Honoring the Class of 2020

No End to New Police Massive Chief Named Protests to Build Trust Black leader says Chuck Lovell streets is where rises to the top of change will be won command Established in 1970 See story, page 2 See Local News, page 3

PO QR code ‘City of www.portlandobserver.com Volume XLVIV • Number 14 Roses’ Wednesday • June 10, 2020 Committed to Cultural Diversity

Honoring the Class of 2020 Congratulations Reflecting on a school year cut short Seniors! The Jefferson High School se- are also included and will in- The Port- nior class created all of the Class spire you. land Observer is of 2020 content for this special This special coverage was co- proud to dedicate graduation edition of the Portland ordinated by Jefferson students this special issue Observer. attending a Senior Inquiry class, a to all of our high Inside you will find reflections dual-credit class designed through school seniors, from the students on a school year a partnership between the Jeffer- and especial- cut short by the cornonavirus pan- son High School Middle College ly the Jefferson demic and how they are respond- for Advanced Studies and Port- High School ing to another tragedy, the police land State University. Class of 2020, custody death of George Floyd in All seniors at Jefferson take the the school histor- Minneapolis. class and earn 15 college cred- ically grounded Publisher Mark See the letters of support and its upon completion. Jefferson to the heart of Washington congratulations to the graduates teachers and Portland State pro- Portland’s Afri- from their teachers, administra- fessors help direct them on a path can American community. tors and adult mentors, like those of individualized learning by en- We are proud to give a voice to these from Self Enhancement, Inc. The gaging in community advocacy, honored students during a difficult time, students also include photos to action projects, art installations, sharing their dreams for the future and showcase their school experience, writing and other types of aca- providing them a proper sendoff after a list their favorite music, and share demic exploration. senior year cut short by the coronavirus their special art projects. At its core, the Senior Inquiry pandemic and the public health crisis that Valedictorian speeches by model stimulates critical thinking closed all schools since Spring Break. five of Jefferson’s achieving stu- and self-reflection while focus- “Your lives were disrupted, but you dents, not able to be delivered at ing on the importance of building have not been forgotten,” said Portland a formal graduation ceremony strong relationships with class- Senior Tarisha Spencer is draped by messages of unity Observer Publisher Mark Washington. because of the social distancing mates, instructors, high school and equality in the halls of Jefferson High School in a “Congratulations seniors and best wish- requirements of the pandemic, staff and community members. photo taken earlier this year. es to your future!” Page 2 June 10, 2020 No End to Massive Protests Black leader says streets is where change will be won A historic leader of Portland’s African American community joined thousands of protesters in northeast Portland Monday night to demand police accountability and an end to racism and police brutality against African Ameri- cans. Kent Ford, 77, a life-long member of Portland’s black community and the founding member of the Portland chapter of the Black Pan- ther Party going back to the civil rights era of the 1960s, appealed to Portlanders to keep demanding change. He said continued street pro- Thousands of peaceful Portland protesters lay down for nine minutes of silence June 1 on the Burnside Bridge with their hands behind tests are the best option to put on their backs to memorialize the time a Minnesota police officer’s knee pinned George Floyd’s neck to the ground, a black man who died the pressure to reform police de- May 25 under police restraint. (AP photo) partments across the country, including Portland. He also voiced his astonishment at how the movement to end police brutality against African Americans has now drawn so many white and diverse supporters from outside the black community. Change was “not going to come from D.C.” he said. “It’s not going to come from the Capitol. It’s going to come from down here on the streets.” Ford’s call out came as sever- al thousand people marched from Revolution Hall, the former Wash- ington High School in southeast Portland, to Northeast 15th and Alberta in the heart of Portland’s African American community. It was the 11th straight night of massive protests in Portland, sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died under police restraint in Min- Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard (left) joins more than 10,000 people for a peaceful protest against police brutality and racism on neapolis. Friday night, walking from Revolution Hall, the former Washington High School in southeast Portland, to downtown. Massive protests in More than 100 people have the city have taken place for 11 straight nights, sparked by the police Memorial Day police custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis been arrested in Portland since and other officer-involved deaths of black Americans. (AP photo) the protests began. Police say they have struggled to balance allow- ing thousands of peaceful protests Protesters demonstrate to march and confronting much on June 2 in and around smaller crowds that seem focused Pioneer Courthouse Square, on clashing with officers at any downtown. (AP photo) cost. June 10, 2020 Page 3 INSIDE L o c a l N e w s

Letters of Support page 4-5

Student Grad Photos page 6-8

New Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell attends a news conference Monday announcing his appointment to the top of command. He replaces Chief Jami Resch who suddenly stepped aside stating that Lovell was the better person to build community trust as police chief because of his strong ties with the black community. (AP photo) Student Reflections page 9-23

Student Poetry pages 10-14 Rising to the Top earned praise for building bridges saying he was the better person Lovell named in the black community during his to build community trust as chief pages 15 tenure at the school, was suddenly because of his record of success Top Tunes police chief to named Portland’s new police chief building ties with the black com- on Monday. munity. build trust Chuck Lovell, an 18-year-vet- The promotion was endorsed by Valedictorians pages 16 by Michael Leighton eran of the Police Bureau, replaces Mayor Ted Wheeler and followed Portland Observer Editor Chief Jami Resch who announced 11 days of massive protests in the A black Portland police lieu- at a news conference that she was city calling for police reforms to tenant and former resource offi- stopping aside from the top com- Continued on Page 10 cer at Jefferson High School who mand position in favor of Lovell,

Student Art pages 21

Shout Outs pages 21

Classified/Bids pages 22 Scholarships pages 24

Established 1970 USPS 959 680 4747 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. PO QR code All created design display ads become the sole property of the A group of young marchers in Portland move toward the Burnside Bridge on Saturday to protest newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or per- Publisher: Mark Washington, Sr. sonal usage without the written consent of the general man- racism and police violence against African Americans after the death of George Floyd, a black man ager, unless the client has purchased the composition of such Editor: Michael Leighton who died in police custody in Minneapolis. (AP photo) ad. © 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART Office Mngr/Clasfds: Lucinda Baldwin WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. The Portland Sales Director: Leonard Latin Observer--Oregon’s Oldest Multicultural Publication--is a After Protests, Mayor Re-Assigns Officers member of the National Newspaper Association--Founded Creative Director: Paul Neufeldt in 1885, and The National Advertising Representative Amal- Following massive marches to Wheeler announced Thursday gamated Publishers, Inc, New York, NY, and The West Coast Office Asst/Sales: Shawntell Washington Armed police Black Publishers Association protest racism by police and of- he was removing police resource ficer involved deaths of African officers from the city’s public CALL 503-288-0033 • FAX 503-288-0015• [email protected] pulled from [email protected]• [email protected] Americans in Portland and across Continued on Page 10 the country, Portland Mayor Ted Postmaster: Send address changes to Portland Observer, PO Box 3137, Portland, OR 97208 Portland schools Page 4 June 10, 2020 Letters of support for Grads Teachers and Staff Look Back SEI will always support you On behalf of Self Enhancement, Inc., we want to wish all of our seniors the absolute best as you move into this next phase of life. Some of you are preparing to further your education by going to You college close by or far away. Others are jumping into the workforce right away, with hopes to pursue passions they’d always dreamt of. Regardless of what you decide to do in this next phase of life, we want Made our seniors to always remember that SEI will always have your back. We will always be there to support you, help you, and cheer you My Year on. We love and miss you so much! We miss you coming into the office Dear 2020 Seniors, just to talk, ask for snacks, and we Those of you who were in even miss telling you to go to class. MEChA (Movimiento Estudi- Words are hard to find when it antil Chicano de Aztlán, the or- comes to how proud we are of each ganization promoting Chicano of you! We’re so honored to be your unity and empowerment) gave coordinators and wish you nothing me so much hope. but the best for this next phase of I was worried coming into your life. No matter what, you’ll al- Jefferson that I would not find ways be part of the SEI family, we students to be part of the program- love you! ming, but within minutes you all ~Love, Ms. Ebony, Bubba, and came into my life. From then on Ms. Shy (inset) I got to see you everyday in the classroom. I got to see you change and grow in just a few months. I saw most of you prosper PCC Partnership was Inspirational and your personalities be more lations, best wishes, and sincere studying and learning, interacting present. You all made me think It’s my honor to hope for a fantastic future. with others, and new leadership about what support I would This may not be the graduation roles for you to assume. have wanted at your age. From salute you you’d hoped for, or the conditions You will help show us what this talking about school, to sharing Dear Jefferson High School in which you’d wished to grad- new world can look like. A world all your hopes and dreams, you Class of 2020: uate, but I believe this singular where everyone has the health all made me so proud. First, thank you for the hon- moment in history provides you care they need, the education they I am upset that I only got to or of addressing you on this mo- -- and your fellow graduates from deserve, the income that human be part of your lives at the end of mentous occasion. It has been a around the nation and the world dignity demands. Where the pres- your high school career, but just source of great pride for me to see -- an opportunity to change the ence of clean air and water aren’t a know you made my year. I will the partnership between Jefferson world for the better. luxury but a constant companion. always be supporting you guys no and PCC-Cascade grow and thrive This moment in time is also Where the barriers that held some matter what. Thank you for all the over the years. Watching Jefferson symbolic. It symbolizes the end of back while others prospered fade Dr. Karin Edwards laughs, sarcasm and great music. transform from a struggling in- one thing, but also the beginning of away. Where black lives matter. es, time and talent to lead the way. Love, Fabi Mascote stitution to being recognized for something new. You will have new Where everyone, in every circum- We are proud of you, Dem- highest graduation rates in the opportunities, make new friends, stance, has the freedom to fully os! The future is yours to cre- state has been truly inspirational. and overcome new challenges in enjoy the gift of life. ate. Go big. Dear Lulu, On behalf of the Middle Col- ways we’re only beginning to con- We’ll be here to encourage and Dr. Karin Edwards, lege staff, Cascade faculty and ceive. Thanks to the Coronavirus, support you in this critically need- Portland Community College- Emely, administration, I offer congratu- you will also have new ways of ed work, but we’ll need your voic- Cascade Campus president Sebastian, the diaries, picked some pages, and read. This Your journey hasn’t been easy, but you’ve time, however, I found something of actual use: kept going. You’ve studied hard for every test, Yunior and At What Cost? A forgotten letter to my future graduating self. toiled over every essay, and I want you to Saturday, June 3, 2017 6:39 p.m. Dear know how much I love you for that, for all the Misael, A forgotten letter to my Selam, I’m pretty sure the seniors are at their stress you put yourself under to build a prom- Felicidades! You made it! graduation ceremony right now so I thought ising road ahead for us. When I met all of you I saw future graduating self I’d write this for you to read when you’re in I hope you were able to keep straight A’s young powerful leaders and you by Selam Getu their shoes. You’re probably in your cap and and a 4.0 gpa during these past years and nev- have all proved to be just that. I When I have writer’s gown waiting to begin the end of this chapter er let yourself doubt your intelligence. I hope wish you the very best in all you block I often read my di- of your life. Hopefully you have cords around you’ve gotten into your dream college and are do. Please remember to never aries. I’ve never found a your neck and maybe a speech in your pock- leaving this small city. And I hope you’ve fig- give up even when life gets diffi- perfect thesis statement in et. Regardless, these past few years have been ured out what you’re passionate about, what cult. Push yourself till you reach them and I don’t believe leading up to this moment, so take a deep you want to spend your life doing. Mostly I your goals then push yourself it’s caused any lightbulb breath because it’ll be over soon. just hope you’re not afraid anymore. a little more till you reach your moments, but I do it any- Do you remember your first day of high At 15 years old, I also have a few questions. next goal! Si se Puede!! way. Unsure of what could possibly sum up all school? The excitement, butterflies, fear? Who are your closest friends at the moment? Sincerely, that I’ve been thinking and feeling during quar- How do you feel now? Do you think it was Have you gone on a date? Did you ever run for Sofia Dominguez and the antine and my years at Jefferson, I pulled out worth it? I sure hope so. student body president? I’m curious. Latino Network Familia June 10, 2020 Page 5 From the Principal: Honored to Share the Journey with You Demo Class of 2020, single garment of destiny. Whatever af- We find ourselves distant from each fects one directly, affects all indirectly. other during a defining moment for our I can never be what I ought to be until country. We find ourselves navigating you are what you ought to be, and you a health crisis of global proportion. We can never be what you ought to be until find ourselves in the midst of a societal I am what I ought to be. That is the in- reckoning with the violence of racism ter-related structure of reality.” across our nation. We learn and grow together, and it These realities serve as powerful re- is this reciprocity that is central to our minders of how connected we truly are, Jefferson community. It has been an how our individual actions reverberate honor to share the journey with you so throughout not only our community closely over the past four years. You but also the world; how we both impact bring authenticity, richness and com- and are impacted. plexity to our lives daily and you have Over the past week, I was reminded changed us. of the words Martin Luther King Jr. of- You are amazing people who are liv- fered in his letter from the Birmingham ing through a marker of time for gener- Jail and subsequent writings almost 60 ations to come. We will not be the same, years ago: but we will always be here for you. “In a real sense all life is inter-re- We love you and are so proud. lated. All men are caught in an ines- Demos for life! Jefferson High School Principal Margaret Calvert, (left) with Vice Principal Ricky Allen, Vice capable network of mutuality, tied in a ~Ms. Calvert Principal Khandice Love and former Vice Principal Kara Mortimer. From the From the Class of Class of 1970 Jefferson High School Class of 1965 2020! We are so proud of your ac- So proud to see you complishments! The world needs graduate! your creativity, compassion and Lucinda Turner-Baldwin, leadership now more than ever. I office manager at the know Charles would say the same Portland Observer and Elizabeth Washington (JHS Class and he would have been thrilled to The late Charles Washington (JHS Jefferson High School of ‘70), publisher of the Portland celebrate this milestone with you. Class of ‘70), publisher of The Class of 1965 alumna. Observer, 1996-2018. Congratulations! Portland Observer 1996-2012. Page 6 June 10, 2020 Congratulations Class of 2020! Jefferson High School Middle College for Advanced Studies

True’s Ambus Emery Ashdown Gabriela Azcorra-Uicababriela Reggie Blue Zachary Brant Asaiah Brazile

Sierra Briscoe Aries Brock Mellanie Broussard Nadijah Bunn Azzurra Cappuccini Robert Chandler

Ethan Crawford Precious Dangerfield Yunnior DeLeon-Juan Samuel Densmore Emerson Donohoe Rene Douglas

Calvin Dunleavy Christopher Durrett Brennan Fadel Lourdes Flores-Herrera Richard Garcia Deonetae Gates

Selam Getu Ethan Gillespie Velicia Glass Nicodemus Glaze Octavio Gonzalez-Rolon Leif Gregory

Kayla Gulley Shiyan Guo Ashon Hale Seraiah Hardy Ethan Harmon Datrevoa Harrison

Lanaireoje Maaliyah Sebastian Hayes Hepburn Hernandez June 10, 2020 Page 7 Congratulations Class of 2020! Jefferson High School Middle College for Advanced Studies

Mekdes Hilete Brett Hinsley Myles Hoggans Inyla Hollis Rachel Huckans Arianna Hunter

Aidan Hutapea Fisher Jackson Makiah Jackson Clarissa Jennings-Ramsey Sonia Johnson Jaliyah Jointer

Parvaneh Karch-Agnew Shyrel Katlaps-Issac Max Kenck-Crispin Mykala King Aaron Kluever Amaya Krasnitz

Amelia Layton Christopher Leon-Diestra Kelsey Limnell Stella Rae Lynch Magpie Mack Alatini Mapapalangi

Olivia Martin Jacina Mathis Maisie McCarley Lauryn McCarthy Finnegan McDonald Jaylen McDonald

Jade McKinney Valeria Michel-Garcia Tamia Miller Maria Mohulamu Da-Nae Monroe Fayth Moore

Samaya Maxwell Mariana Morgan. Moss Naranjo Dove Jefferson Graduates continued next page Page 8 June 10, 2020 Congratulations Class of 2020! Jefferson High School Middle College for Advanced Studies

Max Nathe Olivia Olson-Roberts Lola Pedegana Tristan Pena Loan Pham Michael Preston-Kurney

Jayla Pride Joneyo Prom Pablo Reese Max Rego Jay Riggins Cynthia Riley

Christina Robinson D’Androse Robinson Zuriah Rohm Anneka Root Erika Salazar-Medina Richard Sanchez

Anna Saunders Ashton Sawyer Gavin Sheafer Asha Shelayev Brookly Sherman Tarisha Spencer

Aaliyah Stone Sarah Sullivan Misael Torres-Granados Estelle Torrey David Uppinghouse Emely Valenzuela

Antonio Veaudry Casaus Lauren Walters Sabine Westby Nellie Wilcox Alivia Williams Atticus Wilson

Velo Kathryn Young Zipper All Jefferson Graduates continued from page 8 June 10, 2020 Page 9

Alberta Park in Quarantine While taking pictures it was interesting to notice how many people were in the park and Grads Reflect Back on Senior Year sitting far apart from each other, and it was It’s a time… such a shock to me because Alberta Park is when people should be able to put trust never that full and it was nice to see people go into the systems that are supposed to take outside and enjoy the sun. care of them, but no one, at least no one I’m During this whole Covid era I myself have around or often exposed to, really trusts the been going outside and spending more time government right now. People are out of in nature areas. Last week I went to the De- work, the ones that aren’t are often over- schutes state park which is a little past The worked. All of the numbers about cases Dalles and on the way back we went through reported and percentages of those infected Hood River and up to Timberline lodge which mean almost nothing, with the lack of test- was pretty empty and they required masks to ing and the high number of false negatives. go inside. I’ve also been on a lot hikes. At the same time, it almost feels like I really like exploring the nature and I think nothing is happening at all. It’s surprising- without this pandemic I wouldn’t have done ly easy to stay at home and kind of feels all those things. like summer break. The biggest difference --AJ Brazile is not being able to go and see my friends Kayla Gulley (left) and Jayliah Joiner examine archived documents with classmates all of the time, but things like FaceTime during a visit to PSU. make even that easier. The other day I had The Good Times at Jeff Who would’ve known? Unfortunately our a “date” of sorts with my best friend where important and exciting senior year had to be we both ordered food and ate together on The Good and the Bad Now, here is the good stuff about quar- cut short by COVID-19. It’s been a change in FaceTime so that it could feel like we were Let’s start with the bad parts about antine. One, it forces you to keep in touch our lives and turned out to be a strange year. I eating at the restaurant we like together. I quarantine. with your friends. Even though I said you miss a lot of my family and friends. I miss all know that I’m experiencing this differently You can’t go anywhere. This means the can’t see your friends and family in person, of the funny moments and good times at Jeff. from a lot of other people, though. mall, movie theater, almost any fast food you canstill text them and keep in touch I really appreciated how much some of the At the end of the day, the virus will run place, and the worst for me, the barbers. with them. Also, I talk to my parents more. teachers and also my SEI coordinator cared its course. It will last as long as it lasts, and Two, you can’t see your friends and fam- Two, I have more time to work on my fit- and really put in effort to make sure I was up I can’t do anything more than my best to ily. If you don’t already live with them, ness. Three, I get to talk with my grandpar- to date on schoolwork. This school year was not contribute to it. It’s easier to immerse you can’t hang out with your friends. Or ents more and mow their lawns to get paid. fun and I’m glad I got to strengthen friend- myself in projects and the day by day than at least you’re not supposed to. But even Now that I don’t have to worry about ships. by trying to guess when or how things will when you do, there aren’t many places to graduating, I can focus on my plans to at- A day in the life of Covid-19 isn’t too ex- get back to normal, if they do. And so I’ll go. Three, it’s a bad time to look for em- tend PCC. I can work on things that I’m citing. I try to do different things each day, keep doing my projects, and learning what ployment. If you’re like me and looking interested in. For example, I have been try- stay close to the family and continue adapting interests me. I’ll text and call my friends for work, it’s a lot more difficult than it al- ing to write song lyrics for myself to sing. I to the next things that come my way. to keep from feeling too lonely. There isn’t ready was. Four, graduation. I was really just try and keep positive during this time. --D’Androse Robinson much else to do. looking forward to a graduation party be- Now I just hope this thing ends soon. --Ashton Sawyer cause I worked so hard to pass my classes. --Brett Hinsley Continued on Page 16 Page 10 June 10, 2020 The COVID -19 Pandemic I feel like I’m stuck my whole life now messed up Rising to the Top I went from waking up and accomplishing my goals to laying in bed thinking about the dead leaders from Black Male Achieve- according to Antoinette Edwards, Continued from Page 3 How many lives have been taken from something in disguise? ment, Word is Bond and the Coa- who recently retired as director of What’s in the win for us? Is it all just for a prize? end of racial discrimination against lition of Black Men. the city’s Office of Youth Violence We got some cluck duck as a president making me wanna look at African Americans sparked by the During the news conference, and Prevention. police custody killing of George Wheeler agreed the bureau hasn’t “He has real humanity,” she my amendments Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis, done enough to support people of told the Oregonian. We got a right to free speech and I’ll tell you right now duck I hate and other killings of black Ameri- color for promotions and succes- Daryl Turner, the black presi- you with everything I preach cans by police officers in Portland sion to leadership positions. Lovell dent of the Portland Police Associ- I’m laying in bed contemplating in my head why there’s a conspir- and across the nation. said that his appointment was com- ation, released a statement saying acy theory that you’re the one to blame and this is just a game The shakeup also comes as pletely unexpected and he’s going he looks forward to working with We are the pawns to your board game and you have us right where Portland police have been sharp- to care about the community. Lovell as the bureau “heads into a you want us obeying and bending down while you the king sits on the ly criticized for using what some Lovell, 46, a native of Brook- new era in policing and continues couch holding his crown. people called inappropriate force lyn, N.Y., and a former member to evolve and grow along with the I guess that’s what I get for blaming the one above us against some protesters. It also of the U.S. Air Force, served as a needs of the diverse community Dear god if you’re out there I don’t think I believe follows a complaint over the lack school resource officer in Portland we protect and serve.” I don’t know how you could let something like this happen. You of diversity in the Police Bureau’s from 2007 to 2011 and rose to the Resch, a police officer for 20 have me on my knees. leadership ranks. rank of lieutenant. He served as years in Portland, had been chief I pray and pray this all goes away but the truth of the matter is it’s Three African American groups an executive assistant to Outlaw for just six months. She plans to not and that’s not okay. wrote a letter over the weekend during her tenure as chief and for stay employed with the bureau. I’ve spent eighteen years waiting for my freedom and now that I saying the city’s commitment Resch he oversaw a new commu- In December she replaced former have it it’s taken away to diversity “rings loud, hallow nity outreach division. Portland Police Chief Daniel Out- I feel i’ve been stripped and used for play and tone deaf” considering an Lovell was able to gain the trust law, the city’s first black female My senior year like most was something I was looking forward “all-white leadership team” un- of students at Jefferson by dealing police chief, after Outlaw moved to now it’s something I wanna fast forward to twelve years of fun, der Resch. According to the Or- with problems with compassion to take command of the police de- laughing, making friends, crying, and playing the dog ate my home- egonian, the letter was signed by and a steady level-headedness, partment in Philadelphia. work game for a diploma and a walk across the strange but now that has to wait I might come off as mad but it’s because I am After Protests, Mayor Re-Assigns Officers Out of six years of working non stop my life now on pause my “Leaders must listen and re- would discontinue the regular pres- biggest sigh is not being able to say goodbye to the kids I taught the Continued from Page 3 spond to community,” he said. ence of school resource officers in laugh and cries I’ll never miss my performances with my little look schools. “We must disrupt the patterns of all of the district’s high schools, alikes The decision will impact all racism and injustice.” pledging to invest in more social Although this is sad i’m quite glad this happened because i’ll nev- of Portland’s high schools and In conjunction with Wheeler’s workers, counselors and culturally er take anything for granted again include Parkrose and Reynolds decision, Portland Superintendent specific support for students. This opened my eyes to see more than the sky and more of what life High Schools. Guadalupe Guerrero agreed he For years, advocates for police looks like when time is stopped and life as we know it becomes a date reform have called on schools in history that people will never forget. and local governments to remove --Amaya Krasnitz armed officers from local high schools, including Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, A Year that Went Astray the first black female member of the Portland City Council. I wasn’t expecting the senior year to end this way Hardesty had earlier proposed With coronavirus, it went astray defunding $1.6 million from the From vacay to decay, police bureau’s budget for the Our spring break of delay school resource officer program Never ended and felt like it was stuck on a replay For your light bulbs & parts that provides for 11 armed police to repair or make fixtures officers to patrol the halls of the With summer comes jobs and new lives to start city’s 11 high schools. Hope we stay friends together and don’t grow apart Web: www.sunlanlighting.com Police officers on regular pa- I’ll go to college for arts E-mail: [email protected] trols will still respond to emer- I hope I can get a good start 3901 N. Mississippi Ave. gency calls from school campuses So I can sing songs and reach the top of the charts Portland, OR 97227 regardless of the program’s fate, officials said. -- Gavin Shaefer 503.281.0453 Fax 503.281.3408

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We are located at: 9713 S.W. Capitol, Portland, OR 503-221-3050 • Fax 503-227-8757 [email protected] June 10, 2020 Page 11 Waited All My Life for 2020 New year senior year waited all my life for this Now it’s here and i’m full of fear First day all my friends are there Now I can breathe some fresh air Kulak and Machuca are my teachers, yah! Now i can survive another day They are the best School is better than the rest Cause I know they will help When I scream help --Kayla Gulley COVID 19 Thoughts Time has frozen! I miss Senior-ing! How are my friends? When is this gonna be over? I’M LOSING MY MIND! -- Myles Hoggans

Life Under Quarantine Students reading through material in Senior Inquiry. At first this quarantine thing sounded terrible honestly But now, I go on walks Cool substance washes away Wishing more time would go by I find creative things to do, or I do nothing at all Hallowed Memories Leaving the angry quake of fire His thoughts cloud his mind I face my feelings and troubles face on rather than Deep within soul reach is a boy A girl emerges from the cold Where is his mind distracting myself with life Needing guidance but not any lies Strikes a cool stare No more lies I finally wear my hair natural because I don’t feel Breaking the point of no return Leading the boy away he may Repeating over and over anxious at home Letting go of fond toys Sought destruction no more Chanting under his breath Quarantine doesn’t seem too bad Buried beneath lives Never seeing red again Anger flash destroying everything But now we have another month added Getting nothing in this life Saw purple instead around I’m starting to run out of things to do Pounding not in sight Remembering the words his teacher spoke Turned everything brown I miss going on adventures with my friends Losing control he may might You will meet an equal, learn to Defeating evil was good I miss going out to eat A ghost will be his true fright extinguish your fire Fire didn’t feel better I miss my teachers Fire in between places he goes Wants to do that He sat wondering I miss my peers Stops in the night His heart says otherwise “Why am I so weak” Seeing no one in the darkness he ignites He is tired of all the lies A voice chanted in his head I have a love/hate relationship with this quarantine Flames burn from within him He wants to be free of burden No you are strong I can freely be lazy but I won’t get to walk the stage He will burn bright Not all in love The boy asked the voice I don’t have to see anyone from high school anymore but Hollowed out by motives Free…Free...Free Who are thou? I kind of miss them Keeps him going and follows Trees around him whoosh when No answer… I can get take out but I have to eat it in the car Joining a place where he belongs thoughts matter more Then the voice continues I wish I never took these little things for granted but I’m Coming to a place where fire is one Sorrow filling his heart A weak person shall never feel the also glad we all got a break from life. I think we all The wind breaks through, spreading Cold reaches him and smiles burden of pain and sorrow needed it. It needs to be over now though. Touching the fire as raining fists Fire noticed and thinks about what was A strong one feels everyday, in --Aneesa Bussey Leaving the field to open mists taught order to be strong you have to He can’t speak A lie or a truth be weak His words are gone Fire smiles as well a lot after And in order to be weak you have Four Years in a Flash His fire isn’t Adventures await young heros to be strong My 4 years flashed before my eyes, Solace is what keeps him going Your time is now The more you do failure will but not too fast because I reminisced everyday. It what keeps him glowing Your time is valuable happen I can’t believe we finally done. The bright star that will be Leave knowledge behind The less you do you can’t fail My freshman year I wanted to touch a couple different Will show the way, a different path Let the wind let your burdens go The boy listen with wary eyes sports so Leaving false value behind This may be the last time Voice said no more I played football and Giving up child, growing bold They ever see the sunset Looking up to the sunset sky I wrestled and He burns as bright as gold Fire bites more than he can chew Revealing more than he wants to placed 3rd in state Nothing within it’s quake Injury would suffice see it was painful. Never speaking just break Cold saved his life A trance of energy is United with I was trying to figure out what I wanted to be Onto life will be another bloom Looking astonished as she took the final him or how I wanted to spend my life. Roses never die wither away blow Cold is gone no longer here I decided to further my basketball experience down in A future with one Her body flowed with wind Believe in destiny he fears CALIFORNIA Death may be daring. Her body went limp again Shattered his beliefs --Christina Robinson Scared boy turned to be in Las she took one final smile Never seeing anymore One after one is scary At the flaming boy A clear future he is uncertain about Forgetting a friend was a specialty Cold was a necessity For him to feel no pain He now needs a lane Thoughts linger in his mind Freeing doubts from within His is still scared of his sin Still feeling burden by sorrow What had he learned He forgets the sky is dark Memories awakes his mind He still cannot see Has he learned anything? --Jay Riggins Page 12 June 10, 2020 June 10, 2020 Page 13 Page 14 June 10, 2020 Don’t Shoot! I 2020 Senior Year It started out great, can’t Breathe I met new people, Don’t shoot! I can’t breathe Made new friends, Blood covered tattoos and ripped But December came and Coronavirus hit the sleeves, laid on the streets world, Money and Power motivates Schools are getting canceled, greed, washing off stained People aren’t able to leave their house, sheets For their safety of course, Living in social misproportion ignites sacrificial unabiding Than March came and it hit Oregon, mental distortion, tired of being School gets canceled, the bigger man Senior year is ruined, I’m out to get the ham A year we’ve been waiting for 13 years, Livin life like if the 50’s was still It’s not just any other year, the norms It’s a huge milestone in all of our lives, Tired of going through the worse “Waiting to see what happens in the following of storms months, before graduation gets canceled” Shit is mad outrageous to live like Says the district, ape ages Well there’s one piece of good news, Where you gotta protect yourself Most of it’s bad nowadays, from 12 gauges Parents say, That’s one shot too many, our last “I feel bad” breath is coming real heavy Jeff Seniors pose for a group photo. Or Battle wound scars that still “I don’t know how to help” scream loud, willing to die for There is no way to help, rights it’s why we remain so Born sinner 4 Years in One Poem We just had this huge thing ripped out of our proud If you don’t like me you gone hate me arms, Ignorance is envy but it’s not the Born sinner, the opposite of a winner The secret is i’m actually broken We were almost there, first time we kill our enemy All the lame **g**’s showed me what not If I have to go I hope my soul is still eternal We may never walk the halls again, Too divided will cause more drug to do And my momma don’t forget about me Sit at lunch eating with friends, and violence, It’s proven shown Not easy to ditch fear, believe it I pray my bestie wont forget about me Talking to teachers and laugh about classes, those who lack of parental The fact that I may never make it Saw things I imagined guidance, no option to choose Born sinner Born sinner All of it, but life of no morals when you I dont trust people enough beyond they Learning on the low key, shining It’s just gone, surface Tryin’ to keep to myself live for survivance Class of 2020, Mino in a pool of piranhas, where Let these words be your earth and moon You can mind yo business You consume every message How could I be mad that I aint yall ‘The lost opportunities’ you don’t know who all is really --Jayden McKinney ya patnas Born sinner Every trial and test is a lesson Even if ya keep your bond You can’t imitate me Knowledge is the most powerful weapon metamorphic, How clutch are the people that say they But how’d I win if it was on 2% knowledge there’s no telling who will really ‘love’ you? People always told me I was bad I was Black and Female be behind your rigormortis And who pretending misunderstood Try being black and a woman Rest In Equality Ms.Chisholm It’s all over now I was born sinner but THIS IS IT (WHAT?!) Constantly I’m working my butt off to We Are Unbought and Unbossed. Ain’t nothin finna break my stride Born sinner, DIDN’T QUIT (WHAT!) prove that I’m as smart and strong as a --Octavio Gonzalez-Rolon Nobody gonna slow me down --Rene Douglas man can be By also having to deal with the fact that I Did I leave my blanket in here/ can I? sometimes can’t get a job because of my Dear Covid-19 Thoughts on a Senior Surprise!!! f****** name, I’ll be back in a min! Or being racially profiled, also while We should call you Covid-20 but Year Pajama day is everyday! being followed around in stores, we’re going to leave that alone. Guess what happened? Where are my chips? and when a cop pulls me over I’m Covid, why did you come to This is the last homework i’ll ever do! I was right! praying that I don’t end up on national bother us Where is my mom? This senior year sucked! television You ruined most of my plans to What are friends for? I’m a stronger person now! I can’t just pick one or the other become an adult What am I supposed to do? Huh? I’m wiser now! I have to struggle with both. Because of you I haven’t seen my Where am I supposed to be? THANK YOU PEOPLE!! As black people we can’t jog in a friends for 2 months What are they talking about? Thank you for pushing me to be the best I can neighborhood without being lynched Because of you I’ve been bored Where’s the heater? be We can’t walk outside wearing a hoodie and I had to find something to I promise I won’t go to sleep! Where do I go from here? We can’t walk with a bag of skittles in our do. Can you help me with this? I don’t want to move on hand I can’t take the news anymore Yummy Yummy Food! I don’t like change That’s why we scream Black Lives Matter, Covid, you’ve really stirred up All I did was laugh! The things I do for people Because all lives will matter once ours some mess I got a PROBLEM! I am proud of who I have become through my does. Covid I will never forget you but Nice view of the football field! high school experience! --Samaya Morgan you probably feel the same way, --Clarissa Jennings-Ramsey you’ll be back Covid! I can’t believe you had me thinking it was the end of the world. Damn, who would’ve thought that this would happen so soon? Coronavirus, Coronavirus, Coronavirus. Thank you Covid for teaching me how to: cook, have patience, become more humble, learn about myself, and distancing me away from the negativity that surrounded me on a daily basis. --Sonia Johnson June 10, 2020 Page 15 BUSINESS

Musician DIRECTORY Amine speaks with Daved Sakho.

YOU CALL, WE HAUL

Johnny Huff Grads List Top Tunes to Remember (owner/operator) Music that most inspired the Jefferson Class of 2020. Playlist provided by seniors All Teased Up Alatini Mapapalangi, Mykala King, Olivia Martin and Lauryn McCarthy: Hair Salon & Barbershop SimXSantana - Flexin N’ Flashin Rod Wave - Cuban Links Covid-19 Special 2kbabysage - Old Streets Lil Baby & Gunna - I Am Space Available for Roddy Ricch feat. Ty Dolla $ign - Bacc Seat Raphael Saadiq - So Ready Scrapping Metal Barbers and Stylists & Landscape Meintenance Toosii - Truth Be Told G-Easy feat. IAMNOBODI - For This Contact: Toosii - Red Lights Toosii - Why You Think Lil Wayne feat. O.T. Genasis - T.O. Janet Henderson Cell: (971) 263-5516 Lil Uzi Vert feat. Pharrell Williams - Neon Guts Jeremy Zucker - End 503-449-2555 Lil Muk - Best for You Keyshia Cole - (I Just Want It) To Be Over Lil Muk - Ride With Me Stef Silva - So I Can YoungBoy - Never Broke Again Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull - Dance Again Martin Cleaning Rod Wave - Dark Conversations The Beatles - Because Rod Wave - Fuck the World Robin Loxley & Smudge Mason - I Miss It Service Zay Bang - No Relations Ciara - And I MCS Residential & Lil Zay Osama - Trencherous Sam Lachow - Miss My Friends Commercial Business Lil Zay Osama - Back When I Was Young 50 Cent - Just a Lil Bit Lil Zay Osama - Changed Up Kehlani - Too Much Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Lil Zay Osama - Way Better Chloe x Halle - Do It Minimum Service CHG. Lil Zay Osama - Old Days Brent Faiyaz - Skyline $50.00 (A small distance/travel DSteez - Will You Ride The Scotts, Travis Scott & Kid Cudi - The Scotts charge may be applied) 971-276-8674 DSteez - Wat You Need Kali Uchis - Dead to Me Ask about all our other special EBK Young Joc - Put Me in the Game GoldLink feat. Tyler the Creator & Jay Prince) - U services available Cut, trim, edge, SahBabii - Tonight Say CARPET • UPHOLSTERY power washing, Celly Ru - VLone GoldLink feat. Ciscero - Fall in Love AREA/ORIENTAL RUG hauling, leaf removal, Cdot Honcho - Topic Noname feat. Smino & Saba - Ace VEHICLES • AUTO/BOAT/RV DaBaby - Find My Way Odd Future feat. Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean, & ODOR TREATMENT cleanup, anything! DaBaby feat. Roddy Rich - Rockstar Syd - Analog 2 SPOT & STAIN REMOVAL FREE ESTIMATES DaBaby - Pick Up Lonr feat H.E.R. - Make the Most AND MUCH MORE DoaBreezy - Thug It Out Khalid feat. Summer Walker - Eleven FAIR PRICING Rod Wave - Pray 4 Love Partynextdoor & Rihanna - Believe It Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949 Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

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I Couldn’t Be More Proud During an info night for incoming 9th grad- ValedictoriansBecause Deliver hard work isn’t just about Parting pass- you. To those of Wordsyou that came to school ers this year, I was asked All of You are Just as Worthy ing classes. It’s about living, doing the best with a smile on your face no matter what to speak to the families At first, I wasn’t going you can with the circumstances you have. was going on in your personal life. Or and tell them why their to give this speech. It’s Our lives are so much more than school. talked your friends down off a ledge after students should come to seemed unfair. Why does And Jeff proves that, because Jefferson a hard day. To those that send pictures of Jeff. I was asked to par- a number on my transcript High School is so much more than school. your homework to help the homies out. ticipate the night of the event and had no allow me to speak at our We’re a family. And that’s why it’s so hard Or those of you that walked your friends time to prepare, but I didn’t need it. When final goodbye, compared for me to wrap my mind around this. We down to breakfast even though you were I got on stage and thought of what to say, I to all of you, who are just as worthy. stick together against all odds, so why, already late for class. I want to credit thought of what made Jefferson so special The title, itself, was never something I when it’s time to hear from our peers for the people that not only worked hard in to me. strived for. Being valedictorian held a sense the very last time as one, we pick people school but those of you that worked hard I thought of all the moments in fresh- of power and privilege that I didn’t want. off of their systematic success instead of at becoming the person you are today. Be- man English where from week one, we had That I didn’t need. Valedictorian is sup- who they are as people. . cause we all have grown since freshman already become a community. I thought posed to be an honor for the hardest work- Though I am proud to say that this Vale- year and we deserve credit for that. Credit of all the moments I’ll never forget from ing, and I appreciate that, I have worked dictorian cohort is some of the most amaz- that our transcripts don’t give us. playing sports, I thought of the times we hard to be where I am. But who says that ing I have ever met. But I also want to give So I want this to be a reminder as we stopped class to discuss something more the number on our transcripts reflects how credit to where credit is due. To those of enter adulthood. You are more than a num- important going on in the world at that mo- hardworking we are? Why does the educa- you that showed up to every single bas- ber, or a statistic, or any negative expecta- ment. I thought of how no matter what the tion system rely on a number to credit us, to ketball game whether it was miles away or tions anyone has ever set for you. You are topic, how we valued each other’s contri- show us our worth, when we are so much at home court. Those that sacrificed your your growth, your heart, your soul. You are bution to the discussion. more than that. There are so many of you free time to have a job and support your who you decide you want to be. And you So when it was time to tell these fami- I’d like to hear from, that I can’t, because families. To those of you that advocated for will always, ALWAYS, be a Demo! lies why they should send their kids to Jeff, you weren’t given the opportunity. yourself when someone didn’t believe in --Tamia Miller I told them that Jefferson is where kids are taught to be human at its most core meaning. you all are. We are all going to incredible Jefferson is a very special place and we’re Kids are taught what it is like to be a part of We’ve Come Together in universities, incredible programs, and doing all very lucky to have been a part of this something bigger than themselves, where incredible jobs because of the hard work you community. Community is very strong in our they learn to respect each other and thrive Incredible Ways invested in the past four years at this school. class, which really shows and I’m so blessed with one another. As I look at everyone now I I’m so proud of our class It’s really inspiring to see. to be a part of this chapter. know I couldn’t have been more right. for all of our hard work and Even though our year was cut short and Thank you for the memories I will cher- Before I ever even step foot onto 5210 perseverance that got us all to we will be missing out on some pretty big ish forever. As you think of the adversity N. Kerby Ave., I knew Jefferson is where our high school graduation. milestones, our class will get through this be- the class of 2020 has had to overcome these I wanted to be. Jeff was the best choice I We are about to enter a really cause we are strong, motivated, and creative. past few months, and especially these past could have ever made. Having a place to big time in our lives where we are being chal- We’ve already come together in such in- few days, there should be no doubt in your be 5 out of the 7 days of the week, where lenged to find who we are as individuals and credible ways, congratulating each other on mind that you can accomplish greatness. no matter what I was doing or who I was what we’re going to contribute to this world, college acceptances, celebrating over Zoom Please continue to utilize the valuable tools with I could learn something new, has been but I know that being a Demo has prepared calls, and staying connected as a class in any you were given here at Jeff to make a differ- a gift that I will never forget. us for this. We are a class that will go on to way we can right now. The class of 2020 ence in our society and the way we treat each The class of 2020, though we may be a use our passions for good, and it is amazing is historic. We’re inspiring so many people other as human beings, regardless of what small graduating class compared to others, to know that our class is going to make this to stay strong and positive in times that are they look like. Fight for what you believe is we are large in our knowledge and experi- world a better place. Jefferson taught us not scary and difficult. Thank you for setting right, and uplift each other. Show them what ences. Never in my life have I been part of only how to be good people, but how to be such a wonderful example of perseverance, it means to be a Demo. Class of 2020 is going a group of people so talented, whether it there for others and to question things when creativity, and compassion. We would not be to do some amazing things, and I can’t wait be artistically, athletically, or academically, we’re unsure. I think it really shows when you the people that we are today without Jeffer- to watch you all flourish. and in most cases all three. I believe we look at this Class of 2020, just how amazing son and the teachers and students inside it. -Sierra Briscoe have all been blessed to grow up in a space that develops such a true sense of commu- a few months of disruptions— but years of and filling out applications, we have defined nity. To grow up in a school that isn’t afraid Hello Classmates of 2020 academic excellence and personal triumph. our stories and sharing them with others has to speak its mind, a place that isn’t afraid And so I say congratulations to the Class given us the chance to own our voices. When our school closed to take action. of 2020! As acceptances and congratulatory let- in mid-March, I doubt As I think of everyone in the class of Earning a diploma means we have suc- ters came in, seeing the fruits of our labor that any of us expected 2020, I couldn’t be more proud of every- cessfully gone through four years of high has only made us more determined to seize the months of uncertain- one. I couldn’t be more thankful for the re- school. When assignments got hard, we per- the next opportunity that comes our way. ty and confusion that fol- lationships I’ve created, and friends I have severed. When we had questions, we sought Today we celebrate the great bonds of lowed. While springtime made. And before I say goodbye I want to out help. And through our commitment to friendship we have been able to cultivate for many generations of say thank you. Thank you for easing my learning, we have gained valuable insights amongst ourselves. From sharing class- high school seniors meant fun, celebra- worry about the future, thanks for reassur- about ourselves and the world. rooms to sharing ideas, from sharing spac- tion, and coming together, ours has been ing me that everything will be okay. Be- When senior year came, we had visions for es to sharing meals, members of the Class a time of distancing and isolation. How- cause I know with people like us shaping our future. And through planning and prepa- of 2020 have grown stronger because of ever, as we gather today, we have way the future everything will be okay. ration, we have moved closer and closer to our interconnectedness. more reasons to celebrate than to despair -- Leif Gregory because our graduation is marked by—not realizing our dreams. Writing countless essays --Mekdes Hilete

witnessed false 911 calls, scrolled smaller now. In these months, the Class and we have shown that our bond is not We Achieved Against All Odds through our feeds to find executions and of 2020 has become adults. After the tied down to Jefferson High School. It “The truth can only daylight murders, and we have seen this truth was unearthed we began to see exists beyond it, and our relationships stay buried for so long country burn. things differently. with one another will continue as we go before the world un- On the eve of us reaching one of the Nikki Giovanni wrote “Everything our separate ways into the greater metro earths it.” One of our biggest milestones of our youth, every- will change. The only question is grow- area, region, country, and world. classmates actually thing seems to be uncertain. Our plans ing up or decaying,” and I can say with In short, we have been tested in fire said something along have been upended, we have anxiously my whole heart that in the midst of so and came out as gold. those lines on what we awaited answers about what our very much decay, I have seen us, the Class So, Class of 2020, I want you to know now know to have been our last day at near futures will look like, and it has of 2020, grow against all odds. Our cir- that we are the class of overcoming; of Jefferson, and the sentiment has stuck dawned on us that as we make one of cumstances, rather than bringing out dusting your shoulders off and keeping with me in an eerie, almost prophetic the biggest transitions of our lives, the the worst, have revealed the best in us. it moving. We are the class of the piv- way. world as we know it is also transition- We have mobilized in new ways, sup- ot, adjust, and continue onward. And we In the months since we were last at ing. ported one another via Zoom Call and will set a new trajectory built upon our school, we have seen so much. We’ve The things that once were important Google Meet, built community in our ideas, values, and visions. We’ve seen watched as death tolls rise in the midst to us—prom and a traditional gradua- group chats and the comment section of too much to close our eyes now. of an unprecedented pandemic, have tion, our grades and GPAs—seem much the @jeffersonseniors Instagram page, --Selam Getu June 10, 2020 Page 17 Days Now All the Same Waking up in the morning has never Grads Reflect been fun, but these days especially so. It Continued from Page 9 seems like just yesterday that when I would wake up and dread going to school. Now I dread waking up knowing that the days are Jefferson, O School of Mine all kinda the same. My reflections are on the friends I’ve I fill the time up by making and practic- made, both students and teachers. Jeffer- ing music, reading and doing some other son changed me, for better or for worse. things. It’s always the mornings that seem In middle school, when I told class- the hardest though. Knowing that the day mates I was going to Jefferson, I got is probably gonna be just like the last and asked “Aren’t you afraid?” or “You know wishing it wasn’t and hoping at some point you’re gonna get beat up, right?” Those someone says something that things are people made me worried, but when I en- getting better and that we will be able to go tered the halls of Jefferson, I was instant- back to life as we knew it. Series of photos collected by Brennan Fadel and Lola Pedegana. ly greeted with warmth and a kind out- This pandemic has definitely made me stretched hand. People are wrong about appreciate some things a lot more. It has Jefferson, nobody here fights you just for Bringing that Demo Pride also provided time to and reflect on how being the wrong person. Instead they nur- Setting an Example my high school years went and just who I I lasting legacy in my personal ture your difference, draw it out and help It has been an honor for the past 3 years am as a person in general. I’ve actually en- life would be having children who you be who you want to be. to call myself the captain of the JHS Men’s joyed that part of the quarantine strangely are open-minded and kind. The word I’ve been asked what is my biggest re- Team. It has been a wild 4 years. As a team enough. Hopefully though this ends sooner “kind” is often used synonymously gret is from my years here, and I always there were games where we had big wins rather than later. with caring or sweet, and although I say the same thing, “I regret that I didn’t and games where we had terrible losses, --David Uppinghouse do want that for them, I want my chil- participate more. I only went to one but we never let the losses define who we dren to be their own kind; someone of Continued on Page 20 dance the entire time I was there and it are. We are a team that never dies, even in a unique disposition. was the best experience I had. I tell them the last moments of every game. I am still young and have learned that if I could go back to that first Home- I wore the JHS jersey with pride, pas- little of what the world has in store coming dance way back in 2016, I would sion and heart. Every game was spe- and I also know that I am not a perfect have gone. cial, not because of the score or team we person and that no one is, but when the Jefferson was more than a school to played, but because of all the students, time comes and I do have children, I me, it was a community. A place where teachers, family members, and community will teach them the good and bad our I felt I could be myself without being members supporting us even after the final society and teach them that there are judged or bullied. From the friends I whistle. To all of our sporters I would just infinite walks of life and that with ev- made, to the teachers that taught me, to like to say thank you for always bringing ery encounter and every issue that ar- the classes I took, Jefferson was almost that Demo pride. rives, there are equally infinite ways a second home. I am grateful for the time And thus I say farewell and good luck to approach them and I want them to I spent at Jefferson and the support that to the future of this amazing program at JHS. approach it in their unique way. I’ve received. Zach Brandt takes notes during a visit --Antonio Veaudry --Da-Nae Monroe --Atticus Wilson to PSU. Page 18 June 10, 2020

CreativeInterpretations works give Jeffersonof Life throughseniors a voice Art My art piece was created in a mindset I wasn’t familiar with. Feeling stuck at home but with the privilege to leave at any time. I felt trapped but free. Free from the physical place of school, but trapped and held back by the feeling of doing schoolwork in my own home. This piece represents outgrowing unhealthy mindsets and prospering. --Aries Brock

When I came to Jefferson, art became a huge part of my identity. In my four years of high school, I discovered that I really enjoyed drawing buildings. For the Portland Observer, I decided to draw the school that represents a second home to me.--Jayla Pride

There’s so much going on in the world right now and a mass of it is destruction, so this painting is a reminder that there will be good things coming out of the pandemic that wouldn’t have happened without it. --Samuel Densmore

Portland State University congratulates the Jefferson High School Class of 2020!

You make the dream of Senior Inquiry For All The background of the canvas include words I chose for each letter in COVID, providing an alternative acronym for the cornonavirus; a reality, and we can’t wait to see what you do next. Cogitate to think deeply; Obvert to present different views; Valediction for an act of bidding farewell; Imbroglio to show a We’ll be applauding your creativity, brilliance, complicated situation; and Diligent to show steadiness. I drew each letter and its definitions in green, a color associated with new kindness and leadership every step of the way! beginnings and a time of renewal and rebirths. The color green is what I believe connects us most to this time. -- Gabriela Azcorra-Uicab June 10, 2020 Page 19

A stark painting full of symbolism and dramatic color. --Valicia Glass

The goal of this piece is to communicate the roles of good and evil in our life. Some people unrealistically believe that life is only good. However, we wouldn’t know what a good life My artwork is based on how I was passing the time in quarantine. Digital collages contains without reflect the long walks and bike rides I went on to pass the time. Other drawings facing the bad. The represent my boredom when I didn’t have anything to do. They represent my good and bad have perception of time being distorted in lockdown. I hope other people are inspired by a sort of yin-yang what they see in my art. --Robert Chandler relationship where they both contribute equal parts. We live This piece was inspired by a school in a world that re- writing assignment and art piece quires balance which from earlier in the year in which we is similar to the Law created visionary fiction for a book. of Conservation of Titled “The Butterfly Effect,” it is made Energy. Despite what to look like a mural that might be on may happen in the a temple wall. You can see there is world, the good and always an eye somewhere in the mural bad will balance out. and it is extremely colorful. The eye is --Seraiah Hardy supposed to look like it has static in it and be a bit unsettling to look at. It also contrasts with the rest of the piece by being in black and white, standing out by not having any color. It was made by drawing shapes and lines and then filling it in with even more shapes and The reason I cre- lines, first by sketching it out by hand on ated this piece paper and then outlining and coloring it was to learn digitally. and explore the --Pari Karch-Agnew anatomy of the human face. --Precious Dangerfield

The world today is strange, and looking back on the world before I chose to submit some of my all of this journal entries from these last chaos ensued couple months because I think seems almost it will be valuable for me to cartoonish. look back on after all of this is --Max Moss over. We are living through a time that will be talked about in history books so I have been journaling as a way to document There’s so much going on in the world these times and to ground right now and a mass of it is destruction, myself when it feels like too so this painting is a reminder that there much. will be good things coming out of the --Sarah Sullivan pandemic that wouldn’t have happened without it. --Sabine Westby Page 20 June 10, 2020 The Memories We’ve Made Not leaving the house had me attempting to clean and organize my Grads Reflect space, but I became distracted by the memorabilia I deemed worthy of keeping. Most of these items are in some way, shape or form, related Continued from Page 17 to my time at Jefferson. I’ve kept all of my old school IDs, ticket stubs from games and recitals, and even all of the letters and cards I was given throughout high school. Focus on Less Fortunate The handwritten cards represent a small snapshot of the love I re- Despite COVID keeping me inside for the past ceived. They’re from friends I’ve had since I was a child, friends I was couple of months, it has not affected me as much or lucky enough to make along the way, and from the amazing teachers as severely as it has others. My dad is still able to who’ve dedicated their time to making sure we as students felt accept- work and my mom received a stimulus check with a ed. bit extra because she is caring for a dependent. Oth- The memories we’ve made over the past four years are not a small ers are not so fortunate. feat and should not be celebrated improperly or treated as a terrible Focusing just on the problems of renters; some distant memory. Of course, going through high school had tons of road- are able to withhold on rent payments due to the blocks and wasn’t a consistent smooth ride, but looking back on that obvious. However, many landlords are not as caring past shows how you’ve learned from those events and grown to the and are trying to evict tenants. This puts renters in an person you are now. awkward position because even if they go to housing --Loan Pham court and win their case they will still be blacklisted in finding a living space in the future. Property own- on humanity. Life isn’t about working all the time. It’s not ers don’t have it too much easier. They have to pay Pandemic’s Random Days about how much money there is in someone’s bank account. things like the mortgage, utility bills and property Staying busy has been my life. Because working is what It’s not about appearances. Being around loved ones is the taxes gets you places, working is what will help you get to where most important thing in life and this pandemic is proof of that. COVID has made me grateful for how easy I have you want to be in life. During these days there is so much room for thinking. it. Sure like everyone else I’m at least somewhat For 18 years I have been told that life after high school just Some days it gets to me and other days it doesn’t. Some days inconvenienced. But at least I don’t have to choose gets more tough, no matter if you go to college or go straight I think of world issues and others days I think of dumb things between feeding my family and paying rent. to work. But now that everyone from all ages is being stopped that probably don’t matter. --Ethan Gillespie from working because of COVID-19, it provides a window --Emely Valenzuela

finding out who we need to help the most because A Year of Growth we’re placed in their shoes, and the people in most Missing My School Family Does anyone remember when we couldn’t go a week without a fire More than anything, this year has been a year of need, especially poorer people and people of color, are alarm being pulled and how much relief it gave you in the middle of a growth. The world may never be the same as it was being hurt right in front of us. test or a rant from an angry teacher. Or walking up to the D-floor after- before this year; and I feel like that may be for the best. Examining the truths revealed to us by these wards because you couldn’t snag a ride on the elevator. Or how about A clean slate can be good; starting over and look- unique and trying times will let us move forward into the random dance parties on B-floor, the random group singing in the ing at our past selves gives us a chance to learn from a brighter future; we can come out of this smarter, hallway, the long talks from Pettiford that you try to escape from but any mistakes we might have made, and become better stronger, and more compassionate for our fellow can’t. Don’t you just miss it? people. man. 2020 has been tough, and it’s certainly not the March 13 was our last day guys. That was it. No more getting stuck This strange time has taught us a lot, even with so way I would’ve chosen to spend my senior year, in Mr. Dixon’s office as he asks all these questions that have nothing many people out of school. Because of the need to but it’s also a huge opportunity for big change and to do with what you actually needed from him. Are you sad? I am. I’m stay apart, we’re realizing just how much we need the growth for us all. also conflicted cause I’m usually ready to leave Jeff and now I wanna company and support of our friends and family. We’re --Emery Ashdown be in it. I miss the close bonds and relationships I built with people whom I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. I miss my school family. I miss breathing in Jeff’s unique scent. I miss sitting at my locker or visiting Dalton’s room just because. As I embark on the next part of my journey, I will take Jeff with me, the good, bad, the ugly, all of it. --Jaliyah Jointer Reflecting on the ‘What If’s’ It isn’t unusual for me to procrastinate. But because of COVID-19, I’ve realized that in my past I took time for granted. During quarantine, I’ve looked out my window and thought of so many scenarios. The sun makes me miss Peninsula Park, ankle deep in the fountain water. Or, the rain makes me miss board games inside the Middle College office. I wonder how my days would have been spent if 2020 was like the years before. If a pandemic wasn’t the reality, what would I’ve been doing? Skipping class most definitely. I would be in the halls eating food from Cherry Sprout or harassing Mr.Causey. Ducking and dodg- ing counselors, because I don’t want to talk about college. I was busy counting the days until graduation, now I wish I made the days count. Quarantine has allowed me time to think about the adventures taken and the adventures that have been lost. Though I’ve focused on the what if’s, I want to move on with the I will’s. I cannot get back the time COVID-19 has used up, but I can plan for my time in the aftermath. I will make the most out of another time. --Jayla Pride

Continued on Page 23

Jaylen McDonald (Left) and Alatini Mapapalangi celebrating a Demo victory. June 10, 2020 Page 21 Shout Outs to Jefferson

Sweet Street Food Cart Located at 15th and Alberta call 503-995-6150 to place order To New Friendships and Old Ones Mon. - Sat., 11:00am - 7:00pm • Closed Sunday A shout out to all the friends shown here, as we have made our friendships through our high school. Wednesday Special: 3 Wings $3.00 Friday Special: Rib Sandwich, Beef or Pork, $5.00 Seasonal Specials You Helped Me Find Myself Looking Ahead and The most interesting thing from my Jefferson Finding Myself Avalon Flowers experience was finding myself. I always was a shy 520 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, person but you, Mr. Lennie Edwards, my digital Here in these uncertain OR 97204 • 503-796-9250 media teacher, cracked me out of my shell. and unpredicted times there I made things I never thought I could. I learned is not much to do these days. A full service flower experience things I never thought I could do. I liked that this Recently, I have been trying class lightens you up and makes you realize you to start the next chapter of • Birthdays • Anniversaries are smart and have potential. Even though you are my life since the previous one ended so Cori Stewart-- • Funerals • Weddings a very blunt person, you mean the things you say suddenly. I have been trying to find my- Owner, Operator and put confidence in people. self, eliminate toxic and unhealthy friend- I also learned not to care about what other people ships, meet new people who I am about Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm think of me because it doesn’t matter as long as you to cross paths with in three short months, Saturday 9am til 2pm. know you have it within yourself. and sleeping, of course! --Anonymous Class of 2020 senior ---Naydiah Bunn Website: avalonflowerspdx.com email: [email protected] We Offer Wire Services

Shyanne Halililo and Ryan Martin of SEI A shout out to Shy and Ryan because no matter what we can count on them and others from Jefferson Staff and Teachers SEI. These are some of the Jefferson staff that deserves a shout out, from those that submitted photos.

MECHA A shout out to Jefferson’s MECHA group. This year we were able to couplet a lot and make some amazing bonds.

Fabiola Mascote, Sofia Dominguez, Latina Network A shout out to the Latino Network and the amazing people that work and help others there throughout the year. Page 22 June 10, 2020

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Need to publish a court document or notice? Need an affidavit of publication quickly and ef- ficiently? Please fax or e-mail your notice for a free price quote! Fax: 503-288-0015 e-mail: [email protected] The Portland Observer June 10, 2020 Page 23 Grads Reflect Continued from Page 20 I Struggled, I Excelled When I first walked into Jeffer- son High School as a freshman, it was scary in a sense because I was now officially in high school. The halls were deep and empty. Sophomore year stood out because that was the year I got Mr. Kulak as an English teacher. My brothers told me Kulak was the best teacher at Jefferson; but my brothers don’t always have the best judgment so I thought I’d give him a chance, not knowing that he was going to give me the best year of my life. Rachel Huckans (Left) and Shiyan Guo do research at PSU. Mr. Kulak made me think critically, use different words to expand my vocabulary. He made me think poetry was even better than watching TV. No matter how many times I complained, he never let me give up because he believed in me. Senior year was a year of confusion, and deciding where to go to college was the hardest decision to make. Because of COVID-19, I was robbed of the graduation ceremony I thought was going to be my proudest moment, but I can celebrate all of my hard work over the Senior Inquiry students log in to a Zoom class. course of those four years. I struggled, I excelled, I became me! --Maaliyah Hepburn Senior Year was Great I’ve had mixed emotions about high school, but my senior class was great. This year has been my favorite year so far because Selam Getu (Left) and Sierra Briscoe hook up ramen during of how much we learned–– way FreeStyle Friday. more than I learned in the past three years. But this was a weird year due to the coronavirus and how it cut the year short. I wish (L-R) Tamia Martin Cleaning Service we could have had more time with Miller, Sierra the teachers that we had but it re- Briscoe, Stella MCS Residential & Commercial Business ally was something to remember. Lynch, Maisie Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning•Minimum Service CHG. And I just want to thank every- McCarley and $50.00 (A small distance/travel charge may be applied) one who helped me get to where Aries Brock start class with some Ask about all our other special services available I am now. So thank you guys and CARPET • UPHOLSTERY • AREA/ORIENTAL RUG • VEHICLES keep doing what you guys are do- reflective writing. AUTO/BOAT/RV ODOR TREATMENT• SPOT & STAIN REMOVAL ing. --Jadon Callier Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949

Anneka Root is an aspiring photographer. This is an example of her work. Page 24 June 10, 2020 Scholarships Empower Class of 2020 Giving Back at the Jefferson Food Pantry The Jefferson High School Class of 2020 continues to work hard to by Richard Sanchez ple know not to come so close to while also delivering food for apply for and win a multitude of scholarships in varying amounts from The Jeffer- the tables. We have volunteers that volunteers. We also get boxes of private scholarship foundations, community organizations, colleges son Food Pantry come every time we do this. While food from them on this day, so if and universities. The following list is not comprehensive, it does not has been going they are there, we have some jobs someone does not want to stand include institutional scholarships awarded directly by colleges or on since the be- that we need to do. We have about in line for a long while, they can universities, and there are likely others we were not aware of at the ginning of the a couple of people that help us sort come and just grab a box. time of publication. We can expect the scholarship dollars to keep rolling in for these seniors! COVID-19 pan- vegetables and fruits, while others While it does get hectic some- demic in April set up and put together the tents times, due to the number of vol- and has been go- and tables. Others have sorted and unteers we have, we are able to Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) Scholarships ing on every Tuesday and Friday. organized the food on the table. make do with them. While some • Oregon Higher Education Scholarship - any school in Oregon We get deliveries from Hopscotch When we get started, we have of our volunteers don’t make $20,000 over 4 years: Aries Brock foundation, Urban Gleaners, Main people go to different stations, it sometimes, we always have • Portland State University SEI Match - $20,000 over 4 years: Spring, and many other small do- so canned food, perishables, rice enough people to do the job at Arianna Hunter and Maaliyah Hepburn nations. With this food that gets and grains, eggs, etc. We do this the minimum. I also want to • University of Oregon Scholarship - $16,000 over 4 years: Mykala donated to us, we have been able from 1 to 3 pm and while we do say thank you to the wonderful King, Emely Valenzuela and Magpie Mack to feed over 400 people at one this, people can get back in line supporters that we have in this • University of Oregon SEI Match Scholarship - $40,000 over 4 time. and get more food if they want. group and for all the volunteers years: Jaylen McDonald and Lulu Flores-Herrera We usually set it up in a straight On Fridays, we have desserts that that come Tuesdays and Fridays. • Inskeep Family Foundation Scholarship - anywhere in the US line, just like any other food pan- are beneficial to everyone. Urban Especially the Honl Family, my over 4 years: Selam Getu - $16,000, Olivia Martin - $16,000, Jaliyah try. We have two canopies set up, Gleaners only come on Friday Father, my God Brother, friends, Jointer - $32,000 and Inyla Hollis - $100,000 with strings on the outside so peo- and they deliver some great food, and other acquaintances. Jefferson High School Scholarships • Jefferson Alumni Scholarship: Cynthia Riley - $578 • Frances Brunk Scholarship: Samaya Morgan - $689 • Carl and Dorothy Crow Scholarship: Brennan Fadel - $1,000, Magpie Mack - $1,000 and Jaylen McDonald - $1,000 • Glenna Teeters Scholarship: Da-Nae Monroe - $2,502, Leif Gregory - $1,000 and Maaliyah Hepburn - $1,000 • Elda Washer Scholarship: Max Nathe - $2,000 and Emely Valenzuela - $2,000 • Horatio Alger Scholarship: $10,000 over four years - Kelsey Limnell • Kaiser Healthcare Career Scholarship: $10,000 over four years – Tamia Miller • Beat the Odds Scholarship: $16,000 over four years- Mekdes Hilete • ActSix Portland-Salem: Full-tuition, full-need leadership award: Gabriela Azcorra-Uicab, Corban College and Valeria Michel-Garcia, Corban College • Jordan Brand Wings Scholars: Full-ride scholarship to any school - Myles Hoggans delivers a (left to right) Alatini Mapapalangi, D’Androse Robinson, Jadon Mekdes Hilete, Wellesley College and Tamia Miller, University of San lesson on Japanese Anime. Callier and Cole Blue host a Podcast. Francisco