Raven Report Sequoia High School
Volume vii, Issue 8
1201 Brewster Ave. Redwood City, CA 94062
May 28, 2014
New creative writing class will ignite imagination, originality By ARACELI EFIGENIO Feature Editor English teacher Jane Woodman has written poems about a society of doctors under the age of 18 and a persistent duck that was kicked out of another one of her poems. It is her passion for poetry that sparked the new creative
writing elective offered to juniors and seniors this upcoming school year. When Woodman first began work for her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she realized that high school students could benefit from the experience. “I think it is important to honor creativity, for voice,
whether fictional or not, to be heard,” Woodman said. Creative writing can also help relieve stress. “In this era of testing where there is so much restriction and people are put into boxes and bubbles on scantrons, that’s even more reason for a student to be nurtured,” Woodman said. “It allows students to play
and to wonder and to imagine, which are things that I think are often lost too soon in young lives. To have a space where you can give life to characters and create settings of places you’ve never been; that can be something that is powerful.” The process of creating a class was difficult as it had to be approved by the department
chair, administration and school district, and it is currently undergoing review for UC credit. “I feel very grateful to be at a school where creative writing is valued,” Woodman said. “My biggest hope is that everyone leaves wanting to keep writing and valuing their voice, imagination and always feeling that it is okay to wonder and play and to take risks.”
Relay for Life gives hope to cancer survivors By EMMA PEYTON Staff Reporter
Photos by Araceli Efigenio
Sequoia’s varsity baseball team went 19-7-1 in its regular season and entered CCS as the 3rd seed team, winning their first round match against Fremont 5-2.
Hansen turns in walkie-talkie By SABRINA VILLANUEVA AVALOS Staff Reporter Principal Bonnie Hansen will never forget the day she slipped on a carrot in front of a classroom full of students while wearing a skirt. “Not a single kid laughed. They all [asked], ‘Ms. Hansen, are you okay?’” Hansen said. “Is that not the nicest student body in the history of the world? I mean it would have been a YouTube hit… That’s what this place is like.” Hansen has worked at Sequoia for 10 years now; five as Instructional Vice Principal and five as Principal. She will soon pass on her role to current Instructional Vice Principal Sean Priest as she moves into a new stage in her career: As-
feature:
Where they’re going: 2014 college map
Page 4-5
sistant Superintendent of Educational Services. “It’s the job I always wanted to have,” Hansen said. Although she has worked in schools for years, this was never her initial plan. Her love for youth brought her where she is today. “I definitely didn’t want to be a teacher because my parents and grandparents were teachers, so I for sure wasn’t going to be that,” Hansen said. “I thought I would be a youth advocate.” While in college, Hansen had an internship with the Youth Guidance Center at the San Francisco Juvenile Hall where she worked with 72 kids. “They were kids who had committed egregious offenses. I realized that
By the Numbers
opinion:
Rethinking valedictorians
these kids had come from really horrible situations and were in really bad shape,” Hansen said. “What they really needed was something that would give them a ticket out and I realized that it was education. That’s why I became a teacher.” Hansen taught English at MenloAtherton prior to Sequoia. The first time she walked on Sequoia’s campus, she was amazed at what she saw. “Students [were] opening doors. I would be walking by classrooms and everyone was engaged,” Hansen said. “Things I was learning about making changes and what were good about turning a school around was happening here. I begged Principal Marchbanks to hire me when I graduated. See HANSEN, page 2
Cancer should never be fought alone. Relay for Life not only raises money for cancer research and treatment, it also provides an opportunity for the community to gather and fight a good cause together. Sequoia hosted the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) annual 24-hour fundraiser on May 17, raising $90,366 with 43 teams. Sophomore Maggie Holmes has participated in Relay since age five when her grandmother, whose father battled cancer, got her involved. Since then, she has been a dedicated annual participant. “I’m motivated because I’ve seen how it can really hurt people not just physically, but emotionally. It makes you want to do something about it,” Holmes said. Student Activities Director Lauren Reibstein has experienced the loss and hardships of cancer. Diagnosed with Stage IV Reproductive Cancer in 2009, Reibstein has been in remission for the last five years. She participates in Relay for Life not only for herself and fellow survivors, but for everyone cancer has touched. “What I love the most about Relay is the camaraderie, meeting people, and taking time to honor them,” Reibstein said. “I feel a responsibility to honor all those who helped me when I was sick. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, many friends and family members… I am absolutely sure I would not be here without them,” Reibstein said. One of the most moving and symbolic parts of the event was the Luminaria Ceremony. Once dark, decorated bags holding candles lit the path, commemorating and celebrating those in the community who have battled cancer. “It just goes to show that cancer affects everyone which makes it one of the most emotional parts of the night,” senior ACS President Mary Hodges said.
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graduates going to an out-of-state university
2
Feature
May 28, 2014
Graduates take steps towards post-secondary careers Senior DJ Lucas is transitioning from Sequoia to a cosmetology program at College of San Mateo next year. Over the course of two years, she plans to earn an Associate’s Degree in cosmetology as well as a cosmetics license, taking classes in hair, nails, dermatology and makeup. There is also a biology component to help students understand the science behind cosmetics. CSM runs a functioning
Senior Jonny Montejano plans to spend the next year following his Christian faith before going to traditional college. He will be living at the Joshua Wilderness Institute in Fresno with 55 other youth ages 18 to 25. The group explores their faith with college courses in subjects such as theology and Old Testament studies and with mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Los Angeles
salon where the students work to practice. Lucas first became interested in cosmetology during her sophomore year. “There were a few months out of the year where I was like ‘I’m going to do my nails super crazy every day and you know, maybe I’ll actually take care of my hair.’ Then figuring out there was really a science behind it was really cool. I was blown away by that,” Lucas said. “I guess what really kind of cemented it was when
I was doing a friend’s hair and makeup, she wasn’t feeling the best, and afterwards she was like, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know I could look pretty.’ I realized it feels good to make other people feel really good.” Lucas hopes to find her niche by learning about a range of areas within cosmetology instead of focusing on just hair or nails, and then move to Los Angeles once she gets her degree to find work in that field.
Senior Christian Avalos is planning to study airplane mechanics next year. He will attend either San Francisco State University or the College of San Mateo for a two-year Associate’s Degree program. Avalos will learn to fix planes, install wheels, and work with the inner mechan-
ics of the planes as well. “I’ve always loved planes and I had remote controlled airplanes and I would always crash them and I would always fix them up and I thought it would be cool if I actually fixed real planes. I feel like I’m capable of doing that if I do that in the real world,” Avalos said.
and Israel. They are also taught life skills such as how to file taxes and rent a place to live. “[The program is to] help us figure out what we want to do when we’re older and how to live our life according to God or with God as well as helping us build a community by having such a small group” Montejano said. Montejano was inspired to apply for
the program when his youth group from the Peninsula Covenant Church went to a camp at Joshua Wilderness Institute last winter. He plans to go to community college for two years after the program to finish his general education, then transfer to a four-year college.
In high school he has volunteered at the Hiller Aviation Museum where he works with kids and learns about the parts of a plane. He has also been part of the Electronic Arts Academy, Upward Bound and Summer Search, for which he went to Peru to do community service.
—FEATURES AND PHOTOS BY LILY HARTZELL
Yambao salutes high school, joins Army training as a nutritionist. Yambao is looking forward to his training because of his experience playing football. “I will be telling people what to eat and then I’ll know In the upcoming six years that he will spend in the what to eat and that can help me too. I can get people U.S. Army, senior Joshua Yambao will train to be physi- in shape and eventually maybe I can be a physical trainer too. My recruiters told me some of the people go to cally, mentally and morally fit to serve. He has known for most of high school that he would the NFL and they help the players with their diets and I forgo the more common path, going to college, after he could potentially do that if I was good at it.” Yambao’s grandfather served as a captain in the Filipigraduates. Instead, Yambao will become one of the few no Army. His service inspired Sequoia graduates to join the Army. Yambao to do the same. Yambao’s decision to join the army “I wanted to follow [my grandfather’s] “I wanted to follow his footwas relatively straightforward. footsteps and go into the army.” “I decided to join not to fight, but —Senior Joshua Yambao steps and go into the army,” Yambao said. “He affected my decito get the benefits because they pretty much pay for your school. They give you a job if you stay sion to be in the Army a little bit because growing up he treated us strict. When he came home we would have to with them and you’re set for life,” Yambao said. Students who join the Army out of high school and salute him, it was fun.” Although he will be stationed in the area as a nutriagree to a six-year contract reap the benefits of an all-expenses paid college education as well as health benefits. tionist when he returns from training, the separation will Students have the choice to either be an Army Reserve be difficult for the family. Although his parents were hesitant about his decision where they can serve in a multitude of jobs, or they can at first, they eventually let him go. join active duty. “[The recruiters] wanted to talk to my parents but my “I don’t think I would mind being in the army for life because you stay fit, stay disciplined, you get out of trou- parents did not want anything to do with them. They didn’t really support the idea of war or fighting or anyble—you have to follow the laws,” Yambao said. During his vacation to the Philippines this summer thing, my dad thought it was stupid, but now that I went to visit his family, Yambao plans to work on his fitness into the Army I explained to my parents what it’s going rather than relaxing, in preparation for boot camp this to be like, where I’m going and what I’m going to do, [and] they were more supportive. They don’t really care August in Missouri. He will then be sent to another state to complete his what I do, they are just really there to guide me.”
By CLAIRE BUGOS and ABIGAIL WANG Photo Editor and Staff Reporter
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HANSEN, from page 1
She and I are both products of the Berkeley education philosophy.” During her time here, Hansen has made improvements at Sequoia, such as decreasing suspension and expulsion rates from 16 in 2011-2012 to four in 2012-2013. Hansen has also dealt with the ever-increasing student enrollment at Sequoia. “We are a lot bigger than we used to be. We have a waiting list of students who want to be here,” Hansen said. “I think that Sequoia has been a good school for a long time and over the past 10 years it has been getting its recognition for that.” Hansen has many memories to take away from Sequoia. “My favorite moment, always, is at graduations when I say, ‘Stand up if you are the first in your family to be attending college,’ It’s so great and so many students stand up,” Hansen said. Even though she has been a role model for staff and students, Sequoia has taught her so much that she couldn’t learn elsewhere. “Some people work in education all of their lives and never get to see a place that works for kids and I will always be able to say that I always worked in a school that did right by its students,” Hansen said. “There is a critical mass of people here who care deeply and believe in students. It was a good place before I got here and it’ll be a good place after I’m gone.” Additional reporting by Matvari Maharaj.
3
Feature
May 28, 2014
Quezadas illustrates her passion for anime
By CARMEN VESCIA Feature Editor Someday, senior Morayma Quezadas hopes we may see her name in the credits of the year’s biggest animation movie or even hear her name called at the Oscars. Until then, she’s content to pass her time wearing blue wigs, watching anime and spending every free second she has creating her own art. Her love for anime—a Japanese animation style—began in the fourth grade and has become an integral part of her life since. “Anime actually opened up more doors for me,” Quezadas said. “It’s really fun to express this love for a new culture.” To some of her friends, she is known by the playful nickname “Miku,” after one of her favorite characters; she owns a blue wig inspired by the character and can be seen wearing it while cosplaying (short for costume playing) or even just for fun.
On what he does in his free time: “Je fais de la musculation tous les jours.” Translation from French:“I lift weights every day.” —Neil Chan
“[She’s] creative and very spirited because she always happens to find the bright side of things and tries to be very happy around everyone,” said Quezadas’ friend, senior Erik Munguia. Quezadas is part of the Electronic Arts Academy (EAA), where she has explored her passion for animation. Next year, she hopes to pursue this interest at Cogswell College in Sunnyvale, a school known for its digital media programs. Famous alumni from Cogswell include Oscar winners for “Life of Pi” and this winter’s smash hit, “Frozen.” “When you’re drawing, you’re just drawing out a basic idea of what the character will be, whereas if you animate it you’re bringing the character to life,” Quezadas said. “It’s a really wonderful feeling to see your plain 2D character come to life.” She hopes to someday be a character concept artist for a company like Dis-
“Procrastination is my thing... it’s strategic procrastination.” —Kate Elliott
ney or Pixar. “I want my art to reach out to people with problems like depression or who have suicidal thoughts. . . so they feel like they’re not so hopeless and [realize that] there is hope out there,” Quezadas said. “I love creating characters that relate to other people.” She spends around five hours per day drawing and never tires of creating new characters based on her friends’ personalities, as well as her own. “I have a character named Natsume. I actually created him around middle school when I was barely opening up to other people, and I based him off this shyness I had,” Quezadas said. Since then, she feels art has helped her gain confidence. She has even begun to receive commissions for her work. This year, she has drawn four editorial cartoons for the Raven Report, and the hallways are adorned with posters she’s designed. “When people ask if I could draw them something I feel really happy. It is a really good feeling that people are noticing me for my artwork,” Quezadas said. She’s the secretary of the Anime and
“I don’t feel like anyone here is persecuted for their beliefs or anything, we have people of all different races and everyone is just accepted.” —George Archbold
Photo courtesy of Erik Munguia
Quezadas plans to attend Cogswell College in the fall. Japanese Culture Club and is always willing to share her artwork and knowledge with others. “She has definitely come through as quite the artist,” club adviser Rebecca Goodwin said. “She’s humble though. I don’t see her coming and saying ‘Oh look how great this is.’ It seems to me that she doesn’t show it off.”
“I’ll miss the camaraderie that’s built up around the IB group.” —Francesca Vescia “I think [valedictorian is] based on attractiveness.” —Evan Schulz
Meet the valedictorians: a talented ten —Compiled by Claire Bugos and Abigail Wang
“I really had to go to the bathroom at Prom, and I saw Reibstein and I was like ‘Hey do you know where the bathroom is?’ And she was like ‘Wait are you Henry Zatarain?’ And I was like ‘Yeah,’ and she was like ‘Oh you’re valedictorian’ and I was like ‘Ok good to know, but I really have to go the bathroom.’” —Henry Zatarain
On what he does in his free time: “I watch trash TV— my favorite is Jersey Shore.” —Amir Amerian
“I was dared to try a behind-the-back clap pushup. Turns out I’m not strong, and I ended up splitting my chin open [right before the last number of the Dance Show], a week before Prom. If someone had threatened to take away my valedictorian title, I would not have been surprised.” —Ty Dewes
On what he’s looking forward to doing at college: “Being up all night to get lucky.” —Gareth Wang
“I’m really going to miss the friendships I’ve made... it will never be the same, it will never be everyone here together again.” —Kate Boudreau
4
Special
Oh, the places t Gonzaga University
University of Washington
Peter Bugos
Araceli Efigenio Samantha Peyton
University of Puget Sound
Washington State University Elisabeth Lashman Cesar Martinez
Pacific Lutheran University
Mary Balise Marisa Melton
Claire Saitta
Reed College
University of Portland
Rachael Cairati
Linfield College
Devon Schmidt
Chelsea Lollar
Oregon State University
University of Oregon
Taylor Sheble
Morgan Grimsby Edgar Hernandez
Carroll College Theda Knauth
Montana State University Danielle Linehan
Herald College
Jessica Solorio Gonzales
Chico State University Gerber Aguilar Santos Arevalo Ulises Avila Kenneth Belanger Sarah Berry Graciela Delgado Leslie Esquivel
Humboldt State University Benjamin Chouanard UC Davis
Jacqueline Ahern Jarrett Crowell Mary Hodges Helena Larsen Nikki Shintaku Jade Suggs Kim Vy Vo Savanna Won
Elena Oey Claudia Teck
Sacramento State University
Daniel Bracamontes
Alberto Gallegos Alan Ibarra Matvari Maharaj Maddy Martinez Arturo Medrano Victor Mendoza Alexandra Murillo
Sierra College
Colorado State Un
Adam Kellogg
UC Merced
University of the Pacific
UC Santa Cruz
Daisy Montes Andrea Lara
Mitzi Bedolla William Escobar Erika Fabre Robert Figone Jessica Herrman Hunter Mitchell Emma Peyton Erik Scott Schutzer
Briceida Garcia
Jonny Montejano
Jonathan Bravo
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Taylor Eichhorn
CSU Monterey Bay
Natalia Tatola
Katryna Fogel Moises Arturo Vieyra Gallego Theresa Helseth Claire Spickermann Cassidy Thompson
UC Santa Barbara Andrea Lara Alvarez
University of Arizona
Alain Barron Ty Dewes Rachel Reisman
Gregory Assilian Mark Ledbetter Noelle Rubas
University of San Diego Megan Smith
San Diego State University
Kevin Frazier Kellen Gillooley Nicky Harpster Silver Rosales Albert Smith
Sonoma County
Sonoma State University Lourdes Alcala Ivan Ayarza Gracie Cardenas Matt Dierolf Matthew Mazzoni Nancy Nguyen Suzie Ortiz Mayte Quiroz Joel Rojas Valeria Tatakamotonga
Alameda County
Chabot College Deise Moreno
University of Hawaii Sarah Burrows Julia Kirincic
CSU East Bay Marcus Xavier Avelar Jonathan Padilla
Herald College
San Francisco County
San Francisco Daniel Rincon State University Elizabeth Sarabia Andrew Shepard Lesli Uribe Emily Vazquez Murron Wake
Jessica Solorio Gonzales Chloe L. Kazemi
University of San Francisco
Ohlone College Jesse Fajardo
Jori Renée Vajretti
UC Berkeley
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
Amir Amerian Simon Greenhill Maggie Hallamasek Alex Lazich Garrett Yamane
Kaitlyn Rothaus
Cañada College
David Abay Luis Calderon Yvette Chavez Julio Cortez Maria Cortez Nicholas Crettol Hannah Kay-Helen DeBono Juan Manuel Franco Alan Garcia Cristian Lara Kris Michelsen Miguel Murillo Eric Ontiveros Eliana Parra Miguel Prado Cristobal Ramirez Maria A. Ramos Juan Renteria Nataly Salazar Samantha Tafoya Marcy Tepeu Soren Tornoe Sofia Torres Erick Valdivia Crystal Valencia Amanda Weir
College of San Mateo
Schools in the L
Mills College University of La Verne Rylan Ducker Salvador Mendoza
CSU Northridge Alana Puerto
San Mateo County
Yesenia Abarca
Rachel Hoke Courtney Pothoff
Fresno State University
UC San Diego
Christian Avalos Marilu Bedolla Daisy Beltran Rubi Calderon Alejandra Cardenas Donna Castaneda Lisette Espinoza Jorge Hernandez Yarelli Lopez Vanessa Quintanilla Saul Ramirez
University o
Joshua Wilderness Institute
Cal Poly SLO
Schools in the Bay Area
Myles Washington
Christopher Carias-Estevez Paul Chavez Carol J. Murguia Hernandez Elizabeth Rodriquez Cruz Eliezar Vigdorchik
Modesto Junior College
Cabrillo College Kyle Cambron Zane Gelphman Christopher Ortiz
Edgar Lira Nunez Morgan Park Carson Predovich Catherine Avila Rios Jonathan San Juan Troy Spears Summer Tams
Dylan Anderson Rino Aquino Rosario Avalos German Barajas Edith Benitez Aaron Burns Ivan Cardona Lejna Chelebichic Kathleen Claire Annel Y. Cortez-Pineda Claudia Diaz Elisa Donovan Miguel Fregoso Irene Glover Cameron Greenough Josie Hernandez Ana Hernandez Paulino Esperanza Jimenez Austin Keithley Brent Lenci Araceli Leon Tristan Loeffler Dorotheanna Lucas Devan Marmol Kevin Martinez Cody Mead Alan Mendieta Justine Mora Jisela Moreno Jonathan Morrow
Sergio Nuñez Jesus Madrigal Ramos Jessica Reynaga Alexis Rios Edwin Rosales Michael Salama Kalele Filipo Satele Will Schneider Yazmin Segura Taylor Smith Alexa Thanos Daniel Vega Diana Velasco Abbey Wilkerson Hank Wilkerson
Menlo College Dasha Kraft
Notre Dame De Namur University Cesar S. Juarez Karina Juarez
Skyline College Madeline Flores Brady Green Christian Rodriguez
UCLA
Santa Clara County
Cogswell College Tyler Lutu Morayma Quezadas
De Anza College Edwin Botello-Urbina Jazmin Harrison Sesilia Lauese Missael Silva
Foothill College Carly Barranco Megan Courtney William Davenport Grace Delgado Jonathan Esquivel Elio Gonzalez Israel Guzman Jose Ramirez Jenalle Sandoval Zulema Serrato Shahil Sharma Caitlin Sockolov David Valdivias
San Jose State University Amy Komatsu Briana Leviste Vishwa Lingam Yareli Miranda Jonathan David Pulido Jeff Rojas Jolene Torres Saida Villeda Ricardo Zambrano
Santa Clara University Alexis Gonzalez
Stanford University Kate Boudreau Joy Robinson
George Archbold Michelle Barnes Courtney Carbonneau Kate Elliott Chris Hunter Evan Schulz Gareth Wang
Loyola Marymount University Jackie Hutchison
Pepperdine University Sarah Swanson
Long Beach State University Jamie Becher Galdino Bravo Liam Clifford Georgina Corral Gregory Dailey Kristi Josefina Parada
Univer South
Eric Bittne Chloé Moi Gina Rodr
5
Feature
they’ll go... University of Vermont
Michigan Tech
Rochester Institute of Technology
Harrison Mills
Bates College Julie Self
Taylor Sheble
Aaron Velayo
SUNY-ESF Francesca Vescia
Carleton College
Zoe Kriegler-Wenk
Daniel Bishop
Marc Berghouse Cole Dunbar
Brown University
DePaul University
Carlos Garcia
Henry Zatarain
Dickinson College
Carnegie Mellon University
Analisa Bauhaus
Dylan Roof
Columbia College
Georgetown University
Morgan Satterlee
Bradley University
Erick Castro Ellen Singer
Purdue University
Jason Rodriguez-Hand Justin Rodriguez Hand
Matt Jenkins
Yale University
Manhattanville College
Laurel Dearborn
Taisha Griffe
niversity
Olin College
Columbia University University of Michigan
Willa Gruver
Nick Chang
Tufts University Celeste Adler Lily Hartzell
Smith College
Sean Cromwell
Macalester College
Boston College
Berklee College of Music
Eliana Jacobs
Ben Sehl
George Washington University Anna Karditzas Molly Shea
Ohio State University Giannina Cadenas
of Colorado, Boulder
Riley Dunn
Arts & Humanities Engineering & Formal Sciences
Undecided
11.4%
16.7%
13.3% 32.4 %
15.2%
Professional
Social Sciences
Military-Bound seniors Victor Magana Verdin Daniel—Army Jacob Juarez—Navy Running Cloud Rosiles—Marines Joshua Yambao—Army Reserves Adrian Zamora—Marines
Internationally-bound Seniors
Vittoria Braga Farneze— University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil Anna Dagum—University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Caroline Lempert—University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Margot Serra—McGill University, Montréal, Canada
$3,373,631 University of Redlands Mayra Garcia Adame Eduardo Alvarado Isabelle Rudolph
UC Riverside Carla Paredes
Chapman University Sarah Richards
Orange Coast College Devon Heieck
32
25
{
Neil Chan
total scholarship money received by those surveyed
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Pomona College
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er issis riguez
Natural Sciences
11%
Los Angeles Area
rsity of hern California
College-bound graduates’ majors
University of South Carolina, Columbia
percent of first generation college- percent of first generation high bound students surveyed school graduates surveyed
6
Opinion Staff Editorial
Grades do not always reflect wisdom We believe that everybody has a story. to listen. Instead of valedictorians automatically The graduation speeches should repregiving speeches at graduation, all seniors sent the entire student body, not just its should have the opportunity to speak, highest achieving members. not just those preselected by their grades. We acknowledge and understand the While we commend our valedictorians difficulty of finding a commencement for their efforts and incredible smarts, we speaker of Sandberg’s status to address think that all of our peers have interesting each year’s graduating class, and while perspectives that need to be shared. graduation will lack an invited comAdditionally, we wish Facebook COO mencement speaker this year, the audiSheryl Sandberg’s 2013 commencement ence will still listen to a series of speeches speech had marked the start of a new tra- made by the ASB President and the 10 dition of inviting prominent community valedictorians of the senior class, as is trafigures to speak at graduation. Sandberg ditional. encouraged listeners to By giving all students believe in themselves, and an equal chance to share We believe that a fundamental to surmount challenges their stories, our own step in promoting equality is instead of holding back community will be one listening, as fairness is rooted in from them out of intimistep further toward realunderstanding. dation. She posed the izing Sandberg’s vision question, “What would for equal opportunity: you do if you weren’t afraid?” and asked she stressed that we become “the generaus to consider the myriad possibilities. tion that creates a more equal and better As journalists, we have a fascination world. A world where all voices are heard. with people and their stories, and Sand- A world where everyone has a seat at the berg’s campaign reinforced our reverence table.” for both. Fast forward one year and we can see While Sandberg’s speech stressed the the strides our student body has been importance of equality and diversity in making to promote equality on both a loour community, we couldn’t help but see cal and global scale. Through student-iniirony in the fact that the valedictorian tiated clubs such as Our Voice and Girls speeches that followed were all presented Learn International, students are working by white and Asian males. to establish equity and provide opportuWe believe that a fundamental step in nities for students to be heard. promoting this equality is listening, as Now, that spirit should be applied to fairness is rooted in understanding. Thus, graduation. we propose that Sequoia hold a speech With the introduction of a contest to contest for next year’s graduation to cel- determine who speaks at graduation, Seebrate the diversity of opinions at our quoia will be closer to becoming a more school and give students the opportunity equal community.
Don’t lose momentum by taking a break from school a percentage will go to your classes, and you’d still get money back for yourself. There are also websites like Grad- FAFSA.org and scholarships.com u a t i n g that can provide financial aid if you seniors— still have problems with paying for w e l l , your classes. graduates If you just want to make spendwho are ing money, you could still work part thinking time during college, making about of taking $12,000 a year on minimum wage a break before taxes. after graduation: I strongly ask you According to the United States to reconsider the idea. Census Bureau, about 70 percent of If you were to go straight to full college students worked either part time work after high school, you time or full time in 2011. would make roughly If you choose to work, Full time $27,000 with minimum you wouldn’t be the only minimum wage work: wage in a year before taxstudent working in your es and deductions. college. . Sounds good, right? Unless you have everyFull time work Well, if you were to go thing figured out, or at with a bachelor’s straight to college and least have a pretty good degree: earn a bachelor’s degree, sense of what you want . you would make around to do in the future, you $55,000 a year before taxshould continue right es, according to the Bureau of Labor away with college. Statistics in the United States. “Some students need to go right That’s about a $30,000 differ- after, so that they don’t lose motivaence. I know that it would take two tion,” said AVP Michael Kuliga. or even four years longer to earn a You are not a failure if you don’t degree, but it would help you a lot go straight to college after graduamore in the long run. tion—Kuliga himself took a break You would actually have a career before going back to school, and he to rely on, and not a job at a place has a career he loves—but I would like McDonald’s or Target. There’s like for all students to think about nothing wrong with working at these the benefits and the disadvantages of companies, but it would be better if taking a break. you could study to do things you acIf you believe that you can still tually look forward to. succeed after taking a break, then do If you are working to make money so, and don’t let anything bring you for college, there are also work-study down. If you are thinking of going programs in your desired school straight to college, then more power that will allow you to work so that to you. By JULIO CORTEZ Staff Reporter
More types of dedication than GPA should be recognized at year’s end By CARLOS GARCIA and SABRINA VILLANUEVA AVALOS Staff Reporters
Oh, the valedictorian. The one who ranked the highest in the school. The one who “worked the hardest” to receive a hefty 4.7 GPA and SAT scores like you would never believe. The one with a future brighter than the North Star. Big deal. What about those who don’t have the best grades or the highest GPA? What about the students who faced outrageous hardships or family losses and still managed to pass all of their classes for four years? Their accomplishments should be made just as big of a deal as valedictorians are now. It’s really great that many students had the time, dedication and patience to work their butts off and earn straight A’s. Don’t get us wrong, we wish we were able to pull that off. However, why do we spend so much time congratulating the student who is clearly going to succeed?
May 28, 2014
Not all students are the same. Not every student has the stable lifestyle needed to become a valedictorian. Some students are forced to work after school to help their families and others may be going through hardships, which affect their academics. The ability to overcome obstacles while attending school and keeping up grades is one that deserves to be recognized. These students deserve acknowledgment just as much as the students who had the resources and family support to get good grades. There are so many others who are worthy of them too. If we’re going to praise students based on grades and GPA, then we should also recognize those who put in hard work, even if it isn’t shown through a letter grade. Many students deserve recognition, and if that can’t happen, then why should we reward anyone at all? There’s a solution to this. We can have teachers recommend students who have particularly strived in a certain class or students who have worked extremely hard, even if that isn’t reflected in their grades. We can have students nominate their peers who have extraordinary stories of resilience or grit. Let’s also acknowledge the students who have strived for good grades but have faced difficult obstacles, or even notice the students who work hard every day even if they can’t get an A. We cannot measure the quality of a student based on grades, but rather the work they put into their classes.
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Sequoia High School
Raven Report 2013-2014
Editor-in-Chief Simon Greenhill Managing Editors Laurel Dearborn Lily Hartzell News Editor Dalia Jude Feature Editors Araceli Efigenio Carmen Vescia Opinion Editor Matvari Maharaj Sports Editor Jarrett Crowell Photo Editor Claire Bugos Online Editor Caroline Lempert Layout Editor Anna Dagum Staff Reporters Xavi Boluña Julio Cortez Emily Ducker Lily Friebel Carlos Garcia Claire Harkola Evan Isenstein-Brand Emma Peyton Sabrina Villanueva Avalos Abigail Wang Adviser Kim Vinh
Fear of taking out student loans shouldn’t deter higher education By MATVARI MAHARAJ Opinion Editor I ’ m not going to lie: student loans are scary. T h e w o r d itself is intimidating enough. More and more students are trying to attend college, but the cost of attendance is discouraging. According to CNN, 52 percent of Californians in the college graduating class of 2012 have loans to pay off, leading to an average debt of approximately $20,269 per student. Now, I know a lot of graduates don’t want to think about it, but financial decisions need to be made soon. I understand the fear of not being able to afford college. I’m not low-middle class, but I’m not high-middle either. With a sister who is graduating from college this year, it’s hard for my parents to afford to send me off with tuition fully paid for. And to be quite honest, I don’t expect them to. With scholarships and financial aid heavily dependant on the financial need each recipient demonstrates. Once again, I am at a disadvantage. Student loans are becoming the only option (aside from working through
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OPINION
May 28, 2014
Graphic created by Lily Hartzell using easel.ly All statisticss from CNN and Campaign for College Opportunity
college) to pay for my education. I have been told several times that loans are the best investment. Think about it: better educations earn higher salaries. With higher salaries, loans are completely doable. Most loan plans suggest a 120 on-time payment time period, allowing students to pay in 10 years. They’re also encouraged to pay a little extra each time to shorten payment time and interest rate. Now, the tricky part is: what type of loan is best? Unsubsidized loans are favored because
students are not required to start paying until they are done with school. Subsidized loans are to be paid back immediately afterthey are activated. Social work, education, medicine and even AmeriCorps and Peace Corps qualify for loan forgiveness, when students receive money to pay for loans after a certain number of years of work. The bottom line is, being in debt to get an education is perfectly fine and, to an extent, beneficial. All students have to do is be persistent and focused. Don’t be afraid. Take the loan.
Letter to the Editor Sequoia community: I decide that. I disagree with the ideology and the Essentially, when all of the smart, message sent in the enforcement of the strong, educated females are told that dress code on a deep level. Many stuthey are personally responsible for the dents at Sequoia feel like girls are beactions of boys—who are assumed to be ing unfairly targeted and shamed in the uncontrollably and excusably predatoenforcement of the dress code. Getting ry—the idea is perpetuated that women a dress cut is a very humiliating experiare only as good as their bodies. This ence, especially for the leads to the victim-blammajority of us who are Rape culture is the belief that ing and rapist-excusing honestly trying to follow victims are at fault for their attitudes that this society the dress code. The way assaults, which stems from holds today. students are left feeling the idea that the respect a I do hope that female after a dress cut causes woman deserves is contingent students aren’t told they more conflict and dis- upon her clothing choices. don’t respect themselves, tractions than the piece that they aren’t demandof clothing in question. ing respect, or that they The message that students receive shouldn’t distract their classmates, befrom the enforcement of the dress code cause these phrases unfairly perpetuate is that boys are incapable of conductsexist ideas and are simply not necessary ing themselves in an appropriate and for the enforcement of a dress code. respectful manner, an idea many boys I have spoken to the administration find offensive. The shame caused by the about this issue and everyone involved way in which the dress code is enforced is hoping to initiate a conversation in relates to the broader societal issue of which students and administrators can rape culture. decide on a clearer dress code together. Rape culture is the belief that vicThe language used to enforce the dress tims are at fault for their assaults, which code needs to be changed so students stems from the idea that the respect a don’t feel targeted and shamed, and the woman deserves is contingent upon her administration supports these efforts as clothing choices. No one can tell me well. that I don’t respect myself, because only —Alicia Menendez-Brennan, junior
Editor’s farewell With the same alarming your students is absolutely rapidity that it began, the incredible. Though your carschool year is now practically ing—always being ready for over. It is customary for the a hard conversation, providgraduating Editor-in-Chief ing us with a selection of to present his or her staff and snacks and teas, never passing school with a farewell, be it judgement but always giving mopey or triumphant, witty valuable advice—may seem or sincere. This farewell is unappreciated, know that it one of humble thanks. silently but deeply impacts First, thanks to those all of us. outside of Room 300 who We all have our commake the Raven Report pos- plaints about school, but sible. Thanks to the fourth take a moment in the next period teachers who allow week to realize how wontheir students out of class for derful Sequoia is—as someinter views ; one who has thanks to the If someone has helped you or been to three uncomfort- even just made you smile this high schools, able inter- year, consider thanking them, I know Seviewees who in person or in writing, before quoia is are willing you go. exceptionto have awkally open, ward converfriendly and sations with our reporters; caring. So, if someone has thanks to coaches, advis- helped you or even just made ers and administrators who you smile this year, consider fielded our questions and re- thanking them, in person or sponded with timeliness and in writing, before you go. It’s accuracy. a small thing, but it goes a Thanks to those who took long way. And if you’re like Journalism and stuck with me, about to graduate, leave it—thanks for putting up the people you’ve cared about with my idiosyncrasies and and admired here feeling apintensity; thanks for putting preciated. Most of the time, remarkable thought and ef- it’s too easy to forget about fort into making the Raven those who we owe most to. Report what it is. Above all, thanks to our adviser, Kim Vinh. Thank you for your time, for your thoughts, for your attention; the dedication you have to all
Revolutionary civil rights leader Malcolm X deserves recognition By CARLOS GARCÍA Staff Reporter His ideas were radical. His beliefs made him a hero to some: He was El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, or more recognizably, Malcolm X. Not many people know as much about Malcolm X as they do about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Mahatma Gandhi. I bet you could write a paragraph or two about those people, but couldn’t do that for Malcolm X. I didn’t know who he was, until I read his autobiography in English class last year. Before then, all I knew was his name. When I was young, my school made me believe that MLK and Rosa Parks were legendary leaders. They left out the story of Malcolm X and his passion. His story, where he came from, how he ended up as a leader, is one worth taking note of. Yes, at one point, he believed in taking arms against the white man and that all white men are devils. But he soon challenged his own belief—altering it and
realizing that white men aren’t all devils. This epiphany that he had makes Malcolm X an extraordinary civil rights leader. Not many people know too much about his epiphany, and at the same time, people like to judge the bad things that a person has done, rather than the good ones. That’s probably why schools don’t like to teach about X. At one point of his life, he advocated violence, and that’s a big slap in the face to schools. Many elementary schools like to teach about MLK, but only his good side. MLK was a heavy smoker, committed adultery and even plagiarized parts of his speeches. Students aren’t taught this side of MLK, it’s hidden amongst the rubble. So why can’t schools teach the good side of Malcolm X, and let kids think for themselves rather than brainwash them. Schools shouldn’t put a gate around what students learn. They shouldn’t make someone look like a legendary hero and not acknowledge ordinary flaws. Teachers selecting a curriculum shouldn’t hide the story or beliefs or Malcolm X; they should acknowledge him and teach a full story, not just a part. His bravery in changing his radical ideals should be acknowledged.
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Sports
May 28, 2014
Softball team builds for next generation By JARRETT CROWELL Sports Editor
Two years after winning the Ocean Division and earning a CCS playoff berth, the varsity softball team finished the season at a modest 6-14 (3-11), dousing all hopes for a postseason run. However, this season might have been just as memorable. The only two seniors on the roster served as team captains, three-year varsity pitcher Gina Rodriguez, and catcher Jackie Hutchison, who played on varsity for her entire softball career at Sequoia. As role models, Rodriguez and Hutchison showed the wave of younger players how to be successful. Though the team’s record was disappointing, this year may prove to be pivotal for the development of the freshman and sophomore classes. “It’s a really big accomplishment and I think they [fulfilled] it well. [We] try to do our best to encourage them,” Hutchison
Photo by Emma Peyton
The varsity team fought valiantly in their senior game against Carlmont on May 15, but ended up taking a hard-fought 5-1 loss against the Scots. said. Last year’s softball team was very senior-heavy, which left a lot of key defensive positions open. “A lot of freshmen have taken those positions, which has made it kind of difficult because we’re trying to teach them skills while
also trying to compete in the Bay Division,” Rodriguez said. The biggest lesson, according to Rodriguez, is staying positive. “Jackie and I [tried] to keep everyone going,” Rodriguez said. “Losing is no fun so [we just went] out there with an open mind [to]see what happened.”
This enthusiasm started to rub off on the younger players. “Gina and Jackie have a carefree attitude about everything, and they just say, ‘Oh don’t let it get to you,’” freshman shortstop Emily McAdams said. “[They] don’t let anything affect how they play, and they don’t give up
on us, so it makes us not give up.” Another benefit is making unexpected new friends. “I talk to them in the hallways and check in on them. We all went to the dance show to watch the other players who were in it. I try to be a role model off the field, too,” Hutchison said. The team’s bond is clear in games, where they can rely on each other for support. “We pick each other up and just stay positive,” McAdams said. “We’re like a family, and it’s what helps us get through.” While there have been some miscues and indications of the team’s inexperience, the most rewarding part of the season for the senior captains was seeing the younger girls succeed. Though some might dub this a “rebuilding year,” Hutchison and Rodriguez saw it as an opportunity to leave their legacy. “We [wanted] to leave a good impression for them so they [had] good footsteps to follow in for the next couple of years.” Hutchison said.
Passion for sports takes athletes to next level Zane Gelphman Cabrillo College (with teammates Kyle Cambron and Chris Ortiz) “I kind of had a love for baseball since I started playing it, and as I got older, it became my favorite sport. I definitely didn’t want to s stop playing anytime soon. I was basically from the start gonna take any chance I could get to play baseball.”
Photo Courtesy of Corey Uhalde
Matt Jenkins Brown University “I think it’ll be super different because the competition is super extreme. You’re playing against the best people from high school.”
Photo Courtesy of Pam Beard
Analisa bauhaus Dickinson College “I feel like I’ve been doing it for so long that I don’t know what else to do in my free time if I’m not swimming.”
Galdino Bravo CSU Long Beach “At CCS finals, I had that perfect grace. It was definitely one of the most wonderful times in my life.”
— Compiled by Emily Ducker and Carmen Vescia
Photo Courtesy of Samantha Peyton
Photo by Claire Bugos
Rylan Ducker University of La Verne “I went to my first Cal game with my dad when I was five. From that day it was my goal to play football in college.” Photo Courtesy of Pam Beard
Boys lacrosse team sticks with it, strives for future success By CLAIRE HARKOLA Staff Reporter The boys varsity lacrosse team fought valiantly in their last game against Carlmont for the Carlseq cup, and although the game ended 8-5 in Carlmont’s favor, the team has maintained good rapport and has shown improvement since its creation three years ago. Compared to the team’s four-win season their first year, this season’s 7-16 record is a definite improvement. Seniors and co-captains Ben Sehl and Kevin Frazier both have been with the
team since its creation and have been able to see the team’s increased growth over the years. “It’s cool coming back every year and seeing that people who have never played before are getting better,” Frazier said. In 2012, a group of parents obtained a $30,000 grant to pay for equipment for 20 girls and 20 boys, creating both our boys and girls varsity lacrosse teams. The teams are now covered by the district and are set up to have a JV boys team next year. Frazier’s three years were well spent. “I feel like I’d rather play for our team,
[...] than go to some team thats really good because [...] our team’s the ‘Bad News Bears,’ almost, we’ve just got this identity where we’re just this rag-tag group of people out here trying to play lacrosse,” Frazier said. “Some of our starters had not even picked up a stick before last year, and now we’re doing it, we beat Woodside.” On the west coast, lacrosse hasn’t gained the popularity that sports like soccer and football have. Because of this, not many people know the rules to the game, or appreciate it without having experience playing the sport. “It’s important to be really athletic, but
it’s also a lot of finesse [...] so we have the athleticism, but we’re still progressing in terms of stick skills,” Sehl said. As time goes by the team’s technique improves, as well as their standings. According to MaxPreps, the team is now third out of seven teams in the league and 173 out of 238 in the state. Frazier accredits their progress to the team’s optimistic attitude. “Even though we come out in some games when we get absolutely destroyed, we’ll come back on Monday and get back to it. So it’s like the attitude of the players, they just want to play,” Frazier said.