Senior Issue: May 31, 2024

Sprinting to Success

Mia Coleman will attend Georgetown University to run Division One track

by Jayla Dorbor

Standing in a crowded hallway in the mall, senior Mia Coleman got a call that made her biggest dream come true: she got into Georgetown to run Division 1 track for the Hoya’s. From as young as six years old, Coleman has gained inspiration for her track career through her parents, who are long distance runners, as well as youtube videos.

“When I was watching professionals race, it was really inspirational to me and made me want to be great. Especially coming into my senior year, I’ve been really focused on improving and progressing,” Coleman said.

It was crucial that Coleman dropped her times since she had her heart set on going to Georgetown. She has worked with many coaches outside of school to help her achieve her goal, such as Jonathan Ligons, a speed coach from Optimum Speed. She now runs the 100 and 200 sprints and relays where she has personal records of 12.06 seconds and 25.03 seconds.

“Her attitude is good, but she used to doubt herself a lot because she wanted to get her scholarship really badly and didn’t believe in herself enough, but she has the dog mentality now,” Ligons said. “Now that she’s seeing the success all the pressures are off, she’s like a brand new person.”

Along with the work Coleman puts in during practice, she prepares her mind to make sure she performs her best at the meets.

“My coaches are always telling me to get my mind right first, that's the most important thing. I personally think that's 90% of the battle with track,” Coleman said. “I never like to compare myself to other people or

my time to anyone else, I would just want to focus on whatever I'm doing.”

All of Coleman's work finally paid off when she answered the call in the middle of the mall one day.

“It was a very emotional moment for me.

It was really when my dream came true, so I was in a lot of shock. I remember just letting a moment of silence go over the phone and the coach is like, 'Are you okay?' and I was like, 'Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just really hap py.' It was really a moment where my heart was very full,” Coleman said.

However, this success could not come without some setbacks, as track can be a challenging sport that can require hard work, especially for Coleman as she took challenging AP classes due to her passion for politics and English.

“At the end of the day, what mattered to me most was my academics, and I did prioritize academics over track. So I feel going to Georgetown and D.C., which has incredible opportunities for future lawyers, being the political epicenter of the country, provided me with the best opportunity to study what I wanted to do, and to set my self up for my future career,” Coleman said.

Though this schedule was challenging for Coleman, her teachers, specifically her AP Literature teacher, Kitaro Takesue, could still see her passion and eagerness to learn.

“In college, more so than in any other previous schooling, so much of it is self-determined. There’s no more teachers saying 'You weren’t in class, make sure you get your notes.' So much of it has to be on the student to organize their lives and man-

age themselves and she’s already doing so much of that,” Takesue said.

Overall, Coleman has had an extreme-

what they do. It's what's going to make you succeed more than anyone else.”

Nurtured by her hobbies, Rebecca Fung has developed a strong sense of self

by Rena Felde

While senior Rebecca Fung waited at an Arizona airport for a delayed flight, her friends lifted their heads to see her starting a conversation with travelers sitting behind them.

“I was like, ‘Do you know them?’ and she said, ‘No,’ and she had a full-on conversation with them about a book we were reading. I was shocked,” senior Kiley Peirce, Fung’s friend, said.

With her friends describing her as “responsible,” “outgoing” and “inclusive,”

Fung showcases her best traits through Mock Trial in the fall, water polo in the winter and swim in the spring.

She began Mock Trial in middle school and won ten awards, including “MVP” and “Best in Los Angeles County” for her performance as witness Drew Marshak.

“[Mock Trial] gave me a sense of belonging to a certain group and helped me improve skills like presenting, thinking on the fly and creating a persona, which will be helpful for my future, especially in college.”

Skills from Mock Trial translate to Fung’s plan to study marketing at San Jose State University.

“I am a people person, and I belong with people. I make connections; that’s what I do," Fung said. "I’m a good communicator, and I'm very good at planning and managing."

Fung practices her responsibility as the school’s National Chinese National Honor Society (NCHS) chapter president. The scholastic club goes to other schools and hosts meetings and events to spread Chinese culture and language.

“I want to see more kids join our club and put in the effort to have the [required] grades,” Fung said. “I also want them to

SADIE WILLIAMS

be engaged in [Chinese] class to want to spend more time with our club and learn further about it.”

Secretary of the NCHS Board, junior Kimberly Nguyen, describes Fung as “selfless.”

“She makes sure that when we have meetings for NCHS, everyone’s voices are heard and she’s a crazy [effective] leader,” Nguyen said.

On the swim team, Fung served as captain of the JV swim team as a sophomore and as manager for her junior and senior years.

“Change

sible for attendance, photography, transportation and more.

“I do not regret staying on that team, even if I’m switching roles. It’s important to stay connected with all those people.” Peirce has known Fung since kindergarten but only started hanging out during school when they were the only two sophomores on the varsity water polo team.

doesn’t feel good, but sometimes it’s what you need to kickstart a better version of yourself.”

“I started focusing more on water polo and less on swim so that’s when I decided that I could help our team out more as a manager than I could as a swimmer,” Fung said. “I’m still as dedicated as I was when I was a swimmer, but I just believe that my strength was in my other skill sets like managing.”

REBECCA FUNG SENIOR

Fung does not plan to pursue collegiate athletics, so she will bid goodbye to water polo and swim after eight years.

In her role as manager, Fung is respon-

“She is so friendly to everyone and has this personality that makes you want to be near her, and once you’re near her, I feel like everything’s better. She makes everything seem okay,” Peirce said.

Fung remained consistent with her activities but pushed herself by taking on different roles.

“Without these [activities,] I know I would be a little more timid, shy, a little less loud, but sometimes you’ve got to step out of that comfort zone,” Fung said. “Change doesn’t feel good, but sometimes it’s what you need to kickstart a better version of yourself."

JHESLYN GONZALES

Writing Editor-in-Chief Yearbook, Secretary of Morgan's Message, Lacrosse

Activities Future Plans

Attend Tufts University to study political science and get a bachelor’s degree, masters, and PhD

Favorite High School Memory

“On the lacrosse team, when we beat Santa Margarita High School, [a really hard team] in pouring rain and [hail]. It was a really accomplishing feeling, I put so much work into it, and I was an underclassman too, so I was able to step into my role on the team and really prove myself."

Attend nursing and medical school. Also become a professional side-line dancer or cheerleader

Activities What Will You Miss Most Cheer, Dance Future Plans

“I’ll miss all the friends I’ve made here because I know I want to say that we would probably be friends outside of school, but that isn’t really likely to happen unless I keep in touch with [them]. I’m grateful for all the support that I’ve gotten from the staff here and my family. They were here to support me through everything that I was going through.”

Coleman looks forward to working with Georgetown University Coach Alton McKenzie. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIA COLEMAN

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

Fung at a Mock Trial competition with Boden Allen and Lucy Davis. PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA FUNG

Coleman sprinting at indoor nationals. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIA COLEMAN

Strides &

by Valentina Masoni

From drawing to running to writing, senior Tessa Coert has an abundance of ways to express herself. Part of cross country for four years, Coert has developed lifelong friendships with her teammates and has been a role model for the underclassmen. Coert attributes her success as a runner to the support of her family and the bonds she’s created with her teammates.

“[My family] motivates me a lot. They always tell me I'm more than enough, so I feel like I can do anything with that mindset. It was my friends that I joined cross country for, and that's why I've stayed. I'm not that crazy of a runner, but I am a team person. So that's why I thrive in cross country, and track is a bigger challenge for me,” Coert said.

Coert was team captain her senior year and has been on varsity since her sophomore year. She clinched the varsity spot during a race at the Palos Verdes course, finishing second overall and getting a faster time than the girl previously holding the seventh spot.

“I love [my team]. They are so fun to be around. I definitely wouldn't do a sport if I didn't like the people I was doing it with,” Coert said. “I was on the soccer team freshman year, and [I didn’t feel as comfortable] and my cross country teammates were a lot nicer.”

Sophomore Alexandra Manss, who’s been running with Coert for two years, credits a lot of the sense of community on the team to Coert.

“Tessa inspires me so much. She was my first ever bus buddy when I was a freshman,” Manss said. “She’s so funny, but she also gives me really good advice and she’s made me the person I am today.”

Tessa Coert, varsity cross country team captain, indulges in her passions for art and athleticism, which provides her with life-long friendships and purpose

that's not the point,’” Coert said. “I originally wanted to be an animator, and after realizing I don’t have the patience for that, I figured the next best thing was character design. I think I’d be good at that because I like drawing people more than anything else.”

Coert is also very artistically inclined, being almost entirely self-taught and having loved art for “as long as [she] can remember.” She took her first art class junior year and was immediately recommended to the AP art program.

“People have always asked me, ‘What do you want to do with art? You're not gonna be the next DaVinci,’ and I'm like, ‘Well,

Coert is Filipina, and her ultimate dream with animation would be to create Filipino characters in homage to her culture.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of Filipino shows or Filipino kids in Western media. If I get into the animation industry and I get enough traction, making those characters and creating the representation I didn’t really get would be amazing,” Coert said.

Coert also expresses herself through writing. She recently found a story she began in the eighth grade, and has been working on it ever since. The protagonist was originally Hispanic, and her name was Kelsey.

“Since I rediscovered it, I changed her name to Tala and made her Filipino. I would want my first book, if I ever were to publish it, to be about an experience that I know how to write,” Coert said. “I understand the Filipino experience and perspective better, so I changed it to reflect what I know.”

by Ariya Anvari

Though backstage production isn’t always noticed, it is an integral part of the theater process.

Throughout high school, senior Anthony Argueta has been part of the drama department focused on play production, which in the last two years performed shows including “She Kills Monsters,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sweeney Todd,” Argueta also partakes in drama courses and Redondo’s ComedySportz team. Once he graduates high school he plans to work at a comic store or Staples over the summer. Longterm, he has goals of becoming an archeologist post-college.

“The biggest accomplishment that I've had in high school [is being able to] get close to a lot of people and become good friends with people that I've never thought I would be friends with,” Argueta said.

Aside from drama, Argueta notes he has a small group of friends that he hangs out with quite frequently.

“I feel grateful to have them. High school would have probably not been the same without having made those friends. I'm proud of the fact that I made it through high school and just went to school and made it,” Argueta said. “I value long lasting relationships. However, I am afraid of

ending friendships. That's one of my fears, losing touch with people.”

Argueta additionally has found many friends within the department, one such friend being senior Diego DiPasquo. DiPasquo has known Argueta since 6th grade and has been his friend for seven years.

“[Argueta] contributes to [drama] class as an actor. He's an extremely talented actor,ww and it's cool to see him grow from where he started to where he is now,” DiPasquo said.

“In the shows, [Argueta] always helps backstage. He's been a great crew member. I feel like he's really contributed to all the shows.”

In addition to drama, Argueta's favorite high school experience was going to social gatherings.

“It's really fun to be able to experience life on your own for the first time,” Argueta said.

“[Being around] people that are around your age and having those experiences, I think that's really important for young people in their development.”

Argueta joined ComedySportz

this year, ending up on varsity.

“ComedySportz has been really fun. In the beginning I was a little anxious about joining because I had never done improv before. [...] I guess [ComedySportz is] boosting my confidence in improvisation,”Argueta said.

His comedic inclination spans beyond the sports team as DiPasquo notes that Argueta, “lightens the mood” with his jokes whenever the two spend time to-

“[Argueta]'s still a little bit introverted, but he used to be very introverted. I think he's grown a lot. He's way more open to talking to people and way more excited [to do so],” DiPasquo said. “He is making more friends and is way more comfortable around people.”

Having been friends with Argueta since middle school, DiPasquo has grown to understand Argueta’s character, reflecting on qualities that make him such a good friend.

“[Argueta]'s very honest. You can always count on him, he is very trustworthy. You tell him

something, he'll never tell anyone else,” DiPasquo said. “If you tell him something, he's gonna respond honestly, and that's kind of hard to find in high school. It's really refreshing and really nice to have a friend who will always be honest.”

LELA DIVINITY

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

Rhythm in her soul

Shanaya Shaj found a passion for the art of Bollywood dancing

by Deeksha Prasad

An expressive and unique art form, dancing is an avenue for self ex pression and creativity and for senior Shanaya Shaj, it allows her to find new sides of herself and connect with her culture.

When Shaj was in elementary school, she performed Bollywood-inspired dances, taught to her by her mother at her school’s annual multicultural night.

“Multicultural night was an introduc tion to dance for me. I started slowly doing simple steps, and then, as years went on, it helped me dance at my current company,” Shaj said.

According to Shaj, when she started dancing, she found it “difficult” to grasp the choreography.

“When the teacher taught it, everyone else could remember it right off the bat and I would need weeks and weeks of practice just to remember one minute of choreog raphy but, nowadays, it's much easier to remember choreography as soon as it's taught [due to all the practice],” Shaj said.

Shaj initially started dancing at her mother’s request, but she started truly lov ing it because of the community. The peo ple she gets to meet and befriend through dance are, according to Shaj, her favorite part of the experience.

“On show days [my friends and I are] doing each other’s makeup, and sitting around and talking after each show. We get to help each other with our hair, and these other girly things. And I really enjoy that

by Sanaya Bhatt

From age four, hockey has always been an integral part of senior Bailey Au’s life. As he steps on the ice, playing for his last games of high school, he reflects on his hockey journey and his plans for the future.

ting exposed to much more Bollywood music,” Shaj said. “And to fashion as well as we have costumes for our Bollywood performances, which allow me to learn ent parts of India, which I’ve found really

Bollywood dance. I’ve gotten to see her come out of her shell, get better at facials, and be more energetic,” Mehta said. “I’ve seen her smile a lot more and with dance, you have to meet new people, and I feel like that outgoingness has really translated into her dance.”

Shaj also feels that dance has allowed her to be more “expressive.”

“In Bollywood dance, you have to be really dramatic and make those really dramatic faces and sometimes, I look goofy. Sometimes, I look really great,” Shaj said. Shaj’s dancing is extremely “clean,” according to Mehta.

“You can tell that she practices, and [the dance] turns out looking way cleaner than other people around her,” Mehta said. “You can tell that she really cares.”

Shaj sees dance as a way to not only get exercise and connect with her culture, but as a means to staying “productive.”

“Dance gives me a life outside of school. Sometimes, just going home can get boring. Then I get really unproductive," Shaj said. "So it helps when I get to be involved with dance; it makes me feel better about

RUHS Hockey Team Captain Bailey Au plans to continue his athletic career in college

Au’s love for hockey began the moment he picked up the hockey stick. Although he initially joined because of his friends, he gained a passion for hockey because of the “thrill” he feels while playing and the “new friends and memories” he’s made. Throughout his years playing the sport, Au has continued to progress and improve, including transitioning from the in-house league to travel.

“Towards my middle school years, I transitioned to travel hockey. Then COVID hit, so I had to stop for a while, so I ended up going back to a regular high school level," Au said. "In my sophomore year, I started the RUHS hockey team.”

Au was elated to play for the school after not being able during the pandemic, but the team faced “some challenges” in the beginning, including “not having a full team of Redondo players." Also, not everyone could have the same jerseys since they all weren’t actually from Redondo,” according to Au. His commitment to hockey impacts

“I do most of my homework in school,” Au said. “Whatever I don’t have finished by the time I leave school, I either do it before or after hockey. But if I have a big test coming up, I might need to sacrifice going to a practice. Playing a sport is great, but it’s also important to keep up your academics, especially if that’s something you want to focus on in the future too.”

Au is not only on the hockey team but also involved in several other clubs at school. Several of his clubs focus on community service, which is something that he prioritizes and recognizes to be part of what has made him into the person he is today. Much of the volunteering he’s done also ties into his interest in biomedical engineering, including clubs he’s participated in that relate to the medical field.

“A big one that I’ve done is the Red Cross Club. That one itself is pretty impactful, and beyond the club, I’ve also done other volunteering. Whether it’s working on first aid stations, or getting certifications for blood life services or basic life support, all these certifications and helping out the community are what have shaped me into the person I am,” Au said.

While being avidly involved in academ

“My greatest accomplishment in high school was probably getting an A in chemistry. Everyone else thought chemistry was really hard, and I also didn’t have a teacher for a month because she was on leave. Pushing through that and getting an A was a big accomplishment of

some of his memorable hockey experienc es, including his favorite moments from the sport regarding his position.

“I play defense, so whenever I score from the blue line it’s always rewarding. It’s [also] always fun when I bring it up from one side of the ice to the other and I can score. I think hockey is generally a pretty rewarding sport,” Au said.

Au is looking forward to attend ing Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) outside of Boston, Massa chusetts. After having been con tacted by the school’s club hock ey coach, he plans to play for the club team. He also plans to major in biomedical engineering and potentially pursue a related ca reer.

“I’m most excited for project based learning, meeting new peo ple, and experiencing hockey sea sons," Au said. "I also want to go more in depth with BME (biomedi cal engineering) and take advantage of the various internships.”

Amanda Goldstein

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

“AP Euro was my favorite class. People have so many opinions

AP Euro. I loved that class. It was really

my teacher

Kayla Roe

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

Shaj wears traditional attire when she dances. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAN-

Au played for three years for RU.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAILEY AU.

PITCHING & PEDIATRICS

by Katarina Sapina

Ava Mathew's journey with two of her passions started from a young age. Playing softball and dreaming of being a pediatrician since she was a child set her up for success in high school. Now, she is graduating with plans to study biology at the University of Massachusetts.

Mathew has played softball since the age of eight, and has played on varsity softball for the last three years. Reflecting back, she describes it as something that has “become a part” of her.

"I just feel good when I'm doing it. It’s who I am,” Mathew said. “The majority of the friendships I've made have come through softball.”

According to senior Nikki Reid, softball enabled her and Mathew to become best friends. Reid and Mathew met 10 years ago, but playing on the softball team together “improved [their] relationship.” Reid picked up certain traits from Mathew, such as becoming “more social.”

“Being best friends with a social person brought me out of my shell and showed me how to pick up new conversations with new people,” Reid said. “She’s very positive despite whatever situation we’re in. She’s impossible not to like.”

In addition to meeting friends, softball helped Mathew learn multiple qualities she believes will be "good for the future."

Boston-bound Ava Mathew balances varsity softball and pursuing a medical career

"It's taught me the importance of patience because it's a game where there are a lot of errors made, so I learned to control my emotions better through it," Mathew said. "It's given me traits like [improved] leadership and communication skills, which is good for jobs."

Mathew hopes to use these traits in her future plans to study biology and eventually become a pediatrician, which she has wanted to do since she was a child, as her dad's side of the family are all doctors. Becoming a pediatrician will allow her to combine her love of medicine with her passion for working with chil cording to Mathew.

"My mom tells me stories about how I used to read to kids at daycare because I felt bad that they were crying,

so I was the kid that helped out everyone else," Mathew said.

To prepare for her future career, Mathew completed the biomedical pathway at RUHS, taking four years of classes. In addition, Mathew participated in multiple programs such as a UCLA medicine summer camp, as well as an opportunity to shadow an orthopedic surgeon. These programs educated her on not just one type of doctor, but “so many wide varieties” of career paths in medicine, which has helped her

choose what she hopes to

“When I was joining high school, we did the tour about what you

can be a part of on campus. Bio-med stuck out to me because it was something related to becoming a doctor,” Mathew said. “It's definitely a good track to see what [medicine] is like.”

According to Mathew, her senior year flew by quicker than expected due to the tasks of maintaining good grades, softball practices and other extracurriculars. However, she considers senior year to be her favorite year.

"It's not just because of the lack of homework or an easier schedule, but just because [senior year] is something you've been looking forward to since freshman year, and it comes so fast, I don't even know how it's possible. I know that's stereotypical because everyone always says it goes by so fast, but it really does," Mathew said.

Although she's "excited to graduate" and move from one side of the country to the other for college, Mathew will miss the people at RUHS when she leaves.

"I'm going to really miss my teachers. I'm really sad because I made a lot of connections with them. And also my friends because I'm leaving all of them back on the West Coast," Mathew said. "I'm excited to go to college, but I'm also really sad that I'm not going to be a high-schooler anymore."

Dance guard captain Kaitlyn Cabahug reflects on her high school experience and prepares to attend the University of Oregon

by Celeste Ernau

There she goes! From the sunny beaches of southern California to the forest-filled coast of Oregon, senior Kaitlyn Cabahug is on her way to the University of Oregon, pursuing a degree in marine biology. With talks of her future ahead, Cabahug plans to take

being selected as guard captain her senior year, helping her learn more about leadership.

“My biggest takeaway from being on dance guard was learning about responsibility, as well as maintaining patience. You have to be very calm and collected with your team. It taught me a lot,” Cabahug said.

The program’s field shows allowed Cabahug a source of artistic expression and brought her closer to her teammates. Fellow dancer, senior Izzie Caldwell, notes on Cabahug’s time as captain.

“[Cabahug] is a good guard captain because she’s very kind and responsible. She makes the team feel very close, helping light us up with her jokes,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell noted the team’s camaraderie, perhaps due in part to Cabahug’s leadership.

“The chemistry on the team is amazing. We are all very close because we’re not a very large team. There’s no judgment and everyone is very honest and supportive,” Caldwell said.

Alongside her teammates in dance guard, Cabahug’s teachers greatly impacted how she came to experience high school, especially in helping her find a positive outlook on herself beyond what she did in the

classroom. As Cabahug worked through four AP classes her senior year, she noted how her teachers were able to help support her.

“I’m most grateful for my teachers who gave me the opportunity to understand I am worth it," Cabahug said.

"Throughout high school, I’ve been defining myself through academics, and I am so glad that I had teachers that didn’t define me as that."

Although the connection Cabahug feels with her teachers now is strong, she was confined to a computer screen as the main mode of her education during her freshman year.

“Starting on Zoom definitely affected my freshman year experience. Now that I’m a senior, I’m sad about leaving high school because I feel like I never got the full four years, which sucks since high school is such an important milestone,” Cabahug said.

Despite an incomplete high school experience, Cabahug is moving on to focus on her future in Oregon. With her selection

of the University of Oregon, Cabahug emphasizes how the university's geographical location will be a good fit for her.

“I want to be away from home, but I don’t want to be too far away, and Oregon is just right up the coast. I’ll get to experience something different, as California is very industrialized, and it’s a very pretty state, but Oregon is surrounded by nature,” Cabahug said.

Before Cabahug leaves for college in the fall, she enjoys her final days as a senior, leaving a parting message for next year’s seniors to remember the importance of living in the moment.

“Enjoy where you are right now. Don’t look at the future just yet, or you will miss everything and have it pass you by,” Cabahug said. “Be in the present, you will have so much time to think about the future later on.”

has dedicated herself to the program, even

Fly to the

FUTURE

FUTURE FUTURE FUTURE FUTURE

by Athena Saadzoi

Gazing at a uniformed cadet , senior Lauren Victoria didn’t think she could see herself there. Yet, she simultaneously felt “called to go” to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), a military service academy located in El Paso County, Colorado. Leadership and military training are among the many opportunities provided by the school. There, Victoria plans to major in Biology as a result of her interest in the medical field.

“It was definitely surreal because in my head the service academy was kind of like an image that I had in my brain. But once I was there, I was able to really see the cadets on campus and [what] they were [doing],” Victoria said.

Parachuting, gliding and getting the chance to travel and immerse oneself in a variety of clubs sponsored by the Air Force Academy are just a portion of what she found to be “definitely appealing” when considering this academy.

“There’s unlimited opportunities that most college students wouldn’t have,” Victoria said. “I also get to study alongside other individuals who are ambitious and interested in improving themselves.”

In contrast, the school can be a “difficult path” for some according to Victoria, due to

its emphasis on military principles.

“It’s a lot more rigid and you have a controlled four years of your life there,” Victoria said. “It’s very high demand, there’s a lot of high expectations for cadets that go there, from having lunch formations to physical fitness.”

Despite these challenges, she was “very set” on attending USAFA because of her dad, who had served in the Air Force for over 20 years. On top of that, her time in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) during high school has given her traits she “wouldn’t have developed otherwise” and the chance to be a leader, which encouraged her final decision.

“I’ve learned a lot of lessons, like setting the example, which is just knowing the importance of leading in a way that inspires others to follow you. [I’ve learned] a lot of skills that I don’t think any high schooler normally would learn this early on in life and I feel like I’m going to have a lot more success in my future because of JROTC.,”

Victoria said.

As the Company Commanding Officer, meaning she oversees all students in JROTC, and the President of Biomed Club, Victoria believes her exposure to leadership has “paved the way for a successful future.”

Lauren Victoria will use her skills as JROTC Commander to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado

“First, being a leader is not easy. There are a lot of things that come with it, a lot of responsibility and accountability. There will be a lot of challenging times in be ing a leader because it means that you’re taking on not only your responsibility, but the well-being of everyone else under you,” Victoria said. “It just taught me to be more disciplined and mindful of the ac tions that I take and the words that I say. [It also showed me how to better] work and collaborate with others, even if it might not be the easiest thing to do.”

Furthermore, the memories she has made in the program throughout her four years there and the people she has met is something Victoria will “miss a lot” as her high school journey comes to an end.

“It’s kind of like a roller coaster, but it’s the people I’ve gotten closer to throughout these years that have made me stay,” Victoria said. “Knowing that I have an impact in this pro gram and in this community just inspires me to keep going.”

As one chapter ends,

another filled with many opportunities begins, where the challenges she initially faced to get into USAFA become

“The process is extensive and difficult and there might be times when you want to quit,” Victoria said. “But if you are passionate about it and you are willing to put in the work to successfully turn in an application, then I think it will be worth it in the end because of all the opportunities and the world-class education that you can be

Tejas Mistry overcomes Tibial Hemimelia and rises up through the ranks to become the Master of Ceremonies for JROTC

by Nathaniel Wellen

When Tejas Mistry enrolled in JROTC he understood a future career in the military was never an option. Since Mistry was born with Tibial Hemimelia, a condition that fused his right ankle, and caused him to be born with seven toes, two of which had to be amputated, Mistry isn’t eligible to join the military. Yet, the skills he acquired through his four years in the program throughout his life.

Even with complications with his leg, Mistry still joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). The primarily student-led program offered by the Marine Corps, in which high school students learn leadership, volunteer for community service, and advance in the ranks year after year.

“Initially, I just joined [JROTC] to get out of PE. I actually enjoyed it so much. You build a community and there are so many opportunities through JROTC. It became a big part of my identity,” Mistry said. Throughout his time at JROTC, Mistry has risen through the ranks. In JROTC freshman year, Mistry was a member of one of three squads in a class period. In his sophomore year, he was a squad leader

and then was promoted to platoon guide, the person who carries a red flag to lead the entire class, also known as a platoon, in marching. Junior year Mistry became a platoon commander, managing an entire period of students. Finally, in his senior year Mistry was promoted to one of the top four leaders on the adjutant of the program. He is the Master of Ceremonies at all the Redondo JROTC events. However, one issue made junior year as a platoon com mander chal lenging.

“[Being a platoon command er] was a hard time because our instructor at the time left.

I was teaching how to march, I was moderat ing tests, I was coming up with lessons, and I was teaching a

lot of lessons, and that really prepared me to be a leader,” Mistry said.

Because he’s had to step up and earn his way to becoming a high-ranking officer, Mistry learned helpful life skills along the way.

“JROTC’s taught me a lot of organizational skills and a lot of time management. In JROTC when you’re planning the events, you need to manage every single step of the event. You can apply that to your own life

After high school, Mistry plans to go to University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and major in political science and then attend law school.

“I really love government and history. I like the application of history and how it relates

to the present. I got really interested in [political science and law] through [AP U.S. History junior year, and AP European History sophomore year],” Mistry said.

Mistry’s organizational JROTC skill set has positively influenced his life at home; so much so, that his journey to college will leave his brothers initiating some of their own productiveness.

“I’ll miss the way he gets things done,” Tejas Mistry’ freshman brother Kavan Mistry said. “If we had to do a chore, he’d make us all get up from what we’re doing and do it as a team. This teamwork would never happen without [Tejas] initiating it.”

After four years at JROTC, Mistry still has a genuine “passion” for the program and all the skills he’s adopted.

“JROTC is less of a responsibility and more of a fun activity I look forward to doing, which is the goal for anything you do in life,” Mistry said. “With JROTC it’s more like a family feeling because everyone's an JROTC cadet looking out for and supporting each other. It’s definitely made me more comfortable being a leader and someone that people will listen to.”

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

PAINTING THE COMMUNITY

by Kat Otey

From posters to murals to woven beads, making art doesn’t only allow senior Clare Maloney to feel good, but to also do good for her community.

“I've always loved art,” Maloney said. “My grandma was an artist, so growing up I did a lot with her, and I self-taught from there for fun.”

Beyond just a hobby, Maloney spent her high school career using her creative inclination to improve her community, another passion of hers. The two combined in her time volunteering for Access Books, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, helping to collect books for, assemble or renovate school libraries in “underserved areas.” In her six years of volunteering, she has been a part of this process for over 40 libraries, which includes painting murals with book characters and quotes at the request of the school librarians.

Although she loves the colors, painting flowers and the final product, Maloney also values the change she and the organization have been able to make.

“In eighth grade, I led a book drive and we collected about 2000 books,” Maloney said. “It was super special because my mom's a teacher in LAUSD and Gardena and the books that we collected went to her school. A lot of the schools are far away, so we don't get to see them. But my mom told me about how surprised the kids were

and how much they loved it, and now their library is super full and has all these new books. The fulfillment of seeing the library done, and all of the colors and everything, keeps me coming back.”

Maloney has also found this fulfillment in her involvement in ASB, which she began in middle school and continued for three years in high school. ASB allows her to participate in leader ship and the planning process behind the scenes of school organized events- which for Maloney is “more fun than just attending the events.” Like at Access Books, she has found ways to contribute her creative and leader ship skills to the program.

“For my first two years of ASB, I think that ASB for me was a lot about being creative,” Maloney said. “The first year, I was publicity manager. That tied into art because I was helping make flyers and posters and organizing all of that. At all of the dances, when we have the photo booths- the little logos on the bottom [of the photos], I usually make those.”

Clare Maloney uses her artistic skills to aid the community in and outside of school

Maloney as “a leader amongst leaders,” which Maloney said has been a “special” opportunity.

ASB advisor Lisa Hedspeth describes

“As a leader, people gravitate to her,” Hedspeth said. “You can have the title and not be a leader. She has the title and takes it seriously. When she runs meetings, it's flawless. Whatever she's in charge of, she does it with such due diligence that it's inspiring to everyone in the room, including myself.”

Although Hedspeth has led the ASB program for only two of the last three years that Maloney has been a part of it, she has seen Maloney’s “dedication” to the program and to the community they build at RUHS.

“This year, she’s been taking the lead and seeing the school through a different lens. She’s always had the confidence. But now she has this state of urgency; she wants to make it the best year not just for her senior class but for all four grade levels,” Hedspeth said. “She wants everybody to have the best year. She's the hardest worker in that class- weekends, nights, whenever, but she won't tell you that.”

Along with ASB, Maloney took AP Art in

her junior year and spent over four months working on a project that went on to win the mixed media category of an annual art contest held by Congressman Ted Lieu.

Although the project (a bead-embroidered model focusing on the topic of coral bleaching) was “time-consuming” and required threading “so many tiny beads,” Maloney remained motivated because of her passion for not only art, but also the topic of the piece- an extension of her passion for “community building and beautification,” environmental sustainability.

Maloney plans to study sustainability in college, combining an Environmental Studies Degree with a business or marketing component so that she can work with businesses to promote sustainable practices. When she leaves to do so next year, Hedspeth says that the ASB program will feel different in Maloney's absence.

“She's always that constant in the room. I don't think I can replace her. She makes everybody around her better. She’s such a positive energy,” Hedspeth said. “She's such an authentic human. I’m going to miss her, but I know she's going to go do her thing out there, and I’m so proud.”

Colin Chia partakes in the creation of youth mental health and educational support center, allcove

by Safi Hamilton-Torres

Senior Colin Chia is an “all-American” guy who has a packed high school schedule of multiple sports, all AP classes, playing the piano and being an ASB secretary treasure. As one of the founders, his most valued hobby is volunteering at allcove, a local wellness center focused on aiding the youth.

Despite initially struggling to decide which university to attend, Chia committed to UCLA and is majoring in psychology out of his curiosity for the subject. He commends the support from his family as a critical factor to his success in life.

“My parents have been a significant factor in my success in high school. They're always there for me supporting me and pushing me to be the best that I can be. Without them, I don't think I could be even close to who I've become today,” Chia said.

Looking back on his volunteering contributions, Chia shares one his many leadership moments, such as brainstorming the ideas and layout to create allcove, where he spends hours giving back to the community by volunteering.

“I was first part of allcove leadership during sophomore year. allcove used to be a cancer research center on the 4th floor

that was shut down and abandoned. But after six to eight months of construction and planning, we were able to efficiently open the doors up to the public and be able to see it grow and see many people walk through the doors and utilize the resources that we provide, it’s one of my greatest accomplishments,” Chia said.

One of Chia's closest friends since elementary school, senior Griffin Galimi, de scribes the moment he found out he and Chia were going to the same college and would continue to “grow” and “go through life” together.

“Colin is very de termined, and pas sionate. I was just there as a friend to help him ex press that passion with science. We’ve done so many projects together over the years. I've known him for so long.

Realizing that I have

someone that’s been close to me for my whole life is now leaving is crazy, until I found out that we are both going to UCLA. Not only have we grown up together, we'll get to continue to grow together. We'll get to see how we come out in the world and what great things we will do,” Galimi said.

Colin Chia’s little sister, freshman Caleigh Chia, started seeing her

growing up and finishing up his final year of high school.

“He works very hard, and he's naturally a leader that’s dedicated. He knows how to have fun but also sets his priorities straight. He's a chill brother. It’s awesome that this year we're in the same ASB class. He inspires me so much, he guides and helps me understand who I want to grow up to be,” Caleigh Chia said.

Although Caleigh Chia will miss the proximity, she looks forward to seeing her brother move onto the next chapter of his life.

“I’m happy to know that he's always right next door for any questions about anything like math and ASB. He chose UCLA over Berkeley, so he can be close to us. He perseveres through all of his challenges," Caleigh Chia said. "Even when he doesn't have as much [free time] because he's always trying to help the community, I’m grateful we can stay in touch through Facetime and family trips and that he’s a phone call away if I need any help on homework.”

PHOTO BY TREASURED

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

Maloney paints a flower mural in an elementary school library. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARE MALONEY

Chia (center) attends an allcove event. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLIN CHIA

BOOKING IT

by Ava Anzivino

Yearbook Editors-In-Chief Iris Reyes, Kate Fukishima and Espy Carolipio look back at their time together as program leaders

It takes a lot of patience to endure

an entire school year of long work nights, prolonged editing periods that consist of staring at a Macbook until your eyes glaze over. However, this year’s yearbook staff managed to persevere and reach their deadline just in time, with the help of their leadership, seniors Iris Reyes, Kate Fukishima and Espy Carolipio.

The trio was selected at the end of their junior year to be the editors-in-chief (EIC) of the 20232024 yearbook staff.

KATE FUKISHIMA SENIOR “

was scheduled for after the deadline. Last year we just submitted the entire book all at once, so this year was rough in terms of meeting deadlines,” Carolipio said.

That moment afterwards where we were all just hit with relief, and we were all able to celebrate with each other was definitely something I’ll never forget."

The three “had their worries,” but were ultimately ready to take on the role, according to Reyes.

“I feel like last year’s EIC’s were really good leaders. They prepared us nicely. So I’d say that it wasn’t too hard once I was in the position, but it was a little nerve wrack ing because of the long nights and how per fect you need to make sure the book is,” Reyes said.

Under a new advisor, Lucy Velasco, the new leadership had to work together to nav igate the ropes of pro ducing the yearbook. In addition, their printing plant established new deadlines for the staff to make, which forced the staff to make a drastic adjustment to the way they worked in previous years.

“Our [printing] plant this year made us turn in only parts of the book, so we had a lot more widespread deadlines. It was difficult because we had a chronological book, so when we did have those deadlines it got re ally stressful because maybe something

In order to manage the workload, the staff had to participate in many long work days, going from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends, even devoting their weeknights to work on the yearbook.

“We work how we normally would in class, but it’s usually much quieter. It was almost like an office job,” Carolipio said. “When we have the time, [work nights] can be a good way to get to know everyone as we just talk and hang out.”

Alongside the hustle and bustle of the yearbook room, the three had their own

found out I was going to be a yearbook EIC, I had already been elected as ASB president, and I was scared that one role was going to get more time than the other.”

Despite their multiple responsibilities, the three were able to find the correct balance of work through cooperation and depending on one another to step in when someone had another task.

“

A

“Being the captain of the competition cheer team, especially this year with the new team and titles, was a huge [commitment]. I did try to prioritize the yearbook, but there were so many other things that I was responsible for, so I had to figure it all out,” Reyes said. “I’d definitely say that [Carolipio] really kept us organized when [Fukishima] and I had other stuff to attend to. She was always or-

“At first I was really nervous that when I was working with my peers, they’d feel like I was above them, so I began communicating much more and got way better at it. This way, they felt like I was still a leader to them, but I wanted to make sure that they also saw me as a friend,” Fukishima said.

While in this role, they attempted to extend their leadership to reach everyone, most specifically the underclassmen who were new to the program. Through a month of training and a full school year of collaboration, the three felt the underclassmen “definitely caught on.”

big part of Yearbook is being able to go out and talk to people without getting scared of making connections. So I feel throughout the year, the EIC’s really tried to push the new staff."

IRIS REYES SENIOR

“My

“A big part of Yearbook is being able to go out and talk to people without getting scared of making connections. So I feel throughout the year, the EIC’s really tried to push the new staff to be a little more out there. That was our main goal,” Reyes said. Through the trio’s effort to perfect their leadership, as well as keep the staff’s contributions, they were able to turn in the yearbook right on time. Despite the stress and added responsibility the role put on the three, it has offered them an experience that they consider “very memorable.”

“Submitting the book was so exciting. I remember all of the editors hovering around one computer hurrying to make sure we didn’t miss the deadline,” Fukishima said. “But that moment afterwards where we were all just hit with relief and we were all able to celebrate with each other was definitely something I’ll never forget.”

“Don't

GIULIA PAGANELLI

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

From left to right: Yearbook Writing Editors-in-Chief Sadie Williams, Giulia Paganelli and Editors-in-Chief Iris Reyes, Kate Fukishima and Espy Carolipio PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK

RU WATCHING?

Charlotte Reis leads both Girls Soccer and RUTV and hopes to continue participating in both activties throughout college

by Francisco Villegas

Whether she's on the soccer field or in the studio, senior Charlotte Reis has made her way into leadership roles throughout her time at RUHS. Reis is both starting goalkeeper for the Varsity Girls Soccer program and show director for RUTV.

Reis joined the RUTV program going into freshman year because she thought it would be a fun elective as she saw how the school broadcast was run at her middle school, but was still unsure about her choice and planned to leave the program if she didn't feel like it was for her. To Reis’s surprise, it was a better fit than she could have imagined.

would help me learn more about the newsroom, and then I could apply it to what I want to do in college broadcasting-wise or even for anything past college.”

The advisor for the RUTV program, Matt Sheehey, notices that since she joined the program, Reis has had a growth in her responsibility and confidence.

“She's in charge of the show. She puts on her headset, yells quietly on the set and everyone, even me, stops what they're doing,” Sheehey said. “Her responsibilities grew since she took over and she has done a phenomenal job at directing our program.”

personality on camera, as well as ensuring that the sound and technical engineers are doing their work properly. Even with all she is responsible for now, Reis is confident in the future of the program after she moves on.

“I've known the underclassmen for years now, since some of them came in as freshmen. I fully believe that they know the ins and outs of RUTV. They will be able to not only keep the show up to the current standard, but also inspire change and raise its status among broadcasting pro grams across the nation,” Reis said.

Reis worked her way through a year on Junior Varsity, and has played her junior and senior campaigns as Varsity starter.

“I have mixed feelings about this season, only because last year we were able to go to the second round of CIF Division 1 and we lost to a team competitive with us,” Reis said. “This year, we couldn't get out of the first round and the difference was that the other team weren't actually better than us, but they tried harder than we did. I'm still proud that we made the playoffs, beat a very good opponent in Palos Verdes and competed heavily with Costa, especially on senior night.”

“I took a leadership position early in my junior year because I realized [broadcasting is] what I want to do with my life instead of anything STEM related,” Reis said. “I figured if I become a leader, the role

Show director is a position in RUTV that comes with a lot of responsibility as Reis directly oversees the recording of the broadcast. This comes with making sure anchors are in the correct position and show good

Although Reis is sat isfied with where she is leaving RUTV, she feels there was some unfinished business left with how her last season of Re dondo soccer fin ished. Having played soccer since she was three years old and having been in soccer clubs since fifth grade, Reis came to Re dondo and spent her first year on the Frosh team.

Reis has decided to follow the path she has been on since her childhood and Chicago State University to play Division 1 soccer and study communications.

“Both [careers] teach you how to be a leader. You learn to speak up for not just yourself but also advocate for others whether you're talking to a coach or your teacher,” Reis said. “You have to direct others and keep things running smoothly to build something to be proud of and remember.”

Lola Diehl shares her creativity with the world through illustrations for the High Tide

by Isabella Kohler

Apencil and a blank canvas are the only two necessities for senior Lola Diehl when it comes to creating her works of art. As her pencil glides across her paper, she feels her true self come alive.

“My dad used to color with me a lot and over time it became my interest. I used to trace pictures off the TV and color them in Sharpies and at some point, I was like, ‘It'd be kind of cool if I could do this without the tracing part’ and I just stuck with it,” Diehl said. “I couldn't put my finger on exactly what I loved about it, but it became something that I wanted to be good at.”

Diehl’s passion for art began at a very young age, with her dad, Alex Diehl inspiring her creativity in the hopes of raising her to be as artistic as possible.

“From a very early age, I wanted Lola to be artistic,” Alex Diehl said. “I used to throw a lot of different forms of art at her to see if she would respond to any of them and she responded to colors and pictures.”

Diehl’s parents exposed her to many forms of creativity from the moment she was born, and this exposure fueled her artistic mind.

“[Diehl’s] mom was very into reading and so we had [Diehl] looking at books since before she could read,” Alex Diehl said. “ She really responded to stories told through pictures. I think that’s what helped her move in the direction of creativity.”

Diehl’s father hopes that her creativity will prevent her from looking at prob-

lem-solving as “formulaic” and instead believes that her creative mind will lead her to think outside the box and form her own opinions.

“She has created her own way that she can clearly think for herself without falling into somebody else's formula to solve something. Hopefully she’ll take an artistic approach to not just art, but problem solving or challenges. I'm hoping that that creativity in her sparks a creative way of solving problems, not the expected way,” Alex Diehl said.

with lizards when she was in kindergarten to her appreciation of thought, Diehl has always included the things that she loves in life, in her art

Diehl’s art has always been influenced instead by the things that she loves the most. From her obsession

“I'm a bit shy with the way that I present myself in my art, so a lot of my art doesn't tend to center around me; instead, a lot of it is what I really enjoy or what I like to think about ,things like friendships or TV shows. I’m still trying to find my voice and the kind of work that I feel passionate about,” Diehl said.

Diehl’s passion for drawing and making her ideas come to life is what fueled her decision to not pursue animation as a career in an attempt to not tarnish her love for her craft.

“I draw all the time, on everything. It's just not something I would see myself enjoying getting paid to do because that relation-

ship with your art changes when it becomes your source of income. I’ll always love drawing, and I'm still drawing everything, all the time, every day. It's my favorite thing to do,” Diehl said.

“People making their own things is what I appreciate the most. It's so vulnerable. That is what I think is so fascinating. It's not necessarily the art itself. So often people think, ‘What can we buy?’ but when you don't think of it as what already exists, and instead think of it as ‘Oh, if I want this, I can make it,’ the world just seems so much more interesting,” Diehl said.

Diehl has created illustrations for the High Tide in the past, which she views as an opportunity to put herself out there and make herself more comfortable with the idea of people seeing her work. However, the true meaning of her art lies in what she creates for herself and the growth that she endures.

“The quote ‘Only compare yourself to yourself yesterday’ re-wired my brain because whenever I was thinking I wasn’t good enough, it made me realize that at least I'm better than I was yesterday,” Diehl said. “Being ‘good at art’ is something that younger me was always chasing, but being ‘good at art’ can mean so many different things to so many different people, there isn’t really a meaning to it.”

minor in Business

“I'll miss the people for sure. I'm gonna keep in touch with a lot of my close friends, but also probably will lose a lot of connections. It'll suck not being able to talk to them or see them consistently."

MIA NISHIMURA

PHOTO BY TREASURED

1. Lola Diehl posing with her illustrations and High Tide cover art PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK

Charlotte Reis posing on the set of RUTV PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK

Charlotte Reis setting up her microphone PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK

seeds in the wind...

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Alexander Bloomer

Leila Butler

Basha Choudhury

Chasya Choudhury

Tessa Coert

Vito De Luca

Simone Furst

Natalie Goldman

Luke Goldmann

Gigi Lewis

Peter Rosenbaum

Matthew Ruhe

Finley Smigel

Evan Solmon

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Benjamin Bacher

Maxwel Bouffiou

Caitlyn Cisneros

Noah Day

Sara Downing

Sofia Halpin

Giancarlo Lombardo

Jenna MacLennan

Riley Nix

Adric Stedman-Sweet

Dylan Thomson

Malia Wilken

California State University, Maritime Academy

El Camino College

Natalie Aguilar

Eghosa Aifuwa

Easton Allison

Kollin Anbiai-Fard

Jackson Andrews

Marco Antonio-Matthews

Giovanni Anzelmi

Jonathan Aquino

Kairon Arcinas

Tiffany Arenas

Anthony Argueta

Gwenyth Ashcraft

Cassandra Avila

Sophia Bain

Kayna Baird

Sean Barajas

Madeline Barham

Julianna Barravecchio

Spencer Bayless

Jeremy Beauchamp

Indie Beamont-Gould

Charles Bernardo Yu

Joshua Bible

Luke Bower

Joseph Bradley

Georgina Brambila

Ava Grace Bree

Ava Brinjak

Yssa Bumagat

Sebastiano Bystedt

Camilo Cadena

Alastair Calder

Isabel Caldwell

Alexis Camfield

Darren Camou

Savanna Campbell

Naomi Cardenas

Santiago Cardona

Sofia Caro

Esperanza Carolipio

Robert Hibbitt

California State University, Chico

Jalissa Guzman

Bryanna Lool

Julia Lyons

Lucas Neubauer

Chelsea Podoll

William Rumminger

California State University, Dominguez Hills

Erick Castillo

Jasmine Puka

Sebastian Rivero

California State University, Fullerton

Phillip Bryan

Abigail Cox

Saamanth Gorripati

Henry Humphrey

Reid Kaluger

Marina Noriega

Dominick Phegley

Denys Polshyn

Zachary Soria

Brendon Stroderd

California State University, Long Beach

Sofia Apitz

Lewis Bonetati

Siena Chin

Isabella Carrell Adriana Carrillo

Diego Caruso

Veronica Castro

Julian Cebrian Flores

Haley Chaffin

Jael Chavez-Jaime

Dylan Cheng

Charlotte Chesterton

Aaron Chiu

Karen Clark

Kathleen Clark

Lilyth Coleman

Jessica Cote

Laurel Cox

Andres Cruz

Stavros Dalis

Keilani Danne

Lucy Davis

Mateo De La Borda

Jackson De La Torre

Jessie De La Torre

Tyler De Lara

Fabiana Del Pino

Drea Del Rosario

Jaden Delaney

Tara Derambakhsh

Vince Dieu

George Dillon Cierra Dowdell

Sadie Duchin

Ty Eberhardt

Christian Estrada

Ricky Flores

Mia Frank Kennedy Franz

Matthew Freeman

Aaron Frias

Cameron Gain

William Galin

Ava Ganny

Alexis Garcia

Madilynn Collins

Brent Elmore

Chase Evans

Lilyanne Houng

Lauryn Hughley

Nicholas Neubauer

Chidinma Nwokorie-Ndudi

Anthony Pham

Jarren Rosadini

Carmen Sanchez

Savannah Wheat

California State University, Los Angeles

Madison Clark

Devin Ringer

California State University, Monterey Bay

Austen Castro-Kahn

Rilee Graham

Samantha Gutmann

Sophia Kleinhofer

Sebastian Tejeda

California State University, Northridge

Sonny Hurtado

Jeffrey McGlothen

Spencer Waldron

California State University, Sacramento Christopher Cole

Maliyah James

Isyss Garcia

Siena Garza

Savanna Geiger

Ranya Ghazal

Emily Glasgow

Jheslyn Gonzales

Benjamin Gonzalez

Ruka Gorordo

Juan Guerra

Dante Guevara

Kaelyn Harvey

Taylor Hauman

Bryce Hayes

Kaitlyn Hodac

Steven Holcombe

Nicholas Holmstedt

Brooke Hoyem

Navonna Hupach

Muhammed Hussain

Isaac Hussaini

Haley Jaimes

Arayanna Jimenez

Joshua Johnson

Savanna Jordan

Anthony Kassabian

Christian Keane

Alexandra Kelly

Ryan Kenney

Kaden Kim

Kian Kim

Tyler King

Kinsey Konrad

Michael Kronen

Jersee La Firenza

Delyjah Lacy-Covarrubias

Camila Lara

Tal Levy

Sophia Lewis

Louis-Antoine Liambi

Mathilde-Berthe

Liambi

California State University, San Marcos

Cassidy Barnes

Chloe Curtin

Lane Livingston

Geneva Nix

Chapman University

Sienna Lewis

Cuesta College

Samantha Brecker Cypress College

Erick Espinoza

Irvine Valley College

Nicholas Lee

Long Beach City College

Daniel Birch

Kyler Gloth

Shaun Sexton

Jake Van Leeuwen

Alexander Yin

Los Angeles Harbor College

Roman Broughton

Joseph Gabriel

Ashley Gomez

Anthony Holmes

Loyola Marymount University

Elizabeth Baranowski

Jacob Miller

Ava Slavin

Dashuwan Liampetchakul

Ethan Lim

Jiselle Lim

Vincent Lombardo

Lidia Lopez

Maximiliano Lopez

Ramiro Lopez-Aviles

Madeline Mary Lujan

Julliana Macias

Amelia Maher

Victor Marquez

Jose Martinez

Katie Martinez

Farani Maschmeyer

Nicole Mathews

Christian McComas

Jake McEntyre

Dominic Medina

Ruben Mendoza III

Chris Merino

Matteo Merlo

William Michaels

Sarkis Minasian

Matthew Molinero

Hanna Momani

Riley Moore

Isaac Morales

Ruby Morales

Sebastian Moreno

Jada Morgan

Olivia Mozian

Daniel Mullins

Addison Munoz

Shane Murphy

Hudson Muus

Aiden Nakai

Minh-Tuan Nguyen

Tyler Nguyen

Tresor Ok

Gavriel Olschwang

Menlo College

Matthew Verdugo

Northwood University

Charlie Stober

Occidental College

Michelle Ngo

Lokelani Young

Otis College of Art and Design

Daniel Arellano

Anthony Qerbash

Riverside City College

Kenrick Umanzor-Veliz

Saddleback College

Deanna Ralls

Saint Mary's College of California

Dylan Leoff

San Diego State University

Elan Adatto

Christian Aguilar

Katherine Fukushima

Annaliz Gomez

Cailin Havrilchak

Taylor Holmes

Summer Milczus

Lalitha Muttulingam

Kyle Nguyen

Noah Ponce

Skylar Rothschild

Bobby Shaw III

Joshua Olson

Katy Orre

Kayla Aimery

Orudzhyan

Rebecca Otero

Derek Owens

Nathaniel Parks

Andrew Pearson

Brian Peluso Greenfield

Maddox Perez

Nikolas Petraborg

Bradley Pettitt

Summer Phillips

Annealyce Pina

Ronald Preciado

Lilie Pua

Nicholas Quach

Jayden Quimbayo

Maiya Quinn

Jonathan Quinto

Bardia Rahimi Moghadam

Jacob Ramos

Sebastian Ricardo

Jordyn Richardson

Amaya Ricks

Aya Robb

Katelyn Rose

Jason Ross

Layla Saldana

Britney Sanchez

Kevin Sanchez

Oscar Sanchez

Charles Sarconi

Takuma Sato

Maximus Serrano

Shanaya Shaj

Matthew Shamburg

Laura Shea

Anson Siegel

Leeann Sigala-Shep-

herd

Matthew Simon

Antonio Smith

Isaiah Solis

Isaac St. Clair

Sofiia Steblivets

Luciana Stuppa

Quinn Sulikowski

Ash Sun

Theron Sutton

Alice Swindell

Xavier Sy

Ethan Syring

Eli Szuchan

Victor Takeda

Robert Taleff

Gavin Taylor

Jade Thomas

Dylan Thome

Christopher Tierney

Nicolas Tomsio

Angelo Torreto

Nikita Tsygankov

Fernando Tzec-Uribe

Christina Umemura

Hassan Vaden

Riley van Bommel

Giovanni Vasquez

Gutierrez

Julia Villalobos

Luciano Waltenspuel

Connor Washlake

Jessie Weiser

Darin Wilson

Nolan Wolschon

Evelio Wright

Braden Wylie

Don York

Lara Younes

Alex Tang

Elliott Underwood

San Jose State University

Cole Barnes

Blake Brehm

Brian Brehm

Rebecca Fung

Nathan Lozano Mahoney

Gabriella Shaw

Lauren Strazzeri

Santa Barbara City

Liora Brill

Bella Celis

Addison Eastwood

Tyler Klade-Klein

Matthew Millea

Evan Moyer

Madeline Ramirez

Taven Siegel

Olevia Sumner

Andrew Vargas

Santa Monica College

Carissa Arroyo

Zeeshan Asad

Kayla Benitez

Kaia Couden

Carson Cox

Olivia De La Torre

Jevan Dorbor

Liam Foley

Jasiah Jimerson

Amelia LaGumina Paul Mardikian

Joseph Olin

Sophia Panos Luigi Raffo

Jordan Rankins Viviana Salas Camryn Wilson Jack Wollwage

Stanford University

Nathan Stiveson

United Education Institute

David Leon

University of California, Berkeley

Brady Batacan

Tess Clendenin

Lani Jones

Isaac Kong

Catharine Maloney

Rishi Pandey

Emily Poladian

Jack Raynor

University of California, Davis

Heidi Arellano

Calvin Bonn

Isabelle Cates

Yuma Kaneko

Allison Trewin

Brendan Beizerman

Payton Boitano

Austin Flippo

Nathaniel Hwang

Mylee Kim

Owen Scotting

Aditya Warrier

Noah Weiss

Yokogawa

of California,

Camilla Brennan

Colin Chia

Carter Choi

Serena Daley

Griffin Galimi

Owen Larson

University of California, Santa Barbara

Jenna Cozza

Lola Diehl

Kaitlyn Doan

Piper Flaherty

Derek Flippo

Case Fulton

Sophia Grabher

Katie Hessing

Isabella Garofalo

Max Kassman

Cameron Kelly

Cara Leal

Christoph Olejniczak

Nicholette Reid

Nicole Rondeau

Kylie SaeOng

Riley Schatz

Margaret Spalding

Carter Wang

University of San Diego

Kinsey Runquist

Brayden Zarefsky

University of Southern California

Allison Lin

Jake Lyle

Mackenzie Miller

Caden Wylie

Simra Zargar

Westmont College

Eric Rodriguez

flying over California

May Le

Gordon McKellips

Charlotte Milhorn

Daniel Rosado

Victor Simoes

University of California, Merced

Alexander Cutsail

University of California, Riverside

Jayden Cheng

Samantha Edelstein

Kaitlyn Ferrer

Abigail Ho

Nadia Hoang

Christopher Je

Amanda Ryan

University of California,

Romi Riss

Ethan Lerner

Connor Ruhe

Amy Saffer

Tate Safon

Kayla Spalding

Bridget Swift

University of California,

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SCARLETT MISCHE PHOTOS OF POPPIES BY MIA CIELAK

Auburn University

Mia Law

Samford University

Alex Minestrella

The University of Alabama

Isabella Mazza

Kaleb Moore

Maxwell Moore

The University of Alabama (Birmingham)

Jason Zera

The University of Alabama (Huntsville)

Colin Kelly

Arizona State UniversityTempe

Audrey Lie

Meredith Loewenstein

Karni Magdesian

Mason Mussetter

Ryan Pak

Kyle Prupas

Kattalee Segal

Raychel Watts

Catherine Wong

Northern Arizona University

Michael Jones

Sofia Brewer

Azalea Gleason

Orion Hingley

The School of Ballet Arizona

Henry Deane

University of Arizona

Nico Brancato

Hunter Brown

Nicklas Charles

Olivia D'Angelo

Jake Forbes

Molly Golper

Wyatt Holt

Cy Porter

Jamie Vasquez

Colorado State University-Fort

Collins

Henry Cushman

Lucy Kich

Scarlett Kindt

Gillian Scully

Ellison Toone

Richard Welch

Kiana Yantz

United States Air Force

Academy

Alexander Lyukmanov

Lauren Victoria

University of Colorado Boulder

Max Abramowski

Amy Byars

Trinity Earnhart

Louis Goldman

Kaylee Hansen

Zoe Helphand

Dimitri Krikelas Simon

Sydnee Lockhart

Ishaan Mahindra

Franchesca Martin-Pinto

Roman Miller

Dylan Moore

Jaden Peluso Greenfield

Sascha Perdue

Justin Rhee

Shane Robinson

Annabelle Thomas

Sacred Heart University

Kayla Roe

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

McConaughey Curto

Florida Atlantic University

Drew Bick

University of Florida

Christopher Yook

University of Miami

Penelope Chol

Austin Siddiqi

Morehouse College

Xavier Gordon

University of Georgia

Isaiah Quevedo

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Melinda Smith

Hawaii Pacific University

Maggie O’Dowd

Kyla Hopton

Maya Rios

Boise State University

Ruby Forshey

Tyler Ravenscroft

Chicago State University

Charlotte Reis

DePaul University

Rachel Lushina

Northwestern University

Melina Mehta

Quincy University

Helma Cruz

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Earlham College

Louisiana State University

Victoria Henkel

Tulane University of Louisiana

Giselle Gallegos

Logan Couig

Indiana UniversityBloomington

Max Horowitz

Purdue UniversityMain Campus

Alexander Danylyshyn

Carson Keiser

Nicholas Santorelli

Iowa State University

Carly Scolaro

University of Iowa

Tate Lowry

College Malina Young

Maryland Institute

College of Art Amira McKinney

Brandeis University

Annette Je

Clark University

Elyse Cho

Emerson College

Kelsea Laughrey

Mia Nishimura

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Derek Schaffer

Northeastern University

Michigan State University

Finn McGonigle

Kiley Peirce

University of Michigan-Ann

Arbor

Rio Colino

Washington University in St

Louis

Liam Smith

Kai Duchane

Stonehill College

Amelia Styskal-Ward

Tufts University

Sadie Williams

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Ava Mathew

Wellesley College

Jacqueline Ringel

Sabrina Stone

Worcester Polytechnic

Institute

WyoTech

Nolan Meade

Bates

flowers in the soil

Macalester College

Boden Allen

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

University of Mississippi

Samuel Bolte

University of Southern Mississippi

William Carey

Montana State University

Ethan Henriquez

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Catalina Kahan

University of Nebraska

-Lincoln

Diego DiPasquo

University of Nevada-Reno

Shane Calcagno

Summer Suppik

Rutgers University-Newark

Ethan Park

University of New MexicoMain Campus

Lyla Fedio

Cornell University

Hope Thi Chan

Fordham University

Ava Felix

Samara Shelby-Nishita

Hofstra University

Emma Johnson

New York University

Bella Sardana

Melis Turkgench

Pratt Institute-Main

Natasha Maxwell

Syracuse University

Amanda Goldstein

Oregon State University

Daisy Baker

Kai Lucas

Brayden Zarefsky

Oregon State UniversityCascades

Bennett Brogan

Portland State University

Emily Miranda

Marina Ramas

University of Oregon

Aman Abdus-Samad

Will Algaze

Kaitlyn Cabahug

Ashlyn Fischer

Olivia Flanders

Isaac Hodge

Quentin Kotarski

Emily Kuester

Hudson MacDonell

Nicolas McGee

North Carolina

Central University

Reiss Collier

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tejas Mistry

Wake Forest University

Avery Snyder

Ashland University

Brooke Patel

Case Western

Reserve University

Artin Fazeli

Riley Williams

Oberlin College

Kylie Thompson

Ohio State UniversityMain Campus

Andrew Fanelli

Bill Nguyen

Nicole Sasaki

Our Lady of the Lake University

Melissa Rosales

Texas Tech University

Luke Robles

The University of Texas at Austin

Dylan Camille

Georgetown University

Mia Coleman

Howard University

Sidney Cherry

The George

Washington University

Angelina Urteaga

Beloit College

Maddon McArthur

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Sydney Millstein

University of Utah

University of Kansas

Leah Torrence

University of Kentucky

Lauren Douglas

Laney Underwood

Max Ausmus

Violet Baker

Lela Divinity

Jacob Dorfman

Hannah Fader

Nicholas Kizlinski

Kai O'Brien

Nishant O'Neil

Lillian Oswald

Iris Reyes

Cole Rona

Hailey Samimi

Keio University

College of Charleston

Adriana Sowders

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Gabriel Giusti

Tennessee Technological

University

Skylar Sybesma

University of Vermont

Gabriel Montesano

Summer Puterbaugh

University of Washington

-Seattle Campus

Addyson Benefield

Katherine Jacoby

Mio Okuma

Washington State University

Sophia Craig

Choegal Dhamcho

Eathen Stone

Lauren Storey

Saint Louis University

-Madrid Campus

Shayia Ermeti

Northumbria University

Giulia Paganelli

The University of Sheffield

Romel Kassaye

University of Aberdeen

Machara McLauchlan

University of Oxford

Madeline Langa

Trailblazing tides

by Meara Fay

Romi Riss leads students and finds camaraderie within her scout troop

“Tzofim has taught me a lot about what it means to be an Israeli-American, not only as a scout but as a part of the Jewish community, and it's completely changed my priorities in life.”

Tzofim, or Friends of Israel Scouts, is an international group that fosters local communities for Israeli-American youth to connect to their Jewish and Israeli identity through leadership skills and outdoor and adventure education. Romi Riss joined the organization at the end of her freshman year, when she was trained to be a counselor for third through ninth graders. Her family had encouraged her to join Scouts, but it took some introspection for Riss to make the jump.

“I realized when I moved here from the East Coast that I'm the only Hebrew-speaking person I know in our school. When I realized I was losing my Hebrew, I just had to join Scouts. I had to connect. And ultimately, when I did, I thought ‘This is great. This is where I need to be,’” Riss said.

Riss became a third grade counselor sophomore year, leading a group of 23 third-graders on camping trips, day activities and cultural learning experiences—all while speaking Hebrew. In her junior year, she was offered the leadership position of ninth grade counselor, where she would be responsible for training the ninth graders to be counselors themselves.

“I had to do extra work but it was so worth it because seeing the ninth-graders

grow as people while also learning from them was incredible,” Riss said. “It taught me how to be a leader to kids who are only a year to two younger than me, and I learned how to balance between being a leader and a friend while passing on skills that are hard to teach, like flexibility.”

During her senior year, Riss became a Junior Director, responsible for community and leadership development. One of her main tasks is training the next class of ninth-grade counselors, including junior Yuval Loya.

“I just think that Romi’s a super sweet and funny person, and every time we have a meeting she always makes everyone laugh and makes sure everyone has a smile on their face which I really admire about her,” Loya said. “She's super responsible and always gets everything done in time. Even though she has so much going on in her personal life, she always makes sure she puts in the time for Scouts, to make sure that she's helping everyone that needs to be helped and that everyone's having fun.”

Outside of Scouts, Romi has been involved in High Tide for four years and has been able to apply her organizational skills from being Director to her senior year position as Editor-In-Chief (EIC) of the newspaper. Alongside seniors Ethan Lerner and Lucy Davis, Riss led and distributed tasks among a staff of over 60 students.

“It's been amazing to work with Ethan and Lucy, they don't look down on me for

Ethan Lerner strives

to

my weaknesses but rather uplift me using their strengths,” Riss said. “The three of us have not had the easiest year, but it's been

two of them here for me and that I will be there for them no matter what. I genuinely know that these are the friendships I’ll have for life, even if we don’t live in the same area after high school, which luckily we will.

a

whole lot easier knowing that I have the

improve the High Tide newspaper

Both Riss and Lerner will be attending UC Santa Barbara in the fall. UCSB has the largest Jewish population of all the UC schools, which according to Riss is a “huge draw” because of the community she will be able to connect with.

“I'm not sure what I'm going to study yet, but I hope to continue to do something where I can impact people because that's where I draw satisfaction,” Riss said. “I am happiest when I’m able to contribute, and I hope the activities I do there are just as meaningful as the ones I did in high school.”

in skill and leadership as an Editor in Chief

by Claudia Turner

Being editor-in-chief (EIC) of an entirely student-run newspaper is a draining job. Senior Ethan Lerner, EIC for the High Tide, is no stranger to late nights, working overtime and dealing with major issues on deadline. So, it might come as a surprise that his fondest memory from his time as a leader doesn't have to do with the sacrifices he's had to make but instead cen ters around a time when he noticed that his help wasn’t quite as needed.

“Around is sue four, when everyone was finally coming into their own as new editors, I got the chance to sit back and be like, ‘Wow, we’ve really come a long way,’” Lerner said. “I knew I could trust my staff and didn’t have to stress as much because we had finally become a well-oiled machine. I felt so proud of the strong issue we had all worked to put together without me feeling the need to anxiously hover over

[the editing staff].”

Lerner and his co-EICs, seniors Romi Riss and Lucy Davis, do a lot of work behind the scenes, organizing stories and dealing with setbacks. Lerner has trained new writers and editors, designed the in-focus pages, in addition to communicating with the printer and advertisers. Although he looks over every single story before it makes its way to

decisions” instead.

“I want all the editors to be able to make their own decisions and make them confidently,” Lerner said. “I really respect giving the editors the choice to put out what they think looks best, even if I’ve voiced my critiques about some aspects of the design, because I want them to feel like they have some agency.”

Lerner joined the journalism program freshman year when the paper was being run over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite what would become a blossoming four-year career in the program, Lerner had an unusual beginning relationship with journalism advisor Kerri Eastham, who says she had misjudged him as “a slacker” when they first met.

“I had made a misconception about who [Lerner] was freshman year based on who his friends were, [and] that turned out to be really incorrect. When he joined my English class the following year I really got to see the thoughtful and mature personality of his that had been hidden over Zoom,” Eastham said. “It was then that I started a behind-the-scenes campaign for him in journalism because I wanted to make sure he wasn’t being overlooked by leadership.”

Lerner is interested in applying his leadership skills within his chosen field of

law, a decision inspired by a piece he wrote for the paper on anti-trans legislature. Researching on the harmful misuse of political power allowed Lerner to envision himself doing something to counteract that, a career decision Eastham says she “isn’t surprised at all by.”

“He'll make an excellent attorney. He keeps his cool in stressful situations, and is never reactionary, which is really important in politics,” Eastham said. “[Lerner] takes his time to consider problems and how to best handle situations if somebody on staff needs a little guidance.”

Lerner is going to be majoring in Political Science at University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall, putting every skill he's built up in the journalism room to practical use.

“I want to put myself into a position where I can try to help and protect people in my own way,” Lerner said. “I've had to change some of my behaviors to become an effective EIC, and now I want to carry that new mindset into my postgraduate studies to hopefully do some good in the world, while leaving behind a staff I know is going to do just fine without me.”

In memorium of Wyatt A. Lee, son, brother, and friend to all

by Lucy Davis

There is no one descriptor that encapsulates Wyatt Lee. Ask his friends, family, teachers or coaches-as soon as they can decide on one adjective, like “fearless,” “curious” or “kind,” others tumble out. More than anything, though, he was “good.”

His mother Shannon Lee’s pregnancy was an “easy” one, according to her, and by the time her delivery date was scheduled in January of 2006 it was more like “showing up for a lunch reservation” than preparing for labor, his father Soohan Lee joked. He slept for hours at a time if only to prepare for his activity while awake: his ability to climb before he could walk was the earliest indication of a life where there was “never a dull moment.”

Lee was a sports enthusiast, a boys’ golf team member and a second degree black belt in taekwondo. He played soccer and even took up boxing during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a home setup for workouts.

“Once he found what he enjoyed, he got really into it,” Soohan Lee said. “Sometimes kids try [hobbies] and get tired of them after a while, but he was passionate about so many things.”

Lee’s interests also extended to arts: while at Alta Vista Elementary he was a drummer in the band Psycho Worms and continued his role in its middle school iteration Good Fortune, both of which specialized in rock covers.

“He was always movin’ and groovin’,” Shannon Lee said. "If there was music, or if he could tap out a rhythm, there was a bit of bounce to him.”

On stage and around school, Lee could often be spotted wearing one of his many paisley bandanas, whose functional purpose soon became a trademark of “his own kind of style,” Shannon Lee said.

“He had long hair [during elementary school], and I did too around his age,” Soohan Lee said. “He asked me how I managed it and I told him, ‘Well, we wore bandanas, skateboarding down to the beach.’ I gave him a few, and once he figured out that he liked it we bought him some other colors.” There are still 10 or 12 in his room, from his favorite red to a neon green that “made him look like Axl Rose” according to Shannon Lee.

Though he “enjoyed being in the classroom,” school also provided Lee with a large social network.

“He liked [surrounding himself] with nice kids. He befriended people easily; there was no one too ‘weird’ or ‘different’ because he saw that everyone had potential. As long as you weren’t mean or rude, he wanted to at least say hello,” Soohan Lee said.

Shannon Lee notes that Lee’s classmates were “naturally drawn to him: he “didn’t enjoy being the center of attention,” but his innate empathy inclined him to include and support others.

“[In middle school] one of his classmates was walking home by herself, and because he knew she was nervous he stayed with her on the phone the whole time,” Soohan Lee said. “He was so good to other kids.”

Lee, who according to his father “was always ready with a joke or a laugh” to lighten the mood, was “very attuned to the people around him.” His own smile lifted at the corners of his mouth, often in an amused half-grin, but his hugs--an affection saved for friends and family--could not have been further from halfhearted.

"We called his hugs 'super-duper squeezy hugs,’ even as he got older," Shannon Lee said, "because he would just wrap you up tight and hold on."

After his passing, the Lee family started the Wyatt A. Lee Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit that hopes to “educate today’s youth and their parents” about the evolving importance of mental health and suicide prevention.

“He lives with me every day,” Soohan Lee said. “The love we have for him stays forever.”

MODELING Unity

Model United Nations Secretary General Lucy Davis displays both diplomacy and care in High Tide and MUN, taking challenges as they come

by Priya Ramcharan

Her life is everything everywhere all at once. Senior Lucy Davis always has somewhere to be: in the journalism room, designing the newest issue of High Tide as an editor-in-chief (EIC); in the courtroom, running through a mock direct examination with student witnesses; or on an auditorium stage closing out a home conference as Secretary-General of Model United Nations (MUN).

With her busy schedule, Davis sees the journalism room as a “home base.”

“I know that I’m going to come into the [journalism] room and be able to talk to someone about my day and hear about theirs,” Davis said.

In this sense, Davis has found success in the program through mentoring new writers and handling the personal aspects to managing a newspaper.

“I think of myself as the emotional support EIC. I'm really good at conflict resolution and interpersonal work. I like being able to work through problems with people, and it’s really fulfilling to contribute to someone’s growth as a writer and person,” Davis said.

Davis combined her passion for writing and her passion for world issues by taking initiative in MUN. Davis has been in the club all four years and as a senior leads the team as Secretary-General. For her, organizing the annual South Bay Invitational MUN conference on campus has been “a dream come true.” She has enjoyed the program so much that she plans on majoring in international relations during university.

Trial coach Micahel Henges has seen her evolve into a “hard-working leader.”

“Lucy continues to work hard no matter what. A lot of kids with her potential don’t do well with knowing they are doing better than their peers. But humility allows you to grow, which Lucy has. Even though she’s so talented she is always open to feedback. I loved seeing her in the final [Mock Trial] competition because she really brought all her practice together and took it home. Her ability to work under pressure is so impressive.”

I spend a lot of my life being integral to other people's support systems. I had to learn that a relationship goes both ways: the way you are important to me, I'm important to you. We get to take care of each other. There’s some beauty in that.

LUCY DAVIS SENIOR

“Growing up, my parents always encouraged us to talk about what was going on in the world. It built my appreciation for discourse. When I got older, I realized that not all of my peers wanted to talk about news headlines or Supreme Court cases. MUN allows us to bring a youthful perspective to the issues that have been on the global stage for decades, and that is so empowering,” Davis said.

Along with her participation in MUN, Davis spent four years as an attorney on the Mock Trial team, where AP United States Government teacher and Mock

As the Mock Trial season came to a close in November, Davis began treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, a process that, while successful, forced her to confront her own mortality.

“When I cried about not getting into Columbia, I was like, ‘Okay, but I'm healthy.’ If I don't get to win in every respect, the universe is letting me live, which is the most important thing. I'm very aware that my life isn't normal, and it helps me put other challenges

While navigating her packed schedule and learning to prioritize her health, Davis’s network of friends and family has created more meaningful relationships in her life.

“I spend a lot of my life being integral to other people's support systems. I had to learn that a relationship goes both ways: the way you are important to me, I'm important to you. We get to take care of each other. There’s some beauty in that,” Davis said.

Davis had to accept that her path has strayed from her original plan. However, her talent and work ethic have opened doors and allowed her to make decisions regarding her future that are healthy for her, not just what other people expected or what she planned.

ISABELLA CARRELL

DYLAN CAMILLE

“I’m going to change the world one day,” Davis said, “No matter what, I’m just going to keep rolling with the punches.”

PHOTO BY ARIYA ANVARI

1. PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK

2. Davis giving her closing speech at the South Bay Invitational MUN conference

Senior Jack Raynor pictured [far right] PHOTO BY DYLAN MOORE

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

Summer Puterbaugh’s go-to

ice-breaker is: What is your zodiac sign? Although this question is often dismissed by fellow conversationalists, Puterbaugh overlooks such reactions, rather valuing astrology for its ability to forge a path for self-discovery.

“Astrology connected me more with myself and more with the

Ocombining her interests in better understand human remany times where you think that rience something, but [astrology] scheme of things and reminded “It just became a very comforting worries and an enjoyable topic of sition as an editor for High Tide of her passion, including her eageres on different aspects of life and this periences other than the ones I’ve exsaid. “It made me realize that there's to

Intrigued by the program after learning about it from her sophomore English teacher, Malina Young joined the High Tide despite her initial hesitancy.

“I didn't know anyone [in journalism]. But I learned quickly that I could make friends really easily and everyone was super welcoming. I didn't know how serious the program was, but after training and writing, I found it really interesting, and I definitely wanted to do it [my senior] year,” Young said.

Young additionally plays on both a high school and a high level club volleyball team, who placed 21st in the national championship this year. Her involvement in sports furthered her connection to sports-related content within the publication.

ver the course of the COVID quarantine, Victor Simoes developed a daily routine of reading the newspaper. When he returned to school, his media interests propelled him to join the High Tide, becoming a print news editor his senior year.

“Whenever I'm editing, it's never criticizing out faults. It's always where we can go from this to make it better. I wanted to have a position where I would have a role where every single day I'm making something that makes a difference. I'm not just taking orders from people and executing their work,” Simoes said.

Beyond academics and journalism, Simoes indgules in other activities, such as photography and sewing, that provide him with a creative environment outside other responsibilities.

“Sometimes I'll look at the photos that I've taken once I get them back [and] I think ‘These are not at all how I would have wanted them to come out,’ not artistic and idealistic but that's okay because what matters was more of the experience of taking them. Every so often you will have a gem of a great photo and it's like ‘Hey, I made that,’ but I don't think ev -

ery single photo has to be that way,” Simoes said. Simoes will attend UCLA next fall and is undecided on a major. Although he has interests in Biology and Economics and hopes to join the Daily Bruin, he is open to the unforeseen possibilities of the future.

“I'm not constricting myself with an objective when it could turn out as something completely different,” Simoes said. “I do have ideas of what I want to do and I'll be passively working towards those goals but what I am actively working towards is just getting as much as I can out of my [college] experience.”

“I've been into sports my whole life. I had an older brother who played sports so I grew up watching sports and knowing [the] games,” Young said.

“I learned a lot of the values of sports like understanding athletes' mentalities and how the game works and the teamwork that goes on.”

Attending University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn marks an- other step in her volleyball career. The school also provides access to opportunities Young hopes to experience such as studying abroad in Europe and pursuing pre- law or economics.

“[The school] brought a lot more opportunities for me academic-wise. You could choose the majors to pursue and other academic efforts [in a D3 school]. I knew if I played volleyball at a D1 level that I would get [other opportunities] stripped away from me,” Young said. “And then I really fell in love with the coaches and the community and all the girls [on the team].

When I visited it, I definitely knew it was the school for me.”

GROWING UP

High Tide seniors share their interests and future plans as they leave the journalism program

While exploring her passion, Simra Zargar is going into college determined to encourage more girls to be in STEM.

“I have been president of ‘Girls Who Code’ since last year and being part of it, I felt I was representing a minority, because sophomore year, I took comput er science, and I was literally the only girl in the class,” Zargar said. “It was really upsetting to not see anybody that looks like you in the classroom, so I wanted to break this gender gap.”

Zargar’s passion for STEM came from her interest in forensic science. After experiencing different internships, Zargar would share her re sources to her teachers and classmates to “get it out there.” This idea of disseminating information is intertwined with Zargar’s background as a jour nalist on High Tide.

“Journalism has allowed me to express my cre ativity and find out what I’m passionate about,” Zargar said. “I wrote about women in STEM and how we can bridge the gender gap so, having those two different extracurriculars, I was able to find a way to merge them together [and] use my voice in journalism to further advocate for women in STEM.”

Zargar has committed to USC for Computer Science and Business Administration and looks to exploring different pathways.

“My parents are in a field of tech that en compasses computer science, but there's also a business aspect to it,” Zargar said. “Initially, I didn't think I would have that much passion for it, but after seeing all the opportunities and all the diverse things that you can do in computer science, that's what really has excited me.”

Wrole as the Photography Editor in Chief (EIC). This role, ac is a “calming” and “relaxing” counterpart to her busy

“Over the last [few] years, photography has been I'm just able to enjoy the experience,” Perdue said. to go down the journalism path or the arts, so something that I can enjoy on the side.”

Perdue’s rise to the role of EIC was an spent “picking up many last minute as much of her time to planning events in

“I have to try not to procrastinate what I’m going to do at least a week

Football photos are some of Per graphs taken this year due to the dondo’s football games among

“Football was one of the few where many people actually said. “And it's always nice vibes and school spirit.”

Although Perdue as in college, stemming college-level criminol her current job of tak sharing them with at High Tide and

“It's always nice and take photos of want,” Perdue tos always turn and it’s great results.”

and SHOWING OUT

by Stavyah Naveen, Cristina Couch, Scarlett Mische and Marley Van Pelt

"Have you seen ‘Sweeney Todd?’ The set crew and I painted each individual brick [on the primary set],” Scar- lett Kindt said. Kindt, a writing and copy editor for High Tide, and often the set and projections designer for theater, developed an interest and love for designing through the skill-sets required of her in theater.

“I’ve grown more indepen-

dent, as well as growing stronger as a leader and decision maker. I’ve been able to lean more into my creative side and I learned to be more open to the new ideas of others,” Kindt said.

While being able to grow her hard-skills through working on plays such as “Sweeney Todd,” “Lost Girl,” “Beauty and the Beast” and many more, Kindt has also grown socially. Theater has offered an environment in which she feels comfortable and safe to grow.

icolas Tomsio, the Distribution Manager for High Tide and the Corresponding Secretary for the Black Student Union (BSU), has both grown as an individual and fostered the growth of the programs he

“Journalism has been really important to me ever since sophomore year, and it’s fun to think about how I went from being a Staff Writer to being a Distribution Manag er. It’s been an entirely new journey and [pathway] for me,” Tomsio said. “I’ve been able to start all of these new programs and watch the distribution and advertisement divisions become an integral part of the program. I hope that the work I’ve done can successfully continue after I

While building an interest in marketing and advertis ing through his place in High Tide, Tomsio has also de veloped a passion for political science. This interest has formed through both his commitment to media adver tisement, as well as his “involvement in culture clubs.”

“While working for the BSU, I have been able to help coordinate with other culture clubs, [such as] with the Arab Culture Club," Tomsio said. I’ve also gotten to watch this program grow into being a more active and exciting club to be at. I am excited for a future in polit-

“Theater was a great way to meet people and it was always a very non-judgemental environment. There’s a strong support system, and a constant out- let for entertainment.”

The posi- tive experience of high school theater and the abilities it has given her has led her to take the path of graphic design, which she will be majoring in at Colorado State University.

“Theater has given me opportunities which I wouldn’t have had in other programs,” Kindt said. “Overall, I have developed a greater sense of creativity and I am excited to continue developing that in college.”

Drama king

Diego DiPasquo takes his final bow to Redondo as he welcomes a new beginning at the Univeristy of Nebraska-Lincoln as an acting major

by Yasmeen "Meena" Ford

Marking the end of his high school theater pursuit, senior Diego DiPasquo bids farewell to the stage with a memorable performance in this year's production of "Beauty and the Beast." But as one curtain closes, another opens, this time revealing a promising future for DiPasquo as an acting major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

As drama board president, DiPasquo not only ensures that the theater program runs smoothly and professionally, but also that the theater community is a welcoming, inclusive one for every student interested in involvement in the program.

“When I entered the department as a freshman, I didn't feel comfortable speaking to the seniors. It wasn't a super open environment the way that we have now,” DiPasquo said. “There's a lot of importance in making sure that everybody feels comfortable talking and making sure their voices are heard.”

While DiPasquo ended his senior year with the completion of 11 full-scale productions, his passion for theater arose prior to his involvement in drama at Redondo Union; it began with watching theatrical workshops as a young child.

“My mom’s best friend ran the workshop of a producer and director so me and my brother would always support the [program],” DiPasquo said. “I remember

watching [the actors] run their scene and the way the director taught them to interpret it. They learned so much in such a little amount of time and I think the process of learning and being able to connect with your audience is what really started my passion for acting.”

Theater director and Drama Teach er Melissa Staab met DiPasquo as a middle school er at Adams in their theater’s annual Rising Theater Artist workshop, an event that teaches youth about the RUHS drama de partment. Still recog nizing his work ethic and drive years later, Staab appointed him drama

board president as a senior.

“You could tell he had that spark and passion even when [he] was a freshman,” Staab said. "It’s really a treat to see [his] talents and skills grow and develop over four years.”

According to DiPasquo, the theater environment cultivated by Staab, who formerly had a decade lasting career in the acting industry, has prepared him for the often “cut-throat” acting industry he will be propelled into after college.

“[In the theater program] students

are getting the quality of work ethic and rehearsal ethic as they would in the real world,” Staab said. My goal as an educator is to prepare [my students] as best as I can for entering college and knowing exactly what to expect.”

With the goal to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, DiPasquo has honed both his acting and leadership skills not only as an actor and as drama board president, but as an assistant director, allowing for a more nuanced perspective of theater as a whole.

“My goal in the department is to connect with as many people as possible. I really like getting to know people. For me, I couldn’t really get to know how hard tech people have it and I couldn’t really relate with someone on tech unless I did it,” DiPasquo said.

Acting has always been the career pathway that DiPasquo planned to embark on, and studying at Nebraska Lincoln this fall will initiate that once distant dream.

“[Acting] is a career that really evolves with you as you evolve as a person,” DiPasquo said. “As you move further and further in life, it'll move further with you. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

Laney Underwood pursues equine science and managment studies to further her passion for horseback riding at the University of Kentucky

by Delilah Aguilar

Trotting her way to the University of Kentucky (UK), senior Laney Underwood continues to immerse herself in her passion for horses through her equine science and management major. Underwood’s interest in horses sparked in Nov. 2018 at the age of 12, when her father signed her up for horseback lessons.

“My dad had always supported me. He’d check in with me frequently during lessons to better understand my interest," Underwood said. "When it came to my dad I felt very seen. He was somebody who understood my passion and me.”

Starting in 2018, Underwood continued to participate in lessons two times a week until she was offered a job at a horse camp as a counselor over the summer of 2020. Her new job entailed teaching young children how to ride horses. That same summer, Underwood quit horseback riding due to the negative work environment the summer camp fostered.

“I felt very restricted and

unable to express how I felt because the actions of the camp’s management were confining. That experience pushed me away from something I really enjoyed. If I had my own ranch, I’d allow more leniency for both the riders and the horses,” Underwood said.

Despite drifting away from horses, Underwood’s love for them never diminished. She committed to Kentucky specifically for the opportunity to major in equine science, which will allow her to eventually build a career surrounding horses. Her twin brother, however, senior Elliot Underwood, will staying in California to attend San Diego State, creating a new distance between the two.

“[The distance] is scary. Between the two of us, she is more timid about making mistakes. I feel if she overcomes that initial nervousness and pushes herself to try new things she [would] be phenomenal. She’ll be great in anything she wants to do, because when she says she wants to do something she always follows through,”

ROMEL KASSAYE

Activities

Future Plans

Elliot Underwood said.

Elliot Underwood has also observed the personal growth his sister has made through her hobby as the experience strengthened her perseverance and determination.

“She’s been thrown off of huge horses, and even after feeling rattled, she always gets back on that horse, but that’s what happens when you love something as much as she loves this. Even when you’re kicked down, you keep coming back stronger. I hope that bravery impacts her experience in Kentucky,” Elliot Underwood said.

Underwood’s good friend senior Annealyce Piña has also been an eye-witness to her passion, especially regarding her decision to commit to UK.

“She was undecided between doing two years at El Camino or going straight to Kentucky, but I noticed every time she began talking about Kentucky, she couldn’t stop and I was happy for her because I’ve never seen her that excited about anything prior

to this,” Piña said.

Although Underwood is excited for her upcoming transition into college life, she has also reflected on how “appreciative” she is for the safety net her family and friends have given her through their unwavering support.

“It’s going to be hard for me to move out, I love this place (California) a lot and everything is so different [in Kentucky]. The weather is different, and the people are different, but I have a really big passion for science and horses, which is encouraging me to head out there even though I’d be leaving everyone behind,” Underwood said. “I honestly owe a big thank you to my dad for everything he’s done for me like providing me with the support to make my own decisions. He doesn’t know much about this whole horse thing but he tries his best to understand it which I’ve always appreciated.”

MADISON CLARK

Move to the UK to attend the University of Sheffield and study environmental science, work in the UN and eventually start his own nonprofit

Favorite Class Ukulele club Co-President, Model UN President, RUHS Band, South Bay Parkland Conservancy volunteer, Panera Bread worker, Slam poet, Plays tenor saxophone in a Jazz band

“AP Lit, because I love writing and reading poetry in general, but the discussions in that class were also extremely interesting. Mr. Takesue cared more about what we got out of the class than exams or tests. Those discussions were very reflective of that,”

Played varsity indoor volleyball all four years

Plans to major in physchology at Cal State LA for four years and then become a pediactrician

”Do not procrastinate. I know It's super easy to not do your work, but it's going to be super hard if you don't do your work right now. if you don't be disciplined right now, it's going to be a lot harder to try and be disciplined when you're older, because you're not as used to it.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANEY UNDERWOOD

DiPasquo speaks to "Lost Girl" star Addison Miller PHOTO COURTESY OF DIEGO DIPASQUO

Photos: Underwood rides her horse

Bouncing Back

by Marlena Lipan

Senior Heidi Arellano has harnessed the curveballs that life has thrown at her and continues to pursue her medical school dreams. She recently committed to UC Davis for a major in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior science to pursue a career as a pediatric neurosurgeon

Arellano first grew an interest in the medical field as a child, when she saw the effects of health and medicine around her.

“My cousin who had brain surgery can’t move on one side of his body. Seeing that showed me how important our health is to us, especially the brain, since it has a major impact on our lives. I saw all of these things that can happen, and I was really interested in how people could help,” Arellano said.

After joining the Biomedical program her junior year, Arellano endured an ACL injury during the second semester, ending her soccer career. While she has been interested in the medical field since she was young, being hospitalized and surrounded by doctors after her injury provided her with a new perspective.

“[After the surgery], I just wanted to go out and do stuff, and I couldn't, which is its own independent challenge that I have to go through. The injury isn’t only physical, but emotional as well. That’s when I valued doctors even more now because they’ve helped me so much with my injury and also

Oyanna

Marquez

mentally,” Arellano said.

While Arellano states that having to stop playing soccer was not ideal, she has received new opportunities through the connections made at the hospital during her recovery. She is currently volunteering at the Torrance Memorial Hospital, the same place where she was treated.

“Since I am not able to do a sport that teaches discipline, I can practice my discipline by being committed to going [to the hospital to volunteer] every Friday or whenever I can,” Arellano said.

In addition to dealing with her injury recovery, being the secretary of Key Club, and being the president of the French Honors Society, Arellano is under the pressure of being the first one in her family to further her education in college.

“I need to set an example for all my nieces and nephews, and so I set high goals for myself. If I’m able to achieve them then I feel like they can also follow in my footsteps. The impact that we have on kids and the younger generation is so important and I want to be a part of that impact,” Arellano said.

Arellano has learned over the years how much she enjoys children, which also influences her career path.

“I specifically want to do pediatrics. At the children’s hospital where I’m treated,

Heidi Arellano plans to attend UC Davis to pursue a medical pathway after an ACL injury playing soccer

there’s a new department for neurology. I want to help kids who suffer from neuro logical disorders; I feel like I could be sav ing their lives,” Arellano said. Through overcoming these challeng es, she has made an effort to inspire the younger generation and become a positive force in her community.

Arellano states, “I hope that if [the kids in my community] can see me, they will know that [going to college is] possi ble. Even though you have to step out of your comfort zone at times, it's possible. I think that even though they don’t have the same opportunities as every one else, if they work hard, they’ll be able to succeed and do great things too.”

completes the SCROC cosmetology program and begins apprenticeship to become a hairdresser

by Kate Brucia

When a typical high schooler thinks of school subjects, they might imagine history, math or English. When taking the Southern California Regional Occupational Center’s (SoCal ROC) cosmetology program, senior Oyonna Marquez learns all about nails, skin, lashes, hair and more.

Marquez started taking cosmetology classes at SoCal ROC her junior year. She has worked towards receiving the 1,000 hours of training required to become a licensed cosmetologist. The curriculum includes performing and learning the science behind lash lifts, facials and other procedures. In addition to practicing on mannequins and people, students are expected to take extensive notes and study for tests in order to pass each module.

“A lot of people think that when you go

there, you’re just going to go play with hair all day,” Marquez said. “You're going to take tests and quizzes, and you get actual grades. That's why a lot of girls drop out. They realize that it’s actually serious, and it's not just playing around.”

Cosmetology school is serious for Marquez, as SoCal ROC has enabled her to gain a “head start in life,” all while receiving college credits, free classes and materials, which can cost thousands of dollars for adults. She advises that more students should make the most of this opportunity.

“People really need to take advantage of licenses. I don't think college is made for me, and I don’t think college is made for everyone,” Marquez said.

According to Marquez, she has felt a little “left out” while watching her peers applying and being accepted to colleges, but she knows it is the right choice for her.

“People are always kind of peer pressured to go to college and get a degree or else they're not going to be successful. I think it's really important to prove that you don't have to get into debt for the rest of your life to be successful, or do something that you love,” Marquez said.

While she does recommend cosmetology school to others, Marquez says that one of the worst parts is having to learn about topics she isn’t

“In

passionate about, such as lashes or nails. Since cosmetology covers a wide variety of topics and professions, students have to learn a certain amount about each procedure, even if they don’t wish to pursue it in the future.

“If you're not learning about something that you specifically want to go into, you slowly start to lose some motivation. But, if you really want to do what you want to do, you have to get through,” Marquez said.

Marquez’s favorite topic to learn about is hair because she plans to become a hairdresser after high school. She has an internship at a local salon where she can get more hands-on experience and learn about the business. In addition to this internship, high school and 24 hours of cosmetology school a week, Marquez works two jobs part-time. One of her best friends and fellow cosmetology student, senior Amelia Maher, believes that she does an incredible job at managing all of these activities

“She's very hardworking,” Maher said. “It's literally insane. She's the most busy individual that I know, and she manages to balance [everything], plus do amazing [at it all].”

Maher and Marquez met in their junior year, and Marquez was the reason that Maher started taking cosmetology classes.

“I loved [Marquez] from the start,” Maher said. “She's an amazing individual, and

she's just so outgoing and super bright. She lights up a room, and she just knows how to make people laugh. There’s something about her that I just absolutely love.”

This personality helps Marquez connect with clients at SoCal ROC and help them become more confident through their hair. In fact, Marquez plans to become a hairdresser because of the transformative experience she gives to her clients.

“It's important to make other people feel good about themselves because it not only makes them feel good, but it makes you feel good for making them feel and look good,” Marquez said. “It's a huge confidence booster, and it's always nice to see their glow afterward.”

KYLIE SAEONG

sional dance company or as a specialist for children with special needs.

“I’ll miss my friends the most because we are all going to be very far from each other in college. I’m grateful that they have always been there to support me through high school and brighten my days when I needed it most,”

EBERHARDT

1 Manequin designed by Marquez

Marquez doing someones makeup

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OYANNA MARQUEZ

Arellano taking care of a patient PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI ARELLANO

Jubilant jams

by Carson Chi

When senior Will Algaze puts the mellophone to his lips with the rest of the Redondo Marching Band waiting for his command, there is more than music that is created.

Algaze has been musically inclined his entire life, but his high school marching band career became a place of comfort coming out of the COVID pandemic.

“There was a really strong community. Especially coming out of the pandemic when everyone was alone, immediately having this community that was like a family brought everyone together,” Algaze said.

Going into his first in-person year of high school as a sophomore, Algaze didn’t know what to expect. Naturally, he then looked up to the upperclassmen in the band as role models.

“The upperclassmen in marching band are people I looked up to and who I strived to be. I still try to emulate and copy those people,” Algaze said. “They taught me the importance of work ethic, people skills, and time management.”

Through the things Algaze learned from his upperclassmen, he learned what it meant to be a leader. Junior and fellow band member Elle Cowan, led by Algaze, expresses their gratitude for his role in the band.

“Will is an amazing leader. He’s very confident and skillful, but he’s very grounded in a unique way I’ve never seen in anyone else,” Cowan said.

The band-captain role allowed Algaze to realize an even bigger priority than playing

Will Algaze, marching band captain, leads the way on the field through musicianship

music. It was inspiring the younger generation of kids in marching band, which was Algaze’s main focus over everything. Algaze knew how much it helped to have someone to look up to, and he aimed to be that role model for the underclassmen.

“The most important thing about being band captain for me is being a good example for the underclassmen, just like how the upperclassmen were for me,” Algaze said.

Algaze’s leadership did not go unnoticed by the rest of his peers, as it is something that was made very clear to everyone.

“He’s very aware of what’s going on and how everyone plays into it and is always very collected, which I and many others find very admirable,” Cowan said.

Apart from being band captain and a role model in the high school marching band, Algaze is a part of the Pacific Crest, an open-class drum corps in Drums Corps International (DCI), often known as a “professional” marching band. Pacific Crest Marching Band ranked 14th in the worldclass division of DCI, and it tours around the country each summer. Algaze plays the mellophone horn.

“I play the mellophone, which is a pretty niche instrument, so being one of the few people that are good at it in the world is a pretty good feeling. But I also know that I have worked really hard. I put in hundreds, maybe thousands of hours practicing to be where I am and I still have a long way to go. It's exciting, and I love seeing my growth,” Algaze said.

Algaze aims to continue his marching

band experience into the next phase of his life at the University of Oregon.

“I am really excited about becoming part of the marching band. They have a really awesome program and I’ve heard a lot of good things about their band director,” Algaze said.

Algaze’s high school journey was heavily focused on marching band and, as it comes to a close, he reflects on the experience.

“I’ve grown so much as a person through marching band. Through all these experiences with people and struggles that you will experience in the real world, I am probably more ahead of the curve than other people my age,” Algaze said. “It was a rough season, it was tiring as it always is, but I would absolutely do it all again.”

Algaze blows his mellophone on the field.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILL ALGAZE

MAJOR INFLUENCE

Leading

the marching band, Drum Majors Isaac Hodge and Lani Young coach the group in physical and musical technique

by Daniella Gross

Leading over 60 students from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Drum Major was no easy task for senior Isaac Hodge. Through his care and dedication to the RUHS band program, however, he was able to thrive. As a member of the marching band for three years in addition to his involvement in the Tri-M honors society, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, Hodge’s music education has expanded.

“Mr. Erskine [the band director at Parras Middle School] really inspired me to keep practicing my saxophone in middle school. He even gave me a private teacher to learn with, and I stuck with lessons until early junior year,” Hodge said.

Continuing his passion throughout high school, Hodge was recruited by Ray Vizcarra, the RUHS band director, who wanted to foster Hodge’s aptitude and charismatic qualities.

“Since Isaac has come in, I recognized his talent right away, and he’s someone who works hard to achieve the highest level of musicianship possible,” Vizcarra said. “When he did his audition for his sophomore year, he knocked it out of the ballpark with flying colors, which was no different from his junior year [which included] the F-sequence scales and a challenging classical piece. I was blown away.”

Hodge joined the marching band his sophomore year following COVID lockdowns and, encouraged by his previous section leader to apply for assistant drum major his junior year, he eventually stepped into the role. One personal challenge he discovered was facilitating social interactions with others.

“Being able to talk to incoming freshmen when I don’t know the answer was tricky, and another issue that I had to overcome was realizing that I was going to lose some people when in my position, because some people will not understand until they are in your shoes,” Hodge said.

His senior-year position as Drum Major has been an opportunity he has enjoyed, though it comes with difficult responsibilities; Hodge is in charge of printing music, conducting and organizing the band.

“The physical work isn’t bad, but the mental work really gets to you sometimes and you have to power through that,” Hodge said. “At first it is hard to deal with, I did cry a few times because If I messed up conducting, everyone else messed up, and you must start over again. But eventually, I got used to it and learned to make fewer mistakes. You are always learning, I’m still learning to this day how to [manage] certain situations and pressures.”

While diplomatically managing a band on and off the field, Hodge tried to keep a healthy balance with each section, communicating what needed to be improved while accounting for everyone's mental health.

“After last season, I noticed our morale was down, even after [succeeding in our final competition]. I remember we were

always the band to put in the work and leave our emotions on the side. This year, I still wanted to accomplish things, but also make sure people were okay,” Hodge said.

Vizcarra echoed a similar sentiment, revealing Hodges' most crucial quality as a leader is his ability to care for others and keep focused.

“Isaac has been one of the biggest moderators,” Vizcarra said. “On the field, he

After hours of practice, she stands in front of her bandmates, ready. Up on a seven foot podium in front of full bleachers, she gives the signal. Guiding the pace and the tempo, the band plays and she hears her hard work paying off.

Senior Lani Young spent all four years surrounded by music. Starting in the band as a freshman playing the tenor saxophone, her dedication gave her the position of Drum Major and Orchestra Manager her final year.

knows there is a job to be done, and is very careful with the way he acts and knows how to produce results. While off the field, he’s very nurturing to the people who need it.”

Moving forward, Hodge hopes to gear his focus toward studying psychology at the University of Oregon. He was inspired to help those struggling with mental health after the passing of a close friend, and has already displayed this compassion for helping others through the band program. He still plans on following through with music education, however, as the memories and skills he made in band have impacted him greatly.

“The more self confidence you have, you’re able to not let what others say affect you,” Hodge said. “If you do get a leadership position in any program, make sure you are setting a good example, because you never know when the young ones are looking up to you, especially freshman and sophomores. Just be kind.”

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

“I learned to communicate and how to approach different people. It's hard to tailor your values towards everyone, so communicating well with and having different ways to approach people is a big thing,” Young said. “It’s [also] hard to lead without knowing the outcome. I've learned how to be open-minded and understand the band to keep a balance between feelings and success.”

After throwing herself into the program with little leadership experience, Young’s commitment became instantly clear through the hours she dedicated to the band each week.

“[I learned how to be a leader] from practice and from past experiences. I built my resume up to grasp that drum major role. Freshman year, I started off doing one of the lousy jobs, the thankless job of uniform manager,” Young said. “I slowly built my way up and then got a higher position as librarian [sophomore year]. By junior year I was head librarian and then finally, senior year, I got drum major.”

Spending hours as Drum major in the fall, she started every day with a zero period band. She’d later teach the freshman in the class period, on top of the after school practice. Not including the 12-hour competitions, she was working a minimum of 25

by London

hours per week. According to Young, she had to learn how to keep herself and the band focused and on the same page.

“An overall struggle was motivation. You can teach all the basics of marching band, but not everyone will respect you or listen,” Young said. “Drum majors often play a crucial role in fostering the sense of motivation and enthusiasm within the ensemble, keeping a high morale during long rehearsals and performances. What type of example you are setting and how much compassion you have for this program, plays a vital role in the success and cohesion of the ensemble.”

Learning how to rally up the band also comes with appreciating the community around her. According to Young, this is why she decided to join the band her first year, embracing herself in the community and experiences.

“Even though band is such a vacuum and it sucks you into time and commitment, it’s still a great way to build a family and build a community to surround yourself with. I have had so many memories and bonds that have kept me motivated throughout the season and these four years,” Young said. “ Being part of a team and working together to run this band program, you make lifelong friends. Being part of a family was one of the best things I could have had as a drum major.”

Along with making life-long friendships, Young has been a role model for her future leadership classmates. Sophomore Mackenzie Thomson looked up to Young this year, under her guidance in the band as her assistant orchestra manager.

“I hope to achieve Lani’s same level of dependability. I want underclassmen to be able to trust me and depend on me the same way that I trusted Lani, because she set a really good example,” Thomson said. “Thanks to her, we were able to grow as a marching band and orchestra.”

Moving into the future, Young decided to venture out of music and into a stembased major. Despite turning music into a hobby, she has taken in everything she has learned these past years and is striving to rely on them in the future.

“It’s not the music that has helped me, but the skills for being a leader all these four years have reinforced for my future career. It’s helped me better communicate with people and know the time for personal professional settings,” Young said. “And to also have the motivation to keep going, have the perseverance to keep doing what I love. I don't regret anything I did these past four years, and I'm really proud of what I've done.”

Women's College Club Founder

Attend El Camino College for 2 years and work at a hospital, then transfer to a UC

What Will You Miss the Most

“My friend group because I'm not going to see them a lot after high school. It was really nice to have a close friend group for all four years because we stuck with each other. I think I’ll miss that the most because everyday after a hard test, I can go to them and talk about it or talk about anything with them.”

Carbone

Hodge (left) and Young pose at standby in their marching uniforms in front of the football field.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISAAC HODGE

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

Pointe

by Lauren Choy

Turning on the ball of one’s foot seems to require intense focus and a strict process, yet ballet dancer Henry Deane’s key to turning is to not think at all, letting muscle mem ory drive its course.

“I taught myself how to turn because none of my teachers as a kid ever went in depth about the technique of turns. So I was thrown into the water and it was sink or swim, and I swam. How I think about turning is different than how other people at my studio think about turning. Some teachers have tried to get me to do different things with my mindset and approach to turns, and it just doesn't work,” Deane said. “Everyone is built differently and I think because turns are based on how your own body works with your individual center of gravi ty, it's better to have an individual un derstanding of turns rather than some blanket-like, one-size-fits-all all idea.”

Deane committed to Ballet Arizo na’s Professional Division, majoring in classical ballet for this upcoming year. He has been at the School of Dance and Music, which offers styles from jazz to contemporary to ballet, since he was three years old, but rather recently has decided

to devote his sole attention to classical bal-

“I was a really hyperactive growing up because I have ADHD. So when I was a kid, I was all over the place. My mom was like, why don't we put you in dance class, and it just stuck,” Deane said. “Around last year, I realized that I definitely want to do [ballet] professionally. I really focused over the summer because it was my first time ever going to a summer intensive. I think that was a taste of what I could be doing and convinced me even

Deane went to Boston Ballet School’s summer intensive this past year, which consisted of six consecutive weeks of dancing eight hours a day. At his home studio in Redondo, Deane is the only guy, eliminating the element of “friendly guy competition,” which he got to experience

“When I went to Boston, there was an unspoken rule that you had to do more turns than the guy before you,” Deane said. “That made me better and wasn't really unhealthy since we all wanted to show off and get better. But the lack of guys at my studio makes me

From cosplay to crocheting, nails, instruments and photography, senior Christina Umemura finds ways to express her strong sense of creativity.

Umemura was first introduced to cosplaying when she was very young. Her mom and aunt sold earbuds at conventions and would sneak her in with their passes. Umemura dressed up and walked around the conventions,

finding a passion in cosplay. She now attends the various local conventions such as Anime Los Angeles in Long Beach with a few friends where she finds like-minded people.

“It's just like another day of Halloween, essentially. You just dress up and meet a bunch of people in that community. When you get to see another character from a game or anime that you like you can just go up and say hi and share information. It's overall really accepting and open to everyone,” Umemura said.

Although some cosplayers prefer to make their cosplay from scratch, Umemura likes to buy her cosplay pre-made and sew it to fit her own preferred measurements and vision for the final look. Umemura is most proud of her Sailor Mars costume from the Sailor Moon series and Hu Tao costume from Genshin im pact.

Though her passion for cos play originated from a connec tion from her mom and aunt, Umemara found a creative out let with her dad as well: photog raphy. Umemura has had a long time passion for it and recently upgraded to a Canon EOS camera.

feel a lot more stagnant. It was really hard to see where I am compared to other guys.”

Being the only guy, Deane began mens’ technique (partnering girls, larger jumps, etc.) rather late in his dancing career due to not having a male teacher to learn from. But learning from his coach Joshua Brown “has helped [him] get into a company and catch up on mens’ technique.” Brown has been able to see his progress first handedly through his teaching.

“Henry has improved beyond bounds. This type of studio specializes in lots of different techniques, which is wonderful, but Henry has a desire to be a ballet dancer. So helping him really hone in and focus on that has helped him become the dancer he wants to be,” Brown said. “I want to advise him to try to hold on to the hunger I see in him right now no matter what. It’s a tough industry and there are so many people trying to do the same thing with the same goals that he has to truly want it, which he does.”

Getting the news of being accepted into the professional division was “relieving” for Deane to have “15 years of

work finally paid off.”

“I’ve seen videos of people getting their college acceptance letters and they start crying and everyone's congratulating them. For me, it was more as if a lot of weight was lifted off my shoulders because I had no idea if I was going to get into a company or not because it's so difficult to get even a tiny position,” Deane said. “To be able to say that ‘I don't have to worry about whether I need to go to college or not because I have a place to dance next year’ is amazing. I now have a place where I have a pathway into a ballet company now.”

“I think I've just always been interest ed in [photography] because my dad is a photographer. He used to work freelance in Los Angeles and take pictures of athletes like Michael Jordan and a bunch of others and that kind of inspired me,” Umemura said.

Another of Uemura's passions is crocheting, which she found more recently than cosplay or photography.

“I learned by myself and my first time was not good at all. It was earlier last year during the summer, and I got upset. I was trying to make a cat hat but struggled and ended up taking a break for a while but once I decided to go back to it I fixed my mistakes and got better. Over time, I just looked through tutorials and patterns on the internet and learned,” Umemura said.

Umemura’s favorite project she has done is making amigurumi dolls, which are small stuffed dolls from japan, for a friend. She handmade a doll of Neon from Valorant, a popular video game, from a pattern of anRecently Umemura found her-

self becoming interested in creating custom nails.

“I play bass guitar and flute in band, so I can't really have real nails. It was a compromise that I had to make. I had to choose between nails or band, so even though I like to have cute jewels and stuff on my nails, I've had to keep them short. Recently though, I ended up learning how to create my own designs on fake nails so that I can put them on and take them back off whenever I have to like whenever I'm performing and practicing. I've been playing instruments for the past 8 years so it's something that's always been off-limits,” Umemura said.

Umemura is still undecided on her plans post high school but wants to continue school and get a well paying job and is considering pursuing nursing.

“For me, it doesn't need to be a big job.” Umemura said. “I know it's okay to be unsure of the future because it's undecided, but it's important to try to find what's right for you and express yourself.”

1 and 2. Henry Deane performing in 'Coppelia'. PHOTO COURTESY OF HENRY DEANE

by Fransisco Villegas

Christina Umemura enjoys traveling and exploring new cities

Handcrafted press on nails she created

of the Ball

by Leyla Evenson

From a shimmering yellow ball gown to the rowdy atmosphere of a school rally, May Le spends her time contributing to the school in a multiplicity of ways. Le has been a part of the theater department since freshman year, and has been in ASB since sixth grade. She has been passionate about singing and leading for a long time, and pursuing these interests throughout high school has led her to larger roles in each of these programs.

Senior May Le participates on and off stage, while also leading in ASB as school relations commisioner

for two pro ductions.

When Le found out about her casting as Belle in Beauty in the Beast, she felt a mix of emotions, as she felt it was a “huge” role to play.

from the music, to the costumes, to the actual work and interaction with her fellow castmates and crew members.

“Theater gives you a lot of experience working with other people. Teamwork is one of the most important things that you can learn from theater, whether you are on cast or on tech [crew]. It forces you to learn how to work with other people, communicate, and work as one big team,” Le said.

freshman cabinet.

ASB and theater both require effort and time outside of school. Despite that, she still maintains a high level of academic achievement.

For Le, theater opened up a new world of opportunities. She had been singing for a long time, but her first experience in a play was her freshman year, in an online show. Though it was difficult, Le said that it wasn’t a negative experience in the least.

“I didn't have any experience in theater or on stage before, [but] I didn't think of it as much of a con, it was just new,” Le said.

When quarantine ended, Le found that there was a whole other side to theater that she hadn't seen before.

“When people think of theater, most people just think about musicals, acting, singing, dancing— and through the theater department, I discovered the other side of theater, the technical side,” Le said. “And I love that side as well.”

Le is currently on the auditorium technical crew, which puts on events at the RUHS theater. Previously, she worked on the sound crew and was a sound designer

“Belle is a Disney princess, who everybody grew up watching. [It's] music that everyone knows and loves. It was just a magical experience. I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, but mostly excitement, because it's an amazing role and an amazing show. I loved every bit of it,” Le said.

Having been in the theater program for all of high school, Le and Melissa Staab, the theater director, have worked with each other on multiple productions, and Staab has “seen her grow up” throughout that time.

“I'm really proud of her growth as an actor. When I [first] met her, she'd never done a play in her whole life. She had sung a lot, but she'd never been in a show. Her acting has grown so much, and I'm really proud of her for all her hard work,” Staab said.

For Le, the life skills that she’s learned are very important and “are [applicable] anywhere.” She “loved every bit of it,”

Apart from being in the ater, Le was involved in ASB during all four years of high school as well as through out middle school. Staying “connected” “reliable” parts of cording

in her opinion.

“We have to work as a team, be accommodating to each other's sched ules, but we also have to get things done. It teaches you a lot about how things are done in the real world,” Le said.

“If you have motivation to do all of these things, then you will be able to do it,” Le said. “It's not just about how smart how talented you

Le is the currently school relations commissioner, planning and organizing events like the homecoming halftime show and the UCLA blood drives in fall and spring. She previously worked as clubs commissioner her junior year, and publicity commissioner her sophomore year, after starting off her first year in the

Senior Nikki Reid finds community through the concert experience

by Kayli Mai

With an artsy list of hobbies to guide her through selecting a college, senior Nikki Reid loves connecting with others and reflects on all the rich memories she experienced throughout highschool.

After “falling in love” with the con cert experience, Reid has taken many opportunities over the past two years to connect with her peers through a mutual taste for music. By finding a new friend to attend each concert with, she gains the opportunity to enjoy different artists while “get ting to know” a classmate better.

“When I'm in a room with like minded peo ple who enjoy the same thing as [me] and ar en’t afraid to be them selves, I love it. Every one in a venue is always super sweet,” Reid said. “If you compliment somebody, they're [hap py] to hear it, because all the people at a concert are there for the same ex perience.”

Senior Tiffa ny Arenas, one

of Reid’s friends, has also enjoyed going to many concerts in her life. According to Reid, the pair already knew that they both enjoyed concerts, so they furthered that hobby by attending performances together.

“A concert is completely different from tening to your favorite artists on Spotify. [There’s] this [unique] feeling when you're actual ly there.” Arenas said, “It's super fun, especially with [Reid], and we go see a lot of indie artists. The crowd isn’t too many people, so it's an intimate moment with the artists, compared to bigger

ond] concert to see the opener. They were the first band I ever saw, and I wanted to see them again. I only saw Quarters of

blue, but instead was a cultivation of previous concert experiences and their openers.

“Originally, I went to [my sec-

“What's special about thrifting is how different it is for everybody. [Thrifting is] an activity that you can

er new styles, find out what you love instead of what’s just trendy, and express yourself in a physical way. It’s sustainable as well, which is only a small perk to building a closet of perfectly one-of-a-kind

Additionally, with her reinstated “love” for a good concert experience, an exciting part of getting ready for a concert is figuring out what to wear and how to present herself. Reid explains how she often will, “try [to] build an outfit based on the kind of community” surrounding an artist or band while receiving help or inspiration from different people she’s met through her music taste.

each concert is drastically different. Artists' stage presences are different as well, so you never know what you're expecting going in.” Reid said.

Another hobby Reid gained during highschool is thrifting. Her family wasn't “big” on thrifting growing up, but two of her best friends got her interested over quarantine.

“I'm most proud of how far our mock trial team has come. This year we made it to the

so much hard work throughout the

“I met a lot of friends through [concerts] as well. I met these two girls who were also doing the same thing as me, traveling to different shows, so the next day I ended up camping outside the venue with them,” Reid said, “I’ve made so many friends; everyone has the same morals, values, and everyone’s there for the same common reason- the concert experience.”

ADITYA WARRIER

that go into making this

and that ranking is the culmination of all our

lot of classes naturally became easier for me, due to how much I had to struggle through AP Chem. I liked the challenge that it posed and that I was being taught to think more logically and more conceptually.”

Le as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" production

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

JACK RAYNOR

PHOTO BY TREASURED MOMENTS

by Lucy Davis

Each day, senior Griffin Galimi wakes up with the same two goals: "to smile and to learn."

Galimi, this year's valedictorian, is a "superhuman" applicant on paper, according to college counselor Katie Menschner. Between 11 AP credits and 11 college courses, it's no wonder that Galimi is statistically at the top of his class. But there is so much more to him than his grades.

This is his third year as lead program mer of Beach Cities Robotics, writing code to operate a movable robot, and perform ing tasks to fulfill challenges in interna tional competition. Galimi began robotics in elementary school after he realized that his passion for Legos translated to creation on a larger, more functional scale. Starting with the program Vex, learning JavaScript, and eventually gaining advanced hands-on experience allowed him “invaluable” in sight to both the construction and coding aspects of robotics.

"One of my favorite things about the program is being with like-minded people, because we all have different opinions on how to solve the same issue. Being able to compare our ideas and see what works, and to solve problems in a creative way, there’s no other feeling like that," Galimi said.

In high school, Galimi decided to pur sue another unexplored avenue of knowl

edge: linguistics. When his older brother came home practicing Spanish vocabulary, Galimi’s curiosity was piqued. Spanish dual enrollment courses opened a door that helped him discover “a new way of thinking.”

“It's cool to see a connection between different languages, whether it’s a computer language or spoken language. It shows you different ways of writing and expressing things, which in turn

similar,” Galimi said. “It gives you the ability to figure stuff out on your own instead of having to memorize and be stuck in a structure.”

In an environment where students’ focus on academic success is “prevalent,” Galimi’s mindset is individually-driven rather than competitive.

“I think a problem that a lot of people have is they compare themselves to others when they should be

really unique,” Menschner said. “And he does a really good job of making someone feel welcome and included, as if they’re part of the group. He’s so personable and so warm, and that’s just who he is.”

As he moves through life, Galimi’s pursuit of knowledge extends beyond the classroom and designated credit hours to interpersonal connection—because “why are we here if not to learn?”

that are actually

“There are a lot of people in the world, and I wouldn’t mind getting to know all of them. There are so many things people do and so much to learn from all of them. In a community setting, whether that’s meeting someone for the first time and dancing together, leading a programming team, teaching kids how to code—you get to meet people and experience things you wouldn’t have been able to other-

After Galimi accepts his diploma, he’s set to major in computer science at the University of California, Los Angeles. It is his hope that his classmates don’t recall him as valedictorian but as someone who made campus “a bit brighter.”

“I hope they remember a moment they had with me that they enjoyed,” Galimi said. “The world is filled with so much discouragement, unmotivation, sadness—it’s important to have those moments of joy or laughter.”

Salutatorian Derek Schaffer pursues his interest in water polo and chemical engineering after four years of hard work at Redondo

For senior Derek Schaffer, the last four years have been filled with a heavy academic schedule, alongside a commitment to his sport, water polo. As captain of the water polo team and salutatorian, his efforts have reaped great rewards, and Schaffer will be attending MIT in the fall to play water polo and major in chemical engineering.

“I don’t try to do too many [different] things,” Schaffer said. “I just try to have a few things that I can focus on and be good at.”

I couldn’t just rely on brute force or physical size,” Schaffer said.

This year, water polo’s season came to a close in the first round of CIF, which wasn’t ideal for the team.

“I think we all expected more from the season. But our record in the season didn’t reflect how our post season went,” Schaffer said. “During the postseason, we [saw that] we had more left in the tank. I know that [we can’t change the season], but I’m excited for what the underclassman and the younger guys have [potential-wise] for

For Schaffer, a personal turning point during the season was the second game the team played, against Notre Dame High School, despite the game not ending in their favor. In previous seasons and on his club teams, Schaffer felt that he played more of a supporting role, and tried to “facilitate” others’ plays.

“I tried to focus on solid defense and on making a lot of assists. A lot of times, I’ll be the one making a pass to set up people for quick shots. The Notre Dame game was the first game where I started taking my

by Deeksha Prasad

and try to really condense my work. Other times, it went the other way. If I had a really big exam coming up, then I’d maybe have to miss a bit of practice, or a whole practice if need be. There was definitely a push and pull between sports and school,” Schaffer said.

Not only did Schaffer play waterpolo, he was also a tutor for SAT math. According to Schaffer, the most important part in managing his activities was ensuring “efficiency” with his tasks. He was able to schedule his own tutoring sessions, which helped

ways been a “goal-oriented” person. He thing he does, and he “excels” at them as a

““He puts in the work without really eryone else. It’s the scenes [effort],” Hwang said.

“He’s very disciplined, and he