Stagg Line
Home of the Delta Kings
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School
1621 Brookside Rd
Stockton, CA 95207
Divorce affects teens at home and in school
04.05.19
4x4 schedule likely to be in place next school year
Shannon BRADBERRY
Donavin COLLINS & Oleedia HARRIS
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S SHE WOULD COME home from school, senior Hailey Edwards became used to a scenario that transpired all too often. Even if her parents were trying their best to hide it from her, they would eventually burst out into an argument, prompting her older brothers to intervene and take her away from the altercation. Witnessing her parents’ divorce at a young age, little did she understand how much it would affect her life. Edwards was only 6 years old when the problems started to grab her attention. “At first, I didn’t really understand what they were arguing about,” she said. “Once I realized they were talking about getting a divorce, I was hurt and upset like how any child would be. No one wants their mom and dad to fall out of love.” This went on to affect her overall mood, especially at school. “I would sometimes just shut off and worry about if they were going to actually get a divorce, but at the same time school was my getaway from the arguments at home.” From there, she started to gain problems of her own. “In a way I kind of wanted to just pull away from life, but at the same time I wanted to be stronger and push forward.” Edwards’ situation is not rare. According to a Time Magazine article from November, nearly 4 out of 10 marriages end in a divorce. With such a high number of divorced couples, this leaves a great number of children living in broken homes with the risk of mental, educational, and social problems. For senior Jacob Stillwell this past Christmas was anything but merry. “My mom and I were moving, and we already knew my dad wasn’t coming along,” he said. Since Stillwell had the opportunity to watch his parents’ relationship as he grew up, he was hit hard and looked at school as a retreat. “This entire atmosphere of school is perfect for students to live a life away from their personal problems.”
ART BY SERINA SIENG
Divorce is hardly new. For counselor Kevin Oki, he looks back on it as a rough experience that he was able to learn from. “We thought it was our fault because when they would argue, they argued about us,” he said. Frustrated, both parents were actually arguing over who would have custody over Oki and his siblings. It wasn’t until about nine years later that he started to open up and accept his parents’ split. “As a kid, you’re not able to understand why your parents are divorcing. Around my freshman or sophomore year, I began to realize that it wasn’t our fault but just a normal thing that some married couples go through,” Oki said. Even after this realization, he began to face problems in school, similar to Edwards. “I had a lot of friends that still had their parents together and, in a way, I felt jealous.” After her parents’ divorce, junior Karis Carter lived with only her mother, but at the expense of weakening the relationship between her and her father. “There would be some moments where I would talk to my dad and then in a split second I would just stop and be super quiet,” she said. It wasn’t until she was 13 years old that she realized it was because of how broken their bond had become. “When it was my freshman year, that’s when we started hanging out more.” To this day, Carter
and her father continue to make plans for little dates, whether it’s going out to eat at Denny’s or going for a walk at Victory Park. “Now, I don’t even feel the gaps between when we talk.” Even though the relationship between the child and both parents has great importance, the relationship between the parents is crucial. Ideally, the parents should share the duties of raising their child while living separately. All three students live with only one parent rather than switching off, but still keep in touch with and visit the other parent. For Oki, who went through the experience of switching between parents, he stresses the importance of healthy co-parenting. “It’s very important to co-parent because the child needs to know it wasn’t because of them. It was because the mom and dad couldn’t get along.” Though the divorces may have been bumpy, most agree it was needed. “When I was little, I used to think it would be better if they stayed together, but that was just the little kid in me,” Carter said. “It was better for them to divorce because all they would do was argue.” Years later, Edwards’ parents are able to be in the same room without any arguments. “My parents get along a lot better and put any problems they’ve had aside,” she said. “Divorce isn’t always a bad thing and it shouldn’t be thought as that.”
FACTS ON DIVORCE IN AMERICA Nearly 40 percent of marriages in the United States will end with separation or a divorce which places the US with the sixth highest divorce rate in the world.
Volume 62 Issue 7
Divorce may cause children to develop anxiety at a younger age and cause them to worry that their parents might stop loving them and leave them too.
Approximately every 36 seconds a divorce occurs. That’s almost 2,400 divorces per day, 16,800 divorces per week and 876,000 divorces a year.
Divorces not only affect the child’s personal life, but can cause them to struggle in academics and impede social connections with other people. GRAPHIC BY KEVIN GUTIERREZ
SOURCES: hamptonroadslegal.com, verywellfamily.com, lawyers.com
With high schools having some differences in their schedules, over time that has caused numerous complications. A main issue involves the way credits are handled with transfer students. To alleviate this obstacle all district high schools may be moving to a 4-by-4 block schedule next year. This means each semester focusing on four classes instead of six. Sophomore Sir David Boatwright, a transfer student from Chavez, explained how beneficial the block schedule is. “There was always time to really focus on a subject. Being at Stagg I feel like the classes go by so fast and I am constantly rushed.” Instead of the traditional 58 minute classes that students have become accustomed to over the years, they will now be around an hour and 30 minutes. Junior Glenn Caracol isn’t in favor of the time change. “I think that’s way too long for one class,” he said. “I just don’t want to be bored.” Director of Innovation Brian Biedermann said the 4-by-4 will solve some issues. With a new credit requirement for graduation, 230 will be difficult to reach for some students with a traditional schedule. The block schedule will possibly be in place next year. The district is waiting for approval from teachers of each site, but the credit requirement will apply to current freshmen and everyone after that. The 4-by-4 also will free up space for students to fit more electives. With more course access, Biedermann wants students to take electives that apply to possible career choices. “We want to prevent the boredom students might encounter with classes they aren’t interested in. If we expand the choices for electives we can open up so many doors for students and the things they are actually interested in.”
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We want to prevent the boredom students might encounter with classes they aren’t interested in. Brian BIEDERMANN Director of Innovation
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New class teaches problem solving through coding Maria CASTILLO
For junior Harvey Cummings, figuring difficult things out has been something he has found intriguing ever since he was younger. “When I was little I got my own computer and eventually it stopped working so I had to solve the problem,” he said. From taking the computer apart, putting it back together, and finding out more about the tricks to fixing these devices, Cummings finally came across the world of coding. Fortunately for him, he is now enrolled in Introduction to Computer Science, a course being offered for the first time
this year. Jeremy Elwood, who teaches the class, sees how the students get a better practice at problem-solving. He said, “They get a task, basically like a puzzle, that they have to figure out. It’s very specific and tedious because everything has to be just right.” “When I was registering for my classes last year, I saw that (the class) was new and it was interesting,” Cummings said. He has learned how to develop his own products through programing. For example, he created a graphing calculator and now he is working on a digital calendar. He said, “In Geometry everyone looks up a calculator but I just open the one I made.”
What’s happening? Prom bids Prom ticket sales start April 24 and end May 15. Single tickets are $70 and couple tickets are $95. Location for selling is yet to be determined.
Spirit week Next week is spirit week: • Sleepy Monday • Tie Dye Tuesday • Athletic Wednesday • Gear Up for College Thursday • Gold Rush Friday
PHOTO BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
Junior Kenneth Weldon is working with Edhesive, which is a tutorial process to learn how to code better. He wants to be a cyber security system analysist to create safety programs and solve security issues.
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Just like Cummings, junior Manuel Cisneros also had an interest in technology at a young age. As a middle schooler he was involved in robotics. “I started high school at McNair and they had a computer science class there that I took,” he said. “When I transferred here I saw Introduction to Computer Science and I was excited I could continue doing what I love.” Cisneros has improved his ability of finding a mistake and figuring out a solution. By participating in the annual H20 Hackathon this year, he also enhanced his teamwork skill. The event took place on March 16 where participating students, like Cum-
mings and Cisneros, got to compete against other high schools in San Joaquin County. They were presented with a problem involving real water issues that affect the state. “The goal was to create a functioning app or website that could alert people of what’s going on with the dam,” Cisneros said. Only the teams who place top three got their results. Although Stagg wasn’t one of them, they feel confident on being top 10. Both juniors plan to keep improving their computer skills in hopes of one day getting a career in that field. Cummings said, “A lot of businesses are looking for people that can do this. It’s a skill that needs to be learned.”
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2
Opinion
The Stagg Line
EDITORIAL
04.05.19
New schedule aims to raise grad rates
A
recent increase in credit requirements for graduation has sparked another change in the way Stockton Unified School District high schools will likely operate. In order to easily fulfill the new standard, all district high schools will be under the 4x4 schedule, pending votes by the teaching staffs. Each high school currently has its own set schedule. For example, Stagg, Franklin, and Edison have periods 1-6 on normal school days, and Chavez follows a 4x4 schedule. This change will benefit all schools because it would set up a way for students to easily meet the new 230-credit minimum. The 4x4 schedule follows a model of four 90-minute classes a day. Each course would only take one semester to complete instead of a full school year. Some specialty classes, such as Yearbook and Journalism, would still be available to students for both semesters. With this way of earning
credits, students will be able to complete more required classes at a faster rate. The schedule frees up space for students to have more electives and teachers would also get to teach other classes. This would make school days more enjoyable for both parties. With the 4x4, teachers would have a more manageable schedule. With fewer class preparations and fewer students per semester, teachers would have more time to make effective lesson plans. For students who tend to fall behind, the 4x4 would allow students to easily retake failed classes. For example, a senior who fails Government in the fall would be able to
Director of Innovation Brian Biedermann explains that the potentially new 4x4 schedule will consist of block days, ultimately providing more course access to students. PHOTO BY SOLOMON JUAREZ
retake it in the following spring. In addition to providing more opportunities to make up failed classes, the 4x4 would also lessen the amount of work students receive, since students would now only have four classes per day.
The 4x4 is a simple solution to many problems schools face with credits. It helps out both staff and students. Now, the new 230-credit mark will be attainable.
GOOD ARTISTS, BAD ACTS: Should we still support?
YES
NO
There should be a line between the person who commits the crime and their work
A platform shouldn’t be given to those who commit unspeakable crimes, no matter who
he famous Michael artists receive much less. Jackson has been popular Nowadays to truly support in the media recently an artist one must go the extra for all the wrong reasons, but mile. This would be things like does this mean that we can’t still buying T-shirts, sweatshirts, enjoy his music? bracelets, and even concert Jackson wrote many tickets. popular classics that people Since artists make a majority still enjoy today. Personally I of their profit off of merchandise, think going as far as removing listening to the music alone Marissa Gonzales his music from radio stations, doesn’t endorse their behavior Canada and New Zealand, is a financially. Streaming their songs bit drastic. won’t give them the income that In the music industry they need to live and that is what it is easy to separate the music from the artist. people need to understand. Sometimes the music is very popular but the artist At the end of the day the music I choose to fill themself isn’t necessarily a model citizen. my playlist with will be the songs that make me Some believe that continuing to listen to an happy, regardless of the reputation of the person artist’s music endorses their bad behavior and gives that wrote it. the artist a sense of invincibility. However not all music artists with bad behavior is like that of Jackson’s molestation charges. There are some who have committed less evil crimes. For example, Justin Bieber was at one point in time known for his bratty behavior like spitting on fans and urinating in mop buckets. Another aspect to keep in mind is that nobody is perfect. This doesn’t just apply to the people we talk to and connect with on a day-to-day basis but to the celebrities we love to listen to. It is important to understand that in reality celebrities are just people and all people make mistakes, especially when their whole life is under the public’s microscope. This isn’t an attempt to defend the artists’ reputations but perhaps a chance to look at personal belief and decide if you will still listen to the music. I believe that if you enjoy the music, that benefits the quality of your life by choosing to fill your soundtracks with songs that make you happy. It is also appropriate to point out the fact that streaming services pay a fraction of a cent per stream to music labels, which means the actual
Before the eye-opening from the artist. allegations made headlines, No matter what, it isn’t they were the stars who already possible for the art to be truly secured their places as some of separated from the artist because the most influential artists. Yet, there’ll always be some type of in an instant, those allegations link between the two. Even if made against them proved someone were to stream a song why they deserve to have their by Kelly for free on Spotify, he spotlights taken away. would be gaining both profit Even though R. Kelly and and validation. In doing so, this Donavin Collins Michael Jackson have both sends people the message that his become respected idols in the actions are acceptable. music industry, their images It doesn’t stop there, though, cannot mask the crimes they are because it also gives Kelly the said to have committed. With both being accused sense that he’s almost invincible. What’s going of sexual abuse, it raises the controversial question to stop him from continuing to sexually abuse of whether their music should still gain support. women and girls if he’s able to avoid the law and For many reasons, these cases serve as prime keep his career thriving? What’s going to stop examples as to why the art shouldn’t be separated others from following in his footsteps because they know they won’t be held accountable for their wicked actions? You can never truly stop supporting an artist unless you cut off all ties. In the case of Jackson, whose talent is admired by almost everyone, it’s brings up a point that even I fell victim to. Before “Leaving Neverland,” the documentary that uncovered allegations against Jackson for sexual abuse towards underaged boys, I had no idea of his past because his image as the “King of Pop” overshadowed such accusations. Yes, there were previous allegations made years ago, but his popularity and the passing of years were able to mask it. Continuing to listen to his music will only cover up his crimes from the future generations. Radios across the nation have rightfully banned Jackson’s music from airing, which is a big step in preventing future scenarios. The act of boycotting both the art and the artist doesn’t stop at the music genre. It includes film directors, actors and many more. In no way should we show any type of support for individuals who’ve done wrong. It’s time we change the channel or skip the ART BY SERINA SIENG song.
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Who’s on staff?
STAGG LINE Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207 The Stagg Line is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, whose awards include the following: ff All-American: 22 times ff Hall of Fame ff First Place, Best of Show: 6 times ff 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 newspaper is published monthly and distributed free to students and staff members. Our website staggonline.net is updated regularly with online exclusives. 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. The staff editorial, which appears at the top of this page, reflects the opinion of the entire staff and therefore is not signed. A personal column is signed and reflects the point of view of the writer, not the paper. 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 dbott@stocktonusd.net
Current and older issue PDFs are available at issuu.com/staggline
EDITORS
REPORTERS
Maria Castillo & Kevin Gutierrez editors-in-chief / features
Shannon Bradberry
Brianna Rodriguez news
Yalie Ceesay
Oleedia Harris opinion Donavin Collins entertainment
Cevina Calderon Fine Finau Marissa Gonzales Solomon Juarez
Niko Rosete sports
Camila Kendall
Aidan Danforth web
Jake Marcelino
Serina Sieng graphics Don Bott adviser
Monze Martinez Krystena Meza Kenyon Pierce Angel Vasquez
04.05.19
Opinion
Ranting isn’t healthy
3 Stop letting social media consume your entire life The Stagg Line
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ART BY SERINA SIENG
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his past year “spam” accounts have having relationship problems, sure you don’t like become a mainstream way of letting someone, but how are you working toward fixing people share their lives to a more these problems? controlled amount of people. These accounts are The normalization of this behavior has put a usually private, and they’re made for people who block in the road of resolving issues. There’s nothing would like to post things they might not want wrong with venting or ranting once in a while, everyone, such as potential colleges, to see. Spam but it’s become so normalized that people are just accounts are also used by those who would like complaining about everything now, and not seeking to post a lot of photos and not have to worry a way to solve their problems. Usually people will about it bothering their followers. add a response under these posts. These comments The intention behind these accounts was that sympathize with the poster or add to their Angel Vasquez good. People would have two accounts, one for complaints only do more harm than good. posting family-friendly things and the other It seems like people know that the way they’re would be for more personalized posts. Usually coping is bad, but they continue to do it anyways posts on these spam accounts would range from scenery pictures, because it’s considered normal. On March 13, the servers for selfies, blurry pictures, and even the occasional black screen picture. Facebook had crashed, leaving Facebook and Facebook-owned apps Captions would usually describe how one’s day is going, or say down for the day. something about the picture. People turned to Twitter to complain about Instagram, one of But it seems like the posts on these accounts have started to the apps where spam and private accounts are popular. Among these become too personal. People have started to use these accounts to tweets, posts that joked about not being able to vent on their spam rant and vent their problems. With spam accounts, interactions accounts and saying how frustrated they were got a lot of attention such as commenting is expected since the followers are closer to the from many people apparently feeling the same way. account owner; interactions are usually short comments that relate Twitter user @wensonhalie said “can instagram get its s*** with the post or react to it. together i’m trying to make a finsta post about how sh**** my life Usually people turn to venting as a way of getting something off is.” their chest. It’s not a bad way to cope with something, and it helps Another Twitter user by the handle of @victoriaadowney said, people to get a clear mind and put things into perspective. What “can instagram get back up so I can vent about my life on my finsta goes on with these spam accounts has morphed beyond venting. It instead of being productive.” Other posts like this were all over and seems as if people have morphed venting into ranting about how getting a lot of attention. bad their lives are. Obviously this type of coping is bad. Venting without seeking a It’s understandable while people are doing this -- it’s possibly resolution is not healthy nor should it be normalized. making them feel better by clearing their chest. But the issue with People need to take a step beyond understanding what they are this is the lack of resolve. Sure your life is terrible, sure you are doing is unhealthy and begin to work towards bettering themselves.
t has nearly been 1500 days since Flint, Michigan, has had clean water. Haitians are facing severe poverty and are turning to mud for livelihood. Migrants were being sold as slaves in Libya and our oceans are filled with garbage. These are important because the world around us is becoming unrecognizable, and if we continue to ignore these issues we will not understand the world among us. But I bet you kept up with the Khloe Kardashian and Jordyn Woods scandal. Our generation is focused on the wrong things. Some of these issues do not affect us directly but will eventually affect our children or future loved ones. Our generation tends to focus on celebrity lives, like who is a better rapper out of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. We focus more on who is beefing, rather than issues that can affect us directly. Sometimes this does not benefit us personally. Social media plays a huge role in our lives, and we have the world at our fingertips. Using social media as a platform can bring awareness to certain issues and can influence our followers. If certain issues in our community need to be fixed instead of taking them on alone, we can post it to our followers. That is what brings change. Social media causes ripple effects, so when one person posts someone else might repost. Celebrity drama, new Instagram followers and worrying about likes is all entertainment and it keeps us from focusing on the real world. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in their lives, that we don’t know how to fix the problems within our own. Of course, it’s normal to keep up with your favorite celebrities, athletes, and music, but it should also be normal to stay informed on the world around us. Real problems and real situations are happening, and it is easier for our generation to spread awareness of these issues. Instead of reposting news stories or even articles about these topics, we simply scroll past them. Some teenagers might say politics is “boring” and it “does not affect me,” but important
Yalie Ceesay
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Simply speaking on major topics is important it brings awareness, but taking action when you can always brings a better outcome.
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world issues affect us more than any other demographic. We make up half of the voting population and as cliche, as it sounds we are the future. Our voice matters and as long as we use it effectively we will be heard. Teens are not the only ones to abuse social media. Adults do it also. As you know, people complain about Stockton daily. But when have you seen these people try to do something about everything they have to complain about? The answer is never. The same people who are complaining online via Facebook or Twitter have not made a difference in the community. Sitting and complaining does not help change things for the better. However, being active locally does. Now I’m not saying that you have go out and start up a revolution or something. You can easily start producing change by doing the simplest, easiest things. Even the smallest act like picking up garbage in your neighborhood helps more than you think. Simply speaking on major topics is important and yes, it brings awareness, but taking action when you can always brings a better outcome. But change can only take place if you are paying attention.
Sound equipment problems will finally be resolved
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echnical difficulties happen all the time, but when it happens on a regular basis the problem needs to be fixed. What is frustrating is that throughout my three years of high school, I have noticed that there has always been a problem with microphones and speakers. It seemed as if it was never a big problem to have caught a good amount of attention for the administration to notice. As many students know we had a multicultural rally a few weeks ago and during both rallies there was something wrong with the equipment. “Now this is the most embarrassing thing that can happen to our students,” PLUS advisor David “DMac” Morias said. It was an especially embarrassing moment for me and the Black Student Union Club because we went up there
and couldn’t perform what we wanted to. Our performance wasn’t what were embarrassed of, but the fact that we went up there and the microphone wasn’t working is what made us embarrassed. While BSU felt frustrated with the outcome of the rally, they talked to DMac afterwards. “I and the staff already knew this was going to happen,” DMac said. Now that was shocking to hear because it’s almost as if staff didn’t care, which couldn’t be true. Not everything always goes according to plan, but it’s common sense to have a Plan B, which wasn’t apparent while we waited for the equipment to get fixed. These events are activities students look forward to attending. Without these events what fun is there in school? Rallies, assemblies, and
music being performances played on the from fellow usual Friday classmates, always gets and just the me excited spare time out for the school of learning. day because During I get to enjoy those events time with I always see a friends, but it’s good amount obvious that of students Fine Finau it’s impossible enjoying their without time with equipment friends while that is in working condition. being entertained by music and “Since the rally a new set whatever else is going on. of speakers has been ordered I don’t expect to come to because the other speakers were school to be entertained by blown out and that is the reason music, but when we do have why music hasn’t been played activities like these. lately,” student activities director The sound equipments Ryan Berg said. have been ordered to arrive by When I think of activity this Friday or later. This would events for students, they are the be nice for our upcoming first thing that comes to mind. assemblies where we can get How they enjoy these kinds through it without difficulties. of events to make memories Which is a good thing to start with friends, get to see great up for students entertainment.
ART BY JAKE MARCELINO
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Features
The Stagg Line
Those coping with death do not have to go alone Monzerrath MARTINEZ
Love inevitably comes with loss. These teens share their experiences of the difficulties of moving on.
ART BY SERINA SIENG
Losing a father
‘When we spent time together we would always laugh, make jokes and have a good time’ Fine FINAU Everyone has two parents. Not everyone, however, has two parents in their lives. Parents who love, care, comfort and protect from all causes in some cases pass away at an early age. Whether the relationship was good or bad with the parent who died, it doesn’t diminish the pain of still living with the thought of someone not there. Seniors Angel Ortega and Aline Arias each mourn the loss of her father. “We bonded in a lot of ways and we were really close,” Arias said. It has been four months since Ortega lost her father. He would always take her out to the lake, Great America and shopping for school. Although her relationship was strong with her father, he wasn’t always in the picture. “We had a funny relationship,” she said. “It was kind of weird because my dad was in and out of my life but when we spent time together we would always laugh at silly things, make jokes and have a good time.” With her father lacking a place to stay and her mother not in the picture, Ortega had to go to foster care. Since things were not in good shape, she has been staying with her sister since she was 8. Her sister as well as another friend who lost her father have helped her grieve better. “It’s rough for us because she knows that I am still
hurting, but she doesn’t like to talk about it because she doesn’t like to see me cry.” For Ortega and her family, things at home are different. “My dad and uncle were the only male figures so when my dad died we had to be there for each other.” When her father passed, his girlfriend was eight months pregnant. “I have to be there for my dad’s girlfriend because of the baby.” She now realizes not to overthink because it makes her more heartbroken. As for Arias it will be a year on October 18, 2019, since she lost her father. As she was going through a rough time, her boyfriend has been by her side and she has been staying strong for her little sister, who is only 12. “My sister was our dad’s little princess so she took it hard. They had a close bond that nobody could break. She has been better now but she has her days.” Before she lost her father, things at home were happy with open communication. Since the passing of her father things have gone downhill. “At first, things were really bad because it was so much to handle for us but things got better as days went on.” Arias has struggled to not forget her father but to move on from his death. She feels more comfortable being able to talk about her father’s death than before. “I’ve grown and now I can speak about it without crying.”
Death is inevitable. While it is morbid to think about, the truth is that everyone is born with a ticking clock. Some individuals are able to reach old age while others have their lives cut short. Survivors, especially family members, remain, feeling broken, grieving and learning how to cope with loss. We might not see it openly, but people dealing with grief may be close to us, maybe sitting in the next row of class. Holly Agundes is well aware of how common this problem is on campus. The therapist from Healthy Start assists with cases where students are in the process of coping. “When I first started here I ran a grief group because I had several students who were all experiencing loss.” Every case and student is different so, she explains, “The truth is that there is no perfect formula to get over a death quickly.” Agundes is there to facilitate the process. There are several steps in the healing of the heart. To help in her work Agundes refers to the research based five stages of grief, written by Elisabeth Kubler Ross. The stages include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Agundes explains that the steps don’t necessarily go in order for everyone.
Losing a pet
‘I just wanted to say sorry, I could have done something’
COURTESY OF JACOB LLOYD
Senior Jacob Lloyd’s youngest chihuahua, Chichi, had a special bond with his mother. They’ll remember her wagging her foxy tail.
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There is no perfect formula to get over a death quickly. Holly AGUNDES therapist
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These stages help facilitate recovery and allow people to come to terms with what has happened. Many may not realize how death affects survivors in several aspects of life such as physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Facing these problems straight on is the smart thing to do because otherwise people eventually break. In teens there seems to be a trend on what is deemed popular
Aidan DANFORTH Buying a pet comes with responsibilities: Their meals, behavior, and the ultimate burden — being mentally prepared for the inevitable death of the pet. These responsibilities take a toll. Senior Jacob Lloyd isn’t just any dog owner. His family offers their home for stray dogs. At times his home is filled with more than three or four dogs. This dog utopia reflects his mom’s childhood. Lloyd’s mother grew up on a farm where abandoned dogs roamed free. “Dogs have always been in her life,” Lloyd said. Although many dogs pass through their home, Lloyd fell in love with one particular batch, female chihuahuas named ChiChi and Tia Rosa. “ChiChi looked like a red fox,” he said. “She had a poofy tail that couldn’t compare to her big eyes.” They were always referred to as a sibling to Lloyd. “My mom would tell them ‘go to your brother’ and they would jump onto me,” he said. While ChiChi and Tia Rosa showed more affection toward Lloyd’s mother, he had his eyes set on the biggest dog, a german shepherd named Rosco. “Rosco knew how I was feeling and he would come and comfort me.” After a long day at school, while Lloyd was sitting in his room, he heard a commotion in his backyard. “ChiChi and Tia Rosa were just barking but I didn’t expect anything like this to happen in my backyard.” He ignored their cries.
when it comes to coping. “It’s like anger is ok but tears aren’t.” This anger usually is acted on in fights and arguments which is not helpful. Certain methods of coping that Agundes uses with students at Stagg include art, writing, talking and a method known as brainspotting. “It’s a little different because it really puts you in your feelings but you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, so if you experienced a loss and it’s just so intense and you can’t even put it into words, I can still help you without you having to talk. It’s a process where we listen to music and I work with eye positions with a pointer and its really effective.” The number of cases dealing with loss that Agundes has dealt with leads her to think that “there are so many more student out there who aren’t seeking support and they are just going at it alone.” Even though it may take time these individuals should seek help for there future betterment, she said. Even with support Agundes said that the feeling of loss never fully goes away. “Sometimes you’ll see a picture or hear a song on the radio that reminds you of the person or smell something and then it all comes back.” Coping doesn’t erase the memory but it does make the situation manageable.
Meanwhile, an aggressive pit bull from a neighbor’s house managed to bite a hole through their rotting fence. The dog was able to flee into Lloyd’s backyard and attack the defenseless chihuahuas. Both dogs were mauled and their whimpers rang out but Lloyd only thought it was their barking from before. He didn’t find out about the tragedy until his mother’s scream pierced through his bedroom window. “It was the worst,” he said. “Any time it got brought up I would tear up a little.” The neighbor was able to keep the pit bull and move away without penalty. The toil of this unexpected death even affected Lloyd’s closest companion, Rosco. “He would howl at the moon and you can see him mope around, he clearly missed them,” he said. It was hard for the family to move on after the event. Even when Lloyd believed that the misery ended, he noticed that Rosco was acting differently. “He was getting older and he started to look a lot skinnier,” he said. Slowly, Lloyd had to watch his closest companion become very sick. “I started to keep an even more keen eye on him.” Rosco died during Lloyd’s junior year and from then on, Lloyd’s family has been wary about bringing dogs in again. Slowly, Lloyd’s family was able to cope with the loss. “I just try not think about it as much,” he said. Still retelling his story brings tears to his eyes. “I just wanted to say that I am sorry, I could have done something for them. They are my family.”
Losing her parents
‘They always had arguments but they always made up quickly’ Camila KENDALL
COURTESY OF ANGEL ORTEGA & ALINE ARIAS
Senior Angel Ortega and her father (left) were at a family barbeque last year. Since the death of her father in December, she has learned how to cope with her loss by spending time with close friends and family. Senior Aline Arias and her father (right) celebrated her quinceañera on Dec. 2, 2015. She misses when people would tell her how much they look alike.
Dealing with the recent death of her father and her now imprisoned mother, sophomore Leilani Edmond finds herself trapped in solitude. The tragedy occurred last summer. Being home at the time, Edmond had to take on the burden of being a witness. “I was in my room when it happened, and then I heard my dad say that my mom stabbed him in the heart.” She rushed to the living room and the bloody scene where her mother was holding the weapon. Edmond had to grab the knife from her hand. Edmond doesn’t know the exactly cause of the violent argument but speculates that they had been drunk, as they both had come back from a night out, and they were arguing over her mother’s last name. “They started arguing over my mom’s last name because I guess she didn’t want to take my dad’s.” This fight wasn’t like anything that she had ever experienced. “They always had arguments, but they always made up right after, so I don’t know what was so serious about this one.” Her family always appeared to be so normal, she said, but at that moment what was supposed to be a normal dispute between parents turned life-threatening. ¨I was just panicking. There wasn’t really anything going on through my head.¨ Stuck in complete shock from what she had witnessed, Edmond began to isolate herself over the next several weeks.
Locking herself in her room and losing her appetite, the loss of both her parent began to take toll. ¨I had to go to the hospital because apparently something was wrong with me, and now I have to go to therapy to deal with what happened.” Despite the act that her mother committed, Edmond holds no resentment towards her. “I can’t really hate her because that’s my mom. They both have always been in my life, so I still have a relationship with her. It’s just not the same.” Edmond frequently visits her mother in jail, but Edmond often tiptoes around her mother’s feelings. Now living with her aunt, she has been given all that she could want because her aunt believed that would make Edmond feel a bit better. “They think that spoiling me with objects like shoes and clothes will help me, but in reality it’s really not.” Although materialistic items aren’t what Edmond needs, she also doesn’t feel that she wants communication either. Still, she is open to speak about her situation when asked. The impact of losing her parents might not have entirely impacted her relationships with her friends, but she has noticed changes in demeanor. “My friend’s kinda tiptoe around my feelings too, like they won’t say certain things or bring up certain movies.” In spite of never mentioning her feelings Edmond finds other resources to help cope. “I just hide what I go through and I do do things that aren’t good to help me cope, like smoking.”
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04.05.19
Losing a sibling
‘There is no point to hold grudges and be angry over petty things’ Shannon BRADBERRY
COURTESY OF LAMONTE THOMPSON
Senior Lamonte Thompson was accompanied by his step brother, Dino Holmes, on his senior night Oct. 26, 2018. He will remember sharing laughs with him and getting ready together in the mornings.
Losing a chance
‘I instantly had this feeling and I became sad. I felt lonely again’
Losing a grandparent ‘He taught me to cherish what you have while you have it’
Marissa GONZALES
Brianna RODRIGUEZ Twice the hurt. Twice the turmoil. Twice the loss. The young woman, scared and alone, had to endure both an abortion and a miscarriage at a very young age. “I was 16,” a senior, who asked to be anonymous. said. “The day I threw up was the day I knew I was pregnant.” As time went on, with symptoms getting worse, the girl felt lost and she knew she wasn’t prepared to bring a child into the world. “That’s something big,” she said. “I’m still in high school.” While she and her boyfriend had jobs she was aware that realistically they couldn’t support a newborn on their own. Knowing the magnitude of the situation she had to decide what she was going to do. “My mind was set,” the girl said. “I told myself this what was I had to do. I had to get an abortion.” Having her boyfriend by her side through her pregnancy, he tried his best to make her believe they could raise the child. But with the cards stacked against the teen couple, the girl decided to go through with her decision. After weeks of making phone calls to different clinics she finally found one that would help her. “Sitting in the room and listening to everything the doctor was saying made me think of how horrible the whole thing was,” she said. “I was so scared.” Being by herself in the room she had to decide between the medication and surgical option. After she chose to have an abortion surgically she scheduled her next appointment. The following week she went in for the procedure and that day her life changed drastically. When signing the papers she was at a loss for words. “I can’t even tell you how sad it was to be in that room by yourself.” A couple years have passed and she still remembers how painful those two hours of her life were. “Not only feeling the pain but in your heart knowing this is what is happening to you,” she said. “After that I never could forgive myself.” Isolation was her way of coping. Not feeling like she could go on, she slept the days away in her solitary room. Already full of heartbreak, she could handle knowing she broke her boyfriend’s heart too. “You build an attachment with something
Siblings are usually the first friends you have growing up. In many cases they are the unconditional support system you have throughout your adolescent years. Junior Danielle Romero has felt like a piece of her support system has been missing since she was a child. Her brother Carlos died at two months old and the traumatic event completely changed the dynamics of her household. “Along with losing my brother I feel like I lost a piece of myself.” Growing up without her brother’s presence, she wonders whether she would be any different. “I was only 2 years old,” Romero said. “But there is always a part of me that wonders what our bond would have been like.” The relationship she shares with her parents has never been the same. Her parents weren’t in the right state of mind to take care of her. “My grandparents took me in,” she said. “They have been the best support system I could ask for.” Although she is missing a puzzle piece, she feels it’s important to stay focused and live for her baby brother who never got the chance. Senior Lamonte Thompson’s family was forced to feel the harsh realities of absence last November. Losing his step-brother was something that silenced his household. His brother died at age 25 from a heart-related incident. Dino Holmes was on the spectrum, making the best out of his disorder. Thompson recalls his brother’s bright personality during any situation. Despite his
PHOTO BY BRIANNA RODRIGUEZ
The senior holds the baby shoes that will never be filled. Through the abortion, and miscarriage, her close friends supported her since her family didn’t.
that you don’t even know yet,” she said. “It’s really hard. I wish nobody has to go through that.” Seeing her peers as well as strangers pregnant without a care in the world doesn’t make sense to her. “They’re just doing it like it’s nothing. It’s not nothing. It’s a huge responsibility,” she said. Despite how bad she wanted to be a mother she knew she couldn’t do it because of her age. A year later she experienced the same symptoms. “This time I was so happy that I could be a mom again.” Having a change of heart and perspective she thought maybe she could make it work this time. “After the first time something was just completely lost in me.” Feeling alone between her two pregnancies she thought being pregnant again would take away those feelings. “I felt okay again. I felt loved.” Taking it a day at a time, she was planning for the ultimate blessing. Eager to tell family and figure out who would help her raise her child, the plans soon stopped. “One day, I felt in my body everything just stop,” she said. “I instantly had this feeling and I became sad. I felt lonely again.” A few weeks into her pregnancy she had a miscarriage. Recalling the day she had to lay on that table in the clinic, she had the same terrible feeling of loss. “I couldn’t believe that I was losing another child. I was supposed to be a mom.”
setbacks, he never let anything dim his bubbly sense of humor. “He was always positive,” he said. “When I walk past his room I can’t even bear to step inside of it without imagining his laugh.” Thompson never went a day without feeling the love and support from his brother. Everything from football to basketball games his brother was there to show the unconditional bond they shared regardless of being just step-siblings. To keep his brother’s legacy alive, his family is in the works of starting a foundation to raise awareness for children in with special needs. “I love being part of this,” Thompson said. “I get to do something that not only impacts me but an entire community.” Freshman Darrion Kelley has always looked up to his big brother Rodney Watts. Not only was he a great support system for Kelley growing up, he tried to guide Kelley in the best ways and prevent him from the troubling life he’s had in past years. Kelley recalls the day he received the news. “I got home from school and a lot of my family members were there all crying.” He instantly knew something was wrong. His first instinct was to find his brother. When the reality set in that Watts was the only one missing in the picture he broke down. He had been a victim of police brutality, shot and killed at the age of 30. Living without his oldest sibling has made him really appreciate people and the impact they have on him. “Everything can be taken from you so fast,” Kelley said. “There is no point to hold grudges and be angry over petty things.”
Senior Jason Carr was dribbling his way through an afternoon game of basketball when he was informed of his grandfather’s death. At first the news didn’t impact him, not until the weekend arrived and Carr realized that he wouldn’t be spending it with his grandfather. Instead, he spent the weekends after reliving the memories of him in his head. Replaying the memories of tossing the football back and forth and remembering that his grandfather was the one who sparked his passion to play. It was especially difficult to lose his role model at the age of 15 because he was old enough to spend enough quality time with him and to create memories to be nostalgic of. Losing such an important role model, a US Marine awarded the Medal of Honor and after which a school is named, caused Carr to become distant and lose sight of the importance of the things he once cared about greatly. “When he died I stopped caring, my grades dropped immensely and I didn’t try in football. It was really the straw that broke the camel’s back.” The loss of his grandfather ripped away Carr’s sense of motivation and caused him to become distant from friends and family. “For months I felt like everything around me was collapsing and
I didn’t want to come to school or leave the house.” Not only did Carr become apathetic, he also became angry and aggressive in situations that he could have had more patience with. “The loss tore my family apart in a way.” In the midst of the loss Carr’s grandma moved away and shut out her husband’s family. She also sold his grandfather’s belongings, which only added to the loss Carr already felt. This was when a life lesson Carr’s grandfather taught him really began setting in. “He taught me to not let things get in my head and to think through my decisions before I end up regretting them.” Carr’s grandfather was a devout Niners fan, and football was something the two bonded over. That apathy Carr developed after the loss was apparent during the weeks of football conditioning. However, when the first game came around he had an overwhelming sensation of wanting to honor his grandfather and put his all into everything he did. “My whole attitude changed.” Carr went from distancing himself from life to immersing himself in everything possible. He began putting all of his effort into his academics, his performance on the field, and the well being of his family. “He taught me to cherish what you have while you have it.”
COURTESY OF JASON CARR
Senior Jason Carr and his grandfather Richard Pittman used to watch NFL football games together. They would have family gatherings at his house. Carr would invite his friends where they too would make strong bonds with his grandfather.
Entertainment OLD TRENDS ,
6The Stagg Line
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04.05.19
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GRAPHIC BY MONZERRATH MARTINEZ & CAMILA KENDALL
Is it just
DARK HUMOr?
The sinister side of ‘Us’ is explored Donavin COLLINS
ART BY JAKE MARCELINO
People should know the difference between when a comedian is trying to tell a joke and when they are being disrespectful Oleedia HARRIS It seems like there’s always that one friend that tends to take things too far. When I was scrolling through Twitter the other day I saw a video that had resurfaced. It was the controversial comedian, Pete Davidson, on stage doing a skit. Davidson was joking about how his father had died in 9/11. He received some awkward laughter from the crowd and then continued with the rest of his act. However, when I viewed it on Twitter, it seemed as if he was getting major backlash from people on the internet. Davidson was being criticized for joking about a more subject manner. Davidson is a comedian, it is literally what he does for a living. It may be tough to maintain the line between funny and uncomfortable, but all jokes could become offensive to some extent from time to time. A comedian needs to notice that if their audience tends to
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Dark humor can easily bring light and a more positive aspect to something that’s not so great. Gene LEWIS senior
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be less loud with their laughter then clearly the audience didn’t find the joke funny or it offended them. When does one draw the line between humor and actually being offensive? When is it ever okay to joke about sensitive topics such as 9/11, slavery or even the Holocaust? Senior Gene Lewis thinks the context of the joke should depend on the person. “Every-
body does not think the same things are funny,” Lewis said. “Dark humor can easily bring light and a more positive aspect to something that’s not so great.” I, myself, have been in some pretty awkward situations. One of the most awkward moments for me was when I was joking about death around a couple of my close friends. Even though the joke didn’t have anything to do with my friends they got a kind of offended. They started to tell me that death is not something to joke about. Even though we have different perspectives, out of respect of my friends I made it a point to not joke about death around them from that point on. From this experience I learned that joking about death has helped me cope with the loss that I have had to go through in my own life. I didn’t sit and think that maybe they were coping about the loss in their lives by not talking about death in general. At the end of the day, funny
is whatever sparks laughter and joy while being offensive sparks anger and discomfort. So yeah, sarcasm can be funny and being funny may come off as offensive at times but it’s only at the cost of a little laughter. Knowing your crowd and knowing how they tolerate your sense of humor creates that line of what can actually be joked about. So if you happen to be the sensitive type and don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings then I suggest that you stick to the jokes that ensure nobody gets offended. And if you happen to enjoy dark humor and find pleasure in jokes regardless of subject manner, then that’s fine; you just have to be mindful of other people’s feelings. Humor should be fun, even if it’s edgy. You should be respectful of your friends along with other groups of people that may view things differently and vice versa. That is not a difficult line to draw.
It’s always said to watch your back, but what good does that do when the enemy is you? In Jordan Peele’s “Us,” he creates a world in which everyone has a twin called the “tethered.” Living underground, these soulless government experiments don’t hesitate when killing. While on their Santa Cruz vacation, the members of the Wilson family are pit against themselves. If this plot doesn’t scream originality, I’m not sure what does. Especially since we’re talking about the horror genre, movies with originality are hard to come across. No one wants to see another slasher or paranormal movie. Since so many horror films have been made, it’s going to take originality to succeed. Originality, fortunately, is something Peele knows. After debuting with his award-winning “Get Out,” which was anything but generic, Peele is committed to releasing original movies. As his second movie, “Us” is projected to earn nominations. Not only is he leading a path for others, but he’s also becoming an icon. In terms of the movie itself, many aspects combine together made it phenomenal. The pacing can be described as nearly perfect. Throughout the movie, it switches between the present and childhood flashbacks of the mother, Adelaide. This helps the movie flow well since each twist doesn’t seem rushed. Keeping in mind the concept of everyone having a double, this means
What’s new in entertainment? Movies “Pet Semetary” (Horror) - Apr. 5 “Shazam!” (Fantasy) - Apr. 5 “Hellboy” (Science Fiction) - Apr. 12 “Breakthrough” (Drama) - Apr. 17 “Avengers 4” (Action) - Apr. 26 “The Intruder” (Mystery) - May 3
TV Premieres “Killing Eve” (Season 2) - Apr. 7 “The Chi” (Season 2) - Apr. 7 “The Bold Type” (Season 3) - Apr. 9 “Arrow” (Season 7) - Apr. 15 “Life in Pieces” (Season 4) - Apr. 18 “iZombie” (Season 5) - May 2
Nearby Concerts Pink, Sacramento - Apr. 10 Snoop Dogg, Oakland - Apr. 19 Bad Bunny, San Jose - Apr. 20 Ella Mai, Oakland - Apr. 23 Ariana Grande, San Jose - May 2 Jojo Siwa, San Jose - May 21
each actor had to play two roles. Since Adelaide, played by Lupita Nyong’o, has a twin who has the ability to speak, Nyong’o helps define the film’s success with the way she plays the two roles. She was able to bring to life both the scared, confused mother and the vengeful, psychotic counterpart, making it seem as if they’re truly two separate people. Combined with the soundtrack, this creates quite a sinister tone. If I could point out where the movie falls short of “Get Out,” besides the forced dad jokes, I would say it’s how “Us” asks the audience to speculate. When given a backstory and motives as to why the “tethered” are attacking, it tends to be a bit confusing. While I admire Peele for trying to dig deep, it would’ve been best to be clearer. Despite this minor flaw, “Us” is a horror film that has earned its place among the greatest. It takes the path of originality and, with a soundtrack and acting that are exceptional, it succeeded.
Peele’s horror movie success manages to bring originality and create an ominous tone.
Trending News Cardi B continues to face backlash after video admitting theft emerges. After being shot to death, fans are still mourning rapper Nipsey Hussle. The return of the Jonas Brothers and the tease of a return of Hannah Montana have Disney fans hyped.
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04.05.19
STEPPING IT UP Eventspecific training leads to a better all-round track and field program Senior Stephfan Jackson conditions himself by doing weighted 40-yard sprints. This year is Jackson’s first. He competes in the 100-meter dash and is one of the fastest sprinters on this year’s team. PHOTO BY KEVIN GUTIERREZ
Nicholas ROSETE Arthur Jones has been coaching various track and field programs in Stockton since 2006. So far, over the 13 years of his coaching career, Jones has coached for a track and field club called the Stockton Saints, Delta College, and most recently, Bear Creek High School. After a decade-long tenure with the Bruins, Jones accepted the head coach position for Stagg and plans to use his experience to take the program to next level. One of his first courses of action after returning to his alma mater was to add to the coaching staff in order to increase the productivity of practices and to ensure that athletes can receive training specific to their particular event. The staff now consists of nine coaches, a higher number than previous years. “The practices have been a lot more efficient,” Jones said. “All the kids are really in tune, their focus is better, and they are more willing to learn now.” Jones sees a lot of potential within Stagg’s program and says that while he will have to build upon the team’s overall technique and execution, there is plenty of natural talent present in the team. “Right now, I have kids who I think will really go on and compete at the Division I level,” Jones said. “And there is one girl who is already an Olympic prospect.” Junior Lamonte Walker and sophomore Tierra Davis are two athletes who fit into these respective categories. Walker competes in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x1, and the 4x4 and has benefited greatly from the program changes. “Having all the new coaches really helps me a lot because I’ve known a lot of them since I was young,” Walker said. “They know what they’re doing and they’ve sent people to compete at the state level.” Davis, though only a sophomore, is an All-American in the 100m hurdles and competed in Iowa last summer for Nationals where she placed No. 2. Despite her success, she feels that being part of Stagg’s program will take her performance to higher heights. “The practices are really intense and the competition is really high,” Davis said. Both agree that the additions to the coaching staff help to create a more productive training culture that they can thrive in. “Besides producing top-level athletes, my ultimate goal is to make the track and field program a magnet for Stagg High School,” Jones said. “And that’s a real possibility with this group.”
Freshman proves his worth on varsity Krystena MEZA
PHOTO BY KENYON PIERCE
Freshman Corbett Freeman chases down a ground ball against Bear Creek. Stagg went on to lose the game, 5-1.
So young, but so much potential. At least that’s how the varsity coach sees it. Corbett Freeman, a freshman on varsity, puts in the extra work to be the best he can. If he is not practicing then he is on the field getting extra work in to develop more skill. During his younger years he fell in love with the sport of baseball and decided to put it to use as he got into high school. Coach Tony Angelo admires Freeman’s transition into playing at the varsity level. “He has been handling the varsity level very well so far,” Angelo said. “He doesn’t get too high when things are going well and doesn’t get too low when things aren’t going his way.” Angelo also admires Freeman’s level of composure while playing. “He has a good approach at the plate for a young kid and doesn’t seem to be phased by varsity pitching,” coach Tony Angelo said. Towards the beginning of the season he pushed himself through conditioning to show the coaches the ability he has as a player overall along with many other characteristics including leadership. Growing up, he was inspired by Derek Jeter, “because he has always shown leadership and
helped teammates through struggles.” That is when he started play a middle infield position, like Jeter. Freeman also plays travel ball, which helps him get better overall. What helped make him committed to the the sport was “when he made a diving catch play” to save the game. He then knew he wanted to keep playing. The goal he sets for himself throughout the season is to always keep a positive mindset, no matter the situation the team is in. He has been playing for as long as he can remember and is always up for the extra work. He never really planned on playing for varsity until he got to practicing with them and realized he had the skill to do so. Team captain Jordan Urbistondo, a senior, speaks about how good of a player Freeman is on the field. “He has the loudest voice on the field and always picks everybody up.” The only struggles Freeman goes through with baseball is remaining calm when something goes wrong in a game because having a good mindset plays a big part during a game. He plans on continuing playing baseball for the rest of high school career and perchance college.
Short on experience, high in hopes
Coach sacrifices experience for youth to bring about long-term success
Brianna RODRIGUEZ Bigger is not always better. It’s the ability of the players that make a good team, not the amount of players. For the boys badminton team having a small roster has been no problem. “Our team is young but strong,” senior Justin Tran said. “We have to forfeit two spots on the JV level when we play,” badminton coach Hung Nguyen said. While it affects their record slightly he says it’s not a big deal. “It doesn’t hurt us really, the main job for the JV guys is to get ready for varsity.” Win or lose, as long as the players are getting better, the team is succeeding. Nguyen made it a point to focus on building with a younger team in order to have success in future years. “We need to give the younger ones more of
an opportunity to get better,” he said. “By the time they get to their senior year they will be better.” With only having three seniors on the team out of seven players Nguyen expects to have a solid returning core next season. “The main reason for wanting young players is because we don’t want to waste our time,” Tran said. “Why only get juniors and seniors really good when they are going to leave in one to two years?” Trying to bring back the winning program, Nguyen decided to use his younger players to compete in the singles spots during matches. Junior Gabriel Suchil, who plays No.1 singles, uses his experience and drive to help bring the team more success than previous years. Having played for three years, Suchil plays a big role in helping his teammates. “It’s like you’re another coach,” he
said. “Having to teach them your techniques and passing them on.” Even though the season has already begun, every day is like a tryout for both the girls and boys teams. “Even if you’re a returning player you can get cut.” senior Kristen Price said. “You always need to be putting in effort.” Nguyen has worked hard to create the competitive culture within the badminton program. Some might say his methods are harsh but he says, “It keeps them working hard all throughout the season.” With preseason ending both teams are getting ready for league. “We should be able to compete this year,” Nguyen said. “We’re still short on experience, specifically our last doubles spot on varsity, but they are a work in progress right now.”
7
The Stagg Line
PHOTO BY SERINA SIENG
Junior Gabriel Suchil practices his drop, clear and smash techniques.
Standing proud Performances on, off field place Pharms, Gutierrez in Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame Jabarii Pharms (left) and Kevin Gutierrez (right) stand on either side of coach Don Norton holding their plaques in Stockton’s Athletic Hall of Fame. COURTESY OF KEVIN GUTIERREZ
Maria CASTILLO This year senior Kevin Gutierrez and junior Jabari Pharms were recognized at the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame for their outstanding leadership on and off the football field. Gutierrez’s football career began his freshman year and since then his life has changed. “I wasn’t the best so I barely got playing time,” he said. “I knew I had to work harder.” Each year he improved his techniques such as his hand placement when blocking, snapping the ball to get it to the right place, and his feet movement. Not only did he work to improve himself but also to help his teammates. He said, “You have to lead by example. If I tell them to do their reps but I don’t do mine, that wouldn’t make me a good leader.” After hours of hard work, he would get home late at night and study. He managed to keep his grades high and help other students with their work before and after practice. “It was all a challenge but I would push through,” he said. “Football means everything to me. It made me into the man I am today.” Pharms has also played since his freshman year and now has big plans for his last year. He said, “I want to have more tackles and turnovers and I also want to help my team win league.” The sport has became an outlet for him to release his stress and stay out of trouble. “I don’t play football for the awards. I play to make it out.” The look in his mother’s eyes was more rewarding to him than the award itself, though. “Everything I do I do it for my mom. Her and my sisters are all I have,” he said. “She always reminds me to stay humble but stay hungry.”
Who’s coming to our house?
Track & Field
Baseball
Boys Golf
Swim
Badminton
Softball
Boys Volleyball
Boys Tennis
Thursday, April 18 vs. McNair HS 3:30 pm
Thursday, April 11 vs. McNair HS 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 9 vs. Franklin HS 3:30 / 6:15 pm
Tonight vs. Edison HS 3:30 / 5:45 pm
Tuesday, April 9 vs. Chavez HS 3:00 pm
Tuesday, April 9 vs. Bear Creek HS 5:00 pm
Wednesday, Apr. 10 vs. Chavez HS 5:00 pm
No remaining home matches
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News
The Stagg Line
04.05.19
Fatal consequences Every 15 Minutes Program hopes to inform teens about driving under the influence Maria CASTILLO
A night out of fun, full of music and drunken laughs. It’s finally time to go home, but you never make it there. The Every 15 Minutes Program aims to inform the youth of the consequences that can come from such decision making. The program is based on a now old statistic that every 15 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured in an alcohol-related incident. Because of developments in car safety and more awareness to the issue, it is now closer to one person every 45 minutes. Regardless of what the statistic is now, the prime goal for the program is to let students experience the impact of driving under the influence. Not only do they see the crash but also what happened after -- at the hospital, at the morgue, and in the court. President of Summit Solutions Consulting Chris Stevens said,
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PHOTOS BY KEVIN GUTIERREZ
(Above) Senior Natalie O’Neal comforts senior Angel Ortega as they watch their friend being placed into a body bag. (Right) Seniors Enekeyo Sakata and Tenyiah Washington, two of the actors that were involved in the car crash, struggle to wake their friend Marissa Pimentel up. Pimentel was pronounced dead on the scene.
“The idea is that we give students as much information as possible. We have them watch the whole process from beginning to end.” Stevens is a retired California Highway Patrol Deputy Sheriff and Coroner for San Joaquin
People will always remember my face when their child dies. Chris STEVENS Consultant
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Tough choices await seniors
County. After 25 years of having to investigate bodies in incidents and going to the family to deliver the news, it has left a scar on him. “It’s a dreadful thing to tell somebody and surprise them with the death of their loved one,” he said. “I made a lot of notifications and when they think of the words ‘Your child is dead,’ they’ll think of my face.” Preparation for this event began as soon as the year started, but the actors were not given a script. Stevens said, “We have found throughout the years that once we give the actors an idea of who they are and what they are doing in the crash they know exactly what to do because it feels
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When the time comes for students to move on to college, a wave of anxiety may cross their mind. Making decisions on distance, education, and overall experience doesn’t come easy. Students as young as freshmen have made plans to try and prevent the amount of mental and financial stress that is yet to come. Freshman Enrique Gaytan plans to enroll in a dual enrollment course over the summer through Delta College. “I’m doing it because I think it’s good to get a head start. It relieves a lot of pressure,” he said. According to an assessment from the American College Health Association, stress during the transition to college is a “normal part of life” and comes with a “host of reasons” to stress about. Senior Natalie O’Neal is currently conquering her anxiety
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ART BY SERINA SIENG & JAKE MARCELINO
while trying to decide where to go for college. “It’s important for me to be able to further my education. That way I can learn more, and better myself. Hopefully I can one day turn that education into a career.” Applying to 13 colleges helped contribute to O’Neal’s anxiety. “I applied to so many because at the time I was really indecisive and I had a fear of not getting accepted,” she said. The aftermath of the application process had an even bigger impact on O’Neal. “It’s hard to know where to go. There’s no way to escape the
WeeklyGallery Check out our website for recent galleries featuring the boys volleyball team, speech and debate, and the varsity girls softball team playing against Galt High School in a preseaon game.
stress.” Doing things like trying to relax, taking a deep breath, and avoiding procrastination are an effective way for O’Neal to cope with this stress. Counselor Kevin Oki suggests similar ways to try and lessen college anxiety. ¨They have to keep in mind everything will work itself out,” he said. Senior Kristina Matsumoto views college as a big step towards your future. “College means a lot because it shows that all the years you work so hard for actually mean something and get you a college degree and a job and everything else you want to do.”
so real.” This was true for senior Marissa Pimentel. She got to play the part of the person who died immediately as a result of the crash. She said, “There are so many things you want to say to people and things that you want to do, but you can’t because you’re dead.” Pimentel remembers the cold chills that ran across her body as she was being put in the body bag and placed inside the hearse. Once the vehicle was out of sight, she was able to come back to life. “When I saw my friends running toward me to hug me it made me really happy and it reminded me to value every day. It was relieving.” She also makes
sure to express her appreciation for those who surround her. “Every time I say bye to my family or friends I tell them I love them because you never know what could happen to me or to them.” Pimentel promised herself that now at parties, if her friends drink, she will get them home safely. As for Pimentel’s mother, Maria Marquez Pimentel, Every 15 Minutes was something she was not too comfortable with her daughter participating in at first. She said, “It’s a situation you’re not prepared for in any way at all, even if it’s not real.” But in the end she supported her daughter with this and gained more knowledge of the situation.
“I’ve been more alert when my kids go out,” Marquez Pimentel said. “I hope kids can give greater thought to their actions. It’s so simple to do the right thing. It takes one time for something like this to happen and not only ruin your life but also the lives of those around you.” Every 15 Minutes will be doing about eight more presentations this year. “The purpose is not to say ‘Don’t drink at all,’ but if you are, do it responsibly,” Stevens said. “When someone’s driving away and you can’t stop them, there should be no one in that car with them. If you love each other then take care of each other.”
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that eventually will have to come up with the solutions,” Messimore said. Juniors Ralph Perez and Juan Parra worked in groups expressing their opinions on immigration. “In the mural we showed how the families were separated after being deported,” Perez said. Parra wanted to illustrate the
goals of immigration and what families hope for when coming to America. “We did a white picket fence to stand for the American dream,” Parra said, this dream being a world of no struggles and nice fences. “Anyone can look at a piece of art and determine their own truth from it,” Messimore said.
Creative writers are able to find their voice through art
Students expressing their emotions and opinions towards real-world problems in an effective way is important. This year the Creative Writing class emphasizes this belief. Monica Messimore, one of the teachers of the class, encourages students to express their views through any form of art. “It’s important for everyone to find their own voice and make sense of their own reality,” she said. According to the American Art Therapy Association, “Creating art promotes sequential reasoning of thought for those faced with overwhelming feelings.” Messimore assigns projects which simply require opinions. “I had them design murals using their own thoughts and ideas on issues that pertain to them.” Politics, environmental issues, immigration, sex education, drug prevention and religion come up all over these murals. “It’s important for our kids to be able to express the issues that they are facing because they’re the ones
PHOTO BY YALIE CEESAY
Junior Ralph Perez and Juan Parra created this mural to show realworld problems involving immigration and discrimination.
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Read about Kristina Matsumoto being academically inspired to play badminton.
15 Seconds of Fame
Watch how sophomore Alexa Lehmkuhl talks about her experience playing the alto saxophone as an elementary student and compares it to playing it now.