stagg
LINE a student newsmagazine September 2019
Photo | Charnaya Stewart
COOL CHANGES FRESH FACES
Editor’s Note
September 2019
Adviser Monica Messimore
Editors Yalie Ceesay - Opinion & A/E Fineone Finau - News Krystena Meza - Features & Sports Reporters Glenn Caracol Jeff Caracol Fodia Ceesay Jesse Fore Jhaysen Galiza Moises Gonzalez Tamia Knight Isabella Mendez Juan Parra Lisa Reyes Dibran Seymour Daishawd Shelton Charnaya Stewart The Stagg Line is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, whose awards include the following: All-American: 23 times Hall of Fame First Place, Best of Show: 6 times National Newspaper Pacemaker: 7 times Stagg Line journalists over the years have won many awards and scholarships, including California Journalist of the Year, National Story of the Year and National Photo of the Year. The Stagg Line is a long-standing open forum for free student expression. That means, student editors and reporters make content and style decisions with the adviser offering guidance and all students on campus are encouraged to volunteer ideas. Our website staggonline.net is updated regularly with online exclusives. A personal column is signed and reflects the point of view of the writer, not the magazine. Readers are welcome to submit letters for publication regarding any story published or any school issue. We will make every effort to publish any letter that is not libelous, obscene or inflammatory. Letters longer than 250 words may be edited for length. Letters may be given to any staff member, delivered to A8 or emailed to mmessimore@stocktonusd.net
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From left to right, Yalie Ceesay, Krystena Meza and Fineone Finau, editors of Stagg Line.
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major transition in one’s life can be going from junior high to high school. High school —you make memories that last a lifetime. Our theme this issue is “my first”. We look at what is happening for the first time. For many, the past month has been a first experience on a high school campus. In this issue we cover drastic changes and additions within our school, from the class of 2023 to new faces of Stagg. The journalism staff has had a change as well as new advisor, Monica Messimore has stepped up to taking charge after Don Bott ran it for 27 years. Featured on the front cover are multiple students
who are freshman as well as upperclassmen who are new to Stagg. Our goal is to interact with students who have not yet been covered in previous issues and to spread as much information as possible. Each issue the staff focuses on stories that fit into news, features, opinion, arts and entertainment (A&E), and seasonal sports. Since we are a monthly magazine, our stories cover events that were done within the month whether they are new or old news that are important. This captures memorable moments that were seen and unseen by students such as club rush, senior sunrise, etc. All reporters who are new to staff have been working hard for the past month
to get our issue in by deadline. As for us editors, this is our second year on staff welcoming you to our first official magazine for Stagg. The idea of transforming into a school magazine was brought to us in April of this year and that’s when we started planning. As a starting magazine we look forward to getting more comfortable with its production. We encourage you to take your time reading our stories as our staff has dedicated time and effort into creating and writing them. We are excited for upcoming issues and what will be covered in our magazine. To meet our goal we hope to interview you for upcoming issues.
Connect with us!
Keep updated at our website Follow us on staggonline.net — Instagram Click on the QR code to get there. @staggonline
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Follow us on Twitter @staggonline @stagg_sports
In This Issue
September 2019
4-6
News
7
Intro to Features
8-9
Features
10 - 11
Opinion
12 - 13
A&E
14 - 15
Sports
Stagg LINE
September 2019
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News
September 2019
PHILLIPS OUT, PHILLIPS IN
Assistant principal from last year takes on new position Daishawd Shelton Beyond a renovated cafeteria and a new set of teachers the biggest change on campus this year may be the new principal, Gary Phillips. Phillips has had experience as a principal previously and takes pride in leading the Delta Kings and Queens as principal. In fact, Stagg High was Phillips first time being in the second position for power. Many wonder why would he take on being a vice principal and that remains unknown. It came as a surprise when the news got out that Andre Phillips had left. Most kids had just seen him over the summer for summer school. Stagg high also underwent the loss of one important counselor This was a major change because most —if not all—students were so used to having former Principal Dr. André Phillips as our leader. The love for him was strong before he was promoted to a supervisor in Sacramento, California —and it still remains strong. The love for new principle Phillips is
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In order to succeed in class you need high expectations. Gary PHILLIPS principal
growing strong due to his daily interactions with students. “I like our new principal,” senior student Jermaine Coleman, who has been here for three years, said. “ He interacts with the students and makes us feel as though he actually cares.” The connection extends to new
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Photo | Moises Gonzalez Principal Gary Phillips gives a big smile as he poses in front of F wing. Before lunch ends Phillips sends students to class with postive energy. transfer students as well. “He is the first principal I’ve had in years to make me feel like he actually cares for us,” junior student Aariannah Thomas said. Administration and teachers both also play a big part in the school’s ever-changing environment. “I use a lot of communication with my staff to improve school culture,” Phillips said. “I have high expectations,” Phillips said. “But I use a lot of communication with my staff to improve school culture.” Communication is key when it comes to change, and having high expectations places a sense of hard work on everyone. Phillips has positively impacted students’ bad days by simply interacting with them. To ensure students are receiving the
education they need, Phillips is focusing on staff training. All teachers and administration have received training over the summer to ensure readiness for the school year. “This year in particular we’re offering a lot of professional development for teachers and staff,” Phillips said. This school year for Stagg is only destined for greatness as students are led by a great leader. As time goes by only the test of time will tell what is to happen. Will Phillips hold up to the high expectations he expects? Of course. Students from all grade levels have one thing in common, their faith and high hopes for his school year. Don’t fear change as it is something that is constantly happening.
FREE RIDE
Jorgensen joins administration
Students no longer have to pay for RTD buses, even on weekends
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Courtesy | Kraig Jorgenson
Art | Edgar Contreras Moreno Jhaysen Galiza As a two-year pilot program, Stockton Unified School District [SUSD] has partnered with San Joaquin Regional Transit District [RTD] to provide free
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It allows my mom who works to not worry about how I get home from school . Jacob BOYD senior
rides for SUSD students in an effort to increase school attendance. “Last year the biggest complaint from students was the lack of transportation and not qualifying for bus passes,” Attendance Clerk Sophy Sam said. This year they all have bus passes and all it requires is a school ID that students must show to the bus drivers.
I look forward to new realtionships with students, staff, and the community.
The program benefits students who cannot afford the bus every day. “It’s free, no money is going to get wasted and I can save a lot of bills,” senior Eriq Hall said. It not only helps students save money but benefits their life at home. “It allows my mom to keep working and not worry about me getting from school to home,” senior Jacob Boyd Sept. 20th said. August’s attendance rates, however, have remained the same. “It is too soon to tell if the busses have made an impact, the first month usually has a higher attendance rate, due to parent Sept. 27th involvement,” Sam said. “We should know more by the third month.”The program is funded by SUSD and may continue if student attendance, GPA and passenger count increase. In the meantime students can use Sept. 28 the bus to take them to the open road. They are freely offered a ride to school, home, or to wherever within the bus routes lead to.
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Kraig JORGENSN Assistant Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS: POWDERPUFF HOMECOMING PARADE
HOMECOMING DANCE SENIOR MOVIE NIGHT Oct. 4
September 2019
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WAKE YOUR GAME UP
Class of 2020 begins year with themed senior sunrise Jeff Caracol Stagg 2020 class seniors held their annual Senior Sunrise before dawn under a ‘Seniors Wake Your Game Up’ theme.
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This event helped me create new ideas for the next events Clarissa MARQUEZ senior
The event held in the Stagg Stadium, provided breakfast, games, and a photo booth. Breakfast for this event included free donuts, sliced watermelons, and drinks. Activities set up on the football field were Big Jenga, Big Uno, Big cup pong, Corn hole, etc. “[It] starts off the year very good,” Senior President Clarissa Marquez said. “[It] gets us excited about our last year of high school.” This was Marquez’s first event of the school year and it took weeks of planning and fundraising, but it was
worth it. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it, but the only thing I would work on is making sure all the budgeting is right, because we did spend a lot of money on it,” Marquez said. Her goal is to make the events memorable for all seniors and hopes more will participate. “This being my first senior event has helped me create an idea of how I will better plan the next events and what other things people will want and will like.”
CLUB RUSH As event is moved to after school, attendance and revenue drop Jesse Fore Club Rush is a club recruitment and fundraising event that has run for over two decades, but recent schedule changes may have made a dent in its success. After moving the event to after school, rather than during lunch, students did not stay. The reason for this change is that the new district manager said that Stagg could not host the event during lunch. The decrease in student attendance meant a decrease in profits for some clubs as compared to the last few years. Out of the 16 clubs, nine profited , but the other seven did not; losing as much as 45% in profits compared to
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last year. This would make it an estimated $900 in losses. Some of it may be attributed to ordering the same amount of food as last year without taking into account a decrease in participation. “My best recommendation is to buy a small amount, sell out, walk away and you know you made a profit,” account technician Corene Lugo said. Other clubs raised their prices to compensate for the decrease in attendance. “It was expensive,” senior Joshua Patterson said. “I ain’t got money for things like that,” added senior Elias Potts. Many prices however lowered throughout the event in an effort to sell out.
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Photo | Fineone Finau Ski Club sold different types of Tamales at club rush. Senior Monica Hernandez helps pass out the food.
September 2019
Features
September 2019
Art|Isabella Mendez
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I thought I was going It’s going to be a breeze I expected everything to get bullied to be the same Amaya Ramirez Freshman Alex Yon-Montoya Dacian Caracol Freshman
Freshman
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Features
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st RALLY
Fineone Finau
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Yalie Ceesay
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For the back to school spirit week, sports dominated the theme to kick off the year. From faking an injury, to wearing sport attire, and student-athletes wearing their gear, students brought in their game face during the week. Spirit week is held several times during the school year in connection to a sporting event or another important event. It allows students and staff to show spirit and en-
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SPIRIT WEEK
Photo | Fineone Finau
GAME
Isabella Mendez
I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it,” Ms. Martinez said. “But the kids pushed me on, now I’m completely exhausted
Freshmen Marisela Torres and Jaron Guerrero show off their spirit as ASB representatives.
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Showing off the best dance moves proved to be a highlight during Stagg’s Back-to-School Rally held at the stadium August 5th. But, what may have been most surprising Rosa MARTINEZ were the winners, as Math teacher math teacher Rosa Martinez, not only won last year but won again- 8 in the dance batPhoto | Glenn Caracol tle but I was too Stockton Kings’ master of ceremonies “EmCee” pumps up students during the first rally of the year. months pregnant. “I wasn’t sure I was going to be scared to even go able to do it,” Ms. Martinez said. “But down there,” sethe kids pushed me on, now I’m com- nior Erick Chavez said. “As I walked down I became more dance contest. While other students both tended the event, for a second consecpletely exhausted.” utive year. Martinez wasn’t the only one who comfortable when the crowd started to boy and girl won the push-up event. The Sacramento Kings mascot and “It was a surprise to see them here,” was not sure about participating. “I had cheer me on.” the thought of wanting to participate Both Martinez and Chavez won the its Master of Ceremonies “EmCee” at- freshman Alonzo Felix said.
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September 2019
thusiasm towards the school. For the first one of the year, freshman class officers didn’t miss a single one. “I felt as if I was interacting with more students at school,” freshmen Vice President Jaron Guerrero said. “We would bond over what outfits to wear.” Although they participated consistently, they wished more freshman had. “I enjoyed spirit week,” Guerrero said but more freshmen could have participated.”
Fineone Finau
Dance battles, entertainment and more. The Associated Student Body (ASB) class held one of the biggest back-to-school dances in over 20 years where an estimated 400 students attended. The increase in attendance may have been a result of posting on social media pages, including the ASB account. “It tells me that students are eager to try and put
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Hundreds of people came to the first game of the season August 23rd to see Stagg play against Hughson at the Stagg Stadium. For many, it was their first game. Sophomore cheerleader Dallas Robles, wearing the new uniform practiced cheers with her teammates on the sidelines. “I’m excited and nervous,” she said. “I don’t want to mess up on cheers.” She hopes to be more confident later on throughout the year. Senior football player, Adrian Sanchez reflected on his first game “We did alright, but it wasn’t enough,” he said. “We just did our own thing [instead of working as a team].” Teammate Jabarii Pharms agrees,
DANCE
in more spirit towards school activities,” ASB director Ryan Berg said. Following the dance’s 1990’s theme some students wore Fanny Packs, neon colored clothing, and hats. “At first I wasn’t really sure of what to wear to fit the theme but my outfit came along and was really cute,” freshman Amaya Ramirez said. The dance had even exceeded some student expectations. In spite that there were more negative thoughts
September 2019
about attending than there were positive. “I’m not going to lie I thought it was going to be whack,” freshman Melia Dimes said. As 90’s artist such as Mariah Carey, TLC, etc. moved students to the dance floor students seemed to have enjoyed their time at the dance. “It was nice seeing everyone dancing and enjoying their time with friends,” sophomore Keelyn Booth said.
“We weren’t ready as a team yet, maybe if everyone went hard and practiced more, we could have done better.” Junior band student, waited in the bleachers with his bandmates, with a few of them Photo | Isabella Mendez who like himself, Team captain Valencia Flores shows were new to band. off her stunts as flyer. Sergio Rubio just started playing the first football game. “It’s the Baritone and performed a fun experience so far,” he during the first game. “I hope said. After teaching middle to become good enough at an school for a year he found instrument to get a scholarhigh school to be a different ship for it.” experience. “There are more The new Geography events [here] and there is and Ethnic Studies teachalso a change in students.” er, Mr.Torres, also attended
Photo | Fineone Finau Students show off their dance moves during “Pasayo De Rodeo” a 90’s song.
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Opinion FEAR OF FUTURE
September 2019
First-generation college-bound student holds onto hope
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Daishawd Shelton
ollege is an idea that has been sold to us since childhood. I thought everyone goes to college until I realized that college is something everyone dreams about, but not everyone is fortunate enough to achieve. For first-generation college students the possibility is outside all realms. Watching everyone live to work makes furthering your education unreal. The lack of parental education begets many unfair challenges that are often faced alone. It is hard for some students to come to their parents with college enrollment issues because they have never experienced it themselves. There are countless reasons why people don’t choose to further their
Scholarships Scholarships available at Stagg 1. 3 available 2. Ranges from $800-$1,000 Local Scholarships 1. 90 available 2. Range from $500-$4,000 California Dream Act 1. Attending Delta college 2. Use if you are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
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Infographic | Yalie Ceesay
education and money seems to be the recurring elephant in the room. People allow the cost of college to hold them back from opportunities they can only dream of. Being the first in my family to consider college I was hesitant because I knew about the financial burden it would place on us. Often we believe we cannot go to college due to lack of funds, but this
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The lack of parental education begets many unfair challenges that are often faced alone Daishawd SHELTON
senior
is not the case. Every California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) offers tailored programs for first-gen students that offer resources, services, and money. Stockton’s CSU-Stanislaus campus is a great option for first-gen students who not only need financial assistance but cannot —or prefer not— be away from their family.
Art| Brianna Garcia One program that specifically helps first-gen and low-income families is the Education Opportunity Program [EOP]. It offers free tutoring, equipment, counseling and more to students who wish to participate. Research is vital when it comes to higher education. Talk to your counselors about programs that will assist you. On average, people who obtain a high school degree earn seven hundred and fifty dollars a week totaling two-thousand eight-hundred and forty-eight dollars a month. College for a first gen student is a risk worth taking —if you are applying for scholarships and researching programs, you will be rewarded. A small amount of debt trumps a life in which you cannot fully live. Don’t let your fears control your future, for only you can decide your fate. Never let anyone give you boundaries when it comes to your own future and education.
ATHLETE RESTRICTED Transfer students deemed ineligible to play sports their first year
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Fodia Ceesay
laying sports and getting straight A’s was senior Jaylen Davidson’s goal this year. Playing basketball for 11 years, he hoped to continue after enrolling at Stagg. Little did he know, his grades wouldn’t be the hard part. Instead, the odds are against him. Transfer students cannot play their first year. The rule, set by the California Interscholastic Federation [CIF], the governing body for high school sports and membership, is designed to prevent students from transferring schools for the wrong reasons. According to the CIF website, it will deter students who are transferring to avoid disciplinary action, transferring for athletic reasons and to individuals who recruit student-athletes. These reasons however do not apply to Davidson. “I transferred a lot because I was having issues at home,” Davidson said. I don’t think it’s fair to have something taken away from me when I have no control over it.” feels frustrated knowing this is beyond his control. He
watches other ‘transfers’ on the court while he watches from afar. “I’m still going to fight to get myself eligible.” Davidson says, “I had my mind on going to practice every day to do the sports that I love.” “ They should let him play,” senior Elijah Turner, who was in the same situation last year, “I don’t think it’s fair.” Coaches are caught in the middle. “We have to abide by what the CIF
Art | Jesse Fore says,” ASB director, Ryan Berg said. “But I don’t think they’re always right in the decisions that they make — and I’m hoping they can reconsider.” For now, Davidson said he will continue with the paperwork. For now, Davidson said he will continue with the paperwork. For now, Davidson said he will continue with the paperwork.
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DOUBLE STRANDS, STANDARDS Hair is not just what makes you look good. It runs deeper into roots and race.
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Charnaya Stewart
air. It goes into your mind and comes out of your eyes until it becomes a part of your identity.
Photo | Charnaya Stewart
Hair has a meaning beyond its artistic accomplishment, it digs down to the roots of the race. When African American women decide to wear extensions it immediately comes to attention as “wanting to be white” rather than the desire for versatility. On the other hand, when a non-African-American chooses to wear “ethnic” hairstyles such as Kylie Jenner wearing faux locs it is considered ‘trendy’. I remember my Sophomore year, a Mexican girl had blue and gray braids. And It was a hard pill to swallow because when a Mexican girl taps into my culture it’s seen as “cute” and “bold” when I do it, it’s just expected. It seems like white people have been wearing that style for years but, in reality, it is not that way. Junior Shyann Singleton has a very
strong opinion on the discussion of African American hair “instead of getting the credit people of a different race get more attention for it”. I’ve also noticed that even hair companies advertised on television can be very double standard-ish because black hair product commercials for kinky hair besides Pantene. Companies like this have recently expanded their product line. THE HAIR SHE OWNS... Looking back at that moment kids would come to school and ask me about my hair. The question that annoyed me the most. was “omg is this your real hair?”
Questions like this are dreadful to answer because you're just so overwhelmed with so many mixed emotions, like anger and aggravation LOOK BUT DON’T TOUCH Your hair is your crown and domain.
September 2019
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A&E
SUMMER,
September 2019
Movie Review: ‘Ready or Not’
WHAT’S HOT?
Trending arts and entertainment of the season Source | Fox Searchlight
Music
Ready for GORE? We need MORE!
Lil Nas X - “Old Town Road” Lizzo - “Truth Hurts” Megan Thee Stallion - “Cash Sh*t”
Glenn Caracol
TV Shows “Stranger Things” “Euphoria” “Jane The Virgin”
Memes Spongebob Nicki Minaj Area 51
Movies
“The Lion King” “Toy Story 4” “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”
Phrases
“Period” “And I oop-” “Hot Girl Summer”
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Graphic | Yalie Ceesay & Daishawd Shelton
“Ready or Not” is a horror movie that takes the Addams family quirks to the next level. The premise is that to join the “Le Domas” family, the newly married member must survive an all night fatal hunt at a mansion. I expected this movie to be a flop, and unrealistic, but this movie had circumstances and actions that were believable. For example, in most horror films as people are dying left and right you don’t really see the antagonists disgusted in a horror movie, but these antagonists were too soft, actually were sickened and couldn’t stand seeing the gore. he audience and I felt the same way too. Horror films today usually seem too clean, and the people want more messy gore. And most movies today are clean and basic, with no complexity. But this movie uses a deadly version of hide and seek which makes a creative ways to reach the climax. With the good thrill and gore in this movie, it still lacks fear, but it is still worth buying a ticket and watching. I would recommend it if you like to see a good amount of stomach-churning gore. Before you watch it don’t forget to bring a bag before you throw up.
BEST TACO TRUCKS
Where’s the best place to grab and go in Stockton? Who has better taco trucks? Northside
EL rey Azteca
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Southside
Taqueria El Grullense
When you get the pastor and they put pineapples in it.
Marisela TORRES
freshman
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Taqueria chapala
Some bomb asada!
Aliyah SANTANILLA
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senior
American style, but they turn it into Mexican food
Jasmine CORDOVA
senior
Graphic | Isabella Mendez & Abraham Varela
hard shell or soft shell?
THIS or THAT?
salsa verde or salsa rojas?
onions or cillantro? asada or carnitas?
horchata or guava? Stagg LINE
September 2019
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Sports
September 2019
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
Maria Gallegos in the action of guarding drills during practice, as she gets ready for defense as a corner.
Who says girls can’t play football? Glenn Caracol Traditionally boys play football and girls cheer, but Mercedes Baca and Maria Gallegos set out to change that. As the only two girls on the junior varsity football team, they are planning to set a new standard for football. Baca’s intentions last year were to play football as a freshman but she
Photo | Juan Parra was told she needed to act more as a girl and had to join cheer as an alternative. That, however, did not satisfy her. While cheering, Baca paid more attention to the game, leading her coaches to tell her to “focus on the stunts.” Both girls have been dedicated from the start with all the practices and weight room hours. Since both have made the team, both are excited to play
— but not everyone is thrilled. Particularly their fathers. Gallegos’ parents, for example, said that while they support her decision, her father said, “It’s an odd choice for a sport, especially for a girl.” As for Baca’s father, he is afraid of her daughter getting “squished.” Baca and Gallegos both look forward to an all-girl football league in the future.
PRESSURE TO WIN
Team hopes to continue success of previous years Lisa Reyes and Krystena Meza
Photo | Juan Parra Senior Kaylee Fetters hopes that her experience will help younger players.
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For the last three years, Stagg Women Tennis Team has enjoyed victory as well as growing together as a group. Leadership is essential for an efficient organization. Described as a leader by her team, Kaylee Fetters, a senior, plans on keeping the three-year playoff qualifying streak alive for this, her last year. Coach Shannon Markley described her as a “consistent player [who] works
hard. We know that if we send her out to the court she will work on what she needs.” As she wraps up her fourth year, she plans on passing down the mantle to the newbies along with giving them tips that include “keeping your head up” and “maintaining a positive atmosphere.” Her goal is to teach the younger players what she has learned and to keep the spark going.
SERVING HIGH
Sophomore promoted to the varsity level Juan Parra/Dibran Seymour
Photo | Juan Parra Brianna Coelho spikes the ball, giving the Delta Queen another point.
Despite her communication on the floor, sophomore Brianna Coelho is not all talk. Hard-working and dedicated, she is the only sophomore on the Varsity volleyball team. Coelho never imagined being on the Varsity team this early, but it is not the first time she has been promoted. Midway through the season, last year, she was promoted to the Junior Varsity team. Her teammates have noticed her growth. “I’ve seen serious improvement from her,” junior Jasmine Perez said. “Ever since playing with her during middle school to now, she has im-
proved a lot.” Volleyball became Coelho’s passion after an elementary volleyball coach inspired her and has been playing ever since. “She was who I looked up to,” Coelho said. “She taught me so much.” Coelho’s been playing volleyball since 6th grade because “it keeps me active and out of trouble.” Coelho has never been about the fame or glory, after her first four games for a varsity team, she said “it felt good, I was nervous.” Through all the excitement and nervousness she derives her motivation from her desire to play. Her joy for the sport is what drives her to be successful and is an inspiration to all new players.
NEW LEADERSHIP Coach, captains remake the squad Isabella Mendez Coach Joy Rialubin may be a new coach, but she’s known this campus for years. As a former Stagg student and cheerleader, she came back to oversee the entire cheerleading program. “It’s nice to know that when I come here, it’s home,” Rialubin said. “They’ll call out cheers and it’s the same ones,” she said. “Sometimes when I watch I have to fight the urge to go cheer with them because those are my cheers too.” Coach Joy has a passion for cheer. “These students have a lot of potential,” she said. “They are also getting used to my expectations. It helps that I’m alumni and that I’ve been in their shoes. It helps me carry out their
vision.” In addition to new leadership, team captains have been formed for the first time in many years. There are four new cheer captains for varsity: Valencia Flores, Marzeny Manriquez, Paulina Garcia and Alainna Martinez, who were selected by team vote. “I always tell my teammates to keep looking for the best of things,” Martinez said. “We try to resolve everything no matter what the situation is.” Martinez, looking to the future, has had thoughts of becoming the cheer coach for Stagg as a side job. “It most definitely improved me and helped me hold myself together. People look up to me as well,” she said. Junior cheer captain Marzeny Manriquez, did not
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Photo | Isabella Mendez Junior varsity cheerleaders chant to the crowd as football scores. expect to be a captain either. “I’d just always help out. I also create dances, it grew on me to continue and this year they nominated me without me knowing.” She says being a captain does add to her leadership skills, especially since she is president of the Associated Student Body (ASB) class. “It makes me feel more accomplished and makes me want to do more for others.”
This team spirit has influenced new cheerleaders such as Junior Diana Vazquez. She looks up to her teammates in many ways. “When we are practicing and something isn’t going right we try and lift each other’s spirits. I can see the level of determination these girls put in everyday at practice,” Vasquez said.
September 2019
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LAST LOOK
Photos | Glenn Caracol Charnaya Stewart Fodia Ceesay Isabella Mendez Fineone Finau Krystena Meza Amos Alonzo Stagg High School
1621 Brookside Rd
Stockton, CA 95207