RAVEN REPORT SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSMAGAZINE VOLUME XII, NO. 5 // MAY 2019
Senior Map, p 14-15
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 NEWS
Dance Show Turns 50 “Cherokees” Still Linger Students on “Ravens” Change A Talk with Curtis Roberts
9 FEATURE
Long Term Substitutes Freshman and her Geckos Unauthorized Cartridges What To Do This Summer
14 SENIORS
College Map Senior Statistics Senior Profiles: Marco Pretell
Bianca Orocio Liam Crettoll Oseas Garcia
20 OPINION Voces: Columna de Español Rolled Ice Cream Review Endgame, spoiler warning Find the Bean, best local coffee Look Beyond the Headline Senior Farewell
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Letter from the Editors
ABOUT
High School in America In reflecting over this tumultuous past year for the Raven Report, we recognize that we owe our success in getting through the year, changing from a newspaper to a magazine, dealing with diminished resources, to continued and fervent optimism. Many of the seniors, we’re sure, whose successes and future endeavors are listed in the Senior Map and Spread (page 14-17), can attest to this fact. Though the light at the end of the tunnel may be too distant to see, the knowledge and hope that it there seemingly wills it to come closer. Yet seniors are not the only ones who deserve recognition. Congratulations to every freshman on situating and establishing yourselves in a completely new environment. Congratulations to every sophomore for learning to expand on the base you built last year. Congratulations to every junior for adapting to the increased expectations and surviving what many perceive as the hardest year of your lives. Continue through Sequoia with your head held high and the knowledge and belief that you can graduate, as everyone who came before you could. You are not only what makes your high school experience your own, but you are what makes Sequoia the school that it is. You have that power. Don’t forget it. Congratulations to every teacher and staff member, new or old, for surviving another year of understanding and forgiving angsty
and often unappreciative teens—you are doing work in public schools that our society severely and wrongly undervalues. You set the example that public school teachers and staff are inherently good, and indispensable for the progress of the future generations, and inherently the future society that may one day value you more. High schools in America rely on the belief, however wrong or right it is, that people should move mountains for just an anthill in return. Students, teachers, and staff, all throughout the school year, face enough work to dominate the majority of their time, in and out of school during these past nine months. Every year can seem harder than the last, not only for students. The only belief that can surmount this insurmountable summit, is that time always passes, summer is around the corner, and summer always comes. Congratulations on a monumental year, Ravens.
Printing and web posting funded by
The Raven Report is a Sequoia High School student publication produced in the journalism class through the efforts and decisions of the staff and the publication’s editors and adviser. The Raven Report is a public forum for students, staff, parents and community members. The Raven Report strives to provide Sequoia High School with informative, engaging and relevant news. The staff will exercise integrity and adaptability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about the school, the community and the world.
CONTACT
The Raven Report staff welcomes signed letters to the editor so that readers might share in the opportunities of the scholastic free press in open forum. The written views of students, parents or community members must be responsible, in good taste and free from libel, slander or obscenity. Letters may be edited for grammar or content if necessary; furthermore, editors will not guarantee that letters will be published. 1201 Brewster Ave. Redwood City, CA 94062 www.ravenreport.org ravenreport17@gmail.com
Raven Report // 18-19 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Beatrice Bugos Benjy Jude MANAGING EDITOR Brighid Bugos COPY EDITOR Shannon Coan
NEWS EDITOR Taylor Gayner
SPORTS EDITOR Jay Tipirneni
FEATURE EDITOR Ysabelle Punzal
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Aviva Futornick
OPINION EDITOR Nick Abraham
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Maddie Reynolds
STAFF REPORTERS Madeline Carpinelli Jake Carroll Alyssa De Leon Laniah Dickinson Zoe Dufner Ray Evans Kelsie Garay
Andrew Mancini Collin Mavrinac Lex Navarra Mia Padilla Tino Pohahau David Ramirez Caitlin Sorensen ADVISER Kim Vinh
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Dancing in the Spotlight
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Photos by Aviva Futornick
Student dancers twirl, whirl and impress at the 50th Sequoia Dance Show
BY ANDREW MANCINI Staff Reporter From Advanced Dance students rocking out to the 1985 hit “Conga” to senior Sonja Frazer’s self-choreographed act about positive body image, Sequoia’s 50th annual Dance Show dazzled audiences with its wide variety of dance styles and performances. This year’s Dance Show, which was held in Carrington Hall April 25-27, 2019, drew over 2,000 students, parents, teachers, and alumni, with the anticipation of a lively, entertaining performance highlighting Sequoia’s Intermediate Dance and Advanced Dance classes. Audience members and performers alike agreed that the three nights of shows went successfully. “It was the best show [I’ve been in] so far,” said senior Shiva Shambayati, a four-year member of the Advanced Dance class. “All the dances came together really well.” To celebrate the momentous 50-year anniversary, dance teacher Taylor White added a third show on Thursday night, organized a dance video starring Sequoia alumni during intermission, and created a pre-show slideshow with scanned pictures and memorabilia from previous performances. In the fall of 1968, then-dance teacher Carol Bowling began teaching Sequoia students in a new dance class. Unlike previous courses which only included modern dance, Bowling’s added in the more expressive and energetic style of jazz dance. By spring, the dancers
in the class—who, at the time, were only female students—were ready to present their new dance moves to their families. Bowling organized a dance performance to give her students the opportunity to highlight all that her students had learned during the year. “What was supposed to be a small, end-ofthe-year showcase for the parents ended up being an unexpected, sold-out crowd in the auditorium,” White wrote in the 2019 show’s program. “The Sequoia Dance Show, as we know it today, was conceived in that inaugural class.” The event, which was quickly deemed a success by students and the audience, was established as an annual tradition. Over the years, Bowling’s dance class expanded, eventually accepting boys and dividing into the three-level, eight-class program present
Juniors Anna Arbuckle and Adam Lipson dance to Dean Lewis’ “Be Alright” at the 50th annual Dance Show. Advanced Dance students like Lipson choreographed most of the routines in the performance.
today that serves over 350 students. Now, more students than ever before are signing up for the classes, thanks to the increased exposure of dance in today’s culture. “It’s just become so much more accepted for people to be interested in dance, and that’s a huge difference between then and now,” Sequoia alumna Gail Follansbee said. “There are dance competition shows on TV, multiple ones, and there wasn’t anything like that [back in the 1970s].” Follansbee, who graduated from Sequoia in 1979, joined dance because it offered more creative activities than traditional P.E. units. “Everybody got a chance to do some choreography, and it was just a lot more fun in general,” Follansbee said. “We had units on different types of dance that everybody took: modern, jazz, [and] even tap.”
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019 Today, the program still covers a wide range of styles, from contemporary dance to fast-paced, energetic hip-hop. At this year’s show, the Intermediate Dance class presented “The Greatest Show,” the group’s act from the Homecoming game earlier in the year. Advanced Dance students danced to pop songs, including Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie,” Sia’s “California Dreamin’,” and Cali Swag’s “Teach Me How to Dougie.” “There are some shows where I say, ‘That was pretty good,’” White said. “But after the audience came in and saw all the pieces, ... I thought [this year’s show] flowed really well.” White, who has been teaching at Sequoia since 2001 and was part of the dance program as a student at Sequoia, added that the performance inspires viewers. “I’ve watched many of these dances since August, so I don’t have the new, crisp feeling from seeing them. I forget how the dances can touch the audience,” White said. The majority of the school year is spent working up to the dance show, as students must select the music, choreograph the acts, learn the dance moves themselves, and teach
the work, and not have to intervene much, it’s them to the group. “Basically, the whole year revolves around a real privilege to see their creation,” she said. the dance show,” said junior Isabelle Bravo, an “You watch Advanced Dance during the Dance Show, it’s all student choreography. I don’t do Advanced Dance member. When choreographing a dance, Bravo much work. I guide them, but they have the generally picks a song, plays it, and records vision. It’s so exciting.” During the creative process, students learn herself doing freestyle moves to it. She then refines the moves before explaining it, during how to collaborate and work together, two skills that transcend the class, to the group dance floor. of students who will “Dance is a team perform it with her. sport without the “Overall, being in dance has taught me ... competition part. You [From dance], I’ve learned how how to teach people, by learn how to work choreographing a dance to teach others, how to adapt with other people and and teaching it to a my lessons, and how to adapt to brainstorm with other group,” said sophomore different styles [of learners]. people,” Follansbee, the Xavier Gabet, a student Xavier Gabet, sophomore Sequoia graduate, said. in Intermediate Dance. “And learning how to “I’ve learned how to be part of a team, and teach others, how to adapt my lessons, and how to work cooperatively with others [is how to adapt to different styles [of learners].” important], because working with people is a White added that seeing the students do huge part of your adult life.” choreography is one of her favorite parts of the During the week leading up to the show, year. all students attend afternoon rehearsals to “When I can just sit back and let them do practice dancing on stage in Carrington
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Advanced Dance senior Andres Alas performs to Paula Abdul’s “Cold Hearted.”
At the 50th Sequoia Dance Show, Intermediate Dance students perform “Circus,” an act from Homecoming. Hall. Often, this requires students to plan for completing homework for other classes. “You have to learn how to balance things and prepare ahead of time, but also know that procrastination is real,” Shambayati said. Shambayati has performed in the dance show for four years and said that this year’s performances, being her last ones, brought back memories. “On the first night of Tech Week, during rehearsal, we were taking our bows,” Shambayati said. “I remembered freshman year, looking out at the same empty crowd, and I cried on the spot.” “Once you get into dance, it changes your life,” Shambayati said. “It has allowed me to
express myself. I’ve become more confident and dance is a good way to relieve stress and deal with your emotions.” Bravo, who will continue in Advanced Dance next year, agreed that she has taken away much more from dance than learning hip-hop moves. “Dance has taught me how to grow a thick skin, and take criticism well,” Bravo said. “People will say mean things, but you have to learn how to take it and use it to make you a better dancer and a better person.” Bravo and the other dancers promoted the program, suggesting that all students sign up for a dance class to try it out. “I have a lot of students in Advanced
[Dance] who tell me, ‘I didn’t think I wanted to take dance, but here I am, and I’ve found that I really enjoy it,’” White said. “You’ll never know if you like dance if you don’t sign up.” Looking ahead to the next 50 years, White adds that she hopes to teach more students without previous experience, and increase the number of boys participating, but otherwise keep the program going at the same pace. “I’ve found that students just find ways to have fun from the energy of the crowds and from dancing,” White said. “So I want to maintain high-quality productions and encourage kids to dance, especially the ones who are taking dance for the first time in high school. My job is the best job in the world.”
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Cherokee references to be removed “Terremere Field, home of the Cherokees” reads the sign over the football field. This is one of at least seven places around campus that still bears the name Cherokees. Sequoia switched its mascot in 2002 from Cherokees to Ravens, and as of April 17, its team name as well, with an official vote by the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees. Although plans have been drafted to remove the name, the Cherokees will remain in the form of signs and markers around campus for some time. “I don’t have a timeline,” Administrative Vice Principal Gary Gooch said. “But we have taken the first steps [towards replacing the remaining references].” The Cherokees are still referenced on the baseball field scoreboard, a mural painted on the wall of the weight room, the sign over the Terremere Field home bleachers, the basketball team 100 year memorial in Gym 2, the Sequoia athletics Wall of Fame metal lettering, a banner on the track and the inside of the athletic trainers office. All references are slated for removal, but there will be input from alumni as to how. In particular, a few alumni will be invited to help advise what will replace them. “Moving beyond mascots and team names that could be considered demeaning or disrespectful requires a community approach where everyone is made aware of the
Photo by Ray Evans
By RAY EVANS Staff Reporter
Off-season athletes work out in the weight room under a Cherokees mural. Plans have been drafted to remove such Cherokee references around campus.
impact such names can have on all people,” Gooch said. One major delaying factor is cost. A new baseball scoreboard around the same size as the current one would cost around $2,900. Additionally, the “All the traditions and history of Terremere Field sign our school will not go away just is custom made, because we are called the Ravens as are the several instead of the Cherokees,” murals and logos. C h e r o k e e Corey Uhalde, baseball coach iconography and the
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phrase Cherokees on jerseys have already been phased out in the years since the mascot changed. “All the traditions and history of our school will not go away just because we are called the Ravens instead of the Cherokees,” baseball coach Corey Uhalde said. There has, however, been pushback and nostalgia from some students and alumni. Freshman Garrett Miller, for example, had no qualms playing football as a Cherokee. “I know back in the day they
used to dress up and in effect make fun of the Cherokee, but they don’t do that anymore,” Miller said. “There is a way to be respectful.” There are still two designs of Cherokee shirts available in the Student Activities Center, one long sleeved and one T-shirt but they will not be restocked. “The school is for the students,” Gooch said. “If students decided to change the team name, and it helps them have more school pride, that’s terrific.”
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Cherokees to Ravens name change sparks conversation
BY CAITLIN SORENSEN AND DAVID RAMIREZ Staff Reporters
Sequoia officially changed the name of the mascot from Cherokees to Ravens by a unanimous vote by the Sequoia
Union High School District School Board on April 17. The announcement led to an uproar from Sequoia’s alumni community on social media. Student responses differed: some like the change, while others disapproved.
“It brought me a lot of hope because as a Native American I see a lot of things going on like the name Redskins in Washington, so it’s a great relief that my own school changes the norm from the past to something that’s more acceptable now.” —Alessandro Duran, freshman “[The name] was targeting Native American culture and I don’t think Sequoia is really part of that and doesn’t stand for that. I don’t think it’s respectful to use the name.” —Fernanda Pardo, junior “Since you think of a mascot [name] as usually an animal, when you’re saying that our mascot [name] is a group of people, it’s almost dehumanizing that group of people. So I’m happy that it was changed.” —Samara Smith, freshman “I think it’s more fair to the Cherokees that we use a name that doesn’t in any way make them feel discriminated against or ostracized.” —Alessandro Kashap, sophomore “Students are trying to be respectful [to the Cherokees] but alumni may have wanted it to stay the same since it has been the name since the 1920s.” —Sophie Rivera, sophomore “We’ve been pretty respectful with the extent that we go to using the Cherokees logo. We didn’t do any gestures that promote negative stereotypes, [and] we don’t display any icons or symbols on our uniforms. The name was just the last thing we could hold on to and now it’s gone.” —Devansh Mehra, senior Photos by Caitlin Sorensen and David Ramirez
100 students responded to a survey voicing their opinion on whether they liked the name change.
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Alum shares story of incarceration, recovery BY NICK ABRAHAM Opinion Editor Formerly incarcerated activist and Sequoia alumnus Curtis Roberts (1980) was welcomed to Sequoia on Wed. May 1 to speak with students, mainly seniors in IB English, in the Media Center about his experience in the prison system, life after his release, and what needs to be changed in the justice system. Roberts is best known from being featured on an episode of Ear Hustle, a podcast out of San Quentin highlighting the stories of various people incarcerated in the prison located about 20 miles north of San Francisco. The episode he was featured in, “Left Behind,” has been downloaded 750,000 times. Roberts’ story particularly highlights the arbitrary nature of California’s three strikes law. This law doles out harsh sentences to yPhoto by Maddie Reynolds people who commit three felonies— no matter Curtis Roberts shared anecdotes and advice to Sequoia students regarding his 29 years spent how minor those felonies are. In Roberts’ case, in prison because of California’s Three Strikes law, and his recent release from Gov. Jerry Brown his felonies were nonviolent: his “third strike” was stealing $40 from a cash register. front of convicts about going home, so [there] with while in prison. Roberts spent years writing “I’ve never shot a guy, never stabbed is this very hostile environment where the diaries for his daughter, and still feels the guilt of nobody, never molested no kids, never raped guards are so negative and vicious and foul his absence to this day. nobody, and they are telling you, ‘lock Curtis towards us.” “I broke a little girl’s heart, and I can’t ever Roberts up for the rest of his life,’” Roberts said After four suicide attempts, Roberts found undo that,” he said. “I deserve to do the rest of at the event. hope in friends inside and outside of prison my life in prison just for that.” Roberts’ original A large part in Roberts’ reconnection with that were advocating sentence was 50 years to for him. With help Sequoia was English teacher Justine Rutigliano, life in prison. Initially, he from a Stanford law who began writing to Roberts in 2017 after never thought he would professor and US District playing “Left Behind” to her IB English students be released, and being This is my therapy, Court Judge Thelton as a part of their existentialism unit. stuck for so long in a Upon learning that he graduated from talking to you all. I didn’t Henderson, among many harsh prison system left others, his sentence Sequoia, her students found pictures of him in get rich or famous, but was commuted by Gov. an old yearbook and sent them to him. He noted him feeling hopeless. you all are my jewels. Jerry Brown and he was that these are the only pictures he has from his “I was begging for death, I just wanted to Curtis Roberts released on Dec. 31, 2018. childhood. die,” Roberts said. “I was “His resilience and the power of storytelling “It was just amazing to so mad at God because watch it unfold,” Roberts [stood out to me],” said Rutigliano. “The magical he wouldn’t even answer said. “It wasn’t necessarily results that can come as a result of the effort to that.” myself that brought me out of it, but the people connect with others is really powerful.” He also talked about the abuse he endured that came around me. I took one step, and they Roberts was recently offered a job in the San at the hands of guards and other prisoners. took 1,000 to help me.” Francisco Prosecutor’s Office as an alternative At one point, he was sexually assaulted Many students asked Roberts about the sentencing consultant. This would entail talking by a fellow inmate, at which point guards biggest changes he’s experienced upon being with convicts and recommending whether the handcuffed, strip-searched, and put him in launched back into society after his release. He planned sentence for them is too harsh or not. solitary confinement instead of helping. noted the antisocial nature of San Francisco Roberts hopes that he can use his experience to “When you get raped in prison, it’s bragged with the use of technology, but was especially inform changes in the criminal justice system. about by the rapist, and it’s looked upon like taken by the cultural changes in women’s dress At the end, Roberts extended advice to it’s a good thing,” he said. students that he said he would have given to and the #MeToo movement. Being in prison for 29 years, Roberts also “They didn’t prepare me for that when I was himself in high school. saw a shift in attitude from prison guards and inside,” he said. “They have starved me to such “There’s subtle ways that people give up. their treatment of inmates. a degree of female affection that when I got out They might shut down emotionally, some will “When I first started doing time in 1989, it was so overwhelming. They’re stripping the just start drinking, some will start doing drugs, prison guards were very respectful, because men inside of there of any contact at all.” and some would be workaholics,” he said. “Don’t if they disrespected you, they got stabbed,” He was also open about his reconnection give up on yourselves, [and] fight for your he said. “Now, they’re dangling that carrot in with his daughter, who he attempted to connect humanity.”
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RAVEN REPORT // APRIL 2019
Student engagement subbed out
BY JAY TIPIRNENI Sports Editor At some point we have all forgotten to complete some homework or in-class assignment and knowing that you have a substitute teacher in your next class can be a massive relief. But when that same substitute shows up day after day, things may start to get complicated. In classes throughout Sequoia, there have been many sequences of long-term absences by teachers, most attributed to maternity or paternity leave. These absences have sparked issues with student learning, resulting in difficulty understanding the material. “Our sub has covered a whole entire new unit, and I definitely feel weaker in understanding that subject. [It] is difficult because you would think that the things that you learned that are newer would be the things that you understand more, but I definitely don’t understand anything about that unit,” senior Soana Afu said. Afu has multiple classes that are taught by long term substitutes, many of which are International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, including English, Psychology and Physics with substitutes teaching since early April. “You have to look up stuff on your own and invest your own time in it because you know stuff is not gonna get done in class. A lot of it is unclear, and you don’t get the real experience of having a teacher there who actually knows the material and being able to ask some questions about it,” Afu said. Engagement for many students is also hindered by long term substitutes that may not have lots of experience in a particular subject. “When we had the [assigned] teacher, everyone was always paying attention, they
weren’t having side conversations, but now be difficult to relate with students who they it’s the opposite of that,” junior Fatima Araica have just met. said. Araica has had long-term substitutes in “There have been some issues where I am both her English and Math classes . not able to connect with the students because Students in IB classes have also voiced I don’t know what they’re going through and concerns over substitutes who may not even if I ask them, they don’t want to open up,” understand how to teach IB curriculum. said IB Spanish HL and Spanish 2 substitute “We’re all trying to prepare for an IB test Carmen Gutierrez, who is substituting for and our substitutes don’t know anything about Belen Álvarez while she is out on maternity the IB tests or know what’s been on it before, so leave. it’s hard to cover what we should be preparing The district currently has a shortage of for,” Afu said. substitutes that are qualified and ready to teach The state has many extensive policies that due to very competitive pay with surrounding outline exactly who is allowed to teach here. districts. The substitutes themselves sign up for The official policy of the California teaching positions through an external service. Education Code Section 35186 states, “Substitutes sign up for positions or “There should be no teacher vacancies or assignments through a system called Aesop and misassignments. There should be a teacher they self-assign to a teacher,” said Instructional assigned to each class and not a series of Vice Principal Secretary Anilisa Manolache, substitutes or other who assigns substitutes to temporary teachers. openings daily. “Then they The teacher should come to the IVP office the have the proper day of the assignment and credentials to teach When we had the [assigned] pick up keys, attendance, the class, including the and information about teacher, everyone was certification required to who the teacher is for always paying attention, teach English learners if the day, as well as sub they weren’t having side present.” plans.” Though a Finals week also substitute may not feel conversations, but now it’s presents a challenge for like a traditional tenured like the opposite of that. students in classes with teacher, it is still important Fatima Araica, junior substitutes. that they are treated with “Finals are going to the same respect. be harder because [the subs] don’t really know “Something I would like students to that much, compared to the actual teachers. remember is that substitute teachers make a They don’t know what they should actually be great effort to teach our classes, as they meet teaching or how they should be teaching it, so new faces every single period,” Manolache I will have to study on my own,” Araica said. said. “Therefore we must all demonstrate that While the experiences of students may not this is a place of friends through a respectful be ideal, long-term substitutes feel that it can and kind attitude.”
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RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
A tail about geckos: Kelly runs reptile business BY KELSIE GARAY Staff Reporter As a gecko cries out for help, she swoops in to the rescue: this might sound like something a superhero does, but it’s all a part of freshman Megan Kelly’s job. Kelly runs a reptile rescue business, where she removes geckos and other lizards from unsafe living environments. Kelly takes care of her rescued group of 12 geckos every day: she feeds them worms, crickets and fruit, checks on them to make sure they are healthy and organizes the leaves in their homes so they have lots of places to play and hide. In addition to having an impressive array of animals, she also rescues injured lizards, takes care of them and then re-homes them with new owners. “I started my reptile rescue because I enjoy saving reptiles from unhealthy situations,” Kelly said. “I take in animals that have been neglected or are unhealthy. Then I rehabilitate them and rehome them to well-educated owners.” Kelly adopts geckos from pet stores, reptile shows and online to name a few places. “[A lot of stores] get [geckos] from a mass breeder who just mass breeds them and then gets rid of them, which is not that good. They also often don’t take good care of them in the store: they feed them dead bugs and they don’t provide the correct heat they need,” Kelly said. “It’s mainly the big chain pet stores. Local ones are usually a lot better with taking care of them because they have smaller amounts to take care of.”
As soon as she sees their sad faces and unhealthy living environment, she tries her best to rescue them. “I created my small business because I enjoy taking care of animals, specifically reptiles. I also like getting new animals and seeing them get adopted by loving owners. So far I’ve rescued about 25 reptiles,” Kelly said. Some geckos can cost around $1000. Luckily, Kelly’s geckos are only around $50. Interested buyers contact her through a reptile buying website, where different people can adopt and sell their own geckos, and then are able to purchase her geckos through PayPal. Kelly is currently in the process of creating her own reptile website. People will be able to see pictures of her geckos, learn more about how to take care of them and some information about that specific type of gecko. Then, they will be able to adopt them through the site. “I am going to use my website to help promote my reptile rescue and adoption business,” Kelly said. Along with rescuing and selling live geckos, Kelly and her friend, sophomore Allie Millard, create art of other people’s lizards
The Gecko Gallery
These are just a few of Kelly’s group of rescued geckos.
Banana
Oreo
PAGE 11 // FEATURE
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Peach
Honey’s Rescue Story: “I received Honey, a leopard gecko who was extremely thin for her age. She had been kept in a small tank with a larger and more aggressive gecko, even though they’re a solitary species. The bigger gecko had stolen all of the food before Honey could get any, so she became super skinny. The average weight of a gecko her age is 50 grams, but she was only 29 grams. She’s currently 38 grams!”
Now: 38 grams
Mango
Photos courtesy of Megan Kelly
and pets. “[We realized that] we like art, animals and earning money, and we have a ton of free time and like drawing so we’re like, ‘why not [start a business]?’” Millard said. Although their art business is small, they have made over 30 different drawings for various people. Unfortunately, many buyers didn’t want to pay for their art, which forced Kelly and Millard to end their business. “[The requests for free art] got really annoying, and I think that’s what pushed us to delete the account. Literally every single one was just asking for free or they were like ‘We’ll advertise you’,” Millard said. Although the reptile art business was unsuccessful, Kelly’s reptile rescue business is still doing well. “Overall I’ve gained tons of experience with animals,” Kelly said. “I’ve learned about a lot of different species, different methods to take care of them, and about different treatments for sick animals as well.”
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Unauthorized vape cartridges flood Sequoia black market eBay vendors are exploiting the logos and packaging from credible marijuana companies to provide to the black market with unregulated cartridges. The fake packaging on the left is almost identical to the real packaging on the right. Identifying a fake cart can be obvious at times, but other times it is almost impossible. Sellers on eBay have made the line between real and fake even more blurred. Online suppliers have put the logo of credible If someone asked you what is inside your vape cartridge, would you THC companies onto the packaging and completely replicated the look of real carts. The sellers then list them on eBay for cheap, such as $1.25 be able to tell them? Users that buy directly from companies’ websites for the packaging and the empty cart, leaving the last step of filling up would say that they contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil or wax. the cartridge in the hands of the dealer. But for students who buy from friends, eBay, or other resale sites, “Physical appearance is kind [of like] rolling the dice because it can whether to get around the ID check or to avoid paying the full price, it look like good, clear wax but it could actually be garbage like vape juice can be dangerous. and different kinds of vaping chemicals,” senior and medical consumer, As of the last two years, a new subset of weed dealing has emerged; Aadyn Meyer said. one where THC oils are homemade by unauthorized suppliers. This The only tried and true assurance of safety from these cartridges often leads to low standards of production. These suppliers fill their comes from a QR code, a barcode on the packaging that will pull up an cartridges with filler substances like olive oil or honey, or, more authorized lab test. These lab tests regulate the chemicals inside of the dangerously, unregulated, lower grade wax containing cancer-causing cart, assuring the consumer that there are no harmful or unregulated chemicals such as benzene, butane, ethanol and many other toxic chemicals within the product. Teens are uninformed chemicals. Not only are these fillers harmful, they are about where to get lab tested carts and try to find also extremely cheap. They can cut the final cost and loopholes such as second hand sale to obtain a legit cart. potency of the product by 25 to 50 percent, respectively It can look like good, A second hand dealer, even if medically licensed, earning the name “cheap carts.” “[The contents of the cartridges] can be anything. It clear wax but it could can only purchase 8 grams of concentrate at a time, actually be garbage according to law. can be flavors, it can be random chemicals, it could be “No dealer is gonna [buy] 8 grams of legit nicotine,” District Nurse Michelle Murray said. like vape juice. concentrate, ” Meyer said. “Dealers are looking to cop at Cheap carts have been on the market for nearly a Aadyn Meyer, senior least 20 grams of concentrate.” decade, but as of fall of 2018, teens have noticed that Most black market dealers don’t care about the cheap carts outnumbered legitimate carts within the quality, as long as profits are maximized. The only ensuring way to get underground market coincidentally around the same time as vaping real carts is to buy directly off of the dispensaries. popularity among teenagers increased. In 2017, about 10 percent of “I know... that Brass Knuckles [a popular cartridge company] and teens vaped THC, but in the following year that number doubled to 20 actual dispensaries have gone out their way to get those chemicals out percent and is only increasing, according to drugabuse.gov. of the product,” Meyer said. “High school students are the only reason why the fake cart market Brass Knuckles used to be well-known and credible but their is still thriving,” said John, a senior whose name has been changed reputation was hindered by eBay sellers, and they now add a disclaimer since legally, only those over age 18 can purchase legal, medical THC on their website telling consumers to find their product only at products, or age 21 to purchase recreationally. licensed dispensaries. This movement makes entering the market even “Adults have the luxury of being legally allowed to [buy] carts off of easier which encourages teens to not only buy more of these product dispensaries,” John said. “Teens have to resort to secondhand sale.” but to also start selling these products. The standard price for cheap cartridges is usually between $25-$45 Sometimes dealers can take pride in their product and achieve the versus the $80 price at a dispensary. “The effects of real and fake cartridges are night and day,” John said. same potency without these harmful fillers, but more often than not, “Hitting a fake cart feels like your lungs shrink with a mediocre high as the price isn’t worth the uncertainty and the health risks they come with. well as a headache, but hitting a real cart feels smooth and easy.” BY JAKE CARROLL AND TINO POHAHAU Staff Reporters
“
PAGE 13 // FEATURE
10 summer activities under $10 BY KELSIE GARAY AND ZOE DUFNER Staff Reporters
Summer is just around the corner! Here are some cheap and local activities to beat the heat.
1
2
Jam out to free local music in the Redwood City Square on Fridays from the end of May to the end of August, or at Stafford Park on Wednesdays from June 12 to August 14. Burton Park in San Carlos has concerts as well, on Wednesdays in July and August. All are from 6pm to 8pm.
If you’re feeling thirsty, you can
head down to some tea-rrific places. The closest to Sequoia are Teaspoon, with a variety of beverages ranging from $4.50 to $5.00, and Teatime, with the cheapest prices, from $3.45 to $5.45.
3
To catch a movie with your friends for free, go see a movie in the Redwood City square any summer Thursday at sundown other than the 4th of July. Some movies we recommend seeing are “Avengers: Infinity War” on June 20, “Crazy Rich Asians” on July 11, or “Bohemian Rhapsody” on August 8.
5
If you are looking for a cheap way to go shopping with your friends,
you! Thrift stores in Redwood City such as Savers, 5th Avenue Family Thrift Mart, and St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, which offers student discounts every Thursday to those with a valid student ID. Shopping at thrift stores can provide a lot of inexpensive clothes and valuable memories.
For activities involving music, art, sports, and more, check out
the Boys and Girls Club. They provide students with activities to do over the summer, from coding to cooking. They also have paid internships that students can participate in to gain work experience and money.
ice cream
For a unique treat, go to Bubble and Wrap Waffle Co. in Downtown Redwood City. It might not sound like an ice cream place, but they serve their ice cream wrapped in a fluffy waffle! The ice cream is topped with tasty treats such as whipped cream, cookies and pocky. Prices range from $4.00 to $8.00.
Cometh hither to Sequoia High School to
thrift shopping could be for
8
4
6
view a Shakespearean
play! The play, “As You Like It,” per-
formed by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, is on August 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 on Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm.
9
For some beach fun,
you can have a bonfire at Ocean Beach. Since it is in San Francisco, there’s about a 40 to 55 minute drive, but public transportation is an easy way to get there. You and your friends can relax around the warm fire until 9:30 pm as long as there is at least one adult (18+) present.
10
free 7 Slurpees Yay
on July 11 at 7-Eleven! There is only one Slurpee per store, but this doesn’t stop you from going to multiple stores to maximize your number of free Slurpees! Some of their locations are at the intersection of El Camino and Claremont Ave, Broadway and Beech Street, and Woodside and Hess Road. Stay cool by heading to Her-
kner pool in Redwood City on Madison Ave. It is open every week in the summer from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. It costs $5.00 for those under 17, and $7 for 18+.
B 19
PAGE 14 // SPECIAL FEATURE
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
University of Washington Isabelle Azadi Serena Furuta Western Washington University Emanuel Ridel Kenyon-Ortega Seattle University Lucas Efcavitch Gonzaga University Danielle Huber Taylor Smith
University of Puget Sound Beatrice Bugos Myriam Leon
University of Oregon Cassidy Flynn Zachary Goddard Will Jackson Maurice Jakoby Jack Namenuk-Bollinger Kara Shannon
Washington State University Gwyneth Brown
Southern Oregon University Louis A. Bulka Boise State University Krista Weaver
CSU Sacramento Janiel Baladad Emeline Garofani Jacob Givens
CSU Chico Milton Ake Keenia Chavez Abbey Haas Cathleen Molina-Palacios Monica Sibbert Aiyana Singh Alex Vick
UC Davis Grace Heller Maeve Heller Reece Kuramoto Matthew Lee Genni Shane
University of Nevada, Reno Samantha Santos John Henry Utecht Alyssa Williams Tom Woodward
University of the Pacific Joshua Navarro
Utah Valley University Heilala Tuifua Briana Lolohea Finau University of Utah Emma Taylor
Brigham Young University Jane Acreman
Fresno City College Desmond Shing
CSU Stanislaus Carolina Ramos
Cal Poly, SLO Daniela Alvarado Lexi Battaglini Karina Dillon Weston Keitz Mary Grace Mylod-Vargas Matthew Sato Lauren Schiff
UC Merced Soana Afu Lizbeth Bautista-Castaneda Janeth Castaneda Sabrina Martinez
Northern Arizona University Maddy Foster Arizona State University Harrison Fukuji Maddie Reynolds
University of Arizona Alyssa De Leon
Brigham Young University—Hawaii Anna Fraser
American University of Paris (Paris, France) Savvy Newton McGill University (Montreal, Canada) Aviva Futornick
University of Oxford (Oxford, England) Rio Popper
University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) Noah Vauclair
Colorado State University Briana Amaya-Adle Andrew De Marco Jackson Feely Annika Schneider
University of Colorado, Boulder Emily Knopf Ysabelle Punzal
PAGE 15 // SPECIAL FEATURE
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
M ov e s Syracuse University Kate Loveland
Carleton College Maya Donovan
University of Rochester Brighid Bugos Ciara Sawey Simone Spandau
Northwestern University Shannon Coan
Boston University Grace Armienti
University of Michigan Jay Miller Columbia University Natali Petani Loyola University Chicago Allison Barrientos Chris Lier
Maryville University Julia Banfield
Molloy College Tyler Madsen Barnard College Shiva Shambayati
Oberlin College Edward Aguayo DePauw University Joseph Adams University of Notre Dame Adam Griffin
Tufts University Marco Pretell
Princeton University Benjy Jude American University Jordan Beeder
University of Maryland, College Park Jojo Sollfrank George Washington University Alfryd van Bruggen
Vanderbilt University Belmont University Oliver Zak Kira Coan Kyle Spottiswood
Duke University Ryan Iki
Military
Bianca Orocio Julian Ricks
Louisiana State University Dimitri Trikas
Tulane University Gabe Montclare
Xavier University of Louisiana Nyah Herbert
—Compiled by Beatrice Bugos, Aviva Futornick and Benjy Jude
PAGE 16 // SPECIAL FEATURE
14%
Class of 2019 Statistics
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
$3,437,135
First generation college bound
Total amount of scholarship money given to the senior class
Intended college majors
38% First generation high school graduate Data based on 230 self-submitted survey responses
PAGE 17 // SPECIAL FEATURE
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Schools in the Bay Area
San Francisco State University Litzi Bravo Emiliano Vega Amanda Garnica David Ventura Benitez Addison Holman Anthony G. Verduzco Adilene Mendoza Yessenia Santizo-Salguero College of San Mateo Taniela Afu Pohahau Catherine Alvarado Lamig Lizette Alvarado Lamig Laniah Dickinson Zoey Fletcher Simon Haunga Derick Knecht Keith Knecht Rose Marinaccio Lavalley Derick Martinez
University of San Francisco Fatima Cortes Romero City College of San Francisco Wendy Godinez Josh Welte
Jorge Ivan Montano Jr. Andrea Morelos Dana Nguyen Daniel Ochoa Jesse Reutlinger Noah Schembri Sione Tuiaki Christopher Valdez Beto Vilchis Kevin Vasquez
Canada College Edward Alas Leigh Alley Maria Anaya Jackson D. Bardsley Jocelyn Caballero Cassandra Castro Itzely Chiquete Jaime Coc Chamale Taylor Escobar Naomi Espino Ramirez Eric Esqueda Zochyl Flores Mendoza Edwin Angel Galicia Cortez
Sonoma State University Kemmer Peeples UC Berkeley Diego De Nault Tommy Hartman Dario McCarty California College Landon Pierce Nicole Pineda Rangel of the Arts Teiji Koyano
Saint Mary’s College Remy Zerber
Skyline College Rhoan Tussy
CSU East Bay Fatima Castro Cortez Jonny Sayamnath
Notre Dame de Namur University Lizbeth Nolasco Vargas
Raelyn Starr Hunter Malia Krueger Rae Marinaccio Lavalley Daniel Martinez Axel Mendoza Cesar Alexander Orellana Jr. Anthony Perez Rosa Rosas Ramirez Adriana Nava Revuelta Brenda Santiago Vasquez Citlali Santos Jauregui Daisy Rayleen Santoyo Ana Valente Emigdio
San Jose State University Armando J. Alvarez Rubio Danae Bravo Juan Figueroa Hernandez Monica Pimentel Madeline Rodriguez
Stanford University Ximena Sanchez Martinez Ana Elena Smith UC Santa Cruz Raquel Henriquez Alexandra Siri Eliah Tumalan
Santa Clara University Victor Abou-Serhal Gerryk E. Madrigal Ayala Kiara Nevarez
Foothill College Natalie Avina Corinne Coller Anthony Crispin Gisselle Cruz Jefferson Cruz Martin
Daniela Fonseca Jacklyn Kendall Angelica Martinez Gustavo Peralta Ever Quintanilla Samantha Vazquez
California Close-Up Loyola Marymount University Leah Dagum Occidental College Nick Abraham Scripps College Katie Hansen UC Santa Barbara Martin Cabello Abby Laing Lex Navarra CSU Channel Islands Alecxa Rodriquez UCLA Rut Zamora Yasemin
Schools in Southern California
University of Redlands Gabi Herrera
Cal Poly Pomona Bridget Carbonneau
Agi Gianna Colombo Bradley Schulz Anthony Tanzillo CSU Dominguez Hills Rahul Chaudhry
University of Southern California Matthew Eisenberg Serena Stephens
Chapman University Derek Milani Lori Sibun-Handler UC Irvine Sevilla Hennessey Alek Parolari-Grosgurin
UC Riverside Alexander Kaattari-Lim Sydrah Al-saegh Emma Larsson Andy Giles Alyanna Rochelle Belong California Baptist University Ashley Daniele
UC San Diego Ben Redlawsk Jillian Reynolds San Diego State University Chloe Sharratt Jennifer Westling
PAGE 18 // SPECIAL FEATURE
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Untraditional post-secondary plans place students all over the world BY YSABELLE PUNZAL Feature Editor
BIANCA OROCIO
MARCO PRETELL
After graduation, the world is ours to explore with many paths to take. From studying abroad in Germany for a year to working with cheetahs in South Africa, there are a plethora of things to do with this newfound freedom and independence. Here are four paths seniors are taking. Completely assimilating in German culture, Marco Pretell will go to Germany for a year with the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program. “It’s a government and scholarship program fully funded by the government,” Pretell said. The program requires its students to assimilate in German culture through education and lifestyle, with strict rules and regulations. “I’m not allowed to come home and I’m not allowed to leave Germany or visit people,” Pretell said. “I’m going to be isolated from friends and family. I can’t get a tattoo, drink, use illegal substances [or even] drive motor vehicles.” Because Pretell currently knows little to no German, he will be enrolled in intensive German training for four weeks. “I [will be] meeting in D.C. beforehand to meet all the people that I’m going to be with, and then I’ll get shipped off to high school with my host family,” Pretell said. With this assimilation, Pretell is excited to get a new start on life, and a new understanding of who he is. “I’m excited to experiment with who I am. You can be the person you want to be and do all the things you were always too scared to do socially,” Pretell said. “I’m excited to try high school again and meet all new people.” This program serves as a gap year for Pretell, who will be going to Tufts University in the fall of 2020. Bianca Orocio will be enlisting in the Air Force, spending four months in a military training camp in Texas. “The Air Force is a good option for me because it will help build me towards becoming a police officer, [my dream]” Orocio said. Prior to choosing this path, Orocio faced a lot of self doubt. “Sophomore year I second guessed myself a lot, and I started thinking ‘what am I going to do with my life?’” Orocio said. “For me personally, I couldn’t handle all the stress from college.” It wasn’t until Orocio took a step back and thought about what matters most to her that she was able to realize where she’s meant to be. “Instead [of going to college], I decided to take another route. I think at the end of the day, I’m going to get a lot of benefits from [being in the military],” Orocio said. “I’m always going to have the title of a veteran, a U.S. air man.” Enlisting in the military requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication. “I think signing the paper that you are technically giving your life away to the government or the country is kind of scary,” Orocio said. Orocio understands that not all choose this path for the same reasons, though all should be confident in their choices. “Some people want to get out of the house, some have nothing else, but there are other people who love this country and want to help,” Orocio said. “Do not be ashamed of signing that dotted line and becoming [part] of the military.”
PAGE 19 // SPECIAL FEATURE
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
GAP YEAR:
WORK:
TRADE SCHOOL:
ROTC:
= one student
His love and passion for cars has led Oseas Garcia down a path towards an automotive trade school. For a year, he will be attending a technical school down in Long Beach, California. “The school is called the Universal Technical Institute (UTI),” Garcia said. “There, they teach you the basics about diagnostics, repairing, mechanics all that. They teach you how to fix [a car], including how to tune a car.” At the school, Garcia will be able to concentrate in on specific focuses and even brands. “You can specialize in different brands so you can get jobs at dealerships which is what I plan on doing,” Garcia said. “The dealership pays for your training specializing in them and then they hire you straight out.” Garcia currently works at an auto body shop which has allowed him to pursue his passions. “I work on cars now as a side job,” Garcia said. “I do mechanic work on my car and other people’s cars, and I paint cars. I have always been more interested in the mechanical part of the job.” Initially, automotive trade school was not the path Garcia was going to take. “I wasn’t the best at school and I thought maybe schooling isn’t for me,” Garcia said. “So I thought, ‘Let me try this other thing.’ I think the end of junior year was when I realized this is what I’m going to focus on.”
LIAM CRETTOL
Avid lover of cheetahs, Liam Crettol will be spending six months in South Africa. Located in Cape Town, Crettol will intern at a non-profit called Cheetah Outreach. “[The internship] focuses on cheetahs but has other animals too,” Crettol said. “The actual job description is more leaning towards guest services and then back of the house things, so maintaining animals.” Since he was a little boy, Crettol has been interested in cheetahs. “When I was six or seven, I used to go to this place called Safari West up in Santa Rosa. One day, there was a fundraiser going on and we met a lady there who worked for an organization called Cheetah Outreach,” Crettol said. “Six, seven years later, she offered me the job and here I am now.” Prior to his departure for South Africa, Crettol will be doing a semester at Cañada College. “I’m going to study zoology and wildlife biology. I’m hoping that doing this internship will help propel that forward.” With moving across the globe, Crettol will have to adjust to both cultural and lifestyle changes. “I‘m not too big of a fan of changes so going there for six months is [a fear of mine], but I know I’ll get used to it,” Crettol said. “I’m excited to do things for myself. I think just being there and having that be my lifestyle will be a nice change.”
OSEAS GARCIA
Photos by Ysabelle Punzal
*Statistics obtained from the 230 survey responses received
PAGE 20 // OPINION
Voces: Columna de Español La vida de un estudiante de ELD Por BRANDON ESPINOZA Y MARCOS CRUZ SERRANO Reporteros Invitados Ser parte del programa de English Language Development (ELD) es una experiencia que muchos estudiantes no entenderían, y la mayor parte de la escuela no saben que existe el programa de ELD. De los 110 estudiantes que están en el programa, han estado viviendo en los Estados Unidos por menos de 5 años lo cual para ellos es difícil ya que ellos tuvieron que dejar a sus familias y sus culturas. Ahora ellos tienen que adaptarse a nuevas culturas y un nuevo lenguaje que es difícil de aprender. Una de las razones por la cuales los estudiantes que vienen de otro países es porque en sus países hay muchos peligros o no hay trabajo. “Viene aquí porque mi país era demasiado peligroso y las oportunidades que habían alla eran más difícil que las de aquí,” dijo Giselle, una estudiante que pertenece al programa de ELD. A veces, muchos estudiantes que están por primera vez aquí llegan a sentirse mal o incómodos. Muchos maestros al inicio los ayudaban a no sentirse mal. “Cuando llegamos, no esperamos tener una capacidad de hablar con los demás tan fácilmente y pues lo maestros nos ofrecen confianza,” dijo Jorge, un estudiante en el grado 12. Otro ejemplo sería José, un estudiante del grado 11 dijo “Al principio, si siento que si me ayudan y me atienden y incluso mejor que los otros estudiantes.” Para algunos estudiantes el trabajar y tener que ir a la escuela es difícil, ya que no pueden concentrarse en aprender Inglés, ni en aprender en las demás clases. Pasan la mayoría del tiempo después de escuela trabajando, y algunos no les da tiempo de terminar sus tareas por que que llegan muy cansados a sus casa. “ Es muy difícil por que te desconcentra de tus clases, de tus deberes de poner atención en la clases más que todo y el trabajo te llena de estrés y más que todo en los exámenes es muchísimos más
complicado para un estudiante por que no te idioma nuevo. Muchos no nos damos cuenta los puedes concentrar en lo tuyo,” dijo Giselle. problemas académicos que los estudiantes que “No es difícil porque si tengo la oportunidad están aprendiendo inglés enfrentan solamente de estudiar pienso que tambien tengo el tiempo personas se cansan a ellas. para trabajar,” dijo Jorge. “Muchos alumnos en ELD tienen que Para muchos estudiantes que no saben inglés, trabajar o tienen muchas responsabilidades en la necesidad aprender a hablar Inglés es muy sus familias y no pueden hacer sus tareas, o importante porque les abriría muchas puertas; estudiar mucho después de la escuela. En otras ya sea como más trabajo o se les facilitan sus clases, muchos maestros tienen expectativas clases y poder llegar a tener un nivel académico que los estudiantes van a hacer varias horas de en la escuela, más alto que el que pudieran tareas,” dijo Ms. Slater, quien sabe mucho sobre tener si supieran Inglés. “La verdad es muy el tema ya que ella es maestra de ELD. importante porque así voy a seguir adelante en “Yo pienso que les complica un poco más, un futuro voy a poder seguir con mis estudios,” simplemente porque están aprendiendo un dijo Giselle. Oscar nos dijo que, “Es muy difícil nuevo lenguaje. El lenguaje de ciencias en un querer tomar una clase mundo que es [en Ingles extra, pero no es por racista hace para] una complejidad los maestro, simplemente doble o tres niveles de es por que no tienes tu complejidad en esta inglés tan perfecto para situación,” nos informó Mr Cuando llegamos, no Ortiz maestro de la clase poder comunicarte con los maestros.” Nos podemos esperamos tener una capacidad de ciencias. “It depends dar cuenta también de las de hablar con los demás tan because some students who situaciones que pasan los fácilmente y pues lo maestros do speak English well, their estudiantes que no hablan nos ofrecen confianza.” reading and writing are not Inglés por medio de los Jorge, estudiante en el grado 12 strong. I think if you read maestros. Ellos son los and write pretty strongly in que suelen darse cuenta your first language, then you de cómo es que los estudiantes se sienten o learn a little more quickly in a second language,” las dificultades que normalmente enfrentan. dijo Ms. Zarcone, maestra de la clase de Historia Entonces, procedimos a entrevistar a un par de Estados Unidos de IB. de maestros, los cuales conviven con estos Finalmente, le preguntamos a los maestros estudiantes y que saben más sobre el tema. que si ellos estuvieran en los zapatos de los “Mi experiencia me trajo aquí el hecho que estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés, que yo soy un emigrante de México. Yo llegué aquí a tipo de ayuda les gustaría recibir. Mr. Ortiz los 8 años y aprendí el inglés también, entonces respondió. para mí siempre a sido agradable bastante “Yo pienso que un grupo donde puede interesante el proceso de aprender un nuevo dar mi opinión un grupo donde pueda hablar lenguaje, y habiendo vivido esa experiencia, honestamente, y abiertamente donde los yo lo quería era llevar a cabo como darle la otros estudiantes no me van a jugar, van a oportunidad a los estudiantes que se comparen escucharme. No necesariamente busco consejos, conmigo también,” dijo Mr. Ortiz, maestro simplemente busco alguien que me escuche. Me de la clase ciencias, hablando sobre cómo él imagino que eso me ayudaría bastante para yo apoya y porque decidió enfocarse en ayudar poder de mi propia burbuja de conforte y decir, a los estudiante que están aprendiendo un ‘okay, puedo retarme a mí mismo.”
“
PAGE 21 // OPINION
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Cool ice cream rolls into downtown Rolled Up Creamery, a shop that serves ice cream that is put on a freezing pan and rolled up, opened on May 3. Many students were excited, as this is the first ice cream shop of it’s type in Redwood City—the next closest is Icicles in San Mateo. Rolled ice cream, or stir-fried ice cream, originated from Southeast Asia as a popular street food. It is made using milk, cream, sugars, and other ingredients to tailor it to your order. Everything is poured on an ice pan cooled to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, then spread thin, chopped up as it starts to harden, and smoothed again. Then, once semi-solid, it is scraped into rolls, placed in a cup, and then topped by the customers’ choosings. These include cookies, brownies, sprinkles and nuts, depending on your order. There were a few reviews on Yelp and on Google that said the ice cream was delicious and the store was pretty clean. I wanted to be the judge of the that, so I went on to the store and took note of a few things. When I walked in, the first thing I saw were the adorable plant decorations on the window and the store’s all white interior. It was very clean, considering that it has also been open for less then a week. The employees welcomed me when I walked in, and they had complimentary water in the corner underneath a cute drawing of a dog. The store itself is very small; there will definitely be a line out the door and down the block soon enough. But let’s get to the ice cream. I was second in line and it took a while before they got to me because the service was slow, but it gave me time to think about if I wanted a full size ($7.50) or a half size ($5.50). To my surprise, the half size was perfect. Let’s talk about the menu: There were only four options… yes four; chocolope, girl scout cookies, Oreo blast, and birthday cake. All of the ice cream is made with an organic ice cream base and mixed with fresh ingredients— definitely a plus. I think that having four options is a little bittersweet. They do have three flavors on the menu that read “Coming soon!” Let’s hope soon means tomorrow. I ended up getting a half size Oreo blast and it was pretty good. I really enjoyed the ice cream, crushed oreos, whipped cream, pocky, and even the little waffle that topped it all off. I was not a fan of the chocolate syrup. Funny enough, that was my brother’s favorite part.
Photos by Laniah Dickinson
BY LANIAH DICKINSON Staff Reporter
The process: The flavor of your choosing is poured onto a -20 degree pan, spread out, then scraped into rolls
In conclusion, it’s really up to you to decide if specific toppings are your thing or not. All things considered, I really like the rolling ice cream experience. I think it’s something different that not everyone has tried before, especially because there has never been a local chain. I don’t think the rolled up part makes the ice cream taste better, but I think it’s a fun way to eat it. If you want to experience the rolled up process, watch your ice cream be made from scratch, and want to try some creative flavors, then you should definitely try Rolled Up Creamery.
WARNING: SPOILERS
PAGE 22 // OPINION
OPINION
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Oh snap!
OG Avengers disassemble Marvel’s “Endgame” draws the final curtain
screens as “Iron Man” became an instant success. As the popularity of Marvel increased over the next 4 years with the production of movies like “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “Thor,” Marvel Studios released With a budget of 356 million dollars, “The Avengers,” featuring our favorite super“Endgame” became the biggest opening weekend in history, making 350 million dol- heros. Although these movies seemed to be lars. It could dethrone “Avatar” as the highest side projects, they ultimately helped build up to the final move. With that, Marvel created grossing movie of all time. When arriving at the Redwood City movie theater opening “The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “The Avengers: Infinity War” and finally “The Avengers: day, almost every theater was occupied by Endgame.” the movie that everyone is obsessing about. The MCU is a complicated one; every In spring 2008, the first Marvel Cinematic movie Marvel has made in the last 11 years Universe (MCU) movie was brought to our BY MADELINE CARPINELLI AND MIA PADILLA Staff Reporters
connects to one storyline that was concluded in “Endgame”. And with huge movie franchises like the MCU, plot holes are inevitable. One key theme in “Endgame” was time travel, which can easily get messy for writers due to all of the laws of time travel that they have to follow. At the end of the movie, Captain America travels back in time to replace the infinity stones after the main conflict is resolved and comes back as an elderly man. After explaining that he stayed back in time to spend time with his love, fans were left unsatisfied and confused. Also, since Black Widow sacrificed herself in order to get the
PAGE 23 // OPINION
Compiled by Mia Padilla
soul stone, shouldn’t that mean that she could be alive now since the conflict she was getting the stone for got resolved? And since Loki and the Asgardians were killed in Infinity War by Thanos, wouldn’t they come back also, since past Thanos was defeated before he could have massacred half of a race? In Infinity War, Thanos sacrificed Gamora to get the Soul Stone. But in Endgame, Black Widow and Hawkeye go to get the soul stone before Thanos gets it. Since he was defeated before the time when Gamora was murdered, doesn’t that mean she would come back also? All these questions and more sparked up conversations on social media, attempting to understand Marvel’s rules of time travel. Although the confusion, Freshman Parker Allen has an explanation: “[Their time traveling mission] would screw up the timeline. I think they’re just erasing the present and replacing it with another timeline, so the future was kinda scrapped. They destroyed it [and] then kind of ‘rewrote’ it.” Although Marvel has a reputation of having a lack of diversity in its characters, it’s slowly removing itself from that reputation with characters like Captain Marvel and Black Panther. Now, a new Captain America emerges, increasing the diversity that fans have been asking for, for years. More movies with more diverse characters are coming, such as a solo Black Widow movie, Black Panther 2 and Shang Chi, the first Marvel movie featuring an Asian lead. Although it pained fans to see Captain America growing older, they were happy to see Sam Wilson get the recognition he deserves. Fans hope to see Sam and Bucky’s friendship grow in their Disney+ show Falcon and Winter Soldier. No one who has seen “Endgame” can deny shedding a tear or two when Tony Stark gave up his life to save the universe from Thanos. Peter Parker’s and Pepper Potts’ tearful goodbyes tugged on fans’ heartstrings and made the scene all the more devastating. Since Iron Man started the MCU, it is only fitting that he save it. Many fans noticed that after his funeral, his daughter asked for a cheeseburger, similarly to how Tony asked for one after escaping from terrorists in Iron Man 1. After most of the Asgardian population is killed in Infinity War by Thanos and his army, Thor loses hope and gets a “beer belly.” While he is in agony, Valkyrie becomes a leader of the fallen civilization. After Thor helps defeat Thanos, he makes her the new queen of Asgard. Without the duty of being the leader of Asgard, Thor joins the Guardians of the Galaxy. Although a significant number of original Avengers were lost, fans are grateful as Chris Hemsworth has extended his contract for “Thor 4” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.”
PAGE 24 // OPINION
BY TAYLOR GAYNER News Editor
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
The best bean for your buck
Everywhere you look in the mornings at Sequoia, you’ll see students running through the halls, trying their best to ensure they get to class on time. Frantically juggling backpacks, binders and their massive iced coffees, all because they waited in the huge Starbucks line to get their overpriced morning coffee before school. As a result of the many late nights we spend studying, or trying to study, it seems like almost all high schoolers in today’s society have a coffee addiction to some degree. Some of us just need that one piping cup in the morning to get us through first period, and others need their continuous “fix” throughout the day. As strong as my love for coffee is, I constantly find myself dropping large amounts of money on sub-par coffees. Whether you drink just that one cup in the morning, or you drink four, it’s beyond a shame to waste your money on mediocre coffee. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a 100mg daily caffeine limit for adolescents. That means that a single cup of coffee is double the recommended limit for us high school-aged kids. As a student journalist with an audience of primarily high schoolers, I should probably be reporting on the scientific reasons as to why we should stop stunting our growth and encourage us all to drink less coffee. Instead, I’m going to feed all of your addictions by giving you the most helpful information about our local coffee shops— excluding your average Starbucks, Peets and Philz that we all know and love. Just for you, I went to all of the “trendy” coffee shops and cafes in the area and got my usual iced almond milk latte. Here’s all the information I gathered, and everything you need to know about where you and your friends really should be going to study and get your coffee for the best prices:
$5.25
Revere Coffee & Tea
2074 Broadway, Redwood City
While the location of Revere and it’s proximity to Sequoia are ideal, the environment of the cafe and their coffee is lacking. The price for a small iced coffee seemed a little high for a drink that I could have made better in my own kitchen. The ice to coffee ratio was very skewed and mixed with a poor choice of almond-milk creamer, made for a mediocre watered-down coffee. The shop, located on Broadway, is easy to get to, but the store’s sort of sad, slow environment turned me off. The owner’s adorable white puppy was walking around the store and hanging out under tables which I usually love and appreciate, but would be extremely distracting for any dog-lovers like me trying to get work done or study there. All things considered, I would give my entire experience at Revere a 6/10.
$4.56
Joe & The Juice
889 Winslow Street, Redwood City
Joe and the Juice has spread like a rapid epidemic. In the last few years, two have opened in downtown Palo Alto, in addition to the one in Stanford Mall. More recently, one opened downtown Redwood City. The only thing I had heard about Joe and the Juice before my visit was that their prices were absurdly high. For a small 12oz iced coffee, surprisingly, it was the cheapest coffee I got. Even though the store is more known for their overpriced fresh juices, the coffee was actually quite good. The store itself was nice and clean and seemed like a place I could be productive at. The two young guys working at the coffee bar and register were very nice and friendly, enhancing the vibe of the store. The most notable turn-off was that they don’t accept cash. Despite the negative things I’ve heard about Joe and the Juice, I was pleasantly surprised and am going to give it a 7/10.
During a Unified Sequoia game against Hillsdale High School’s basketball team, senior Ever Quintanilla dribbles down the court. Every year, local high schools host round-robin games between unified teams.
$5.35
RAVEN REPORT // APRIL 2019
Red Giant Coffee
PAGE 25 // OPINION
2400 Broadway, Redwood City
Red Giant, previously known as Bliss coffee, is one of my personal favorites. The location couldn’t be more perfect for Sequoia students; it’s about a five minute walk from campus, and it’s a really great study environment— they have a printer available to any customer working in store. With both indoor and outdoor seating, I can almost always find a nice, clean place to sit and do my work. The only downside is that the store space is pretty small. I have definitely been there and not been able to find a seat. Red Giant also has delicious lavender and chai tea lattes. Different from most icedcoffees, Red Giant puts the perfect amount of ice in each cup which actually matters to me. And, not to mention, they use compostable cups— bonus points! Red Giant will remain one of my favorites,
$4.75
Emerald Hills Cafe & Roastery
3203 Oak Knoll Drive, Emerald Hills
Emerald Hills Cafe is a sort of secret gem. Although the location isn’t ideal for students without a car or a source of ride, the quiet suburb neighborhood in the hills makes for a great atmosphere. Their small coffee was also the second cheapest coffee I got. Talking strictly coffee, Emerald Hills Cafe is great. The coffee is delicious; the flavor of their almond-milk with their beans was a really tasty, smooth combo. However, the environment was slightly less enjoyable. The store’s warm, comfy environment makes for a better place to go hangout and enjoy a coffee with a friend. The cool art and decor around the store enhanced the vibe of the store. However, I couldn’t really see myself sitting down and getting a ton of work done there as the shop is quite small with minimal seating. One plus is that multiple Sequoia students work there, so if you stop by, you may see someone you know! All things considered, the Emerald Hills coffee is going to be another 8.5/10, despite the weaker work environment.
$5.75
Coffee Bar
1149 Chestnut Street, Menlo Park
$6
This very modern coffee shop that serves mostly Menlo-Atherton students is absolutely perfect and needs to be tried by all Sequoia students. The coffee was absolutely delicious; also consisting of my favorite almond milk and the perfect balance of coffee, milk and ice. It can be very hard to find a coffee that is made to your preferred strength. I have now found a store that can make mine. To go along with that, this urban store uses paper straws and dry fettuccine to mix coffee instead of sticks. This store offered the greatest amount of food and pastries out of all the places I went to, and also serves Pressed Juice and even alcohol later in the day. The biggest down side in my book was the seating arrangements. The store was absolutely slammed, filling every single seat. They have two-top tables outside around the store, in addition to the many booths, tables, and bar inside the store— all of which were taken. The store’s awkward, narrow layout didn’t make matters any easier. All of the booths had signs that read “booths are for parties of two or more,” which leads me to believe they have crowd control issues frequently. The many students working on school work in the store highlighted the nice study environment. Seeing that I will definitely go to Coffee Bar to get coffee and do some work, I’m going to give the store a 9/10.
Blue Bottle Coffee 456 University Avenue, Palo Alto First off, the Palo Alto location itself was absolutely gorgeous; it’s an all white spanish style, tiled building. The coolest part of this location that I will definitely be using was the HanaHaus work space. This is the epitome of extra Silicon Valley technology, however I am all for it. With the slogan “Focus. Connect. Create,” HanaHaus is a bookable public workspace in the same building as the coffee shop. You can book and reserve various seating options including tables, lounges, and even conference rooms. The absolute coolest thing I’ve ever seen. But to get to the actual coffee, although they’re on the pricey side, I think it’s totally worth it. It was an absolutely perfect coffee; delicious almond milk, great amount of ice, and superb coffee. It didn’t have one single trace of that fake sweetener taste that can be tasted in so many coffees. They, too, use compostable paper straws. The spacious, sparkling clean work spaces and the free Blue Bottle pins, those of which I helped myself to, make up for the price. Thanks to this article, I have found my new coffee shop and my new homework spot. Hands
Photos by Taylor Gayner
PAGE 26 // OPINION
Read beyond the headline BY SHANNON COAN Copy Editor School shooting leaves [NUMBER] students dead in [CITY]. [STATE] passes new bill restricting access to abortion. [DEMOCRATIC POLITICIAN NAME] announces campaign for 2020. Mueller investigation releases [NEW INFORMATION] about Trump’s collusion with Russia. The news these days is full of these headlines. Fill in the blank and you get a cookie-cutter idea of what is going on in the world. We scroll through these headlines, taking them in but just barely as we’ve become desensitized to the weight behind these words. It’s no secret that the news these days sucks. It’s heavy and it’s hard to read and the headlines reek with disappointing information. With the 24/7 hour news stream, all this information is right at our fingertips. And while this helps us stay informed, this onslaught of news also becomes overwhelming. We’ve become desensitized to it, to that point that we scroll by a headline saying, “7 injured in a shooting” or “Team doctor accused of sexually assaulting student athletes,” and move on without thinking much of it because that’s a reality we’ve become all too familiar with. I’ll admit, I do this too. I get a news alert of the newest tragic event, skim it and then swipe to clear. There’s just too much going on, but that doesn’t mean that’s what we should be doing. And while I agree that there’s not enough time in the day to keep up with everything going on in the world and that the news is way too sorrowing to take it all in, that’s not a reason to tune it all out. Because even though the news is hard, it’s important. It informs us about what
is happening in our community and how it affects us, and it allows us to remain civically engaged. Sometimes it can be important to tune out the news for a bit and give your head a break. If that’s what you need to do to preserve your mental health, then by all means take a break, but don’t tune out the news forever. Because tuning out the news is a coping-mechanism that helps you pretend that the current events don’t affect you, but they do, even if you pretend they’re not happening. It’s easy to take in what’s going on at a superficial level by scrolling through social media, but I want to encourage you to not just scroll by the headline. Stop, click on the article, and consider the humanity of this situation. Consider that these are people and not just numbers to be added to a statistic. And while I get that you can’t stay informed about everything, pick something. Pick some topic that you care about or that angers you or that excites you and stay informed. Because the news that’s going on matters, and we’re are all reaching an age where we help dictate the policy that lets the news be the way it is. I get that I’m preaching to the choir because after all, if you’ve made it to this point, you’ve definitely read past the headline and, to you, I say thank you. You’re the reason the future will stay well-informed and with that comes the request that you never stop reading even when it becomes hard. Because after all, knowledge is power, and the knowledge we learn helps us develop our own opinions and ideas from which we can take the first step in creating a better world for our future selves.
PAGE 27 // OPINION
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Our prom dancers, our Robotics nerds, our music geeks, our fire alarm pullers, our dear and eclectic class of 2019, the time has come to pause and reflect on our last year at Sequoia, and to, most importantly, say our goodbyes. Boy, bye! We say this not because Sequoia didn’t work out for us, but because we have outgrown our Unaliyi. There are so many things we have taught each other, from student athletes (whose grind never stops) to K-Pop stans (whose Tweets never stop) to Elon Musk wannabes (who should just stop), and now it is time to move on. Let’s think back to the first day of high school when we were dewy and vulnerable freshmen who couldn’t grasp the concept of a two-way hallway used by multiple people. How naive and young we were. We’ve learned a lot about the famed unwritten rules of the halls, including the fact that walking slowly is far more heinous than quickly weaving—we’ve all had to run from the B quad to language wing in a five minute passing period. In fact, we’ve learned since freshman year how to make that trek, with pit stops at a minimum of two Flowater machines, (neither of which work) and still make it within the three minute student-observed grace period after the bell rings. Then sophomore year, we very quickly learned what command, shift, C on Google Chrome could help you achieve in AS Chem (for the closeted coders among us.) We learned to have confidence in our abilities, because we weren’t freshmen anymore, and thought we had this high school thing down. How
gullible and foolish we were. Some of us had already started thinking about activites to put on college applications, but let the wise among us tell you that unless your mom’s name is Felicity Huffman, it’s gonna be a rough time. Colleges may accept you and some may not, but rejection is gonna be as much a part of your life as the false fire alarms. The year after, stress and expectations hit in fall 2017, when we took off on our IB journey and ran the gauntlet of standardized testing, all while learning the most important lesson of all: procrastination. Over time, we noticed larger and darker Gucci bags under our eyes and more coffee running through our bloodstreams, and we realized we had to salvage whatever part of our war-torn soul was
Photos by Taylor Gayner
Goodbye to a place of friends: a senior editor farewell
left. However, with the pain and the sleepless nights and the countless Post-Its came the sense of peace and understanding that can only be born out of a collective traumatic, near-death experience (in our case, it was the IB history IA). Future seniors, it’s important to note that your schedules will fill up like parking spaces in the James lot, so make sure you invest time in what truly matters to you, and continue to ignore adults who ask you where you’re applying or what tests you’re taking (and no, this doesn’t get better). But also, don’t be afraid to slow down and take the scenic route (mostly out of necessity because of the construction) to cherish the person you have become. Amid studying, partying, and crying, make sure to take note of the accomplishment of making it through the jungle of high school. And remember that it wasn’t just you, but a team of teachers, staff, coaches, friends and parents who helped you machete your way through the underbrush along the way. As you leave the jungle and enter a new biome of your choosing, be sure to thank someone who voluntarily strapped on those khaki pants to help you through. In Green Day’s sappy words, our most dearest, weirdest and talented class of 2019: “[we] hope you had the time of your life.” XOXO, Nick Abraham, Beatrice Bugos, Shannon Coan, Aviva Futornick, Benjy Jude, Maddie Reynolds, Ysabelle Punzal
Seniors say...
PAGE 28 // OPINION
RAVEN REPORT // MAY 2019
Before the class of 2019 graduates, they want to leave behind some words of wisdom for the Sequoia underclassmen.
“Get involved in activities and clubs that you are actually passionate about. Don’t do the most rigorous courses in school just because you think you’re supposed to. You will be much more successful if you focus on what you’re passionate about.” - Kira Coan, senior put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text here put text “Don’t fall for the myth that [your] grades don’t matter. They do, and you don’t want that to hold you back in the future.” - Shiva Shambayati, senior
“Always challenge yourself, even with the absolute thought of failure.” - Desmond Shing, senior
For more advice from seniors, go onto the official Raven Report instagram, @ravenreport. Compiled by Lex Navarra.