Volume LXVI, No. 7
June 7, 2024 • Larkspur, CA
Editors-in-Chief:
ColetteBoyden
KateDeForrest
JordanKimball
MatthewMarotto
StaffIllustrators: ZachDinowitz
LaurenOlsen
AvaStephens
BusinessManagers: HaydenDonehower
MaggieWalsh
MultimediaDesigner: LinneaKoblik
DataAnalyst: GabriellaRouas
SocialMediaManagers: JuliaDelsol
CamerynSmith
PodcastEditor: GilLadetzky
StaffPhotographers: AlexArgov
LaurenPoulin
LayoutEditors: EmilyBlock
EricaBlock
RedwoodHighSchool
395DohertyDrive,Larkspur,CA94939
www redwoodbark org
CopyEditors:
CharlotteFishburne (HeadCopy)
LiliHakimi (HeadCopy)
MiaGinsburg
KateHarrison
HannahHerbst
TallulahKnillAllen
LeinaKhan
AlanaLeifer
LarkinMoffett
EmmaRosenberg
BellaWagner
Reporters: AvaCarlson
SeanCunneen
MasonGarbo
JayKnopping
OwenMcDaniels
MichaelSeton
AshlinQuach
SeniorStaffWriters: SawyerBarta
ElsaBlock
EllaErwig
HarrisonLapic
BowenRivera
AanikaSawhney
SamSumski
MayaWinger
OpinionEditors: NadiaMassoumi
AnnaYoungs
FeatureEditors: BeckettTudor
LucyWong
LifestylesEditors: TessaDeLay
MollyGallagher
GamesEditor: SydneyJohnson
SportsEditors: NickHartung
MatthewKnauer
SportsEditor-on-Call: HenrikVraanes
NewsEditors: EmilyGarcia
CharlotteLacy
NewsEditor-on-Call: TaylorAllan
ReviewEditors: NinaHoward
MaysonWeingart
WebDesigner: EmilyHitchcock
VideoEditor: WillParsons
Read The Bark’s position on the importance of and outlook on student journalism.
... This year, for the first time, the Bark received the majority of its funding from the Redwood High School Foundation (RHSF)... As student journalists, we are grateful for the opportunities we have received to pursue journalism on a local and global scale...
Continue reading on p. 7.
redwood high school ● 395 doherty dr., larkspur, ca 94939 ● follow @theredwoodbark on socials● www.redwoodbark.org
By Henrik Vraanes
On April 24, a new piece of legislature was passed: Act AB 2999. This bill, in short, will require all California school districts to rethink their homework policies every five years. School districts will need to consider the impact the amount of homework they provide will have on their students’ mental and physical health, as well as how beneficial it actually is for them. To develop a homework plan, they must also decide on a reasonable amount of time for a student to spend on homework each night. Similarly, they will need to consider students who struggle with language barriers, learning disabilities and other situations that would make it difficult for them to learn in order to create appropriate accommodations for students who need them.
Redwood Principal Dr. Barnaby Payne suggested a possible reason for the policy’s introduction.
are typically designed to provide a larger more challenging workload to students.
“[Students] are taking on college-level rigor, and they’re also taking on and understanding that it’s going to take considerably more work and time to master these subjects,” Payne said.
Some students at Redwood believe that the homework load is excessive. Junior Clark Cheu is one of these students.
The Healthy Homework Act, which will be implemented by 2026, ideally reduces unnecessary homework that students may see as time-consuming and redundant.
“I think that it could have been beneficial if [the Healthy Homework Act already] existed. I have a lot going on outside of school, so having less homework would have helped me a lot,” Cheu said.
We need to be constantly thinking about how we can do a better job of serving our students.
Barnaby Payne, Principal
“I’ve heard from some students [that they do homework for] an hour to three or four hours of homework a night, depending on the grade level and subject areas,” Payne said.
While Act AB 2999 will reduce the homework load in regular courses, it will also reduce the homework load in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. At Redwood, Dr. Payne stated that 80 percent of students eligible for AP classes take at least one of these courses. AP classes
According to Payne, an effort was already made to develop more meaningful homework assignments.
“[Our staff] spends a lot of time thinking about how we can continually reflect upon our teaching practices to serve the students in front of us. Students change, curriculum changes and we need to constantly be thinking about how we can do a better job of serving our students,” Payne said.
hvraanes@redwoodbark.org
By Leina KhanFrom efforts led by the Tamalpais Teachers Union, a significant change will be made to the Friday schedule for the upcoming school year for the entire Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD). This change will include a paid teacher collaboration period from 8 to 8:50 a.m 16 times a year. Not only will this be an exceptional change for teachers, but it will also change the starting time of students’ first period from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
The change is largely due to issues regarding teacher collaboration.
Redwood Principal Dr. Barnaby Payne explains why many staff members felt this time in the morning necessary.
“[As teachers], we never have enough time to meet and we always need more time, especially for collaboration,” Payne said.
Many teachers have felt that they cannot communicate efficiently with other faculty members within their department. They often feel lessons are staggered and don’t align with others teaching the same curriculum.
Co-president of the Tamalpais Teachers Union, Erik Berkowitz shares similar sentiments regarding the reason for this schedule change.
“What this schedule does is provide pure collaboration time that isn’t driven by the district’s immediate needs of teachers. Often, we are given time to collaborate but are given a task when doing it,” Berkowitz said. Teachers will now be given time to speak with their counterparts without going out of their way to unify lessons.
To enact this change, a vote was held among teachers through all TUHSD schools. The only school to vote against the schedule change was Tamalpais High School (Tam).
“There are faculty members who drop their kids off around [8:00 a.m] and feel they want to vote against [the schedule] because it gets in the way [of picking their kids up],” Berkowitz said. “It’s an honest acknowledgement; you can’t be in two places at once.”
This collaboration time will not be the only change to Friday’s schedule. Due to the later start to the school day, a shorter SMART period must be compromised. Payne explained SMART’s new focuses and how they plan to encourage students to utilize this designated study period despite its length cut.
“We need to think about how we will keep everyone accountable for SMART, as it is a place of value and student support,” Payne said. Payne also mentioned the school’s new technological capabilities regarding the use of SMART passes.
“We have the capabilities to send electronic passes,” Payne said. Electronic passes would allow students to check Synergy, their school app, and see which teacher is calling them to their SMART period in advance. This would also be reflected in attendance, allowing students to go directly to a SMART class.
“It’s a long-term goal,” Payne said.
lkhan@redwoodbark.org
Photo by Henrik Vraanes
The class of 2024 attends their first day of virtual high school.
Devestating wildfires turn skies red. Insurrectionists storm the Capitol.
Some students return to campus for hybrid learning.
Students arrive to campus for in-person school.
Illustration by Lauren Olsen
By Elsa Sherman Cub Reporter
As the year comes to a close, seniors sit back with the comforting knowledge that they have officially enrolled in college. The admissions process for the Class of 2028 has been completed. With that, college admissions officers have begun to review and change the requirements for the new school year. The change has mainly been due to academic requirements, specifically regarding standardized testing.
In the past decade, many colleges have opted to forgo the requirement for standardized test scores. This policy is often credited as stemming from the increasing priority of a diverse campus, where strictly academic applicants have less priority over ones with demonstrated community involvement. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of schools no longer requiring standardized test scores increased exponentially, as students’ testing had been disrupted. According to FairTest, 80.4 percent of colleges in the United States do not currently require standardized test scores. However, that figure is set to change. A few top colleges and universities, such as Dartmouth and Brown, have recently announced that they are returning to their traditional qualifications
concerning standardized testing.
The potential ramifications of the shift of testing requirements on future applicants are significant. At Redwood, many students apply to top universities, and this change could be affect where students elect to apply and enroll. With the recent announcement of the changes in colleges’ test policies, many students are scrambling to prepare for tests they had never thought they would need to take. The time and money required for preparing and completing standardized testing may cause significant distress in many blindsided students.
Junior Izzy Babb is planning to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in June. While she may be applying to many California State Universities and UCs, which do not require nor accept standardized test scores, Babb has decided to keep them as part of their college application process.
“A lot of my friends have taken the SAT multiple times… a couple of them are even taking it in Sacramento,” Babb said.
Many students highly value their test scores. To prepare, they have turned to in-person tutoring and online programs such as Khan Academy.
Shannon Mulligan, founder of Marin Tutors, a tutoring organization that has served students at Redwood for over 25 years, has seen many shifts
in how colleges weigh their applicants.
“Over the next decade, there will be a slow shift [to colleges returning to standardized test scores],” Mulligan said.
Standardized testing has long been a foundational part of college admissions. However, colleges have shifted to promoting equity and diversity, changing how applicants are viewed.
“Some schools want to continue to try to be fair to students, especially to [students] that can’t afford SAT tutors and can’t afford the cost of the test,” Mulligan said.
Most colleges still promote the importance of extracurriculars and other factors in applicants. A diverse campus is the ultimate goal for many schools, and test scores are not the end-all-be-all in most cases, both when applying to colleges that don’t require standardized test scores and when applying to those that do.
“I think if students are not great test takers, they should focus on their extracurriculars, essays and their GPA,” Mulligan said.
While there is a coming change in the importance of standardized testing, the shift is slow. Colleges still requiring test scores emphasize them greatly, but they are not the only factor considered. Extracurriculars and essays are vital in creating a diverse portfolio of a student’s scholastic experience for college applications.
“For college admissions, the
thing
esherman@redwoodbark.org
On Thursday, May 30, our new Associated Student Body (ASB) officers were sworn in, taking over from the graduating seniors. The new cabinet for the 2024-25 school year includes Charlotte Lacy as ASB president, Audrey Markovich as ASB vice president, Isabelle Davis as ASB treasurer and Mary Coleman as ASB secretary. The swearing-in was a heartfelt event, with the previous ASB president shedding a few tears. Dr. Barnaby Payne participated in the ceremony, providing a spirited outfit for Lacy. The first ASB meeting with new officers will be June 6.
office as the new ASB president.
‘Paint the Town Red’ is back for the 3rd year
June 13, downtown Larkspur will look different during the week of June 10. Graduating seniors will be celebrated with a decorated downtown for the third annual “Paint the Town Red.” Red, black and white decorations will line the streets and stores, boosting Redwood spirit and commemorating the Class of 2024. The event will feature cheerleading mannequins, streamers and flags aiming to bring to live the redwood’s spirit. Parents are working with leadership students to ensure decorations are hung.
DECORATIONS HUNG LAST year in front of the dental offices in Larkspur to support class of 2023.
bark@redwoodbark.org
By Emily GarciaOn June 13, following the Class of 2024’s graduation ceremony, the senior class will have one final chance to spend time all together through a new version of the traditional Safe and Sober Grad Night event. Following incidents involving substances, the Redwood Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) decided to shorten Grad Night from an allnight celebration to a three-hour event.
Safe and Sober Grad Night has been an ongoing tradition nationwide, created to discourage students from using any illegal substances or driving under the influence after graduation. However, this goal has proven difficult, as in past years, students have snuck in substances or left the event early.
Redwood Principal Dr. Barnaby Payne has only been a part of Grad Night for two years but has still been able to notice the difficulties surrounding the event.
“Grad nights are a challenge because they are not necessarily directly supervised and sponsored by the school. You have students over 18 and are technically no longer Redwood students,” Payne said. “The challenge has been, very frankly, keeping the event both safe and sober. In the last few years, students have broken the rules about sneaking alcohol into the event and students have left the event early.”
shortened Grad Night event will produce different results.
“I think it’s going to be great. Some of the issues with kids wanting to leave in the past is, honestly, they’re just so tired. There are so many senior events; there are family events, there are things like that, so [for seniors] to be able to go home after the event and get a little sleep before they get up super early to go to the sunrise will be great,” Sichel said.
While many seniors have been upset about the change, some also see its positive aspects. Senior Ella Kaminski agreed with Sichels’s sentiments about the seniors’ energy levels halfway through the event.
“I’ve heard from past seniors that they were kind of tired by like the 11 p.m to midnight point and were kind of ready to go home. So, the change might be a good thing, but we just don’t realize it now. I think many other seniors and I feel like we’re getting like the short end of the straw,” Kaminski
Even though this year’s Grad Night is different from last year’s in length, it doesn’t necessarily mean the same for the class of 2025.
“This event can always be changing,” Sichel said. “If the kids don’t love what we did this year, it can change next year.”
This year, to ensure students’ safety and security, last year’s Redwood PTSA Grad Night Waiver and Release form has returned and has already been signed by many seniors. Along with this, the venue has been kept entirely secret. Buses will bring students from Redwood to the secret location and back. In past years, students who knew the location could go in beforehand and hide items like alcohol within the venue. Due to this, Redwood has been asked not to return to certain venues and has even been asked to leave early.
Although students have had to sign contracts in prior years stating they will not leave the event early, the contracts have often been broken in past years.
Redwood PTSA President Kim Sichel hopes the
The senior class is loved by many and Payne is just one of their admirers.
“I don’t take the class of 2024 for granted. I have seen many wonderful, hardworking, thoughtful, community-centered young people. I’m amazed by how wonderful our students are,” Payne said. “I have seen lots of leadership, athletes and artists. It’s just a very sophisticated, fun group of young people. I’m so excited for our future together and their future out in the world.”
egarcia@redwoodbark.org
By Michael Seton
Beginning in August, all students within the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) must register their e-bikes to continue riding them to school. This change is due to the new program proposed by TUHSD Superintendent Tara Taupier at the April 16
Board meeting. As part of the registration process, parents must certify that their child’s e-bike is a legal class one or two e-bike.
“This is not about getting kids in trouble,” Taupier said. “The big point here is to educate parents. We do see a lot of Super 73 [e-bikes], so parents need to move to a different, true e-bike before the fall.”
The consequences for non-compliance will be significant. According to Taupier, TUHSD will work with local law enforcement, specifically Central Marin and Mill Valley police departments, to enforce this registration by impounding e-bikes and unregistered e-motorcycles. The Board urged parents to take several proactive measures, including ensuring their e-bikes comply with the law, having their students take e-bike safety courses and wear helmets and not allowing the bikes to be ridden with more than one passenger.
This new requirement stems from the increasing number of local accidents. Senior Salvatore Fierro has seen kids riding fast at nighttime with no helmets and multiple passengers on a single bike. Data collected by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services late last year demonstrated that e-bike crashes were nine times higher for riders under the age of 20 versus older riders. Fierro also experienced an injury from an e-bike accident.
“I’ve crashed twice,” Fierro said. “The [second time] the bike slid out from under me and I couldn’t walk normally for a week because of my knees.”
Based upon the seriousness of injuries from e-bike accidents, local assembly member Damon Connolly has proposed a county-wide bill banning youths under 16 from riding specific e-bikes.
“Physicians have seen injuries by e-bike crashes that
are not just scraped knees and bruised elbows, but rather the kinds of injuries you’d expect to see in higher speed vehicles,” Connolly said, referring to incidents of brain trauma, internal bleeding and pelvic fractures.
However, implementing TUHSD’s new program will present several challenges. One is the confusion about what defines a legal e-bike versus an e-motorcycle. The motor on a legal e-bike cannot emit more than 750 watts of power, and its throttle control restricts the bike from going more than 20 miles per hour. Certain Class Two e-bike models, such as Super 73s, are particularly troublesome because they can be easily modified to exceed the 20 miles per hour speed limit requirement.
This confusion is so widespread that the Marin County Civil Grand Jury recently recommended that Marin County youths under 16 be restricted from using class two e-bikes. However, Bob Mittelstaedt, co-founder of the local nonprofit E-bike Access, is concerned about the difficulty of implementing this recommendation.
“The harder part is how to enforce the current law against motorcycles masquerading as e-bikes or the new minimum age ordinances called for by the Grand Jury,” Mittelstaedt said.
Because so many class two e-bikes are out of compliance with California law and riders are young, local police find enforcing the regulations already in place challenging. It is hard for police to determine riders’ age, a bike’s speed and its class. Also, different rules in each town create understandable confusion for bike riders.
The district plans to email parents more details on this new program by the end of the school year.
To the students of Redwood High School who chose not to attend or actively participate during Stop and Learn #3 on anti-racism, particularly our graduating seniors,
We are writing to express our disappointment in your decision and to communicate the deep concern we have for your apparent apathy toward learning how to be anti-racist and making our community, and those [communities] you will be a part of in the future, safe and equitable.
Change does not occur passively but instead requires active engagement. By choosing not to attend or actively participate in the Stop and Learn session, you missed a crucial opportunity to engage with a world-renowned scholar and activist, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. Your absence sends a troubling message to both your white and non-white peers. Learning how to be anti-racist is not just an academic exercise; it is about making communities safe and equitable for all. Those who attended and actively participated began or continued the difficult work toward doing so.
Attendance throughout your high school career has never been optional, so choosing to miss this particular opportunity is alarming, especially as future leaders of our county, state, country and world. The entire fiveschool district put everything on hold and rearranged weekly schedules to
make time for this event, underscoring its importance. Choosing not to attend or participate was a conscious decision that undermined our efforts and perpetuated a dismissive attitude towards racist incidents that have recently occurred in both our school and national communities. Your experience at Redwood does not perfectly encapsulate the myriad challenges you will encounter beyond these walls, and despite our efforts to prepare you for such, you chose not to meet us halfway. Dr. Kendi emphasizes that true growth and healing begin from a place of discomfort. Avoiding these difficult conversations hinders our progress and stunts our development as compassionate and informed citizens.
For the 25 percent of students not present, we urge you to reflect on what led to your decision to skip this event. Was it a flippant choice influenced by peer activities, like going to the beach? Did you schedule an appointment for this time? If so, why then? Was it a belief that the topic doesn’t affect you? Or, more concerning, was it an active opposition to the message? If it is the latter, we ask that you consider your role in a community that explicitly prioritizes this work and makes it a cornerstone of its ethos.
For those who were present, did you actively participate? If not, why? For those who were absent, what steps will you take to educate yourself and engage in this critical work moving forward having missed out on this opportunity? Ignoring these
By Hannah Herbst
I’ve spent my time in the Bark creating and writing a column, Roots, where I’ve transcribed interviews from various members of the school community. For my final article, in lieu of an interview, I’ve decided to turn the tables and share some things I’ve learned throughout my Redwood experience.
1. The most embarrassing moments make for the funniest stories.
It was a dreary, rainy lunch. I was sitting in the backseat of my friend’s Subaru Outback, shaking dressing onto my Comforts Asian chicken salad. Only, the lid to the container wasn’t closed. The salad exploded. The rest of the day, I walked around school with a mysterious dark splotch on the front of my pants that reeked of vinegar. I was mortified.
If you know me, chances are you’ve heard this story. The point is, shit happens. At some point in your high school career, you’re going to make a mistake. No one else cares about it as much as you, so the best thing you can do is learn to laugh it off. Take everything with a grain of salt, because at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter.
2. Talk to people.
questions perpetuates the systemic racism highlighted by Dr. Kendi and dismisses the harm done by the recent events within our own community. By not engaging, you are complicit in these injustices. Please visit the infographic in the QR code to begin or further your investment in this work.
To our seniors: As you move beyond Redwood, we encourage you to continue engaging in important and sometimes uncomfortable discussions. Your involvement in these conversations is a critical step towards creating a more equitable world for all.
Sincerely,
Fiona Allan
Anna Alsina Christina
Amy
To
Many of my most cherished friendships have been due to mere proximity. Whether it was watching ‘Is it Cake’ in sophomore English, sharing conspiracy theories in Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar or chatting through broken Spanish, it’s the people who have sat closest to me in class who have made the biggest impact on my high school experience. These people are special because I usually didn’t get to be around them, and we otherwise probably wouldn’t have talked to each other. So, when in doubt, reach out! People are usually flattered when you talk to them, not offended. This leads me to my third point…
3. You’re not cooler than them, and they’re not cooler than you.
Sure, she’s wearing a cute dress, and fine, he’s really good at basketball. So what? We all live in the same place, attend the same classes, breathe the same air. It’s embarrassing to put anyone, including yourself, on a pedestal.
And now, for some quick things I’ve learned…
- A C on a Math test will. Not. Kill. You.
- The quad is an extremely underrated place to eat lunch.
- Spanish teachers, despite their claims, cannot actually tell when you use Google Translate.
(But this may mean you get a 2 on the AP Spanish Test, so choose your battles.)
- But, for the love of God, don’t even consider using ChatGPT on that essay.
- Hands down, the best girls’ bathroom is the one outside the Spanish hallway.
- Return the books teachers check out in your name. Or owe the school $263 by the time you graduate. Again, choose your battles.
- Giving someone a piece of gum will probably make them like you a little bit more.
- It’s usually much easier and a lot less effort to be nice to someone than to be mean.
- If you’re short and hate having free time and like to talk a lot, consider becoming a coxswain for Marin Rowing Association. Yale probably not regret it.
At the end of the day, I’ve learned that nothing is really that deep. High schoolers
do tend to be incredibly self-centered, but trust me, no one is really thinking about you or what you’re doing all that much. So, don’t dwell on that awkward encounter or the people who (probably don’t actually) hate you. Enjoy the small moments. Savor Barnaby’s fashion sense, laugh at the way the substitute teacher pronounces your last name, awkwardly wave at the people you (only kind of know) in the hallways. And always remember that the roots of a community are the people within it.
When I entered high school, I wanted to find myself—find an interest that defined who I really was and discover a new passion that could shape my future—a task that seemed impossible. Walking through semi-empty halls with no plan, I had very little help getting started. But slowly, as I began to immerse myself in the opportunities at Redwood, I discovered the passion I was looking for—the interest that would lead me to more extraordinary adventures and shape my life post-high school. Stepping outside of my comfort zone and finding enjoyment in journalism was something I’d never expected. But, as I entered Room 177, all of that
To an outsider, 177 is regularly thought of as the “nice” classroom with the “spinny” chairs and the couches in the corner. However, the work done and the stories told in this classroom have meaning that’s so much more than the furniture layout.
I remember my first day as a student in Bark, noticing the bond that each person shared. That’s when I realized that Bark isn’t just the newspapers scattered on the dark red stands throughout the halls. It’s a community of people who aren’t afraid to be themselves, where acceptance and self-expression thrive.
Often in Marin County, I am told I live in a “bubble,” but that bubble pops when I’m in the Bark room. Inside 177, everyone chooses who they want to be and is given the chance to pursue the best version of themselves.
In my three years as a part of the Redwood journalism program, I have felt fortunate to hear from ESPN reporters, struggling residents of the Mission District and Redwood sports record-setters. I have listened to podcasts about the importance of mental health, read articles about politics and watched feature videos about anything you could imagine. That’s the beauty of Bark. You really see it all. Not to mention, we traveled 1,735 miles to St. Louis and 2,698 miles to Boston with our staff of 65 students, creating some of my best-kept memories. Bark is bigger than Room 177; it changes people’s lives.
As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I want to thank my fellow “Barkies.” Each of you has found yourself and displayed it to the rest of the community; that’s what journalism is all about. The dedication and passion we have all shown are what makes this program so incredible.
To my fellow editors-in-chief, thank you for the positivity, commitment and Sunday night Facetime calls that have made this year amazing. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such a great group of people who have each made their mark on the Bark for years to come.
As my time with the Redwood Bark comes to a close, I realize that this program has impacted me more than I could have ever imagined. The Bark has shown me the value of friendship, teamwork and most importantly, belonging, something I’ll cherish forever. It’s been real,
I have always had a strong sense of self, understanding who I am and who I am not, without ever feeling the need to apologize for either. Confidence, I have learned, comes from embracing my strengths and weaknesses, feeling settled in my bones and being proud of who I am at my core.
Fundamentally, I am someone who is their best self when in the company of others. I love to learn from people who are different from me, collaborate with people who are passionate and engaged in their learning and uplift those who need support. This is why I am my best self when in the presence of fellow “Barkies.”
Going into the program, I was intent on making a difference and being the best leader possible. But in retrospect, I didn’t know much about leadership. I leader was about having all the answers, but boy, was I wrong. Through trial and error, I have learned that being a good leader means taking care of those in my charge, lifting them up and championing them at every opportunity.
The passing of the past four years has me torn between looking forward and looking back. I think that’s the defining paradox of high school, a stepping stone to the “real world” and a unique time to live in the present. Nowadays, there seems to be a prevailing tendency to lean towards the former (especially with the looming world of college).
At the same time, having an opportunity to create a tangible product, collaborate with people I couldn’t call friends just a few years prior and enjoy the learning process along the way has become invaluable.
Three years ago, when taking Bark’s prerequisite course, Nonfiction, I had my first opportunities to write about issues that genuinely interest me and engage in the journalism process. In the spring of 2022, contributing to the Cub Bark newspaper opened a window into the nowfamiliar Bark newspaper cycle that, over two years later, I am finally saying goodbye to.
From the initial trial and error days of journalism learning in Nonfiction to the more refined cycles of journalism doing in Bark, I’ve consistently seen the value of collective caring. Caring avoids misspellings, fuels passionate editorial debate, motivates Bark members to build on their predecessors each year and collectively caring makes a publication, or any group, better.
Every story idea, cover discussion and misused Oxford comma is Bark’s offer of another way to care, another way to make things marginally better together. Having seen and listened to this process repeat itself the past two years, I’ve yet to find a community that enables students to collectively care more than Bark does.
While high school may be a stepping stone, it’s through Bark’s collective caring that I’ve routinely jumped into the more valuable, more meaningful here and now. With repetition in correcting minor Associated Press style errors and carefully making broader editorial decisions, partaking in Bark’s collective caring has grounded me in moments that I would have otherwise missed.
Those present-minded moments, from after-school Paste-ups to weekly planning FaceTimes, and the people who’ve made them not only possible but enjoyable and memorable, are what I’ve valued most in Bark. Although I have only a few of these moments remaining, I’ve had many, and I am grateful to be passing on future ones to next year’s staff.
As I am increasingly reminded that it’s time to look forward, I will forever appreciate Bark’s unique ways of practicing collective caring, bringing people together through learning experiences and debates alike and grounding me in the present. I’ll miss Bark’s moments, but above all, I am thankful to Bark and Bark’s community for having created them and shared them with me.
With appreciation,
Room 177 is no ordinary classroom. It’s an environment filled with originality of voice and thought. It’s a collection of students who connect deeply over their desire to seek and report the truth. The opportunity to lead such dedicated and focused individuals has made me appreciate what good leadership demands. Along the way, I had to accept the opportunities, responsibilities, successes and failures while learning to become the best editor-in-chief possible.
In reality, I think the best leaders are the ones who seek to learn from the people around them. In room 177, I am surrounded by the most caring, thoughtful and brilliant people who remind me every day why I love to do this work. It’s not about knowing the answer to every question. It’s about working together as a collective community because in the Bark room, every voice has value.
Without those important voices, there would be no editorial about bridging the communication gap between students and administration, nor a feature on the recent Golden Gate Bridge deterrents or a satirical article on remedies for senioritis. Thanks to our collaboration and our (sometimes) friendly arguments, this publication continues to push boundaries, inform thoughtfully and offer myriad perspectives. I have never been more proud to be an integral part of something so meaningful. When I look back on my late schedule change sophomore year to take the pre-requisite course, non-fiction, I am grateful for serendipity as it was the best decision of my life.
To my fellow editors-in-chief, while our nightly FaceTimes often turn counterproductive (usually with Matt talking about his dogs), I am going to miss every second spent arguing, laughing and planning with you all.
This program is one in a million and has forever changed me. Thank you, for accepting me, for teaching me and most importantly, for being my family.
With love, Coco
If my calculations are correct, I’ve spent at least 14,000 minutes in room 177 this year, leading lunch meetings, paste-ups and block periods. That’s not even including the conversations that often continued long after the third period bell rang, the extra time I spent poring over edits with my face dangerously close to a computer screen or all the hours I spent wracking my brain for far-fetched Barks and Bites. Some of those 14,000 minutes amounted to the longest, most stressful, most chaotic moments of the past four years, but looking back they were the ones I learned the most Bark, I’ve seen that some have the ability to see the big picture, to immediately visualize how stories and images can come together to create a page. Others are able to focus on specific details, like the choice of a word in a sentence or the alignment of photos. It’s the distinctive skills of each person that have allowed us to work as a team.
And although we often debate and disagree over miniscule details, it is from meaningful discussions that I have heard new perspectives and been able to shift my point of view. I’m thankful to be surrounded by people who are passionate enough to argue for hours about things that may seem trivial to many.
As our 9:00 p.m. deadline looms on a paste-up night, a little bit of kindness goes a long way in helping someone finish their last page, or avoid a complete breakdown over text-wrapping an image. Seemingly unnoticeable contributions of an extra explanation, a good song or some encouragement are what I am the most thankful for.
I approached the beginning of this year with trepidation. I wasn’t sure I was the right person for a leadership position; I had always faced the constant barrage of being told to “participate more” or “speak up” in class. I didn’t think I could control the overpowering chatter of a class of 32 people, or counter an idea in an argument. But throughout this year, this class outweighed the doubts I had. If I care enough about what I’m working towards, I’ve learned that I’m more than willing to stand in front of a class or send messages to 60 people
As I leave for college, it’s everything I’ve learned in those 14,000 seemingly small minutes that will stick with me and give me the confidence to know that I’ll find something else that is just as meaningful to me as everything I’ve done this year.
See ya later, Kate
In 2013, at the age of 19, former Redwood student Max Wade went on trial for attempted murder and for the robbery of Guy Fieri’s car and was facing up to 20 years in prison. Student journalists Riley Overend and Giorgio Cico sought to cover the trial for the Bark, not knowing that Cico would be the only person allowed to take a photo of the trial, despite being in a room full of professional, more experienced journalists.
Frequently, student journalists receive unique opportunities because they tend to be viewed in a different light than regular journalists. Students tend to be motivated by educational aspirations, compared to professional journalists, who tend to be driven by profits and publication pressures. As the next generation of reporters, it is essential that students continue to be encouraged and supported in their journalistic pursuits.
In the wake of the August 2023 shooting on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, the student publication took to the newsroom to provide solace to their peers, while also evoking the emotions that every student felt on campus that day. While major news outlets reported on the shooting, student journalists gave insight into the experiences and emotions of the shooting from a more personal perspective. No one can capture the stories and experiences of students like the students themselves.
In 2010, Bark alumni Ben Breuner and Michael Weinstein published a series of investigative articles surrounding the traffic ticket targeting of teens in Marin County. They were able to successfully expose Marin’s discrimination against teenagers, pulling them over nearly two times more than adults. As student journalists, the reporters had a unique angle and could utilize their peers’ experiences to create change in their local community. Breuner and Weinstein’s article gained both a local and national spotlight as they were featured on ABC-7 Bay Area News, and later went on to win the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.
Over half of all high school journalism advisers have had some media experience, and nearly 93 percent of all college journalism advisers have.
Student journalism allows students to gain critical experience in reporting and editing while also teaching them journalistic ethics and standards. In an age of misinformation, student journalism is more important than ever, reminding students to ask questions, be conscious of shared information and seek out the truth.
In the past 10 years, our program has doubled in size, despite significant district budget cuts. With the shutdown of the yearbook class, the journalism program has faced challenges. This year, for the first time, the Bark received the majority of its funding from the Redwood High School Foundation (RHSF), as opposed to previous years, when patrons and fundraisers supported the program. This new way of bankrolling has eased the stress of finding funds, allowing the Bark to focus on improving and growing the program rather than just keeping it afloat. The funds provided by the RHSF were utilized for essential costs, such as printing, camera equipment, microphones and even transcription software.
Colette Boyden
Kate DeForrest
Jordan Kimball
Matthew Marotto
Head Copy Editors
Charlotte Fishburne
Lili Hakimi
Copy Editors
Mia Ginsburg
Kate Harrison
Hannah Herbst
Tallulah Knill Allen
Leina Khan
Alana Leifer
Larkin Moffett
Emma Rosenberg
Isabella Wagner
Opinion Editors
Nadia Massoumi
Anna Youngs
Feature Editors
Beckett Tudor
Lucy Wong
Lifestyles Editors
Tessa DeLay
Molly Gallagher
Sports Editors
Nick Hartung
Matthew Knauer
Sports Editor-on-Call
Henrik Vraanes
News Editors
Emily Garcia
Charlotte Lacy
News Editor-on-Call
Taylor Allan
Review Editors
Nina Howard
Mayson Weingart
Layout Editors
POLICY: All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of The Bark staff.
While some may argue that student journalists are not qualified to cover the world’s most pressing issues with the sensitivity and depth these topics require, all journalists must begin somewhere. Even professionals make mistakes, and in the journalism industry, the best way to learn is by doing. Student journalists are still held to the same high standards of accuracy and honesty as professional journalists. Additionally, student journalists undergo training from advisers who oversee their work.
A BARK to all of the seniors in good standing. Congrats, all five of you.
A BITE to the post-AP test projects. We’re about to project our anger.
A BARK to graduating seniors. Even as you grow, never forget your “roots!”
A BITE to all seniors being sick on May 31. We hope the beach cured your colds.
A BARK to “Challengers.” Is the boys’ tennis team holding tryouts for cheerleaders soon?
A BITE to the Outside Lands lineup. Aren’t we supposed to recognize the headliners?
As student journalists, we are grateful for the opportunities we have received to pursue journalism on a local and global scale. From a national awardwinning gun control package to an investigative opinion piece on the nutrition unit in the physical education class, we have had the privilege of highlighting important issues in our community. Each article is a testament to our commitment and passion as student journalists. Moving forward, we hope to receive ongoing support from our peers, faculty and community so we can reach new heights as journalists. We hope other schools and communities will follow suit and encourage their students to become journalists and actively engage in uncovering and reporting on the important stories that shape our world.
Have an opinion regarding anything that appears in The Bark or in general? We encourage our readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters to The Bark should be 500 words or fewer, typed if possible and signed. They must emailed to bark@redwoodbark.org
A BARK to the 2024 senior edition. It’s all fun and games.
A BITE to senior assassin somehow still going on. A watershed moment is most definitely overdue.
A BARK to senior trips. If you’re traveling to France, there is nothing Toulouse!
A BITE to finals season. This is our final straw.
BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.
Emily Block
Erica Block
Video Editor
Will Parsons
Games Editor
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Por Charlotte Fishburne, Mia Ginsburg y Lili Hakimi
Historia
La horchata, una agua fresca hecha de leche y arroz, proveniente del norte de África, es tan deliciosa como antigua. Específicamente, sus orígenes se remontan al año 2400 BCE, cuando los Romanos antiguos conquistaron Egipto. En Egipto se han encontrado restos de una bebida similar a la horchata en sitios arqueológicos. A la gente le encanta su efecto refrescante y
hoy es muy común en México, al igual que en los Estados Unidos.
Proceso
El proceso para hacer horchata es uno que puede ser muy largo o muy corto. Para hacer horchata de la mejor calidad, recomendamos hacer cada componente desde cero. Este proceso dura como ocho horas. Sin embargo, abreviamos la receta, haciendo una horchata de menor calidad. La receta tomó unos 10 minutos y usamos leche de arroz comprada en la tienda. No era tan buena como si hubiéramos seguido
una receta más larga, pero la horchata seguía siendo refrescante y deliciosa. ¡Cualquiera puede hacerlo!
Receta
1/2 taza de agua
1/4 taza de azúcar blanca
1/8 cucharadita de canela molida
1 cuarto de leche de arroz
En nuestra receta abreviada, comenzamos a hacer almíbar solo de canela. Calentamos en una taza el agua, azúcar y la canela sin dejar de mezclar hasta que el azúcar se disuelva. Luego, revolvimos la mezcla de azúcar y la leche de arroz una vez que la mezcla se enfrió. La horchata resultante quedó cremosa,suave y super refrescante. Nosotros pensamos que
Por Ava Carlson
El año pasado, tuve la oportunidad de hablar con estudiantes del grado 12 en la clase de English Language Development (ELD) sobre sus experiencias en Redwood. Ahora, estoy aquí otra vez para hablar con la clase de 2024.
Samantha Carrera, una “senior” en el programa, compartió su experiencia sobre los aportes de esta clase en combinación con el aprendizaje de la cultura de los
Estados Unidos, lo cual ha tenido un gran efecto sobre ella.
“Para mí, fueron unos años buenos. Desde noveno grado, hasta mi último año, tuve una transición. [Mi tiempo aquí tuvo] un impacto muy fuerte en mi vida, como el idioma, y la cultura y la gente,” Carrera dijo.
Ella compartió que si tuviera la oportunidad de cambiar algo sobre su experiencia en Redwood, sería su nivel de participación.
“Creo que algo que hubiera hecho diferente es involucrarme más con la escuela– cómo hacer más deporte y ser parte de la comunidad. Quisiera poder decirle a la Samantha del pasado . [Quiero decir a mi mismo pasado] ‘no tenga miedo, porque la gente aquí es muy amable, o trata de ser amable,’” Carrera dijo.
Owen DiazRodas, otro estudiante de último año , describió sus años en Redwood como “tranquilo y muy diferente que en la escuela intermedia.” Para él, su tiempo en esta escuela enseñó una lección importante.
la horchata es perfecta para un día muy caluroso en el verano.
Ultimo adios
Si hay una cosa que nosotros aprendimos en nuestra columna de Cocinado este año, es que la comida es una herramienta para la conexión. También, la comida es más que algo de comer: Es una parte significativa de la historia y la cultura muy importante en todo de los países. Todas las recetas que hemos probado han sido compartidas en nuestra comunidad y nosotros queríamos compartir la historia y la cultura detrás de estos alimentos. ¡Gracias por leer esta columna!
bark@redwoodbark.org
Me emociona seguir estudiando y aprender más,” Solis-Gomez dijo. Carrera también está interesada en su futuro académico.
‘[Mi tiempo aquí tuvo] un impacto muy fuerte en mi
“Estoy emocionada por ir a la universidad. Siento que la universidad aquí va a ser muy diferente que mi país, así me tiene feliz ver eso,” Carrera dijo.
Las palabras que los estudiantes ofrecían sobre el grado tenían un rango entre más feliz y más triste. Incluyendo la variedad de “unión,” y “felicidad,” y también “duro” y “dificultad.”
Bryan Xamba Gomez, que se mudó de Guatemala también, describió las dificultades de adaptarse a un ambiente nuevo.
“Durante mi tiempo aquí aprendí a ser más responsable,” Diaz-Rodas dijo.
Para Kimberly Solis-Gomez, quien se mudó aquí de Guatemala hace seis meses, su lección sobre Redwood ha sido más académica que personal.
“Recuerdo mis clases– todas son interesantes y aprendí muchas cosas que no sabía. Aprendí mucho sobre la historia, especialmente sobre los Estados Unidos,” Solis-Gomez dijo.
Su movimiento era una gran transición, y por eso tenía una perspectiva interesante en Redwood de ojos nuevos.
“Redwood es bueno. Para mí, fue todo nuevo y diferente, pues es bonito también.
“Fue un año duro porque tenía más amigos en Guatemala. Tengo mi familia aquí conmigo, pero es difícil cuando no tienes muchos amigos muy cercanos,” Xamba Gomez dijo.
Últimamente, a pesar de las dificultades de transición y cambio, las conversaciones tenían un tema en común: el poder de la comunidad.
“Yo pienso que mi recuerdo favorito es la comunidad que se creó en ELD,” Carrera dijo. “Siento que conocer a gente de otros países y ver como esta escuela está muy involucrada– cuando no sintamos bien, esta comunidad me hace sentir feliz.”
acarlson@redwoodbark.org
EN UN SARTEN, en fuego medio, la asucar se disvuelve para el jarabe. Fotos por Mia Ginsburg JUNTOS EN LA clase de ELD cuatro estudiantes Kimberly Solis-Gomez, Samantha Carrera, Owen Diaz-Rodas y Tommaso Visentin del grado 12 pasan tiempo juntos con su maestra Alison do Carmo.¡El verano es solamente en tres semanas, y las temperaturas están subiendo! En el tiempo de calor, hay una cosa muy sabrosa para refrescarse, bebidas de verano. Nosotros visitamos los mejores restaurantes para tomar bebidas de verano en Larkspur.
BurritoVille:
En “Burritoville,” pedimos dos bebidas, una bebida de sandía y una de piña. Cada bebida en Burritoville cuesta $4.65, un buen precio para la calidad de los bebidas, pero el precio también podría ser más bajo. La bebida de piña fue muy refrescante y sería perfecta para un día del verano. También no es muy complicada de preparar, pues tiene un
solo ingrediente, que es la piña. Aunque este aspecto no es negativo, el precio es alto para el grado de excelencia. La segunda bebida de sandía fue más única porque no es algo que ves todos los días. Fue una bebida refrescante y tenía un sabor muy original. Se notaba que la bebida de sandía era natural y no estaba hecha con químicos. Al final, las bebidas de Burritoville estaban más o menos bien para el verano, pero al restaurante le faltaba un toque único.
El Torogoz:
En “El Torogoz,” pedimos dos bebidas de agua frescas: horchata y agua de jamaica. Las dos bebidas tenían 24 onzas, lo cual es una ganga por los cinco dólares que costó cada una. El restaurante no tenía muchas bebidas para escoger pero las dos que pedimos fueron suficientes. La horchata tenía una buena cantidad de canela pero no era tan rica para beber con la comida. La leche de esta bebida era cremosa e hizo que la bebida fuera deliciosa sin comida. Fue muy refrescante para un día caluroso y sería una bebida perfecta para el verano. En el agua de jamaica, el hibiscus no es exactamente sutil. El sabor es muy fuerte y describiremos la bebida como un té herbal muy refrescante. Un problema con esta bebida es que había mucho azúcar y no fue tan auténtica como el hibiscus de “Kitos”. Sin embargo, el agua de jamaica estuvo perfecta para el verano porque consistía en sabores de frutas deliciosas. De los dos, el hibiscus sería mejor para descansar y disfrutar en el calor, pero la horchata fue muy sabrosa también.
Kitos:
En “Kitos,” no hay muchas opciones de bebidas, pero compramos el hibiscus agua fresca o en otras palabras, agua de jamaica, y estaba muy rica. Esta bebida de hibiscus fue la más refrescante que de El Torogoz, pues era menos dulce.. Sin embargo, el precio, a $7 por vaso, es un precio demasiado alto. Este es el precio más caro de todas las bebidas que ensayamos. Vale notar de todas formas, que la presentación de las bebidas de Kitos es muy atractiva. También, el ambiente del restaurante Kitos lo hace muy agradable para pasar tiempo con amigos y
Nick Hartung y Jay Knopping
En los Estados Unidos deportes como el fútbol Americano, el baloncesto y el béisbol superan con creces la popularidad de ligas de soccer como La Liga Mayor de Fútbol (MLS). En contraste, en muchos países hispanohablantes, el soccer –al cual ellos le llaman fútbol, aunque es muy distinto al fútbol Americano– es el deporte más influyente. No sólo es importante para la economía, sino que es aún más importante para la cultura y la comunidad de estos países.
Enzo Zamorano, un estudiante de tercer año, se mudó de Marín a España específicamente para jugar fútbol en su primer año y ha descubierto que la cultura española gira mucho más en torno a este deporte, que es casi un símbolo nacional.
“El fútbol es la comunidad aquí. Por supuesto que hay otras cosas, pero el fútbol es un elemento básico de la vida cotidiana,” Zamorano dijo.
De hecho, los españoles no se pierden de un solo partido, así los jugadores sean amateurs. En la comunidad de Zamorano cientos de personas vienen a ver los juegos, incluso partidos de fútbol de secundaria.
“No es necesario que te guste el fútbol para ir a ver un partido,” Zamorano dijo. “En mis partidos, normalmente hay entre 100 y 200 personas en la audiencia. Hay niños, hay adultos y simplemente hay vecinos y que simplemente vienen a mirar.”
Otro aspecto del fútbol es que crea una cultura y una comunidad más profunda en muchos de países hispanohablantes. Cuando Zamorano se mudó a España, él tenía muy pocos amigos, pero el fútbol le permitió forjar nuevas amistades.
“El hecho de poder entrar a un partido y jugar es extremadamente útil,” Zamorano dijo. “Crea un espíritu comunitario entre una diversidad de niños. Puedes conocer gente nueva a través del [fútbol].”
Otra diferencia crucial entre el fútbol en Estados Unidos y el fútbol en España es el lado intelectual del juego.
“Se sabe que España es un país más inteligente en lo que respecta al fútbol, y eso realmente se aprende en el aspecto táctico,” Zamorano resaltó. “Cómo usar el
cuerpo, cómo no desperdiciar energía, cómo mover el balón, cuándo hacer pausas, jugar, algo que no se ve en Estados Unidos.”
Estos aspectos contribuyen colectivamente a una cultura en España que gira significativamente en torno al fútbol, mucho más que en Estados Unidos. Para Zamorano y muchos otros, el fútbol en España es más que un pasatiempo; es una forma de vida que une a las personas y enriquece sus experiencias diarias.
Tim Aymx, un maestro de la clase de Honores de Inglés y Español 7-8, quien vivió en México después de la universidad y continúa regresando dos veces al año para visitar a su familia, también nota el poder del fútbol en otros países de habla hispana.
“Son fanáticos del fútbol. Cuando yo vivía de joven, me hice amigo de un grupo a través del fútbol y jugábamos todos los domingos. Aunque no era muy bueno, pensé que sería divertido ser parte del grupo y experimentar lo que ellos disfrutaban hacer.” Amex dijo.
familia y a nosotros nos gustó mucho.. La presentación y el sabor hizo que la bebida valiera el precio. Si te gustan las bebidas muy refrescantes y con sabor de fruta, te gustaría la bebida hibiscus o agua de jamaica de Kitos.
EL REFRESO JAMAICA es una bebida muy refrescante y popular para los clientes de El Torogoz en Larkspur.
bark@redwoodbark.org
A través de este vínculo del juego, Aymx pudo adaptarse a una nueva cultura y finalmente hacer amigos. Aymx también notó la pasión que muchos tienen por el fútbol.
“Cuando estaba en la universidad, la familia con la que me quedaba me llevó a un gran evento en la Ciudad de México donde el equipo nacional jugaba contra Brasil. Me dí cuenta de la intensidad de las emociones cuando su país juega contra otro país, era un orgullo para los jugadores representar a México y apoyar a su país,” Amex dijo. El fútbol juega un papel cultural muy importante en los países de habla hispana. Puedes hacer amigos a través del fútbol, aprender sobre la cultura local y mostrar orgullo nacional. El fútbol tiene impacto.
bark@redwoodbark.org
JUNIOR MARY COLEMAN, disfruta el bebida de hibiscus de Kitos como un refresco de verano y para el tiempo de calor.
Foto por Anna Youngs
Foto por Anna Youngs
corrupted, the group grew increasingly isolated from the rest of society. Eventually, that led to its transformation into a cult, as Hirsch described.
Pulitzer Prize for their efforts. Tess Elliot, editor for the Light, described her knowledge of the newspaper’s role in
“Kathy and Dave Mitchell, [who ran the newspaper], were doing a lot of the reporting themselves and so there were many stories over a couple of years. That Pulitzer was for not just a single article, but all the coverage that
Whether drawn in by the psychological component of a strong leader, by political messaging or by a sense of need for belonging and community, it is important to take into account the variety of reasons for which people may become involved with cults, and how not all experiences with cults look the same. Livingston spoke to the diversity
“A lot of [the Synanon members] were really intelligent. They were college professors and family people. Whole families would join. They weren’t automatons who were looking for a cult. They were people looking for a good
To read more about the history of cults in Marin, see
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Miranda Wabl
Mount Holyoke College
Fiona Hinnant
Northeastern University
Vaughan Cutler
Avery Kaster
Bowen Rivera
Gabriella Rouas
Beach Swanson
Jack Voges
Smith College
Maybell Murphy-Sylla
Tufts University
Ava Stephens
NORTH CAROLINA
Elon University
Emeline Atherton
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Coco Boyden
Wake Forest University
Jonathan Evers
Will Ginsburg
Harrison Lapic
Sophie Letts
OHIO
Denison University
Nolan Ewing
Kate Sicklick
Kenyon College
Harrison Curtiss
Ohio State University
Seriana Katz
OREGON
University of Texas at Austin
Alessandra Alioto
Jack Runyan
Julia Sigel
UTAH
University of Utah
Nate Harrison
Annika Werner
VERMONT
Middlebury College
Ellie Kemos
Casper Wilson
University of Vermont
Kendall Reidy
Devon Rieders
VIRGINIA
Randolph-Macon College
Julian Monatlik
University of Virginia
Kate DeForrest
Charlotte Fishburne
University of Brighton, England
August Reed
University of British Columbia, Canada
Nikolas Angus
Charlie Hovermale
University of Santo Thomas, Philippines
Harvey Agustin
University of St. Andrews, Scottland
Braeden Conti
Connor Hill
Marco Milani
Berit Pigott
Ru Todd
KENTUCKY
University of Kentucky
Olivia Villanova
LOUISIANA
Tulane University
Augustus Blackwell
Ella Erwig
Charlie Goldstein
Lauren Olsen
MAINE
Bates College
Hannah Herbst
Eddie Lin
Olivia Svallin
MARYLAND
United States Naval Academy
Desmond Kim
Daniel Lim
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston College
Madison Herrero
Williams College
Grace McLaughlin
MICHIGAN
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Emily Block
Theo Fortescue
Caroline Quirk
Jared Tuatini
MINNESOTA
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Gillian Jambeck
MISSISSIPPI
University of Mississippi
Elsa Block
MONTANA
Montana State University
Jack Pasha
NEVADA
University of Nevada, Reno
Nicholas Korajkic
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Dartmouth College
Matthew Marotto
Jax Sandrich
NEW YORK
Colgate University
Mia Ginsburg
Columbia University
Lera Bondarenko
Cornell University
Calvin Tudor
Fordham University
Kate Dempsey
Sienna Kennedy
Erin Ki
Hofstra University
Joanna Bartell
New York University
Maddie Eaton
Quinn Newlin
Maximilian O’Brien
Anya Ryan
Juliette Strage
Pratt Institute
Lucy Robinson
Syracuse University
Layne Colombo
Jordan Kimball
Lewis and Clark College
Miles Doucette
University of Oregon
Estella Chancey
Lilly Dell’Orto
Andre D’Arcy
Cole Engstrom
Gabby Levi
Ella McClain
Carlos Neto
Aidan O’Connor
Will Pharis
Isabel Segal
Sebastian Shayeb
Eric Sretavan
Todd Suko
PENNSYLVANIA
Drexel University
Alexander Coyle
Olivia Lara
Lafayette College
Ginger Meyer
Lehigh University
Mason Herrero
Ryan Voges
Jake Werner
Temple University
Cole Kennon
RHODE ISLAND
Brown University
Brian Browne
Kiana Collins
Erin Schneidewind
The Cooper Union
Dila Koksal
August Gilmartin
Charlie Jeffers
Katherine Mitchell
Riley Peterson
Rhode Island School of Design
Annie Nykamp-Whitehead
SOUTH CAROLINA
College of Charleston
Siena Kimball
Fallon O’Keefe
Phoebe Putney
TENNESSEE
Belmont University
Ryder Ure
TEXAS
Southern Methodist University
Georgia Behrens
Alexandra Douglas
Anna Lawrence
Cameryn Smith
Texas Christian University
Lila Maier
Caitlin Shaver
WASHINGTON
Gonzaga University
Ally Aaron
Jake Southern
University of Washington, Seattle
Thomas Brown
Alex Carroll
Charlotte Engstrom
Lucas Murgel
Zoe Zedlitz
Washington State University
Ethan Werner
Western Washington University
Hannah Ritola
WASHINGTON D.C.
Georgetown University
Jonah Momsen
George Washington University
Auden Baker
Xin Van Horn
Dylan Weir
WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Zoe Alpert
Carter Bowman
Smith Buoy
Will Copeland
Chandler Enlowsmith
Dakota Ledesma
Sam Lieberman
Wilson Schwartz
Natalie Stoll
Josie Templeton
Katie Towns
Kate Vare
Cece Wiener
WORKFORCE
Real Estate
Sage Holland
Note from The Bark Staff:
In recent years, “Next Steps Maps” have widely received criticism for perpetuating today’s unhealthy college culture. After careful evaluation of The Bark’s Next Steps Map and a staff-wide majority vote in favor of its continuance, The Bark has decided to extend its decades-long publishing of the map with the expressed purposes of celebrating the futures of Redwood students and providing desired information to The Bark’s readership. All students included on the map opted in to have their next steps shared and published. Congratulations to the class of 2024!
illustration by Lucy Wong Ryniejski and the College and Career Center who opted to be included.
[Flowers are] a special thing because they bring life, love, joy and creativity.
Zoe Samayoaspoerry, Florist
ayoungs@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Lucy Wong Ryniejski
Infographic by Linnea Koblik
As summer approaches and time spent on homework dies down, summer reading becomes more and more appealing. I have recommended the books below with the following considerations in mind: the quality of the plot, the intrigue of the story and the pace at which each book can be read. Hopefully, a few from this list will give you a pleasant pastime in these upcoming months.
“People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry:
This is a popular romance novel that tells the story of best friends Alex and Poppy, who take a week long vacation every summer until they have a falling out. After not speaking for a few years, Poppy decides to reach out to Alex and ask for one last vacation, during which the two attempt to fix their friendship and uncover its flaws. This book is a perfect beach read, and it encapsulates everything that you would want for a summer escape, so definitely pick it up if you pass it in the store.
“Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune:
This Canadian romance novel is a bit predictable, but nonetheless a great summer read. The story begins when Persephone Fraser, the main character in the novel, purchases a summer cabin in Barry’s Bay next door to the Florek family. Over the next six summers, Persephone falls in love with one of the Florek boys. She awaits summer every day she is back in Toronto so she can return to see him in Barry’s Bay. But one night years later,
everything is ruined. It isn’t until many years later that tragedy calls her back to Barry’s Bay and Persephone is reunited with her past, and simultaneously forced to confront her future. This novel is similar to some of the other romances mentioned in this review and is sure to please anyone looking for a fast-paced read. If you happen to be going on a lake vacation this summer, don’t forget to bring this book with you!
“November 9th” by Colleen Hoover: This romance was highly popularized on TikTok, like many other Colleen Hoover books, and truly lives up to the hype. Fallon O’Neil, the main character, is an aspiring actress with a tragic upbringing and has plans to move to New York City to pursue a fresh start. But the day before she is set to leave, she meets Benton “Ben” James Kessler. After meeting, they decide to reunite for one day every year, November 9th. This is a compelling read for anyone who enjoys romance novels in general, as it includes many popular tropes. If you need a quick read for summer, pick up this book and pack it away in your beach bag.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This fiction novel encapsulates the reader with its twists and turns, and an old Hollywood plot that not only exposes the truths of main character Evelyn Hugo’s love life and path to fame, but also gives insight into the experiences and discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals faced during the 1950s. This book is
perfect for anyone who enjoys a little bit of history in their reading, while also getting the drama and mystery of Reid’s work. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” reads extremely fast and most readers could probably finish it in one or two sittings. If you have a long drive or flight ahead of you this summer, this book is the one for you.
“Educated” by Tara Westover:
A bit different than the rest of the lighthearted novels, this memoir by author Tara Westover will leave you feeling shocked, inspired and grateful. Westover was born and raised by a bipolar father in rural Idaho in the 80s and 90s. The memoir details her life growing up, and her journey to independence and freedom from the mental and physical barriers of her family and hometown. Westover’s writing style, combined with the tragic and shocking experiences of her childhood, immediately pulls the reader in. From injuries and romances to education and politics, this book truly covers a lifetime of events. Even if memoirs aren’t your thing, I cannot recommend this book enough and you should definitely pick it up for summer.
For more fun summer recommendations, scan the QR code below:
ayoungs@redwoodbark.org
Photo courtesy of Dead Oceans Phoebe Bridgers’ first LP, “Stranger in the Alps,” came out in 2017, right when we entered sixth grade. It was fitting, then, that her much-awaited follow-up would come out as we transitioned into high school. “Punisher” is a moody, reflective album that ruminates on isolation and growing up, making it a perfect match for days spent sheltering in place or zoning out with our cameras turned off on Zoom. Even Bridgers’ striking cover art might remind a few of the surreal experience of stepping outside to red skies during the wildfires. Standout tracks include “Kyoto,” “Chinese Satellite” and “ICU,” each showcasing Bridgers’ biting songwriting chops. One of my favorite lines of the album comes in “ICU.” “If you’re a work of art/I’m standing too close/I can see the brushstrokes.” Bridgers is at her best capturing the intricacies of her own feelings in this record. The fantastic album closer “I Know The End,” with its haunting lyrics and loud, tumultuous conclusion, offered relatability, if not solace, to listeners during a particularly apocalyptic feeling year.
Over Tyler, the Creator’s career, the rapper has taken on numerous different personas. His debut album, “Goblin,” consists of dialogues between a disturbed patient and his therapist, with Tyler developing storylines between the characters and alter egos first introduced in that record. While that first LP was shocking and provocative, Tyler’s output in the thirteen years since has been interesting to watch develop and mature, with the most recent installment being “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.” Formatted in the style of a mixtape, complete with shouts from DJ Drama throughout, the album shows off Tyler’s confidence and artistry as he nimbly bounces between flexes and more heartfelt tracks with assistance from an impressive group of featuring artists. One standout is the nearly nine-minute “WILSHIRE,” in which Tyler muses over the course of a complicated relationship. This record was perfect for sophomore year when we started to get more comfortable being in high school and began building new friendships, finally in person.
“SOS” is quite the feat. SZA’s third album is composed of an impressive, almost intimidating 23-song tracklist. The titular track, “SOS,” begins with a Morse code cry for help and serves as a thesis for the record, unpacking all her anxieties, strengths and wants in one song. SZA tells us she’s over petty drama and won’t take disrespect anymore. She also pleads to be wanted and loved while rejecting a needy, clingy lover. Sounds confusing and stressful? That makes the song a perfect encapsulation of junior year when we were grinding our way through difficult classes, handling interpersonal issues and doing our best to make it look easy. Over the course of the album, SZA flexes her skills in rap and R&B (and even country/rock as in the case of interesting genre hybrid “F2F”) and explores many moods, from desperately missing an ex in hit “Kill Bill” to complete confidence in “Smoking on my Ex Pack.” While junior year can feel like you’re as surrounded by water as SZA is on the album cover, this record makes all that stress sound great.
Travis Scott’s first album since 2018’s “ASTROWORLD” came out just in time for senior year, giving our grade some hits to put on graduation party playlists. The record thrives on features, defining senior year by including voices across the music industry that have soundtracked our lives so far, such as Beyoncé, 21 Savage, the Weeknd, SZA, Bad Bunny, Kid Cudi, Playboi Carti and many more. Scott has always inhabited a darker aesthetic within the larger world of rap, and this shines through in the production and imagery of “UTOPIA,” which, as the title suggests, deals with the possibility or impossibility of a perfect world. Although individual tracks are undeniably fun on their own, when listened to as a whole, the album fits perfectly into this gloomier overarching theme. My recommendation for your playlist is the hit “TOPIA TWINS,” which is a good one to listen to while dreaming about being at the beach instead of studying for finals.
As the curtains close on many seniors’ last year of high school, every moment is associated with nostalgia, excitement and sadness. The 18 years that led up to the moment that we walked across the stage have been filled with late-night laughs with friends, eighth-grade nicknames that stuck for far too long, sports games filled with spirit and stress-riddled nights staying up to write papers. Now, the journey has come to an end, and the classic ‘senioritis’ has kicked in, leaving many with lots of time on their hands and not much to do. I’ve compiled a list of ideas for seniors; it might be a good idea to check these off before you say your final goodbyes.
A sentimental visit to the Golden Gate Bridge
Growing up in Marin, visiting the Marin Headlands lookout is an absolute
classic and a memory you cannot overlook. Grab a few friends, put a cozy blanket in your trunk, throw on an oversized hoodie and hop in the car. The drive is short and quite rewarding; stunning views of San Francisco immediately soothe you, and the excitement of being in one of the most beautiful places in the world is contagious. Before you leave, make sure to participate in a very famous tradition: leaving a lock on the gate of the lookout, signed with your initials. Not many high schoolers are lucky enough to live in close proximity to such a stunning location — make sure you take advantage of it before you take off.
Letter to “future me”
At the start of freshman year, in our social issues classroom, we all had to write a letter to our future senior selves. Opening them will likely elicit many reactions: winces at embarrassingly naive statements, laughs at incorrect guesses about ourselves or smiles at how much we’ve grown. I suggest writing another letter, but this time to your future college self. Make a few predictions about your life in four years, or ask yourself a few questions. Did you stay with the major you applied to? Who was your best friend? Do you have any regrets?
What was your happiest moment? Then, make a few predictions. When you open this letter in four years, I promise you will not regret the 20 minutes it took you to write it.
Visit your old teachers
For every step along the way, you had someone in your corner helping you. This was a special teacher for most people, and it is never too late to show gratitude towards them. Whoever it is you bonded with, whether it be a fourth-grade teacher who was kind to you, an eighth-grade history teacher who inspired you, or an 11th-grade teacher who challenged you, drop by their classroom with a quick or lengthy hello. Catch up with them, explain to them what their class meant to you and remind them of the impact that they have made on their students. You will feel fulfilled knowing that you have happily closed the door on that section of your life.
Create a time capsule Similar to writing a letter, creating a time capsule or a box with trinkets from high school is a great way to celebrate the past four years. Get a group of friends together and a couple of old shoe boxes and get to work. Paint boxes with your plans for the future, label them with your names and then fill them out. Include photos from dances and sports games, awards or essays that you were proud of, maybe even your favorite shirt or makeup product from the time. It may seem like you would remember all of these moments without the box, but it might be much more difficult to remember what dress or tux you wore to senior prom in several years.
mweingart@redwoodbark.org
In recent years, high school student’s reliance on caffeine has noticeably surged. Whether for an energy boost during grueling study sessions or simply succumbing to the caffeine craze, consumption among students has become nearly universal. With no signs of caffeine disappearing from students’ lives anytime soon, reviewing some of the most popular caffeinated drinks seems fitting.
Guayaki
Guayaki beverages, specifically the Enlighten Mint flavor, offer a refreshing take on the energy drink scene, blending peppermint, organic yerba mate and a hint of honey for a unique flavor. Guayaki, a brand that produces Yerba Mate tea, sits at 150mg of caffeine per serving. It provides a moderate energy boost without the jitters or crashes often associated with higher caffeine doses. The absence of artificial additives
is a major plus, as Guayaki opts for all-natural, organic ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to many other caffeinated beverages on the market despite its high added sugars. Upon cracking open a can, the light essence of mint immediately tantalizes the taste buds, offering a revitalizing experience with each sip. The lightness of the flavor complements the energizing effect, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a pickme-up. The price point, however, is a significant drawback, with beverages typically retailing at $3.99 per can. While the quality justifies the cost for many, it's essential to exercise caution, as the addictive nature of these drinks can lead to the accumulation of expenses over time.
sold by Celsius offers a pleasant mix of citrusy sweetness, which provides a modern twist on a classic taste. Each sip has the potential to remind someone of their favorite childhood orange drinks, such as SunnyD. The drink is enjoyable and balanced but not too sweet or overwhelming. It contains a caffeine content of 200mg, which is the perfect boost for some, but for others, it could be a bit over the top, making one feel jittery and anxious. However, the flavor simplicity is disappointing and could be improved with a slightly more robust orange flavor. Despite this, it's a good option for those who love orange-flavored beverages. Despite the simple flavor, Celsius’s price point is a huge benefit, sitting at $1.67.
This
Red Bull’s energy drink was the most unimpressive of the bunch. Its faint medicinal taste is overly sweet and artificial, making it unenjoyable. While I did notice the drink's quick boost in energy stemming from the 111 mg of caffeine– the effect is short-lived and often followed by a noticeable crash, creating fatigue. The high sugar content and artificial additives contribute to unpleasant flavor and could cause health concerns in the long run. Despite Red Bull being iconic and one of the original energy drinks, it falls short in delivering satisfaction. In the end, all three of these caffeinated beverages could serve the same purpose: fulfilling your caffeine craze. However, it’s noteworthy to understand the risks and benefits of caffeine. Nevertheless, you cannot go wrong with a little energy boost.
aquach@redwoodbark.org
Centered in the bustling Bon Air shopping center, Nick the Greek, which opened last month, offers a unique taste of Greek cuisine to Marin. With chain restaurants located across the United States, Nick the Greek has created a business that incorporates authentic
Greek cuisine with fast and convenient services. Customers can find authentic dishes such as pitas and gyro bowls, as well as diverse desserts and drinks on their lengthy menu.
Falafel Pita
Wrapped in a warm pita bread and filled with crispy falafel, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and onions, this delicious falafel pita wrap is perfectly balanced with a light tahini dressing that creates a traditional Greek favorite. Crunchy and fresh ingredients are combined with whole grains and beans, making this dish both filling and refreshing. In place of falafel, the dish can also be ordered with more traditional forms of meat such as lamb and pork souvlaki.
As one of Nick the Greek’s most popular entrees, the falafel pita does not disappoint and provides a delicious and satisfying meal any time of the day.
Baklava
With the crunch of a flakey phyllo crust followed by a sweet surprise of almond and
honey filling, this pastry is a delicious mix of both sweet and savory flavors. Baklava is one of the most common and traditional desserts in both Greece and Turkey and is made by layering 30 to 40 sheets of phyllo that are then filled with nuts and topped with honey. While dishes made with phyllo can be too dense, this dessert is the perfect balance of crumbly and soft textures, and the perfect sweet treat after a savory Greek meal. This baklava melts in one's mouth and is sweet, but not overly sugary.
Avgolemono Soup
This chicken soup is silky, rich and includes a lemon and egg sauce, called Avgolemono. With its warm lemony broth and flavorful ingredients, it is reminiscent of American-style chicken soup, but with a lemony tangy twist. With the inclusion of both sour and salty flavors, it will surely appeal to a savory palate. This soup is perfect on chilly days or when feeling under the weather, when all you need is a good bowl of hot soup to warm the soul.
By Sydney
Nick the Greek is a great addition to the restaurants in Marin and offers residents an opportunity to experience Greek cuisine at an affordable price. Whether looking for a sit down environment or a quick pick up, both their indoor and outdoor spacious are clean and inviting. With friendly staff, quick service and plenty of parking the restaurant creates a warm and welcoming environment. In addition to their in-store meals, one can pre-order food or find more information about their menu and locations on their website.
lkoblik@redwoodbark.org
simple games transformed the mobile phone into more than a communication device. Rather than exhaling on the
Among Us and Fortnite and emphasized the shared experience of wanting simple fun in a time of isolation.
Throughout the different eras of adolescence, the games we played have changed in difficulty, format and device, but one factor remained the same: the bond and kinship formed between us, the
Senior and two-sport star athlete Jake Vasquez has had a goal since middle school: to play sports at the highest level possible. Throughout his time at Redwood, he has developed not only as a player on the field but also as a person off of it.
“I think sports, especially at Redwood, have shaped me into [who] I am, both personality and work ethic wise. It’s about being a good person on and off the field,” Vasquez said.
As a freshman, Vasquez started his high school career strong, making the varsity teams for both basketball and lacrosse.
“[Making varsity] was my goal since middle school. When I made both as a freshman, I was nervous but also excited to work with the best players,” Vasquez said.
Since playing at the varsity level, Vasquez has left his mark on Redwood athletics. His record-breaking performance in basketball, scoring over 1,200 points throughout four years and receiving a first-team nomination two years in a row in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL), is a testament to his exceptional skills. Boys’ varsity basketball head coach Jay DeMaestri has coached Vasquez
“My favorite thing about diving is all the lessons I’ve learned from it and applying them to everyday life,” senior Lera Bondarenko said. “It’s taken me a long time to get to this point, and I’m still trying to get [further], but I realized that
since middle school and has noticed his significant athletic growth.
“[Vasquez] was always one of if not the best players on the court. He wasn’t perfect, but he was always bigger than everybody, faster than everybody and stronger [than everybody]. It definitely carried over into his perfect high school career,” DeMaestri said.
Vasquez has committed his time and efforts not only to school teams but also to various nationally recognized club and amateur athletic union (AAU) teams throughout the year. Including Lakeshow, an AAU organization based in the East Bay that is one of the Bay Area’s top youth basketball programs, and Jalen Green Elite – a high-level team that competes in the Adidas Circuit, a tournament-style circuit
you have to let go of the idea that you’re going to do this ‘XYZ’ career because life isn’t linear.”
Ironically, Lera’s life has been far from a straight one-way road. Her move from Kazakhstan to America at four years old and throughout the States was a great deal of change, but it eventually led her to Marin, where she has continued her passion for diving since age five.
With a family history in the sport and a constant devotion to practicing, Lera has accumulated numerous awards and accomplishments in diving. Adding to the Redwood legacy, Lera was named Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) All-League Diver of the Year in both her junior and senior years, and she helped Redwood’s diving team win the MCAL championship each season of her high school career. She also took second place at both the 2023 North Coast Section (NCS) and California Interscholastic Federation meet and fifth place for this year’s NCS. Lera’s skills have taken her even further, as she qualified for Nationals for USA diving and is committed to continuing her athletic career at Columbia University.
When people hear those statistics, many might think of the incredible physical skills needed to be that successful, but they fail to recognize the mental preparation that is also needed to perform well.
“I’ve had mental blocks here and there, and it is really hard to get through them. Especially for diving, you’re scared all the time that you’re going to hit the board. At a certain point, you just have to trust yourself and your coaches,” Lera said.
allowing players to compete at the highest pre-college level.
Not only has Vasquez shown commitment and domination on the basketball court, but his impressive athletic career has also perspired on the boys’ varsity lacrosse team. Vasquez has earned the title of a first-team player in MCALs for two consecutive years. He plays both offensive middle and attack for the team and has made countless contributions. During the off-season, Vasquez plays for the Alcatraz Outlaws club team, a premier Northern California club team that Inside Lacrosse Magazine has recognized as one of the best lacrosse clubs in the country. While Vasquez enjoys his time with the Outlaws, some parts of playing for Redwood are slightly sweeter, including playing alongside his best friends.
“Having good friends like BJ [Fisher], Gil [Ladetzky], Ian [Rothbart] and Will [Parsons] gives me such a good opportunity to feel comfortable,” Vasquez said.
Not only did Vasquez lead his teams through his athletic contributions, but he also served as a captain for both the basketball and lacrosse teams.
“As captain [in both lacrosse and basketball] this year, whenever we would have a big loss, it was hard to sometimes bounce back and keep people’s positivity high,” Vasquez said
But despite the challenges, Vasquez managed to do just that, bouncing back and leading the team to the North Coast Section lacrosse semifinal and MCAL basketball finals. Not only do coaching and friendships drive Vasquez, so does his family.
Lera’s father, Denis Bondarenko, who has coached her since she was a child, can attest to her determination and strong mentality through challenges.
“Lera never gives up if the dive doesn’t come out as it’s supposed to. She pauses to think it through and plans what needs to be done during the warm-up, lead-ups, dry land and water time during practice. Then she will start it all over again, maybe slower than she wants to, but she will get the dive consistently well performed,” Denis said.
Lera’s hard work has paid off, and she has achieved her longtime goal of being recruited to dive in college.
“I’ve had a dream of going to a school
“Having three brothers and playing with them all the time has shaped me into the person I am today. They help me be innovative and adjust on and off the field,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez looks forward to continuing his lacrosse career by playing at the University of Notre Dame, the back-toback Division I NCAA champions.
“Notre Dame is such an incredible school, both academically and sports-wise. It is the perfect fit,” Vasquez said. Lacrosse is the sport that had the upper edge for me. I like it a little more, and I’m excited to play at the next level.”
erosenberg@redwoodbark.org
for a sport since I was little. I had grown up seeing all of these [athletes] around me do that, and I wanted to have some of that pride,” Lera said.
Lera is committed to Columbia University and is excited to be able to work as hard as possible without limitations. Another exciting aspect of Lera’s commitment to Columbia will be her reunion with Sophia Wells. Wells is an old club teammate from middle school who is currently a freshman diver at the university.
“[Lera] is an absolutely gorgeous diver. Her form is fantastic, and her dives look so graceful,” Wells said.
With the support of her friendships and her focused mentality, Lera plans to continue perfecting her skills and advancing within the sport. Aside from her collegiate career, Lera aspires to dive for the Master’s World Championships in the future, diving at a level where she would become one of the inspirational individuals she currently looks up to.
“Lera is a hard worker and also a perfectionist. She wants to make a perfect dive every single time. Throughout the years, it’s helped her to develop outstanding diving skills that she can share with other divers. She helps her teammates overcome their fears and always cheers for them during the meets. Lera understands well that as the oldest team member, she is a role model for younger divers and she [strives] to be a good one,” Denis said.
iwagner@redwoodbark.org
Senior Rex Solle cemented his legacy at Redwood after leading the boys’ varsity baseball team to their first Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) championship since 2019. The four-year varsity starter and Division I University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) commit has made the MCAL first team as an infielder and pitcher for two years in a row.
In his senior season, Solle held an earned run average (ERA) of 2.08 with 87 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched. These stats are largely thanks to his impressive fastball, which reaches up to 92 miles per hour. Solle was also a force in the batter’s box, hitting .386 with eight doubles this season, powering a strong Giants’ offense that averaged nearly seven runs per game. Regardless of sheer natural talent, none of this would be possible without a long history of hard work and dedication.
“Just putting in work before and after practice, that’s what sets me apart. [I also want to] make sure I’m doing the best I can at both [positions],” Solle said.
Despite joining Marin Baseball and making occasional appearances for Lamorinda, his original Bombers team was where he became teammates and good friends with senior Gavin Soper. Soper and Solle have played together for nine years and now are co-captains for the varsity team.
“[Solle’s] determination and athletic ability [sets him apart]. He’s one of the most athletic kids I’ve ever met… When we were younger, it was very noticeable as well,” Soper said.
For Solle and Soper, winning their first MCAL title in May was each of their most meaningful accomplishments.
“Since my freshman year, the goal has been to win an MCAL championship. To finally do it in my senior year feels so rewarding,” Solle said.
“My motivation for sports comes easily because it’s just something I enjoy doing. I feel like it’s part of who I am,” senior Jackson Walker said.
Walker began his athletic career early, learning to play soccer at age five and football when he entered eighth grade. He even had a stint on the track and field team during his junior year, making him a three-sport athlete. Following a childhood defined by sports and four years spent on varsity teams at Redwood, Walker is going on to play Division III football at Pomona College in Claremont, CA.
Walker joined the Corte Madera Football Club when he was eight, marking
After being an integral part of this victory, Solle rallied the team to continue their fight to the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. The Giants won their first three games but suffered a disappointing loss in the championship, where Solle threw seven shutout innings against a dominant Cardinal Newman squad. However, the Giants ranked high enough to receive a bid into the Norcal state playoffs for the first time in Redwood history.
The Giants won their first two games of the state playoffs, powered by a four-hit day with two doubles and a triple over Saint Ignasius in the Semifinals. Unfortunately, the Giants’ season ended in a rematch versus Cardinal Newman in the Norcal championship game. Closing out his high school baseball career, Rex Solle hopes to do great things in Los Angeles at UCLA. He is grateful for his time as a Giant and acknowledges the role it has played in his development as a person.
“Playing baseball at Redwood has helped me develop in so many ways. I’ve learned how to lead, how to inspire others and just how to be a great teammate and person,” Solle said.
nhoward@redwoodbark.org
the beginning of his competitive soccer career. As a goalie on the boys’ varsity soccer team, Walker has clearly improved from his days at Town Park. In his senior season, Walker only allowed six goals in 20 games, propelling the Giants to a 17-3 record and a Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) championship. Even after committing to football at the next level, Walker continued to play high school soccer because of his dedication to his teammates.
“[The soccer team] is a family and a community. I want to see the team succeed as much as possible and I [don’t] want to hold the team back in any way,” Walker said.
Despite his early love for soccer, Walker always dreamed of pursuing football. Since joining the team during his freshman year, Walker honed his skills as both a wide receiver and safety.
In his senior year, Walker was named football captain. During that season, he scored nine touchdowns in nine games and had a team-leading 45 receptions.
Despite a groin injury and a broken wrist, Walker made enormous strides for the team. From the sidelines, Walker led his team as a compassionate, skilled and gritty captain. When he was healthy enough to play, he acted as an offensive and defensive force.
“It’s not just me influencing my teammates, but all of us influencing each other. [As] a junior and senior, I [wanted] to work as hard as [possible] and play as best I could for my team because, hopefully, that would encourage others to do the same and put their best foot forward,” Walker said.
A deep postseason run and a Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) firstteam selection in her junior season was not enough to please senior Riley Peterson. She entered her senior year motivated and worked vigorously throughout the offseason to reach one specific goal.
“My goal since I got to Redwood was to win Player of the Year. So after [my junior] season ended, I worked hard on my draw skills and with a running trainer,” Peterson said.
She also gained insurmountable experience while playing for the Irish National team at the European Championships in Prague.
“I faced incredible competition in Europe, especially against opponents much older than me. That helped me develop some great skills and knowledge,” Peterson said.
“I don’t have any regrets. I feel proud of myself because I accomplished all there was to accomplish,” senior field hockey star Sammy Haan said.
In her four years on the girls’ varsity field hockey team, Sammy won three Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) championships, made the All-League Second Team as a sophomore and won Player of the Year as both a junior and a senior.
Arriving at Redwood with little experience playing field hockey, Sammy relied primarily on her athleticism for her success but lacked many field hockeyspecific skills.
“When Sammy first arrived at Redwood, she was an athlete playing field hockey. She didn’t have enough time to develop the stick and dribbling skills and everything [else],” Sammy’s father, Tom Haan, said.
Competitiveness has been one of Sammy’s defining traits since childhood. Tom believes it is matched by a diligent work ethic that allows her to succeed.
“Sammy’s defining characteristic is her competitiveness, so she wants to win in everything she does. That drives in this really strong work ethic, and she’s willing to put in the work it takes to succeed,” Tom said.
Outside of Redwood, Sammy has also played club field hockey and traveled to the East Coast for training camps, giving her the skills needed to have a breakout high school career. In her junior year, Sammy finished with 20 goals and 18 assists,
Her diligence paid off, as she won 120 draws, or faceoffs, for the Giants, and her improved stamina allowed her to play the entirety of every single game. This success, along with her improved knowledge of the game, allowed her to finally achieve her goal of winning MCAL player of the year.
Junior Presley Pewitt has been Peterson’s teammate on varsity for two years, and can attest to Peterson’s ability as both a player and a leader
“She’s always been such a talented player, with her speed and athleticism, but this year she’s become a great leader. She really inspires us and leads by example,” Pewitt said.
Fueled by the sting from the previous year’s MCAL championship loss to Marin Catholic, the team exacted their revenge this year, triumphing over the Wildcats in overtime of this year’s MCAL championship game. Peterson’s leadership skills shined bright, rallying the Giants back from a 4-0 deficit despite competing two players short for most of the game due to penalty infractions.
Peterson and the Giants took another deep run into the North Coast Section (NCS), beating Cal High and Marin Catholic again before losing to San Ramon Valley in the championship. Despite the loss in the championship, Peterson remains proud of her and the team’s accomplishments.
“We had such a great run this year. Beating Marin Catholic has been a huge goal for us and we were able to do it twice. And obviously, I’m ecstatic that I won [player of the year]. I feel like I left my mark on this team and this program throughout my time here,” Peterson said.
Peterson plans to take her talents to Brown University in the fall of 2024 while continuing to play for the Irish National team and maintaining sky-high ambitions.
“My next goal is to win an Ivy League championship and then hopefully qualify for the Olympics in 2028,” Peterson said.
mknauer@redwoodbark.org
ranking her fifth in California with 58 total points. Her almost even goal-to-assist ratio is a testament to her leadership skills and strong passing abilities.
“Many of my teammates would say I’m the loudest player on the field. I love to communicate and encourage them, and I always try to get the whole team involved,” Sammy said.
“She has great awareness, which makes her a great passer. When other teams bring two or three people at her, she can pass to her teammates and get assists,” Tom said. After she graduates from Redwood, Sammy will be attending UC Berkeley, where she hopes to play for their club field hockey team.
“I’ve had so many great memories at Redwood, especially winning two MCAL championships in overtime. But I’m also so excited about my future,” Sammy said.
nhoward@redwoodbark.org
In fifth grade, I attended my first-ever Redwood basketball game. It was a rainy Thursday night in a gym packed with energetic students. As I walked into Phil Roark Gymnasium, I was overcome with awe and admiration. The music, scent and environment filled me from within. When 7:30 p.m. arrived, and the ball was tipped off, I could feel the energy flowing through the packed gym; from student cheers to parents yelling, this was a place I felt could be home. Little did I know I would be wearing the Redwood jersey one day, stepping onto that same court and becoming part of the legacy I admired.
Each time I stepped onto the court as a Redwood athlete, it was more than just a game; it was a fulfillment of a childhood dream and a continuation of a legacy that had captivated me for years. Yet, in those early days, I never truly grasped the weight of what it meant to be a part of something so profound. I never imagined that my last game could be just around the corner, that every moment on the court was a gift to be cherished.
As Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Sabrina Ionescu and many more superstars have grown in popularity, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has made leaps in viewership and revenue. According to the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN), the 2024 WNBA draft alone netted an average of 2.45 million viewers, and according to NBC News, the WNBA generated around 200 million dollars of revenue in the 2023 season. With the newfound attention from basketball fans, the WNBA is on the brink of a new era. According to Nielsen, a sports media company, over 18.9 million viewers watched the women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship, the most-watched basketball event since 2019. However, despite these progressive strides, the WNBA still has lower attendance, revenue and viewership than the National Basketball Association (NBA). A possible solution to gain more publicity is to lower the rims, increase nationally televised content and
During my last year as an athlete at Redwood High School, I came to understand the true meaning of being part of a team, of a family. Through grueling practices, exhilarating victories and heartbreaking defeats, I forged bonds with my teammates that transcended the boundaries of the court. We laughed, cried and grew together, united by a common purpose and love for the game.
Through the games, practices, team events and locker room laughs, I not only felt like part of the team but also found a family that will last with me forever. They became more than just teammates; they became my brothers, confidants and biggest supporters. As a team, we navigated through wins and losses and built a bond I will never forget. Wearing the number 15 Redwood jersey for the past four years has meant more than the game’s outcome; it’s the sense of belonging,
improve sponsorships and appearances in advertisements.
The ESPN Press Room reported that the 2023 NBA playoffs had over ten times more viewers than the 2023 WNBA playoffs, and a facet of this discrepancy may be the lack of dunking. The average height of a WNBA player is about six feet, compared to the NBA’s average height of about six feet six inches. Yet, the rim height for these leagues remains constant despite this difference. This disparity in opportunities is not only unfair but also hampers the growth of the WNBA. Lowering the rims would help increase the entertainment that the WNBA may provide, hopefully correlating with increased viewership.
of being part of something bigger than myself. Reflecting on my high school career, I realize that my legacy won’t be defined by my overall record or how many points I scored each game but instead by the impact that I will leave behind on the program.
From the 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday night games, offseason workouts, selling cards to raise money for the program or saying “Hi” to all the little kids after the game, it all felt like a family with an unbreakable bond. Today, as I reflect on my journey as a Redwood athlete, I am grateful for the experiences and the lessons learned. I am reminded that being an athlete at Redwood High School is a privilege, a responsibility and an honor that should never be taken for granted. It is a journey marked by sweat and tears, triumphs and setbacks, but above all, it is a journey defined by the unwavering spirit of the Redwood community, one that I’m lucky enough to
Unlike the NBA, the WNBA also has lesser quality and quantity of coverage for each game. ESPN’s game schedule shows that every one of the NBA’s games from May 21-31 will be broadcasted on either ESPN, ABC or TNT,
while just 67 percent of WNBA games from May 21-31 will be broadcasted on smaller sports platforms such as ION TV, MSN TV or Amazon Prime Video. If WNBA games gained coverage on more popular platforms, they would attain more viewers and contribute to more significant revenue from ticket sales and
Increasing advertisements highlighting the WNBA could increase publicity for the league as well. Many NBA players are often found in popular commercials on different platforms and during various television shows, such as Lebron James’s 21-year partnership with Nike and appearance in various Nike commercials and Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green’s commercial with Subway. On the other hand, WNBA players are rarely featured in television commercials or advertisements, making it hard for them to grow their brand and profit from it. If these players were featured more often in brand
call my family.
So, I ask that every athlete, present or future, who aspires to wear the Redwood jersey embrace the journey, cherish the moments of hard work and never forget the family and community that embraced you. Being an athlete at Redwood is more than just the final score at the end of the game; it’s an honor and a privilege. I leave behind my own legacy, one that is defined by hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I hope future generations of Redwood athletes will carry on this legacy with pride, knowing they are part of something truly special.
To all future Redwood High School athletes, don’t play for the final score, trophies and rankings. Play for your brother standing next to you, your coach who puts in hours of hard work, the fans in the community who come and support you night in and night out, the past generations who can no longer be on the court and most importantly, play because you love it.
Fear the Tree.
gladetzky@redwoodbark.org
deal commercials and advertisements, it would lead them to earn more money, allowing the WNBA to pay larger contracts. Golden State Warriors’ guard Chris Paul has been featured in numerous State Farm commercials, reaching over 100,000 views on Youtube, whereas State Farm’s commercial that featured a WNBA star, Arike Ogunbowale, amassed just 10 percent of Chris Paul’s views. While the WNBA has had an increase in public awareness recently, it still receives a fraction of the views and revenue of the NBA, and it will take a plethora of improvements to diminish this disparity. These improvements include lower rims, frequent television coverage and advertisements featuring WNBA players. Taking action on all of these developments will result in progress towards more equality, not only between women’s and men’s sports but also between women’s and men’s wages in a multitude of professions for years to come.
mgarbo@redwoodbark.org
In the age where social media shapes perceptions and bridges distances, Adam Cohen, or social media’s Marin Dad, uses his passion and authenticity to establish himself as a Marin County celebrity. Growing up in San Diego, Cohen never thought he could become a social media influencer. He attended the United States Naval Academy and joined the Navy as a surface warfare officer, serving for nine years before he settled down in Mill Valley.
“After getting out of the Navy, I started working in tech companies and startups. A few years later, I started a blog called Tam Glad. I was writing stories about local businesses in Tam Junction.
local businesses and events throughout Marin County. He hosts bike rides, family events and posts pictures magnifying local businesses and festivals. He focuses on community building, and makes sure to use his platform for good.
Never take yourself too seriously. In the end, this is comedy.
Adam Cohen, Marin Dad
I slowly built a following and made content as a blogger. Then I ended up making a video one day about an observation I had about patch hats and
“When you move to Marin, you realize that there are a large number of people who are not from here, myself included. The way for me to integrate myself into the community was to build trust and learn about everyone by giving back with no expectation of getting anything in return. I was able to write stories, promote businesses and serve my community in a hyperlocal way. It’s a nice thing to do for others, and selfishly, it’s a great thing to help make relationships,” Cohen said.
Freshman Jack Harrison enjoys Cohen’s videos and how he uses his platform to aid the community.
“I love it when his videos show up on my feed on Instagram. He always knows what jokes to make and how to get people laughing. I like how he promotes interesting events throughout Marin,” Harrison said.
Cohen gets his inspiration from various people, especially the Marin dads he sees during school drop off or at local
“I’m inspired by Marin dads that I know, personally, and I’m inspired by the Marin dads that I don’t know, who drive by me every day,” Cohen said.
Cohen’s other creation, Marin Offsite, utilizes Marin’s natural beauty to create relationships in corporate communities. Marin Offsite primarily guides local San Francisco businesses in experiencing nature and engaging in team-building activities.
“Marin
Offsite was a brainchild of what I felt was an under-utilization of Marin, and of all the adventure and wellness locations and activities around the county. I also realized, as I met a lot of these businesses, [that] they served the tourist population, which is not that large. They also had infrequent business traffic during the week, so it was a win-win situation. I could support Marin Country businesses
For the aspiring Marin dads, Cohen has some meaningful advice.
“I would embrace the healthy lifestyle that we get to live here and be enormously grateful for what we have,” said Cohen. “And lastly, I would say to do everything you can to help your community and your neighbors. The entire premise of Marin Dad was to focus on the hyperlocal [and] to be focused on what’s around us. Never take yourself too seriously. In the end, this is comedy.”
kharrison@redwoodbark.org
“Seniors - what is yourfavoriteRedwood memory?”
“My
favorite Redwood memory is the Back to School Dance [in] 2021 because it was my first high school dance.”
“My favorite memory at Redwood is our sophomore year Homecoming rally because it was the first time the class of 2024 got to be at a rally and put on a skit.”
favorite high school
is
Chris Lee
Ella Kaminski
“My
memory
winning the 2023 Marin County Athletic League Finals with the lacrosse team.”
Jake Werner
“My favorite memory at Redwood is all the school rallies and going to the basketball games.”
Olivia Murphy
Photo courtesy of Adam Cohen
Photos and logo courtesey of @marin.dad on Instagram
Beyond the cozy reading nooks and the scent of aged paper are the voices and smiles of young volunteers and passionate learners alike. Homework Helpers, a free student-led tutoring program for English language learners (ESL), has been helping children grasp new concepts and overcome language barriers for over two years.
The program began when senior Sarani Puri started tutoring a struggling ESL student and noticed a striking demand among ESL learners. Currently, six of the 10 towns in Marin are in the top most segregated cities in the Bay Area with a population of nearly 70 percent white civilians. With Marin’s pattern of discrimination, Puri tackled a need for educational support among unserved individuals.
“It is hard to keep up in your classes when your parents are not there to give you the little bit of support that you might need, [especially] if you can not afford a tutor [and since] teachers are spread really thin…that’s the role we stepped into,” Puri said.
Homework Helpers officially launched in November 2022 at the Corte Madera Library before expanding to the Fairfax, Civic Center and Novato library branches, through collaboration with library staff and council members. Sarah Butts, librarian at the Corte Madera Library, fondly remembers the emergence of the project.
“When Sarani was a sophomore she came into the library with all these lofty ideas like maybe we can spread to other branches and more. So I said, ‘let’s start here’,” Butts
by
said. But [Sarani] totally pulled it off; she’s an impressive person. It was Sarani’s energy, will and brute force that made it succeed.”
Currently, Homework Helpers has a total of 25 high school volunteers from schools across Marin. Junior Sophia Rubel joined the program her sophomore year and will continue her dedication to the program as a student lead this coming fall semester.
“Seeing the kids succeed [is the most rewarding part of the program]. For example, I work with this one girl in Spanish to understand her math and it is extremely rewarding to see her understand [concepts] and come back [to learn more],” Rubel said.
While the program has helped many families and students heighten their educational paths, many tutors, like Rubel, find they also grew personally.
“It heightened my awareness about how privileged I am. And how amazing it is to give back to the community. It is benefiting [the kids] but it also benefits you, [the tutor] in
return because it makes you feel good and warms your heart,” Rubel said.
For Puri, Homework Helpers shaped the person and leader she is today.
“I’ve learned a lot throughout the process…about how to get things done, publicize, make myself heard, while also keeping interpersonal relationships, keeping the team inspired and engaged,” Puri said. “[Homework Helpers] is the biggest thing I think I have done in high school. A lot of families will mention that their student feels much more confident or parents sleep better knowing their student is getting the help they need—because I took a few hours out of my day to sit with them. It’s a surreal feeling.”
With Puri leaving for college to the University of California, Berkeley, leadership is transitioning to a group of students, the planning team, that will oversee the program.
However, Puri will still continue her efforts to support underprivileged communities and stay involved in the program .
“Part of the reason I’m studying [global business and inquiry studies] is because having a global business or nonprofit perspective, is something that will help me continue these efforts,” Puri said. “But just because I am going away, does not mean the program will. I love that I got to start this but I am going to love even more getting to take a step back and see what happens in the future.”
HOMEWORK HELPER VOLUNTEERS run a successful last tutoring session at the Corte Madera Library.