Senior Issue 2023

Editors-in-Chief:

ChloeBishop

KellyChuang

SamKimball

ShylaLensing

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JuliaFrankus

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Spring2023Roster/Positions

RedwoodHighSchool

395DohertyDrive,Larkspur,CA94939 www redwoodbark org

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OpinionEditors: AvaRazavi

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Class of 2023 co-valedictorians announced Recognizing Jackson Bramlette and Sa’ar Lipshitz

By Dani Steinberg

Sa’ar Lipshitz and Jackson Bramlette have been named the co-valedictorians of the Class of 2023. With their grade point averages (GPAs) being almost identical and over 4.5, Principal Barnaby Payne awarded them both the title. Throughout all four years of their high school careers, Bramlette and Lipshitz have followed their interests, regardless of if that meant enrolling in a majority of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses or not.

“I didn’t want to shape my high school [experience] around being valedictorian, but I did kind of know that it was a possibility,” Lipshitz said. “I started thinking about [the likelihood of being valedictorian] probably either junior or senior year. I never really thought that I would [receive the title], but knew I was probably in the running.”

Bramlette entered high school with a similar mindset, and after taking the available advanced courses in middle school, he decided to continue challenging himself through accelerated courses in high school.

“I’ll say that [being named

valedictorian] was in the back of my head. But in my first two years [of high school], I probably had a GPA that was like what a lot of kids had, and I wasn’t that worried about it. Then [in] junior year, I realized I wanted to take harder classes, and I kind of changed my strategy around high school,” Bramlette said. “I’ve always been a nerd, but in high school, my personality has changed a lot. I’ve tried to branch out [socially] from being a nerd because it’s not always so fun.”

Throughout all four years, Lipshitz has not only taken 14 AP classes and three honors classes, but he has also contributed to the Redwood community by partaking in Jazz Band, Advanced Performance Workshop, Chemistry Club and Poetry Club. Regardless of how difficult his classes were, Lipshitz strived to work hard and follow his interests, whether that be in music or learning, which ultimately led him to commit to Stanford University.

Similarly, Bramlette decided in high school that he would work hard, push himself and in turn, get a high GPA to attract colleges. The primary result of his goal was committing to Columbia University.

Regardless of his intentions, Bramlette emphasized that his 10 AP and six honors classes during his time at Redwood did not stop him from participating in the community. Despite his rigorous schedule, he is president of the Poetry Club and on the varsity tennis team, in addition to growing as a person individually and socially. Bramlette’s intense schedule and involvement in the community has allowed him to gain more knowledge than the typical high school student.

“I’ve learned a lot. … I feel like I have a base knowledge that a lot of high schoolers don’t [have] about a number of topics. And I think that’s the best way to approach college. I’m not 100 percent sure of what I’m interested in, and I might be interested in learning a number of topics, but I have a base knowledge in a lot of subjects,” Bramlette said.

Redwood has named two valedictorians, it is not common. However, Payne believed looking into other aspects of the two students’ transcripts would be unfair.

“[Valedictorian is solely based on] GPA. [Lipshitz and Bramlette did] not have identical [GPAs] because they’ve taken different classes, but the separation was so minute that I started to look into their transcripts and classes and that felt like kind of going too far,” Payne said.

It’s fun that we’re both nerds and we both have a similar friend group. And now we ... both get the award.

Jackson Bramlette, co-valedictorian

Although this is not the first time

While these two are the only students to be named valedictorian this year, it is notable that over 180 seniors have a weighted GPA of a 4.0 or above.

Bramlette and Lipshitz have both worked incredibly hard to further explore their interests and have also been friends since kindergarten, making this award even more meaningful for the two.

“We’ve been friends and peers — we have gone through different paths through high school in terms of academics — but it’s fun that we’re both nerds and we both have a similar friend group. And now we happen to have similar enough GPAs that we both get the award,” Bramlette said.

Lipshitz has no regrets in terms of his classes and the work he put into each of them. However, if he had the opportunity to go back and talk to his freshman self, he would have liked to follow his passion for music more seriously.

“I would say to [to my freshman self] to follow my interests and do more music because I didn’t take any music classes until my junior year. And even though I’ve been playing music for a while, I didn’t take any music at Redwood,” Lipshitz said. “I think I would have liked to follow my interest in music and have more performances, play more songs and get better.”

Bramlette and Lipshitz will be honored and speak at the graduation ceremony for

dsteinberg@redwoodbark.org

Nov. 20, 2022

Aug. 17, 2022

The Class of 2023 begins their first day of senior year.

Sept. 8, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II dies after her 70-year reign.

Sept. 16, 2022

-

Dec. 18, 2022

Mahsa Amini is killed in Iran, sparking protests across the country.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup begins in Qatar.

JACKSON BRAMLETTE AND Sa’ar Lipshitz began their educational journey together in kindergarten and are now ending it together as the Class of 2023 valedictorians.

Photo by Sam Kimball

Best hikes in Marin

high school ● 395 doherty dr., larkspur, ca 94939 ● volume LXV, no. 7 ● june 5, 2023 ● www.redwoodbark.org

Best hikes Marin

Wellness Specialist Language classes cut Preps of the Year Students create mural

Low enrollment impacts language department offerings

By Erica Block

As the 2023 school year comes to a close and students look forward to the following year, a group of students and teachers have voiced frustration with recent course changes that reduce their choice in language elective offerings. At the end of February 2023, Redwood adjusted its language department offerings, removing French 7-8 and Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Literature for the 2023-2024 school year due to decreased enrollment from students. This decision has been a topic of discussion for the past year as there has been a trend of declining student enrollment, with the classes failing to reach the 30 student quota necessary to fund them. Many students have been forced to reroute their elective paths at Redwood, looking to College of Marin (COM) and other educational platforms to continue advancing in their respective languages.

The upper-level French classes were the first to be cut, as enrollment numbers

“I have been working hard to promote and create a robust French program, and if the school starts cutting the course offerings, it takes away from that. For students who signed up for French 1 as ninth graders, they should have the option to take it all the way through [senior year]. … I feel personally invested in these students so it makes me sad for them,” Plescia said.

For some who are finishing up French 8 this semester, it is disappointing to see their current program cut for future students. Junior Natalie Poncet is currently enrolled in French 8 and emphasizes the role learning French has played in her high school experience.

“It makes me really upset to think [that] the people who are in [French] 5-6 right now [won’t] have the opportunity to keep [learning in] an incredible class, unless they really make the effort. Many people find it too difficult to go to College of Marin to take class, so they just stop learning [the language] all together,” Poncet said.

well and therefore everyone is so much more comfortable speaking in class and talking. Because of that, it is a safe learning environment, in ways better than a lot of my other classes. I feel like I have gotten really close with every single student, especially in 7-8 because everyone wants to be there and wants to try,” Poncet said.

Poncet noted that it is the small size of the French program that gives it so much depth. However, this program’s small size resulted in the French department receiving less attention or recognition.

The feelings of disappointment from the French department have been shared by other language classes which have also borne the brunt of the recent changes.

Nicolle Plescia,

teacher

María Fernanda Civano, teacher of Spanish for Spanish speakers 1-2, AP Spanish Language and Culture and Spanish 3-4, shares a similar sentiment regarding the recent cuts made in the language department, specifically the recent cut of AP Spanish Literature. Civano vocalized that the reductions in the language department are part of a greater topic of equity within the school.

“We are at a loss of why [these class cuts are] happening from the standpoint of equity to begin with. The district is doing a lot of work with equity and anti-racism with the teacher and task force committees, so for me, [offering AP Spanish Literature] is one of the ways you can show what you are doing,” Civano said. “AP Spanish Literature is a rigorous course that someone who may not know that much English, or can’t access other courses as easily, can attend. This class is important for many of those students for validating their identity and doing something they will be good at, or being surrounded by like-minded

NEWS BRIEFS

By Coco Boyden

On Thursday, May 25, a new Crumbl Cookies opened in the Vintage Oaks Mall in Novato. Before this new opening, the closest Crumbl from Redwood was in Petaluma. But now, with a location in Novato, Crumbl will be more accessible for students and those in the area.

Crumbl is a well-known chain bakery that makes gourmet cookies, famous for being large, warm and freshly baked, with a rotating menu each week. The organization was established in 2017 and has since extended with numerous establishments across the US.

cboyden@redwoodbark.org

Jan. 19, 2023

The national debt limit is reached.

By Chloe Bishop

On May 17, 2023, Montana became the first U.S. state to officially ban TikTok. Signed by Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, the ban was a product of heightened debates regarding potential privacy violations and unsafe information gathered by the Chinese government. Although there is no direct evidence to prove either claim thus far, Chinese laws do allow their government to take advantage of TikTok users’ data and records. The ban in Montana is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, but challenges of the bill by groups such as TikTok and the American Civil Liberties Union may hamper this timeline. The bill has already surfaced in court numerous times. If the legislation remains untouched, violators of the law, including platforms that offer the app for download, will be subject to fines up to $10,000 a day.

cbishop@redwoodbark.org

Feb. 23, 2023

By Ella Erwig

From May 22 to 26, Leadership hosted a spirit week in celebration of the end-of-year rally! Monday’s theme was athleisure, where students wore either pajamas or athletic clothing to start off the week comfortably. Tuesday was Tie vs. Tie-Dye, where students could wear a tie or tie-dye clothing. On Wednesday, students wore outfits mimicking actor and comedian Adam Sandler’s iconic style. Thursday was Red Out, and students wore red clothing to show off their school spirit and get excited about the day’s rally! To end off the week, students either dressed in “biker outfits,” such as black leather, or their favorite beach or surfer wear as Friday’s theme was Biker vs. Surfer. With all of the fun themes and the rally, the end of the year spirit week was a blast!

people.”

Civano points out that AP Spanish Literature offers a unique opportunity compared to AP Spanish Language and Culture, as it focuses more on Latinx authors and significant countries and eras in the culture.

“[AP Spanish Literature] is a super culturally charged course. It is important in the [current divided] world to learn how to appreciate different cultures in a way that is appropriate and valuable. [Teachers] can provide that in these advanced classes,” Civano said.

The reduction of these classes frustrates those who feel as if it goes against one of the key aspects of Redwood’s mission in building wellrounded students.

“It’s frustrating. We are trying to make a difference. If we are trying to make a difference and provide students with the best experience they can have to become ‘global citizens,’ then we need to give them the tools to do that. This is an investment. You invest in the students and the ‘why’ of this school,” Civano said.

Both Civano and Plescia observe that the reduction goes beyond simply not being able to take French or Spanish.

“I hope that everyone will consider that there are a lot of different layers to the [new changes.] [The reduction is significant] in the perspective of electives in general, not just language. We want kids to have a varied experience in high school. I think it’s important to give kids the choices they want. Especially in language, because I believe in [learning a] language so much,” Plescia said.

By Kate DeForrest

Social Issues and World History teacher Christy Silkworth will begin her role as a leadership teacher during the 2023-2024 school year alongside current teacher David Plescia. Silkworth will be taking the place of teacher Melissa Boles, who will be moving to a part time position.

Although it is far from the start of the new school year, Silkworth has already begun her work interviewing rising ninth graders for the leadership program. While her plans for the 2023-2024 year are to get comfortable in her new role, in the future she hopes to bring more diversity to the program and create events that appeal to all different students.

“[Leadership] looks like a fun class that gives me an opportunity to get more involved in school activities,” Silkworth

March 27, 2023

Three children and three adults were killed in the Covenant School Nashville shooting.

shot down off the coast of South Carolina.

[The reduction is significant] in the perspective of electives in general, not just language.

Harvey Weinstein is sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Feb. 24, 2023

Snow falls on Mt. Tam amidst many atmospheric rivers.

March 30, 2023 Donald Trump is indicted.

Photo Survey

District music program faces budget cuts

By Michael Seton

On March 15, the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) board discussed reducing the district’s music program by cutting two year-long classes. Subsequently, on May 9, the board unanimously agreed to move forward with these cuts by eliminating 40 percent of a full-time music teaching role at Archie Williams High School.

At the initial meeting, TUHSD Assistant Superintendent Wes Cedros discussed the impact of the cuts on the music program.

“No programming would be cut,” Cedros said. “We’re adjusting staffing levels to enrollment.”

A full-time music program requires a minimum enrollment of 130 students and ideally 140 to 160 students. Cedros explained the program cuts are being made to reflect the lower number of students who chose the music elective for next year.

Projections based on current student course requests at each high school show music enrollment increasing next year at Redwood and Tamalpais High School (Tam). However, music enrollment at Archie Williams will drop precipitously from 125 to 78 students, which does not meet the threshold for a full-time program.

Over 20 parents attended the March TUHSD board meeting to express their displeasure with this decision. There were differing viewpoints on what has caused the decline in music enrollment within the district. Many argued that music programs were more severely impacted by pandemicrelated distance learning requirements than other classes.

“We need to give music programs more time to bounce back,” said Tam High School parent Diane Brockob. “They need more leeway to bring back their enrollments after the extreme challenges of distance learning.”

However, local professional musician and educator, Eric Allen, did not believe that COVID-19 was the cause of decreasing enrollment.

“If [COVID-19] was the issue, our middle school programs would also be in shambles, but they aren’t. They all have very strong numbers and are growing.

White Hill Middle School has 92 students in band and orchestra, but Archie Williams has a small fraction of this number,” Allen said. “When there is a strong middle school program and a weak high school program, it means there are problems at the high school. It’s not just bad luck or coincidence. Students are not being engaged, they’re not having fun and they’re not sticking with music. Middle school families hear about this and choose to do other electives instead.”

Other parents expressed confusion about how the proposed cuts would not impact programming as the board members had indicated.

“Guitar and percussion are already combined in one class, so I don’t know how you could not impact the programming by cutting a class,” said Tam parent Trish Keane.

Ross Valley School District music teacher Peter Santucci had similar doubts.

“Cutting a music class is not the same

as cutting one section of ninth grade math. If you combine a band class with a guitar class or a computer music class, none of those kids are served well,” Santucci said.

Freshman music student Charles Later expressed concerns about the proposed changes for students.

“Music is a big part of people’s lives, and it impacts their performance in other activities and helps them perform better [overall],” Later said. “[Reducing the program] would cut off a lot of student’s interest in music, so they would quit, and it would reduce the amount of musicians at Redwood.”

Cutting 40 percent of a full-time music teaching role will generate approximately $68,000 in savings, according to district Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Corbett Elsen.

“Getting smaller is often harder than getting bigger,” said board member Cynthia Roenisch. “We need to make sure we’re being fiscally prudent and aligning our staffing with our enrollment moving forward.”

mseton@redwoodbark.org

“I’m looking forward to the sunny weather, traveling and going to the beach.”

“I’m really excited to see my family on the East Coast.”

“I’m excited for my senior trip where I will get to spend a lot of quality time with my closest friends.”

“I’m

looking forward to traveling with friends and enjoying the celebration of my senior year.”

What are you most excited for this summer?

Wyatt Marshall senior

Lina Ibrahim senior

Lucas Nordin senior

Maddie Buck senior

April 20, 2023

SpaceX’s rocket launch fails due to engine failure.

May 6, 2023

King Charles II is crowned.

May 11, 2023

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ends.

June 8, 2023

The Class of 2023 graduates.

Timeline and illustrations by Sawyer Barta and Julia Frankus

Heavy winter rain prompts colorful superbloom

By Kate DeForrest

After experiencing unprecedented amounts of rainfall this past winter, California is experiencing a superbloom for the first time since 2019. The phenomenon occurs when annual winter flowers bloom all at once in a previously dry landscape. Some of the most common flowers currently blooming are poppies, lupines and other wildflowers.

Senior Holden Hitchcock, president of the Botany Club, explains that while the superbloom may seem unique, it is actually a natural process for many ecosystems, especially in California’s Mediterranean climate.

“The superbloom refers to when California gets inundated with a lot of water. As a result, flowers that lay dormant in the ground for decades upon decades have enough resources, usually water, in order to bloom. So you see these massive areas with colorful wildflowers and a superbloom. It’s very integral to the ecosystem of California,” Hitchcock said.

Although the superbloom this year may seem especially large to those who have not seen one before, the size of the blooms in California have decreased as the state has become more populous. Catherine Wolfers is a University of California Master Gardener, who informs the public about horticulture, the study of plants in gardens or greenhouses. Wolfers notes that the previous size of superblooms have exceeded that of today’s.

“The superbloom that we’re having now is a fraction of what it was 100 years ago. As more and more people have moved to California, not only for housing, but [also] for agriculture, all of these native seeds have been wiped out. So the fact that we are still able to get this superbloom is pretty amazing, and it’s a great indicator [of the health of the environment],” Wolfers said.

Images with acres of colorful flowers filling the middle of arid desert regions have attracted travelers around the state, who hope to take their own photos of the rare and beautiful occurrence. However,

Wolfers notes the importance of preserving ecosystems and their natural cycles when viewing the flowers.

“A bad application [of a superbloom] is when everybody wants to go take their Instagram pictures and flock to these areas, and then [you have to] worry about [the flowers] getting trampled. When that happens, it not only kills the plant, but it kills the potential for those seeds to spread,” Wolfers said.

Hitchcock also added that the flowers shown in many photos from other regions in California are not endemic to those areas. Rather, they can also be experienced in Marin and the Bay Area.

“Usually, when we think of superblooms, we think more about Southern California and areas that are drier than Marin County. However, even though [the county] gets more wetness on average, you can still see the superbloom here in [Marin]. You can see [the flowers] on Horse Hill around the highways, with an above average amount of flowers

blooming. I don’t think you need to get in the car and go look for it,” Hitchcock said.

Both Hitchcock and Wolfers find that by planting native flowers in local gardens and yards instead of lawns and other foreign plants, it is possible to continue to see these flowers in the future. Wolfers also stresses the importance of superblooms in California’s history and its value in the environment.

“People have been [viewing the superbloom] for generations, ever since the early 1900s when people were starting to get cars and drive out into nature. There are pictures of Victorian times of people going out and visiting these superblooms …. [which are] a good reminder to appreciate the beauty in our world and not take it for granted, and to rejoice when it happens and enjoy it as much as you can with your eyes as opposed to picking or walking or a fleeting Instagram moment,” Wolfers said.

kdeforrest@redwoodbark.org

Anna Rochester & Brian Svendson

Ellen & Steve Taylor

Richard Thalheimer

The Tribolet Family

The Tuatini Family

Kim Tully-Sutton

The Turkington Family

Dawn Valler

Nicole Vanderlee

Bella Von Pervieux

Caroline Wabl

Kimberly Wagner

Pere Wait

Charlotte Waldinger

Chantel Walker

Samantha Walravens

The Weasler Family

Holly & Mike Welch

Kitty White

Dave & Lizzie Wiener

Nancy & Larry Wilson

Lindsay Wilson

Dean Wozniak

Sellers

Crhristopher & Corinne Seton

Lida Shams

Sydney Shaw

Peter & Roberta Sherman

Wendy Shewmaker

Anna Rochester & Brian Shoichet

Jena Shore

The Sichel Family

Jennifer Sicklick

Mike & Alison Silva

Jace & Scott Sims

Nina Smallhorn

Karalyn Smith

Victoria & Michael Song

The Song Family

Lida & Kaveh Soofer

Jill & Seth Steinberg

Amanda Stephens

Deborah A. Lightfoot & Andrew P.

Stone

Rachel Stone

Bonnie M. Stone

Barrie Stone

The Strotz Family

Kathi Sullivan

Kristina Svendsen

Wes Yee

Patricia & David Young

Pascal & Steffi Zata

Connie & Jeff Zlot

SO VIBRANT THAT they can be viewed from space, flowers from the superbloom cover acres of previously empty land.

Photo by Kate DeForrest

LARGE GROUPS OF cow parsnip grow in the Marin Headlands due to unprecedented amounts of rain this winter and spring.

Photo by Kate DeForrest

Femininity is a man’s worst nightmare

Multitudes of depression

By Ava Razavi

With depression impacting over 300 million people a year worldwide, it’s probable that many have a similar experience to the one described. Nonetheless, that is not the only form of depression that exists — it’s one of many. So, let’s talk about it.

Depression expresses itself in multitudes. Some people are able to hide their depression behind plastic smiles and fake laughter; others are not. It’s no surprise some feel they need to conceal their condition. While there is nothing shameful about having a sickness, our world is not kind to those with invisible illnesses. We have judged and invalidated those who can’t fully explain the darkness that exists in their minds. With this lack of empathy in conversations surrounding depression, it’s not surprising that many people are fearful of opening up about their depression when it doesn’t align with society’s view of it.

Depression isn’t a fixed and stagnant condition. It ebbs and flows depending on external factors. One of these levels is a more mild, yet persistent, form of depression called smiling depression. Medical professionals define the condition as a subsection of depression where people are able to hide their depression behind a happy, “healthy” exterior.

Those with smiling depression do not fit into the mold of depression that the media loves to portray but still have a valid experience. The feelings of hopelessness and apathy exist in their minds but are hidden behind masks. Everyone experiences depression differently. For some, it hits quickly and strongly and then it passes. Others fall into depression slowly and remain in that dark hole for weeks on end before feeling any sort of relief. There is a lot in between and that’s okay. You don’t have to meet every one of the hundreds of WebMD-approved symptoms of depression for your condition to be validated.

Depression hurts. Whether one hides their condition or not, it’s an illness that takes a toll with every breath taken. Your neighbor, best friend, significant other or even favorite Bark opinion columnist could be struggling internally and you could never know.

In times like these — when you’re so in your head about your illness — it can be hard to see the support system that surrounds you. Rest assured, there are people who love and care for you. I’ve relished the empathy that my distant relatives, classmates and the occasional strangers have to offer just as much as I have in the empathy of my closest loved ones.

I won’t tell you it gets better because, honestly, I don’t know if it will. But if you ever feel like it’s getting too much for you to be able to handle it on your own, please know that it’s okay for you to reach out for help.

If you are struggling with your mental health, reference the resources provided. Redwood’s Wellness Center is open during school hours and has counselors available. If you are more comfortable over the phone, the Suicide Hotline 988 is available 24/7. If you or someone you know has hurt themselves or others, call 911 immediately.

“the constellation of socially regressive male traits that serve to foster domination, the devaluation of women, homophobia and want on violence.”

Thus, the cause of toxic masculinity lies in a deeply rooted fear of femininity, which young boys develop as they associate their primary caregiver, a universally assigned female role, with being nurturing and caring. This fear of femininity leads to overly aggressive men who project their internalized misogyny on others.

“Femmephobia” is a term used to describe the fear and hatred of things associated with femininity and includes behavior, physical presentation, rejecting the color pink and showing emotion. Those who are femmephobic can internalize misogyny, shame others, police other’s gender expression and behave violently. A survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 46 percent of men reported that it was either very or somewhat important for them to be perceived as “manly or masculine.” While wanting to be viewed as masculine isn’t necessarily a bad thing alone, when this desire becomes coupled with femmephobia, it leads to a harmful outcome.

principle of exclusion. This results in the male identity becoming so incredibly fragile that men go to extreme lengths to avoid any bends or breaks in that identity.

Reporter Zanta Nkumane reflected on how he was encouraged to denounce femininity from a young age in an article for Mail & Guardian.

“‘To man up,’ I began to [defeminize] myself. … I monitored my hand gestures, started spending my break times with the boys and took up sports I had no particular interest in. The further I was from being feminine, the closer I was to acceptance — or so I thought,” Nkumane said. “My own defeminisation stemmed from my desire to fit into the [standardized] concept of masculinity.”

Some argue toxic masculinity is simply a shaming tactic used by modern feminists and that so-called “toxic” traits are entirely subjective. However, there are certain aspects of masculinity that are harmful when expressed in an extreme way.

Within the last few years, the American Psychological Association released new guidelines for therapists working with boys and men, issuing a warning that aggression, misogyny and negative health outcomes are all possible results of extreme expression of “traditional” masculine traits. Toxic masculinity stemming from the fear of femininity is not attacking manhood or masculine identity by any means; it is simply calling out the harm in expressing specific masculine traits to the extreme.

Societal masculine ideals, like physical strength, strong sexual performance and social respect, have the potential to become dangerous when unrealistic standards are set. In fact, they can pressure boys and men to use force to maintain positions of dominance and control. For many men, lowering the facade of masculinity means putting their privilege and power in jeopardy. Thus, to reverse this narrative, we must teach young boys and men that there is power and respect in vulnerability and not just one single way to “be a man.”

Research in this field indicates that femininity is regarded by men as an endangerment to a man’s sense of self, and leads to emotional inexpressiveness and difficulties with intimacy. By rejecting everything feminine, the basis of masculinity is established on the lhakimi@redwoodbark.org

Illustration by Carsen Goltz

Editors-in-chief farewell letters

Chloe Bishop Kelly Chuang

all know the saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” On its surface, the aphorism is quite admirable. I mean, who doesn’t desire a utopian community where all people do is smile and To make a long story short: I don’t.

parents used to tell me I was too sassy a knowif you will but I like to say I was just passionate. always questioned the logic behind rules I disliked (typically to be chastised with a “because I said so”) seldom let things go undisputed. While this may led me into many timeouts years ago, inquisition is celebrated in Bark Throughout my time here, I have learned the power of saying those not nice things. reassess Marin’s health facade, leading me down a trail of bone-chilling, eye-opening truth about our mental illness and substance abuse rates

I haven’t seen our county through the same lens since. Had I not been encouraged to dive into the not-so-nice reality underneath Marin’s false front of wellness, I may never have sharpened the perspective I have today or been able to share that with the community. Later on, learning about the unique trauma-informed education style of San Andreas High School inadvertently carved out my newfound skepticism of the schooling system I’ve always known, forming a center spread dedicated to a potentially not nice conversation.

But, I have without a doubt learned the most about not nice conversations from fellow Barkies. Your articles on suicide prevention, grief and playing sports in a time of mourning have brought tears to my eyes. Your deep dives into local prison reforms and Marin City have taught me more about my county than living in it has. Class discussions of current events, recent journalistic work and social issues continuously encourage me to think critically and never settle for the status quo. It is because of you all, Barkies, that I yearn for the discussion of not nice things.

To my fellow editors-in-chief, I know I will spend a great deal of time searching for a group of minds willing to dive as deeply as we do into every little topic even if said topic is as simple (but nevertheless as important) as paste-up snacks.

I know for a fact that I will take elements of Bark’s not nice discussions with me for long after I graduate the program and I’m eternally grateful for all you have taught me, Barkies. Thank you for sharing your gift with me.

Signing off, Chloe

cbishop@redwoodbark.org

This year has been a long effort of recalibration, of searching for a peace I’d long misplaced after the pandemic. In the chaos of a newsroom, the complete opposite of what I’d expected, I found a whole family too.

It’s an odd family five parents, 30-something and 30-something aunts and uncles (not to mention 90-something grandkids) but it’s home. We wear matching outfits to the airport, have monthly movie days and bicker and banter. A lot. This family has found new of me, ones revised and refreshing; burdens I’d only experienced on my own were suddenly lifted by more arms than I could count. I walked into room 177 with I’m walking out with more love than I can carry in

It’s been a year of deadlines, crises, meetings on meetings, access to the coolest furniture in the main building, arguments, agreements, nicknames, unsolicited coffee runs, impromptu birthday celebrations, crying, piñatas, embarrassing photos immortalized on the walls and some of the best pizza of my life. Saying goodbye makes this one of the hardest pieces I have ever written.

It’s not only difficult because I’m in denial, but because there are no metaphors great enough to paint the love running through 177. There is no other room like it in my life. I’ve unlearned old, unforgiving habits of building up walls and burning myself out; this program has saved me in that way, by showing me how to trust and rely on others.

One of the individuals that has saved me the most is Sam Kimball, my 5th period co-editor-in-chief. I’ve been trained my whole life to do everything myself, to shoulder the burden of a thousand bodies. Sam has been one of few who have worked by my side through it all, willingly and with a smile always brighter than mine. He’s given me his 150 percent love, the unconditional kind, the kind I’m not used to; it was intimidating to embrace, but now I’ve come to call it a home. He’s on my team, and I’m on his, always.

Franz Wright writes of how walking home, “for a moment/you almost believe you could start again.” If I could start Bark again, I would walk the same steps, trip on the same potholes, laugh at the same jokes and call the same friends. There’s nothing I would change about this home, this team, this family. I’ve lived beautifully these past three years, and as reluctant as I am to admit it’s over, there is no better way I would like to finish out my years as a Barkie.

Over and out, Kelly

kchuang@redwoodbark.org

Sam Kimball Shyla Lensing

When they say “high school is a rollercoaster,” boy oh boy do they mean it. They mean it in the best ways and the not-so-great ones. The loops, the flips, the turns, the drops, you feel all of them and then some. But just like a rollercoaster, high school is not perfect. You don’t always enjoy the free falls and you aren’t always lucky enough to make it in the first car. Still sometimes, despite being deathly afraid of the loops and the rapid speeds, you keep your hands up, hold your breath and take a risk.

Throughout the past years, Bark has taught me more than I have ever known about challenging myself and taking a leap of faith. From small moments such as changing a page layout, to larger decisions like developing a collaborative gun control project, I learned that it is not only okay to feel uncomfortable, but that in Bark, discomfort is accepted, encouraged and rewarded. Bark has led me to places I never imagined I would be. In-depth conversations with the Marin County sheriff, talented Redwood ceramicists and local drivers of change, widened my perspective of their work. Hearing from residents escaping their flame-ridden houses and school shooting survivors taught me that saying yes to any opportunities and welcoming challenges leads to endless possibilities.

I have never been part of a class that has felt as much like a family. In room 177 we lift each other up. We have difficult conversations, but ones that need to be had – ones that unfortunately are not frequently considered or discussed elsewhere.

To you Barkies: thank you for your curiosity, flexibility, passion and commitment to a craft that is so dear to my heart. Listening to your introspective opinions continues to inspire me and push me to take alternate perspectives into account. So now, as I close my notebook and sign off from this lifechanging community, I know it will not be my last time in this field. I am sure I will open a lens shortly down the road, awaiting my next opportunity to help share the unshared and solve the unsolved – all because of the beautiful art of journalism that The Redwood Bark has taught me.

With peace and love, Sam

P.S. Barkies! Anotha day, anotha journalist.

skimball@redwoodbark.org

In Bark’s newsroom, there’s been a lot of discussion about the American flag about its meaning, purpose and its representation of U.S. citizens. We question whether it’s a symbol of patriotism or ostracism. But, what even is patriotism?

We tried to define it in my very first Bark editorial (Modernizing Patriotism), but my vote didn’t go toward it. In fact, I was loudly and aggressively against the editorial. I hated that it would be a reflection of our newsroom and by proxy, a reflection of me.

I stood by my rejection of the flag throughout that conversation, voicing that patriotism would always exclude minorities and be xenophobic to those on the outs. But, through my anger, Bark still welcomed me. Although my nose twitched when I saw the editorial in print, the acceptance in that conversation gave me the encouragement to pursue the narratives that I felt the media and America misrepresented.

A couple of months ago, I stood in Arlington National Cemetery, watching as my grandmother clutched the folded burial flag at my grandpa’s military funeral. With a three-volley salute and star-spangled banners everywhere, the ceremony recognized my Papa for his selflessness and kindness, in saving someone on the battlefield in Vietnam and in smaller moments, like playing Scrabble with me. I suddenly understood how the flag could represent honor and glory, despite its meaning of fear and exclusion for some. In doing so, I finally understood Bark’s words – that patriotism is a fluid, one-size-fitsnone concept.

As the flag waves now, I see many sides, from my Papa’s glowing smile to the white supremacy rallies that strike fear in my heart. I’m still unraveling my thoughts today: I’m cautious around the flag because I have not forgotten its prejudice, but I’m also open to understanding its context for others. I think that that right there is everything Bark represents –challenging our community to think differently about the things we always thought we knew. So, I thank you Bark. For allowing me a space for my beliefs, offering me a platform to tell the stories that often go lost, but most of all, for encouraging me to listen, grow and consider life from a new angle.

Until next time, Shyla

slensing@redwoodbark.org

POLICY: All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of The Bark staff.

District and Board: Support student journalism

Since 1919, student journalism in the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) has flourished due to committed students, hardworking advisers and sufficient funding. However, recent budget cuts and concerning Board decisions endanger the decades of progress these publications have achieved; they limit The Tam News’ scope of reporting, harm The Archie Williams Pitch in their developing stages and cause The Redwood Bark’s new reliance on their generous Redwood High School Foundation. Across all three schools, journalism programs will need to cut interested prospective students to stay afloat next school year. The Board is hurting student journalism and the community they inform district wide.

We all have a vested interest in free press and an informed student body, which is why The Pitch, Tam News and The Bark are standing together in solidarity to protect journalism. We are asking for sufficient funding, time and resources, and most importantly that the TUHSD Board re-evaluate their priorities to support student journalism.

The Pitch, The Tam News and The Bark are important programs because they inspire students to pursue careers in journalism. The Bark has produced numerous Pulitzer Prize winning journalists, with pieces on topics from private security contractors in Iraq to coverage of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, The Tam News has former students writing for the Associated Press, the Financial Times and the New Yorker and The Pitch has won numerous national awards for excellent journalism. These media programs allow for student choice, instruct communication skills, discuss important current events, teach media literacy and provide many more lessons that influence students’ futures.

District budget cuts are taking away the classes that have inspired and molded important journalists, as class periods that are not “full” are not running, despite student interest. One casualty of these budget cuts will be Nonfiction, the prerequisite class to Advanced Journalism that teaches students journalistic practices and style across the district. The Pitch, despite working tirelessly to set up a prerequisite Nonfiction program for their Advanced Journalism class, will need to cut at least 13 prospective journalists from the course, and cut 12 students who signed up for Advanced Journalism. The Bark will need to cut one of its three Nonfiction classes, meaning 14 or more current freshmen who applied to Nonfiction will not be accepted into the program. Additionally, The Bark will be forced to cut a dozen or more students, all who have completed the prerequisite Nonfiction. These students are hardworking, curious and deserving of the opportunity to hone their passion, but unfortunately their chosen educational pathway is not valued.

For many, being cut from the Nonfiction or Advanced Journalism class will likely shut down any desire to continue pursuing journalism. The Tam News is facing similar challenges. Despite a growing program, budget cuts have forced Tam News to drop one of its two Advanced Journalism classes, preventing Nonfiction students from continuing in the program. They will be

A BARK to Senior Ditch Day. Does our beach trip count for APES activity points?

A BITE to AP teachers teaching after the AP test. Absolutely Pathetic.

A BARK to Taylor Swift and Matty Healy supposedly dating. It’s a 1975 and 1989 crossover!

A BITE to finals. We’re all on our final brain cells.

forced to shift from two sections of 24 students to one section of 35.

In order to continue inclusive reporting and publishing high quality articles, the TUHSD journalism classes must be provided with the necessary resources, including allowance for smaller class sizes due to the subject matter and a release period for collaboration. Before 2020, the three TUHSD journalism programs had a release period where advisers and staff leaders were able to plan out class time, give personal feedback to numerous in-depth projects, organize publication layout and have important discussions on high-profile topics before publishing. However, when TUHSD cut the release period, it became increasingly difficult for journalists to produce the publications that we pride ourselves in because advisers were now teaching a new class of 30-plus students instead of spending time on the program. The Tam News specifically noticed a huge change, going from producing a 24-32 page printed magazine to subsequently making a smaller publication that takes three months to produce and is printed half as often. Read more about this impact in a letter to the Board from previous adviser, Jonah Steinhart, by scanning the accompanying QR code.

These cuts are not a result of a lack of effort on the part of our advisers, but rather a lack of funding and support from the district. All of the current program advisers are willing to take on more journalism classes and collaborate with our staff beyond school hours; the problem is that the district is not willing to pay the teachers for this release time or lower the required class sizes for our unique needs. We are asking the Board to adjust its priorities in order to fund our award-winning journalism programs.

We ask that before the adults in power damage our journalism programs further, the elected members come into our classes and observe our work. We want the Board and the district to witness the inspiration, collaboration and dedication that ensues in our classrooms and follows us into our post-graduation journey. We do more than just produce our magazines, newspapers, podcasts, social media platforms and websites. We also shine a light on important stories that may not otherwise be told and foster an inclusive community that continues outside the classroom, all with less time and less funding than before.

The effect the Advanced Journalism program has on students’ present and future is hard to understand without being in one of our seats. We encourage the decision makers to view this situation through the lens of one of the Advanced Journalism or Nonfiction students and understand that our requests are coming from a place of love for the program that has impacted our high school experience so deeply.

Sincerely,

Student Journalists of The Redwood Bark, The Archie Williams Pitch and The Tam News

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 weekly updates from Principal Payne. You know you love him ... xoxo, BP.

A BITE to the schedule next year. It was SMART to give us an extended lunch.

A BARK to the warm weather. The UV 8 and left no crumbs.

A BITE to assigning homework to seniors. A little less hassle, a little more tassel, please.

Redwood High School

395 Doherty Drive Larkspur, CA 94939

www.redwoodbark.org

Editors-in-ChiEf

Chloe Bishop

Kelly Chuang

Sam Kimball

Shyla Lensing

hEad Copy Editors

Rori Anderson

Dani Steinberg

Copy Editors

Sawyer Barta

Elsa Block

Alexandrea Coe

Ella Erwig

Charlotte Fishburne

Mia Ginsburg

Hannah Herbst

Ella Kharrazi

Lily Reese

Anna Royal

Sofia Ruliffson

Maya Winger

opinion Editors

Ava Razavi

Aanika Sawhney

fEaturE Editors

Coco Boyden

Matthew Marotto

LifEstyLEs Editors

Claire Silva

Mayson Weingart

sports Editors

Stella Bennett

Isabella Wagner sports Editor-on-CaLL

Jordan Kimball

nEws Editors

Erica Block

Kate DeForrest

nEws Editor-on-CaLL

Ben Choucroun

rEviEw Editors

Emily Block

Sydney Johnson

vidEo Editor

Will Parsons

spanish Editors

Emily Garcia

Alana Leifer

podCast Editor

Caitlin Beard

BusinEss ManagErs

Gil Ladetzky

Sam Sumski

Wyatt Turkington

soCiaL MEdia ManagErs

Cameryn Smith

Natalie Welch

data anaLyst

Bowen Rivera

wEB dEsignErs

Aidan Carney-Skytt

Robert Lapic

staff iLLustrators

Julia Frankus

Carsen Goltz

Calla McBride

MuLtiMEdia dEsignEr

Sarah Goody

staff photographErs

Lauren Poulin

Cole Seifer

sEnior staff writErs

Sophia Buckholtz

Gemma Favaloro

Justine Fisch

Ingrid Houtkooper

Sabrina Kizer

Gillian Reynolds

Maddie Sofnas

Ani Svendsen

rEportErs

Arjun Aujla

Ava Carlson

Emilie Erickson

Pasha Fooman

Grace Gehrman

Lili Hakimi

Andie Johnston

BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.

Gabriella Rouas

Michael Seton

Kyler Wang

advisEr

Erin Schneider

“A letter from The Bark, The Tam News and The Pitch”

Scan here to see the impact of budget cuts in a letter to the Board from Former Tam News adviser Jonah Steinhart.

Voces ELD reflejan sobre cuatro años en Redwood

Por Ava Carlson

Cada primer periodo los lunes, martes y jueves, el salón de clase de la profesora Zeiher está en sesión para los diez estudiantes del duodécimo grado que están en el programa del desarrollo del idioma inglés (ELD). El salón número 139 está lleno de sonido, música en español, conversaciones de los estudiantes y las explicaciones de los tutores trabajando para ayudar con temas difíciles.

Unos estudiantes de esta clase hablaron con el Bark para compartir sus experiencias en Redwood en estos últimos cuatro años.

Mayra Campos, una estudiante en esta clase de ELD, dijo que sus años fueron muy buenos y alegres.

“Tuve muchos momentos divertidos con mis amigos, e hice muchas buenas amistades. También muchas amistades que se fueron de la escuela, pero tengo recuerdos especiales de ellos. Los maestros me ayudaron mucho. Ellos siempre me apoyaron en sus clases y para salir adelante con mis sueños y metas,” Campos dijo.

Noé Chaj-Herrera, otro estudiante en la clase ese día, estaba contento con su tiempo en Redwood también.

“Mi experiencia aquí fue buena, y la escuela es muy bonita. Siempre me ha gustado estar aquí. Realmente, no hay nada que quiero cambiar sobre mi experiencia, estoy feliz con todo,” Chaj-Herrera dijo.

A pesar de su sentimiento de no querer cambiar nada, él compartió algunas lecciones que se hubiera querido decir a sí mismo en su primer año aquí.

“Si pudiera decir unas cosas, probablemente seran que debes dar tu atención porque los maestros pueden enseñarte mucho y también debes tratar de aprovechar las maneras de apoyo que la escuela provee,” Chaj-Herrera dijo.

traducidas. Él habló un poco sobre la clase de 2023.

“En mi grado, me divertí desde que llegué aquí. No era muy difícil hacer amigos en esa clase, y no era muy difícil entender la cultura de Redwood y Marin. A pesar de los efectos de la pandemia, en todo este grado parece muy normal y promedio,” Louis dijo.

Cuando él estaba pensando sobre las cosas que le llamaron la atención durante sus años aquí, los recuerdos de sus clases y los eventos escolares le vinieron a la mente de nuevo.

Noé Chaj-Herrera, senior

Campos también tuvo algunas palabras que le hubiera gustado impartir a sí misma cuando era más joven.

“Algo que me diría a mí en los años pasados sería trabajar más, y tener más ganas de estudiar, porque las opciones para nuestros futuros dependen de las notas y pueden llevarte a un mejor lugar,” Campos dijo.

Cephas Louis, otro estudiante de ELD, compartió que su creencia sobre la escuela es que si los estudiantes tratan de ser ellos mismos mientras que tratan de enfocarse en las materias académicas, pueden tener mucho poder en sus vidas. Louis quiso responder en inglés, así que sus citas son

“Para decir la verdad, me encanta la clase de matemáticas. La disfruté mucho como un tema para estudiar. Otro punto especial es que fui a prom los dos años mientras estaba en los undécimo y duodécimo grados, y tuve una experiencia muy divertida las dos veces,” Louis dijo.

Glendy Vicente se enfocó más en su tiempo en ELD cuando estaba pensando en sus recuerdos especiales de la escuela.

“En el tema de recuerdos específicos, mis favoritos probablemente son las oportunidades de compartir experiencias con la clase de ELD. Celebramos las semejanzas y diferencias entre nuestras culturas, y las tradiciones de los países que dejamos atrás,” Vicente dijo.

Cuando consideró todo su tiempo en Redwood, ella se sintió positiva sobre los años que pasó aquí.

“El periodo de mi vida cuando

Baila tu camino entre la comunidad Latina

Por Emily Garcia Cub Reporter

Durante la semana del 15 de mayo, maestras de Redwood organizaron varios eventos relacionados con la cultura hispana que ocurrieron durante días y periodos diferentes en Redwood para que todos los estudiantes pudieran disfrutar.

Alison do Carmo y Melissa Zeiher fueron las organizadoras de esta semana cultural. La Profesora Zeiher, una maestra de español y ELD estaba tan apasionada por esta semana y por compartir su amor por la comunidad Latina.

“[La cultura latina] se ha hecho parte de nuestras vidas y queremos compartir esa pasión y amor que hemos sentido. También queremos que los estudiantes sean inspirados igualmente para seguir aprendiendo e involucrándose,” Zeiher dijo.

Alison do Carmo, también una maestra de español y de ELD, se siente como Zeiher y compartió unas palabras sobre cómo se organizó la semana llena de eventos.

“Nos gusta mucho la cultura y por eso tenemos muchos contactos. Por eso empezamos a pensar, ¿por qué no pueden venir y dar clases aquí? Pero cuesta dinero y por eso agradecemos mucho a Redwood Foundation porque nos dio el dinero para poder hacer todo esto,” do Carmo dijo.

Involucrándose en la comunidad latina y conociendo a muchas personas entre esa comunidad ayudó a crear la idea de esta semana. El 16 de mayo, estudiantes de segundo y tercer periodo fueron a la biblioteca a ver películas hechas por cineastas latinoamericanos. Ellos tuvieron la oportunidad de hablar a Megan Martinez Goltz y Alan Dominguez, creadores de las

películas, “The Ground I Stand On” (El suelo en el que me paro ), una historia de un poeta mexicano, Alejandro Jiménez e “Historias de Cultura: Oaxaca en Santa Cruz” que habla de la comida de Oaxaca cerca de Megan.

“Fui a un evento de estas películas hace unos meses y vi un documental de comida que también venía con otras cosas y me gustó mucho y por eso me comuniqué con Diana, que organiza otros eventos de cine. Ella me ayudó a ponerme en contacto con otros documentales que fueran de interés,” Zeiher dijo.

Ella piensa que una entrada a una comunidad es a través del arte. Aparte del cine, diferentes formas de baile también tienen un gran impacto en la gente y pueden ser divertidas de explorar.

“La salsa es una forma de entrar y participar en la cultura, es como un punto de partida como una forma de conocer a gente. Es algo que me encanta ver cuando viajo. ¿Cómo es la escena de bailes aquí? ¿Cómo es la salsa aquí? Es como una forma de ser parte de la comunidad aunque no soy parte de esa comunidad,” Zeiher dijo.

Por eso, las profesoras Zeiher y do Carmo trajeron a muchas personas como Fernanda Cedeño, Angélica Medina y Jahaira Fajardo para enseñar diferentes formas de baile. Bailes latinos como salsa, bachata y samba son muy populares y a la estudiante Sara Hernández le encantó ver a sus compañeros intentar bailar estas formas de baile.

“Fue super divertido, vi a algunos de mis maestros de español y algunos de mis amigos que no son latinos o hispanos aprendiendo a bailar bachata y eso me alegró tanto,” Hernández dijo.

Hernández también explicó porque se sentía tan feliz por sus compañeros.

“Siempre es super magnifico que otras personas de otras culturas aprendan sobre otros tipos de culturas de otros países como la bachata de la república dominicana. Yo tengo familia de allí y saber de que hay personas que quieren aprender sobre la bachata es super increíble.”

Zeiher también enfatiza la necesidad de diversidad en el aprendizaje cultural de sus estudiantes.

“[La cultura es] una forma de abrir la perspectiva, considerar otra experiencias o ver otro mundo que quizás no ven en sus propias vidas,” Zeiher dijo.

Do Carmo también habló de la importancia de saber que hay muchas oportunidades cercanas para explorar

estaba asistiendo a Redwood fue una experiencia muy buena. He vivido hasta ahora con interacciones con muchas personas de culturas y perspectivas diferentes. Algo especial de esta escuela es que hay muchos estudiantes que hablan español aquí, así puedo comunicarme en español o inglés con mis compañeros de clase,” Vicente dijo.

Campos habló sobre los procesos importantes y las dificultades de estar en su último año en la escuela.

“El último año, lo describiría como un año difícil porque tienes que pensar a qué colegio o universidad puedes asistir. Es un poco estresante porque tienes que hacer muchas aplicaciones, y en mi lugar, tienes que buscar dinero de apoyo. Afortunadamente, lo bueno es que tengo muchos maestros que me ayudan,” Campos dijo.

Los estudiantes del salón número 139 están emocionados por los tiempos por delante. Chaj-Herrera, Campos, Louis y Vicente planean ir a la universidad en otoño, y a disfrutar el verano. ChajHerrera está contento de ir a la universidad. Campos está feliz por tener más tiempo libre para pasar tiempo con amigos antes de salir y también para descansar. Louis está emocionado de ir a un viaje planeado a Oregon a San Diego con unos amigos durante el verano. Y mientras Vicente no tiene planes específicos para el verano, ella está feliz por crearlos en el futuro con amigos cuando el año escolar se termine.

acarlson@redwoodbark.org

diferentes culturas y comunidades.

“Muchas veces [los estudiantes] no saben que hay gente aquí que enseña baile o música de la cultura de ellos. Queríamos que vieran que hay oportunidades de participar en su propia cultura aquí en el Bay Area y en Marin y que todos ellos se sienten apoyados y que tengan experiencias auténticas,” do Carmo dijo.

Las dos maestras están muy orgullosas del resultado de esta semana y Zeiher comentó sobre sus metas para el futuro.

“Espero que esto sea el comienzo, nos gustaría agregar más eventos para el año que viene y seguir invitando y que sea una tradición. Ha habido mucho éxito yo creo,” Zeiher dijo.

AYUDANDO A UNA estudiante, la educadora Xenia Rodriguez ofrece apoyo academico a estudiantes de ELD.

Realmente, no hay nada que quiero cambiar sobre mi experiencia.

EN PAREJAS DE dos, los estudiantes en tercer periodo de español y educación física bailan juntos en el gimnasio.

Foto por Emily Garcia

ROTC: The rewarding road less traveled

By Anna Royal and Sofia Ruliffson

“[During field training exercises, the Army] ships us off two hours away to Michigan. … You’re eating MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat), which is nasty military food, you’re in the same clothes every day, you don’t have a bathroom and you’re just running terrains. … It’s absolutely pouring — there’s hail and snow,” Alex Odland, Redwood alumna and current University of Notre Dame Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet, said.

For many, this would be torture, but for others, including several Redwood graduates, it is a prime leadership training experience.

ROTC is a program training college students to become military officers in the branch they choose (eg. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines). The program consists of military-based courses and training that prepare students mentally, physically and emotionally to serve as an officer in the U.S. military.

Every year, Redwood hosts representatives from each branch of the military to come speak to students about ROTC, according to College and Career Center Specialist Becky Bjursten.

“I know students that are currently [at Redwood] that have applied for ROTC scholarships, which is usually a full scholarship and a commitment to serve afterward, but you can also be involved in an ROTC program on your campus without a scholarship, and that is sometimes an avenue to later get a scholarship if you decide you want to serve,” Bjursten said.

In addition to the scholarships provided by the ROTC program, many students choose to take this route instead of attending a traditional military academy, such as the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Armando Hisquierdo is a sophomore

MARCHING

at Diablo Valley College and has been partaking as a cadet in the University of California (UC), Berkeley ROTC program while in community college. Hisquierdo has been accepted to transfer to UC Berkeley for his junior year.

He explained that the main benefit of being part of the ROTC program involves a balance between training and a typical college lifestyle.

“You go to West Point, [and it] is pretty much nothing but the Army or whatever branch you join; whereas [in] ROTC, you’re going to school [at] whatever four-year [college] you want to go to. But, you’re also doing military [training], so you can live the best of both worlds,” Hisquierdo said. “You [also] meet different people that aren’t necessarily rich or have the connections

to get into a prestigious school like West Point or the Naval Academy. Everyone is able to join through any background, so [it offers] a more diverse group of people.”

The multitude of benefits that ROTC offers has attracted numerous Redwood students throughout the years, including senior Rowe Stodolnic. After attending a summer program at West Point, Stodolnic learned about ROTC as an alternate path, deciding to partake in Army ROTC at Brown University starting in the fall of 2023.

Stodolnic is motivated to take advantage of ROTC as an intense undergraduate leadership education that he hopes will culminate into a four- or five-year career in the Army as an officer in his first choice branch: Infantry, the Army’s boots on the ground during combat.

In addition to the extensive leadership training, Stodolnic looks forward to the additional opportunities within ROTC, such as unique summer courses and training experiences.

“You [obtain] a lot of leadership skill training and social training, but also I’m looking forward to a lot of the physical training [such as] summer training, [which includes airborne] school, where you’re jumping out of planes. There’s also water and dive training,” Stodolnic said.

Many Redwood alumni share the same views as Stodolnic regarding the unique education and experience ROTC provides.

Redwood graduate Jimmy Phelan is

a current freshman and ROTC student at Brown University, the same path that Stodolnic will be taking following graduation.

Phelan reflected on his past year as a cadet and explained that while ROTC is a lot of work, the end result is extremely rewarding in a variety of ways.

“The best part about [this program] is that once we finish [training], we all go to breakfast together. [It’s] always nice because you [feel like] you got something done before everyone else is up, and you feel good about yourself. It’s a dopamine rush,” Phelan said.

Also a Redwood alumna and freshman cadet, Odland’s training in the University of Notre Dame ROTC has led her to acquire an understanding of what it takes to be in the Army and thus has developed an immense appreciation for those who work in the military field.

“The respect that you gain for officers [and] for people that dedicate their lives to this is absolutely crazy. These people are loyal and do this service out of selflessness. Some of it is really difficult, and people devote their lives to it. I have gained a huge respect for people in this type of work and have a huge admiration for them,” Odland said.

Odland has immersed herself in the program through several on-campus clubs associated with ROTC including Irish Iron, an Army ROTC lifting club. Additionally, Odland has learned important life habits through ROTC’s intense expectations.

“Time management is a huge thing in this program. … I’m more productive because I’m getting up super early and training with the Army and then doing all [of] my other [commitments]. I’ve become a huge advocate for routines and the ways in which you dedicate your time, and I couldn’t have done that without [ROTC] forcing me to wake up at five in the morning,” Odland said.

Odland found joy in her battalion’s determination and positive attitude throughout the field training exercises, revealing the inspiring people that the ROTC programs attract.

“I think what’s really cool about the people that do these kinds of programs is their perspective on [the work they do]. Where [the average person] might be like ‘Oh, this is so shitty. … I don’t want to be here,’ they’re just happy to be there and happy to be [together]; I’ve always liked that about the program,” Odland said.

IN FORMATION, ROTC Cadet Armando Hisquierdo waves a flag and takes the lead of the University of California-Berkeley Army ROTC Battalion.

Photo courtesy of Armando Hisquierdo

RAPPELLING DOWN A building, Cadet Alex Odland trains with members of her battalion and instructors from the ROTC program.

Photo courtesy of Alex Odland

The respect that you gain for officers [and] for people that dedicate their lives to this is absolutely crazy. These people are loyal and do this service out of selflessness. Some of it is really difficult, and people devote their lives to it.

Alex Odland, Redwood alumna

ALABAMA

Auburn University

Cole Morgan

ARIZONA

Arizona State University

David Plocki

CALIFORNIA

California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt

Christopher Lopes

California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

Jack Heller

Emily Sisuphan

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

David Abu-Ghosh

Lincoln Brown

Baden Bunch

Chloe Churchill

Charlotte Estus

Avery Felger

George Gaither

Hayden Gerber

William Hartung

Kendall Johnson

Avery Kechter

Cassidy Kipp

Lauren Mann

Sara Pastor Calderon

Sophie Patrizi

Luc Poulin

Filip Rajkovic

Alexandra Revelli

Anna Royal

Nathan Seaman

Jordan Slater

Kaela Sparler

Aidan Tull

Lucas Winger

Nathan Wollenweber

California State University, Fullerton

Liliana De Leon Morales

California State University, Long Beach

Jasmine Estreba

Veda Katz

California State University, Northridge

Maddie Epps

Ayden Ji

California State University, San Marcos

Cole Tschantz-Hahn

Chapman University

Layla Bahmani

Emilie Erickson

Solomon Fragakis

Lucie Garbo

Lina Ibrahim

Chase Oldenbrook

Chloe Oldenbrook

Sofia Ruliffson

Theresa Schmidt

Luke Sinatra

Natalie Welch

California State University, Chico

Neill Farnsworth

Christopher Rodriguez

Claremont Mckenna College

Sam Zlot College of Marin

Caitlin Beard

Henry Colwell

Yisela Gonzalez

Tony Metaxas

Erika Platek

Emma Smith

Danil Wells

Brad Zeeman

Cuesta College

Max Denney

Dominican College

Madison Preciado

Loyola Marymount University

Mateo Cubillos

Max Malone

Orange Coast College

Tor Aune

Pepperdine University

Julie Joy Oliveira

Point Loma Nazarene University

Delilah Marrocco

Saint Mary’s College

Isabella Castellon

Liam Carpenter

Oliver Dugan

San Diego Mesa College

Carson Strodder

San Diego State University

Varun Aruldas

Elena Gnatek

David Melby

Lauren Monty

Dominic Orlando

Rachel Thomas

Kate Tuhtan

Luke Turner

San Francisco State University

Farnaz Kermanian

Cephas Louis

San Jose State University

Daniel Michael

Brianna Munoz

Santa Barbara City College

Liam Gardner

Lea Morina

Leah Oshita

Oliver Pagan

Santa Clara University

Sophia Ayaz

Alex Grigorakis

Ian Grigorakis

Luca Quaroni

Santa Rosa Junior College

Isabella Bustamente

Scripps College

Natalie Lessin

Solano Community College Trade School

Leigh Solomons

Sonoma State University

Lauren Lawlor

Jerry Omara

Edel Oxlaj Frias

Alana Thalheimer

Stanford University

Caroline Goodrich

Sa’ar Lipshitz

University of California, Berkeley

Kelly Chuang

Alexandrea Coe

Rory Daly

Sienna Garsten

Julia Ginsburg

Sarah Goody

Travis Jorgensen

Paul Mayerhofer

Sophie McKenna

Brady Weingart

University of California, Davis

Aaron Aadis

Grace Miller

University of California, Irvine

Julia Frankus

Shannon Halberstadt

Liam Henderson

Kai Peters

University of California, Los Angeles

Rori Anderson

Ruby Churton

Annika Danne

Eliana Davis

Gemma Favaloro

Justine Fisch

Kaley Mathews

Max Matthews

Julia Morrow

Sydney Moseley

Max Oppenheim

Athena Raskin

Jacob Rusting

Natalie Silverman

Annie Tatum

University of California, Merced

Benjamin Thier

University of California, San Diego

Sam Andre

Aidan Carney Skytt

Bella Hann

Calla McBride

Olivia Novia

Ramon Sonin

University of California, Santa Barbara

Grace Diehl

Gavin Edelen

Adella Frender

Nicholas Humphreys

Jacob Inciarte

Wyatt Marshall

Carys Matthews

Emma McDermott

Emma Orrick

Lainey Wank

University of California, Santa Cruz

Zorenza Kleinberg

Ellen Mansbach

Alec Marasa

Ashley Morris

Gillian Reynolds

University of Redlands

Amalia Pastor Calderon

University of San Diego

Sofia Frushtick

University of Southern California

Sonya Cowan

Pasha Fooman

Neri Landi

Charlie Mills

University of the Pacific

Kevin Castro

CANADA

University of Toronto

Cassidy McCaw

University of Victoria

Julia Hemley

Hilary Johnston

COLORADO

Colorado College

Adeline Turner

Colorado State University

Timur Kotelnikov

University of Colorado, Boulder

Zeke Cancelliere

Kaneu Cole

Brady Dowd

Jade Fetnaci

Harrison Flynn

Emily Gallegos

Graham Gumm

Piper Harvey

Calvin Isotalo

Isaac Kaufman

Maile Kaplan

Bryce Kim

Kiana Lair Green

Emily Melbardis

Sophie Nevitt

Parker Pewitt

Madeline Sofnas

Madison Swanson

Taylor Wein

Owen Wright

University of Denver

Juliet Cargill

Charlotte Defrino

Ford Dresser

Isabella Kraus

Andrew Song

CONNECTICUT

Trinity College

Reese Bennett

Yale University

Daegan Cutter

ENGLAND

Oxford Brooks University

Catherine Talmon de l’Armée

FLORIDA

University of Miami

Aliyah San Andres

Johan Swildens

GAP YEAR

Julian Bal

Pablo De Leon

Josh Littleton

Zoe Littleton

Lucas Nordin

Justin Rosenberg

GEORGIA

Emory University

Georgia Pineda

Savannah College of Art and Design

Mads Marshall

University of Georgia

Robby Dinowitz

Pearse Gero

ILLINOIS

Northwestern University

Chloe Bishop

Ella Kharrazi

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Avery McGovern

University of Chicago

Maia Lewis

Eliana Schiller

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Kaylee Cheu

Elsa Hasbrook

Coco Boyden and Ingrid

Houtkooper

MARINE CORPS

Gavin Blum

MARYLAND

Columbia University

Jackson Bramlette

Cornell University

Holden Hitchcock

Sam Kimball

Elizabeth Rogers

Hamilton College

Madeline Buck

Sofia Noguiero

New York University

Kana Kojima

Sienna Lopez

Gracie O’Connell

Nicholas Scruton

Katie Shell

Syracuse University

Nikki Parsons

Delia Pickart

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Paige Barta

University of Rochester

Arjun Aujla

NORTH CAROLINA

Elon University

IE University

Luka Thompson

TENNESSEE

University of Tennesse, Knoxville

Makena Mock

Vanderbilt University

Shyla Lensing

Conor Weasler

TEXAS

Southern Methodist University

Adam Ayres

Andreas Mitchell

Alexis Perry

Annelisa Svendsen

Texas Christian University

Gabe Aal

Jacob Friedman

Corinne Hunt

Sam Janowsky

Katelyn McKnew

University of Texas, Austin

Preston Cusick

Calla

McBride reports and the College and Center

St. John’s College

Stella Cico

U.S. Naval Academy

Billy Zech

University of Maryland, College Park

Gary Li

Katherine Sakai

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston College

Nicola Shell

Boston University

Tanya Khandheria

Jon Law

Maya Popper

William Sohn

Ksenia Suglobova

Harvard University

Grace De Vita

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bayanni Rivera

Northeastern University

Stella Bennett

Chloe Craft

Allison Lee

Jade Rosenberg

Amber Shlain

Kyler Wang

Stella Wiener

Tufts University

Ben Choucroun

Alexander Mayerhofer

Mia Solomon

Jim Young

Wellesley College

Kate Giang

MICHIGAN

Michigan State University

Wyatt Turkington

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Lucy Ginis

Nathan Tirschwell

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Amelia Dembowski

Wake Forest University

Tawny Strotz

OHIO

Oberlin College

George Charles

Kenyon College

Ben Resnick

OREGON

Oregon State University

Jacob Shunk

Lachlan Skolnick

Samantha Teree

Emme Turkington

Reed College/Columbia University

Maggie Auerbach

Pacific University, Forest Grove

Rory Coughlan

University of Oregon

Meritt Brinckerhoff

Eliza Byck

Oscar Calhoun

Evan Daly

Ryan Gouveia

Sol Hanes-Krapels

Lindsey Hébert

Logan Jackson

Aubrey Kunz

Henry Lin

Oliver Lowndes

Samuel Marsh

Nathan Olsen

Jordan Palacios

Emilia Puccinelli

Lily Reese

Nikolao Sellers

Brian Sternberger

VERMONT

Bennington College

Poppy Lasher

Middlebury College

Lulu Baker

Michael Geloso

Audrey MacLean

University of Vermont

Ava Buske

Colin McGrath

VIRGINIA

University of Virginia

Wyatt Ewing

William and Mary

Tulasi Nalluri

Virginia Tech

Ryan Brandt

WASHINGTON

Gonzaga University

Robert McGee

Ben Tabak

Abbott Wagner

University of Washington, Seattle

Georgia Alvarado

Kyle Devilbiss

Gavin Graham

Raine Kim

Hannah Knopping

Quinn Miller

Eliza Ray

Addie Stoterau

Hailey Thompson

Washington State University

Rory Minty

Whitman College

Lola Folk

Aria Post

WASHINGTON D.C.

George Washington University

INDIANA

Indiana University, Bloomington

Ella Bonder

Chase Cordova

Ella Endler

Chase Lanciault

Olivia Mount

Purdue University

William McMahon

Ari Miller

Jack Schuberth

IOWA

Dordt University

Lauren Huizenga

KANSAS

McPherson College

Caden Pemberton

LOUISIANA

Tulane University

Cole Seifer

Chandi Sexton

MAINE

Bates College

Katie Noguiero

Sabrina Kizer

Jett Manchester

Jack Taylor

MISSISSIPPI

University of Mississippi

George O’Neil

Jack Putney

MISSOURI

Washington University in St. Louis

Sophia Acker

Isabella Gonzales

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Dartmouth College

Jack Haubold

Ava Razavi

NEW JERSEY

Princeton University

Bach Ryan

Stevens Institute of Technology

Odin Crabtree

NEW YORK

Colgate University

Maya Greenholz

Zachary Zedlitz

Zeke Stone

Emma Tanaka

PENNSYLVANIA

Bucknell University

Ingrid Houtkooper

Franklin and Marshall College

Jackson Frymier

Pennsylvania State University

Hannah Collings

Villanova University

Lily McCadden

RHODE ISLAND

Brown University

Rowe Stodolnic

SCOTLAND

University of St. Andrews

Luca Bernardini

Chloe Mussche

William Stevenson

Harry Wait

University of Aberdeen

Stephanos Papatsaras

SPAIN

Kyra Cooper

Claire Silva

Christiana Teodoro

Calum Wilson

WISCONSIN

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Sophia Buckholtz

Carina Campbell

Ains Fish

Eli Grandy

Brody Guerro

Georgia Harlow

Dominic Monetta

Anton Rendic

Dani Steinberg

Kallen Wank

WORKFORCE

Construction

Kyle Chartrand

Entrepreneur

Enzo Bardoul

The students listed have self-selected to share their future decisions with the Bark.

Heal your ‘Summertime Sadness’ at Outside Lands

The 2023 Outside Lands lineup has been announced, and it’s safe to say that this year’s festival is going to be one for the books. With a diverse range of musical acts from various genres, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the headliners and notable acts that will be stepping onto the stages at Golden Gate Park this year.

FRIDAY

The Friday lineup does not disappoint with legendary rapper Kendrick Lamar’s headlining, which is sure to guarantee fans an elaborate and unique performance. Fans can expect his top songs such as “Swimming Pools (Drank),” “Money Trees” and many other popular hits. Lamar’s performance will most definitely be a highlight of the festival. Some of the smaller artists include Will Smith’s youngest daughter Willow Smith, an innovative musician with powerful vocals. Also attending on Friday is the famous National Basketball Association (NBA) player Shaq O’Neal performing under his DJ stage name Diesel; He most definitely will deliver upbeat and electric vibes for the crowd. Other artists include Zedd,

Jack Harlow’s album ‘Jackman’ puts him in ‘First Class’

By Sophia Buckholtz

Jack Harlow’s eighth album was released on May 6, 2023, exemplifying his growth as a musician and his advancement within the industry. The rapper takes pride in his Kentucky heritage, and the 18-track album reflects that self-identity by not featuring any other artists. The album conveys a confidence, which is displayed in his intro song “Common Ground,” when Harlow says, “condescending suburban kids growing up to be rap journalists.”

The tracks are scaled up from the simplified garage-band sound evident in earlier albums. Elevated diction paired with these expensive-sounding beats makes a sophisticated sound that culminates from previous pieces in his career.

To read the rest of Sophia’s article scan the QR code below. Also be sure to see Jack Harlow live at Outside Lands this August!

Becky Hill and many more, ensuring a

SATURDAY

With more of a throwback for Saturday’s headliner, iconic rock band The Foo Fighters will be hitting the stage for what is guaranteed to be a memorable night. Other highly influential artists, one of them being Lana Del Rey, known for her distinctive and emotional style, is sure to be a captivating performance, one you won’t want to miss. Fischer will also be in attendance, with his infectious energy and unique sound, he has become one of the most popular DJs and producers in the music industry. Saturday has popular musicians across multiple generations come together to ensure an action-packed weekend.

SUNDAY

Sunday’s lineup dips into more of the R&B and Hip-Hop genres with critically acclaimed rappers such as Lil Yachty and Megan Thee Stallion, both known for their artistic visions and boundary-pushing tendencies. But, the lineup does a total 180 with bands like Cigarettes After Sex, whose lyrics take on complex emotional issues that will have fans crying till

midnight. The 1975 is also set to perform, which will bring out more of the Rock and Roll crowd. Lastly, the festival comes to a close with big-time DJ ODESZA, sending all attendees out with a rave.

Overall, the lineup of the 2023 Outside Lands Music Festival will be a celebration of music; past, present and future. From the iconic headliners to the up-and-coming acts, this lineup is one of the strongest

and most diverse in recent years. With something for everyone to enjoy, Outside Lands is sure to be one of the highlights of the summer festival season.

nwelch@redwoodbark.org

Photo by Lauren Poulin

ARTIST POST MALONE reaches for an audience member’s hand while singing one of his hits during the 2022 Outside Lands performance.

Seas the day with these perfect summer novels

By Hannah Herbst

An idyllic beach day: rays of sunshine bouncing off mirrored sunglasses, waves crashing in the distance and sand under a frayed and faded striped towel. The only thing missing? A good book in hand! As the school year comes to a close, you may think books are merely a relic of the past. However, these page-turners will convince you otherwise.

“The Vacationers” by Emma Straub

Set on the sparkling blue coast of Mallorca, Spain, this book provides an ample escape from dry, hot Marin summers. In this novel, a Brooklyn family undergoes severe turmoil and seeks reprieve on a vacation of their own. As secrets are revealed, drama abounds. It’s a realistic family vacation in every way and a perfect getaway if you can’t experience one of your own.

“Beautiful Ruins” by Jesse Walter

Similar to “The Vacationers,” “Beautiful Ruins” is a literary escape. “Beautiful Ruins” alternates between different times and storylines, many of which take place on the Italian Coast. It covers the messy lives of unique figures, from glamorous, old-age Hollywood movie stars to simple Italian fishermen. It is a story about people whose lives are oddly intertwined, and have more in common than they may realize, all the while in the beautiful background of the vast Mediterranean Sea. If complex characters, old-age glitz and glam or rustic Italian charm is what you are seeking, this book is for you.

“Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams

Do you ever find yourself pining for a classic summer love story but just can’t seem to find one of your own? “Seven Days in June” dexterously combines the intense emotions alongside such romances with mature perspectives. It is another novel that travels through time to explore

the inner workings of complex characters. Set in the background of New York City’s literary community, this book covers a messy relationship as former lovers are reconnected. It takes place during a hot, urban summer, but it is an interesting divergence from a typical, occasionally monotonous summer read.

“The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall

While it may technically be a children’s novel, “The Penderwicks” will always be something I turn to when at a loss for what to read in the summer. The book follows a lively, unique family on their summer vacation to the fictitious summer utopia of Arundel, Massachusetts. They make new friends and go on quirky adventures, developing a captivating story that transcends the age of the reader. You will quickly resonate with one of the unique Penderwick sisters – wise Rosalind, boyish Skye, imaginative Jane or kooky Batty.

“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Reid’s masterful prose shines as bright as the Southern California sun in “Malibu Rising.” This novel delves into generational trauma and how the choices and lives of a parent are mirrored in that of their children. It’s set on the California coast and encompasses all of its idiosyncrasies – surfing, movie stars and of course, the wildfires. While “Malibu Rising” may not be an escape for California natives, it’s a captivating look at a bygone era.

“Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune

A summer romance: a boy and a girl, watching the sunset over a placid lake. Years pass and the sun sets and rises as boy and girl become man and woman. The idyllic lake remains. Sounds intriguing?

“Every Summer After” describes this and more. Perfect Canadian summers serve as backdrops for

intense, palpable emotion as the main characters fall in and out of love, over and over again. Another great read if you dream of having a tumultuous summer romance like Taylor Swift sings in “betty,” but just can’t seem to find the James to your Augustine.

“Beach Read” by Emily Henry

Henry is a mastermind of the “Beach Read.” Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, the protagonist is on a mission to clean out her recently deceased father’s secret summer cabin. She soon reunites with an old college acquaintance, and their connection propels the story forward. Evident from its name, this book is perfectly on theme for summer, and I personally haven’t read Henry’s new 2023 release, “Happy Place,” but if it’s anything like this novel, it is sure to be a hit!

hherbst@redwoodbark.org

Wish on a star with this meteor shower guide

Story and Infographic by Bowen Rivera

Traditional folklore states that wishing upon a shooting star has the immense power to make that wish come true. Even if you don’t believe this tradition, shooting stars, or more accurately meteors, are still a wonder to spot. During an ordinary night, these meteors are low in frequency and difficult to spot. However, during a meteor shower, the frequency of meteors entering the atmosphere is much greater, allowing viewers to see many shooting

stars in one night. Especially as the nights get warmer, viewing meteor showers can be an enjoyable activity when done right. Additionally, picking the right time to go is extremely important, otherwise your experience may be disappointing, or even unpleasant. By using this simple guide, much of the stress and uncertainty can be avoided.

The Right Day:

This may seem obvious, but the most important aspect of viewing a meteor shower is going on a day when a meteor

shower is, well, occurring. The Eta Aquarid meteor showers are active until May 27, with plenty of other showers occurring this summer. These showers include the Arietids and Bootids in June, as well as the Perseids later in the summer. Some days within a shower will also have more meteor activity than others, so make sure to check a website like EarthSky to find the best dates. Additionally, moon conditions can make it harder to see meteors. The best time to view a meteor shower is during a new moon, but depending on the strength of the shower most meteor showers will be

visible, no matter how bright the night sky is.

The Location:

The location can make or break your meteor shower-viewing experience, as being somewhere with less light pollution will increase the number of visible falling stars. Although it is definitely possible to catch a glimpse of a couple of meteors from your backyard, it’ll be more rewarding and possibly more fun to venture somewhere where the night sky is more clear. Some of the best places in Marin to watch meteor showers include Point Reyes and the Marin Headlands. These locations are generally very low on light pollution, but going anywhere that is more isolated from human interference can provide an excellent stargazing experience.

The Items:

Watching meteor showers can take time, and especially since it occurs during the night, comfort is of utmost importance. Bringing warm clothes and a blanket to lay on or wrap yourself up in will make your experience much more enjoyable. Also consider bringing some warm food, or a thermos of hot chocolate. But most importantly, bring some friends! Having good company while stargazing will not only improve your experience but also can strengthen your friendships.

Watching a meteor shower can truly be an amazing experience, especially with proper preparation beforehand. Following this simple guide can turn a great night into an unforgettable one, better than anything else you could wish for.

Illustration by Calla McBride

By Grace Gehrman

“I honestly cannot imagine life without running,” senior Audrey MacLean, fouryear track and cross country (XC) runner, said.

Audrey began running when she was in sixth grade, inspired by her two parents who are avid runners themselves. She started running casually throughout middle school and, once she became a freshman, competed in both track and field and XC for the past four years. Her hard work and devotion has culminated in her commitment to Middlebury College for running. Audrey is thrilled for her next chapter at Middlebury and anticipates she will always incorporate running into her life. For Audrey, an important aspect of the sport is how it helps her alleviate excess stress.

“[Running is] a way to get away from all of the other stressors in life. I always feel, no matter what the condition is, better after going for a run. The runner’s high is definitely a thing, especially after workouts,” Audrey said.

Moreover, Audrey is grateful for the friends and sense of community running has provided her with. She claims that running has given her many meaningful experiences and connections.

“I’ve always just really liked running. It’s been my outlet, and it was a really good

By Arjun Aujla

Ever since he was a sophomore, Brady Weingart has been asked to perform in high pressure situations. Weingart began his sophomore football season as the backup quarterback for the varsity football team,

and field] team are still my best friends,” Audrey said.

Lulu Baker and Audrey met at the beginning of freshman year while running XC together. Since then, they have remained close friends and have run together for the past four years. In this time, Baker has observed Audrey’s incredible love for the sport.

“Audrey is so fun to be around. Her love for running is so infectious, [it makes] you want to run more. And she gets so excited about it, so she’s such a positive teammate to have,” Baker said.

Additionally, Baker vouches for her friend’s commitment and upbeat attitude.

“She is humble and she puts her head down while working hard, but does it while having so much fun. She never looks negative. It just always looks like she’s having this positive experience because she loves [running] and she’s really good at it at the same time. It’s just amazing to watch,” Baker said.

Similarly to Baker, Isla MacLean, Audrey’s younger sister, also cites Audrey as a source of inspiration for her. As a current freshman and competitive runner, Isla began running after watching her sister compete in track and field and XC events. After observing her sister’s vast improvement and skill throughout the past years, Isla notes the intense commitment to running and impressive work ethic she sees.

“Audrey has the grit and determination of no one else that I know. When she puts her mind to something, she will not give up

work and sacrifice he puts into his game.

“When I turn my mind off, everything goes well. The less thinking the better. I try to take some deep breaths and live fully in the moment,” Weingart said.

Weingart’s strong performance has persisted on the football field, which led him to win the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) Player of the Year award in 2022 and, eventually, his commitment to University of California, Berkeley (Cal). However, the road to his commitment was not easy, as Weingart faced many setbacks.

Aside from football, Weingart is also a varsity basketball player, despite many of his coaches insisting that he stick to one sport and leave his basketball efforts behind. This conflict, along with others questioning his football talent, was a setback that Weingart had to overcome.

JOGGING WITH KAI Peters, Audrey MacLean smiles on the trail, delighted to be doing what she loves in the outdoors. on it. She’s just so determined, especially when it comes to running, and she’s just gonna push herself really, really hard,” Isla said.

In terms of her training schedule, Audrey reports that she runs nearly every day, gravitating more towards morning runs. Her ‘easy day’ runs range from four to seven miles, and her longer runs can span up to fifteen miles.

“I’m definitely a morning-run person because I like just getting out in the morning and [it is] a good start because it

Additionally, he had to give up great amounts of time when going to football recruiting camps and skill clinics.

“The biggest sacrifice was during the summertime, when I was traveling a lot. I had to sacrifice more than half of my summer trying to get recruited to places where most of them had no interest in me. It was kind of a brutal process,” Weingart said.

always makes me feel good for the rest of the day. I run year round and I pretty much always run on vacation if it’s possible. All you need is a pair of running shoes and a place to run, so it’s definitely really versatile,” Audrey said. “As far as I can see, I think that I’m going to be running for the rest of my life, or at least until I can’t, because it’s become such a keystone part of my life.”

ggehrman@redwoodbark.org

boys’ varsity basketball team, recognizes Weingart’s valuable assets and how they have positively impacted the entire team.

“[Weingart] is the kind of leader that leads by example. He doesn’t just use his words, he always gives the effort. Anything we need on the leading side he would give up for the betterment of the team,” DeMaestri said.

[Weingart] is the kind of leader that leads by example.

DeMaestri,

Eventually, Weingart’s skills caught the attention of the Cal coaches, and he was offered a spot. Despite his recruitment, Weingart insisted on playing both sports because of his belief that basketball helped him develop in football. On the basketball court, Weingart silenced his doubters and played a pivotal role in the success of the team.

“I think that athletes specializing in one sport can experience a lot of negative impacts, burning out being one of them. Cross-training is something that has helped me improve in both of those sports,” Weingart said.

Since being called up to varsity basketball as a freshman, his success on the football field has repeatedly been replicated on the basketball court. In both 2022 and 2023, Weingart was awarded the basketball MCAL All-League Honorable Mention and acted as team captain during his junior and senior years. His impressive three-point shooting and poised decision making was a key factor in the Giants’ MCAL Championship victory in 2022.

Jay DeMaestri, head coach of the

Weingart’s fierce competitiveness and “clutch gene” was huge for the Giants over the last three basketball seasons. Any time the Giants needed a shot it seemed like Weingart was there to answer the call.

“His nickname is ‘Big Shot Brad.’ His character [is the reason] that he wants to be the one shooting the shot. During his junior and senior year he made a lot of huge shots for us, especially out of the corners,” DeMaestri said.

As Weingart’s basketball career has come to an end, his football career is now ramping up. Weingart will start training camp at Cal in early June and is ready to show everyone what he has in store.

“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to prove myself as a player. I know I am not going to be looked at as the best player as soon as I walk in, so I am going to have that opportunity to prove myself and work my way up,” Weingart said.

CELEBRATING HIS COMMITMENT on signing day, Brady Weingart is ready for the next step in his growth as a football player.

Photo by Arjun Aujla

Jay

head coach of the boys’ basketball team

By Ingrid Houtkooper

Despite being the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) 2022 Cross Country (XC) Runner of the Year, 2023 MCAL Track Runner of the Year and captain of his team for two years, Daegan Cutter did not begin developing his skills until freshman year when he started running for Redwood.

“I came to Redwood from St. Anselm’s, [which is] a tiny private school, so I didn’t really know anyone. [XC was] how I made my friends. [The team] was kind of my stepping stone into Redwood. I didn’t [originally] take it quite as seriously as I have in the last couple of years, [but] I was always pretty committed and liked it,” Cutter said.

After freshman year, Cutter quickly grew determined to motivate himself and his teammates to keep pushing themselves. This natural inclination to help his teammates also factored into his role as captain of the team.

“I definitely think the team motivates itself. People know what they have to be doing. But I think what’s important is trying to get the team to be fast and doing that by leading by example,” Cutter said. “Redwood has had a [big year]; we’ve gotten much faster. Just within our senior class, having a bunch of motivated people has been a good thing for the [entire] team because we’ve grown a culture of giving it your all, and that leads to success.”

While the team environment might be Cutter’s favorite part of running, he also emphasized his own personal drive to keep improving his speed every race.

“In football, you win or you lose, right? Fifty percent chance. [In running], I don’t win that many [big] races because there are hundreds of people. In two of my best races, [I came in] 30th and 19th,” Cutter said. “I really like the personal aspect. If you’re running, you’re [trying to] beat

yourself; you’re running faster than you ever have before. That’s really exciting and makes me feel good.”

Although Cutter says you don’t have to win, he continues to push his own athletic boundaries to break his personal records.

On May 13, 2023, at the North Coast Sectionals (NCS) track meet, Cutter broke his 1600-meter time, earning a 4 minute 15 second 45 centisecond personal record. Cutter plans to continue to push himself next year while running at Yale University.

Beyond his athletic success, Cutter mentioned the camaraderie he has with his teammates and the importance they have played in his running career. This tightknit community was also emphasized by Cutter’s teammate Ethan Werner.

“From what I’ve heard, a couple years ago, [the team] wasn’t that close. It was kind of a free for all,” Werner said. “It’s a team now, an actual family. And Daegan has played a big role in that. He has made our team a family.”

ihoutkooper@redwoodbark.org

As water splashes and fans cheer from the bleachers, senior Charlie Mills treads calmly in the goal prepared for anything that comes his way. With an incredible 547 saves in his four years as goalkeeper of the boy’s varsity water polo team, Mills is undoubtedly a skilled player. Being declared the 2022 Marin County Athletic League Player of the Year and making the 2022 Men’s Youth National Water Polo Team as goalkeeper are just some of his most recent accomplishments. Mills’ successes are the results of the dedication and training he has pursued since he first began water polo at seven years old.

From first admiring the sport, to now absolutely dominating it, Mills is often congratulated for his athletic endeavors. He has been recognized throughout the past four high school seasons, and to finish off his senior year, Mills was awarded the title 1st Team for All-North Coast Section for the 2022-23 season.

Rudy Kardos, head coach of the boys’ varsity water polo team, reflected on Mills’ impact on the team, remembering his best moments with the goalkeeper. Kardos has known Mills for most of his water polo journey and is proud of what Mills has accomplished.

“A goalie of his caliber and that extroverted personality is a unique combination. The team can rely on him, not just as a goalie, but even if things are not going the right way, he’s usually there to encourage the rest of the team and pump them up. I don’t remember any game, regardless of the outcome, that he would have given up,” Kardos said.

Mills plans on attending the University of Southern California (USC) in the fall of 2023 and will be playing goalie for their Division I water polo team. In a

Bark article discussing Mills along with two other water polo commits, he gives credit to his team members for aiding him through the recruitment process.

“I think all of us help each other when we hop in the pool and shoot at each other. It’s an iron-sharpens-iron situation [in the pool],” Mills said.

Kardos is thrilled for the next steps all of his players are taking but especially about Mills and his future on USC’s highly competitive team. Kardos looks forward to what Mills will be able to accomplish.

“Coming from high school to college that first year can always go many different directions. It’s a big adjustment. But again, if anybody can make it as smooth as possible, that’s [Mills]. So I’m really looking forward to following his growth and career going forward,” Kardos said.

lreese@redwoodbark.org

By Ingrid Houtkooper

“Mia and I were friends before I even knew her in the context of swimming. [By] just knowing her, you never would have guessed how good she is because she doesn’t talk about it,” Sydney Moseley, Mia Solomon’s teammate, said.

Although Solomon is hesitant to boast about her speed, her athletic accomplishments speak for themselves. Solomon will be attending Tufts University next year to continue her swimming career and was recently named an All-American Athlete.

Ever since Solomon was four years old, swimming has been a part of her dayto-day routine. “Growing up, [swimming] was just a second family. I always had my closest friends on my swim team. I went to a small private school, so it was a way to get out and socialize,” Solomon said. “I’ve just always enjoyed being in the water. So I take advantage of that.”

In order to build that success to pursue swimming in college, Solomon dedicated countless hours every day to training with both the Redwood team and her club team, North Bay Aquatics. However, Solomon says that swimming has provided her an outlet that has made the time worth it.

“Especially junior year, it was really hard [to stay on top of everything]. I was taking harder classes, and I’m just really bad at time management. It was hard to get my work done. But once I figured it out, and could actually get my things done in a timely manner. It really wasn’t that bad, because swimming was something that [took my mind off school],” Solomon said.

This time and effort put into maintaining her speed and schoolwork did not go unnoticed by the people around Solomon.

“I don’t think I know any person who works harder than [Solomon]. She goes to morning weights many times a week, she’s up so early — like literally 5 a.m. — and

By Maddie Sofnas

Whether it’s defending the goal in soccer, running a 5k in cross country or sprinting her way to victory in the 400-meter dash for track and field, senior Maddie Buck can do it all. The triple-sport varsity athlete committed to Hamilton College in October for track and field with only four years of prior experience in competitive running. While soccer was her primary sport going into high school, she quickly found her love for racing.

“I started running cross country to get in shape for soccer because I really wanted to make the [junior varsity] soccer team my freshman year. … After the season, I realized I really enjoyed cross country, as I loved the fitness it gave me. So I decided to do track in the spring,” Buck said.

Buck continued practicing regularly, aiming to be noticed by college coaches. However, she found the process of soccer recruitment challenging and proceeded to focus on being recruited for track instead.

“Getting recruited for track was really easy because I had also been going through the soccer recruitment process. It’s a lot more difficult to get recruited for soccer because you have to organize the college coming to see you play. With track, all you really need to do is send them your running times. I sent my times to the Hamilton College coach and he said ‘Okay, come here,’” Buck said.

While the track and field recruitment process may have seemed easy for Buck, her success was largely due to immense improvement over her four years. Her cross country and track and field coach, Nicole Graydon, has helped her focus on events in order for her to be successful.

“[Buck] is a great distance runner, a great sprinter and a great jumper. Her improvement has come from building

then she goes to school. She’s really smart and takes really hard classes, and then she has afternoon practice. She just has a lot going on, and she does it all, handles it all and excels in it all, which is really impressive,” Moseley said.

Reflecting on her four years at Redwood, Solomon has learned to balance her busy life with her swimming, and also learned to take the pressure off herself to succeed.

“Over the summer, and last year, I had a lot going on, so I wasn’t as focused on swimming, and then that showed in my races. It was [difficult because I] worked really hard and did not see it pay off,” Solomon said. “I think before I put so much pressure on myself and [thought] I needed to do well and my hard work needed to pay off to prove that it was worth something. But then I started caring about that a little bit less and I just realized, ‘I am putting in the work, and eventually it will pay off and it doesn’t need to happen right away.’”

ihoutkooper@redwoodbark.org

helped her transition to sprints. Her track improvement really skyrocketed when we had her focus on her 400, 4x400, long jump and triple jump. She wants to win for her team,” Graydon said.

Buck will take everything she has learned from being on the team into the start of her college career.

“There will be hard moments in track meets where I’m working really hard and get really tired. The biggest thing I have to remember is that it’s for a team that’s bigger than just me. I run for my teammates, play for my teammates and work hard for my teammates. I really learned to appreciate my team, especially because they’re the ones that motivate me to do more. That’s how I’ve been successful, and it’s definitely something that I’ll take into college,” Buck said.

msofnas@redwoodbark.org

Photo courtesy of Mia Solomon

Photo courtesy of the Marin Independent Journal

Photo courtesy of Maddie Buck

Photo courtesy of Daegan Cutter

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HYPE-UP SONG BEFORE YOUR SPORTS EVENT?

Infographic by Lauren Poulin, Cameryn Smith and Isabella Wagner

HYPE-UP SONG PlAYliST

Muraling Mount Tamalpais

Mount Tamalpais (Mt. Tam) stands as a backdrop to Redwood, visible from almost every part of campus and projecting natural beauty throughout Marin. However, this pillar of our community is not apparent from Principal Barnaby Payne’s office. To remedy this, three junior Advanced Placement (AP) Art students, Maggie Kelly, Elaina Ananicz and Lilly Dell’Orto, are filling one wall of the office with a landscape of Mt. Tam as seen from the South Lawn. A scene of Redwood sports activities on the football field will accompany the background. The artists began the project in mid-May.

Having grown up in San Francisco, with

Marin and Mt. Tam as popular attractions, Payne feels that the mountain holds great importance to this area, inspiring his decision to feature it as a focal point of the mural.

“The image of Mt. Tam gives Redwood High School an incredible sense of place,” Payne said. “In terms of high schools in the country and the views that high schools have, I would argue that we probably have one of the most beautiful views in the country because we are looking at Mt. Tam, [which] has got an incredible history. It just means a lot; it’s the symbol of Marin County.”

In addition to the meaning behind the content of the mural, Payne commented on the impact art can have on a space, especially a school. His past experience as the principal at Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, a school decorated with murals and student artwork, allowed him to witness art’s influence.

“Some of it was traditional art, and some of it was alternative art, but all of it was incredibly creative and colorful and beautiful,” Payne said. “I just love the way that it adds to the vibe of the school.”

Kelly, one of the artists, also touched on art’s significance in a school setting, adding that she hopes this mural will inspire more around Redwood.

JUNIOR MAGGIE KELLY began painting more seriously during quarantine and claims, “Without art in the world, everything would be pretty bland.”

“I think that having bland walls around the school is so depressing. We walk around and it’s the same color walls, which is kind of boring. There are some murals in the hallways and stuff, but they are all kind of dated. I feel like if we had more student involvement in art around the campus, it would make it a better place to come to

every day,” Kelly said.

Payne echoed Kelly’s message about the uninviting and out-of-date nature of school buildings as they are.

“School buildings can be ugly. They can seem very cold and institutional, and I think murals make them feel warmer and more comfortable,” Payne said. “Redwood High School was built in the 1950s at a time when school architecture was not very creative, so our building is like a big cement block. If you look at our campus through an artistic lens, there is potential for murals almost everywhere.”

Kelly has already begun to make use of Redwood’s canvas with a mural she painted in room 255. Though murals are new and unfamiliar territory for Kelly, she has been painting since she can remember. She started making art more frequently

during quarantine and has continued since then.

“Without art in the world, everything would be pretty bland. There are many different forms, and anybody can really get into it since there’s such a wide variety. There aren’t any negative factors, really. It’s relaxing and enjoyable,” Kelly said. Art is also unique in that it lasts for future decades to appreciate. Payne acknowledged this legacy the mural will hold.

“Maybe [the mural] will stay in here for many generations of principals and students,” Payne said. “Maybe it will still be here in 50 years, and people will wonder about the story behind it. Maybe it will make people happy for a long time. Yeah — that would be my dream.”

ekharrazi@redwoodbark.org

What shaped seniors the most in high school?

By Rori Anderson

“The most obvious one is the pandemic. My friends have kept me sane the last number of years, including during the pandemic, which is when I met most of them, online during Zoom,” Julian Bal said. “Taking drama junior year, and this year as well, was also big as well. I met even more people, one of my closest friends right now we talked a lot in drama class this year.”

“For me, it was honestly the cohort system that we got put into the first time we came back from COVID-19 because I got closer to all of the people in my cohort, and now I’m best friends with some of them. The parking situation [as well]. I feel like I’m friends with all of the people I park with now. I like that it’s randomized in a way,” Rachel Thomas said.

“I think that even as unfortunate as it is, COVID-19 has had a large impact on my life. Considering that we were indoors for a year and a half, that really affected how I thought about high school. I remember when we used to have two weeks off and [as it] slowly evolved further and further into months and months on end, I really started to miss going to school, when in the past I did not enjoy coming to school. It made me into a more hardworking person as I [went virtual] and had to adapt to new circumstances. So, even as unfortunate as it is, it did make me a better student in the end,” Calum Wilson said. “Another major thing I’d say is track and field because I’ve been doing it for four years … all over the state … and it’s something that I’ve always enjoyed and have made quite a lot of friends through.”

“I think one of the events that has shaped me the most in high school is — it’s very cliché — doing online school and the transition from online school. Coming back to high school after COVID-19 and just seeing all the spirit, especially the rally we had junior year, was a really formative moment for me. I became super proud to be a Redwood student and that’s when I wanted to become more involved in leadership,” Julia Ginsburg said. “I also think another major event for me in high school was all of the music performances I did because it really helped me determine that music is a passion I want to continue pursuing and that I really enjoyed sharing my artistic endeavors with other people.”

AIMING TO CAPTURE a “pillar of our community,” the mural will feature Mt. Tam as well as a scene on the football field.

Photo by Lauren Poulin

Photo by Aanika Sawhney

Rachel Thomas:

Julian Bal:

Calum Wilson: Julia Ginsburg:

Mattern leaves an instrumental impact

By Aanika Sawhney

On Thursday, May 18, music director John Mattern led his last student performance at Redwood. Since 2004, Mattern has been cultivating the music program by directing sophisticated symphonic and jazz bands and creating the curriculum for the Performance Workshop courses. Recently, he worked toward organizing spring performances as well as a celebratory alumni night on Friday, May 19 highlighting his current and past students.

Prior to teaching, Mattern’s own years in high school marked his investment in the music industry.

“[In] third grade, I started learning the accordion. Then in fifth grade, I got into a band because my friends were in it and I played the saxophone. [But] I was never very serious at all and didn’t practice. When I [was] a junior in high school, I saw the banjo being played

expanded into a love for teaching it. He developed Advanced Performance Workshop (APW) and Intermediate Performance Workshop (IPW). In order to make this possible, Mattern devoted his time to writing out the class structure and then submitting his work to the University of California (UC) system to receive UC credit. Thus, his efforts elevated and expanded music programs not only at Redwood, but also across the nation, making Performance Workshop courses registered for credit in the UC system.

Performance workshop student and senior Julia Ginsburg reflected on her time in Mattern’s classes. She underscored the process of feedback from Mattern during class presentations, resulting in improvement in preparation for culminating semester performances.

teaching, Mattern prioritizes the applicable

Ginsburg’s commitment to music has grown with Mattern’s support and feedback. As a singer-songwriter, like Mattern, Ginsburg is inspired by his accomplishments.

“[Mattern’s] music tastes have had such an influence on me, like bluegrass and folk guitar-esque music. Behind him is a lot of smart music theory and lyricism that I admire. One day I hope to have similar intelligence,” Ginsburg said.

This diverse music taste has influenced his own music. He has produced two full albums, “Fire Girl,” about his wife, and a jazz record “John Mattern Quartet,” along with additional singles. With the extra time that he will soon have, Mattern plans to focus more on his songwriting pursuits. Describing his retirement as “bittersweet,” Mattern reflected on his time moving on from the Redwood music program with more investment in other endeavors.

“It’s time for me to go; I want to go do my own musical life. I’m a great farmer up in Mendocino County. I farm vineyards; I want to do that and just slow down and have more space for me, my wife and travels,” Mattern said. “But I’m not going to slow down really, I’m just going to shift from having the huge task [of] this program. I’m very proud of [the music program] and it’s hard to let it go.”

I knew that music was going to be something in my life. I [got] a guitar, I went to music school and the rest is history. John Mattern, retiring music director

Photos by Aanika Sawhney