FEATURE After Hours pg. 6
SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL NEWS MAGAZINE VOLUME XXV, NO.2 // JANUARY 2025
FEATURE Hollywood Exposed pg. 15
FEATURE Zoppe Family Circus pg. 20-21
By Alex Corpos and Sofia Ferante
I am writing in reference to the recent article in the Raven Report. In the October issue of the Raven Report, you published an article about [the] water polo and cross country [teams]. I loved that two sports, who are typically less represented than other sports, had an opportunity to be featured. Being an athlete on the girl’s water polo team and seeing an article about it was super cool. I am also one of the co-athletic commissioners in ASB, so representing all sports is something that is super important to me and I love that I am not alone in this effort! As a further idea, I think it would be really cool to highlight the progress of teams and/or athletes. While I know this information hadn’t come out when this issue was published, it could be cool to highlight the athletes who received all-league in their fall sports and the teams who made CCS or did well in their league. Overall, this article was super interesting and I was very excited to see an article about water polo when I opened the Raven Report! Great job!
Sincerely,
Izzy Madden
I am writing in reference to the article, “Sequoia’s hazardous driving”, which was published in the Raven Report that came out in October. I am glad that you guys are raising awareness on this problem that has proved to even be fatal at times. I think that the addition of direct quotes and true stories really taps into the reader’s emotional state and connects with them on a deeper level. However, I think that there should have been a better explanation of a quote from Mr. McRae. He said, “These vehicles offer too much temptation for the average young male to speed and burn rubber”. Although I am not personally offended by McRae saying that usually, only males drive recklessly, I think it would be better to explain why males, as McRae says, are typically more likely to drive recklessly, or just slightly alter the quote so gender isn’t a factor. I think that some people may find it unfair that they are being accused of driving recklessly simply because they are male or because they have also seen female drivers driving recklessly.
Sincerely, Aiden
Yu
By Maren Ocken and Conor Villaroman
By Sasha Efimchik & Caroline Sieling
I am writing in reference to the recent article in the October magazine. In there, you published an article about Project READ and its impact on young children in the community. I am so glad that you both wrote about this, as I tutor there as well and have witnessed the big impact that Project READ has had on my tutee and also how it has had [impact] on me as a volunteer. I defi nitely agree that anyone interested in working with kids in their future, or has a general passion for helping others learn and grow, should definitely become a tutor at Project READ. I also loved the interviews you did with everyone from the Project READ program coordinator to a tutor, because it helps the reader understand from all of the different perspectives, the benefits to tutoring. Thank you again for all the interesting articles you write and publish!
Sincerely,
Lucia Nino-Sears
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.
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
The winter issue of the Raven Report is always a stressful one. With finals looming and winter break fast approaching, it can feel like a mad dash to meet deadlines. In the midst of this rush, the joy of the creative process can sometimes get lost.
During this issue cycle, our reporters embraced the challenge of reconnecting with the joy of childhood nostalgia. This theme inspired a diverse range of engaging and enlightening articles while fostering a deeper appreciation for the Raven Report community.
Reflecting on the pure love and wonder of childhood helped us rediscover our passion for journalism. It reminded us that joy and creativity are at the heart of what we do.
We hope that as you read about nostalgia in this issue, you’ll be reminded of meaningful moments from your past and inspired to find small pockets of childlike joy in your everyday life.
Sasha Efimchik
Raymond
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Sasha Efimchik
David Raymond FEATURE
A&E
Sanghvi
Yamir Benitez-Ventura
Victor Bravo Vasquez
Noah Chevillet
Maeva Guillaume
Marlene Lopez
Isabelle Padilla
Mia Ramirez
Michelle Recinos-Pare
Yuliana Soto Lopez Conor Villaroman
Daisy Torres Arroyo
Johnny Lehman
Maren Ocken
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.
The district provides instructional materials for ELD (English) classes, but not for the EML (Emergent Multilingual Learner) and PL (primary language) classes, such as math, science and social studies, with the exception of Ethnic Studies EML.
1201 BREWSTER AVE. REDWOOD CITY, CA 94062 WWW.RAVENREPORT.ORG
BY MAREN OCKEN & MIA RAMIREZ Staff Reporters
Many Sequoia students work in various industries, and for some, these part-time jobs provide an opportunity to explore potential career paths after high school. These industries require unique skill sets and appeal to students with diverse interests.
In California, 22.5% of students have part-time jobs, and 16% of students in Redwood City work during the school year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many students, like senior Callie West, are employed in the fast food industry. West earns around $25 an hour at In-N-Out Burger in Redwood City, splitting her paychecks between a mutual fund with her parents and covering her daily needs. Despite the good pay, there are some challenges she faces.
“I have to take out some of my piercings, and we can’t wear certain types of makeup,” West said.
Although these rules limit her
cause I could be at work, making money,” West said.
Jessica Agustin Robles also has a part time job. She works in the childcare in dustry, earn ing around $20 an hour.
“I have a savings account, and I plan to use some of that money to pay my college tuition,” Robles said.
Additionally, she explained that her job aligns with her future career plans by allowing her to work with children and gain experience in childcare.
“I want to be a
want to learn aspects of both.”
[School] feels like a waste of time because I could be at work, making money.
Every student with a job experiences different pay rates and faces different challenges that are unique to their work. Pay varies depending on the position, but in the painting industry, one can earn $27 to $50 an hour. For Paleaz, his challenges stem from the work itself and the task of marketing the business.
Paleaz has been working part-time job in the painting industry 6 years. He wants to continue his job post-grad-
“I want to pursue a career in business so I can expand my dad’s business,” Paleaz said. “I aim to graduate with a major in business and I’m hoping to gain skills from various business fields, such as marketing and finance. Although these are separate majors, I
“The most challenging part of the job is the preparation required to ensure only the intended surfaces are painted. Also, promoting the business can be extremely difficult with so much competition everywhere,” Paleaz said.
Despite the obstacles, every student has different career goals they hope to achieve from their current role. Overall, high school jobs are meant to equip students with valuable skills for life after graduation.
BY YULIANA SOTO & MICHELLE RECINOS Staff Reporters
Sequoia High School offers a wide variety of electives for students to choose from. Among these, the Culinary Arts Department stands out as a favorite among students. Those who are enrolled in this department learn how to prepare food and work in a kitchen, gaining valuable life skills that can be used now and in adulthood.
Approximately 120 students are enrolled in the Foods and Nutrition class, while only 15 students are in the Culinary class. Before taking Culinary Arts, students are recommended to take Foods and Nutrition, however, it’s not required. Due to the small class sizes, seat priority is given to those who require Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits to graduate, typically seniors and sometimes juniors.
on include Pesto Pasta and Fried Zucchini, which taught them about fats, and Caesar Salad, which helped them learn about salt. They’ve also explored seasonal cooking and food preservation, according to Food and Culinary Arts teacher Reyna Hofmann.
Its a great class. It’s superfun. It’s all hands on.
Reyna Hofmann, Culinary Arts & Foods and Nutrition teacher “
Culinary Arts serves as an advanced course in Foods and Nutrition, with less emphasis on the basics at the beginning of the year. With fewer students this year, there’s more opportunity for specialized projects, according to Hofmann.
The class is popular amongst students of all grades because the inviting atmosphere and fun activities make students eager to participate.
needed in the kitchen.
“You learn how to cook, collaborate with others, understand different cultures, and season dishes correctly. We are also taught the precise techniques needed for cooking, such as the right measurements.” Hassett said.
Additionally, students don’t need prior experience to join the cooking department, but most who do join have some knowledge of the subject.
The department is popular for its fun and engaging atmosphere, offering students the chance to cook and taste dishes while learning valuable skills such as teamwork, cultural awareness, and cooking techniques.
Students cook once a week, focusing on the basics of sanitation, safety, and cooking. Some projects they’ve worked
“It’s a pretty chill class where you can learn how to cook a lot of different foods, and you get to eat it, which is the best part.” junior Sierra Hassett said.
The class teaches various life skills
BY NATE GOTELLI Multimedia Editor
The eighth studio album by Tyler, The Creator, Chromakopia was released on October 28, 2024. It features artists such as Glorilla, Sexyy Red, Teezo Touchdown and Childish Gambino throughout the album. Chromakopia takes listeners on a journey about Tyler and his relationship with his mother. Growing up in a fatherless household, Tyler grew his connection with his mom, and this album serves as a love letter to her. Chromakopia charted at the number one spot on the Billboard Top 200 for three weeks after its release.
The first and most popular song on the album titled “St. Chroma,” introduces the listener to the character of Saint Chroma, the person seen on the album cover. Saint Chroma represents a more unrestrained side of Tyler, both as an artist and person. Like many of the songs off the album, St. Chroma features hard-hitting drums and loud brass instruments that drive Tyler’s strong emotions. A memorable verse from this song is: “I just need this time to myself to figure me out-out. Do I keep the light on or do I gracefully bow out?” Tyler uses the light in this song
to represent his fame.This line demonstrates him questioning whether he should continue his journey as an artist or retire from the industry.
Another popular song on the album is titled “Rah Tah Tah,” representing a more ferocious and aggressive style of rap than Tyler has used in the past. The story in “Rah Tah Tah” follows Ty ler showing off his LaFerrari with the re petitive on omatopoe ia sound of the title “Rah Tah Tah” imi tating the noise of hitting the gas pedal. The verse “Someone tell Zendaya she my favorite, can she hit me up?” represents the respect Tyler has for his fellow artists, such as Zendaya, who has worn Tyler’s clothing brand GOLF le FLEUR on an Insta-
gram story.
“Noid,” the third song on the album and my personal favorite, takes listen ers back to an older Tyler with synthe sizers and 808 beats. The song follows Saint Chroma feeling consumed by paranoia, and feeling as though he’s being chased as he is speeding in his car, but, in reality, none of it is real. In the line “They wanna know where I close my eyes at, I keep my eyes wide,” Tyler alludes to having paranoia about people trying to find where he lives and robbing him, a real-life threat for celebrities in the modern day. This paranoia defines the tone of “Noid” and reflects Tyler’s growth, as senior Phoenix Palmeran observes, marking a shift from his earlier, carefree projects.
“He’s growing up and coming to a realization on his life and who he is as he gets older,” senior Phoenix Palmeran said. “It’s different from his past albums with him being more serious and honest.”
Overall, Chromakopia was a transformative and experimentative album for Tyler, The Creator. It takes listeners on a journey with Saint Chroma as a guide speaking upon his fear surrounding the music industry. The album leaves listeners craving for more Tyler going into 2025.
“I would give this album a solid nine. His sound is probably one of the best things about him, you never know what you’re gonna get,” Palmeran said.
BY JOHNNY LEHMAN & YAMIR BENITEZ Staff Reporters
Just like any other school, Sequoia High School has witnessed its fair share of academic struggles.This year, however, a number of students have managed to turn their grades around. What’s behind their success? Students shared the strategies they used to improve – and what motivated them to keep going.
Many teachers have encountered students who struggle academically and often see firsthand why some give up on their grades. Jesse Bustos, World History and DAA teacher, shared his insights on the challenges faced by these students and what he believes contributes to their lack of motivation.
“I think the shame and inconsistency of some students come from the fear of being seen as lazy and dumb for not keeping up in class, and a fear of being excluded by other students in group activities,” Bustos said.
Many students feel that their peers view them as incapable, which can lead to a cycle of disengagement. Students who feel this way often stop turning in assignments, participating in class discussions, or contributing to group work. This lack of effort can reinforce their peers’ negative perceptions, further isolating the struggling students. The fear of being excluded from group activities adds to their anxiety. However, many students recognize that staying on this path will only hold them back. This realization often motivates them to work harder and improve their situation.
History and Ethnic Studies teacher
Christopher Caton shared his own experiences as a student, including the struggles he faced. Caton explained that his motivation to improve stemmed from wanting to
raise his grades. He realized that turning his academic performance around was essential for his success.
“I was forced to switch schools, and that motivated me. And I think just by my freshman and sophomore year, I [wasn’t doing] so good and, my junior year, it finally occurred to me that I’m not going to graduate if I keep up my current trajectory,” Caton said.
Earlier this school year, sophomore Mario Padilla faced the challenge of poor grades, struggling to maintain the GPA required to stay eligible for the football team.
“I’m gonna be honest, I was kind of lazy [...] because I thought [school] was going to be easy. I was slacking off, sitting in the back, and chilling out with my friends,” Padilla said. “Then, I realized, that was a bad idea, because my grades started turning out, how I was acting.”
Padilla’s struggle is a common one, with many students facing challenges like distractions from friends or lapses in motivation. To turn things around, Padilla adopted strategies like staying focused and pushing himself to overcome distractions. For Padilla, his biggest hurdle was unproductive time spent with friends. Motivated by his goal to play on the football team, he made the decision to prioritize his grades and regain his focus.
Ju -
nior Matthias Aguilar Chapa has dealt with the same issues. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and persistence when it comes to improving academically. He shared his perspective, explaining how overcoming challenges requires identifying the problem and actively working toward solutions.
“You have to first notice doing badly, [then] you have to try to find a way that works for you and you have to find out what’s distracting you,” Chapa said. Chapa identified his iPad as his primary distraction. His motivation to improve stemmed from recognizing the need for help and receiving guidance from his parents.
“It’s hard to [improve grades] and stuff can distract you so much, but it’s possible, and it’s a continual process. Just know that if you’re in a similar situation like I was, you can do it,”
Chapa said.
BY MAEVA GUILLAUME Staff Reporter
Image from walmart.com
$6.79
6.79/18.12oz 0.37/1 oz $2.99
Comes in special flavors and variations like “Oreo Thins” and “Red Velvet”
Image from sendiks.com
$4.99
4.99/12 oz 0.42/1oz
“The Trader Joe’s has the better texture [and] the design is also cuter” (Chocolate Vanilla Creme Joe-Joe’s)
-Juliana Vattuone
2.99/13.4 oz 0.22/1 oz
With only a 4 ingredient change, this is a close copy to the original.
$3.49
3.49/8 oz 0.44/1oz
Contains Red 40, which “induces a subtle and low-grade inflammatory responses,” according to National Library of Medicine
Image from walmart.com
$2.49
2.49/7.25 oz 0.34/1 oz
“Probably just going to buy the Tader Joe’s ones (Baked Cheese Crunchies), it feels more worth it”
-Julian Friedman
Comes with a number of collaborations like Paw Patrol Mac and Cheese, or SpongeBob Mac and Cheese
Each animal has its own unique flavor, and is only colored using vegetable and fruit extract.
$0.99
0.99/7.25 0.14/1 oz
Only 10-15 minutes to prepare!
Many of the reserves around the original name brand products are from health concerns.These companies use ingredients that are known to contribute to cancer and other medical complications, to the point that Takis are banned in the UK. Similarly, beginning December 31, 2027, California public schools are banned from offering any foods containing Red 40 and Yellow 5, according to the California Legislative Information website.
BY PRIYA ANSNES Staff Reporter
a movie theater is the many posters hanging across the dusty walls. These posters advertise several sequels of my childhood favorite films, instead of newer movies. This led me to wonder why there is such an evident pattern of sequels.
Disney use pathos—appeal ing to the audience’s emo tions—to boost the box of fice earnings of their movies. Kids are and have been the target audience of Disney movies, and usually, adults buy tickets for their kids and then probably fall asleep in the movie theater. But lately, Disney has found a way to ex pand their audience, by chan neling adults’ and teenagers’ “pathos” through nostalgic movies from their childhood. These adults and teenagers bring their kids and/or siblings, and everyone seems to enjoy their old favorite characters popping up on the big screen again.
at least heard of the kids’ an imated movie “Frozen”. It was a big hit in 2013 and grossed $1.2 billion for Disney. It wasn’t a shock that when “Frozen ll” came out in 2019, it was just as big a hit as the first movie, grossing a groundbreaking $1.5 billion. Everyone and their moth er wanted to see their favorite Disney princesses back on screen again. Thus the sequel strategy was born. Films such as “Inside Out 2” (2024), “Moana 2” (2024), “Zooto
pia 2” (2025), and “Toy Story 5” (2026) are expected in theatres and on every
versary, lost Disney $131 million and earned a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t a film anyone particularly wanted to watch. This is unlike a sequel to a childhood favorite, “Inside Out 2” (2024).The first movie did very well, grossing $859 million. When Pixar released “Inside Out 2” many ran to the theatre to watch it. Dressed up as different emotions for trends, they brought their friends and family to watch their favorite childhood characters once again. The movie was a smashing success; it grossed over $1.6 billion with a 90% on Rotten ToSophomore Ellie Kapt explains the nostalgic strategy of Disney’s “Inside Out 2” that helped make it a
“‘Inside Out 2’ [is a particularly successful movie because] they played to the fact that in the first movie a lot of the people who watched it were young and Riley was young. And then they kind of aged up the themes and characters to match how the fan had
The year is 2014. After a long day of school, there is nothing more enjoyable than to kick back, relax and turn on your favorite TV channel; Nickelodeon. Between iCarly rerun episodes, Victorious, the new Sam and Cat spin-off show and much more - there’s no possibility of getting bored! This care-free entertainment enjoyed by kids everywhere hides the unimaginable horrors of Hollywood child abuse that kids unknowingly witnessed.
Nickelodeon has been a staple in many childhoods, bringing joy and entertainment to so many in the early 2010s. In reality, numerous, unspeakable actions are alleged to have happened behind the scenes and were hidden from the public for years. Flamed with lawsuits and horror stories, this beloved childhood TV network now has a tainted image in the eyes of many former viewers.
In the 2024 documentary “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” former actors from popular Nickelodeon shows revealed their experiences of abuse and mistreatment on set.
Among these accounts, childhood star Drake Bell from the show Drake and Josh shared disturbing details of abuse by Brian Peck, a producer, director and dialogue coach for Nickelodeon. Peck was found guilty on 11 counts of sexual abuse against Bell; he was sentenced to 16 months in prison and is now a registered sex offender. Upon release from prison he landed a job at Disney Channel for the show The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody.
The most notorious figure in the
While Schneider has not been formally charged with any criminal activity, there were numerous allegations made against him in Quiet on Set regarding his inappropriate interactions with children at Nickelodeon. He denies any wrongdoing and is suing the creators of Quiet on Set for defamation.
“of adolescent Bynes in a swimsuit, seated alongside Schneider in a hot tub.
It’s hard to separate the artists, because the artist directly made the art. Whenever I rewatch those shows now with this new knowledge, it’s just not the same,”
Schneider built his career within children’s television as the creator of Zoey101, iCarly, Victorious, Sam & Cat and Henry Danger. One of the allegations against him is that these shows incorporated inappropriate elements that went unnoticed until former child-actors came public with their complaints. Episodes of his shows are bombarded with children’s feet in suggestive shots and it is alleged that young actors were forced to kiss multiple times for the show without parental monitoring.
Sage
Gainey, sophomore
While there are several allegations of abuse against Schneider, his production assistant on the Amanda Show, Jason Handy, was criminally convicted for sex crimes with minors he met on the set. He was found guilty of sending explicit messages to underage extras from the show and was charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of sex offender registry violations. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison.
Schneider’s most significant alleged exploitation was of Amanda Bynes, the star of the Amanda show and a notable icon in the 2000s. Although Schneider has never been charged with any wrong-doing, his ex-employees recall in the Quiet on Set documentary that Schneider behaved inappropriately with the young Amanda. This was seemingly backed up with hints scattered throughout the show- similar to the hidden innuendos in his other
The star of two very popular Nickelodeon shows, iCarly and Sam & Cat, Jenette McCurdy, wrote a memoir about the abuse she faced at the hands of her mother during her work with Nickelodeon. McCurdy’s book I’m Glad My Mom Died, discusses how her mother forced her into an eating disorder, violated her body, and mentally/ physically abused McCurdy, who was the financial provider for her family.
Students who grew up watching the Nickelodeon channel have conflicting feelings about once favorite shows.
“I’ve re-watched iCarly since then, and watching it, knowing what was going on and what those actors were going through at the time is just so disgusting. It definitely changes how you view those shows, and how you view the whole production,” freshman Sahana James said.
BY VICTOR BRAVO Staff Reporter
Picture this: you just got out of school and you want a quick, easy, and cheap meal. What would be your choice? 8-year-old me would’ve 100% said McDonald’s. This is the case for many people; by the end of 2018, Mcdonald’s reported an astonishing 21.29 billion dollars in revenue.
People have mixed feelings about the fast food chain. Some people feel amazing about it while others might despise it.
this one person on my brother’s soccer team [who’s] a scientist [said] he was making meat that wasn’t meat, but tasted like [it],” junior Gadiel Flores said.
But Flores has even more reasons to believe his claim that McDonald’s doesn’t use real meat.
It’s delicious, I don’t care where it’s coming from
“When I was a kid, it was the best thing you could eat, and now I would rather eat something more flavorful,” freshman Luca Chung said.
Samantha McMurtry
Along with praise, there are also many negative reviews and rumors.
“McDonald’s is corrupted. I say this because the meat is not really meat -
“My mom went to a conference five years ago [in] Florida. [The people at the meeting] told her that they would put worms in the meat,” Flores said.
Despite these claims of fake meat at McDonald’s, the company asserts that all of their burger patties in the U.S. are made with 100% USDA-inspected beef. While this narrative of fake meat is not proven to be
true, it remains a widely debated topic amongst many people, including dads.
“Every time I get McNuggets, my dad says it’s not real meat. And I [always say] ‘do you really think I care. I don’t care where it’s coming from,’” freshman Samantha McMurtry said.
But aside from the reviews, McDonald’s always holds a very special place in many of our hearts, full of crazy memories and experiences at the establishment.
“One time I was in the play place, and this kid, walked up to me, sat down, didn’t say anything, [peed] himself and he just sat in a puddle of his own [pee],” Chung said.
After hearing many stories and rumors about McDonald’s, I decided to go to McDonald’s to try my childhood order once again. When I walked into McDonald’s around 6 p.m., I saw that the restaurant was quite empty. But after about 20 minutes, the place became
extremely busy and full.
The ambiance in the restaurant was nice, it was very colorful, and the play place looked really fun. But unfortunately, I am too big to fit inside and over the age limit of 13. I appreciated that it seemed like they were getting into the Christmas spirit, as there were decorations and even a Christmas tree! Most of the workers were in the kitchen and taking drive-through orders, but I was greeted very quickly by a nice employee. I decided to order my childhood favorites which consists of vanilla ice cream, four-piece chicken nuggets and an order of small fries. To my surprise, the ice cream machine was working, considering that it’s constantly rumored to always be broken. After about seven minutes of my nostalgic excitement, I received my order but it was not like how I remembered it.
I started with the fries and while they
were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they were just too plain and salty. But when I was a child, they were the best fries on the market so their rating will go up slightly because of my nostalgia. I will have to give the fries five Ronald McDonald’s out of ten.
Next, I quickly went to my ice cream cone and I must say, I remember them being a much smaller. This cone had a good amount of ice cream although it was a little too sweet for my liking. But that was expected as I was a sugar addict in my prime of eating McDonald’s, so I will give the ice cream eight Ronald McDonald’s out of ten.
Finally, I saved what I thought was the best for last: I took a bite out of my chicken nugget, and at first it was fine. The only downside to it was that it tasted like burnt seasoning. Despite its slight bitterness, it was still on the board to take over the ice cream, but then suddenly, my tongue was hit by
an instant aftertaste that tasted like a mix of pepper and sour mango. This was when I realized that the chicken nuggets had lost their magic and sadly, would have to score six Ronald McDonald’s out of ten.
Upon my return to the franchise, my opinion has swayed. Past all of the flaws and dislikes, McDonald’s still holds a very special place in my heart. Just know that when life gets stressful and you wish you were that little 8-year-old kid again, there’s probably a McDon ald’s right around the cor ner.
BY CAMERON REYNOLDS Feature Editor
While it might be an embarrassment to some, it’s cherished by many.
All of us have probably kept at least one stuffed animal from when we were a child. It was always something we would take with us wherever we went, and it became a big part of our lives growing up.
As kids grow up, most get to the age where they
Berry said. “It’s been really nice to have them. I always get really distraught when I can’t find them.”
Berry feels that it should be normal ized to hold on to stuffed animals
Marcello Caruso-Turiello, junior “
“Nobody’s too cool for stuffed animals. It’s just a part of yourself”
years. Some students at Sequoia High School feel completely normal about holding onto a stuffed animal, especially since it holds a sentimental feeling. Stuffed animals often remind people of their childhood, providing a sense of nostalgia, comfort, and happiness.
From a survey of 62 Sequoia students, 47 say that they still have a childhood stuffed animal that they hang on to. Senior Johnny Berry has a stuffed animal dog that he named “Blue Puppy,” along with a basket full of others.
“[Stuffed animals] have always been in my life, always been important, and they’ve always been there for me,”
even as we grow up. He says his stuffed animals have helped him relieve his emotions and calm him down when he’s feeling stressed.
As a high schooler, life can get stressful, and it’s important to have ways to calm us down.
Having a stuffed animal can release oxytocin, a natural hormone, which creates relaxation and reduces stress, according to an article from Ameris leep.
Senior Madeleine Dorling also feels very sentimental about her soft, pink pillow that she named “Pinky”. Her pil low came with a blanket and she got them when she was less than a year old.
Having kept it for so many years, it’s clear how much comfort these longheld objects can bring.
“I love her, and it’s so com fortable, and I feel like I can’t sleep without her,” Dorling said.
Like other students, ju nior Marcello Caruso-Turi ello also has a lot of stuffed imals scattered throughout his room, one of them being an octopus.
The presence of a stuffed animal or toy is a way of showing their unique identity and personality.
“I like them. They’re pleasant. They inspire joy. They’re soft and they’re squishy,” Caruso-Turiello said. “No-
“I never gave any of them names, but I have this octopus and it’s orange. I got
BY ALEX CORPOS & NOAH CHEVILLET Staff Reporters
Using screens and the internet for entertainment has become a fundamental part of our reality. However, past generations didn’t grow up with technology at their fingertips. They lacked access to instant gratification in stark contrast to the short attention spans of today’s adolescents.
A low attention span is a common trend in most contemporary youth, likely due to the universal possession of cell phones. Up to 71% of children own a cell phone by age 12, according to the Child Mind Institute. Furthermore, 95% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 report using social media, with a third describing their usage as almost constant, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Board.
Most teachers didn’t grow up with social media, giving them a unique perspective because they spent more time playing games with their friends, whether outside or at someone’s house.
friends, playing basketball, playing video games, going out and socializing, whether that was going to eat, seeing a movie, making things up to do. [...] We’d make up games, things of that nature, just to kind of keep ourselves entertained, since we didn’t have all the technology that students today have,” English teacher Jason Drogin said.
“I spent a lot of my time with my
Just don’t use it to hide from the outside world,” math teacher Neil Prakash said.
While Drogin feels that social media can feel unproductive, he further explains that we all need time to relax and wind down, and social media isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Even just 15 to 30 minutes of off-screen stimulation will result in a boost in confidence, physical health, stress reduction and social skills, according to Big Life Journal. Especially for adolescents, all of these traits are crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Even when utilizing technology, there are ways to stay healthy and responsible.
“Through technology, you’re able to access different communities that you wouldn’t be able to access in person.
“I do also think it’s important to acknowledge that we need downtime. There is plenty of evidence that social media can be a good thing. Playing video games can be a good thing in reasonable quantities, as long as it doesn’t turn into something that keeps you from other healthy endeavors and pursuits that you should be focused on.” Drogin said.
Social media has become somewhat of a necessity for today’s generation, but some people feel differently. Students like junior Charlie Cooney think of social media and technology as a good bonus, but not quite the center of their world.
“I like playing video games with my friends, but when it comes to most social media, like Snapchat or Instagram, I don’t really care that much. I could live without it,” Cooney said.
This mindset is a helpful way to view the digital world to avoid reliance and enjoy time away from the screen every now and then. While utilization of social media and the internet isn’t a detriment, becoming dependent on it is an unhealthy way to spend free time. Attempting to spend even a small chunk of time playing outside like the generations before us will result in a net positive effect for everyone.
Art by Alex Corpos & Noah Chevillet
BY SASHA EFIMCHIK, DAVID RAYMOND, & CHRISTINE CHANG Editors-in-chief , Copy editor
The Zoppé Italian Family Circus has come to perform in Redwood City every November since 2008. The circus was founded 181 years ago in Budapest and has remained a family circus since then.
“My children have chosen to perform in a ring like my family has for six generations,” director of the circus and sixth-generation performer Giovanni Zoppé said.
The circus performs all along the West Coast, yet Redwood City evokes particularly fond feelings for the performers. Unlike many circuses that come and go quickly through cities, Giovanni says that Zoppé’s is not a “fly-bynight” operation; rather, it tries to foster friendships, especially in Redwood City. For example, Giovanni’s kids have gone trickor-treating here in Redwood City.
he spends most of his time living and attending school in Chicago with his mom, he returns to the circus to per form trampoline, high-wire and clown ing acts. Two years ago, at 13 years old, he debuted his high-wire act in Red wood City without a harness.
“At the tail end of COVID, I thought of doing the [high-wire] walk on the Golden Gate Bridge,” Julien said. He aims to achieve this in 2037, the 100th anniversary of the bridge’s construc tion.
My children have chosen to perform in a ring like my family has for six generations.”
Giovanni Zoppé, director of circus
“[Redwood City] opens their arms to us, they open the city to us,” Giovanni said. “They understand that [...] we like to build community everywhere we go.”
Redwood City also holds a special place in their heart because it was the last location that Alberto Zoppé, Giovanni’s father, performed before passing away. It is also the birthplace of Giovanni’s son, Julien Zoppé. Although
for over 10 years.
“What’s nice about Zoppé [is that] there’s something for everybody,” Red wood City’s Recreation Program Co ordinator for special events Brandon Council said.
Senior Ruby Rappaport volunteers at the concession stand for the circus. Her experience has shed new light on the impact Zoppé has on Redwood City during the month they are here.
“I think the circus is a fun escape from reality,” Rappaport said. “It’s a bit
ple,” according to Council. Council himself enjoyed events such as the acrobats and horse performances.
“There’s always good acts. It’s really, really cool,” Council said.
Giovanni believes high school students can also benefit from attending the circus. He urges young people to come to the circus and expect the unexpected.
“It’s romance, it’s mystery, it’s laughter, it’s pure,” Giovanni said, “Try to open your mind, see different things, see different cultures, learn more about the world.”
How has your art evolved from childhood to today?
“When I was younger, summer camps sparked my love for art. I started with watercolor painting and drawing, but now, I love ceramics and 3D art. I often incorporate the technique from Draw/ Paint and the freedom from IB Art into my pieces. After high school, I plan to major in art and make it my career.”
What does art mean to you?
“For me, art is an outlet for my emotions. Being artistic and creative is not only a way to express myself but also a way to relieve stress.”
How has your art evolved from childhood to today?
“I’ve always enjoyed art, starting with doodling cartoons on paper. Now, I prefer working with charcoal and creating digital art using Photoshop. After high school, I don’t plan to major in art, but I might take a few classes and continue it as a hobby.”
What does art mean to you?
“Art has always been a stress reliever for me and I find it really fun because I enjoy working with hands-on materials.”
“As an artist I find creativity can be limited when passion and motivation are lost, but to create is to reburn passion.”
How has your art evolved from childhood to today?
“I remember working with perspective through an eagle’s view and now, I see how my viewpoint is always different and changing. I won’t be continuing art post-secondary because I like creating art for my own reasons and joy, but when I start thinking of it as a job, it becomes more limiting.”
What does art mean to you?
“The meanings of my art have become structured and created with intention the more I learn about it. But the reason I enjoy art so much is because the process is so therapeutic and calming when I’m able to multitask.”
BY CAROLINE SIELING News Editor
What are your earliest memories from baseball?
“I’ve been playing baseball to some degree my whole life. [... My] best memories [are from] playing on club teams during the summer, [I en joyed] traveling with my team because everyone on the team was my friend.”
What initially sparked your interest in baseball?
“I would say my dad is what sparked my interest [in baseball]. He has always [been] very into all sports, but specifically baseball. [...] My dad’s a big Giants fan, so [we liked] watching the Giants [together].”
What are you going to miss most about high school baseball?
“I love the sport, but I definitely like the friendship and the teamwork, mainly all my friends. Most of my good friends come from baseball, so the teamwork and the camaraderie that comes with it.”
What are your earliest memories from soccer?
“I remember playing with my older sister because she was super into [soccer], and that kind of got me into it and helped me see what it was like to be a part of a sport. She was super team oriented, and that inspired me to also be team-oriented.”
What are you going to miss most about high school soccer?
“Representing a school is a different feeling than playing for a club or you’re playing for yourself. You’re playing for your teammates, you’re playing for your school, which is something that is super unique to high school sports [...] It’s an experience that so many people take advantage of.”
BY ANGELIQUE SILVA Staff Reporter
In the ever-evolving door of fashion trends, what’s old is new again as the styles of the early 2000s, known as ‘Y2K fashion,’ make a vibrant comeback.
There’s been a surge in Y2K fashion since 2023, coming from popular platforms such as TikTok where Gen-Z influencers create content.
According to Vogue, early 2000s styles have made a comeback and are featured all over the internet and fashion runways. In particular, retro hairstyles, beaded chokers and butterfly clips are a new wave of vintage fashion making a comeback.
Administrative assistant in the Instructional Vice-Principal’s office, Gulia Solari, believes that today’s fashion has been influenced by more than just the early 2000s.
“
fashion. But now, they are more popular than ever.
“I was always really into [Y2K fashion], like big puffy jackets or crops from your waist, also low-rise jeans. I’ve loved jeans since I was little, but the way they make low rise now, I don’t really like them. But, of course, I still wear them [because it’s trendy],” sophomore Katie Aparicio said.
On the other hand, IB english teacher Mrs. Rutigliano shares that people are more interested in the comfort of clothing than looking fashionable nowadays.
I believe that crop tops are back in I think that those are absolutely adorable. I will never, ever be caught dead in one at my age.
“I think that all the styles from 1940 to 1990s inspired the trends of the 2000s. It seems as if anything goes now. All the past fashions are coming back all at the same time. I personally like the layered look, but a simple dress, little booties and a jean jacket never goes out of style,” Solari said.
Today, 2000s styles are all the rage. Not only are they all over social media, but they are also seen in stores all around Stanford Mall. For example, today, Lululemon shelves are solidly stocked with their popular Groove pant, a flare pant. This was their best-selling pant in 1998, but was discontinued in 2016 as they fell out of
“I also love that high tops are coming back. People were wearing their high tops. And sneaker brands are very, very popular, like Adidas, Converse and Saucony is also a very popular brand. I think people are much more interested in comfort than a couple of years ago. That’s what I see,” Rutigliano said.
Many teachers agree that bell bottoms, oversized jeans and flare jeans are making a comeback and that they’ve seen many students at Sequoia wearing them.
“I see oversized jeans [and] low-rise jeans. I think it’s funny, especially on rainy days like today, the jeans that are, like, just wet from the bottom. [...] Like the bell bottom jeans, the flare jeans, that’s reminiscent of definitely early 2000s,” IB history teacher Kathleen Banister said.
Y2K fashion has made a comeback with Gen Z, giving a nostalgic feel to teachers and students in 2024.
Pink
Cropped Tops 3. Low rise bottoms
Fit & Flare Denim Pants
Mini Skirts 6. Baby Tee’s
Tube Tops 8. Velour track suits 9. Baguette Bags 10. Pointy toe
Can you play Sequoia volleyball without playing on a club team?
BY MATTEO AYALA Staff Reporter
Making the Sequoia girl’s volleyball team is very difficult. One of the reasons it’s so competitive is the number of players who play club volleyball.
Volleyball clubs are organizations that give players the opportunity to compete outside of their normal school season. Club volleyball coaches typically played at the collegiate level and above and are dedicated to passing their knowledge of the game to the younger generation.
Club volleyball comes with a very steep price tag in the Bay Area, averaging around $8000 a year plus travel expenses. While the cost is high, clubs give their players the opportunity to hone their skills. Most teams practice three days a week for two hours and have one conditioning workout a week with weekend-long tournaments throughout the year. According to the National College Scouting Association (NCSA), a college sports recruiting agency, 91% of women’s college volleyball players participated in a club team.
Sophomore Oceane Lacasse plays on the Sequoia varsity volleyball team and on a club team. As a club player, she believes that participating in a club team increases the likelihood of making a high school team, but that isn’t the only factor.
“I believe making a team depends not only on skill level but also on being a good teammate. Coaches often look for players with a positive attitude,” Lacasse said.
Sophomore Joella Gaddini, a player on the Sequoia JV volleyball team, did not join a club team because her parents were concerned about her sister’s negative experience with it. She feels at a disadvantage because she didn’t have the chance to play club.
is important, it only takes you halfway; you need to work hard to develop strong skills,” Gaddini said.
Competing for playing time against teammates who have benefited from the additional coaching and practice offered by club teams makes it challenging for non-club players.
“Not playing club volleyball definitely reduced my playing time, but I still surprised myself by playing quite a bit. However, I spent 95% of the season on the bench,” Gaddini said. “I can’t advance in my volleyball career at Sequoia without club experience.This was my last year, and without the extra reps and coaching from club play, it’s just not worth it.”
“I didn’t want to try out [for Sequoia volleyball] because I hadn’t played club volleyball. There’s a big difference in skill and confidence between club players and non-club players. While talent
Overall, the advantage of participating in club sports extends beyond volleyball, impacting athletes in sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball as well.
BY SOFIA FERRANTE Staff Reporter
Some of my best memories are spent with my family during winter. Cooking family dishes, decorating for the holidays, and going to the mountains to see the snow are some of my favorite parts of winter. Recalling what I do with my family every year and how I watched the tale of winter unfold, I wrote these poems to share my love of the season.
By the warm fire, I open my book, And remember the pages, Musty with age, I read every December.
Warm scents, Crisp apples, Earth pumpkins, And the pies, I make with family every December.
The wreaths, The little figurines, I set atop the mantle, Alongside my memories, I recall every December.
The long nights, Full of joy, And reminiscing, With friends and family, By the hearth every December.
My favorite traditions are cooking apple pie with my grandmother and placing nutcrackers and snowmen above the fireplace with my family. I spend the holidays having fun with them by the hearth.
Winter. The first flakes fall, And the frozen rivers sing, Of a withered world, Wishing to be free.
Snowflakes paint, The windows with frost, And what has been buried, Is never lost.
Seeds wait, For the sun to shine, And as the days pass, They are concealed in time.
As a crisp wind blows, As frozen leaves fall, The roots of the past, Always stand tall.
As winter comes I’m full of anticipation for my family’s anual celebrations. With that inspiration I wrote what the personification of winter might consider familiar traditions.
The north remembers, An age old tale, Of green and purple and blue.
And the northern lights, Hidden in time, Shine again.
The north swims, In a snowy sky, And sings of musty truths.
And the northern lights, Hidden in time, Shine again.
The north calls the blizzard, Calls the stom, Caressing old and new.
And the northern lights, Hidden in time, Shine again.
I’ve never seen the northern lights in person, but I’ve always been fascinated by the way they paint the sky with wonder. In this poem I tried to capture this feeling and my wish to one day stand beneath them.
The sets, And I look to the sky, Where flowers tuck themselves away in grey clouds.
The sun sleeps, And I look to the sea, Where birds from the south fly home.
The sun rises, And I look to the earth,
Where warm breezes wait to shed hopeful tears.
It’s beautiful and refreshing when winter ends and flowers and trees begin to unfurl. Every year I rejoice when spring comes, and wait for winter to come again next year.
BY DAISY J. TORRES Staff Reporter
Arroz con Leche was my favorite dish growing up and is even now. I enjoy it even more when it’s cloudy and cold outside since it keeps me warm. With the holidays passing, I wanted to share a recipe that is one of my family’s favorite desserts and comes from my culture. I am Mexican; I grew up in Mexico and moved to California when I was 4.
I have great pride in my heritage and love for my family. Most of my family gatherings are centered around food.
Food connects me to my family, especially when we make it together. While we cook, we talk and laugh about everything going on in our lives. I have been eating this special dish at family gatherings, parties and even my birthday for my entire life.
Arroz con leche consists of milk, cinnamon and rice; however, every family makes it differently. Here is my family’s treasured recipe that connects us to each other and our Mexican heritage:
DE DAISY J. TORRES Staff Reporter
El Arroz con leche siempre ha sido mi postre favorito hasta hoy. A mi me gusta comer este postre cuando está nublado y frío afuera porque está calientito. Con las vacaciones detrás de nosotros, yo quiero compartir una receta que viene de mi cultura y un postre favorito de mi familia. Yo soy Mexicana, nací en México y me mudé a California cuando tenía 4 años.
Tengo mucho orgullo en mi herencia y amo a mi familia. En muchas de mis reuniones familiares, la comida es algo que siempre está en el centro.
La comida es algo que siempre conecta a mi familia. Especialmente cuando hacemos la comida juntos. Cuando cocinamos, hablamos y nos reímos de todo lo que pasa en nuestras vidas. Yo he estado comiendo este plato muy especial en reuniones familiares, fiestas, y hasta mi cumpleaños toda mi vida. El arroz con leche se consiste en leche, canela y arroz pero muchas familias lo hacen diferente. Aquí está una receta muy amada de mi familia que conecta mi familia y
Read the issue to find the answers!
[6] Last name of Sequoia teacher wearing a fashionable
[9] Name of McDonald’s mascot
[11] Name of a family circus that performs in Redwood City Down
[1] Sport that senior Gavin Reynick has played for most of his life
[3] The Trader Joe’s dupe of Swedish Fish
[5] Name of senior Johnny Berry’s childhood stuffed animal
[10] Last name of Sequoia teacher who spent his childhood playing basketball, video games and socializing
