesy of Armaan Gomes
Cal
CSU,
CSU,
Arizona
a whole new
California
California
Colorado
Georgia
world awaits
IllinoiS
Senior Spotlight The Epitaph
While high school brought moments of triumph, it has also tested resilience. Seniors reflect on how they have grown throughout their journey and anticipate new adventures ahead.
exploring other countries
Maika Bracken - Attending university in canada
“I will be attending Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in Canada, studying commerce and business. I’ve always known I wanted to go to Canada for university, and Queen’s commerce program stood out to me. I’m excited to be in a completely new place and learn new things.”
Amit Friedman - Taking a gap year in Israel
“I will be taking a gap year at Mechina Rakia in Israel. I chose this place because it aligns with my values and beliefs, as it [includes] a lot of volunteering with kids and senior citizens. Their main characteristic is to learn from failure. I’m excited to gain skills that I will take with me for the rest
Seoul, Korea
“I’m excited to travel to Korea again after a long nine years. My friends and I are looking forward to snacking on good food, revisiting family, and exploring Jeju Island.” – Ian Yoon (12)
Oahu, hawaii
“I’m going to Hawaii with my friend group because we thought it would be really fun. I’m excited to be on my own, tan and eat lots of good food.” – Chelsea Zhou (12)
Traversing through challenges
For many, high school serves as a learning opportunity. Two seniors share how they have faced and overcome obstacles that fueled their growth.
During March of his junior year, senior Kevin Fei said he experienced an unexpected setback when he sustained a concussion that restrained him from studying, using technology or focusing on school for nearly a month.
“It was hard because it happened right before AP [testing] Fei said. “I couldn’t do much for a while, so when I recovered, I realized I had to catch up fast.”
In only two weeks, Fei said he took around 10 tests to make up for missed work before jumping into AP exams, which was extremely exhausting and difficult. Although the stress was intense, Fei said leaning on his friends helped him overcome the pressure.
“I was spending so much time alone grinding, and it felt really isolating,” Fei said. “But when I start ed studying with my friends outside, I felt more productive and a lot happier.”
Reflecting on this hardship, Fei said he is proud of both pushing through a challenging academic load and the quality of work he produced under pressure.
“It showed me that when I put my mind to something, I can get it done,” Fei said.
Entering high school, senior Enzo Srabian said his diagnosis of anorexia nervosa caused him to struggle with a good academic standing and maintaining personal
Especially in his freshman year, Srabian said it was challenging to balance academics with a demanding Stanford treatment program, the Comprehensive Care Program, which required him to leave school around two times a week.
“It was really lengthy and rigorous,” Srabian said. “I was in and out of the hospital, and I realized it wasn’t contributing to my success.”
The challenges took a toll on his grades, and eventually, Srabian said he made the decision to leave the program to focus on finding a healthier balance. Not only did his mental and physical health improve, Srabian said he also saw positive changes with his academic and overall well-being.
“My sophomore year was a lot better,” Srabian said. “Even though I was taking base-level courses, I was doing better and was spending more time with friends and skateboarding in San Francisco. It helped take my mind
Through self-motivation and a stronger focus on school, Srabian said he was able to turn things around. His proudest accomplishment is being accepted into UCLA, a milestone Srabian said represents not only his academic achievements but also his journey personally.
“[The acceptance] shows the growth I had from the disorder,” Srabian said. “It affected every aspect of my life, and I worked
Whether it be color guard or Model UN, there are a variety of activities that help students discover their interests. Seniors discuss the impact different commitments had on them throughout high school.
Band
Marching Band Robotics
FBLA
“Through band, I’ve learned what it means to be a family and how to find your group of people. Going to different band events, like Disney and Hollister, has helped me connect with more people on a deeper level, and it creates a different bond that you can’t find easily in high school. I have found people I can confidently turn to when I need someone to talk to, especially when I’m going through stressful moments. ”
— Ken Asakawa
“Band helped me meet more people, especially because I’ve been with the same friend group since elementary school, so I wasn’t forced to make new friends coming into high school. Having strong bonds outside of my immediate friend group helped me meet different types of people I wouldn’t have if I didn’t join band. Since we spent a lot of time with each other, we got to know each other really well and have a lot of fun.”
— Thalia Ong
“My favorite part of robotics is the problem-solving and the ability to work with your friends while building a robot. It’s a lot of learning, and I love learning. My closest friends are also in robotics because we spend so much time together.”
— Karen Zhang
“Before coming into FBLA, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do or what I was good at. Having a chance to explore so many different pathways, engage in competitions, and meet so many amazing people across the country has given me a chance to broaden my horizons and learn a lot [from these] experiences.”
— Bhayva Krishna
“Compared to any other club, robotics changes the more time you spend in it. Over time, I started learning everything and stepping into leadership positions and teaching new members. It’s really cool to see how, over four years, my role has expanded a lot, and I’ve been able to make a lot more of an impact.”
— Auhon Halder
“As a freshman, I was amazed by the extensive mentorship system that allowed me to embrace imperfection. Through my experiences, I’ve learned what it means to be a leader who fosters growth in others. I’m confident that the lessons I’ve gained these past four years will be valuable in my future.”
— Eric Ko
Photo courtesy of Ian Yoon
Photo courtesy of Auhon Halder
Photo by Veronica Zhao
Photo courtesy of Jim Zumsteg
Photo by Veronica Zhao
Photo by Brian Ling
Photo by Brian Ling
Photo by Kevin Miao
Photo by Kevin Miao
Superlatives
PAGE DESIGN
ELLA CHAN, KEVIN MIAO, MACKIE VU
VERONICA ZHAO
BOLES
Lifestyles
Final performance, final grade
Teacher, students share grading behind play
While the stereotype for high school final exams conjures images of Scantron sheets and late-night cram sessions, students in advanced drama had the unique task of performing
“The Great All-American Musical Disaster” as their final, drama teacher Alana Caires said.
An important aspect of the musical’s grading system was ensuring students were devoted to their performance and fellow cast members, Caires said. Especially when embracing
exaggerated characters, staying focused and establishing a solid stage presence are key to creating entertaining performances, Caires said.
“I want students to step out of their comfort zones and go over the top when learning,” Caires said. “Being too much is good sometimes, and that’s a skill that can be applied in future shows, as well.”
Unlike many finals in her other classes, junior Eden Rademacher said the musical provided an opportunity to showcase her work while fostering meaningful connections with peers and enjoying herself on stage.
“Not only has this experience benefited my acting, but [it was a] journey with my friends,” Rademacher said. “Putting on the production with all my friends and working together toward a common goal was really fun. It was a
MASTERPIECES ON Display
An art showcase on display at the district office features works by students. Mustangs share details behind the mediums they chose for their art pieces.
OIL PAINT
“Oil painting has always been familiar to me. I like that you can be very expressive with oil paints and really embody your brushwork.”
- Vincent Wang (11)
CRAYON + GRAPHITE
“For the first side, I used crayons because it’s more playful and colorful. For the opposite side I decided to use charcoal, to get a more serious tone.”
- Lucia Liu (12)
INK + WATERCOLOR
“Before that project, I worked on another project that only used ink, so I wanted to go back to using watercolors again.”
- Audrey Cheang (10)
B-MIX + GLAZE
“You can make anything out of clay. But because it takes time, I had more appreciation of putting the time into making it.”
- Danica Lim (12)
good bonding experience for us.”
In addition, while the drama final was not a standard academic assessment, junior Archit Gunhal said preparing to perform still proved to be a challenge, as it required intense memorization and perseverance.
“I learned I can push for bigger roles,” Gunhal said. “If I had gotten a small role, it definitely would have been less work. It’s important that once you get the lines memorized, you innovate your performance.”
Furthermore, Gunhal said performing can be difficult for those who struggle with acting in front of an audience.
“For some people, the performance aspect is really hard because they have a fear of public speaking and a bunch of social anxiety,” Gunhal said. “For them, taking an [exam] is easier, but it all depends on the person. For me, a
[musical] is easier because I enjoy the performing aspect.”
Aside from the numerical grades students receive, Caires said she hopes the play teaches students more on how to embrace their authenticity through acting.
“Seeing it during opening night, it was exactly what I had imagined the show to be,” Caires said. “All the actors took the time to understand their role and bring their characters to life.”
Color guard captain twirls her way to recognition
Senior Kaci Freeman receives $2,000 scholarship
Aviv Matas and Kaylin Yi
After three and a half years of intense commitment to color guard, senior and color guard captain Kaci Freeman received the Homestead Mustang Pride Scholarship at the year-end music department award banquet on May 9, Music Boosters president Kirsten Krimsley said.
The $2,000 scholarship is given to students who have demonstrated dedication and served as role models within the music program, Krimsley said.
Band Director John Burn said Freeman’s work ethic, leadership skills and enthusiasm made her a stand out applicant in the selection process.
“She shows up early, stays late and maintains a positive attitude all the time while working her butt off,” Burn said. “What we want from student leaders is to make it
so everybody else is having a good time [while] working hard, and she can do that.”
Reflecting on her experience as a freshman on color guard, Freeman said when she faced challenges, it was difficult to move forward, but color guard and its tight-knit community taught her how to persevere.
“I have to make sure me and 200 other people are working [hard] in the hot conditions because we’re all working toward a common goal,” Freeman said. “That really helped me become someone who doesn’t give up easily.”
Although she did not expect to win the scholarship, Freeman said it felt very special to gain recognition for her work.
“It’s not accomplishments or awards that led me to the scholarship. It’s the consistency of how I acted in practice,” Freeman said. “I always tried
to come to practice with a lot of energy, and I think it’s a big part of why I might have won this Mustang Pride Scholarship.”
Freeman said she will put the scholarship toward her education at Michigan State University, where she plans to study elementary education and coach color guard on the side.
“[Winning this scholarship] means a lot to me because I put a lot of work into color guard,” Freeman said. “It’s basically my whole life.”
Past the stagnant air to summer
Embracing an open schedule is liberating, fulfilling
Amanda Boles
COLUMN — Summer has al ways seemed to slip away from me as I lay in boredom, scrolling through social media and seeing everyone else making something of their break. It always feels as if I should be filling my days with ac tivities, but weeks waste away as I find myself in a lethargic daze. In the past, I wasted those two months, which filled me with an odd sense of conflict. Summer is inherently a time for relaxation, yet I loathed my inactivity. I could have spent my break picking up a new hobby or going on a trip with friends, but instead, I did nothing memorable.
With no schedule to follow, I was paralyzed by my vast amount
of unstructured time. I struggled to choose pursuits, resulting in guilt around my inability to make meaningful decisions.
This guilt, coupled with frequent exposure to social media,
perspective toward break, as I finally recognized summer vacation as an opportunity to explore interests at my own pace, no matter how slowly.
After deciding on more productive pursuits, the openness of my schedule helped me step back and appreciate my accomplishments. Additionally, this gave me the time to set certain projects aside, relax and then pick them up again.
For instance, I decided to read 10 books over the course of last summer. Even if I missed a few days of reading, I still acknowledged the value of my progress, which kept me excited. This shift allowed me avoid to feeling burdened by my choices.
As I embrace a more flexible schedule in my free time, I have found joy in the freedoms and leisure of break. Though the weather might still be stifling, scorching days will certainly not stop me from finding motion and fulfillment this
Isabela Guilardi and Olivia Levesque Ouellette
Rademacher said everyone in the class put their best effort into the musical, aiming to achieve a grade they deserve.
Freeman said getting recognized for her hard work and consistency was rewarding.
Photo courtesy of Edmond Kwong
Photo by Ethan Xue
Infographic by Annika Abraham and Isabela Guilardi
Infographic by Isabela Guilardi and Jason Lai
‘This machine kills fascists’
Jesse Welles is revitalizing folk music
The crowd erupts in cheers as Welles sings, rallying the audience behind his revolutionary message. Shouts echo through the room, and everything from “we love you” to “eat the rich” is met with applause. Behind all of it is a shaggy man with a smoky voice and lyrics that touch the soul.
Jesse Welles, a native Arkansan, spent much of his pre-viral life in an art commune, according to NPR. Despite this, he has built a cult following, his fans drawn to his powerful message and mesmerizing sound.
He had his breakout hits early in 2024, gaining popularity across social media by singing with only his harmonica and guitars.
Welles describes his music as singing the news, offering commentary and criticism of American society, according to NYT. His commentary is on full display in his songs “United Health” and “Whistle Boeing,” which are about the assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian
Thompson and the suspicious deaths of Boeing whistleblowers John Barnett and Joshua Dean, respectively.
Through his commentary on the unregulated powers of large businesses in the 21st century, Welles has become the modern voice of music-based activism, calling for people to fight for change in the world.
But Welles is no one-trick pony. His recent music reaches beyond modern populist protest songs and includes songs about nature and unity.
His songs “Bugs” and “Horses” tell stories of learning to love people despite ideological differences, echoing a sentiment of shared humanity that transcends identity politics.
When discussing Welles, it is almost impossible not to talk about the clear similarities with the famous folk singer Bob Dylan.
Most strikingly, Welles’s song “War Isn’t Murder” holds countless comparisons to Dylan’s “Masters of War,” as they both offer criticism of America’s justifications for war through haunting lyrics and raw vocals.
I had the honor of seeing Welles perform live in March last year at San Francisco. I was rocked by his passion and I could feel both the pain in his voice and the longing for social change.
During his performance, Welles took his classic folk songs and added drums and funk bass lines, showing a unique rock side of his music. Welles is not only a phenomenal performer and musician, but because of his universal message of love and change, he is my pick for the future of folk music.
Welles encapsulates protest and comedy into his unique blend of folk music that, while obvious in its inspirations, is completely original in its conception. Welles may appear to be a shaggy acoustic singer, but just beyond the rugged surface is a complex and unmatched artist.
Marvel makes lightning, then ‘Thunderbolts*’
Film strays away from CGI action
Malar Raguraman
In recent years, Marvel has consistently botched every movie with its fixation on establishing groundwork for future films. Its newest film “Thunderbolts*,” however, revisits superhero tropes with a twist of its own.
“Thunderbolts*,” released on May 2, follows a group of antiheroes forced to work together due to their knowledge of an-
tagonist Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s unethical actions.
What is unique about this band of underdogs is their underlying grief, binding the team together and crafting compelling characterization. However, in early scenes, their shared experiences take a backseat to their entertaining dynamic, constant bickering and perpetual annoyance.
Bob, who the film revolves around due to his godlike powers, has preexisting mental problems that allow the film to make relevant commentary on the role of human connection in emotional health.
The film’s climax takes place in Bob’s psyche, as Bob battles his destructive alter ego, Void. However, it is the Thunderbolts’ support that ends Void’s control over Bob.
“Thunderbolts*” returns to a more grounded approach to superhero films.
Celebrity
beliefs
The climax is a chilling reminder of the overwhelming danger of suppressing emotions, and its use of digestible symbolism leaves a
lasting impression. This scene’s complex underlying emotions, gripping yet not over-the-top cinematography and simple but powerful message make it the defining moment of the film.
However, Bob’s mental health issues are abruptly resolved by the end of the movie. His internalized conflict with mental health should not be dismissed so simply, and it makes the film’s core message feel hollow.
Additionally, for a film so centered around mental health, its purpose feels hypocritical, as it forgets the emotional development of most other characters. Loose threads introduced through characters’ dark pasts simply fall flat of their potential.
“Thunderbolts*” lets itself be fun while making the necessary discussions about the journey of mental health, rather than just the problems it poses. While this commentary is not executed perfectly, it is there, something that cannot be said for most superhero movies, old or new.
Movie: “Thunderbolts*.”
have gone too far Extremist celebrities must not be supported
Millions of people tuned in on March 13 to watch the premiere of the latest hit Netflix TV show, “Adolescence.” The show follows the story of a young boy who, after being exposed to misogynistic and extremist content online, kills a female classmate in a fit of rage, according to Netflix.
Although “Adolescence” is fictional, it brings up an urgent issue: celebrities with extremist or bigoted views are supported through large social media platforms, radicalizing youth with harmful beliefs and permeating the very fabric of society.
The rise of “alpha male” influencers like Andrew Tate is an example of this unhealthy trend. Tate is one of many rich men who encourage their audience, mostly consisting of teenage boys, to act in misogynistic ways.
As I scroll on Instagram reels, videos by extremist celebrities con-
tain comment sections polluted with misogynists reducing women in every aspect from their physical appearance to their occupation. Additionally, influencers from marginalized communities constantly face harassment and attacks from radicalized teenagers. For example, actor Bella Ramsey of the popular show “The Last of Us” has been merciless ly criticized and sexualized by on line trolls frustrat ed about their cast ing as Ellie, according to El Pais. Compound ing the prob lem is the fact that fans re fuse to punish celebrities who promote ex treme views. For example, when rapper Ye, former ly known as Kanye West, began to make antisemitic remarks in early 2023, his fans rushed to defend him with phrases like “he made ‘Graduation,’” using a popu lar album Ye released in 2007 to jus
When celebrities are allowed to spew hate with no repercussions, their fans are led to believe their behavior is justified. This makes fans follow in their beliefs, feeding into an ever-expanding cycle of hate. I have seen this hate seep into the people around me. I remember being surrounded by friends, who tried to justify Ye’s remarks in freshman year. They didn’t know that excusing him, even jokingly, gave the impression that they supported hate if it was from someone famous. Although comments are made in jest, jokes and humor prevent celebrities from facing
‘Scandinavian scarves’ exclude women from fashion
Fashion trend should acknowledge true roots of clothing
Aashka Nagarkar
As I scrolled through reels about Coachella, I was astounded to see many white influencers wearing colorful draped scarves they called “Scandinavian scarves.”
As a South Asian, I can instantly identify these as what they really are: “dupattas.”
While this phrasing can be dismissed as a minor slip-up, it really
presents a white superiority complex that harms South Asian identity as it gains traction.
By replacing the South Asian cultural term “dupatta” with a more European term like “Scandinavian Scarf,” influencers are promoting the idea that trendy fashion can only come from western cultures perceived as more aesthetic, such as European ones.
Removing the heritage of an item of clothing to replace it with Eurocentric culture takes representation away from South Asian people and exacerbates the exclusion of people of color from the world of fashion.
Additionally, “Scandinavian scarves” allow white designers and fashion brands to appropriate cultural
clothing as a trend. This take opportu nities away from South Asian design ers leading to designs that dismiss the generational significance of the gar ments and misrepresent their culture.
If designs from people of color are overlooked in favor of established brands in fast fashion, then independent designers will no longer be able to sustain creating their own styles. They will be effectively pushed out of their own industry, while their fast fashion competitors garner profits off of their culture.
As an Indian person who enjoys fashion, it saddens me when I see my own culture plagiarized in popular designers’ work. My ancestors struggled to keep
In order to be faithful to the culture clothing pieces came from, people must acknowledge the roots of what they wear and support cultural designs that come from designers who are members of said culture. Designs such as the “dupatta” only exist because of South Asian people. To erase such an integral part of my culture to prioritize western appropriation negatively affects both the South Asian identity and the fashion world.
Grade: B+. Rated PG-13. Watch in theaters.
Henry Hu
Welles creates insightful music through social commentary.
Adam Orrin
The “Scandinavian scarf” appropriates Asian culture as white fashion.
Photo by Adam Orrin
Photo from Disney
Illustration by Maya Dutt
Illustrationby
Frausto’s last dance
Long-time Equestriettes adviser to retire
Alicia Liste and Alan Zhang
After 15 years of managing the dance team, Equestriettes adviser Sara Frausto said this season will be her last as the team’s adviser.
Although Frausto will remain at HHS as a PE teacher, retiring as Equestriettes adviser will allow her to prioritize spending time with her family, Frausto said.
“My family needs me,” Frausto said. “My freshman is heavily involved in competitive sports, and that takes us everywhere. She’s been the greatest supporter of my time with this dance team, but now it’s her time [to be supported].”
With current Equestriettes coach Kelly Gilfillan also leaving the team, FHS alumna Kinoka Masumoto and Equestriettes alumna Maya Sato will assume leadership of the team in the coming season, Frausto said.
“[Both new coaches] have a deep experience in high school dance. They know what our team has looked like pre-COVID and what traditions we have,” Frausto said. “I don’t think I would be able to have such faith in them if I weren’t fully ready to let go.”
In her third year competing with the Equestriettes, dancer, junior Rikako Sato said losing Frausto as the adviser will be a challenging adjustment for the team.
“[Frausto] has been the constant of our team. She’s been working for 15 years, so she’s the one we can all rely on,” Sato said. “Although her coaching is quite strict, I think that is what helps us. She’s honest and blunt about corrections, but she definitely knows what she’s doing. Even though it might be hard at the moment, I know that whatever she’s telling us is true in the long run.”
Similarly, dancer, sophomore Angelina Im said she appreciates Frausto’s valuable critiques and motivational pep talks that encourage the team to perform at their best.
“While Frausto hasn’t always been very involved in our dance team physically, she comes with great feedback, and it’s really helpful to hear where we need to improve,” Im said. “She likes to
change things, which is also fun, and she helps us improve our dance quality.”
Beyond the tangible success of winning competition trophies, Frausto said one of her favorite aspects of serving as adviser has been forging individual connections with the team’s dancers.
“I don’t coach just for the dance,” Frausto said. “I coach because of the impact that I can make you have and the mentoring that you can do. You need to learn each dancer as an individual in order to connect with them. There are always going to be dancers who stay with me and have an imprint on my heart. Some of those dancers I still keep in touch to this day, and it’s heartening to see where life leads them. Knowing that I played just a small part in their success means everything.”
SHIPSHAPE SUMMER 101
2-8 Girls Boys
“I hit the course because my coaches told me that playing the course is the best way to better yourself. If [a skill] is really bad, I go to the driving range to fix it. I’m going to play a lot with my friends, and that’s going to keep my game strong.”
–Eliott Delile (12)
“Before the season, I would just run. I don’t really do any of the jumps, but hopefully this summer, for long jump and triple jump I can just come [to HHS] and do it.”
-Amshika Paudyal (11)
Gwyneth Romero catches attention as Athlete of the Month
Junior forges bonds on softball team
Sachin Chandran
Participating in a sports team allows student-athletes to build a supportive community, which first baseman, junior Gwyneth Romero has prioritized during her time on the varsity softball team, coach Chris Caires said.
In doing so, Romero has forged meaningful bonds with teammates throughout the season, catcher, sophomore Lilly Markines said. Markines said she quickly connected with Romero as both a teammate and a friend.
“I was initially intimidated by her because she was the only sophomore [last year],” Markines said. “But when I got to know her, she was really sweet to me, and I appreciated that.”
Having played softball since she was five years old, Romero said her dedication to the sport has remained unwavering throughout her athletic career.
“I was not that good when I first started, so I wanted to improve and get playing time in my recreational games,” Romero said.
This experience has pushed her to become a reliable player during her three years on the team, exemplified by her endurance to manage injuries sustained in her sophomore year, Caires said.
“She has a competitive nature about her and that’s what her biggest drive is,” Caires said. “At times, she might put that drive over her health but she knows her limits, and she’s juggled that pain tolerance well this year.”
While Romero has clearly displayed her valuable contributions as a teammate and player, she seeks to make further accomplishments as a mentor, Romero said.
“I want to learn how to be a leader on the field, not a follower,” Romero said. “I want to make sure we are having fun following what our coach is trying to say.”
While most students view summer as a time for relaxation, student-athletes are responsible for keeping in shape during the break. Athletes discuss their plans to keep their technical skills sharp over the off-season.
10-2 9-3 12-15
“I’ve been playing at my academy, Eagle Fustar Tennis, for about five years now. During the summer, I’ve been going there two to three hours a day, five days a week. This summer, I want to work on my serve because my second serve percentages are very inconsistent.”
–Marius Yen (12)
“I go to the gym with my friends, and I’m a counselor at a lot of different camps that involve physical activity. I stay in shape by doing different activities with my friends like swimming or hiking.”
–Emma Alexander (11)
“I plan on playing a lot of club baseball and playing baseball with some HHS guys, so we can keep the chemistry going. I want to work on my hitting, getting more power and consistency.”
–Drew Hamburger (11)
With her extensive experience with the Equestriettes, Frausto (far right) has been the backbone of the team, Sato said.
Photo courtesy of Sara Frausto
Photo by Kaylin Yi
Romero’s greatest strength is her strong mentality, Markines said.
Photo by Adam Orrin
Photo by Madeleine Yee
Photo by Malar Raguraman
Photo by Ethan Xue
Photo by Alan Zhang
Dubai chocolate
“[Dubai chocolate] shows that if something becomes a trend, social media has a big im- pact on people and what they like and don’t like, and that leads to people having more business opportunities.”
-
Liron Esplin (10)
A SLICE OF LIFE
Is it a muk-banger?
Social media has played a large role in popularizing food from around the world. Students reflect on these three trendy foods that had a major impact on the student body.
Matcha
“I’m not a huge tea drinker but I do like the fresh taste of matcha. The first matcha pow- der I tried was from Japan, but then when I tried the matcha at Starbucks, it really sucked. So I’ve had a lot of exposure to it and the fla- vor is really inconsistent wherever [I] go.”
- Katherine Heller (10)
Food is central to the student body, whether it be in the form of a future profession or an ordinary indulgence. Students discuss the impact culinary arts have had on their lives.
Ate and left no crumbs
Students flock to nearby restaurants to relieve their hunger during lunch or after school. Here are some fan-favorite dishes from restaurants that are walking distance from campus.
“[I think it’s trendy] because of the change of cookies every week, and the cookies are really big. The place is cute and different from others, too. Crumbl is good, but I don’t go often, and they should use less sugar.”
- Gianella Arteaga (11)
“[My family] ended up going to [Taiwan Porridge] for a long time because it serves Taiwanese food, and that’s something that my parents have been wanting because they’re from Taiwan. The bamboo shoots are soft plants with a slightly crunchy texture. They’re stir-fried with a bit of chili oil, so they have a light, mild flavor that’s very refreshing.
“I have a big sweet tooth in general, and pad see ew is sweet, but it’s not too sweet. It just hits the spot. I also like how the size of the noodles is pretty big compared to average because you can get more [food] in one bite.”
- Satya Dindi (9)
- Silver Yuan (10)
Penne for your thoughts
InanenvironmentwithanemphasisonSTEM,theculinaryartsarean oftenunderexploredendeavor.JuniorRohanBedekar,juniorKeiraHsieh andsophomoreOscarDelilediscusspursuinguniquepassionswithinthe culinaryworld.
Rohan Bedekar (11)
“With Super Burrito, it feels more fresh and the ingredients are higher quality. I’d rather go to a place where it feels like they make 100 burritos a day as opposed to 1,000, so when you [compare] it to places like Chipotle, which is fast food, it feels healthier.”
-Ido Halevy
(12)
Bedekar discusses why he started writing food reviews “I like doing food reviews because I see it can help places that are really underrated. When I reviewed Tacos Jalapa on El Camino, my review got around 100,000 views. That tiny place probably got 100 customers just because of me, and that actually has an impact. So I thought, “Let me keep doing it,” and now I actually like doing reviews and find it as a way to relieve stress.”
Keira Hsieh (11)
Hsieh shares her goals for culinary science
“I definitely want to bring members a better understanding of culinary science, especially the chemistry part. Our goal for the coming year is to try to make people more engaged and find ways to make people interested in more of the science aspects.”
Oscar Delile (10)
Delile describes his career aspirations in the culinary arts I’ve wanted to be a baker for a long time. When I was a kid, my mom would bake a lot of cookies for me, and I was really excited by that. So now I’m excited whenever I bake something for someone and they get really happy and excited.
