For years generations have been given labels to mark their importance in history. However, for us “Millennials,” we’ve been labeled before we could become history. We’ve been reduced to being seen as technology-obsessed drones. Inside this special edition, we show that we are so much more than what we are perceived to be. This generation, more than any other, is determined to prove the stereotypes false. These seniors inside have prepared themselves for the careers and passions they want to pursue.
Flourishing in the arts
Hoang questions future: singing or college?
The light strums of the acoustic guitar synced with her soft toned voice. Time signatures. Tempos. Splits. “As a child,” she said, “(Music) was my Cuts. Loops. Keys. Tracks. Hundreds of dream career.” factors play into Nguyen Hoang’s cre- It struck her, though, that maybe ation of music. Saved in GarageBand music isn’t the right career path as a and on her MacBook, she has ideas rac- singer. Despite having several comments ing through her mind when placing in- from viewers asking for her voice and adstrumental tracks together. An overlay miring her beauty, Hoang isn’t sure she’ll looms over, though. It’s her passion, yes, be able to make the cut. “I just don’t have but is it her future? any hopes of mak Her Vietnamese ing it big anywhere.” If an opportunity family gathers in song She currently works does come, no to celebrate their being in the dark lit shack together. like clothing store matter how long Hoang sits aside famously known as it’ll take, I’ll risk from them. Her love Hollister. She plans for music is apparent. on working there to all I can to chase But the culture she help hold her own it.” identifies with is out of in college. tune with the language “It’s not like my her family sings in. isn’t willing Nguyen Hoang family “I took more the to support me,” HoAmerican style,” Hoang said. “They’ll ang said. Covers on her YouTube chan- support me with anything I want to do.” nel range from Nick Jonas to Alicia Keys. But she wants to have as little dependen Her accent is heard, she enunci- cy on her family as possible. ates every word. But her style, her word The Psychology Department at Delchoice, and mostly her musical efficacy ta can look forward to a new student. showcase her passion. However, Hoang knows that music will “I remember my mom teaching me always be in her life. how to play guitar,” she said. At last year’s “If an opportunity does come,” she choir showcase, she sang “All of Me” by said, “no matter how long it’ll take, I’ll John Legend. risk all I can to chase it.”
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Photo courtesy of Nguyen Hoang
Nguyen Hoang is often fairly shy about performing around family so she waits until there is an empty house to record. “I’ve become more open about what I do,” she said. However, she still prefers recording alone and sharing the videos via social media later.
Mariscal dances to express, not to impress
jonathonivy He walks onto the stage, with lights and all his glory. His moves are imprinted in his mind and in his muscle memory and although he’s nervous, he’s ready to dance. For Luis Mariscal, dance is “a way to express yourself.” Mariscal is a shy person, so for him dance is his way of showing his emotions and feelings. “I really have a passion for dancing,” he said. “Everytime I do it, it gives me the feeling that I can actually do something.” Mariscal has been dancing for four years. He started in high school on a whim and like a bird that has discovered it can fly, Mariscal has discovered something that he enjoys doing. What really sets him apart from other dancers in his Dance 3-4 class, is the fact that he’s a boy. In fact, he’s the first and only boy to be a four-year student under dance teacher Deborah Spector’s instruction. “Some students simply do what’s required,” Spector said. “He always goes beyond what he’s asked. Spending days, months working with the girls during his lunch.” Since Mariscal is the only boy he often lifts the girls during different dance routines and has danced with different people. Over time he has developed partners that he enjoys dancing with.
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photo by Michealla Foules
Mariscal rehearses a duo to “Crimson” by Nicole Nordeman, with senior Andranae Johnson during lunch. Dance teacher Deborah Spector knew they were the perfect pair because they are well suited for each other skill-wise.
“Luis is a hard, determined worker that doesn’t stop until he gets it right.” said junior Chelsey Rojas, one of Mariscal’s frequent dance partners. “He motivates lots of dancers.” Senior Andranae Johnson, the only other four year dancer, has shared great moments with Mariscal over the years, “It’s fun dancing with Luis,” Johnson said. “He motivates me to go harder.” For Mariscal “dance is a passion, but not something I definitely want to pursue as a career.” He isn’t sure exactly what he wants to do with dance and looks at college “as a place to explore.” He plans on attending Sacramento State University next year and also plans on taking dance classes and even possibly participating in dance clubs. To Mariscal, dancing professionally is more of a dream which is why he chose mechanical engineering as a college major. “I’m good at math so I thought, ‘I should do something with it’,” Mariscal said. Although he isn’t pursuing dance as a career, he still sees it as something he will be doing for the rest of his life. While he’ll be designing and building things in the future he’ll still be barrel turning and tour j’ete-ing in the future.
Silva calculates life after graduation
Struggles with speaking lead a student to a love of math micheallafoules He takes a pause to recover his rushing words and gather up his thoughts. Behind his back, he is clenching a handful of paper clips to distract himself from his intimidating classmates. “Pain is the strongest emotion to overcome nerves.” This was a technique used by Rudy Silva during his presentations in his freshman and sophomore years to relieve his anxiety due to his speech impediment. “Now I’m completely fine with it.” His speech impediment became a setback in his education. “I hated reading in the first grade,” Silva said. “I used to make up book titles on my reading logs.” He admits that he was a troubled child, bothering his teachers and classmates. Unfortunately, Silva was held back in the first grade. Though his speech impediment
crippled his English skills, his arithmetic sharpened and became stronger. In seventh grade, Silva took algebra, which is freshman level math in high school. “I’ve always been good at math,” Silva said. He was given the option to move up onto the next grade level, but his speech impediment didn’t give him the confidence to do so. When he got to high school, his parents 5 encouraged him to $
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participate in speech therapy at a church, where they had sessions that allowed students to feel comfortable and learn how to deal with t h e i r
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graphic by Jenifer Flores
challenges. They also provided workshops with flashcards that had pronunciation games. “I don’t tell my teachers about my speech impediment.” As any student would feel nervous about presenting in front of a class, Silva dreaded presentations and they became challenges coming into high school. “Sometimes I felt overworked,” Silva said. “But now I stutter less.” Currently, Silva is known as a math genius and takes rigorous math courses. A close friend of his, senior Selena Magallanes says that Silva is quick to understand numbers. “He has an A (in Advanced Placement Calculus).” In addition, Silva takes the position as MESA treasurer. “He’s best fit for the job,” Magallanes said. His comfort in math leads him into wanting a career as an accountant. “I don’t mind doing math,” he said. “I like business.”
Kunz avoids becoming starving artist baylinmoran
Her art began very simple. It was sketches with messy eraser bits scattered across the paper, but as time continued she started using vibrant colors that stained her fingers and brought not only the picture to life but her emotions. Monica Kunz had always been hungry for creativity in drawing. As the years have passed she has never put the pen and paper away. Her love for expressing what she couldn’t through words allowed her to chose the career of becoming an artist. Hitting high school, Kunz realized that it wouldn’t be easy becoming an artist and would make jokes of being a “starving artist,” like the street perform-
ers in San Francisco. She worried that her only way of expressing herself would leave her homeless or close to it. The support for her dream of becoming an artist was not supported and the doubt of what she feared grew stronger. “Nana would always try to pursue me to take a different path, that art wouldn’t get me anywhere,” Kunz said. It wasn’t just her Nana but her aunts, uncles and even siblings. Kunz felt trapped and so she would go to her boyfriend, Cristian Lara, for support. Time and time again he would guide her in the direction of her dreams. Lara would teach her new techniques to help her art come to life and not just look like penciled bits on a sheet
of paper. He helped her give a more realistic aspect with shading tips and 3D effects. The “starving artist” was going to grasp her and drag her into misery before she could decide to give her art the chance to become something that would Kunz’s art has had an impact on not only her friends but teachers and administration who buy commissions from her. “The money I earn goes to more supplies and my future in art school,” said Kunz. Principal Andre Phillips has purchased art as well as Tankersley. Many students ask for commissions as well. Her art hangs up in the window of the art room for Raygoza as well as in Tankersley’s room where it’s framed for everyone to see.
photo by Baylin Moran
Monica Kunz likes to draw in any spare time she gets. Despite doubt from family, she knows she’ll be successful.
Griffin bakes to keep away the day’s stress alexusplascencia
To deal with stress, one may plug in earphones, write in a journal, or even go out for a run. They’re considered different forms of outlets. But for D’Gene Griffin, she bakes. “I bake for myself, to put all the stress away,” she said. As a kid Griffin always enjoyed baking simply because of the taste. There was even a moment in time when she wanted to become a chocolatier because she fell in love with the baked goods. People would ask her to bake for their birthdays and special occasions. But as she grew up she learned to use baking as a way to deal with her own personal problems. “I liked it so much, I got lost in it.” Whether it was her mother being in and out of jail or bouncing around from household, to household, Griffin’s life was always unsteady. It was hard for her
photo by Veronica Vargo
Despite the crazy antics of her life, D’Gene Griffin uses baking as a tool to relax. Here she is mixing ingredients to make a cake.
to find consistency, other than her love for baking. But coming from a low income family and a father who didn’t see her baking supplies as a necessity, Griffin wasn’t able to have everything she needed and even wanted. “I want nice, non-stickable pans. I don’t want to clean harsh ones.” With the basic whisks, spoons, and bowls, Griffin does the best she can with what she has. Although she dreams of having brand name appliances and tools, she knows that if she pushes herself harder, she will be able to have all she’s dreamed for. “I sometimes wonder if there are actually jobs out there for me though,” she said. “Like, can I actually make a living and get by.” But Griffin doesn’t see herself at a desk job, talking all things politics.“It’s my life, and I want to do what I want to with it.”
For now, she plans on attending a community college to get her A.A. then eventually move to a four year to obtain her degree in business. “I want to own my own bakery and sell property as another option.” She even pays extra close attention to what is discussed about businesses in her economics class to be prepared for her future. From her childhood that still continues to haunt her, to her current struggle of hoping she’ll get by, Griffin picks up her whisk and mixes away. “I’m always stressing, and it’s always on my mind, but baking is like a stress relief.” Cakes, brownies, and cupcakes. She does it all. It keeps her balanced in the uneasiness of her personal life. “I’m going to be rich either way. I’d rather do something that makes me happy.”
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I would put videotapes of the present to see how much it will change from now.”
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I’d put an iPod full of music with genres from this generation.”
Madison Marshall
the
60 years from now... what will people think of the items in our time capsule? Our generation of students has seen one of the fastest periods of social and technological growth in history. Productivity has skyrocketed with the use of online documents that can be shared for discussion and improvement, and phones allow groups to connect and plan occasions. With all of these improvements, however, bad habits have sprouted as well. Vape and hookah pens have become more popular with teens, and reality television continues to poison minds. So that our successfors have something to build off of, we want to keep only the good in our time capsule.
Stagg Line
Senior Edition
May 15, 2015
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I would bring a Bible because it tells that I am a religious person.” Takiesha Ward
Brandon Alford
Droug ht Ferguson
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Rios helps those who need health care
devinwickstrom
For those who know Vanessa Rios, they probably know she volunteers at San Joaquin General Hospital when she gets the chance. They also probably know she really enjoys her anatomy class. What they probably don’t know is that it took seeing a set of bicycle handlebars stab and pierce through her sister’s stomach that immersed her in nursing. Although it may sound awful, Rios’ sister is fine and healthy now. But if she hadn’t been taken to the hospital, she most likely would’ve died. That doesn’t mean accidents and injuries make Rios uncomfortable or scared. She’s actually quite comfortable with cuts and wounds,
both minor and major. “I was always curious with injuries as a little kid,” she said. “It just always amazed me how someone could get really hurt then get better.” Whenever her siblings would be injured or sick, she would always be the one in the family to volunteer and take care of them. That was especially the case when her brother was involved in a car accident. Rios said the doctors helped him become stable, but he still had to recover at home. “A lot of people will get grossed out by the sight of blood or injuries. I just love helping people, especially my brother.” Because she volunteers at a hospital, Rios has noticed that there aren’t many Span-
ish-speaking nurses in practice. She said being bilingual really helps those who need medical help but do not speak English. “I just feel like people don’t take learning and speaking Spanish seriously,” she said. “It connects you with a lot more people and that allows you to help them.” She said her cousin, who works at San Joaquin General, is a major influence in her decision to become a nurse. “She would tell us stories about people who would come in and what happened to them. My siblings would be pretty grossed out by it, but I’d have a huge grin on my face.” When listening to her cousin’s stories, Rios said all
she could think about was being there with her to see everything for herself. Although she is comfortable and interested in human anatomy, Rios really enjoys connecting with people at the hospital. She said she really likes asking those who come in why they’re here and how she can help them. Rios has been accepted to the pre-nursing program at California State University East Bay and plans on attending there or Stanislaus. Her plan is to become a registered nurse and then a nurse practitioner. “This is definitely what I’m going into,” she said. “I like knowing that I helped make someone better. It makes me happy.”
photo by Esmerelda Mascorro
Vanessa Rios in her scrubs at her volunteer job, San Joaquin General Hospital. She answers the phone to help those who make calls about general information.
McCormick relaxed and ready for anything veronicavargo
“We call him the Draymond Green of yearbook,” said his advisor Martin Bagnasco, “‘cause he does all the dirty work.” John McCormick “had a difficult job” this year as a member of the yearbook staff “and he did it well,” Bagnasco said. However, McCormick describes himself as “boring.” For McCormick, getting out was the goal for his high school career with hopes of getting a career that requires the most minimal amount of work. “I do the work I need to,” McCormick said with shrugged shoulders and a nonchalant head gesture. “You don’t have to do all of it and pass.” His high school classes consisted of a-g required classes with a touch of rigor that is yearbook. Now with a 3.0 grade-point average, McCormick will be attending Delta Col-
lege in hopes to transfer to Sacramento State after two years. Again, with some stretch like movement, he comments on
Although he seems to be the plain Jane, this plain John stands out when in a sea of his peers… literally. He stands six feet two inches tall, which brought about his basketball nickname on the staff, but he does not play the sport. After an ankle break at a summer practice for freshman football, he tried out but did not make the basketball team. “I just stopped playing,” he said. “I just didn’t like it.” He looked down at his ankle, “It still hurts sometimes.” When contemplating a career, McCormick tries to pick one with the least amount of work required. “I kinda want to go into law enforcement, like graphic by Veronica Vargo Highway Patrol.” Whatever lies ahead, the “boring” how he thought about getting into computer science, “I’m into computers, but odd man out is ready for whatever happens next. that’s a lot of work.”
Cane proud to keep family military tradition nuviacervantes
Joey Cane is a part of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. It’s a program for teenagers ages 13 through 18 that trains them in what it would be like to join the Navy. He was introduced to it at age 8. His father told him about the program, hoping he would jump at the opportunity — and he did. Cane is a member of the organization because he wants to join the Navy after graduating high school. It wasn’t his first consideration — he
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Joey Cane wears his Naval Sea Cadet uniform as he prepares to join the Navy. photo courtesy of Joey Cane
pondered about some of the other branches, like the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force. “Not to sound like a jarhead, but I really wanted to be on the frontline, actually shooting and defending my country.”
He gave this decision a lot of thought as time passed by. But his small stature — only 5’4” — won’t let him perform tasks that this position will demand from him. He isn’t as tall, doesn’t have as broad shoulders, and isn’t able to develop muscles as large as other soldiers on the frontline. These characteristics are needed to carry injured comrades out of the line of fire when they go down. For a long time Cane had even considered joining the Navy SEALs. To prepare, he took up track
to improve his cardio. Other side activities, like wrestling his cousin, also helped improve his physical capabilities. When he wrestles with his cousin, who does have a broad, bulked body, Cane knows his cousin has a greater advantage of strength over him. “I didn’t aim to be the fastest guy or the strongest guy. I wanted to be the guy who endures, who lasts the longest.” And that was exactly what happened during his sparring sessions. Cane would work on wearing him down. “It would ir-
ritate him because by the time he’s huffing and puffing I would barely be starting to break a sweat.” A big reason Cane wants to join the Navy is because of his family’s history of service. “My family is about the military — my dad, my grandparents, my great-grandparents.” So not only does he feel proud of carrying on his family’s service history, but he also would be choosing a career that he wants. “It’s not just an afterthought for me… You have to want it and have the drive.”
Designor Di e Father’s art inspires Compo to become interior designer esmeraldamascorro She was the little girl who wanted to do everything — cook, draw, play, decorate, dress herself, and make friends. From a very young age, Paige Compo saw things from a different perspective. She saw creative possibilities all around her. Fashion, designing, planning, giving back to others are all part of Compo’s personality. After high school, she plans to attend Delta College before transfering to a university in hopes of earning a degree that will allow her to do what she loves, something related to design. Whether it is wedding planning, home decor or even party coordinating, the door is open for her. The most prominent element in choosing a career is finding joy in the work for Compo derives from the expressions on an individual’s face when she gives them what they want. Her creativity is a mixture of her desire to bring
joy to others and her artistic abilities. A lot of the inspiration that Compo has comes from her father, who passed away in 2009 due to heart problems. “She looked up to her dad. He was friendly and outgoing and artistic. That is where she mostly gets it from,” Melanie Compo, her mother, said. She often leaves little gifts and reminders to express her love towards her friends, family and peers. “She enjoys and loves giving things out and putting smiles on people’s faces, she just gets a kick out of it.” Compo received a chance to share her creativity with those in her school community. She has been part of the Associated Student Body for the past two years. Known for her art, Compo is the one to go to when a poster is needed. “When I make posters for ASB I form pictures to give my reader a sense of feeling,” she
Simple decorations in a few easy steps
said. Whether it’s a poster or a whole room Compo is determined to make it look the very best it possibly can. The most common way for Compo to express her creativity is by changing the theme of her room. If sparkle is needed, it will be added. If color is needed, it will be painted. If decor is lacking, it will be made. Every week Compo takes time to analyze what she is feeling and what she wants and if the decoration of her room is in alignment with those feelings and desires. “Changing her room every week really inspires her to design,” best friend Mia Macias fellow senior said. With all of the ideas floating around in her head, Compo rests in assurance that her future will be bright.
1. Gather materials: jar, artificial flowers, acrylic pain, paper towel, ribbon. 2. Pour enough paint into jar until covered. 3. Scoop excess paint out of jar onto paper towel. 4. Use paper towel to wipe the tip of the inside. 5. Let it sit and dry. 6. When dry, stick flower inside. 7. Wrap ribbon around the lid of the jar.
photos by Joann Sagaral / graphic by Fernando Gonzalez
MESA influences Zuniga to pursue engineering career mirandamaurino As he takes his seat at the back of the classroom, Gabriel Zuniga cracks a joke with the nearest person. Throughout high school, he has made a name for himself — as the typical class clown. But his bubbling personality has caused him to be underestimated upon first impression. From his first steps on the campus Gabriel Zuniga practices with the prosthetic arm in preparation for regionals in Chico, CA, winning first overall. His team placed first in the last year nationals. photo by Jada Johnson
he has always been a person full of positivity, and that has only become more evident throughout the years. His friends describe him as a person of both passion and humor. Senior Zeshawn Khan, who has been friends with Zuniga since freshman year said, “He jokes around a lot, but he’s really nice. You can count on him when you need help.” But despite Zuniga’s outgoing and seemingly careless attitude, he has not
failed to prove himself academically. He has been a prominent member of the MESA program since his sophomore year. He competed in the National Engineering Design Competition last year in Oregon and the prosthetic arm that he and his team built took first place. But Zuniga’s success in MESA was not just given to him. He earned it after years of hard work. Although he and his MESA team have attempted to compete at nationals every year, it didn’t always work out. “We got second at state my sophomore year. It made us work harder every year to get to nationals.” Zuniga has again qualified to compete at the MESA state competition this year. He and his team placed first at the regional round in Chico and are preparing to compete at The University of the Pacific on May 16. “We just need to put our focus on the writing and presentation part of the competi-
tion to get extra points in order to get first place.” If Zuniga and his team place first at state, they will be qualified to move onto the national competition. The MESA program has inspired Zuniga to pursue a career in engineering. He is committed to attending Sacramento State University next fall and majoring in mechanical engineering. His parents have encouraged him to attend community college in order to save money, but he has his mind set on attending a traditional four-year university. “I really want to start at a four-year university, but it depends on how much it costs,” Zuniga said. Although Zuniga’s outgoing personality often leads to his academic success going unnoticed, he remains motivated. “I don’t care what anyone thinks. I know what I can do, I know what I’m capable of, and I know that one day I’ll be successful.” Zuniga has been self motivated throughout his high school career and believes that hard work has been the key to his academic success, “No one is dumb and no one is smart, you just have to work hard. Anyone can be successful if they put the effort in.”
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2015
Here we, the Stagg Line seniors of 2015, show how we defy stereotypes of our generation. “I hate typing my essays and even reading books on the computer. I always have a notebook at hand for that pencil and paper feel.” Jada Johnson
“I don’t care for titles. As long as I know who I am I am happy.” Esmeralda Mascorro
“I am not a Netflix binger. I actually don’t watch television at all. Why are pretty girls lying?” Michealla Foules
"They say young people get handed everything but having a job has taught me the value of a dollar.” Fernando Gonzalez “I’ve never believed in “normal.” What some find normal is misery to others.” Baylin Moran
“I spend most of my time volunteering.” Marcella Hawkins “When people meet me for the first time they usually think I’m just a lazy teenager, but I’m really focused in school and try to get the best grades I can.”
Miranda Maurino
“Social media is not the only thing I spend my time on. I spend a lot of my time practicing the cello.” Jonathon Ivy “‘Is Wi- there defi Fi?’ is n the itely n first o thin t I as ever k when g I buil enter a din Nu g.” Cer via van tes
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“I was never one to stress off academics and a future. I believe it’ll fall into place and make sense later.” Alexus Plascencia
“I’m not handed everything in life like some people think. I worked hard to get where I am now.” Devin Wickstrom
"I'm not always texting my friends. My phone is what keeps me focused. I study, plan, write, read, stayinformed and balance my budget all on my iPhone." Veronica Vargo
“I’ve never smoked (anything), gotten drunk or had a first kiss.” Jenifer Flores