Raven Report 2023-2024 Issue Cycle 1 by Sequoia High School Raven Report

RAVEN REPORT SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL NEWS MAGAZINE VOLUME XXI, NO.1 // DECEMBER 2023

100 YEARS OF CARRINGTON FEATURE From students to alumni pg. 22-27 FEATURE Sequoia: a place of change pg. 30-32 FEATURE The past and future of Sequoia’s mural pg. 36-37 RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

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EXCLUSIVES STORIES AT DREAM CLUB DINNER By Christine Chang

SEQUOIA CAMPUS TOUR By Nate Gotelli

ELD EVENTS: CAL STATE EAST BAY By Madelin Bac

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THE ERAS MOVIE: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

THE CHALLENGES OF HAVING PARENTS WHO DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH

FROM STUDENTS TO ALUMNI

BEST WAYS TO STUDY FOR SUCCESS IN FINALS

FANTASY FOOTBALL FANDOM

100 YEARS OF CARRINGTON HALL

By Viviana Castro By Arely Brizuela By Zoraya King By Jaime Perez

By Cameron Reynolds By Sasha Efimchik

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Front cover by Deven Hennelly Back cover by Haylee Huynh & Allison Wang

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

DEAR

Layout design by Zoraya King

Raven Report... Hobby turned club: Ultimate Frisbee Club By Natalie Ewing & Nate Gotelli

Dear Natalie and Nate, I am writing in reference to the recent article in the Raven Report. In the October 2023 issue, you published an article about the new and rising Ultimate Frisbee Club. I thought it was a great representation of the different opinions regarding the club and its former location, and now that their club is more organized I feel as though a lot of complaints/criticisms of the club have gone away. I’ve noticed that a lot more students are able to eat lunch in the front lawn now that the club has moved their playing space to the practice field, and that the numbers of the club have grown as well. I appreciate you writing this article, as it helped myself and others understand the different perspectives of the club, and led to a solution and improvement of the energy in the front lawn area. Sincerely, Cassy Chin, senior

Dear Arely, Viviana and Idania, I am writing in reference to the recent article in Raven Report, “Souls Within the Stories.” In the Hispanic Heritage Month issue of the Raven Report, you published an article about the tradition of Latin American folklore. I really appreciated the students’ and teachers’ perspectives on how the stories had an impact on them and why they valued them. I especially enjoyed Mr. Bustos’ comment that the stories provided him lessons about trust and methods to navigate the world around him. It was also great to learn about the “Dance of the Flyers.” I appreciate the way the Raven Report captured the beauty and value of Latin American folklore through the voices of Sequoia staff and students. Sincerely, Mr. Bloom, IB English teacher

Souls within the stories By Arely Brizuela, Viviana Castro & Idania Quevedo 4

Sequoia students hungry for freedom

ABOUT

By Gianna Federighi & Rocco Piazza

Dear Gianna and Rocco, I am writing in reference to the recent article in the Raven Report. In the Fall issue of the Raven Report, you published an article about how students feel trapped here at Sequoia during lunch hours. Although I agree with this feeling of being trapped, the best way to keep students safe is to have a closed campus. Sure, there is good food outside of campus, but there are many risks that come with students disobeying these rules; therefore, for the safety of kids, I believe keeping all gates locked is probably the best way to avoid any bad situations. Sincerely, Addison Haws, senior

THE RAVEN REPORT STRIVES TO provide Sequoia High School with informative, engaging and relevant news. The staff will exercise integrity and accountability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about our school, community and the world.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS IN CHIEF As we near the end of the first semester, it’s difficult to comprehend the halfway marker is right around the corner. Over the past two issue cycles, we have witnessed the creative visions of staff reporters blossom in stories and layouts. As the frustrations of journalism continue, powering through the challenges to produce beautiful layouts incorporating photos, graphics and art has been nothing short of inspirational. Our campus became the inspiration for many stories featured in this magazine. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Carrington Hall and the Sequoia Bell Tower was first built on this historic campus in 1923. With articles spotlighting Sequoia’s mascot changes, Carrington Hall, and more, this issue

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 advisor. The Raven Report is a public forum for students, staff, and community.

pays homage to Sequoia’s past, present and future in hopes of inspiring the next generation of soon-to-be Sequoia alum. Without further ado, we present the second official issue of the Raven Report this year.

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

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RAVEN REPORT // 23-24 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Haylee Huynh Allison Wang MANAGING EDITOR Stan Hamelin FEATURE EDITORS Zoraya King Alex Parker-Rogers

OPINION EDITORS Sasha Efimchik Vivian Krevor A&E EDITOR Matthew Caesar COPY EDITOR Sarina Sanghvi NEWS EDITOR

David Raymond GRAPHICS MANAGER Abigail Aguayo PHOTO MANAGER Christine Chang STAFF REPORTERS Priya Ansnes Kyle Appleby

Lucie Archambault Arely Brizuela Alex Corpos Natalie Ewing Gianna Federighi Sofia Ferrante Juliana Garcia Nathaniel Gotelli

Collin Liou Jaime Perez Molina Emma Nardini Rocco Piazza Viviana Castro Ramos Cameron Reynolds Aden Richman Caroline Seiling

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Kevin Sierra Segovia Reese Silva Idania Quevedo Yamir Benitez ADVISOR Mary Diepenbrock

Battling rising rents on Laurel Street down the building and build a Bug, Savage knew she wanted a “spenew two or three-story structure cial place” for her children when she in its place. founded the bookstore with her family. The store opened in 2008 when San “Small businesses are definitely a laIncreases in rent prices leave small Carlos was still relatively sleepy. Today, bor of love,” Savage said. “They’re exbusinesses struggling on Laurel Street with a population of around 30,000, hausting.” in San Carlos, presenting both op- San Carlos boasts many unique attracHowever, San Carlos risks being takportunities for large retail chains and tions, drawing visitors to San Carlos en over by larger enterprises that can threats to a unique downtown. in a “coming of age” that included an better afford the rent as small busiFamily-owned businesses that have influx of downnesses are forced served as community hubs for decades town shops and a to shutter and are beginning to sell their buildings to corresponding indevelopers seek developers such as JMS Development, crease in market new tenants to Small businesses are definitely a which owns many properties on Lau- rent. fill vacant buildlabor of love. They’re exhausting. rel Street. For example, JMS purchased “It’s sad in a ings. Many feel The Reading Bug, a children’s book- way to be that that independent store established by the Savage family, instrumental in Lauren Savage, co-founder of The Readbusinesses are in Dec. 2019 for about $5 million, ac- building a coming Bug essential to Laucording to co-founder Lauren Savage. munity, and still rel Street. If small Since then, the store’s rent has in- fighting after 14 years in that place to businesses are replaced by chains, the creased from $1 per square foot to be there,” Savage said. street could lose its allure. $1.44 per square foot. This monthly Small businesses can bring a small“It wouldn’t feel as special or unique, rent remains below the market rent town feel to communities. In addition, so I wouldn’t have an interest in going of $4 per square foot, according to independent businesses often hold there,” junior Ruby Rappoport said. JMS founder John Baer. Its lease ends deep personal significance for the Some worry that the continuing in 2027, at which time JMS could take owners. In the case of the Reading trend of chains and higher-end stores will contribute to a generic downtown lacking in character. However, in today’s world, this seems almost unavoidable. From a developer’s perspective, such a downtown is a success. It’s lively, its storefronts are full, and it’s thriving. For JMS, anything is better than vacancies. “It’s really just capitalism at work,” Baer said. The city tries to encourage residents to shop locally, according to San Carlos Mayor Adam Rak. Additionally, it plans to close the 700 block of Laurel Street to traffic permanently. A pedestrian Laurel Street, decorated for the holidays. mall could help support businesses by Photo by Christine Chang encouraging potential customers to BY CHRISTINE CHANG Photo Manager

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gather downtown. “San Carlos has traditionally liked a downtown with small businesses,” Rak said. The city also attempts to appeal to young people. Rak spoke to the San Carlos Youth Advisory Council and understands that young people need more things to do downtown. “We want downtown to be inclusive and good for everybody of all ages,” Rak said. Sophomore Annette Kinser prefers Laurel Street over Redwood City due to its walkability, small businesses, and good restaurants. “There’s a ton of good shops,” Kinser said. “I love going there with my family as well.” However, the city has no control over rent. Building owners and developers can set whatever rents they choose. “They’re going to get as much money out of us as they can, then knock it down,” Savage said. “A developer is not someone who really cares about you, it’s someone who cares more about being profitable.” The city is working to promote Laurel Street and provide tenants with as much foot traffic as possible. Recently, residents gathered at the annual Night of Holiday Lights on Laurel Street, the city’s holiday festival, while a local student choir caroled. “We’re going to continue to invest in the downtown to make it even better,” Rak said.

An audience gathers around carolers at the night of Holiday Lights. Photo by Hannah Doress.

The Reading Bug’s holiday display. Photo by Christine Chang

The city encourages people to shop locally. Photo by Christine Chang

Art by Christine Chang

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Bikes in Sequoia Bike Cage. Photo by Lucie Archambault

Bike theft at Sequoia: How to prevent it? BY LUCIE ARCHAMBAULT Staff Reporter Bike theft has happened at Sequoia and Redwood City over the years. Bikes being a major mode of transportation for Sequoia students, it is inevitable that some of them have experienced bike theft. Losing that mode of transportation is frustrating and harmful to a student’s lifestyle. How should students and staff prevent bike theft from happening? According to the San Mateo Police department, there is a significant increase in bike thefts across the city. This is a topic that Sequoia is familiar with, as students have had their bikes stolen at or near Sequoia in the past. “I looked all around but it vanished, no trace of it anywhere. I had to leave so I have no idea how it got stolen, but I know it did get stolen,” senior 8

Marcello Caruso Turiello said. Even with cameras and a proper investigation, it is almost impossible to get the bike back. Bikes are likely to be stolen if they were put in an accessible spot without a lock, such as against walls, gates and trees. Even when the bike is believed to be in a secure place it could still be stolen. “I did not lock up my bike but it was behind a gate so I imagined it was safe,” Turiello said. There have been patterns in bike theft in the past with staff members noticing recurring variables when a bike gets stolen. “When bikes do go missing, we often find that students admit they did not lock them up,” Administrative Vice Principal Sophia Olliver said. Another pattern staff have noticed is that most of the time it’s not a Sequoia student that steals the bike,

especially if it’s left in an accessible spot, unlocked or left overnight. “Bikes have been taken by non-students when bikes are left overnight,” Olliver said. If a student’s bike is stolen it is crucial that it is reported. If the bike is reported the school will take measures to get the bike back. “We investigate, we use our cameras,” security guard Omar Bracamontes said. In order for students to prevent their bike from getting stolen, school resources can be very helpful to not only find the stolen bike back but also to protect them. “I would recommend locking it, or putting it in the bike cage, we close it everyday,” Bracamontes said.

Winter fun on a budget BY SOFIA FERRANTE & JULIANA GARCIA Staff Reporters

During winter break, are you feeling bored and have nothing to do? There are many fun and afforable winter activities to make the holiday season exciting! Ice skating is the best way to make a fun Winter day. Glide around the rink at San Mateo on Ice whether you’re a pro, a beginner or somewhere in between. At night, dance in the light of the giant Christmas tree and the glow of warm holiday lights.The rink is open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to 7 p.m. on weekends. Skates come as a bonus to an entry to the rink. Starting at $18, you can purchase a two hour entry into the rink.You can rent a “skate buddy” to help you get a feel for balance for $12 to make your adventure on the San Mateo ice rink even more enjoyable!

Skaters glide aroud the rink during the evening. Photo by San Mateo on Ice

Knitting and crocheting are cozy and creative Winter activites to occupy your time over the break. You can get supplies at Michaels for a wide range of prices, but the best yarn costs around $13 to $12, and most knitting needles cost about $10 to $11, the best type being bamboo. For beginners, the recommended size is 7 to 11 milimeters, as it is easier to work bigger needles through yarn. It’s simple to learn, and a fun way to keep yourself busy over break! Make a fuzzy scarf to keep you warm, or a soft potholder for your cocoa and marshmallows! Take three easy steps for a cute basic craft, and mix up different stitches to add your own personal touch. You could even make a hat to add a touch of seasonal spirit to your outfit. Knitting and crocheting are a perfect craft as you chat with your friends and get into the holiday cheer. On youtube, Sheep & Stitch has the most helpful Knitting Tutorials at Sheep & Stitch tutorials. For an indoor activity, you can purchase a gingerbread house kit from Michaels for under $20. You can even create your own design and test your creativity skills. Gather your friends or family and have a gingerbread house competition to see who can build the most amazing looking house!

The Elf on the Shelf® Gingerbread House Kit. Photo from Michaels website

Spending time Student takes photo of Califorin nature is a nice nia Brown Pelican midflight. way to spend Photo by Marcello Turiello your break, especially in the winter when the air is fresh. Sophomore Marcelo Caruso Turiello suggested “going out into nature, [...] especially if you can go find a good trail to look at birds. [...] A really good place [to hike at] is Burley Murray State Park [where entry is free]. [That area has] a bunch of hawks and owls, kites, falcons, [...] and they’re really quite majestic to look at.”

Birdwatching, gingerbread houses, ice skating, knitting and crocheting. What better activities to keep your holiday spirits high?

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Taylor Swift delivers another nostalgic and dreamy record BY REESE SILVA Staff Reporter Taylor Swift released “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” on October 27th, which was announced during her Eras Tour. Fans, otherwise known as “Swifties,” were incredibly excited for this album, counting the days until it was dropped. I myself was thrilled when she announced it. The original album was a highlight of my childhood so hearing her own version of the album is incredibly nostalgic. In a nutshell, Swift left Big Machine Records (where she recorded her first six albums), and then Scooter Braun acquired them. This was devastating for her because she was in the process

of trying to buy back her masters. In response, she revealed that she would be re-recording her six albums and adding extra songs to have her own twist on them. Jump to 2023, she has officially re-recorded four of those six albums. As a kid, I greatly enjoyed “Shake it Off” and “Bad Blood,” but I don’t love 10

those songs as much as I used to. Now, my favorites are “Clean” and “You Are in Love” off “1989 (Deluxe Edition).” The original album has 13 songs but the (Deluxe Edition) has three additional songs and three voice memos so that is a total of 19 tracks. However, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” will have the original 13 songs, the three additional ones from the deluxe, and five “From the Vault” songs. The new vocals on the album’s original tracks adds a new sense of cohesion to the record. Personally, I prefer this record to the original because it makes me feel good knowing that she owns this album. Despite the songs themselves being the same, they sound better and more mature. Across the record, she tethers the feeling of true love and the feeling of losing it. One track in particular, “This Love,” explains it perfectly. She sings “These hands had to let it go free/And this love came back to me.” Her delivery is light and airy with a joyous tone, conveying the warm hug love embraces you with. Swift has been known for her intimate, open-hearted songwriting and

on the original album she proves this to be true in her five additional songs. While these songs lack the nostalgic feeling of the original songs, they also reveal what it means to be someone in love and the aftermath. Towards the e n d of “Suburban L e g e n d s ,” Swift paints a vivid picture of a powerful relationship with mentions of destiny, connection, and heartache: “We were born to be suburban legends/When y o u hold me, it holds me together/And you kiss me in a way that’s gonna screw me up forever.” This record has some immaculate highs, like the tug-of-war yearning on “I Wish You Would” and the teen euphoria of “New Romantics.” It’s easy for me to put “1989” lower in Swift’s catalog, however these songs are long-lasting and romantic. Although “1989 (Taylors Version)” isn’t exactly like its original, it definitely hasn’t lost its touch.

Art by Abigail Aguayo

The Eras Movie: an unforgettable experience

BY VIVIANA CASTRO Staff Reporter

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour was and like there was a sense of commuone of the most nity in the theater sold out concerts because the fans this year - selling were all really out stadiums and excited. And we breaking Ticketwere all singing. I felt really nostalgic because I’ve master. It was really fun,” been a fan since I was eight years old. Not all her fans senior Giselle PeSo getting to like see all like, hear all had the opporturez Apolinar said. the songs again after so, like so long. nity to attend the While for It’s been so many years. Just getting Eras Concert, so some people it to like hearing her live on a stage. AfSwift decided to felt like the movie ter so long singing the songs that I’ve film the first three was like the acknown since like, I was really really of her concerts in tual concert, othyoung I felt really nostalgic. the L.A. SoFi Staers felt it was not dium and put it quite the same. Giselle Perez Apoliner, senior into one film. It “We didn’t was released on get the same atOct.13 2023, giving her fans the opportunity to feel like mosphere. But they were in the concert with her. The then, you know day of the premier in AMC The Grove the speakers 14, Swift herself went to visit her fans are really loud. in each room. So it kind of tried I had the opportunity to go to the to give you the exactual concert and the movie and I perience, but I think you can say that they were both different. never can get the experience The concert was an unbelievable ex- of an actual concert, “ senior perience. During the movie in some Brandon Kwan said. songs it did feel like I was there again. The Eras Movie is one of the most Watching the movie you could really popular movies currently and the feel like you could hear the lyrics and theater is full of people watching the connect to them because the theater movie. was quieter than the concert and just “Yes, it’s still very felt every emotion on the screen. You packed. This previcould see that Swift and the dancers ous Sunday when were actually having fun and it didn’t I was working, feel like it was their job. Every song and we had showperformance was thought out. ings every like That sense of community at the 15 minutes and movie for attendees gave off the feeling all of it was suof an actual concert experience. per booked,” “I was just really excited. I felt like theater employher stage presence was really amazing ee and senior Jayla

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Thompson said. Even if weeks have passed people still want to watch the movie and feel that experience of feeling like the concert itself. Just seeing the movie itself was a fun experience to have with friends. It’s worth watching, even if you aren’t a huge Swiftie. Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour performing “Fearless” (Taylor’s Version).

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Spider-Man 2: worth it or not? BY YAMIR BENITEZ & ALEX CORPOS Staff Reporters

for both characters. There’s a new but similar combat system. Game developers didn’t change much but the new skills and systems allow for a refreshing feel.The story is also very good.We will be going into these in detail, but will remain spoiler free. First we will talk about the movement. This time they listened to the fans and added two highly requested features: the slingshot and the web

Action and adventure game Spider-Man 2 was officially released to the public on Oct. 20, with fans around the world very excited about the game.We felt the first two games were amazing and they were enjoyed by many. But with the $70 price tag, is it worth buying? We all know the last two games were a massive success, so Spider-Man 2 has a lot of potential and expectations to meet. “Spider-Man” (2018) was the introduction to the series and had spectacular gameplay Peter Parker Venom Dash. and great graphics for its time. Photo by Alex Corpos “Spider-Man Miles Morales” was no let down when it released on wings. They both are really useful; the Nov. 12, 2020, but the game was short. slingshot is good for building up speed Many started to label it as a DLC and the web wings give you an alter(downloadable content), instead of a native way to speed around instead of real solo game, but the experience was the classic swinging. If you’re crossing water it allows you to surf so you don’t super good nonetheless. The new game has a lot of ups and have to swim across and there are downs, including new movements to many things the developer company traverse New York and a lot more post- Insomniac did to help those new sysgame content for each Spider-Man. tems. For the slingshot they place spots The customization with suits this time on top of buildings for launching. Second is the post game content, afaround is amazing with a lot of options

Peter Parker Surfing. Photo by Yamir Benitez 12

ter you beat the main story you can finally do all the sidequests you wanted to do during the story. This includes easier access to side missions and more collectibles than in the main game where you had to focus on finishing the story. There are more opportunities to level up and get more suits after you complete the game because you don’t have to complete the quests that are in the main game. Being able to customize your character is something that many players enjoy and this time around Insomniac did not disappoint with having 68 alternate suits for the two Spider-Men. The number can get even larger if you account for most of the suits having color variants. One flaw with having so many suits is they can’t all have a unique ability, now they are just pure cosmetic, in return they made them easier to unlock. Finally, the combat and the bugs. The combat is still very similar to the first game as they did not change much, but the introduction of parrying added a whole new layer of challenge from having to worry about being able to parry an attack. The amount of bugs is high this time around with clipping being common and some boss fights not allowing you to transition to a new area, or some non-playable characters (NPCs) spawning but not actually fighting. With the amount of bugs it takes away from the experience but once fixed it will be a lot better. Overall the game is worth the $70 price. With all the new features and gameplay mechanics, Insomniac made a very good contender for game of the year, and an overall very spectacular game.

Peter Parker spider-dash. Photo by Alex Corpos

MIles Morales venom jump. Photo by Yamir Benitez

Postcard filter featured. Photo by Brett Westphal

Miles Morales finisher. Photo by Alex Corpos

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Realism of High School Musical BY PRIYA ANSNES Staff Reporter

INTRODUCTION

Art by Abigail Aguayo.

If you haven’t watched “High School Musical,” it is an enlightening movie about the struggles of controlling cliques in high school. It is a very well-known movie, directed by Kenny Ortega, a Sequoia alumni of 1968. Imagine an exaggerated depiction of a high school that happens to burst out into song whenever a teenager has emotions. The movie revolves around a singer and a jock and their struggles of being outside their clique circles.

ZAC EFRON’S LIP-SYNCING

REALISM OF THEATRE

To be honest, High School Musical isn’t realistic. At all. That’s what makes When people talk about “High it such a great movie. “I’m not a theatre kid, I’m a kid in School Musical” the topic often floats back to the fact that Zac Efron couldn’t theatre,” Stanger said. Apparently there is a huge difference, sing. Efron obviously sang in later proas people in High ductions but in School such as “High School Sharpay EvMusical” he lipans could synced through be counted all the basketball The fact that Zac Efron didn’t sing his games. An inter- own songs makes me really sad because as a theatre view with fresh- Zac Efron is a beautiful soul and should kid. “Oh, how man Meena Stan- be able to sing. quickly they ger, who has been can do costume in many musicals, Meena Stanger, freshman changes. It’s ungave further detail heard of, it’s just, about this fact. “It’s stressful to me because Zac oh God, it stresses me out to think Efron should be amazing, and be able about it,” Stanger said. Obviously, this is about the first movto do that. Although Zac Efron having to lip sync makes sense, especially tying ie but in the third where they graduate back to playing basketball at the same high school it’s shown they can do a time as they’re singing their song, it’s musical at the same time as they’re just not something that’s really possible doing college applications and play a because in basketball you would have sport and do all these things. I mean to jump and that messes with your obviously, you can do a musical and lungs and your diaphragm.The fact that apply to colleges because so many seZac Efron didn’t sing his own songs niors are doing that right now, but it’s makes me really sad because Zac Efron the most inaccurate portrayal about is a beautiful soul and should be able to the time and like mental capacity that it takes to do so many different things sing,” Stanger said. at once and the musical which is a lot of work.

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TROY BOLTON’S BASKETBALL SKILLS Troy Bolton is widely known for his basketball skills. But are his basketball moves really all that impressive? An interview with senior basketball player Jake Jones answers this urgent question. “The behind-theback pass. That’s kind of flashy. I guess it is impressive, but it’s a risky play. It could work but it might not work. I mean it shows that he might have some skill, but it might just be him showing off,” Jones said. When watching “High School Musical” you would likely remember Troy Bolton’s father, a prodigy of basketball, who coaches their high school basketball team. The amount of pressure and stress he put on his son to focus on basketball and basketball alone may be one of the most unrealistic things about parents of student-athletes. “Some parents are definitely keying in on making sure their kid is a good student before athletes,” Jones said. “There’s no way people are just gonna be dancing and singing during a basketball game.”

High School Musical cast. Photo by Kenny Ortega.

CHAD AND HIS BASKETALL

THE DRAMA TEACHER IS DRAMATICALLY EXAGGERATED

One of the small details you can find in “High School Musical” is that one of Teachers in the movie are very the jocks, Chad Danforth, is always carexaggerated. The rying a basketball. spat between In almost every the basketball scene. It’s a comical coach and the detail that isn’t the drama teacher most realistic thing is laughable in I’m not a theatre kid, I’m a kid in in the world. the movie but “It’s not realistic theatre. at an actual high at all. Occasionally I Meena Stanger, freshman school, teachers see someone with wouldn’t spend a soccer ball, like their time fightin the halls, but I’ve ing with other teachers. There are never seen someone’s basketball in the things to be done. An interview with halls. You’re not supposed to be dribfreshman English Teacher Hannah Lee bling. It’s just respectful to not have a who is also a senior teacher in the Digbasketball in the classroom. It’s disreital Arts Academy brings the unrealism spectful and no one really does that in of the school’s drama teacher into dereal life. Maybe they have their baskettail. ball bags [with them too],” Jones said. “She had a mini stage in her classroom and then all of the kids were still in seats. But then she had a throne on the stage and she would just sit on the throne. No teacher I know would do that,” Lee said. In the same interview with Lee, the conversation drifted to the school they go to and the difference between there and Sequoia. “They had a very strong sense of unity as the wildcats. I think there is some Ashley Tisdale and Lukas of that at Sequoia but I don’t think it’s Grabeel. Picture by Kenny like encompassing the entire school,” Ortega. Lee said.

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CONCLUSION If you’ve watched or even heard of this movie you probably understand that it is the furthest thing from a realistic high school, but that’s what makes the movie so enjoyable. It’s a fun watch and the small details you see are exciting and fun. Overall, “High School Musical” is the perfect mix of entertainment and humor, with director Ortega doing a wonderful job. I would absolutely recommend the movie to anyone who has not watched it.

Zac Efron as Troy Bolton. Credit to Kenny Ortega.

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Emilyn Chaidez said. “I feel like a lot of people perceive it as your being lazy or don’t want a good education but it’s acSequoia teachers and staff tradition- tually the complete opposite purpose ally encourage their students to take for me.” In this generation, especially for high the four-year college route or have encouraged students to continue their schoolers, students are expected to education in the best way that fits them. succeed in their education. We have all felt hard pressure They have emphato over-succeed sized taking a gap in our academics year, encouraged to make ourselves students to go to I think when people hear that I’m feel like we’re dotrade schools, and going to community they almost ing something even talked about feel sorry for me which I don’t get right in our young going to the mililives. There is oftary, but not much Jenifer Vazquez, senior ten this idea that is mentioned about if you don’t go the community colto a prestigious lege route. It’s not four-year univerfocused on as much as the others options, which is a bit odd considering we sity then you’re setting your future up live very close to two great community to fail. However, this is untrue for students who have the intention of succollege schools. With this being the case at Sequoia, ceeding after graduation. “I think when people hear that I’m the students who choose the comgoing to community [college], they almunity college route are often recognized differently than the students most feel sorry for me, which I don’t who choose a four-year college, trade get,” senior Jenifer Vazquez said. “I feel like that’s the right path for me because school or gap year. “There definitely is a sort of nega- it allows me to explore a career that I tive stigma around going to communi- think I might love, which is beauty and ty college after high school especially makeup. You can’t really major in beauwith our senior class [of 2024],” senior ty in a four-year college.” BY ABIGAIL AGUAYO Graphics Manager

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QUICK FACTS:

There’s many different reasons why students choose a four-year college versus community college. For the four-year route, some students want the college experience, some know what they want their career to be right out of high school and some just go because it’s college and that’s what they feel they are supposed to do. For those who choose community college, some go to figure out their major, want to save up money so they can transfer to a university or they simply have no idea what they want to major in. “I don’t want to go to a university when I don’t know my major because I don’t want to waste my time in a school where I’m not gonna know what I’m doing, it just doesn’t make sense to me,” Chaidez said. Even though Sequoia prioritizes their students going to a four-year school, there is a lot of stuff behind the scenes that gives the students that are going to community college support. “We totally switch our gears once second semester starts. […] We go into the academy classes and we help the students, with the higher majority of [them] going to community college […] We also get the counselors to help us,” College and Career Center Specialist Teresa Ignaitis said.

Same race, same face? The microaggressions and mix-ups students of color often face.

BY SARINA SANGHVI Copy Editor In day-to-day life, many people of color at Sequoia, including myself, find themselves being mixed up with other people of their race, or facing other forms of subtle racism and microaggressions. As someone who is Indian, coming into a high school environment where less than 5% of the population is Asian, I have struggled with my own identity because of unintentional racism. Becoming friends with some of the few other Indian girls in my grade has opened up a space to talk about the shared struggles with racism we face, rather than with people who have never experienced it. We realized a lot of the microaggressions we were facing were caused by being mixed up with one another. Being friends made people associate us with each other more, making the mix-ups a common occurrence. For example, me and one of my friends who is also Indian, Riya Hariharan, tend to get mixed up often by teachers and peers. “I think [being friends is] somewhat the source of the problem, but also being able to talk about it with people who understand is important,” Hariharan said. One day when I walked into class, my teacher began a conversation with

me and started calling me “Riya.” I was shocked that she had not noticed I wasn’t Riya and continued talking. The confidence she had when calling me the wrong name made me feel as if she didn’t truly know me or care enough to try to call me the right name. Even though she eventually realized and apologized, it felt like the only defining aspect of my identity was my race. “It just made me feel not seen because if you think I’m a different girl just because she has the same skin color as me, then that’s hurtful,” Hariharan said. When experiences like this happen to people of color, it’s difficult to think of how to respond. It can be very hurtful to be generalized or called the wrong name simply because of your race, but it is also typically a complete accident. While there is often the perception that only white people mix up people of color, other people of color, or people of the same race, can also mix up others. “I knew it wasn’t intentional, it’s just the culture in America that allows for [mix-ups] to happen and not acknowledge it because people don’t try to work on it,” Hariharan said. Because there’s less representation of minorities in the dominant American culture, it can be easier to distinguish between white people than people of color, simply because that’s what people have been exposed to while growing up in the United States. This doesn’t necessarily make it less hurtful or upsetting. 1“You’re expected to immediately forgive things, because if it wasn’t on purpose then you can’t get mad at someone for

hvi. and Sarina Sang Riya Hariharan Kitching Photo by Lucia

it,” Indian junior Meenal Bahl said. The experience with Riya sadly wasn’t the first time I had experienced being mistaken for another person, and I am not the only student who has. Getting mixed up happens to people of color who are friends, but also between people who don’t even know each other. “Sometimes it’s with random people in my class who I have no connection to, other than us being Hispanic,” Hispanic junior Hade Curup said. Other students have also experienced other forms of racial microaggressions, including being seen as outsiders simply because they are people of color. “In one of my classes, we were talking about where we were from, and I said ‘Redwood City,’ and someone said, ‘No, where are you really from?’” Black freshman Joella Gaddini said. “It was implying that nobody like you would actually be from here.” Comments like these can be alienating for people of color. Even if it was not intended to be racist or insensitive, the implications of questions about someone’s race can be damaging to someone’s identity and sense of belonging in a community where they are a minority. “They think it’s a genuine question, but when it’s worded that way it’s not so ‘harmless,’” Gaddini said.

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

The challenges of having parents who don’t speak English BY ARELY BRIZUELA Staff Reporter Many students at Sequoia have parents who don’t speak English and they face many challenges. There are 461 families that request all Spanish communication. One challenge for students with parents who don’t speak English is they have to translate for them. This is hard because, often, they are still learning English themselves. “I feel nervous because I feel pressured to translate well without making a mistake,” junior Karol Revuelta said. Helping non-English-speaking parents can be a lot of work. Many students have to help their parents with business matters such as filling out papers, making phone calls and sending emails. “Most of my parents’ clients only speak English and I’m constantly having to make calls for them or send them messages,” sophomore Jocelyn Gonzales, who has non-English speaking parents, said. “It was my siblings and my responsibility to learn English in the first couple of years of our lives in order to help [parents] understand important rent papers, emails and neighbors who would try to communicate. For many non-English-speaking parents, 18

Art by Alex Parker-Rogers their only hope of having a connection Teachers who are bilingual are helpful to the English language is their kids.” to students because they don’t need Another challenge students face is to worry about translating for their that helping parparents and they ents with English know their partakes time away ents will feel comfrom other things, fortable. Most of my parents’ clients only like doing home“I help parents speak English and I’m constantly work, hanging out who speak Spanhaving to make calls for them or with friends and ish by talking with send messages. sleeping. them in Spanish “I translate and the parents Jocelyn Gonzales, sophomore when my parents who speak Enare having a meetglish, I talk with ing at school and them in English,” when we go to the stores,” Revuelta algebra teacher Fidel Mora said. said. There are many challenges that stuGonzales shared that helping her dents with parents who only speak parents takes a lot of time. Spanish face that other students will “I have had to stay up until 2:00 a.m. never have to deal with. It is importin the morning teaching my parents En- ant for Sequoia’s community to recogglish words because they felt frustrat- nize and support those who face the ed that they hadn’t learned them yet. I additional challenge of having non-Enhave seen my parents struggle for the glish-speaking parents. right words in order to talk to their clients and seen how they felt angry since they were not sure how to communicate with them,” Gonzales said. Many teachers at Sequoia understand the challenges that students with non-English speaking parents face.

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Todos los desafios de tener padre que no hablan inglés Arte por Alex Parker-Rogers Muchos estudiantes de Sequoia enviar mensajes en inglés”, dijo Jocelyn tienen padres que no hablan inglés y Gonzales, estudiante de segundo año, enfrentan muchos desafíos. Hay 461 cuyos padres no hablan inglés. “Era familias que somi responsabillicitan toda la idad y la de mis comunicación en hermanos aprenespañol. der inglés en los Un desafío para La mayoría de los clientes de mis primeros años los estudiantes padres solo hablan inglés y constan- de nuestras vidas cuyos padres no temente tengo que hacer llamadas o para ayudarlos hablan inglés es enviar mensajes en ingles. [a los padres] a tener que tracomprender los Jocelyn Gonzales del 10mo grado ducirles. Esto es documentos imdifícil porque, a portantes de alqmenudo, ellos uiler, los correos mismos todavía electrónicos y a están aprendiendo inglés. los vecinos que intentan comunicarse “Me siento nerviosa porque me sien- con mis padres. Para muchos padres to presionada a traducir bien sin com- que no hablan inglés, su única esperaneter un error”, dijo la junior Karol Re- za de tener una conexión con el idioma vuelta. inglés son sus hijos”. Ayudar a los padres que no hablan inOtro desafío que enfrentan los esglés puede ser mucho trabajo. Muchos tudiantes es ayudar a los padres con el estudiantes tienen que ayudar a sus inglés les quita tiempo para otras cosas, padres con asuntos comerciales como como hacer la tarea, salir con amigos y completar documentos, hacer llamadas dormir. telefónicas y enviar correos electróni“Traduzco cuando mis padres tienen cos. una reunión en la escuela y cuando va“La mayoría de los clientes de mis mos a las tiendas”, dijo Revuelta. padres solo hablan inglés y constanGonzales compartió que ayudar a temente tengo que hacer llamadas o sus padres requiere mucho tiempo.

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“Tuve que quedarme despierta hasta las 2:00 a.m. de la mañana enseñándoles palabras en inglés a mis padres porque se sentían frustrados por no haberlas aprendido todavía. He visto a mis padres luchar por encontrar las palabras adecuadas para hablar con sus clientes y he visto cómo se sentían enojados porque no estaban seguros de cómo comunicarse con ellos”, dijo Gonzales. Muchos maestros de Sequoia comprenden los desafíos que enfrentan los estudiantes con padres que no hablan inglés. Los maestros bilingües son útiles para los estudiantes porque no necesitan preocuparse por traducir para sus padres y saben que sus padres se sentirán cómodos. “Ayudo a los padres que hablan español hablándoles en español y a los padres que hablan inglés, les hablo en inglés”, dijo el maestro de álgebra, Fidel Mora. Hay muchos desafíos que enfrentan los estudiantes con padres que solo hablan español y que otros estudiantes nunca tendrán que enfrentar. Es importante que la comunidad de Sequoia reconozca y apoye a quienes enfrentan el desafío adicional de tener padres que no hablan inglés.

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Reclaiming indigenous identity through language Within the club, students speak a combination of Mam and Spanish with different relatives. “When I talk with friends, […] what Hello, hola and jeeka ma tzuula! Though spoken word is seen as simply I speak more here is pure Spanish but a form of communication, the fragility when I am with my brothers and sisof language often goes unnoticed, and ters I always talk [in Mam],” junior club it has become increasingly important member Pascual Diaz said. While Spanish and Mam are very difto protect against the loss of languages ferent, all club members are also profiacross the globe. The Languages in Resistance Club cient in Spanish from their family enviwas created this year by students who ronment. “At my home, they speak Mam and speak Mam, an Indigenous Guatemalan Spanish. [With] me and my stepdad, I language. “We decided [start the club] because only speak Spanish with him and they there are many classmates who forget talk to me in Mam but I answer in Spanish,” junior club member the languages they speak. Nancy Vail said. They know as children As Spanish is more and when we come [T]here are many predominantly spoken to this country we classmates who forget in the United States, forget,” senior club the languages they speak, the risk of losing member Yenifer they know as children and fluency in Mam is Vail said. when we come to this country high. Speakers have we forget. also felt judgment for speaking their native Yenifer Vail, senior language and pressure to speak Spanish. “I think [...] it is because people are ashamed to speak that language and think that others will make fun of them speaking that l a n g u a g e ,” Yenifer said. I n Guatemala where the national BY ALLISON WANG Editor in Chief

language is Spanish, speakers of Indigenous languages are also discriminated against. “Especially for so many kids, the languages get lost in the generations and people are embarrassed to speak them because of racism and colorism in their own countries. Coming to the U.S., there’s an even greater chance that language will get lost,” club advisor and history teacher Allison Hyde said. Languages like Mam can easily be forgotten, and it is important to preserve them as they have the power to unite people together. “Since you can speak another language, you can better connect with the other person that you can’t understand,” Diaz said. The skill of biliteracy and triliteracy is also very useful when traveling. “If you travel to a place and you know other languages, then if the people who do not speak other languages speak them, then [...] you can communicate,” senior club member Darvin Mendez said. While the club is small, they are hoping to reach out to more people, continuing to build community around Indigenous languages. “Maybe when people bring more peers to this club together […] it will be a community where you can speak different languages,” Yenifer said. With English, Spanish and Mam, all three languages can provide a more enriching worldview. “It’s more than just language. It’s three [cultures] and a way of seeing the world that only you can unlock with language,” Hyde said.

Club members on the ferry to Alcatraz for the Unthanksgiving celebration. Photo by Allison Hyde 20

Reivindicar la identidad indígena a través de la lengua Hello, hola y jeeka ma tzuula! Aunque la palabra hablada es vista simplemente como una forma de comunicación, la fragilidad del lenguaje a menudo pasa desapercibida, y se ha vuelto cada vez más importante proteger contra la pérdida de idiomas en todo el mundo. El Club de Lenguas en Resistencia fue creado este año por estudiantes que hablan mam, una lengua indígena guatemalteca. español con él y ellos me “Decidimos porque hay hablan en mam, pero remuchos compañeros spondo en español”, dijo que se olvidan de Nancy Vail del 11mo gra[M]uchos compañeros los idiomas que do. que se olvidan de los hablan, desde Como el español se idiomas que hablan, desde pequeños y al habla más predominanpequeños y al venir a este país venir a este país temente en los Estados nos olvidamos de eso. nos olvidamos Unidos, el riesgo de de eso pero no perder fluidez en mam Yenifer Vail del 12vo grado olvidar las tradies alto. Los hablantes ciones que uno también han sentido juicio tiene pues deberían de por hablar su lengua materna y ser este club”, dijo Yenifer presión para hablar español. Vail del 12vo grado. “Pienso que cuando uno se siente Dentro de sus familias, los estudiantes hablan una combinación de mam asi es porque una tiene vergüenza de y español con diferentes miembros de hablar ese idioma y pienso que los demas se van a burlar al hablar ese idiola familia. “Cuando hablo con los amigos [...] ma”, dijo Yenifer. En Guatemala, donde el idioma naa veces cuando paso lo que hablo más cional es el español, las lenguas indígeaqui es puro español pero cuando esnas también son discriminadas. toy a ya con mis hermanos siempre “Especialmente para tantos niños, hablo [mam]”, dijo Pascual Diaz del los idiomas se pierden en las gener11mo grado. aciones y la gente se avergüenza de Si bien el español y el mam son muy diferentes, todos los miembros del hablarlos debido al racismo y el colorclub también dominan el español de su ismo en sus propios países. Al llegar a los Estados Unidos, hay una posibilidad entorno familiar. aún mayor de que el idioma se pierda”, “En mi casa, hablan mam y español. [Con] mi padrastro y yo, solo hablo dijo la asesora del club y maestra de historia Allison Hyde.

Club nembers pose with a banner honoring indigenous people. Photo by Allison Hyde Las lenguas como el mam pueden olvidarse fácilmente, y es importante preservarlas, ya que tienen el poder de unir a las personas. “Puede hablar otro idioma entonces a la mejor puede conectar con la otra persona que no puedes entender”, dijo Diaz. La habilidad también es muy útil cuando se viaja. “Un caso pues si viajas a un lugar y sabes otros idiomas pues si las personas que no hablan otros idiomas, te puedes comunicar con esas personas y es mas facil comunicarse”, dijo Darvin Mendez del 12vo grado. Si bien el club es pequeño, esperan llegar a más personas, y continuar construyendo una comunidad en torno a las lenguas indígenas. “Pienso que si quizas a cuando las personas son más compañeros a reunen a este club, pienso que si va a ser como una comunidad donde uno puede hablar diferentes idiomas”, dijo Yenifer. Con inglés, español y mam, los tres idiomas pueden proporcionar una visión del mundo más enriquecedora. “Es más que un lenguaje. Son tres [culturas] y una forma de ver el mundo que solo tú puedes desbloquear con el lenguaje”, dijo Hyde.

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

From students to alumni Established in 1895, Sequoia High School has been home to thousands of students and countless graduating classes. Outlasting technological changes from the abacus to our beloved TI-84 calculators, Sequoia’s spirit has withstood the tests of time. These past six weeks interviewing alumni, I discovered the deeper meaning behind Sequoia’s motto: Unaliyi, a place of friends, and how its meaning has survived the decades on our historic campus. Learning from these six outstanding graduates, discover what it truly means to go from students to alumni.

BY ZORAYA KING Co-Feature Editor 2023 Sequoia Graduation. Photo by Zoraya King

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Nancy Oliver

Secretary of the Alumni Association | Class of 1957 THEN - 1957 What sports or clubs were you involved in at Sequoia? “I was on the cheer team for basketball, and it was in the old gym. We would sit [on the wooden bleachers and] we would wear white gloves and we would [dance] the hand jive, and we had a whole routines to do all together. That was really a lot of fun, I really enjoyed that and I enjoy going to our games.” What were some of Sequoia’s traditions from when you were a student here? “When we were freshmen, we had a very short orientation about Sequoia. [In that assembly], we learned the words to the Sequoia Hymn, because when you went to a football, basketball or baseball game, [...] the tradition was whether you won or lost, you always stood for the Sequoia Hymn, and we would sing it.That [song] still brings chills to my spine.”

NOW - 2023

Where is your favorite place on campus, the one with the most memories? “My favorite place on [campus] is the tea garden. [The old tea house] was really, beautifully designed, one with Japanese art. [...] I used to go sit there and read some of my books. [I would also] sit in the library, and they would keep the doors open to the tea garden so that you could [look] out at the trees.” How would you describe Sequoia’s Unaliyi ‘spirit,’ a place of friends? “I’ve always been amazed because everyone follows what’s on the Sequoia Seal from a long time ago. [Sequoia is a place of friends], I felt that when I went there, but I see that in action. [...] It’s that [friendly] kind of a feeling, and I don’t think that’s at every high school.” 24

Nayeli Duran

GSWS Major at Bowdoin | Class of 2022 What communities were you a part of at Sequoia? “When I joined [cross country] my freshman year, it defined my friend group. I still am in contact with at least four people that I met on the team, same with acapella and choir. Even in IB, [we bonded over] the hardship of accomplishing mutual goals. That [feeling at Sequoia] is irreplaceable because [IB is] a really hard thing to go through.” How would you describe Sequoia’s Unaliyi motto? How does it affect you today? “[Sequoia’s spirit] stuck with me so hard that I went to a college where openness and community and the ‘common good’ are [at the] center of the values here. [...] As I’m getting older, I try to keep looking at it through the frame of ‘a place of friends’. [I look for places] where [I can] be involved in that, because those [types of people] are kind [and] supportive people.” As a diploma graduate, what advice do you have for students taking advanced courses? “Give yourself credit and be kind to yourself, because I know how dedicated students at Sequoia are, especially those doing IB and going the full extra mile doing diploma. It’s [...] very easy to feel like you’re not [...] the best of the best. But truly, everyone’s doing great. [...] Try to be [in classes], be present, but not burn yourself out.”

Logan Chin

Duran with their family at the senior award ceremony. Photo from Nayeli Duran

Human Biology & Society Major at UCLA | Class of 2021 What were you involved in at Sequoia? “I [was] involved in a little bit of everything. I was in photography club, [...] drama club and theater, and I did varsity track.” In what ways did Sequoia prepare you for college? “Everything from the IB program prepared me well in terms of study habits and work ethic. It’s nice to get a taste of what [college may be] like in high school and learn the general premise of different subjects. [For] that to get more specific in college, it’s nice to have that general background [that Sequoia provided].” Do you have any funny memories from your time in high school? “I remember when I went to prom when I was a sophomore, I felt so cool that [...] I was one of the youngest people there. [...] I couldn’t have predicted COVID-19 would happen [the year after] and that I would not have an in-person [prom], so it was really cool to experience that.” RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Christle & Dustin Waters Siblings | Ceramics & History Teachers CLASS OF 1992 What were you involved in as a Sequoia student? “I was popular in my art classes because I [could] help [classmates] and people admired my work. [I also] took woodshop, so I liked the hands-on [classes]. [...] I joined the Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), which was like a debate team back then. We went on a few trips.” What was the “cool thing” to do in your grade? “We used to cruise on El Camino, once in a while. You drive slowly on El Camino with your windows rolled down and all your friends in your car and you’d gawk at other people and ‘say hey, what’s up,’ and then you go pull over into parking lot and meet [friends].” What was different when you came back as a teacher? “Something that [...] caught me off guard when I came back here in 2014 was how huge that eucalyptus tree is! [...] I remember being in high school, drawing that [tree] because it was a cool, huge tree then, but it is massive now.”

Christle Waters

What drew you to teach at your old high school? “Sequoia really is a place of friends. I do feel that it has a special spirit. [It] fosters a very friendly and good community [...] and I’m proud that I was nurtured by that and that I can give back a little bit.”

CLASS OF 2000 What were your hobbies as a teenager? “ I started skateboarding when I was 11 years old. And that was my sport, my passion, that [defined] my friend group. I was putting in the blood, sweat and tears [into] skateboarding. [...] Sometimes me and my friends would go skateboard during lunch. [...] I could do switch nose blunts, backside nose blunts, and then I was really good at nollie flips and switch kick flips.” What is it like being a teacher at your old high school? “I walked through the same hallways [as my students], [...] I sat in the same classrooms and grew up in the same community, a community that I love. I think that [...] helps me relate to them or maybe helps them relate to me. [...] When I became a teacher, my idea was to teach high school, [...] It’s my dream job to be teaching at Sequoia.”

Dustin Waters 26

How did your experience at Sequoia influence your teaching style? “I try to teach history the way I wish I would have been taught. Sometimes I had really good teachers who brought the story to life. [...] I try to bring the curriculum to life and share the most intense experiences of human beings. People like my old teacher Ms. Berry brought that [idea] to me and [influenced my teaching style].”

Cindy Johnson

Nurse Practitioner | Class of 1970 THEN - 1970 What clubs or activities were you a part of at Sequoia? “I was in the Treble Clef, [...] it was about 12 women and it was run by Mr. Selby. [...] When we were in Treble Clef, it was not a recognized course or class. We used to get school at 7 a.m. and have [practice] from seven to eight, and then school classes started at 8:10 a.m.. [...] We traveled all around [for competitions]. And for the most part, we would come in first place […] because of Mr. Selby. It was really fulfilling, it was a really fun thing to do.” Where did you hang out for fun in high school? “At lunchtime, we would walk downtown and there was a great bakery down there. We would take walks during lunch, or we would just sit on the lawn area where the walkway is to get out to El Camino.”

NOW - 2023

Whats different about Sequoia today then when you were a student here? “We weren’t allowed to wear pants to school, we had to wear dresses or skirts. It wasn’t until I was a senior that we were allowed to wear pants, and that was only on Fridays, and absolutely no jeans! Forget having any midriff showing, or wearing something tight or low cut. You would be sent home immediately.” Who was your favorite teacher at Sequoia? What do you remember about them? “If I ever think about the greatest teacher I had, it’s always Mr. Selby. He didn’t just bring music and teach us songs to sing and how to do harmony, [...] he taught us […] how you can sing a song and make it more meaningful. [Mr. Selby] had this knack of teaching you about music [where] I have a love of music, because I understand it more so it’s more meaningful.” RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Keeping the lights on BY ADEN RICHMAN Staff Reporter

Lighting Technicians Operating the Lightboard. Photos by Aden Richman

“One time it crashed during Beauty and the Beast [on] opening night in the middle of [the show],” Fox said. Sitting in the back of the house, enImmediate problems require immeclosed by the walls of Carrington Hall’s diate fixes and Crystal Amaya, Cartech booth, sits a vital piece of tech- rington Hall’s Theatre Manager with nology. The Lightboard is a sophisti- over 13 years of technical experience cated control system that allows tech knows this very well. crew members to manipulate lighting “At that moment I remember telling elements during a performance. The the kids to go to the followspots and board has a multitude of buttons, slid- use [them] until we can get the board ers and dials up and running,” Amawhich all conya said. tribute to the The incident visual aspects Keep it in mind every time you almost called for a of a show. halt of that night’s watch a show that every cool little “We have technical element that goes into it... show and failures over 100 light- someone had to do that. like these caused the ing fixtures set crew to have to conup on stage. Vin Fox, Production Lighting Designer template the future And each of of their lighting systhese little tems. numbers here “It unfortucontrols some number of them,” Se- nately took the lightboard crashing quoia alumnus and Lighting Designer multiple times over the last couple of for Sequoia’s Production of Urinetown years to be the incentive we need to Vin Fox said. get a [new] board or we’re not gonna Even amazing tools, however, bring have any lights,” Amaya said. a plethora of recurring problems. Tech But with most modern lightboards Crew’s old lightboard, The Congo Jr, costing upwards of $15,000, obtaining was not easy to operate and had a long a new board wouldn’t be easy. Howevhistory of crashing. This crashing could er, after months of meetings and comoccur at any time. During rehearsals, munication with the school board, the testing out lighting fixtures, or, in really drama program was able to find the unfortunate circumstances, during ac- support they needed. tive productions. “The district was able to figure out the funds so that it wouldn’t complete-

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ly drain our program,” Sequoia drama teacher and Program Director Talia Cain said. “We have a really amazing foundation [who] are prepared for things like this.” The new lightboard, known as the Ion board, which is valued at over $16,000, contains accessible buttons and sliders, a brand new interface and a much simpler programming system allowing for ease of use. “Knowing we have equipment we can trust eliminates a lot of stress so that our focus can be less on maintenance and repairs, and more on creativity and design,” Cain said. But this creativity can sometimes go unnoticed in the eyes of entertained audience members. “Keep it in mind every time you watch a show that every cool little technical element that goes into it… someone had to do that,” Fox said.

Sequoia: a place of change The choice to become the Ravens, the two sides of the debate and how Sequoia can continue to evolve. BY KYLE APPLEBY & ALEX PARKER-ROGERS Staff Reporter & Co-Feature Editor Sequoia repainted our walls, rede- How did we get the name? signed our jerseys and rebranded our The name “Sequoia” is plastered mindset, but reminders of our past reacross Redwood City. Our school, Semain both on campus and within the quoia Station and the Sequoia Hotel attitudes of many. In 2001, following some outcry from are some places that share the name. administrators, Sequoia officially re- All were named after the redwood moved the physical mascot of a Cher- tree, which was derived from the okee warrior. However, the issue re- Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who inmained mostly untouched until 2018, vented the written Cherokee language. when the student-led group Ready 4 This connection is how Sequoia chose Ravens formally requested that “Cher- “Cherokees” as their first mascot. okee” no longer be the team name, proposing the name “Ravens” in its place. Met with harsh pushback from students, current and former alike, the group managed to discuss the change at a school board meeting. On April 17, 2019, after a fiery meeting between Ready 4 Ravens members and some alumni who were opposed, the board voted unanimously to change the name to “Ravens.” “It came down to proving to the board that it mattered to most of the students because I don’t know how many alumni we ever quite got on board,” student leader of Ready 4 Ravens Andrew Mancini said.

People Not Mascots’ logo (above) and “Sequoyah, The Gift” donated by the Alumni Association (right).

Impact of Native American mascots on Native people The students’ fight was part of a larger battle against mascots that were racist or appropriative of Native Americans. When Stanford University, the college Sequoia was founded to be a feeder school for, removed their “Indians” mascot in 1972, many other institutions and sports teams were challenged to rethink their mascots after the turn of the century.

The former logos of the Washington Redskins (top) and Cleveland Indians (bottom). The Washington Redskins of the National Football League rebranded to the Washington Commanders in 2020 and Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians changed their name to the Guardians in 2022. The Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League became the Edmonton Elks in 2021. This issue is pressing to activist Lily Joy Winder, who founded the organization People Not Mascots at the end of 2020. Winder notes that change is crucial due to the impact this issue has on Native communities. “My grandparents were kidnapped from their homes, or simply assimilated, had their hair cut and were beaten for speaking their own language,” Winder said. “It’s really hard to try and rebuild those cultural connections when we still have imagery in our classrooms

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

that is making Native children not want to invest in their cultures.” While Winder shared her own anecdotes, she also referenced a key study done by the American Psychological Association in 2005. The study called for the rapid removal of Native American mascots from all organizations, citing the damaging effects of the mascots on Native American peoples. The study found that Native mascots perpetrated offensive stereotypes and didn’t allow Native people to properly display their culture and traditions. In terms of removing mascots and honoring Native people, Winder asserted that the solution is simply empowering the tribes in question. “Let those tribes draw those lines for you, and that comes with genuine communication from schools to tribal governments,” Winder said. Sequoia went nearly 80 years with the Cherokee mascot before contacting the Cherokee nation. John Ummel, who worked closely with administrators attempting to remove the physical mascot in 2001, sent a letter to Chad Smith, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation at the time, asking his opinion on the Cherokee mascot. Smith stated that change is necessary due to the mascot’s stereotypical portrayal of Native peoples. “Some mascots depict Indian folks in a very cartoonish way, as merciless savages, vicious people or benign fools,” Smith said. He compared the situation with Native mascots to a personal experience of his. “When I was in high school, the cheerleading squad often would have a little sister of one of the cheerleaders, and she may have been five or eight years old. She would dress up just like the big cheerleaders, and she was really cute. She tried to stay up and often couldn’t because she was just the mascot for the cheerleaders,” Smith said. “Indian people are not the little sister, the little brother of everybody else. We should be fundamentally equal.” 30

that this belief is more common in The argument to keep older generations, many of whom are Native mascots However, not everyone supports re- a part of the Alumni Association. Eva agreed and noted that her and her moving Native mascots. Over 20 years ago, Smith predicted peers’ opposition to the name change the response of many Sequoia alumni. may be due to their age. “All the “Some alum[Alumni Associni cannot accept ation members] that these traditions are a nega- If somebody tells you they don’t like my age are very connected to Setive and stereo- you calling them something, isn’t quoia’s traditions. typical portrayal that enough to stop? And when things of American Indichange like that, an people,” Smith Chad Smith, former Principal Chief of they don’t like said in his letter the Cherokee Nation it,” Eva said. “Old to Ummel. people don’t like Dee Eva is a change, period.” Sequoia alumSmith adds that older generations nus of the class of 1961 who strongly may be more likely to stand by their advocated for keeping the Cherokee old mascots because they were conname, including speaking against the change at the 2019 board meeting. She ditioned to through school spirit or claimed that the mascot honored Na- pride in sports teams. “[Non-Native people] grew up intive Americans. ternalizing that this is what Indians are, and it becomes part of their identity. And this perhaps is where you had so much difficulty in changing it,” Smith said. “They would say, ‘I’ve always been a Redskin, and I’ve always been an Indian.’” It’s not only the older generations, as recent graduates still wear Cherokee merchandise to sporting events and still refer to the team as the Cherokees. This is evident in Sequoia’s social media. “Cherokees forever!” a comment on Sequoia’s Instagram from 2023 reads. The Alumni Association’s preference for the Cherokee mascot is also reA caricature from Sequoia’s 1962 flected in the work they do for Sequoia. yearbook (above). A header includThey still give out “Cherokee Grants” ing the slur “injun” from Sequoia’s to teachers to help buy extra supplies, 1987 yearbook (right). and their biannual publication is titled “I thought that the Cherokee people “Smoke Signals,” a reference to an earwere very well, positively represented ly form of communication employed by by the mascot that we had,” Eva said. Native peoples. “When we were in school, they did have caricatures in our yearbooks of Indians, and we realized that was not the proper thing to do, so that was stopped.” However, it appears

tive history are land acknowledgments, a verbal or written recognition of the Native American tribe that originates from the land. An increasingly common practice at public events and especially theater productions, drama teacher Talia Cain has started incorporating them at Sequoia Drama’s events. “A starting place is land acknowledgments. It’s not enough and it is a great way to bring awareness to the current culture and the history tied to our communities, but it’s certainly not an ending place,” Cain said.

Addressing the past and moving forward

for Sequoia to remedy our racist past and utiHowever, the Alumni Association is lize it to educate the also taking steps to educate the stu- student body on Cherdent body on America’s indigenous okee people. Specifipopulations. Eva believes it is neces- cally, he sees the statue sary to acknowledge our school and as a bridge to spread our country’s past, which is a part of more awareness of his the reason she was against the name culture. “[Sequoyah] is a change. phenomenal person “I think if you don’t talk about the history of the Native Americans, and in history, he’s worth you bury it, then nobody’s gonna talk studying,” Smith said. about it at all,” Eva said. “Nobody’s go- “I certainly would encourage a short course on Sequoyah becoming an ining to know and it can be repeated.” One way the Alumni Association tegral part of history classes.” In some ways, Sequoia is taking steps achieves this mission is through the to achieve this through the freshman Native American Book Collection in the Media Center. The association has Ethnic Studies class. “The advent of the required Ethdonated many books on Native Amerinic Studies class for all ninth graders can history and strives to continue. “Our goal is to have the most com- lends itself to giving students and staff plete Native American [collection] of opportunities to talk about the difany high school in the state,” the Alum- ference between appropriation and appreciation,” Sequoia’s Principal Sean ni Association’s website reads. Another contribution from the As- Priest said. Like the statue, Smith views “Unsociation is the bronze statue of Sealiyi” as a method of educating about quoyah in the school’s main hall. The statue was sculpted by Daniel Hor- the Cherokee written language, which Sequoyah created. seChief, a renowned Cherokee artist. “Sequoyah’s intelligence is someCherokee Grants are also crucial for many teachers who rely on the funds thing schools can and should celefor supplies and classroom materials. brate. So having ‘Unaliyi’ translated Without them, many teachers would in the Cherokee syllabary in some of be without key resources or forced to [Sequoia’s imagery] could be impactful,” Smith said. pay for them with their own money. Another way to acknowledge NaSimilarly, Smith believes there is a way

The Cherokettes from the 1987 yearbook (top). The Native American Book Collection in the Media Center (middle). Translation of “Unaliyi” provided by Chad Smith (above).

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Unveiling the past and future of Sequoia’s mural

BY MATTHEW CAESAR Arts & Entertainment Editor If you’ve walked through the front entrance of Sequoia’s main building, you’ve certainly seen the large purple and white banner proudly proclaiming, “WELCOME TO SEQUOIA.” Beneath the text is Sequoia’s emblem, featuring the name of the school, a redwood tree, and “unaliyi,” a word claimed to mean “a place of friends” in Cherokee. What you likely haven’t seen is the mural that the banner covers, depicting the meeting of two groups of Spanish missionaries, including the man who established California’s missions, Father Junipero Serra, and indigenous people. The mural was painted in 1947 by a group of students and their art teacher. The mural was meant to show the

history of El Camino, the road which Sequoia is built on, which was used to establish California’s missions. In recent decades, it has been the subject of criticism from those who find the mural to be ahistorical and offensive. The mural is an inaccurate depiction of how Native Americans were treated by missionaries, which was often brutal and inhumane. The Native Americans are depicted as subservient, while Father Serra is depicted as caring for them much more than what is historically accurate. In Jan. 2009, GoPetition user “Marcia” made a petition for the removal of the mural, with over 120 signatures. “We are asking that Native Americans and members of the Sequoia High School Community who find the mural

depicting California Natives as “servant boys” to Father Junipero Serra offensive and a glorification of our colonialism to please sign on to the e-petition request addressed to the school board,” the petition description said. Despite its controversial reputation, the banner currently covering the mural serves to stop most students from ever seeing it in person. “I’ve never really seen it because the big white banner was already there,” junior Roman Pepa said. “It’s weird because I don’t know if the school administration’s ever talked about it or decided about moving it.” In the past, Sequoia has had troubles with its representation of Native Americans, particularly with its old “Cherokee” mascot. In the early 2000s, Sequoia’s front mural. Photo byDan Calic

Photo caption & credit

The banner covering Sequoia’s mural. Photo by Matthew Caesar following outcry from students and teachers as well as a direct letter from Cherokee Principal Chief Chad in Dec. 2000, who described Sequoia’s mascot as a “negative and stereotypical portrayal of American Indian People,” Sequoia began replacing the mascot in favor of the “Ravens.” While the student outcry didn’t cause the mural to be removed, it was covered in 2020 following the outbreak of Black Lives Matter protests, with the official reason being to avoid vandalism. “There was a lot of public vandalism going on at the time, [and] that mural over the years had received a number of complaints [and] had been targeted by a variety of people as being problematic and we felt it might be a good time to protect it,” Principal Sean Priest said. Before being covered by the banner, Special Education and history teacher Dylan Shelley brought up concerns about the mural to Priest. “I expressed the concern to Mr.

Priest and that was his decision to, in my opinion, kind of middle the road. Taking it down might have upset some of the alumni, [...] covering it was that middle ground,” Shelley said. While the Sequoia High School Alumni Association has never made a statement regarding the mural, the banner has been taken down to show the mural during some alumni picnics. Shelley also expressed that he feels many students weren’t taught the full context of what the mural depicts. “This aspect of California history, of Native American history, it’s largely unknown.This is 1769 to 1821 [...] It’s part of California’s tourist industry. They promoted this myth that there was a peaceful cultural exchange between the Spanish and the Native Americans and it absolutely was not that, and the mural promotes that pretty heavily,” Shelley said. “There’s even one part of the mural where a priest is down on one knee trying to help a Native American. That’s not an accident, that’s

an image trying to be put out.” In a letter about the subject, Shelley pushed for students to try to work towards the removal of the mural. “The Sequoia students I know would not paint this mural honoring the people who enslaved and abused California’s original inhabitants.What message are we sending to our students and visitors of Sequoia with this mural?” Shelley said. “I have no doubt, if done democratically, our student body could come up with an excellent and appropriate mural subject.” According to Priest, the school hasn’t settled on a plan regarding the mural and will be keeping the banner for the time being, however it is possible the frame will be taken off the wall and the mural donated for historical preservation.

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

“What’s it like, being adopted?” BY SASHA EFIMCHIK Co-Opinion Editor

Valerie Moya (third) and her family Family life has been definitively es- differences, every adoptee’s individual tablished to play a central role in a experience is different and yet, there child’s development. Family is not de- are common threads–the search for fined by biology, however, and there their identity, in which being an adopare a lot of different types of families: tee necessarily has a part. biological families, adoptive families, Valerie Grace Moya, a junior at Sefound families. Of quoia, was taken course, each famto a foster home ily is unique, and very soon after even families of she was born in the same type can I was once super insecure about Fremont, Califormy life circumstances that I can’t vary significantly. nia. She lived there Adoptive fam- control. Now, it’s something about for a few years me that I love. ilies, for examwith several othple, can differ in er children whom Valerie Moya, junior whether the chilshe considered dren were adher family. When opted locally or she was three internationally or years old she was whether the biological parents have adopted by two loving parents. When chosen to remain unknown (in closed she went to school, she found others adoptions) or be discoverable (in open like her. adoptions). Beyond these structural “I went to a private little elementary

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school [where] I made great friends. I found other people who were adopted like me. That made me feel really included,” Moya said. Middle school was a completely different story. Moya and her father are Hispanic and her mother is white, which caused a point of tension between Moya and her family. “[Going to middle school] was a scary transition,” Moya said. “I was so insecure. I remember the first day I did not want my mom there. I was like, ‘Mom, you don’t look like me. Everyone looks like their parents.’ I felt so bad. Even to this day I feel bad [about treating my mom this way].” During this time, Moya pushed her parents away. “I treated my parents so horribly throughout my middle school years. From a deep rooted insecurity, I was like, I’m not like anyone else.There’s no

one like me out there,” Moya said. Through meeting other adopted students Moya became more comfortable with herself over time. “I was once super insecure about my life circumstances that I can’t control. Now, it’s something about me that I love and I want other people to know that they’re not alone,” Moya said. Moya isn’t the only one who found a community with others who were adopted. Karyn Arle, a teacher at Sequoia, was adopted from South Korea into a white family when she was a baby. During her childhood, her adoption was an uncomfortable subject. “When I was a kid, I was very uncomfortable talking about [being adopted]. It was different and most people obviously weren’t adopted. I grew up in Oregon, so [...] it wasn’t as diverse there,” Arle said. At the time, there wasn’t a lot of emphasis on preserving the culture of transracial adoptees. It wasn’t until her early twenties that Arle was able to go on a trip to South Korea with a group of other adoptees. “It was very emotional. We went [...] to Busan and Daegu. We also went to

Emma Billing (left) and her family

an orphanage and we met moms who ing time with other Korean adoptees were going to give up their kid so [the and having aspects of Korean culture trip] was very emotional. [...] For me, in their home decor. Vaughan appreciit made me feel much more comfort- ated their efforts but felt that she was able with my identity. Just being back learning Korean culture as a foreign in Korea, there was something different language, without all the nuance that a about it,” Arle said. native speaker would have. The trip had a big impact on Arle’s “There’s just such a difference beidentity. tween experiencing a culture and “Now I’m much more comfortable learning about a culture. I don’t think after going to Kothat I ever really rea, being a part fully got to expeof the adoptive rience the culture, community, both [...] I learned about virtually and peo- There’s just such a difference bedifferent aspects of ple I know, but tween experiencing a culture and [it],” Vaughan said. it was definitely learning about a culture. Vaughan still hard when I was feels this loss of growing up since Nichole Vaughan, english teacher culture into her it was very isolatadulthood, runing,” Arle said. ning into situations Moya held a where the disconsimilar sentiment. nect is even more “[Being adopted is] not normalized prominent. therefore people who are adopted feel “Whenever an older Korean pertrapped in a bubble,” Moya said. son confronts me on the street who Like Arle, Nicole Vaughan, a teacher can tell that I’m Korean, I feel like such at Sequoia, was adopted from South a disappointment when I have to tell Korea as a baby by white parents. Her them that I don’t know how to speak parents made a concerted effort to Korean,” Vaughan said. immerse her in the culture by spendThe identity as an adoptee affects some adopted children more than others. Emma Billing, a junior at Sequoia, was adopted as a baby from China. Her parents, a Chinese mom and white dad, traveled to China to meet with children at an orphanage there. Billing grew up in the Bay Area. Even though her family did not look very much like her, she does not remember this presenting challenges or discomfort to her growing up. “I don’t really ever think about [being adopted],” Billing said. “I just live my life.” While the specific experiences of children who were adopted are different, the common thread among them is the part of their identity as having been adopted. “I feel like being adopted is [always] a part of you,” Billing said.

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RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Shadowing over Sequoia Students coming from different middle schools have the opportunity to see Sequoia High School for a day through shadowing from a student perspective, and are able to take a look into what may be their future lives. The program accepts students from any middle school that are considering attending Sequoia. “We know that students who sign up for the shadowing program span a wide range of commitment levels to Sequoia,” shadow coordinator Corey Uhalde said. “Some of them are pretty confident that they’ll be here and some might still be considering their options, so we try to structure the program to appeal to everyone.” Students also have the opportunity to shadow at other schools they are interested in and are considering attending. This is the case with eighth grader Abby Hurley who shadowed at Sequoia, as well as Notre Dame High School Belmont, and was able to compare her experiences at both schools. “I liked it here better than other schools because other schools were kind of boring but I enjoyed the classes

more here,” Hurley said. Shadowing at multiple schools gives students the opportunity to see how differences in scheduling and student

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I liked it here better than other schools because other schools were boring. Abby Hurley, shadow

life would affect them in the future. Not only does shadowing give a glimpse into high school life, but it can also ease nerves. Coming from small middle schools and having heard rumors of the amount of work that may come with the transition to high school can leave eighth graders with expectations of an overwhelming and unbalanced daily schedule. After getting an impression for themselves, they are able to set more realistic expectations.

BY CAROLINE SIELING Staff Reporter “It kind of proved that [high school] is a bit more laid back than I initially thought,” shadow Oliver Sarmiento said. While the program itself can help shadows feel more comfortable by exposing students to the high school environment, a welcoming personality from the shadow host is also crucial to help ensure shadows. “It’s important in the beginning, to be super friendly with them so you can establish a relationship so they’re not scared of you all day. I normally get to know them in the beginning, and at break I love to show them off and introduce them to all my friends,“ junior shadow host and coordinator Brooke Elgaaen said. While getting an insight into the academics, scheduling, and overall setup of Sequoia is helpful to some, it can be said that half a day at school cannot give a complete preview of what is to be expected. “I wish hadows got a chance to experience some of the non-classroom stuff that happens at a high school. I think that going to sporting events, performing arts productions, or hanging out in the quad at lunch are things that really make a high school experience. We’re just limited by time and the structure of the day and not able to offer that to our shadows.” Uhalde said.

Shadow host panel for shadows

Shadow host and shadow 36

Photos by Caroline Sieling

It’s time for a TSU

Welcoming Sequoia’s first Trans Student Union

BY IDANIA QUEVEDO Staff Reporter The Trans Student Union (TSU) is a new club that allows both trans students and allies to work together in order to spread acceptance and awareness of the trans community at Sequoia and meets during lunch on Mondays in room 216. The transgender identity has faced discrimination throughout history, fighting back against healthcare bans and lack of fair representation in American media. As a result, communities and movements were created to support trans people and promote equal rights for the segment of the LGBTQ+ community. According to the William’s Institute of the University of California, Los Angeles, 1.93%of youth in California identify as transgender, which is approximately 49,100 people. Trans youth are present across public high schools in California, meaning that the creation of a safe and supportive club is necessary to uplift this group. “I think it provides a really good community space, especially for students who are transgender. [It is also] a

Population of Trans Youth in California, according to UCLA School of Law

Mipy, club mascot by Maverick Yu safe place to hang out and make new friends,” senior TSU member Peyton White said. The club was founded this year with the intention to provide a safe and welcoming environment for trans students, and to educate Sequoia’s student body of the community. “Me and [co-founder] Maverick have both witnessed lots of transphod o n ’t bia at Sequoia, not just in f e e l the hallways, but in classrooms rude due to as well. [In response to this], we wanthow normalized ed to create a trans-positive space they are. where we could chill out [and have fun “Things [I’ve experienced are] weird making art],” sophomore TSU founder glances, being stared at and backhandCeleste Carpinelli said. Despite a lot of progress made with ed comments,” Leonard said. The club’s recent founding allows the trans movement across the counthe space and cretry, transphobia ativity to achieve still continues to its goals of making appear, especially in the face of many Once [the TSU has enough mem- Sequoia a trans-acrecent bills and bers], then we can start pushing cepting place. “Neither laws against gen- for change and doing anything [the Maverick or I der-affirming care members] want to do. have heard of a in many states, Transgender Stunegatively im- Neil Prakash,TSU Advisor dent Union, and pacting the trans we might even be community. A lot the first [to found of these new laws and regulations limit the options that one at a public high school],” Carpinelli trans people have, or the people they said. The club allows an opportunity to interact with, in fear of being ostrabring acknowledgement of trans stucized. “Transphobia [still exists] in our dents in the Sequoia community, as community, I think it’s very ingrained in well as giving the trans student popula[people], it just comes off as jokes [to tion a voice through the club. “Once [the TSU has enough memeveryone],” sophomore TSU member bers], then we can start pushing for Lyn Leonard said. Although transphobia is not always change and doing anything [the memexplicit, it can be shown in more subtle bers] want to do,” math teacher and ways through actions and phrases that TSU advisor Neil Prakash said.

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RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

ELD Events: Making Dobladas BY CARMEN VICTORIA CUEVAS CONTRERAS Guest Writer On Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, English Language Development 2 (ELD) students taught a Spanish learning activity. This consisted of teaching other students how to make dobladas, a Gua-

Tasty completed dobladas

temalan dish while in the process of learning Spanish-English. “What I liked most was the experience and also learning to cook and learning to be able to communicate with other people in another language(s),” senior Naomy Mendez said. Although, students shared they felt nervous. “My experience was exciting and fun, although I was a little nervous about explaining how it was done,” sophomore Baleria Arroyo said. Others shared their excited feelings.

“My experience was good because I learned (about) new cultures,” junior Cristian Cac said. Dobladas consists of maseca, tomato sauce, potatoes, cheese and cabbage. “I learned (how) to cook,” senior Cristian Galcia said. Big shout out to the students that coordinated and helped, Ericka Cojón, Ingrid Granados, Allisson Pérez, Naomy Mendez, Balería Arroyo, Irma Piza, Cristian G, Marcos LP and Cristian C.

Ms. Wenzel with junior Pascual Diaz. Photos by Allison Hyde

Eventos ELD: Haciendo Dobladas El miércoles 8 de Noviembre 2023, Desarrollo de la lengua inglesa 2 (ELD) estudiantes impartieron una actividad de aprendizaje de español-inglés. Esto consistió en enseñando otros estudi-

Students together making dobladas 38

antes cómo hacer dobladas un plato Guatemalteco. “Lo que más me gusto fue la experiencia y también aprender a cocinar y aprender a poder comunicarme con otras personas en otro idioma”, dijo Naomy Méndez del 12vo grado. Aunque, los estudiantes se sintieron nerviosos. “Mi experiencia fue emocionante y divertida, aunque un poco de nervios ya a explicar como se hacía”, dijo Baleria Arroyo del 10mo grado. Otros se sintieron entusiasmados. “Mi experiencia fue buena porque aprendí nuevas culturas”, dijo Cristian Cac del 11mo grado. Las dobladas consisten en maseca, salsa de tomate, papas, queso y repollo. “Aprendí a cocinar”, dijo Cristian Galcia del 12vo grado. Muchas gracias a los estudiantes que coordinaron y ayudaron, Ericka Cojón,

Student scooping potato into tortilla Ingrid Granados,Allisson Pérez, Naomy Mendez, Balería Arroyo, Irma Piza, Cristian G, Marcos LP y Cristian C.

Best ways to study for success in finals

app that lets you create flashcards, especially if you have a course where you Dec. 18 to 21 is finals week. Many need to learn a lot of terms, and then students feel anxious about these ex- you can quiz yourself on the flashcards. ams and look for effective ways to They make games and it’s automated,” study for them. There are many things Library Media Specialist Betsy to consider when studying for finals, Snow said. Another site that is popsuch as the amount of time to spend studying and how to study most effec- ular with students is Khan Academy, which is a site tively. It’s important to know how much that provides tutorial time to set aside in order to prepare videos that teach for finals and how to divide that time about many subamong different subjects. Planning apps, jects, from math like MyStudyLife, are free and a great to science to history. way for students to stay on track and Khan Academy offers flashcards, multiple choice questions create an effective schedule. “This app is very well made, it is a and videos to help prepare students for their exams. digital planner. “Khan acadLots of students emy helped me use planners to study many subhelp them with school,” junior I think that actually it is important jects back in middle school Miguel Ortega to have some downtime during fisaid. nals week because you don’t want to and it helped me The use of apps stress yourself out spending all your learn some math in high school,” for studying are time studying. junior Phoenix very useful tools Palmerin said. since they help Alissa Talesnick, English teacher Although it students learn the is important to material that they need to know. There are many apps be well prepared for finals, it is also that students can use to study and im- important to not get stressed out or prove their knowledge on any subject. overwhelmed. Physical and mental Quizlet is a useful app that many stu- breaks are an important part of studydents have used already in their classes, ing since they help relieve stress and but it is also a good app to study with. refresh the mind. “I think that actually it is important “I used to love Quizlet, Quizlet is an BY JAIME PEREZ Staff Reporter

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Art by Alex Parker-Rogers

to have some downtime during finals week because you don’t want to stress yourself out spending all your time studying. So maybe setting aside 30 minutes here and there to play video games or just hanging out,“ English teacher Alissa Talesnick said. Knowing how to properly study is very useful for success in college, and knowing how to prepare for finals in high school will set students up for great achievements in college. “If you’re thinking about going to college, colleges have final exams and they usually are pretty rigorous. So this is practice for college or practice for just a high stakes situation in a job that you might have in the future,” Talesnick said.

Study Tips for FINALS

MAKE A STUDY SCHEDULE Using apps like MyStudyLife to create a study schedule

USING APPS TO STUDY The use of study apps makes studying more fun

TAKING BREAKS Taking a break helps to manage stress and keeps you focused and engaged

DO your best Set yourself up for success by following these tips

Quizlet

MyStudyLife

Khan Academy

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

FANTASY FOOTBALL

FANDOM

BY CAMERON REYNOLDS Staff Reporter

What is Fantasy Football? Fantasy football is a fun, strategic game that brings friends closer together as they compete in a competitive league. It enhances the overall thrill of watching National Football League (NFL) games and makes it more entertaining. In fantasy football, you start by drafting players who play on football teams in real life, and you select a lineup for your players each week. The amount of fantasy points you get is dependent on how your drafted players perform in real life games. For example, if you have a player, like a wide receiver, that gets ten receiving yards in a game, that’s the equivalent to one fantasy point. Every week, you have a matchup with another person, and whoever scores more points gets the win for the week. Later on in the season, fantasy teams can qualify for the play-offs, who eventually compete for the season championship.

Since the beginning of the NFL season, fantasy football has become a big trend for many students and teachers at Sequoia High School. This popular activity has brought lots of attention to NFL games that are happening across the country. IB Business teacher Gregory Stein has been playing fantasy football for 12 Art by Cameron Reynolds and Abby Aguayo

years. ing skills as you have to find the right “All in all, it’s a game of strategy, players to draft and put in your linethat you’re basically playing vicarious- up for the week that will benefit your ly through actual football players on team. the field and hoping that your casual “I love the sport obviously, but then knowledge of football translates into I also really like data analytics, and successful fantasy football. I think in the that’s kind of what fantasy football is end, fantasy football is about minimiz- about. It’s just analyzing different playing risk,” Stein said. er performances and it’s a lot of stratA big part of fantasy football is egy as well. So it’s choosing the right players who a good comwill perform the best, and b i n a t i o n ,” the players who are the senior Fantaleast prone to getsy Sports Club ting injured. President James “I like King said. younger Fantasy football has players the factors of football such as connect h a t tion building and strategy, without havg e n e rally don’t ing to include the physical aspect of it get injured and exciting which makes it more appealing to many. players that are fun to watch. You want There are a large number of students players that score a lot of points so you interested who don’t play football. know you’re looking for superstars,” IB “I enjoy it because I’m a pretty commath teacher Joshua Yezerski said. He petitive person but I don’t like playing has been playing since the early 2000s the sports so it’s a nice easy way to and is currently competing in two let my competitive side out, and it also leagues, one with a group of friends, helps build strategic skill,” senior Gaand the other with a group of nine oth- brielle Vella said. er teachers. Both Through of these the hunleagues are dreds of going well players that I enjoy it because I’m a pretty competifor him, as are drafttive person but I don’t like playing the he has Pated, there sports so it’s a nice easy way to let my rick Maare a few competitive side out, and it also helps homes and that stood build strategic skill. Jalen Hurts out, one as quarterbeing TraGabrielle Vella, Senior backs, who vis Etienne. are both Etienne is exceptionthe running ally talented back for players. the Jacksonville Jaguars who averagFantasy football builds critical think- es around 15 fantasy points per game

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and is a key player to many teams in leagues. “Etienne has done pretty well. I’ve drafted him in a few leagues,” King said. While fantasy football is fun for many people at Sequoia, it can get very competitive to the point where punishments are implemented which can differ from league to league. Punishments are often given to the person who ends up in last place by the end of the season. One big punishment is the cage punishment, where the loser is put in a dog cage and has items including syrup, eggs or even flour dumped on them. “I remember one of the funniest [items used in the punishment] was fish heads,” King said. There are other unique, creative punishments that leagues come up with. “Maybe the milk mile. Last year, the loser had to get a buzz cut, so we might bring that back,” sophomore Max Slayen said. The milk mile is where one has to drink a large glass of milk, then run a lap around a track, and repeat four times. But not all leagues have an intense punishment like this. Some have a lot lower stakes on the line. “Our punishment is not extreme by any means. I think the two losers have

to just buy the others a nice d i n n e r,” Vella said. While fantasy football can be very engaging and fun, it can become a distraction to some as it requires a lot of attention. Vel“I took the year completely off this a year. I won the championship last year l said. in the league that matters most to me with my close friends. After winning the championship, I decided that I needed to take a step back and just focus more on my personal life and not spend so much of my hobby time on that,” Stein said. Although he has taken a break from it, he still enjoys watching football whenever it’s on TV. Gabrielle Vella has also tried to take her distractions away from fantasy football. “I hear a lot of people talking about it at school, so that was sort of distracting for me a little bit, so I actually have taken it off my phone. I don’t get the notifications anymore, so I guess it was distracting to me because, again, I’m really competitive. But yeah, I try to have it take up as little space [as possible],” Travis Etienne, running back. Photo credit from bostonglobe.com

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Sequoia tennis rallies their way into the Bay Division

They all supported each other, even when some players weren’t able to participate. “[Despite] adversity with injury and Ranking top five in the Bay Division, this league, embracing the challenge the Sequoia girls tennis team faced of better competition and really being sickness,” Folan said. “Players stepped tough competition throughout the able to push ourselves to be the best up [to help] when they needed to.” This team represents all grades from season and emerged victorious, defeat- players,” senior MVP Tessa Folan said. freshman to seing the top team, Carlmont, by winning The team has niors, allowing for two matches on senior night bringing come together a dynamic atmohigh hopes for future seasons. to put in the hard sphere compared The Peninsula Athletic League’s work and their pasto last season. (PAL) Bay Division is the top public sion for the sport, It was really good to step up into Since the tenschool league in the Central Coast. Se- allowing them to this league, embracing the chalnis program only quoia girls tennis was at the top of the stay focused and lenge of better competition and has one team, Ocean Division last year, allowing them achieve their goals really being able to push ourselves the players of all to move up to the Bay Division for the for the season. to be the best players. grades are able 2023 season. Placing in the Bay Division “They want to to carry their allows Sequoia to face tougher teams improve [their Tessa Folan, Senior, MVP lessons from prein the future, and compete at a higher skills] so they’re fovious years and level. cused. We are simThe team was very excited about ulating every practice match like it’s a help each other grow. This allows for the new opportunity to compete in league match. [The team is] enthusias- creating new connections and bonds the Bay League, preparing for the tour- tic in continuing with their training in- on and off the court. “[This year] was different because nament by staying late for extra reps dividually, and they have the heart and after practice. the will to be better,” Coach Beeyong I feel like I connected more with the players on my team. When we win a “It was really good to step up into Sison said. point, we congratulate each other very well. And think that teamwork is really good,” sophomore Maya Perez-Martinez said. The supportive energy from the team is reflected in all aspects of the game. Two players, senior Josephine Ollmann and junior Sasha Efimchik, are headed toward the PAL tournament to represent Sequoia. “This team had a ton of energy. It was very diverse amongst ages and interests. I think tennis [is] a good place where we all come together from different backgrounds, but really came together for our passion of tennis,” Folan said. “I’m [really going to] miss the energy of the underclassmen, [they] had a good competitive spirit and were dedicated to the game of tennis, putting in Sophomore Kylie Ho warming up for her match. Photo by Gianna Federighi the extra hits after practice.” BY GIANNA FEDERIGHI & EMMA NARDINI Staff Reporters

Caffeine: fuel for school tion that can greatly impact one’s qualBY ROCCO PIAZZA ity of life. Staff Reporter “[Caffeine’s] overall [effect is on] Students at Sequoia have developed bone density. [Caffeine is going to] a strong reliance on caffeinated beverages to boost them throughout the leach calcium from the bones,” Huschool day, especially students enrolled man Biology teacher Debolina Dutta in International Baccalaureate (IB) said, reiterating how caffeine’s longcourses. Consequently, these caffeinat- term effect is truly the harm it inflicts on the bone health ed drinks present of people as they health concerns grow older. “The that students disshort-term impact regard in favor of It makes me really attentive isn’t noticeable, the energy boost in class, and like when I don’t but [I] just [worthey receive. drink caffeine I just fall asleep ry] about the longAccording to in class. I never pay attention. term impact.” the American But when I’m on caffeine, I’m Despite some Medical Associlike, literally on the edge of of these problemation, there are my seat. So excited to learn. atic impacts, teachshort-term and ers and staff at long-term negaAurelia Viner, senior Sequoia see their tive effects on the students in class body from drinkevery morning with ing caffeine. These assortments of cafinclude jitteriness and anxiety, as well as an increase in feinated beverages, recognizing that it respiratory rate, heart rate and blood is a part of their daily routine. “I do notice that [students] like sugpressure. Dr. Meredith Goodwin, a special- ary drinks [and] coffee. At least one of ist from Northstate University in the my students has a coffee or [some cafstudies of human bones, described how, feinated beverage] much every day,” as a body grows, the frequent con- IB History teacher Kathleen Banister said. sumption of cafCaffeine allows students to not only feine can crestay awake in class, but also be more ate issues with engaged, especially in more academihow the body cally challenging classes within the IB can absorb, program. metabolize “Oh, yeah, I’m holding coffee right and eliminate now,” senior Aurelia Viner said. “[Cafcaffeine. This feine] makes me really attentive in can lead to class. [...] When I don’t drink caffeine long-term I just fall asleep in class, I never pay atbone distention. But when [I’ve had] caffeine, eases in the I’m literally on the edge of my seat, so future, and excited to learn.” sometimes While students acknowledge cafeven ostefeine’s negative effects, they tend to oporosis, ignore them as the perks simply outa condi-

weigh the pitfalls. Consequently, they consume caffeine daily. “I can’t wake up without it. Sometimes it makes my hands shake, making it really hard to write, but it’s not a big deal,” Viner said. Despite being well aware of these problematic side effects of caffeine, with enrollment in higher-level classes or taking on the IB program, many students at Sequoia anticipate a dependency on caffeine to make it through their upperclassmen years. “It’s most definitely going to get a lot worse, but I’m expecting that,” freshman Allen Donelly said. Many underclassmen are under the assumption that their caffeine intake will increase once they begin to take IB classes. Viner’s response confirms that this was the case for her. “I never drank coffee before junior year. Once I began the [IB] diploma, coffee became a need.”

Caffeine’s chemical makeup

RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Terror-mere field

The wear and chemicals affecting althetes on Sequoia’s Terremere field.

BY COLLIN LIOU & DAVID RAYMOND that they have played on the field at Sequoia. Staff Reporter & News Editor “I’ll come up completely covered in Loose black pebbles. Shedding green fibers. The Terremere Field playing sur- the turf pellets and the grass, I’m getface has been unchanged for the past ting it in my hair and my face,” Gabriela 10 years—right on the limit of the sug- Holloszy, senior goalie for varsity girls gested 8 to 10-year lifespan for artificial soccer, said. “Two or three years ago, turf playing fields—presenting a danger that didn’t happen.” The school is aware of the state of to athletes. Rips in the turf have accuthe field and is actively working with mulated over time, and the black rubber pebbles that are coming loose are the school district to replace the turf. “The district is looking at whether known to contain various carcinogenic it makes sense to replace the turf this substances (although no definitive link between these pebbles and cancer has year or the year after,” Schmidt said. Schmidt would like to see the field been scientifically proven). replaced as soon as possible, citing injury concerns as a major reason. Carlmont’s similarly dated turf contained a major rip, creating a serious hazard for players. “One of my players hit [the rip] The effects of the turf’s age are beduring warmups and slid. She could ginning to show. have been really hurt,” Schmidt said. “The fiber is shedding like crazy,”

TURF WEAR

Athletic Director and girls soccer coach Melissa Schmidt said. “There are some rips, nothing horrendous.” Student athletes have also noticed the turf deteriorate over the years

INJURY RISK In addition to the field’s wear, turf is already a more dangerous playing sur-

face than natural grass. According to a study led by Christina D. Mack, Ph.D., published through the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, turf playing surfaces have a 16% higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries than their grass counterparts, potentially because artificial turf does not release cleats as easily. “A lot of my friends that have torn their ACLs have been torn on turf fields,” Holloszy said. “Nobody’s torn their ACL on grass.” These factors lead many to say the ideal playing surface would be perfectly kept grass. However, maintaining grass fields is much more difficult than their artificial counterparts. “In a perfect world, I’d rather [my players] play on grass,” head football coach Robert Poulos said. “The problem with [grass fields] is that, in the US, the money typically goes into installation and not into maintenance.” Pro-artificial turf sentiment is also shared by players, even those who have been injured on artificial turf playing fields. Holloszy, who tore a part of her quadricep tendon on Terremere Field, still prefers turf as the playing surface. This is because turf gives a consistent playing surface in all weather no matter the amount of use that it receives. This factor is a major reason why turf fields are used by high school fields that receive a high amount of use. “Having coached at schools that have grass fields, you can’t practice on it every day,” Poulos said. “You can’t share the facility with anyone else, you get very protective over it. It’s a bit of a nightmare in terms of management.”

CRUMB RUBBER Turf infill is the particulate under the blades of grass. Terremere Field has 44

panel compiled by Washington Soccer Coach Amy Griffin were goalkeepers. It is hypothesized that the goalkeepers’ repeated contact with the ground when diving for saves increases exposure to the carcinogenic substances in crumb rubber and is the cause of the disproportionate rate of cancer in this list. “We [goalkeepers] are on the ground a lot,” Holloszy said.“Open wounds are exposed to carcinogens and tire parts. I try to take [care] of my wounds as quickly as possible, but it’s definitely a concern.” The potential risks associated with crumb rubber infill are recognized by Sequoia coaches. “It seems pretty clear cut that you would want to avoid [the carcinogens in crumb rubber], I would think that that is a potential concern,” Poulos said. Despite this, since no definitive link between crumb rubber infill and cancer has been proven, Sequoia players and coaches are not worried. “We’ve been playing on turf fields for years and years now in soccer’s histoblack crumb rubber infill, made from and the current temperature trend is ry,” senior soccer player Mathew Ruiz ground-up tires. Other options include going to maintain,” Poulos said. said. “Personally, I think it’s fine.” coconut husk, corn husk or cork. According to the Environmental ProWhen asked which playing surface One issue with turf is the fact that tection Agency, one drawback of crumb she would choose if she were given a it acts as a heat sink. On sunny days, rubber infill is the presence of carcino- choice, Holloszy said she would choose turf surface temperature can be 180 genic materials such as benzene, buta- the turf that is used at Highlands, which Fahrenheit, according to Safe Healthy diene and dichloroethane. Although has an infill consisting of coconut husk, Playing Fields. However, there are ways no studies have been able to definitive- cork and sand. to cool the turf, which is becoming im- ly prove a link between crumb rubber “I’ve played on [the turf at Highlands] portant in our changing climate. infill and for four-and-a“In Southern California […] they c a n c e r , half years,” Holtypically put sprinklers in their fields,” c o n c e r n loszy said. “I love Poulos said. over these it. It hurts way This addition is required with certain substancless. It doesn’t infill types. es still exthat A lot of my friends that have adopt “I think that [coconut husk infill ists. NBC weird turf smell torn their ACLs have been fields] need to be watered down,” N e w s that our fields Schmidt said. repor ted torn on turf fields. Nobody’s have because of While not required, it is highly rec- that, of a wear and food torn their ACL on grass. ommended to water down coconut list of 38 and sweat over husk infill fields for longevity and quali- collegiate time. It’s just ty of the field, according to Parks & Rec s o c c e r overall better.” Gabriela Holloszy, senior Business. players “It seems like it makes sense [to add who had a sprinkler system] if we are going to developed keep our current practice schedule blood cancers, 34 of the players on the

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RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

Photos and layout design by Sasha Efimchik

100 Years of Carrington Hall RAVEN REPORT | DECEMBER 2023

RAVEN RIDDLES Read the issue to find the answers! Across 3. The new piece of equipment the tech booth received 5. The Sequoia alumnus that directed High School Musical 6. Tool to protect a bike from being stolen 7. Musical artist that released a new album and movie in the same month 9. Creative winter activity using yarn and hooks 10. Acronym for the newest club on campus Down 1. A suspected carcinogen found in crumb rubber 2. Guatemalan food including maseca, tomato sauce, potatoes and cabbage 4. Sequoia team that ranked top five in the Bay Division 8. last name of two Sequoia alumni who are siblings

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