The Mirada May 2020

Where seniors are headed next fall CENTER SPREAD| PAGE 12

Echo Anzai knows who they are FEATURES | PAGE 19

THE MIRADA Monday, June 1, 2020

Rio Americano High School, Sacramento, California

Vol. 54, Issue 4

Seniors (from left to right) Bailey Burton, Kendra Burton, Jemma Prichard, Samantha Klein, Olivia Patitucci, Caitlyn Hayden, Emma Hernandez, Abby Sanger, Vivian Lowe, and Marian Tully pose in front of Rio one last time. Photo provided by Samantha Klein. (Below) Cooper Lloyd, Ezra Silverburg, and Luke Marion hold their diplomas. Photo provided by Ezra Silverburg. (Below) Seniors Kelsey Zeillemaker, Carly Kissinger and Jenni Nelson pose on the football field. Photo provided by Carly Kissinger.

Dear class of

Miri Leaderman-Bray Guest Writer Graduation has been painted to be a major milestone in our lives from the moment we begin our educational journeys. I remember being a child and thinking high school graduation seemed like a millennium away.

I remember being in middle school and counting down the days until I started my freshman year, and I remember beginning freshman year thinking graduation seemed like a distant fantasy.

Even now, I think about the four years of college and that seems like a significant amount of time to me; so I guess I never learn.

But, the cliche has proven true, time does fly.

The goals and expectations we held for this year have drastically shifted. Instead of celebrating our graduation together and spending our final days of high school at school, I have been sitting on my bed rewatching gossip girl and watching an ungodly amount of TikTok for the past two months.

Instead of using this time to think about what we lost, I am trying to think about what I have gained, and the changes that overcoming challenges can make in a person’s life.

Things aren’t how I thought they would turn out, but what I am grateful for is the opportunity this drastic change has brought for me to reflect on my highschool career and my future. Michelle Obama once said, “You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage.

Instead, it’s important for you to understand

that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.”

Life and success aren’t about avoiding complications or challenges, it’s about facing them head-on and learning something new from the experience. 2020 was supposed to be our year.

It was going to be our year to finally prove to our parents, guardians, loved ones, and teachers that we have what it takes to make it in the real world. It was going to be our year to do all of the senior activities that we’ve watched others participate in.

Our early summer could have been seen as a devastating loss, or a tragic ending to our four years at Rio, but we came together.

We focused on the important things, like continuing to work if we had an essential job,

doing the math to figure out how much of the assigned homework we needed to do to pass the class, or reflecting on the last three and a half years at Rio. High school has meant something different to all of us. Some of us loved our time here, some of us hated it, and some are in between, but what we all have in common is our shared experience of going to Rio. When we look back on our high school experience, we will not remember the less than ideal transition period we had switched over to online learning, or the loss we felt from our three month break.

We will instead remember storming the court

SEE GRADUATION PAGE 3

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THE MIRADA|Monday, June 1, 2020

NEWS

LIFE IN A MASK

Senior Alana Newman wears a protective mask to protect against the coronavirus. Photo by Nicolas Gorman.

Mayor Steinberg pushes for Sacramento to mandate citizens to wear masks when in public Katie Newton Mirada Staff No shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service.

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has prompted many to purchase or make their own masks for the safety of themselves and those around them. Many counties, cities and businesses in California have mandated that citizens or customers wear a mask when in public.

Bordering counties including Yolo and Contra Costa require a face covering for anyone leaving their home. In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, residents are at risk of a $1,000 fine for not wearing a face covering in public.

Los Angeles County has required masks since April 10, causing San Francisco county to adopt similar requirements on April 17.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg hopes his city will follow suit soon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines for what defines a face covering. They state that cloth face coverings should fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric and be able to be washed or laundered.

While masks have been optional for Sacramento County residents, Steinberg wants to require masks as the city opens up more businesses to

prevent another spike in cases.

“It is going to be even more important that when we are out in public that we have that extra layer of protection, not just for ourselves but for each other, and wear masks,” Steinberg said in a recent Facebook live announcement. “And I am going to call on our county health officials to change that mask order, the mask issue, from voluntary to mandatory.”

Despite the voluntary nature of the mask issue in Sacramento, many students have found themselves encouraged to wear masks by their parents and public health experts.

Some of Sacramento’s youth have taken up concern for the health of others and wear masks by their own choosing.

“I wear masks only when going to populated areas such as Lowes and grocery stores but not when I’m exercising,” sophomore Julian Doyle said. “I think they are important for our own personal health as well as

courtesy for others.”

Exercise has been an area for debate on the mask issue, as cloth coverings can impede on one’s ability to breath during intense workouts. Since masks are not yet mandatory in public yet, it is up to those exercising around public parks or trails to decide if they want to wear a mask.

For others, wearing a mask is the only way to achieve a bit of freedom in their otherwise isolated day to day life.

“My parents are strict about masks because my dad is more susceptible to COVID-19 because of his medication,” said senior Ava Harrison. “At first it was really weird to wear a mask everywhere but now so many other people are wearing masks that it almost feels normal.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, a simple face covering can help prevent the spread of the disease when accompanied by social

distancing and other precautions.

The clinic stresses the importance of masks for everyone because people can be asymptomatic yet carry the disease.

Health professionals recommend that for masks to be most effective, people should avoid touching their mask while wearing it and wash their hands immediately after removing it. Experts also say that homemade and cloth masks should be washed regularly, which are becoming more common as medical staff need disposable surgical masks and California moves into Stage 2 of lifting the stay-at-home order in place.

“I believe that a mandatory mask requirement ought to accompany that opening up,” said Mayor Steinberg.

As stores, restaurants and other services in the area begin to open up, masks may become a normalcy when leaving the house.

Students, staff debate grading policy for spring term Jada Bailey Katie Newton Mirada Staff Reversing its previous policy of offering only credit/no credit grades for the spring semester, the San Juan Unified School District will now allow students to petition for grades.

Students and parents who appealed to the district for a letter grade option applauded this change, however many staff members resisted the new policy announced by Principal Brian Ginter on April 18.

After several students and parents took the initiative to request a grade option for students, the district decided to allow them to petition for letter grades. Trent Allen, Senior Director of Community Relations, reported that due to this feedback the district made a decision that attempted to satisfy the range of students at their schools.

“Depending on a student’s unique situation and goals, letter grades can be important to their progress,” Allen said. “In an effort to provide as much flexibility as possible, while

still offering a default that protects students and accounts for challenges they may face, the decision was reached to offer the option for letter grades if a student petitions.”

For some students having the option to receive letter grades may be beneficial.

“I am petitioning for grades because I am hoping to boost my GPA for colleges,” junior Aiden Mosely said. “I worked harder this year than freshman and sophomore year to get all A’s and I want my transcript and GPA to reflect that.”

Many teachers, however, expressed concern with the new policy, claiming that the distanced learning format makes it hard to fight plagiarism.

Junior Jalen Naran acknowledges the struggle teachers may be facing and is against petitioning for grades.

“The teachers are in a tough position because they can’t feel good about giving a grade to someone who they can’t tell is taking the class honestly,” Naran said. “I️ don’t see a benefit in petitioning for grades because of the current situation and the differences between so many situations of other kids around the nation.

English and Video Productions teacher Adam Bearson voiced his concerns with the reintroduction of letter grades, believing it puts some students at a disadvantage. Bearson encouraged his students who wanted to petition for grades to consider the position less-fortunate students may be in.

“It is not about securing equal outcomes in an unfair world--that’s never happening--but each of us working to make sure that everyone has at least a fair, if not equal opportunity to compete,” Bearson said. “It is about being sincerely interested in and trying to find compassion for students’ difficult experiences; about giving you, students who live from positions of relative strength, an opportunity to demonstrate great character and to express a connection to something larger than yourself, and to celebrate your many sacrifices, including this shared sacrifice that we are engaged in right now.”

Some students agree and would prefer to have credit/ no credit, as it removes some stress, or they lack resources to perform in online school to the best of their ability.

“I rather have credit or no credit because I feel that letter grades usually put stress on the students to keep that grade up and sometimes they don’t understand the material at all and it’ll be all bad for them,” said sophomore Mckayla Wikoff. “For the credit or no credit, you can do your work and put all the effort in and you’ll get the same amount of credit as any other students putting the same effort in.”

Despite not personally agreeing with the district’s decision, college and high school counselors aim to help students put their best foot forward for college applications and support students in petitioning for grades.

Counselors have made the argument that because the district is offering grades, college-bound students should accept them, since the school profile will state that students had the option to earn letter grades.

The University of California as well as CSU schools announced a change in their admission requirements to accept credit/ no credit marks for the spring term. Other top universities in the nation such as Harvard, M.I.T. and Stanford have

confirmed they will recognize pass/ fail systems as well.

Many students may feel conflicted on whether or they should petition for grades, but if a student who originally petitioned for letter grades decides they would like to switch back to the credit/no credit, they may revert to this default option up until June 9.

Whether students wish to petition or not, distance learning curriculum will continue to be provided and assigned for the remainder of the school year. Despite opinions on both sides of the grade debate, the district stands by their decision in an attempt to assist the maximum number of students across their campuses.

“At the end of the day, there are thousands of unique student situations,” Allen said. “ While credit or no credit is likely the best option for most, and thus our default, providing an option to petition for a grade helps our students meet their own unique needs.”

THE MIRADA|Monday, June 1, 2020

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NEWS

Seniors re-evaluate college plans due to pandemic Annalee Gorman Emma Hutchinson Mirada Staff Making the decision of where to go to college is already filled with uncertainty and this year is no different.

But, there’s more for the Class of 2020 seniors to think about.

The coronavirus pandemic has left seniors wondering whether they will attend college in person in the fall, and if not, how they can best optimize what was supposed to be their first college semester.

With college deposits due and frantic students planning their coursework, the COVID-19 pandemic created a ripple effect of colleges closing for the fall semester.

Amid the recent closure of the Los Rios Community College and Cal State campuses, many students face the harsh reality of having to attend college from home.

The Mirada surveyed 61 seniors in late April who had been planning to attend a four-year college before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Similar to the national rate of 20 percent, 23 percent of students at Rio said they are likely or very likely not to attend a four-year college next fall because of the pandemic.

“I’m registering for classes at ARC and will likely attend classes there if St. Mary’s doesn’t start in the fall,” said senior Ava Harrison.

Excited to attend their dream schools, other students plan to forgo their oncampus experience but still take their

GRADUATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 after a triple-overtime game against El Camino. Some of us will remember our life-threatening CIVITAS field trip.

We will all undoubtedly remember the 17 fire alarms that went off during the first semester of junior year, because I guess some people just can’t figure out how a smoke detector works.

We will remember driving to Dutch Bros twice a day, and the disappointment when we finally got one built closer to us, but it’s in front of El Camino. We will remember the prom we did have, the rallies, our Soulja Boy cameo, the late-night cram sessions, and the teachers who got us to where we are.

But above all, we will remember the community we built together.

Our personal futures, the future of the country, and the future of our world are uncertain right now and by no means do I have the answers for what comes next, but I know one thing is true: we are stronger together than we are apart.

We were always told the last few months of high school would be the best months of the past four years, but what I’ve now realized is that it’s the memories, experiences, and relationships we have made along the way that make up the best moments of high school.

Four years ago many of us were

The campus at UC Davis, usually busy with people and bikes is now empty. Photo by Annalee Gorman.

Although the outbreak has caused college’s online curriculum.

“I plan to take the online classes for concern for most students, some have San Diego State, but find a job here received new college opportunities.

Already enrolled at California State because we can’t stay in the dorms for at least another semester,” said senior University at San Luis Obispo, senior Maddy Burns received offers to enroll Caitlyn Hayden.

For some students, more than from both the University of California academics is causing them anxiety at Santa Barbara and the University of surrounding their university’s decision California at Berkeley.

Shaken by the uncertainty of the to reopen, or not. In particular, student athletes face challenges with closed future, more universities continue to campuses as their sports season is still enroll students like Maddy from their waitlists as the national enrollment rate in question.

Senior Sophia Karperos has plans drops.

“I was excited to gain acceptances off to run for Yale University and to start training with the team over the summer. of the waitlist because it’s pretty rare But her future with the team is unclear, when that happens,” said Burns.

Although Burns has confirmed her and could change depending on the school’s ultimate decision for the fall enrollment to UC Berkeley, others are waiting to see what will happen in the semester.

“Right now we are training like we future. Part of the 18 percent of Rio normally would to get ready for a cross seniors who say it is too soon to make a country season,” said Karperos. “Worst decision for sure, Marian Tully has had case scenario, we will have time trials to reevaluate her college plans for the upcoming semester. to simulate a normal season.” strangers, our only similarity being the Justin Timberlake class t-shirt we had to wear at camp Rio. And now, we have all made our lifelong friends and the ones who we sat next to that one semester in math, we went from a class of perfect strangers to one that prides itself on unity and acceptance.

As we are moving out of this phase in our life and looking forward to life after the longest senior ditch day of all time, we need to remember the challenges, regardless of size, we have faced and how we have been able to overcome them.

Challenges ranging from commuting to Del Campo every Friday night for our football games even though we had a brand new field, to scrambling on finals week to save a grade.

Going through high school and graduating Rio has supplied us with the tools we need to face our challenges head-on, big or small which is what high school is meant to be; a tool to help us learn, succeed, and move forward.

2020 will be the year to prove to our parents, guardians, loved ones, and teachers that we can and we will overcome any challenge that is thrown at us.

2020 will be the year that we make history, not for COVID-19, but for being the first class to graduate via youtube.

2020 will be the year that we find our path in life.

2020 is our year.

Seniors Maia Lyman and Jaden O’Dea hold their diplomas. Photo provided

by Jaden O’Dea.

“If school doesn’t start in the fall, I’ll go to ARC to save money,” said Tully.

“Although it’s disappointing, it doesn’t make sense to pay out of state tuition for online school at home.”

In the case that campuses are open, schools plan to make housing accomodations. The UCs are planning on removing all triple rooms and converting them to either single or double options.

Other schools like UCSF and UCLA have stated they cannot guarantee on campus housing for its students this year. This trend will likely continue as universities work to prioritize student safety.

Increasingly, universities are finding new ways to support their students under the unprecedented circumstances by rolling out the option of deferring a student’s acceptance to the following semester or year.

Many seniors who were planning to visit colleges after finding out they were accepted have to face the challenge of deciding on a campus without having been there.

Oftentimes, visiting a campus in person is one of the best ways for a student to decide if a college is the right fit for them. But, most campuses are closed to in-person visits, and students are using virtual visits to try and not only get a feel for the physical layout of the campus but also to try and understand the more nuanced details of a college campus that affect how a student feels they would fit in.

“It was challenging deciding between schools because I never got the chance to visit either of them,” said senior

Miri Leaderman. “I couldn’t base my decision off of how I felt at each university and I’ll have to hope I like the campus when I’m there.”

The pandemic, as well as the option for students to defer, has a major financial implication for universities.

Smaller schools may have to consider closing or merging with larger schools because of the significant financial blow the coronavirus has had on their revenue, and larger schools have to look at ways to reduce their faculty while still providing a quality education.

Oftentimes, universities rely on international students, who pay full tuition, as a main source of revenue. If there are travel restrictions to get into the US, or if US embassies are closed, international students may not be able to complete all of the necessary steps to go to college in the US. An online learning model isn’t necessarily feasible for international students because of international time zones that could prevent them from attending live online classes in their home countries. Even if colleges offer a delayed start option for students, there will likely be a backlog of people trying to get visas, and the process to get a student visa for an international student could take even longer than normal.

Everything from online curriculum to housing uncertainty to the inability to visit campuses makes the decision especially hard for this year’s graduating seniors. And colleges have to modify their plans to accommodate students’ new plans.

Students stay connected Katie Newton Mirada Staff Staying connected via social platforms has become increasingly important upon news of a formal order for Sacramento County residents to remain inside except for essential activities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or the coronavirus.

For teenagers, who are known for living in a digital age, it should seem like an easy task to stay connected, but many have realized the impact of social interaction in this time of isolation.

“I think the quarantine has made it hard to keep my connections with people alive because I cannot go anywhere,” junior Hunter Dadigan said. “Normally I would be seeing all my friends at school every single day and be able to hang out over the weekends.”

The shelter in place order will last until April 7, unless county officials state otherwise.

Calif. governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized the importance of the next months in combating the spread of the virus.

Limited levels of physical interaction have proven to be a challenge for people of all age groups, and many report feelings of anxiety and loneliness. While the coronavirus is too new for current statistics on it’s effect on mental health, international epidemics are stressful for many citizens.

During the SARS outbreak of 2002, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Emerging Infectious Diseases analyzed the psychological effects of quarantine.

Researchers used the Impact of Events Scale - Revised, which analyzes the presence of subjective stress caused by traumatic events.

Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed reported having some

level of post-traumatic stress disorder or depressive symptoms after an extensive period of time in quarantine.

The abundance of social media outlets tend to help counteract some feelings of isolation, however.

Aside from traditional messages and calls, students have depended on video services from FaceTime to Zoom in order to have more interactive conversations with friends and family.

“FaceTime allows us to be able to connect with one another but on a different level,” said senior Alyssa Escay. “It’s different from snapchatting or texting because you’re able to actually see one another and have real conversations. It makes you feel as if you’re with your friends even with the distance.”

Other top apps that people spend time sharing videos and life updates on include TikTok and Snapchat.

There has also been an outreach on social media to spread positivity.

Trending hashtags including #challengeaccepted, #24hours and #spreadpositivity dominated Instagram stories for a period in time as many students tried lightening the mood on social media and posting pictures of themselves and others.

“The quarantine has been challenging but it definitely helps to see positivity on social media,” said senior Natalie Link. “It keeps my spirits up. I have enjoyed having social media because it keeps me connected with my friends since I am unable to see them during the lockdown.”

The Rio Raiders Instagram page also encouraged students to share pictures of their favorite memories of the year to “remember how awesome this year has been so far!”

In addition to keeping in touch via social media, the county order to stay inside has meant more family time. While this may bring about

Senior Alyssa Escay, senior Annalee Gorman, junior Lucy Prieto and junior Katie Newton laugh on a group FaceTime during quarantine.

Screen shot by Katie Newton. some tensions, it also connects family members that might otherwise be filling their day with extracurriculars.

“It helps bring my family closer together because we all have busy schedules normally, and now that we aren’t allowed to go anywhere we have more time to spend together,” said Dadigan.

With the San Juan Unified announcement that the district hopes to transition to “distance learning” by April 13th, it seems it will be an extended period of time before students can return back to school, if at all.

Without school as a social outlet for the time being, adolescents are encouraged to spend quality time with their family and keep in touch through the various social media platforms that exist in this digital age.

THE MIRADA|Monday, June 1, 2020

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NEWS

Journey of a vaccine: from lab to public How exactly are vaccines made and why do they take so long?

Many patiently wait for a COVID-19 vaccine, but it may take a while.

Annalee Gorman Mirada Staff How does a vaccine work?

Vaccines are created by taking a weakened version of a virus or bacteria and introducing it to the immune system so that upon interaction with the real virus, the body can fight it off. Vaccines provide the body with a preview of the virus without actually causing harm to the body.

Scientists have several ways of inhibiting viral and bacterial replication including altering the virus’s genetic code, destroying the virus, using part of a virus and inactivating it.

Through inactivation, the vaccine cannot cause the mildest disease it prevents and is effective for people with weak immune systems.

Some vaccines work through “passive immunity” meaning large quantities of antibodies are injected and are immediately ready to fight off a virus.

The body can immediately fight each pathogen, but there’s limited protection because once the antibodies are gone, no new ones can replicate.

What takes a vaccine so long to be made?

The World Health Organization recently announced it may be 18 months before a vaccine can be made for COVID-19. The process is

lengthy and critical to its distribution.

Historically, vaccines have been created in two to five years after an outbreak.

According to senior research resident at the Heritage Institute, Peter Brooks, the first step is to obtain a sample of the live virus and to understand its characteristics and behavior. Secondly, a vaccine candidate must be identified and pass pre-clinical trials before scientists prepare it for human studies.

This is usually performed in animals, but to speed up the process for the COVID-19 vaccine, researchers have skipped this test.

One of the more lengthy processes are the human testing trials, as they have to be performed safely.

Typically, there are three stages.

Phase one, which typically takes one year, includes giving the potential vaccine in small doses to volunteers and determining its effectiveness.

During phase two, larger doses of the vaccine are given and then tested to ensure the immune response is consistent.

Phase three tests the vaccine on a large group of people (thousands at a time) and allows scientists to find rare side effects and allows scientists to discover if the vaccine is actually effective against the disease.

Lastly, the vaccine must be found to be safe by the FDA and effective,

as well as have a cost-effective plan for developing and distributing the vaccine.

Fighting COVID-19 Developing a vaccine based on viral proteins can take years, possibly even decades. In response, scientists are searching for a new, quicker way of fighting COVID-19.

The approach for the coronavirus vaccine is to use mRNA, a genetic molecule that cells can read to make proteins. In this case, the mRNA contains instructions to build the virus’s protein which helps enter human cells.

These antibodies are being used from the COVID-19 survivors, whose bodies hold the instructions on how to fight the virus.

Then, the immune system makes the antibodies so if a vaccinated person encounters the virus, activated antibodies will protect healthy cells from the coronavirus.

These genetic instructions can be encoded as mRNA and used for others who are infected.

However, it’s important to note the difference in this vaccine.

Scientists have emphasized the importance of adding the “spike” proteins, previously found in the SARS-CoV-2 virus to attach onto human cells.The spikes, or receptorbinding domains, are said to generate

antibodies that are even better at disabling the virus.

This creates an enormous advantage when creating the vaccine.

Researchers instead of creating the viral protein (which can take months to years) can now mimic natural infection.

The vaccine, now being tested on the first U.S patients, is injected into the arm of all patients and the vaccine is carefully encased in lipid nanoparticles since RNA is not a stable molecule, and it’s necessary to prevent the destruction of the enzymes used to fight the virus.

Challenges of obtaining the vaccine Although the COVID-19 vaccine is on its way, it might be even longer before it’s distributed to the public.

Not only can there be developmental problems while developing the vaccine, but regulatory and financial roadblocks are likely to occur as well. So far, there are four ongoing attempts to create a working vaccine, but no companies so far have licensed a vaccine according to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

With little known about the virus, the testing phases could be longer than expected.

Regulatory phases alone could take anywhere from six to 11 years.

Because the vaccine uses RNA, one of the main concerns is housing the vaccine as it can’t just be stored in a refrigerator.

Additionally, the chemicals in the vaccine are expensive and difficult to produce in large quantities according to Dr. Rhiju Das, professor of biochemistry at Stanford University.

Some vaccine developers worry that one vaccine is not enough, and that boosters will need to be taken adding another cost added to the vaccine.

Other experts worry about the ethical questions of who will get the vaccine first and how medical insurance will pay for its expense.

Typically, when a vaccine arrives in the market the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention determines who receives it first.

To meet this challenge, the CDC will need to develop a plan as to how to allocate the vaccine.

Although the COVID-19 virus is being rushed, the efficacy of the vaccine from skipping phases is in question. Pharmaceutical companies are balancing reward vs. risk and asking for $1 billion in funding as the race for the cure begins.

Despite the few roadblocks, experts are working on an affordable and accessible vaccine to arrive during 2021.

How an mRNA vaccine works 1

Human cell

Vaccine

Nucleus

mRNA is encased in a lipid (fat) nanoparticle. It is then injected into the body where it enters the body’s cells.

Ribosome

Secreted antibody attacking viurs

RNA Pathogens Mimicked virus protein

2 Administration The mRNA instructs the cells to make the virus’s protein which help enter human cells.

3 Virus Inactivation The immune system creates antibodies that will protect the body from infection.

Virus

THE MIRADA|Monday, June 1, 2020

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NEWS

Band wins national awards Joseph Bender Luke Richards Mirada Staff Syncopation, an unexpected rhythm on the offbeat, is a defining element of jazz.

It might also be a defining element of the Rio jazz program as it finds an unexpected rhythm in melding distance learning with one of the most collaborative art forms.

While musicians have not played together since campus closed on March 13 to slow the spread of Covid-19, teachers Josh Murray and Mitch Evett have continued to bring them together online, and individual students and groups have racked up national awards and earned spots in prestigious competitions--even if those competitions are also online.

DownBeat Magazine, which has been the print authority on jazz since the 1930s, presented Rio five awards.

“This is the most DownBeat awards Rio has won in a single year,” Murray said.

The Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Competition awarded first place to Rio’s Jazz Combo and second place to the Big Band. And the school was selected to participate in the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, which has replaced its usual multi-day competition at Lincoln Center in New York with a series of online seminars and individual competitions in June.

DownBeat is a monthly magazine founded in 1934 and devoted to “jazz, blues, and beyond.” Their 43rd annual Student Music Awards judged audio recordings submitted

by Dec. 31, 2019, which was over two months before social distancing measures began to be enforced.

Two ensembles and two students from Rio were recognized in five categories.

The AM Jazz Ensemble, the most advanced of three in the program, was recognized for an outstanding performance in the High School Large Jazz Ensemble category, while the ensemble Children

Census needs more participants to ensure public funding

Students who participated in the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Competition react to their recognition over Zoom. Photo by Ed Mahone Hearing Music won the Small Jazz Group category.

Senior Grady Flamm was recognized for an outstanding performance as a jazz trumpeter.

Senior Jackson Irvine won awards in two categories: Large Group Jazz Composition for the song “For Mr. Mintzer” and an outstanding performance for Jazz Arrangement for “Orange Was the Color of Her Dress, then Blue Silk.”

The Next Generation Competition is one of the most prestigious student band competitions in the United States.

As a result of the pandemic it was held over social media from April 3-9, with students and groups posting previously recorded videos of performances for judgement.

Rio won first place in the high school combo division and second place in the big band division.

Despite these honors, many students were disappointed that they would not be able to travel and compete in person.

“It’s kinda sad because a lot of our year was dedicated to working harder to sound better and perform well at those festivals,” said senior Maggie Broderick. “It felt amazing to get in but heartbreaking to find out we weren’t going.”

Not being able to work together also mitigated some enthusiasm.

“It’s a huge honor to take second in Monterey Next Gen Festival, but it was completely based off our past recordings and nothing we do currently, so it was disappointing and unlike a real competition,” said senior Maya Harrison.

The Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival, a staple of the band calendar, was also moved online. Originally scheduled to take place in New York City in early May, the 25th annual festival will be held on June 8-12 via social media, Zoom, and the website of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the organization behind the festival.

This is a far cry from the usual multiday, in-person experience.

“We can’t really rehearse or collaborate on new music to do Ellington, and it too is based on old recordings, and the festival is now non-competitive,” said Maya Harrison. “The only aspect of collaboration involves Zoom clinics.”

Social distancing has also impacted students’ ability to practice their music.

“It’s been really hard because you can’t play in person and playing through Zoom is impossible

(because it lags) but I’ve had a lot of success with the Acapella app and GarageBand,” said Broderick, who plays trombone in the AM Ensemble and Small Ensemble.

There are some advantages to social distancing for musicians.

“Surprisingly, practicing has not been a challenge during quarantine,” said senior Sam Flores, who plays guitar and clarinet in AM and Small Ensemble. “I have had ample time to improve on my instrument and even explore new genres of music, including classical and folk.

However, of course not being able to play with other musicians has been a great challenge, and I am looking forward to performing with musicians again.”

Murray and Evett expressed that same sentiment at the band program’s annual awards night, which was also held via Zoom.

“It’s been a strange end of the year, but it’s been a wonderful year and boy we made some great music and had some great kids…. And I can’t wait to get back at it,” Murray said.

He ended the night telling his students to “find the intersection of talent and passion” for a life without regret. And, of course, “Keep music in your life.”

UC Regents vote to drop SAT, ACT Katie Newton Mirada Staff After a two year research effort evaluating the effectiveness of standardized tests, the University of California Regents unanimously voted on May 21 to retract the SAT/ ACT requirement for California applicants until 2024.

While students in the class of 2021-2022 have the option to submit test scores if they wish, students graduating in 2023-2024 will undergo a “test-blind” policy in which scores are only used for class placement and scholarships, not admissions.

For the first two years of “testoptional” admissions, however, students who elect to not submit SAT/ACT scores will not be negatively impacted in the admissions process. The UC system also deleted the requirement for the essay, or writing, portion of both tests entirely.

This vote came a week after UC President Janet Napolitano voiced a desire to suspend the SAT/ ACT requirement for incoming freshmen according to a detailed long-term plan.

Napolitano’s five-year plan, released in preparation for the May 21 UC Board of Regents meeting,

Annalee Gorman Mirada Staff

calls for the university to continue to make tests optional through 2022 (tests are optional for 2021 because of Covid-19 restrictions), and then suspend use of tests for California residents through 2024.

Since the regents accepted the plan, during the next five years, the university will attempt to “create a new test that better aligns with the content UC expects applicants to have learned and with UC’s values.”

This proposal has sparked concern for some students, who fear other institutions could follow.

“In terms of college specific tests, I do not think they should be done at all,” said junior Lucy Prieto, who plans on applying to UC campuses.

“There is no way that a student would be able to show their full capabilities when having to spread their focus, effort, and this would be completely unfair to students and an even less accurate measure of their capabilities than an SAT/ ACT.” The move to eliminate the SAT and ACT by the 10-campus system with more than 280,000 students is predicted to cause other schools to follow and shake up college admissions.

“I find it very interesting that the UC system is looking at completely dropping SAT/ACT

scores as part of their application, especially when scores have been a pretty significant factor in their applications previously,” said Prieto.

Despite the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on the class of 2021, the UC Board of Regents already had a study underway analyzing the benefits of standardized tests. Public Education Director of Fairtest Robert Schaeffer reported that multiple regents had been in favor of the test-optional policy long before President Napolitano’s statement.

The Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF), a 20 member team tasked with advising the University of California on whether or not to keep such tests, evaluated standardized tests and their accuracy in predicting student success at the university. The STTF released their report January 2020 and concluded standardized tests remain a valuable tool.

Yet, the UC Board went ahead with Napolitano’s plan, as critics of the exams have long held that standardized tests disadvantage low-income and minority students.

Schaeffer, an advocate of fair and open testing, has led Fairtest’s argument that standardized tests are not accurate representations of a student’s potential.

“Test scores are a measure of accumulated opportunity,” Schaeffer said.

Napolitano’s proposal noted that “in 2018, 37 percent of CA resident freshman admits were from underrepresented minorities compared to 59 percent of high school graduates.” It goes on to note that “test scores play some role (in the gap), but are not the primary barrier to admission.”

While Fairtest’s leaders would value an alternative exam that provided better insight to a student’s capabilities, Schaeffer explained he is yet to find a testing alternative that shows where students are capable of going as opposed to where they came from.

“In Fairtest’s 30 years of existence we have never seen a test that is as fair and accurate as a high school academic record,” Schaeffer said.

He argues that academic performance, course rigor, and extracurriculars are more telling than the SAT or ACT and approves of the board’s decision.

Members of the UC Board of Regents called this vote “a step in the right direction” for the University of California, as they attempt to base admissions off of their core values.

With billions of dollars at stake, this decade’s participation in the census is crucial for funding.

California alone has set aside $187 million alone in ensuring all residents participate.

Funding for schools, hospitals, roads and other public works rely on participation and having an accurate count of the members in the community.

The Census also takes into account demographics of a certain area to allocate funds where it’s needed.

For example, more funds are needed in areas populated with lots of small funding to provide schools with more funding instead of other organizations.

With more students entering Rio but not enough room, participation is key in giving the school district more funding to include more classrooms and resources for each student.

The Census uses its data to base plans for offices, stores, etc. and with data that is only taken decennially, the information collected has a long lasting effect. Not responding will cause an incorrect use of funding for hospitals, schools, and Medicaid for the next decade.

The Federal government provides a state with its budget in correlation to the state’s population.

Thus, when more participate, the size of California’s budget will increase. For each person not counted in the census, California will lose $1,000 over a ten year period.

But that’s not all that’s at stake. A seat at the House of Representatives is based off of a state’s population.

Without the state participating, California is at risk for losing its coveted 53 seat. Losing this seat will affect the Democratic and Republican swing of states as well as the electoral college.

In the past, California has had a significant effect in presidential elections, but with a projected loss of a House seat, its power may wane in this year’s election.

So far, only 59.8 percent of the nation has responded. In California, 61 percent of has responded to the census and 66.8 percent of Sacramento County has participated. This decade’s California response rate is down seven percent from 2010.

According to the Census Bureau, 40 percent of participants felt as if the Census would not benefit them. A majority of these people were between the ages of 18 and 34. However, the Census is made for people in that age group. It is created to purely improve funding services in their communities and to contribute to a better future.

All information is kept private under Federal law, and none of the answers may be used against the participant.

Let’s create a positive start to this decade and ensure we receive the funding and resources our communities deserve.

page 6

THE MIRADA|Monday, June 1, 2020

NEWS Staff Wins Awards from Local Publication While the 2020 Sac Bee high school journalism awards were not given at a dinner ceremony as usual, The Mirada staff still was recognized for their work.

Best News Writing Second Place: Joseph Bender (LGBTQ+ rights) Honorable Mention: Annalee Gorman (Ethnic studies) Best Editorial First Place: Aaron Ichel (Antisemitism) Second Place: Joseph Bender (College debt) Best Opinion Writing Second Place: Katie Newton (Fragility on college campuses) Honorable Mention: Jessica Sheppard (UCs more selective) Best Sports Writing First Place: Mickey Doolittle (Rio vs Jesuit) Second Place: Katie Newton (seniors seek college competition) Best Photography Second Place: Emma Hutchinson (River photo)

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Visit www.riomirada. com for more stories and photos like these.

WHO declares national emergency 1/30

Yearbook Delayed by Nicolas Gorman What You Don’t Know about Rio by Nicolas Gorman

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Students Robbed of Senior Year by Nicolas Gorman

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CSU’s Move to Online Instruction by Emma Hutchinson Lunch with Friends Continues in Quarantine by Emily Borg and Taylor White Students Have Trouble Adapting to New Online Classes by Sumaya Mayaar

San Juan Unified School District shuts down through spring break 3/13 Last UC/CSU campus shuts down for the remainder of the school year 3/13

COVID-19 Affects Teen’s Mental Health by Aaron Ichel and Annalee Gorman Crafting in Quarantine by Allison Meier Senior Award/ Cap and Gown Pick-up, Photo Gallery

SJUSD announces school closure for the rest of the year, online learning begins 4/3 Dine-in food services re-opened in Sacramento 5/20

Class of ‘COVID-19’ Receives Yard Signs, Photo Gallery

Follow us on Instagram: @theriomirada

Rio Americano’s virtual graduation ceremony 6/9

THE MIRADA|Monday, June 1, 2020

page 7

NEWS In order to stay relatively sane, I’ve been working on lots of art - specifically, painting. Plus, I’ve been trying to get at least 9 or 10 hours of sleep a night.

So what I’ve been doing to stay positive is playing Fortnite and going on bike rides. I have also been doing a lot of yard work to make money.

Something that I have been doing to keep active during shelter in place is taking lots of walks by the river while maintaining a social distance of six feet.

Jenna Shepherd (11)

Joshua Ramos (10)

Amanda Allan (12)

How students are staying positive Emily Borg Editor-in-chief Out of school and unable to see friends because of social distancing rules that are intended to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, many teens find it challenging to stay positive--but they are also rising to the challenge.

Sophomore Allison Reboin is no exception.

“Some of the challenges that I have faced in the past couple of weeks have been not being able to see my friends, the rest of my family, and my dog that is staying at my grandmother’s house,” she said.

But one month into the statewide shelter-in-place order, she’s tried a raft of activities to keep her spirits up.

“I have done lots of baking, like making souffle pancakes, watched movies, done puzzles, played games, and watched three seasons of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in only four days,” she said.

Rio Americano students, like Reboin, have been trying to stay optimistic and engaged by doing activities at their homes to stay busy throughout this quarantine.

Junior Baily Broderick has joined a trend that has made jigsaw puzzles hotter commodities than toilet paper.

“Some things I like doing to stay engaged during shelter in place are baking and doing puzzles,” said Broderick. “These activities keep me entertained and are a good alternative from watching TV and playing on my phone.”

Not all students are as concerned about finding an alternative to watching TV. However, all students

Many students report they maintain positive mental health during quarantine by exercising on the American River Bike Trail. Photo by Jane Snider. who responded to the Mirada being closed, student athletes and and exercise,” said junior Mari about how they stay positive while their less-active classmates have Zimmerman. “I have gone on a few sheltering-in-place mixed binge turned to at home workouts. hikes but frequently bike with my watching with something more “I have started doing online mom along the American River,” productive. workout classes in order to stay said Zimmerman. “For me, staying “During this scary phase in my life, in shape because my gym is not productive and feeling accomplished some of the things I have been doing accessible at this time,” said junior with my day has helped me remain to keep myself active and positive Gianna Nocetti. “I have found that positive and helps me forget all the include morning runs and workouts this also helps me be more productive activities I’m missing out on.”

I have found on youtube, as well as with my school work because of the Many students said what they cooking and baking with my mom,” high that I get after working out.” miss most is being able to hang out said senior Maddie Harris. “I must Many students take advantage with friends--or even just seeing also include the mass amount of of the American River Parkway, classmates. But some students are time I have spent on binge-watching the 32-mile-long regional trail and finding more connections with their my favorite Netflix shows, and the nature area that runs behind the families, as they quarantine together. excessive amount of FaceTime calls campus.

“The best way I’ve been staying with my friends to keep in touch.

“During this shelter and positive and active during quarantine Exercise was a common theme in place I have been trying to stay is doing things with my family,” said student responses. And with gyms productive with some school work junior Tyler McGlynn. “Usually it’s

doing puzzles with them, playing board games, or going out on the street to play volleyball with my brother. Also we’ve been using the hot tub a lot.”

Art is a way for students to express their emotions, or just a way for them to fill their days in quertine with.

“During quarantine, I like to cheer myself up by painting, said junior Vanessa Islas-Rangel. “So far I’ve started to paint the iconic hands from ‘The Creation of Adam’ on my bedroom wall.”

Others have taken the time to try new things or do things that they usually would not have time for.

“During this shelter in place I have tried to do some of the things I always wish I had more time for. I have been reading a lot more, which is something I haven’t been able to do in years, and enjoying baking (mostly desserts), said junior Grace Montgomery. “I’m finding that I definitely need to go outside or be active once a day, so I’ve been going on some runs and lots of bike rides.

It’s hard not to just sit around and let the days go by but I’m trying to find things that work for me.”

In a time when bad news is constantly flowing through social media and news outlets, teens point out that it is important to still have a positive outlook to get through uncertain times.

In her efforts to stay positive, Allison Reboin recognizes the challenges.

“It’s very unclear and unknown what life is going to be like for the next couple months. Hopefully, it won’t be as boring, because I’m running out of Melissa Mcarthy movies to watch.”

Senior makes homemade masks Emma Hutchinson Mirada Staff While students are stuck at home under the shelter-in-place order, many find the news about the increasing severity of the novel coronavirus depressing, and many who are in self-quarantine at home miss seeing their friends. But some have taken the time at home to make a difference for others and improve the world around them.

Senior Rosie Finnecy has a passion for sewing, and many people in her classes would tell you about how she has not only sewn some of her own clothing and her prom dress but how she also uses her passion to help others. Earlier in the year, she sewed scrunchies and sold them at lunch to buy feminine hygiene products and diapers for refugee women in the Sacramento area, and has also been known to sew gifts for her friends and family.

During this quarantine time, Finnecy has taken full advantage of her extra time to make a positive impact on the healthcare community working so hard to maintain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Finnecy said she was inspired to make the masks after seeing a post from a friend and nurse in the community saying that she needed handmade masks for herself but didn’t know how to sew. Finnecy didn’t stop at trying to help her family friends, she decided to reach out into the community and make masks for other healthcare workers who would need them.

That family friend who inspired Finnecy was cardiac ICU nurse Laura Lehrer who works at Mercy General Hospital and has a daughter who attends Rio. “Rosie was the first person to offer to start making masks for our family and she is most likely helping to flatten the curve of COVID-19,” Lehrer said. “Her masks are being

Rio parent and cardiac ICU nurse Laura Lehrer wears a mask handmade by senior Rosie Finnecy.

Photo provided by Katherine Lehrer. worn by ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, administrators and security personnel at Mercy General Hospital.”

Finnecy has made about 80 masks so far, with half of them being donated to the Lehrer family and half to another healthcare worker in need in the area. Finnecy has made two styles of masks to accommodate different needs by different hospitals.

“I used a YouTube video that was super simple to follow for some and online instructions for the others,” Finnecy said. “Some hospitals are requesting certain styles which is why I made two different ones.”

With all of the extra free time that comes with the statewide shelterin-place order, many students are trying out new hobbies and finding new ways to keep their brains active and keep from getting bored.

Learning to sew and create a useful and impactful product such as masks for healthcare workers can be a great way to give back to the community while learning something new.

Finnecy says that she thinks that it is especially important to find ways to give back during challenging times

like right now because everyone is going through something different.

“Mrs. Lehrer’s post made me realize that this is not a vacation for all of us and I saw making masks as one small way I could contribute,” Finnecy said. “It has also given me something to do during quarantine which is nice.”

People like senior Rosie Finnecy serve as bright spots in a time that can seem very dark and discouraging.

Healthcare worker Laura Lehrer speaks for everyone in expressing her appreciation for Finnecy’s contributions.

“I can’t thank her enough.”

page 8

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Opinion

The First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

THE MIRADA The Student’s Voice Editors-in-chief Emily Borg Mickey Doolittle Synia Thrower Web Editor Luke Richards Nicolas Gorman News Editors Annalee Gorman Katie Newton Opinion Editor Jessica Sheppard Features Editor Emma Hutchinson Sports Editors Malek Safi Aaron Ichel Distractions Joseph Bender Isa Searle Backpage Katie Newton Staff Allison Meier Jada Bailey Josh Zezzo Mikayla Courtway Susannah Swindel Taylor White Adviser Mr. Michael Mahoney mmahoney@sanjuan.edu (916) 971-8921 ext. 6480

Published monthly during the school year by students in Rio Americano’s newspaper class, the Mirada is the independent voice of the students and the campus.

The Mirada welcomes story ideas, comics, letters to the editor and opinion pieces from all members of the school community.

Submit articles to the box in A3 or the main office.

Contact the business manager for information on advertising, but we reserve the right to refuse any ad.

Contact us: Email: theriomirada@gmail.com Twitter: @riomirada2019 Online: riomirada.com Mail: Rio Americano High School 4540 American River Drive Sacramento, CA 95864

OUR VOICE

Pull the plug on online graduation

F

or high school students, graduation is the reward at the end of their adolescent educational journey. It’s the moment seniors look forward to in anticipation since the moment they began their first day of freshman year.

Graduation symbolizes both accomplishment and gratitude not only for students, but also for their loved ones.

Unfortunately for the class of 2020, their commencement ceremony dreams were crushed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Since the shutdown of schools across the country, all students set to graduate this year have already been stripped of traditional activities and events specifically for the senior class such as senior ditch day, senior ball, senior prank and now graduation.

Rio’s seniors, along with many others, hoped to experience the traditional graduation ceremony we’d been dreaming of for so long. But that hope was laid to rest with the recent news of a virtual graduation.

The news has come with frustration, disappointment and sadness along with a range of other dissatisfied feelings. The San Juan Unified School District released the heartbreaking dreadful news to families on May 1 in an impassioned email to the dismay of many students.

Many students expected this news as many other districts in other states and cities have decided on the same method to honor seniors, but the unpleasant feelings still arrived once it was confirmed.

We know it is in the best interest of students and families because of health and safety concerns due to Covid-19, but the idea of a virtual graduation is extremely disheartening.

Alternative forms of graduation have been seen in other states such as drive-through graduations, where students leave their cars one by one and grab their diplomas before returning to their cars.

Although this isn’t ideal, it’s much better than watching a live stream of our names being called over Youtube.

Rio has made the executive decision to hold a Youtube streaming ceremony on Jun.9 at 6 p.m. Most students don’t find this set-up to be appealing even in the slightest way, and don’t even wish to watch it. Many of us feel as though this decision makes what is supposed to be one of the most important days of our lives simply insignificant.

Although we know the circumstances are nothing anyone could have ever imagined or have ever experienced before, alternative ideas should have been put into consideration for those in charge and students and their families to decide on.

This decision feels poorly thought out and inconsiderate, and us seniors hope to be able to come up with an alternative way to celebrate our hard work.

YOUR VOICE

“I’m happy that Rio is at least trying to make it special for us. The school it’s self has no power over health regulations so it does not make sense to be angry at the school. Overall I am sad that I won’t be experiencing the milestone of walking across the stage, but there will be lots more milestones in my life. Also if you think about it we will always be the first class to graduate online so that’s pretty cool.”

- Kirsten Richart (12) “I feel like graduation is so much bigger than an event to celebrate individual achievements, it’s something that unites your graduating class as you recognize your successes and passage into a new life. While not getting to walk across the stage to get my diploma is something that I’m bummed about missing out on, it’s the fact that I don’t get to be surrounded by my classmates and friends during online graduation that makes me really sad.”

- Jemma Prichard (12)

250 WORDS

Protesters needs to stand by mission statement Jessica Sheppard Mirada Staff

P

rotests are normally a big part of a politically active American lifestyle.

During this quarantine, however, the only thing that is being protested across the nation is the quarantine from Ohio to Sacramento.

Currently, Sacramento county

is in Stage 2 of the California plan for reopening, and that means that things like theme parks, playgrounds, and nail salons are not open. With these and many other large gatherings not being allowed to go on, a protest against the quarantine was organized.

The organization that arranged the latest protest on the Capitol on April 25, was called Re-Open California: End The Lockdown.

They have 5566 Facebook members and in their Facebook bio they say they “want to practice intelligent behavior of social distancing and regular disinfecting...”

Despite that statement many protesters that day did not wear masks or keep social distance, and over 1000 gathered even though on the state’s website says to postpone events larger than 250 people.

During these times your right to protest shouldn’t be stripped, but if you claim to be an organization to reopen California with “intelligent behavior” let your actions speak for you.

Maybe these protesters are right and we need to reopen the economy, but the keyword is “intelligently,” so when people protest again stand by your mission statement.

page 9

The Mirada| Monday, June1, 2020

Opinion

What does the future hold for seniors?

Mickey Doolittle Mirada Staff

Annalee Gorman Mirada Staff

With many universities going online, incoming freshmen are faced with tough, massive decisions.

Many have decided to bite the bullet and take the online classes in August, however, there are some that are choosing alternative routes.

Some have flat-out declined their admission and went to community college. While this is a good money-saving alternative, there is another option.

I have decided to take a gap year and I think others should consider it as well.

The first positive is closure. If someone has been accepted into a four-year university they love, deferring admission guarantees them a spot in their school after their gap.

Second, they can still save money on their college experience. I am planning on getting multiple jobs this summer and working toward paying as much of my tuition as possible.

The next advantage is the possibility of travel.

We are in a unique time in our lives. We do not have full-time responsibilities like a job or a family to support, so we should take advantage of that.

For many of us, the next opportunity we will have to travel for a long period of time is after retirement. I encourage everyone to watch Mr. Asher’s videos of how he travels for cheap and use that model for your trip.

Take a train across Europe. Buy a cheap van and drive across the US. Spend a month exploring Asia. The only currency you have right now is time. Why not sacrifice six months and work, then use a fraction of that money to experience something new.

If someone were to do this, they lose nothing but a small portion of their plentiful supply of time.

They are already into the college of their choice and going in on the same mindset except more experience. Think about the possibility of entering the best four years of your life with a pocket full of cash and a bucket list item checked off.

Going to a four-year college this year may be the most flashy option right now. People do look enviously at their friends in other cities and living independently. Putting off this for a semester or a year is a tough choice, however it has the most long-term benefits.

Drawn by Katie Wood

I have been sitting in quarantine for three months, with no new COVID-19 cases reported in the last month and a half and with a vaccine on the brink of creation. People cannot be cooped up for months at a time, starved of social interaction and a routine. It is time for the nation to open up again.

Yet, some schools are prematurely closing for semesters at a time before high school students have graduated. Although I understand precautions must be taken to prevent a second wave of outbreaks, I believe that we cannot stay inside much longer.

Everything has turned to a dull trudge from our economy to our daily routines. Online learning is not nearly as effective as it is in person, and it’s affecting the way we learn and teach.

I will attend Seattle University in the fall and they have announced to keep the school open with minor changes like how they will sanitize classrooms. Although the virus in the United States started out just miles from the city, I am excited to attend and hopeful for a safe learning environment.

I feel like by going to school in the fall and slowly adjusting to my former routine, I can feel like life is back to normal. It’s important to resume our daily activities (cautiously) and not deprive ourselves of life.

The world will never be the same after this and after reopening schools, businesses, etc. and we will see extreme health and safety measures taken.

This is part of the reason I have decided to physically attend school in the fall. New innovations are being created to wipe viruses in seconds and schools/dorms will be more sanitary than ever before.

As a science major, most of my classes require labs. I wanted to attend school in the fall to receive a complete education without any cuts in my curriculum or having to postpone my schedule.

I did not want to give up the opportunity to have a college experience and start school in exchange for online learning. I am ready to emerge from quarantine and into the next chapter of my life.

I can only hope for the best.

Frustration, tears, inequity: reviews of the AP tests Maddy Burns Guest Writer Due to COVID-19, many students have been forced to take AP tests at home and online, rather than the traditional way with a pencil at school. Because of these new conditions and environment, many students were uneasy and had additional stress due to possible Internet crashes, loud family members, and WiFi not working.

Typically, the AP exams take ninety minutes to three hours to complete, but this year, they were reduced to forty-five minutes, and most consist of two free response questions. Because of this, students that favor the multiple choice may have struggled or gotten a score that doesn’t reflect their knowledge.

Aside from technical glitches, some critics have said AP testing and the College Board disregarded the needs of low-income students, who may not have access to laptops or phones to take the tests.

Additionally, they may not have high-speed internet to upload photos in quickly, or a quiet, distractionfree environment to take the exam.

According to Jennifer Lopez, CEO of a charter school network

Drawn by Katie Wood “The way the College Board has thought about this is directed toward middle-class families.” Even though the International Baccalaureate (IB) program cancelled its exams, College Board decided to move the exams online.

Further, even though the College Board removed a few units and content from each subject, it is possible that students still had to teach themselves material as not all schools closed at the same time.

This means some students had an advantage over others as they had time to be taught the material and practice with a teacher.

Finally, because the exams had to be issued online simultaneously, students taking exams at night or early in the morning may be at a disadvantage. According to Scott Jaschick with Inside Higher Ed, “In Britain, the test starts at 9 p.m. In India the test starts at 1:30 a.m.. In China, at 4 a.m.”

After scrolling through social media apps and talking to several of my friends, it is clear that technical issues were prevalent. I have seen several videos of students not being able to upload their AP Literature essays or the website not accepting photos of work.

I have also seen videos of students crying because their answers would upload, and talked to people that are now forced to retake the exam in June. It is very important that AP

students get the college credit they deserve, and while the COVID-19 situation is unprecedented, the AP exams could have been managed better.

My AP testing experience involved several distractions, and after months of preparation, it is frustrating to have additional stress and disturbances.

For my first exam, AP Calculus BC, I took the test on my phone and wrote out all my answers with a pencil. This allowed me to take pictures easily and upload them to the College Board. However, prior to the test, I had to switch my photo settings to ensure my pictures were compatible with the College Board, an additional step many students didn’t realize prior to the test.

When the timer on my screen flashed five minutes, I immediately stopped working and took pictures to upload. By the time my three pictures uploaded, I had a mere one minute left.

For my AP Literature test, I took the exam on my computer through Google Docs. While I did enjoy typing the essay on my computer, my WiFi disconnected halfway through the exam and I was forced to use Hotspot from my phone.

page 10

THE MIRADA |Monday, June 1, 2020

Art

On Display Student self-portraits are featured on the Crocker Art Museum’s website

Senior Phoenix Folger’s painting “Aosoth.”

Four Rio students are part of the high school self-portrait show at the Crocker Art Museum.

Because the museum is closed to slow the spread of Covid-19, the works of seniors Emily Huckins, Phoenix Folger and Isa Talia Friedman, and junior Kristie Herrin can be seen along with the works of 32 other Sacramento area high school students on the Crocker website.

“The ‘High School Self-Portrait Show’ gives the very best high school artists a chance to display their art for the Sacramento community,” according to a statement on the website.

In “Cradle,” Herrin painted herself as a child with a bloody nose standing in a field.

The imagery “is meant to symbolize the bittersweetness of growing up,” she wrote in her artist statement. “I want my piece to symbolize the period of time between childhood and adulthood, the period of time where you realize your past self is dead, and it’s time to move on.”

Herrin dedicated her piece to her “grandparents, especially my maternal grandma, who is the woman who passed on her love for art and her artistic ability to me.”

Huckins painted her face in red appearing to float serenely on rich blue waters against a red background.

In her artist statement, she said “Time” was inspired by Herman Hesse’s novel “Siddartha,” which follows the spiritual journey to selfdiscovery of the title character.

Junior Kristie Herrin’s painting “Cradle.”

Senior Isa Talia Friedman’s painting “Seven Deadly Sins: Wrath.”

Senior Emily Huckins’ painting “Time.”

“The colors red and blue were chosen to represent humanity, red, and the natural world, blue,” she wrote. “These waters cannot be tamed; however there can be a symbiosis, and this piece depicts my attempt to achieve that balance.”

Friedman’s “Seven Deadly Sins: ‘Wrath’” depicts a young woman, the bottom of her face masked (or exposed) in skull and fangs.

“My self-portrait is based on the sin ‘wrath,”” Friedman wrote in her artist’s statement. “I chose this sin because all of us sin. No matter how hard we try not to do it, we still do.”

Lastly, Folger’s “Aosoth’’ shows a woman with a battered face and gold crown bathed in red glow. Aosoth is a demon whose power centers on “passion and destruction,” Folger wrote.

“This self portrait is a mix of both Aosoth and a Banshee, the wailing woman, both who are depictions of harbingers of death. This portrait is full of energy and passion that Aosoth brings, but the destruction lies in the face covered with cuts and bloody bruises that signify that you can not have passion with that destruction,” she wrote.

Self-portraits in the show were done in various media and Herrin and Huckins each won Best in Medium.

Natalie Headrick of Capital Christian won Best in Show.

THE MIRADA |Monday, June 1, 2020

page 11

Art

Lost in Translation The Girl in the Striped Pants photograph by Maya Harrison (12) poem by Miri Leaderman (12)

Another drive down the path, an unwelcome encore Sun bleeds through the rain like a floodlight The drops thinking now that they are done for A game of cat and mouse, just like a bullfight Unlocking the door Stepping into the light Like a boat docked ashore The whole scene turns bright A feeling runs through her, too intense to ignore Climbing atop like a nomad in the night Unable to return to what was before Nothing as it seemed it might Never had been one to explore Never one to seek for things to excite Grief leaving her, like a bear releasing a roar Things have changed now at such great heights

Plane Window photograph by Xya Ford (10)

Mile High Contrition a poem by Eric Osecheck (12) Today, today, is the day that I choose to run away.

In my mind I sit inside, a railroad car, that I ride.

My eyes are heavy and my head is low, where I am headed, I do not know.

My legs ache sore, my clothes are ripped my back hurts, and I feel whipped.

I am outlaw, on the run, fleeing a past of rebel fun.

It was then, when John was shot, by a sheriff in that desert spot, that I ran to see a place that doesn’t pack with it a trace, all the things that I have done.

All my buddies, and that gun.

And so I took off on a haul, alongside a train that was so tall, that when it moved it was so slow that I could hop up, tip and toe I found a haystack, soft and neat and laid my head down, as to sleep.

But now I wake up on a plane, not a rebel, all the same.

A businessman, on a trip who sold out for a money slip.

When I was young, my friends had sung, songs of sin and sipped on gin, stirring trouble and starting fights but now I sit, on this flight I see long since, are the days, that when I ran, I ran away.

Airplane Window a poem by Maddy Burns (12) Framed by the plastic of my window, The clouds form a painting, The world beneath my feet, My worries left behind, I am free.

My heart flutters away, Into the sea of clouds and sunshine.

We look tiny Compared to the life we encounter, And everything looks different from up here, The earth looks as one, No matter how separated we actually are.

The pressure begins weighing me down And I can feel the force pulling me back up.

But the air continues to push me forward.

It keeps me going.

The air is the only thing taking me away, Allowing me to move on.

Rio Americano hosts an annual Translation Showcase in which students in different visual arts create interpretations of their peer’s work.

The Translation Showcase occurs in late spring, but was cancelled this year. Some students, however, were able to complete their work before the outbreak of COVID-19. Each translation begins with a photo.

Seen left is sophomore Xya Ford’s photograph, “Plane Window,” interpreted in poetry by seniors Eric Osecheck and Maddy Burns.

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The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Oh the places you’ll go...

University of Alabama Kayla Largent Arizona State Lauren Stuart Kaiya Thompson University of Arizona Kelsey Zeillemaker Shayna Shenoy Northern Arizona University Matt Kilmer Megan Farris Cal State Monterey Bay Ariana Dustin Cal State San Marcos Julia Clausen Kamille Walker Saint Mary’s College Alyssa Escay Leah Mckechnie UC Merced Carly Kissinger UC Berkeley Samantha Klein Jemma Prichard Maddy Burns Cal State Fullerton Emily Borg Sierra Campbell UC Riverside Andrew Nelson Quinn Harrington UC Santa Barbara Leah Winter Juliet Caspar Gavin Walters Davis Westover Emily Courtade Elliot Worledge George Sinandinos Ava Harrison CSU Eastbay Mason Yelton Sonoma State Lily Folz Samantha Frazelle

American River College Claire Nelson Adelyn Fowler Diego Macias Nicolas Gorman Isabella Linstrum Ryan McCoy Gil Vechter Nailea Perez Ethan Thompson Ian Bohn Zach Berkowitz Jackson Szjeda Jon Braaten Fiona Burdick Kevin Hagy Trevor Hagy Jack Steinberg Riley Carr Luke Marion Gabriel Difeo Daniel Myers Kaley Gibbs Katie Grable Hannah Null Isa Friedman Ty Contreras Yalda Khairandish Omar Aljumaili Anthony Adov Evnika Antonova Hailan Al-Salehi Danielle Hodge Joshua Bunnell Scott Becker Lauren Bailey Cole Benton Kanai Chaves-Kalama Yosseline Castrejon Mendez Kirsten Richart Colby Fargen Angela Ezzi Naomi Green Aidan French Yosseline Castrejon Mendez Colby Fargen Angela Ezzi Naomi Green Aidan French Sarah Finneran Sophia Eiserman Sarah Conner Phoenix Folger Daylin Munoz Jacob Kolenko Leo Kelly Andrew Ross Ariana Bornino Lucas Kaiser Carter Thomas Stefani Villegas-Ochoa Eun Sung Chu

UC Santa Cruz Lexi Accinelli Jarrod Florrentino Abbie Sanger Santa Barbara City College Jake Steinberg Gustavo Levenfeld Amanda Allen Sam Bengston Lizzy Ortiz-Garcia Ashley Buehler Tori Calk Evan Fuentes Steen Unsworth Alex Nash Harry Palmer Ian Harrison Tori Larson Sierra Madsen Ava Sarmento University of Southern California Brooke Rios Jackson Irvine Grady Flamm University of San Diego Kayla Wright Synia Thrower Andrew Oleson Chico State Lindsay Whitworth Kendra Burton

Jack Pallesen Ashley Seitz Rori Helfrich San Diego State Univesity Natalie Link Caitlin Hayden Eric Osecheck Kylie Colson Matthew Meier Sadie Campbell Amadi Okugo Katelyn Kamilos UC San Diego Olivia Seargeant UC Davis Vivian Lowe Olivia Patitucci Mitchell Dixon Cooper Lloyd University of San Francisco Simone Biehle Sacramento State Christian Scott Maggie Broderick Lydia Bullo Echo Anzai

Keisha Acero Blake Bepler Caiden Bright Sofia Fastovich Noah Kabir Hailey Washington San Francisco State Emma Hernandez Wyatt Wanner Benjamin Glasco Cosumnes River College Emma Ponce de Leon Cal Poly Slo Chloe Franz Sydney Kringel Ross Gowan James Davies Stella Chamness Emma Davis Sierra Community College Danylo Vylobkov CSU Long Beach Tatum White Gabriella Noack

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The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Congratulations seniors!

Borough of Manhattan Community College Parker Bosley NYU Maya Harrison Manhattan school of music Zoe Harrison Ohio State Garrett Frazier Miami University of Ohio Mason Letcher Virginia Tech Ezra Silverburg Creighton University Emily Hegland Saarland University in SaarbrĂźcken, Germany Stefan Lukic Northern Michigan University Ryland Shriver

UCLA Annabel Lewis Matt Hom Sam Flores Henry Ellis Sac City Mateo Lake Erin Konarski Alex Nyguen Callie Branson Piper Canty Elysia Green University of the Pacific Peter Poirier Azusa Pacific University Ellie Menzmer Stanford Adeline Huddy Life Pacific University Adrian Galeana Cuesta College Quinn Patrick Yuba City Cambridge College Kenzie Coxton

Yuba City Community College Ruben Aquino Mills College Maggie Klemer De Lasse Lake Tahoe Community College Atticus Cotulla Folsom College Gyselle Machado Rebecca Finneran Cogswell Colin Armstrong Cabrillo College Amy DeShong CSU Channel Islands Joshua Hendriksen Boulder Maddie Harris Ella Branson Colorado Mesa Paige Gwaltney

Colorado State University Naudia Esquivel Yale Sophia Karparos Boise State Amanda McGoldrick Rosie Finnecy Mikhaila Kopple Seth Hargett Sophia Lynch Alyssa Christopher Erin Fletcher Maddox Martinez Alex Martinez Sophia Vryonis Airforce Dennis Semuryk Dexter Baca Marines Ryan King Taylor Anderson Josh McCoy Jason Xie-Solis Military Sophie Null

UNR Allison Meier Bailey Burton Mia Davis Gia Greemore Shantal Ocampo Sami Sebastian Oregon State Andrew Balsbaugh Izzie Winscott University of Oregon Mckenna Schinderle Maggie Schlieman Anna Flaningam Abbie Sanger Sarah Enos Katie Mckechnie Central Oregon Community College Michaela Kowelewski Southern Oregon University Natalie Guidi University of Montana Noah Vanderkar Harvard University Jennifer Su SUNY Broom Ethan Simard

University of Tennessee Kennedy Ford Rhodes College Chris Hom Washington State Drew Norgaard University of Washington Marian Tully Dasha Kovalenko Seattle University Annalee Gorman Katie Sharp University of the Puget Sound Emily Augusta Clemson University Grayson Cliff La Salle Ellie Cen University of Pittsburgh Miri Leaderman University of WisconsinMadison Trey Schlingmann George Washington University Eli Wu

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

page 14

Senior editors end their Mirada experience As a final send off from the Mirada, the editors-in-chief have written about some of their favorite memories. the back room.

Our staff has shared many laughs Emily Borg during frustrating moments when Editor-in-Chief InDesign wasn’t on our side or when the wifi went out minutes before our deadline.

I remember the first issue we remember my first day of newspaper like it was yesterday. published like it was yesterday.

We were minutes away from our I was a sophomore at the deadline and hit submit to turn in time and was overwhelmed by the the completed paper. energetic staff that filled room A3.

Right as we clicked submit, the I never saw myself as a journalist WiFi went out and we had to submit before that day, but I quickly all over again. It was definitely a realized how much I enjoyed it.

This year did not go as planned, but deadline night I won’t forget.

Through it all, I can truly say there I am proud of what The Mirada has accomplished. With a small staff we was never a dull moment, and our ending is no different. created an outstanding newspaper Even in quarantine The Mirada has that everyone should be proud of.

My sophomore year I was given the continued to publish informative articles on our website and never opportunity to attend a newspaper gave up on spreading the news to convention in San Francisco. Since our classmates. this trip, my love for journalism Typically at the end of each school blossomed. year, the Mirada publishes both a At the time my sister, Katie, was senior magazine and a final issue. editor in chief and I loved that The Mirada staff made the decision we could attend the convention to combine the two to make one big together. newspaper. This is challenging in A handful of staff writers had the its own, but even more so when we opportunity to attend a journalism made it from home.

Convention in Washington DC. I would like to thank both Mickey When they came back then shared and Synia for making this the best with the class what they learned. It was a fun way for them to learn new year yet, without them I don’t know where I would be. things about journalism and bring To the teacher who has inspired me in new ideas. the most, thank you. Mr. Mahoney I was thrilled to be one of this year’s editors-in-chief, but I was not has guided me not only to become prepared for the workload that came a better writer but also to become a better leader. He has always believed with it. I quickly realized that it would not be an easy task, but I had in me and has told me I can do whatever I set my mind to. amazing partners who helped me Ever since I stepped foot into this along the way. class, it has been my favorite.

I have learned many things from student press rights and the freedom I will never forget my time in room A3. Thank you for the endless of speech, to the importance of memories. teamwork during deadline week in

I

Emily Borg

Mickey Doolittle Editor-in-Chief

On the first day of junior year, I walked through the halls, looking for Mr. Mahoney’s room. I had heard so much about him in my first two years of high school, some of which included stories so strange that I was convinced they were made up.

Entering classroom A3 for the first time, I observed my new classmates, feeling both nervous and shy. I looked around and saw kids who were about to go to college (I was convinced for about a week that Alex Lydon was an ARC student who returned to help out) and was intimidated. Mahoney was about three minutes late that day.

The moment he walked in, I felt welcome. He greeted every last one of the new students with a smile.

He was the reason I felt comfortable putting myself out there and undertaking projects involving interviewing strangers and creating designs that I had never made before. Without Mahoney, these were tasks I otherwise would not have thought about.

Other than Mahoney, the rest of the staff treated me with kindness and respect. I was willing to learn and they were willing to teach.

After a month, I was named a cosports editor. Luke Richards, my counterpart, taught me everything there is to know about the rageinducing program InDesign where we created spreads. Last year’s editor in chief Kaitlyn Shellooe edited my articles and gave me pointers. I’m the beginning of the

year, I was relying on others to help me make all of my content.

As that first semester wore on, I became less reliant on everyone.

The rest was history. It is ironic that the memories that will stick forever were the ones where I felt most frustrated in the moment.

They were the long work nights full of burritos and swearing out the computers for running slowly or printing deadlines forcing us to drive all the way to Galt and back to pick up the papers.

I’ll be honest, sometimes I slacked off. Maybe all of us did at one point or another, but that does not excuse me from this behavior. These will not be my proudest high school memories, but I will learn from them and move on.

I consider knowing what field I want to work in one of my biggest advantages in college and beyond.

Without this class, I never would have found what I want to do in life. As most people who know me are aware, I love sports. However, after getting tired of playing soccer, then basketball and finally flag football, my playing career ended.

I still loved to watch sports and knew I wanted to work in the sports industry, but not specifically where. Eventually, the newspaper introduced me to another interest, one I can combine with my love of sports. This is what the class has given me and I will be forever grateful.

These two years I’ve spent as a member of the Mirada have been far from perfect, but I would not have it any other way. Without the detours like having to restart a spread and speed bumps such as extending the printing date, there is no sense of accomplishment.

Mickey Doolittle

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020 Synia Thrower Editor-in-Chief

I remember my first day of newspaper just like it was yesterday, I was EXTREMELY nervous as it was my first day at Rio as a transfer student my sophomore year.

I took a seat in the only chair left in the classroom and watched in amazement as the editors in chief spoke to the class. I remember admiring them and hoping that I would be able to do that my senior year.

I kept my head down the entire year quietly doing my work alone until Emily transferred to the class second semester and I finally had my forever newspaper buddy.

Fast track to the end of sophomore year and I was ready to leave the class for good haha. That is until Mr. Mahoney told me I should really think about staying in the class, so I returned junior year hoping to enjoy it more than I did the previous year.

Emily and I were asked to be the editors of the opinion section of the paper and in that moment I knew it was going to be a great year.

Newspaper has been one of the most amazing takeaways from high school for me. I’ve always thought about journalism as a career and the newspaper made me fall in love with it for good.

I was elated when I found out I was being honored with the opportunity to be one of the editors in chief for senior year. I remember going home and telling my mom about how excited I was, it was my first time being

page 15

able to have some kind of leadership position, and I was determined to do well. Although I was extremely excited about taking the title there were some very big shoes to fill and I could not have done it without the entire Mirada staff.

From meeting at Rio over summer break to working nights trying to get everything finished in time for deadline, my time working for the Mirada has been nothing short of amazing. While yes at certain times I wanted to scream in frustration over missing content and last minute articles, A-3 became a home for me and our small newspaper class became sort of like a family.

Mickey and Emily kept me calm most of the time to avoid my recurring frustrated talks with the staff (it was out of a place of love) and I could not have asked for better

co-editors in chief.

The three of us were able to work together as a team even when we had different opinions on certain topics and subjects and that’s what I appreciated the most.

Although our year ended up being completely different than anything we could have planned, what I’m most proud of is our staff ’s ability to keep working. We can thank none other than Mr. Mahoney for being the most amazing advisor any person on this planet could have ever asked for.

This class taught me how to be committed, work as a team, and gave me responsibility skills that I will definitely use in the adult world.

My time with the Rio Mirada will forever be engraved in my mind and heart.

Synia Thrower

Senior sign-offs

Annalee Gorman News Editor

Nic Gorman Web Editor

“I have been in newspaper for two

“Writing for The Mirada has taught

years, but have learned more than I

me countless things from confi-

ever thought I would. Newspaper has

dence to creativity and the class has

not only helped me become a better

been an experience like no other

writer, but it has provided me with life

journalism class. A talented writer,

skills that I will be able to use forever

Mr. Mahoney taught us the correct

and has also provided me with new

writing format for journalism all

friendships. Both years that I’ve taken

while maintaining a fun classroom

this class, it has been my favorite class.

environment and feeding us during

I will miss both the most stressful class

work nights where we would stay

I’ve taken and the most rewarding one.

late to finish up the newspaper

Thank you Mr. Mahoney for the end-

before it was due. The class, expe-

less memories and experience you’ve

rience, friends and memories will

provided me with.”

never be forgotten.”

Allison Meier Staff Writer

“I have only been In newspaper for one year, but I have learned so much from the class. I learned that putting together a newspaper is not a quick and easy task and it requires lots of time and hard work. I enjoyed being able to be creative with my writing and share a story for hundreds of people to read. I loved being able to have conversations with people who read the newspaper. I also enjoyed being able to learn and improve my writing skills from all of the editors and Mr. Mahoney.”

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The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Features

The perfect Victoria Sponge Cake Jessica Sheppard Mirada Staff

Comfort of Nature

Seniors remember the soothing effects of nature, even in memories (above) Studying abroad in Israel, I was fortunate enough to have nature as my classroom. Whether we were studying in the Negev or hiking up north from sea to sea, the nature never failed to amaze me. Around every corner and at the top of every mountain, you could see for miles. Most people picture the Middle East as a desert, but I have never seen the land more green and alive. I was constantly surrounded by rolling hills and valleys.

Leah Winters (12)

This lake is well known to Jackson Hole residents as it doesn’t get many tourists, and it has an incredible rock to jump off of into the crystal blue water. After following the serene trail lined with wildflowers and trees, my cousins and I reached the rock. Hitting the water after jumping and seeing the deep bottom is frightening, but very exciting. Moments like these make me appreciate quiet hiking spots with gorgeous views.

-Vivian Lowe (12)

Lying between the feet of two mountains and approached by a winding road is one of Greece’s natural wonders, Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach. The beach is made of dazzling white pebbles which slowly turn to white sand before being embraced by the turquoise blue waters. Myrtos Beach is truly one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful works.

-George Sinadinos (12)

I laid my head on the window of the train as I headed to my birthplace for the first time in 16 years. The sky was clear and brighter than anything I’ve ever seen. Flowers of every color covered the meadows.

Right below the horizon were fields of wheat, so golden that my eyes hurt looking at them. No wonder it’s called the “bread basket” of Europe. It reminded me of the colors of the flag from my birthplace, Ukraine. I have never seen anything so pure and beautiful as Ukraine’s countryside.

-Dasha Kovalenko (12)

All artwork by Olivia Patitucci

My mother always told me stories growing up about how my grandmother was the best baker and how on Sundays my mother would come home to a table full of cakes and sweet treats full of colour that my grandmother had made for her.

My grandmother, Mary, used to be a professional baker in a small shop in my mom’s town, Marple, she grew up in. One thing that she always made was Victoria sponge cakes.

Since the quarantine I have thought a lot about whether or not I can bake like her, or even attempt to. When she died she didn’t leave any recipes behind so I have taken some off the internet and I can now share what the best and easiest Victoria Sponge cake recipe is.

A Victoria Sponge cake is very simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, which is ideal during quarantine. The key to a sponge is for it to be light and fluffy, so when making the batter make sure to see the bubbles.

The filling on the inside is just a simple strawberry jam, you can get it at nearly every grocery store since it isn’t a big ticket item like toilet paper. Then the top of the cake is just a thin layer of evenly distributed powdered sugar.

To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and when putting your cake in the oven make sure that you put it in the middle rack. The middle of an oven is the hottest part so your cake will bake quicker than if you put it on the top or the bottom rack.

Once you have done that, then you will need one bowl, a mixer or spoon, and the following ingredients: four eggs, one cup of sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one fourth teaspoon of salt, and finally one cup of flour.

When making the batter, you can add it all in the same bowl at the same time.

Since it is a simple batter it can let it sit out, and you can mix it together in no particular order.

Once you have mixed all the ingredients into a smooth texture where the mixture is smooth enough to just fall off your spoon or beaters. Before splitting the mixture into the two eight inch pans make sure to coat the inside with butter or Pam to allow the cake when it is done to simply slide out of the tins.

Then split the mixture into two circular pans with a diameter of eight inches. Let it bake in the oven for 10 to15 minutes, allow the cake to get a light golden brown on top but it is better to edge on a lighter color.

To make sure that the cake is done, take a toothpick or a knife and put it through the center of it come out clean then your cake is cooked all the way through. At this time, you want to let them fully cool for about 15 minutes out of their pans. To get them out of their pans you may need to use a knife to trace around the edges of the pan.

Finally the assembly of the cake, once both cakes have cooled fully you want to cut off the top of one of them and this will act as your base. Try to get the cut across the top to be even so that balancing the top layer is easier.

Then once you have the base layer of the cake cut, you want to spread a thick layer of strawberry jam across the top of the base layer. When you have finished that you want to add the second layer of cake.

For finishing touches use a sieve to add powdered sugar to the top of the cake.

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

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Features

Pen pal letters make life better Emma Hutchinson Mirada Staff In the era of Instagram, texting, email and technological communication, some say that physical mail is dying. But, the charm of receiving a unique piece letter in the mail cannot be matched by a text or email.

When in quarantine, it can be hard to feel connected to friends and family because everyone is stuck at home and visiting prevents in-person socialization.

Sending pen pal letters in the mail to friends or family is a great way to pass the time in quarantine with a creative activity that will also bring joy to other people’s lives.

The best part about having a pen pal and sending “snail mail” letters is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s simply a fun way to stay creative and connect with people.

Receiving a letter in the mail feels like receiving a gift, but is more costeffective. All you need is a piece of paper, a pencil or pen, an envelope, a stamp and your imagination.

A pen pal can be anyone, a close friend, a relative, or even a stranger from across the world. There are many organizations that connect people with international pen pals of all ages, everyone from elementary school students to college students to elderly seniors.

Having a pen pal is a great way to

Stickers and colored pens make fun additions to pen pal letters or envelopes. A ruler also makes more even divisions and cleaner lines as well.

Photo by Emma Hutchinson share your passions and talents with someone else and learn about their life from a different angle, whether you know each other already or not.

For those interested in foreign languages and cultures, having an international pen pal in a country that speaks the language you’re learning is a great real-life way to practice the language, learn about daily life in another country, understand the culture and maybe even make a connection for a future visit!

Senior Olivia Patitucci spends a lot of time writing pen pal letters to her friends all over the world.

“I love having international pen pals because though I’ve never had the opportunity to travel, I’ve gotten

to experience the world through my letters,” said Patitucci.

Pen pal letters can also be therapeutic for people going through hard times during the pandemic.

Many seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are locked down because of COVID-19 and can’t see their families so a simple personalized note letting them know that someone is thinking of them and they aren’t alone could make their day, or even their week.

The same is true for anyone feeling disconnected and alone during this time; you taking the time to write to them and engage with them in a fun and lighthearted way goes a long way for increasing both your

Crafting in quarantine

happiness and theirs.

Patitucci says that being in quarantine has given her an increased appreciation for joy and connectivity pen pals can bring.

“Now, receiving/sending letters is such a creative way to stay connected with my friends—whether they live across the ocean or just a neighborhood over!” said Patitucci.

So, instead of watching yet another episode of your favorite TV show, consider pulling out a pen and paper and sending some sunshine into someone else’s mailbox.

steps to surprise them because it’s an easy way to spread kindness during this time.”

During this time, staying connected with friends and family is very difficult. However, a fun way to keep in touch is sending letters and notes back and forth to your friends.

Students can also send pen-pals letters to create new friends and talk to old friends all over the world.

I’ve always loved having pen pals but my international friends haven’t been writing back in light of the pandemic,”said senior Olivia

(above) A painting of the beloved turtle, Squirt from the movie “Finding Nemo” (left) Stitch smiles with a quote from the movie “Lilo and Stitch” Photo by Allison Meier Patitucci. “Knowing how much fun it is to receive a hand-written letter, I asked some pals for their addresses and wrote them some mail to hopefully brighten their day during such a stressful time.”

Writing letters is personal and a way to get creative and remember the times of being in quarantine due to COVID-19.

These different arts and crafts ideas are a way for people to get inspired to find a new hobby and to focus on something other than electronics during quarantine.

• Pressed flowers • A handmade bookmark • Stickers for laptops or water bottles • Handwritten quotes or drawings • Tea bags or hot cocoa packets • Friendship bracelets or other small crafts • Quizzes or questions for your pen pal to answer in the next letter • Photographs or comics • Flattened origami • Crossword, Sudoku, or word search puzzles

Club meets virtually Taylor White Emily Borg Mirada Staff

Allison Meier Mirada Staff Instead of sitting in bed and being on a phone, students have found themselves reliving their favorite childhood memories by leaning towards arts and crafts to keep them busy. Whether that is painting, making bracelets, or writing letters to your friends.

“I think it’s a fun and creative way to keep busy and express themselves during the lockdown,” said senior Lindsay Whitworth.

Art improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety while giving a person an outlet to express themselves and have fun.

Some students have started to paint rocks that they found throughout the community and form a mini garden.

“A couple members of my family have found a new hobby of painting rocks because they wanted to do something new during quarantine,” said senior Matthew Meier. “After they finish painting them they would either put them on display as a border around our garden or take them down to the different trails by our house for other people to find and rehide.”

People have also been hiding their painted rocks throughout their community for people to find and hide again. This is a way for communities to come together to inspire others and have fun even though they can not see each other.

Any form of art is a way for people to express themselves, and allows people to be creative.

Friendship bracelets have also been growing in popularity. This is another way that students can stay connected without physically seeing each other.

“I like making the rainbow loom bracelets because it’s a fun way to pass the time and make little gifts for my friends,” said senior Kayla Wright. “I drop them off at their door

Writing a pen pal letter requires very few materials, most of which can be found around the house.

Photo by Emma Hutchinson

Fun things to include in a pen pal letter

Most school activities have come to a halt since the shelter in place order has been enforced. Simple actions like going to class, playing a sport, and seeing friends have become nonexistent; however despite the new reality, one club has continued to meet during the lockdown.

Lunch with Friends meets on Zoom at 12 pm every Thursday. Senior Tatum White, the club’s president, describes Lunch with Friends as a club where all students can come together to talk, hang out with friends and meet new people.

The club has special education and general education students and according to White its main goal is to create an inclusive environment for all students on campus.

Before quarantine, the group would meet to hang out and do an activity together. This activity would range from doing origami to decorating cookies.

Now that quarantine has been set in place the club has taken their meetings online. White described some of the struggles that have begun due to the virus, saying that the club has not fully adjusted but is still trying to make each meeting high energy and fun.

“The main challenge that we face is how to conduct meetings with activities that don’t require a lot of hands on work,” White said. “The club before quarantine was very hands-on and was sociable.”

Usually, the meetings are a loving and welcoming environment full of hugs and high fives. This social aspect of the club has changed due to the coronavirus.

The club still meets on the same day as before through the viral online platform Zoom which allows for multiple people to be added on to a single call similar to Facetime.

The club has tried to maintain times to meet that are consistent to others’ schedules and club meetings.

“We try to keep the meetings the same but it’s proved to be a difficult task due to how interactive and hands-on we were,” said White.

“As a result we can no longer do the majority of the activities we would usually have planned.”

Despite these challenges, the club has remained positive.

Meetings consist of dance battles, show and tell, and rap battles and catching up with friends.

The club plans on continuing zoom meetings on a weekly basis until June 3. The club is welcome to anyone that wants to join for a meeting. If you would like to join, email White at, tatumwhite@gmail.com.

Even in a virtual format, the Lunch With Friends meetings are still full of energy and laughter. Photo provided by Tatum White

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The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Features

Quarantine diaries: pet edition I’m not scared of COVID Joseph Bender Mirada Staff I am an aloe vera plant, and I am not afraid of COVID-19.

Why should I be? I have no lungs, so barring some kind of apocalyptic mutation of the virus, I’m safe. And if the humans who claim to be responsible for keeping me alive die, my life will not change at all, because the teenager that someone apparently decided was responsible enough to care for another living thing, well, isn’t. I would have already resorted to cannibalism if there was anything else that had managed to survive in his bedroom.

No, I’m not afraid of any virus. I’m afraid of humans.

Have you heard what they do with plants like me?

I have. All day long they talk about mixing aloe vera gel with rubbing alcohol to make hand sanitizer (“clear gold,” they’ve started calling it) and then they look at me and I can see in their eyes how much they’re fantasizing about performing eminent domain on my guts. It’s the same glint my cousin Eddie in the kitchen talked about before one of the idiot children burned his hand on

Art by Emma Hutchinson a skillet and Eddie ended up on the wound. I’ve taken to studying judo and kickboxing for when the day comes.

And that’s not the half of it.

I live on a teenage boy’s desk, although “barely survive” is a much better description of how I spend my days. Now, in normal times he spends maybe a couple of hours at said desk each day if he has a big test tomorrow, and avoids it entirely whenever he can.

Now he spends hours every single day, sitting there, tapping at his keyboard.

He listens to music without headphones. Every morning (or afternoon, or midnight) he sits down and I think, “It won’t be so bad. A little music won’t hurt you. Your memory’s just exaggerating.” Then he presses play and I curse in all the languages of plant life at whatever cruel, cruel

higher intelligence gave me the means to see and hear but not those to run and hide. At least I can’t smell, not that it makes much difference. You don’t need a nose to feel the pollution in that air.

I used to like him, believe it or not. Maybe that’s an overstatement, but I was fond of him in the same way you might be fond of a family hometown a thousand miles away that you know only through family stories, having never been there yourself. He seemed a decent enough fellow. This quarantine has been like a trip to that family hometown where, upon arriving, you get mugged, disowned, arrested, and excommunicated, all on the first day.

I pass the time dreaming of escape. Unfortunately, while I am an avid crosscountry and parkour enthusiast, my interest in those activities has been almost entirely theoretical for reasons that may be obvious to the perceptive reader. If only I had opposable thumbs to hold a glass cutter! But the most I may hope for, while the virus rages among us, is that the hand sanitizer shortage passes before this barbaric family I’m stuck with gets truly desperate.

I’ve never been happier Emma Hutchinson Mirada Staff Hi everyone! My name is Jovie, and some of my favoritest things in this world are squirrels, my ball, treats, walks, and watching TV. I don’t really know what’s going on but it seems like my humans have been home a lot more lately. And while I miss my midday naps in a quiet house, these days I’ve been taking full advantage of my sisters’ availability in the middle of the day to give me all of their attention, although I’m still working on getting them to give me all of their lunch too.

As a guard poodle of the highest caliber, I feel that it is my duty these days to keep an extra close watch on the happenings in the neighborhood and to alert my family of any possible dangers that they may be unaware of. With the increased walking traffic outside my living room window, I have to be on guard all the time, and frankly, it’s an exhausting job but I take my responsibilities extremely seriously. This is not a joke, people. So far today I have had to alert my family about the presence of 12 turkeys, 18 squirrels, 6 other

Art by Katie Wood dogs, 4 strollers, the pool sweep turning on, my sister sneezing, 2 bikes, and 1 very sketchy leaf.

However, despite the hard work that guarding the house requires, I must admit that I don’t worry nearly as much these days about where all of my people are during the day because they are always at home. My sisters are so boring during the day, they just stare at light-up boxes and scribble on paper (which I’m not even allowed to eat). I really want to hang out with them, but mom says that “they have to do school” which honestly doesn’t sound nearly as important as my needs and is actually pretty selfish if you ask me.

The bestest parts of the day are all of the walks I get! Ohmigosh it’s the best. We get to go on a long walk in the morning,

and then a walk in the afternoon and sometimes even another walk at night.

Why this hasn’t been our schedule before I really don’t understand. Mom says I’m a lucky girl because she doesn’t have to work anymore but I think that she’s not understanding that I’m the one doing the hard work these days and I still have time to go on walks, so I’ve come to the conclusion that she simply doesn’t have her priorities straight.

Another new thing that has recently started is my humans talk to other people on all of these tiny boxes on the light-up box. I really really really really want to say hello to all of the people on there; they all look like they have very lick-able faces! But every time I try to lick their faces my sisters tell me that “they’re busy” and “you can’t do that”.

What does that even mean?

The people are right there!

I don’t know what is going on but I love it! If my sisters start giving me their lunch, paying attention to the dangers in our front yard, and letting me lick their friends inside the box, this could very well turn into the ideal scenario.

Quarantine diaries from your classmates Want to know how other students have been spending the past 11 weeks?

Check out riomirada.com Emma Hutchinson Mirada Staff It has been five days since the school shut down because of the coronavirus, but the repercussions of the nationwide shutdown have had a resounding effect on the community. The streets are eerily empty, and no one dares to emerge from their homes.

-Annalee Gorman (12) My quarantine experience definitely was rough in the beginning, but now that I have a schedule it makes it a little more bearable.

I have an hour by hour schedule to keep myself occupied and productive. I do my homework and chores, but I also have tried to branch out in my hobbies or do things that I have always wanted to do.

-Natalie Link (12)

Sometimes it is hard to limit my going out and doing things because now that we have been quarantined I realize how much I miss doing it.

Due to staying in the house so much, my brothers being off of work, and my parents being home, I have actually had to interact with them on a day to day basis and we are running out of things to talk about.

-Lauren McDougal (12) During quarantine I think the hardest thing for a lot of us is the social aspect – or antisocial aspect to be more accurate.

As teenagers we tend to want to spend more time with our friends, which is natural as our brain develops.

A lot of us, including myself, have resorted to technology – as we should!

But I think there’s something to be said about other kinds of communication, since the most beneficial, in person contact has been stripped away from most of the world.

-Katie Newton (11)

page 19

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Features

“They” gains acceptance as a singular pronoun Emma Hutchinson Mirada Staff Infinite combinations of only 26 letters make up all of our communication.

Some words are bland but necessary, some unnecessary but interesting. Some words have only one meaning, while some have many.

But one of the most interesting things about words is how their meanings change over time and across cultures.

Every year, major dictionaries such as Oxford and Merriam-Webster come out with their Word of the Year, or WOTY, which is a single word or phrase that the company believes is representative of that year. Past words have included justice (2018), feminism (2017), surreal (2016), and -ism (2015).

Last December, Merriam Webster announced that their 2019 WOTY was the singular “they” pronoun.

“They” refers to an individual whose gender identity is non-binary in place of the gendered pronouns “he” or “she”.

Over the years, many different pronouns to represent non-gendered populations have been introduced, in fact, Time magazine estimates that humans have come up with over 200 gender neutral pronouns over the years, but none have had the success that singular “they” has.

Dennis Baron investigates “they” in the context of other gender-neutral pronouns in his book What’s Your Pronoun?: Beyond He and She. He discusses his idea that other pronouns have struggled to gain traction either because they are too unwieldy (like the phrase “he or she”) or simply look too strange on the page (like “hizzer, “ze”, and “thon”).

Initially, grammarians discussed the use of “he” as the pronoun for someone of an unknown or nonconforming gender, but that has since been rejected due to its common use to refer to only males. Baron discusses the political and legal implications of this, given that many legal cornerstone documents like the Constitution and Bill of Rights use “he” as a gender-neutral pronoun.

Senior Samantha Klein agreed, saying that the conventional use of “he” disqualifies it from being

Senior Echo Anzai identifies as agender and knows the importance of having gender neutral pronoun options to make them feel like they can be referred to in a way that respects their feelings and identity. Photo

by Nicolas Gorman. gender-neutral.

“I think ‘he’ should not be used because it is a pronoun that is already associated with a certain gender,” Klein said.

In September, Merriam-Webster added “they” as well as “themself” to their dictionary, and since then, searches for “they” increased by 313 percent compared to the previous year.

Generation Z is commonly cited as the root of the inclusion movement, with a study from a UK market research company showing that currently, only two-thirds of Gen Z identify as exclusively heterosexual, although it is still early to collect that data.

“Our modern day world is so much more accepting and people are able to be themselves and the gender identities that they choose,” said Klein. “The societal changes that have occurred are really good and definitely a positive improvement.”

With increasing numbers of LGBTQIA+ youth comes an increasing demand for inclusion from traditionally marginalized groups in all aspects, including cultural vernacular. Senior Echo Anzai knows firsthand the importance of being able to go by a pronoun that matches one’s identity.

Anzai identifies as agender (without gender), and having pronouns

outside of he and she has given them the freedom to be addressed in a way that aligns with their identity.

When an individual doesn’t identify as female or male but rather non-binary, gender non-conforming, or agender, there is not a clear choice in the English language as to what that person’s pronouns should be as to best fit their gender identity.

“They” has been widely adopted as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun, and with the addition of a new definition for the word by MerriamWebster in Sept. 2019, the use of “they” as a singular, non-gendered pronoun was cleared grammatically as well. This eliminates an argument against “they”, which is often that it is grammatically incorrect or too clunky.

Baron says the main argument against “they” is that pronouns replace specific nouns with generic replacements, so a new pronoun would distract readers and interrupt the flow of reading.

But supporters say that an attentiondrawing pronoun is positive, and that it brings necessary attention to the patriarchal roots of the “pronoun culture”.

Anzai has experienced the complications of coming out as someone who prefers gender neutral pronouns, and having a safe space where people are supportive of the

pronouns they choose provides stability in a world of uncertainty regarding their identity.

“I have my safe spaces and I know who’s transphobic, so I am more free to run around and declare that my pronouns are they/them without judgment,” Anzai said, noting that school is a place where they feel that they know they have people who support them and others’ opinions don’t carry as much weight.

English teacher Adam Bearson stood somewhere in the middle, saying that “they” as a singular pronoun can provide clarity, but can also create problems. He says whether he would accept it in a student’s paper depends on how effectively it is used to convey a writer’s specific purchase.

“If a student used “they” in a paper because it clarified or shed light on the fluidity of the gender of the subject then I would accept it,” said Bearson. “If it created confusion or misunderstanding for any reason I would reject it.”

Merriam-Webster’s 2019 WOTY indicates a continued push not just

by Gen Z, but by everyone, for more inclusive language that fits every individual’s preferences.

“At the end of the day, I do want to get my name and gender changed to how I feel and how I want to express myself,” Anzai said, reflecting the attitude of many LGBTQIA+ individuals who support “they” because it allows them to convey who they really are to others in a single word.

Bearson agreed with Baron, saying that language is a dynamic concept, and in the end, it is really an individual’s decision to choose what they want to be called.

“We can call ourselves whatever we want. If we identify as ‘wizard’ or ‘giraffe’ or ‘they’ and want to be referred to by that word, then great.

We have control over our own selfconcept,” said Bearson.

It looks like the dynamic nature of language itself means “they” is here to stay, whether people like it or not.

For a profile of Echo, check out the Features section of our website, riomirada.com.

The History of Gender-Neutral Pronouns • 1386: “The Canterbury Tales”

by Geoffrey Chaucer uses singular “they” • 1599: Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” uses singular “they” • 1813: Jane Austen uses “they” and “them” in “Pride and Prejudice” • 1841: “e” with “es” for the possessive and “em” for the object rises in popularity, but is still not common in major publications • 1858: Charles Crozat Converse coins “thon”, a contraction of “that one” that appeared in Merriam Webster from 1934-1961 • 1920: The Sacramento Bee announces they will use “hir” in place of he/she in their publication • 18th century: “he” gains popularity as a non-specific gender identifier

page 20

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

Reviews

Dear Jeremy

“Night Boat to Tangier”: A slow and bumpy ride Annalee Gorman Mirada Staff

Dear Jeremy Zucker, We are so proud.

You didn’t simply make a track of singles trying to get one hit or gain followers through mainstream pop. You made a record with transitions, self transformation and personality.

You stayed true to yourself and grew because of it.

Your debut album, “love is not dying” (LIND) was definitely different from your EPs that you’ve released in the past, and the courage you showed in stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things is truly inspiring to not only your fans and admirers, but also to other artists who need a little push of inspiration to take a leap of faith and grow.

LIND puts the true power of music to work, and that is the ability to tell a story. The power to cross language barriers, and connect people across countries and the world in a time when we need it more than ever.

Your virtual release party was attended by people of all ages from all over the world, and those people didn’t know each other but connected over the one thing that can bridge any gap: good music.

Of course, everyone has different music tastes, but we believe that anyone can appreciate the time and effort an artist puts into their work, especially a debut album. This can especially be seen through the transitions between songs.

In particular, the relationship between “not ur friend” and “full stop” is complex and engrossing to listeners. In “not ur friend,” you debated on whether or not to include a song with such negative energy on the track, yet many fans thanked you for capitalizing on a feeling they had always wanted to express.

You followed this song with a personal reflection of your experience writing “not ur friend” in “full stop.” This not only showed great maturity, as you were honest with yourself, but highlighted your craft as a songwriter and producer. Using the same melody of the pre-chorus to “not ur friend,” but replacing the lyrics to introduce “full stop” proved to be an exciting discovery for fans listening for the first time.

Another song that stood out from a production standpoint was “lakehouse.” From the guitar chords you recorded while having a conversation with a friend to the captivating timestamp, the layers of sound compiled into a song that told a story of balancing desires with what’s best for yourself.

Your music has the ability to make people experience emotions they didn’t know they could feel and relive memories they didn’t know they had. From start to end this ability made for what we believe is an excellent debut album.

Cheers to you.

Emma & Katie

Based in a grimy port in Algeciras, Spain, author Kevin Barry promptly sets the cheerless, twisted tone of “Night Boat in Tangier.” Jaded from their dark criminal past, life-long friends Maurice Hearne and Charlie Redmond struggle to find a moral high ground.

Sitting on the dirty benches overlooking the harbor, the two Irish men lament over their lives and (poor) decision making.

The point of view quickly switches from past to present as the narrative shifts from the mid 1990s to 2018.

Both characters are violent, but Charlie is more optimistic about life. Maurice on the other hand is a raging pessimist. The opening pages of the book highlight both Hearne’s and Redmond’s feelings toward each other as their discussions act as a “shield against feeling.”

Although the men have experienced a traumatic past, neither seem to acknowledge it and bury their feelings.

While the musty dock is not a nice place to convene, it effectively prepares the reader for the somber and demoralized novel ahead.

The two men await the arrival of Maurice’s estranged daughter, Dill (or Dilly) who is rumored to be arriving in a boat from the neighboring island: Tangier.

Uneasy and remorseful, Maurice searches for the point where exactly his life went wrong.

His emotions masked by drugs and rage, we witness him unable

Not your typical murder mystery Sam Flores Mirada Staff Where the Crawdads Sing is much more than your average murder mystery. As the book alternates between two time periods, Delia Owens draws in readers with provoking plot structure and content, making the novel undeniably addicting to read.

Alongside the plot, Delia Owens’ gorgeous descriptions of the coastal wetlands in North Carolina make the book an aesthetically engaging read.

Set alternately in the 1950s and 1969, the book’s first time period is centered around the life of Kya Clark, a girl who lives alone in a secluded marsh. Infamously known as “Marsh Girl” in the neighboring town of Barkley Cove, Kya was left by her mother and physicallyabusing father. Alone, Kya learns the ways of the marsh, finding friends in the flora and fauna of her surroundings. But she still feels lonely. On missions to secure gas and food, she befriends Jumpin’, an African-American man who owns a gas station off the coast of Barkley Cove. Jumpin’ often slips Kya food and clothes for her survival.

Driving her father’s motorboat, she meets her first love, Tate Walker, who brings human interaction and love into Kya’s life. Kya is ecstatic and love-struck, until Tate moves away to college, leaving Kya alone.

Broken by loneliness, Kya rebounds in a romance with a former high school football star, Chase Andrews.

Taking advantage of Kya, Chase keeps his seemingly dishonorable relationship with the “Marsh Girl” a secret from his entitled peers.

Fast forward two years, and Chase Andrews, the alpha male of Barkley Cove, is found dead on the outskirts of town. As the town riles in disbelief, the town’s sheriff and detective set off to investigate Chase’s killer. In a classic whodunnit format, the law officials divulge clues, gather testimonies, and check alibis, all leading to the arrest and arraignment of one woman: Kya Clark. As the two plotlines converge, the book follows Kya’s criminal proceedings, captivating readers with the intriguing events of the murder case.

The author does a remarkable job of depicting the relationships Kya forms, particularly with Tate Walker and Jumpin’. Kya’s relationships

are especially delightful because of the social bubble she had been in for the first ten years of her life. Drawn together by the loss of a mother, Kya and Tate bond over the love of nature. Tate teaches Kya to read, which solidifies their bond. Their relationship unearths simple but beautiful lines of dialogue depicting Kya’s appreciation for writing: “I wasn’t aware that words could hold so much. I didn’t know a sentence could be so full.” The author uses Kya and Tate’s relationship to heighten Kya’s oneness with the marsh, now allowing Kya to express and document her experiences through writing and drawing.

Kya’s relationship with Jumpin’ represents a father-daughter relationship, as Jumpin’ assumes the role of Kya’s father figure when Kya was left by her real one. Owens draws on the beauty of a young white girl befriending an older black man. When both Jumpin’ and Kya are seen as outcasts in the eyes of Barkley Cove, the two are drawn together and dually experience life in the 1950s and 1960s. An especially heart-warming moment occurs after Kya gifts Jumpin’ with her first reference guide on marsh life: “And each time she came to his wharf, she saw her book propped up in the tiny window for all to see. As a father would have shown it.”

Another highlight of this book is the stunning descriptions of the marsh. By means of Delia Owens’ own experiences as a wildlife ecologist in Africa, the book truly allows the reader to appreciate outdoor scenery. Even

as autumn approaches in the book, the author elegantly illustrates nature as a dynamic and intelligent entity: “Autumn was coming; the evergreens might not have noticed, but the sycamores did. They flashed thousands of golden leaves across slate-gray skies.” Additionally, throughout the book, the author details Kya’s unity with nature, both appreciating and caring for marsh life. Continually Kya is described as “Marsh Girl,” and truly this is an accurate description. Kya is unified with nature, allowing the author to describe her lifelong relationship with her surroundings. Kya’s life is defined by the marsh: “Kya waltzed to the music of katydids and leopard frogs.” Kya’s relationship with nature depicts the meaning of the book: relationships define one’s life. Through Kya’s accord with her surroundings, her life is molded by her experiences in these relationships.

I highly recommend this book.

Even if right now people may be stuck in their homes, unable to go out and experience nature, readers can vicariously love nature through this book. Whether or not you currently appreciate your surroundings, readers of this book will develop a gratification for the nature around them, even if you’re unable to experience it yourself. As readers delve into this book, they will be drawn in by the mystery of who murdered Chase Andrews.

After reading this book, readers will see their own connection with nature, and will develop a push to protect it.

to effectively communicate love and watch his emotions frustrations turn to anger as he ruins a life he could’ve had. Neither character can seem to escape the past.

Flashing back to their younger selves Barry creates two dynamic characters with a rich, complicated, and chilling history. At first, I found the novel to be uneventful and with an irrelevant message.

However, upon further reading, I grew to admire the book and its almost dejected message. Through the shifting story lines and point of views, Barry communicates the feelings of regret as he describes the men and Dilly who seek to find themselves amongst the chaos in their lives.

He explains the cycle of these bad decisions as Dilly was practically abandoned and “raised by wolves” and she similarly abandons her father at the docks.

Through the characters, Barry weaves in ideas of self-harm for escape and addiction to relate with the traumatic events one may experience throughout life.

The cynicism for life that Maurice carries counteracts the expectation for life as he recognizes life doesn’t take you down one path. Barry’s remarkable ability to describe the setting and emotions ultimately lead to a chilling novel that left me reflective.

Want more reviews?

Check out riomirada.com “Cheer”: Annabel Lewis, Jemma Prichard, Brooke Rios

“Cheer,” the six-episode docuseries streaming on Netflix, will make viewers jump and cheer for the scrappy and highly talented athletes who risk serious injuries for a shot at a national title.

Navarro cheer coach Monica Aldama is intense but compassionate.

“Tiger King”: Mickey Doolittle

A gun-wielding, attention and animal-loving borderline psychopath.

Another borderline psychopath that obsesses over the first psychopath.

Money. Greed. And most of all, big cats.

All of these elements combine to make the unbelievably true limited Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.

page 21

The Mirada| Monday, June 1, 2020

Distractions PET OF THE ISSUE

BACHELOR

BACHELORETTE

COUPLE OF THE ISSUE

Junior Ryan Wilson talks about his cat.

Q. What is your cat’s name and what kind of cat is he?

A. His name is Bubs and he is a tabby.

Q. How did you get him?

A. We got him at a cat adoption center.

Sebastian Voss (11)

Grace Eastlick (11)

Q. How old is he and how long have you had him?

A. He’s about 10 years old and we have had him for 10 years.

Q: What is your dream girl?

A: Very tall; preferably old as well; funny, nice, smells a little off.

Q: What is your dream boy?

A: Their birthday has to be on the 11th. I just have to keep the streak.

Q. What is the cutest thing your cat does?

A. Since he is really fat, sometimes when he tries to groom himself he falls over onto his stomach.

Q: What is your biggest turn on?

A: When she’s really muscly and can throw me around.

Q: What is your biggest turn on?

A: The numbers 11 or 19, because 19 is the best number and 11 is for hot people.

Q: What is your biggest turn off?

A: When she can’t deadlift 400 pounds.

Q. What is his most annoying habit?

A. He always wants to be let in and out within a matter of minutes.

Q: Describe your perfect date.

A: Chasing her around a cornfield at midnight

Q: What is your biggest turn off?

A: 29 because it’s my unlucky number.

Q: Describe your perfect date.

A: November 11, 1918. I love the sound of peace in the 11th hour of the morning.

Isabella Popejoy (10) and Justine Waters (11) Q. How long have you been dating?

A. Almost 4 months.

Q. How long have you been dating?

A. Four months.

Q. How did you meet?

A. We sat next to each other in precalculus in Mr. Freund’s class.

Q. How did you meet?

A. We sat next to each other in precalculus in Mr. Freund’s class.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your partner?

A. I can’t choose.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your partner?

A. She’s really giving.

This story is purely fictitious and any resemblance to actual names, people, or events is purely coincidental.

PROFILES IN DESPERATION

Did you know?

Koala fingerprints are so close to humans’ that they can contaminate crime scenes!

Photo by degasi39 on Creative Commons

FUN WITH SHRIMP

This word search is about shrimp. The words can go in every direction, just like shrimp. They’re everywhere!

Charley Witzbold Mirada Staff This profile begins with the crash of a sledgehammer busting open the doors of the Mirada newsroom just as I, seated inside, put the finishing touches on tomorrow’s award-winning journalism. The intruder burst in with a red bandana wrapped around her face and a shopping bag in hand and screamed when she saw me.

I whipped out my trusty notepad. “Don’t worry,” I said, “I’m just going to interview you.”

My unexpected guest screamed louder.

“You’re my next profile in desperation,” I said. “You are desperate, aren’t you?”

“Sure,” said my interlocutor. “Desperate to get that stack of papers behind you.”

There was indeed a very large stack of old Miradas on a table behind me. I stepped aside. “By all means,” I said, “Theodora.”

“What?”

“I always invent a pseudonym for each subject of a profile,” I explained. “I never use the real ones. As far as I’m concerned, your name is Theodora McCall-Perkins.”

“Did you just come up with that off the top of your head?” asked Theodora.

I told her I always do.

“How?” “My therapist says it probably goes back to when I gave all my stuffed animals hyphenated last names as a kid,” I said.

“And here I was starting to think you might be a normal person,” said Theodora. (Reporter’s note: I hesitated to include this remark, since I avoid slander at all costs, but after long consideration I included it for the sake of accuracy. Rest assured that your favorite ace reporter is entirely normal and sound in mind and body.)

“Why are you taking those papers?” I asked.

“For toilet paper.”

I confess I felt somewhat insulted that my award-winning journalism would be serving a cruder function than I had intended, but like any good reporter I kept myself out of the story.

“The need for toilet paper is that desperate?”

“Yes,” said Theodora with vehemence. “There’s not a roll in the house I can use.”

Desperation indeed! “Have you tried all the stores? The shelves are all bare?”

“I’m too broke for that,” Theodora said.

“Your family can’t afford toilet paper?” My pencil moved furiously.

“They can,” said Theodora, “but I can’t use it.”

“Pardon?” I said.

“Everyone in my family puts the roll of toilet paper on the holder thing with the free end coming down the back,” Theodora explained. Her voice broke. “I can’t use it like that.”

“Why don’t you switch it around if it’s that bad?”

“I can’t,” Theodora sobbed. “All my life I’ve never been able to figure out how to change a roll of toilet paper in those darned holder things. I can’t admit it to my family. You’re the first person I’ve ever told. I used to secretly keep my own roll but now in this pandemic there’s none to spare.”

“So you chose the Mirada?”

“Yes.” Theodora wiped her eyes and was all business. “Now, if you please,” she said, “I’m gonna leave.”

“Fine by me,” I said. “I have all the information I need for my profile.”

“What are you doing here, anyway?” Theodora asked as she picked up the sledgehammer she had left at the door.

“I’m an essential worker,” I explained.

(Reporter’s note: the subject’s next statement was such vile slander as to be unprintable.

Suffice it to say that Theodora McCall-Perkins does not value student journalism.)

page 22

Sports Student athletes now and in the future The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

NOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS

June 17: NASCAR Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway July: The NHL is set to return with a 24-team playoff format

Katie Newton Mirada Staff

V

arsity track and cross country athlete Ross Gowan has been working for years toward a spot on a Division I collegiate team.

But now, as COVID-19 has closed schools and ended the track season, the senior lost his final season to catch the eye of recruiters.

“I’ve been training very hard for months so that I can run college level times and I am definitely in shape, too,” Gowan said. “But now I can’t race to get those times, and it is very frustrating.”

Many concerns revolve around the economy, potential loss of jobs and cancelation of schools, but there are other significant effects on student-athletes.

The spring sports season has roiled by uncertainty, as most students cannot compete as long as school is closed.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has canceled all events, including the profitable March Madness basketball tournaments.

Future NCAA athletes have experienced severe consequences with the NCAA having put in place a recruiting dead period until at least April 15.

While telephone calls and written contact are allowed during this dead period, no unofficial or official visits can take place, in-person recruiting is banned and all National Letter of Intent signings have been postponed until April 15 or later.

For seniors, official visits and signing days often happen in the spring. For certain sports, timing is also a critical part of training.

“I’ve changed up my training so that I can still run well in a couple months,” Gowan said. “I know there are a lot of other people in a similar situation as me, so I’m staying hopeful that there will be competitions held in the next few months.”

Luckily, Gowan got into his top school, Cal Poly, academically.

Although this doesn’t take away from the frustration as he tries to earn a spot on their men’s roster, he is hoping he can walk-on once he is enrolled if there are no more races.

While this was Gowan’s last season, many juniors face similar struggles, as the recruiting process often begins long before senior year.

Unofficial visits and recruitment camps for juniors have also been postponed. The NCAA took such precautions for the health of all staff and recruits, despite the challenges it creates for student-athletes and coaches.

In sports where coaches cannot simply look at times, in-person recruitment is an important part of the process that has come to a halt.

For soccer, it is common to attend ID Camps in which coaches can watch you play in real life without traveling to hundreds of high school or club games.

“I was super excited to go to the UC Irvine soccer ID camp because that is my top school but it was canceled due to COVID-19,” junior Sammy Merri said. “That makes me think I won’t have as many opportunities to show off my skill to get a scholarship.”

Spring tournaments also offered recruitment opportunities for baseball, softball and club water polo.

Junior Gianna Nocetti plays

Senior Aiden Barnes sprints down the lacrosse field during a season that would eventually be cut short. Photo by Katie Newton. water polo and is actively searching for a college to challenge her academically and athletically as she has in high school.

“One of the biggest tournaments to be scouted by college and national team coaches was postponed and is most likely going to be canceled due to the coronavirus,” Nocetti said. “I was planning to go on multiple recruiting trips in the upcoming weeks but those have been cancelled.”

The NCAA’s decision to freeze recruiting forces Nocetti to improvise in order to stay in

touch with coaches and continue to demonstrate her interest. She has reached out via email and phone to maintain a relationship with recruiting coordinators as well as coaches.

“I have started making highlight videos to send to college coaches because they will not be able to watch me play as much as I had been hoping,” Nocetti said. “Unlike individual sports, I can’t simply send coaches my times so it is going to be a detriment to my ability to be seen by more colleges.”

Many student athletes express

hope that coaches will be understanding in this situation since the international outbreak creates new obstacles in many aspects of life.

The fear of losing years of hard work and commitment to their sport has encouraged these prospective student-athletes to take extra steps to save their chances of competing in college and continue doing what they love.

ESports continues to rise Aaron Ichel Mirada Staff The Intel World Open, an esports tournament scheduled to take place in conjunction with the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, has been postponed, according to an official statement from Intel.

The event, which was set to feature games such as Rocket League and Street Fighter V, has been pushed back to 2021 along with the Olympic Games. This was the first time esports would be played at an olympic level, with a grand total of $500,000 in prizes.

Like the Olympics, the World Open was scheduled to have a qualifying event in June located in Poland in order to determine what teams can compete in Tokyo.

ESL, one of Intel’s largest global technology partners, was set to handle production for the World Open.

The World Open is a step forward in connecting video game fanatics to their favorite streamers and players for a live, in-person experience.

Previously, the International Olympic Committee partnered with Intel at the 2018 Winter Olympics to hold the Intel Extreme Masters, which was solely focused on one game and was streamed to viewers.

Many fanatics were looking

forward to attending the Intel World Open in Japan, a country which is known to have a rich history in video game design and animation. Intel’s director of business development for esports Mark Subotnick said he specifically selected Rocket League and Street Fighter V to be featured in the tournament due to the broad audience associated with the two popular games.

Under the eyes of Epic Games, Rocket League has grown tremendously in popularity. The game consists of players driving cars with rocket boosters towards an enlarged soccer ball in an attempt to hit the ball into a goal. Psyonix, the game’s creator, hopes to draw in a larger audience and also test out a national team format.

Currently, Rocket League hosts a bi-yearly tournament called the Rocket League Championship Series and studio Vice President of Publishing Jeremy Dunham hopes that the game can be played in other competitive formats following the World Open.

“We think that this is a really good opportunity not only to showcase our skills in front of an audience that might not have ever seen Rocket League before, but also to test the waters to find out what other kinds of really cool ways people want to watch Rocket League be played outside of the traditional

World Championship setup,” said Dunham. “On the whole, we can’t contain ourselves. We’re pretty excited about it. We think it’s going to be a really big deal.”

As for Street Fighter V, the game has a long history in Japan, making it an ideal pick for the Intel World Open. The game hopes to grow on a

competitive level, with most current competitions being a 3v3 Street Fighter League.

With more kids playing and watching video games now than. an international level. Subotnick has high hopes that Intel’s partnership with the IOC will help esports expand further and get more

experience at the highest level of competition.

It’s hopefully much easier for people to view what we’re doing, get it, and then understand why it’s compelling, awesome, exciting entertainment,” Subotnick said.

A setup commonly used in the gaming community. Photo by Mickey Doolittle

The Mirada|Monday, June 1, 2020

page 23

Sports

The 2010 Giants: 10 years later Mickey Doolittle Mirada Staff

I

vividly remember the extensive herds of people outside AT&T Park on the dark, cold night of October 8th, 2010. Even at eight years old, I could sense something different about the atmosphere.

My mom and I had gone to countless ball games the prior years, including the last two Opening Days, but none of them compared to what it felt like making the seemingly endless trek up the spiraling foot ramp to the upper deck.

The San Francisco Giants had been bad. Since their last playoff run in 2003, they had lost more games then they won in four of the last six seasons and failed to reach the postseason in every one of those years.

Things slowly began to turn around when manager Felipe Alou, fan-favorite former outfielder for the Giants, had been fired in 2006. His replacement was Bruce Bochy, an incredibly sharp, yet slow-speaking former catcher whose knees looked like they could collapse under him at any moment.

The team slowly improved, moving away from the toxic locker room culture that was created by the Barry Bonds era. Unlikely stars like Juan Uribe, Freddy Sanchez, Andres Torres and most of all Tim Lincecum began springing up everywhere.

Another previously unheard of hero from the 2010 team, Jonathan Sanchez, had thrown a no-hitter the year prior, a game I attended.

Watching all of these players who

were quickly dismissed in their early years was unique for me and many other young Giants fans.

While supporters of the Yankees or Cardinals grew up with their team spending massive amounts of money on big-name free agents and winning championship after championship, we grew up watching home-grown nobodies.

2010 is proof that anybody can make something out of nothing.

Dubbed “a band of misfits”, they did not dominate their competition. They won many close games centered around pitching and manufacturing runs through sacrifice flies, bunts and situational hitting.

After sneaking into the playoffs by punching their ticket on the final day of the season, the Giants were set to face the Atlanta Braves in the League Division Series.

My mom and I had purchased tickets to game two. I had always assumed we would win and everything would turn out fine just like the Pixar movies I idolized at the time.

Things were looking up when we took a 4-1 lead into the eighth inning. However, Atlanta came back to tie the game and send it into extra innings. In the top of the 11th, Rick Ankiel stepped up and hit a linedrive over the bricks in right field.

Stunned silence overcame the crowd. I remember watching that glowing white baseball just clear the fence. I shared a feeling of helplessness with 40,000 other people. Little did I know at the time, they had gone through moments like these almost every instance the Giants made the playoffs.

In 2002, when they were just one win away from winning it all,

the Angles broke their hearts. Or in 1989 the Oakland Athletics swept them away in the World Series. They felt this pain again in 1997 when the Marlins dominated their way to a sweep in the NLDS. Giants fans had almost seen it all, from the ugly, 100-loss teams to the heart-wrenching playoff defeats, all while they sold out almost every home game. They had not seen a World Series title since the team moved to the city in 1958. My mom followed them all those years.

San Francisco went on to lose the game against the Braves 5-4. It brought my expectations back to reality, and I learned that sports operate cruelly. They do not discriminate or favor one team. It is not like the movies where the good team always beats the bad guys.

With that in mind, I could appreciate what came next more then I would have if they won game two.

The Giants beat Atlanta two more times to go to the National League Championship Series. There, they were again expected to fail against the powerhouse Phillies. San Francisco beat them in six games to head to the World Series.

I do not remember those final games against the Rangers as well.

It did not matter as I had learned all I could from that team. We won in five games.

Through all the triumph and victory in that season, the game I had learned the most from was the loss.

AT&T Park, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ballparks in america, sits in the shadow of a sunset over the Bay Area in August 2019. Photo by Mickey Doolittle

Peace on the trail

Prep of the Issue

Katie Newton Mirada Staff After parking in the Bella Bru parking lot, I descend down the hill on Arden Way and approach the American River Bike Trail, deciding whether to go upriver or downriver.

I’ve run this same stretch of trail hundreds of times. I know what days of the week it’s busy or quiet and what times it’s crowded or calm.

Or, at least, I used to.

With the stay-at-home order mandated by Governor Gavin Newsom in place, people seem to have ditched the mall and flocked to

Anika Rogaski How long have you been playing your sport?

This is my 7th year playing lacrosse.

What’s your favorite memory from any game you’ve played?

My favorite memory was our last game last season against Christian Brothers. I had a great game and it was bittersweet to say goodbye to our seniors.

What’s your biggest setback that you’ve experienced?

My biggest setback has been playing for a low level team when I had doubts about my own abilities. I

should have believed in myself! But it worked out.

Do you see yourself continuing to play? If so, what’s your goal?

I’m not sure whether I want to play in college yet, but I would definitely consider playing for a club team when I graduate.

What your hopes for this season?

This season my goals are to take some big dubs and make the most of my last year with my senior teammates.

the parkway.

I’ve spent a good portion of my life on the American River Bike Trail, from my first stroller ride with my mom at 1 years old, to my first bike ride alongside my dad at 6 years old, and my first run on the parkway at 8 years old. Since then, I have ran on the same trail for about eight years.

The busiest time on the bike trail is Saturday mornings, but these days just about every day is a Saturday.

I enjoy the scenery of the parkway, whether on the levee, the bike trail or the horse trail. I certainly take its beauty for granted, however, since my high school cross country and track training leads me to the trail at least five days a week in season.

I have always felt that many people overlooked the parkway, but recently people have rediscovered the unique resource right in our backyard. More citizens join me on the trails in an attempt to escape the feeling of claustrophobia from being stuck at home.

Running has always been a tool for me to clear my mind and de-stress, and the added value of doing so in nature is something I am grateful for. Exercise also increases my productivity, which is a plus, as my motivation for school is on a steady downward trend.

Perhaps some of the residents whom I criticize for not taking advantage of the parkway were in fact appreciating nature in other ways, such as national or state parks.

But now, people have taken to local recreation areas since government officials discourage gatherings, like on Florida beaches or Yosemite campsites.

Even Lake Tahoe and Mammoth

Lakes ask that visitors stay away, making the American River Bike Trail a more attractive option to those who desperately need a breath of fresh air.

Despite the many miles of trail space and traffic dividers on the parkway, the increased amount of visitors can make it difficult to maintain social distancing.

Additionally, the dirt trail leading down to the river bank, known as the horse trail, is only wide enough for one-way traffic, making passing one another a debacle.

All it takes, however, is a simple pause during my run to let someone pass and continue on my way.

Recently, when I have run on the parkway with friends and teammates, I run on the opposite side of the trail as them, which is well over six feet. While I have to make room for incoming traffic on occasion, my ability to work out while seeing friends has certainly been a privilege in this time.

The combination of exercise and fresh air is one of the sole reasons I have maintained a positive state of mind during the quarantine.

The coronavirus struck nearly every community in America, and even the world. I feel fortunate that of all places to be quarantined, I have the river a few miles away.

Although it may not seem like a change in scenery to me, it’s surprising what a short trip outside can do, and I am glad to have my favorite local trail open for use.

page 24

THE MIRADA |Monday, June 1, 2020

Backpage

is 2020 gonna be a

MOVIE

A Look at the Film so Far: The School Year in Review Katie Newton Mirada Staff Despite a short ending, students and staff created many memories during the 2019-2020 school year.

The fall semester was full of school spirit with highlights including the “Battle of American River Drive” football game at Del Campo and a terrain-themed homecoming. New clubs gained attention including the Black Student Union, Jesus Club and Generation Great.

The Raider athletics department also enjoyed success in fall with trips to the California State Meet in cross country and Northern California Championships in water polo, among other achievements.

The Newspaper staff attended a journalism conference in Washington, D.C. in November, while AVID organized their annual toy drive. Student government planned a glow-in-the-dark rally to entertain students, while Yearbook recorded the end of a decade.

Mathematics teacher Svetlana Popov was awarded the San Juan Unified 2020 Teacher of the Year award shortly before the end of the first semester.

Upon students returning to campus second semester, both boys and girls soccer made successful bids into the postseason.

In a packed gym of students, the boys basketball team defeated El Camino at their home court in the third overtime. The student section rushed the court in celebration of winning a long game against the school’s rival.

After February break, students enjoyed their last spirit week and

rally of the year, leading up to Gala.

On Friday March, 13th member of the school received news that school would not return for another four weeks. When weeks turned to months, the school adopted an online learning platform for the rest of the year to abide by safety precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The district distributed technology to all students in need, and staff tried to perfect Zoom and Google Classroom.

While many students were disappointed in missing end of the year activities like Junior Prom and Senior Ball, the student government attempted to keep spirits high and relive past memories on social media.

Seniors missed out on events like Senior Sunset and graduation, but administration did their best to celebrate their hard work. During cap and gown pick-up, seniors were greeted by many staff members, balloons, music and cheerleaders.

An eventful year already, it seems that the year 2020 is “gonna be a movie.”

1. The CBS Sacramento news truck sits outside of Rio to report about the racist post uploaded onto the school’s website. The situation was handled by staff. Photo by Mickey Doolittle.

2. The Rowdy Raiders hold the American River Drive sign during a football game against Jesuit. Photo

by Josh Zezzo.

3. San Juan’s Teacher of the Year Svetlana Popov explains a math concept to her students.

Photo by Ed Mahone.

4. The student section slides

around during the “Roller Coaster” cheer during a basketball game against El Camino. The Raiders would go on to win in overtime. Photo by Sam Frazelle.

5.

Song Team performs during the Gala rally. Photo by Ed Mahone.

6. Senior McKenna Schinderle smiles with English teacher Jolynn Mason at the senior’s cap and gown pick-up. Photo by Emma Hutchinson.