Volume 106, issue 3 Modesto High School Febraury/March 2019 Table of Contents

Roller Derby...... 3 AVID...... 4 Immigrants...... 6 Winter Winds...... 8 Bathrooms...... 9 Peru...... 10 Woodshop...... 12 Athlete Signing...... 14 Derby DynamoBy Shelby Benz & Diego Aguirre

The sounds of screeching wheels, clashing Max and his sister both had “gentle disposi- sticks, and crossing shouts echo across the rink. The tions” and their mother wanted them to “do something rush of adrenaline is ever present with the speed and new, to be more outgoing. His mother subsequently the contact. created a roller derby team called the MoTown Mis- Have you ever heard of Roller derby? Maybe fits, which he participated in for 4 years, practicing in you’ve seen it in a TV episode of a crime show, or may- Modesto, Ripon, and Turlock. But his horizons were be you’ve never heard of it at all, but it is a sport played soon to expand. all around the world - a very unconventional one. Roll- “Freshman year I went and traveled the coun- er derby is a contact sport between two teams, each try.” He was accompanying his friend’s team, California consisting of 5 members skating counter-clockwise Mayhem, as they competed around the U.S. with other around a track. During a scuttled series of match-ups, teams. Max said, “I was like, ‘Whoa. This is something both teams have 4 blockers and a designated jammer I want to do, traveling the country.” whose objective is to lap members of the opposing Max has been to 40 of the 50 states, playing team. It is orchestrated anarchy on the court; both the sport he loves. He will soon be taking his talents teams essentially playing defense and offense simulta- abroad to Barcelona, Spain, locking a position on the neously. There are two different variations of the game USA Men’s Team. waftada and usars. Max encourages more people to try out derby. Although traditionally a female-dominated His said his favorite part is “probably the traveling and sport, our very own Maxemillion Cooper is making meeting new people. There is such a rich variety of laps across the country and the world. Inspired by a kinds of people.” picture from her own derby, Max’s mother decided to The sounds of screeching wheels, clashing take him and his sister to RollerLand 10 years ago. sticks, and crossing shouts echo across the rink be- “My sister and I were watching the game and cause this sport is aggressive and full-contact. we saw a heavy set lady [who had been skating in the Max explained, “It can be dangerous if you don’t play it rink]... When she sat down on the chair, it completely right. Just like any sport.” flattened.” The rush of adrenaline is ever present with the Young Max was thrilled and mesmerized by speed, the contact, and the dance of the skaters around this instance, as well as with the strength of the players. the rink. Program Spotlight By: Sabrina Mean

Only a few people know exactly what they the first class was taught in 2002. She wanted to create want to do after they graduate high school. But what the AVID program due to many students wanting to about the people who know they want to go to col- succeed in life but “needed something to help them.” lege, but have no idea how to make that happen? Ms. Blickenstaff, the current AVID Coordinator as well as an AVID teacher, describes AVID as “A col- AVID, lege readiness system. which stands for Everything that we Advancement Via do in the AVID class- Individual De- room is geared toward termination, is a preparing students for program that helps college.” students gain the skills and strate- AVID helps gies to help them students prepare for succeed in school, college by “[teaching] while also assisting how to stay organized, them with the ins ask questions, collabo- and outs of college rate with [their] peers applications, financial aid, and all other aspects of and take effective notes,” said Mr. Cardenas, who was the process of getting accepted to a college or uni- an AVID student, tutor and now has taken on the role versity. of an AVID teacher.

The AVID program began at Modesto High He explains that being an AVID teacher allows in 2001 under the guidance of Ms. Chavkin and him to help students who, like himself, are the first in

Current Modesto High AVID students. AVID students working on tutorials in the AVID Center.

their families to go to college. on track for college and it teaches you responsibility, which is what you will need in college.” As the first person that is going to go to college in her family, Alexia Garcia, a junior at Modesto High, I n Fatima Aguayo’s point of view, AVID does joined AVID her freshman year and “was always deter- give more work “but it benefits you later on in life.” mined to go to college.” She believes that AVID is worth it because “it helps you identify your strengths and stay [on] track for AVID has changed her method of studying by college.” giving her applicable skills such as taking Cornell notes that help her stay organized so that she knows Mr. Cardenas explained, “When the program what she is studying. She believes that the structure of started in 2002, it was geared towards minority stu- AVID does call for more work that includes “complet- dents and now the program is a fit for everyone.” ing Cornell notes, TRF’s, binder organization” along with other things. She believes that AVID is worth it Joining AVID is beneficial if you use what “if you take advantage of [the skills the program was the program was created for: to improve college created for].” readiness for all of the students.

AVID helps students prepare for college through instituting and practicing “organizational strategies” that will better prepare students for their fu- tures. Fatima Aguayo, a junior, who had been in AVID since junior high briefly describes that, “[junior high] had less activities [but a lot of] Socratic Seminars and [high school] has more debates.”

Alexia Garcia would recommend students to take AVID “because the program really helps you stay

Current Modesto High AVID students. Students Haiying Zeng and Manuel Zaragoza Ortiz We Are All Panthers Inspiring Stories of Determination and Perseverance

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled to officially make the United States their permanent masses yearning to breathe free.” This statement home. highlights the core fountain of the United States of Her first experience in an American classroom America. Our country was built to welcome immi- was in kindergarten, where she was welcomed by grants and peoples of all backgrounds and cultures. her teacher who also happened to speak Chinese. However, despite the tremendous advantages and Her teacher guided her through the basics of the benefits America boasts, immigrants still face many English language with words like ‘that,’ ‘there,’ and challenges and obstacles, even after they have ‘where.’ With her aid, Haiying slowing became flu- settled in the United States. Modesto High School ent. Still, there were points where Haiying faced has many students who have faced and overcome language barriers when trying to communicate with the various obstacles of immigrating to the United her peers. States. These students include freshman Haiying “I went through this chunk in my life where Zeng and freshman Manuel Zaragoza Ortiz, both of I went around to all these kids yelling, ‘That, there, whom are enrolled in pre-IB courses. are, where, who, when, what’ in their faces and being Haiying Zeng immigrated from China when really frustrated when they didn’t know what I was she was just five years old. Initially, her family intend- saying,” Haiying recounted. ed to immigrate to the United States for the birth of With practice, persistence, and speech class- her brother, since China’s one child policy would’ve es, Zeng overcame her language barrier within a imposed a large fine on her family otherwise. After matter of years. She later went on to compete and her brother was born, her family made the decision win many academic competitions, such as Math Haiying Zeng with former United States Representative Jeff Denham

Superbowl and Science Olympiad. In fact, she even try to do here first is try to get students connected won first place for California’s Tenth District Congres- to our school culture to get them plugged in, to get sional App Challenge. Zeng’s journey now stands as them realizing that they have support here… We a testimony to the tenacity and determination of im- offer student mentors, we offer celebrations where migrants who strive to achieve the American Dream. we recognize the English language students of the Manuel Zaragoza Ortiz immigrated from semester, so they come in and have lunch. We offer Mexico to be with extended family, and has also incentives for grades each quarter, and we try to get faced and overcome obstacles of his own. Not only them connected with clubs on campus.” did he face a language barrier, but Manuel also had When describing students’ most significant strug- to endure the hardship of arriving to the U.S. without gles, she explained that many students struggle with many funds to support him and his family. As soon how they are perceived. They may be mistaken as as he and his family arrived at the United States, they lazy or unmotivated to do work, when really, there is all got jobs, including Manuel, who began working a “significant skill gap” in large part because students at his grandfather’s. are working to become proficient in English while “When we got here, we worked with my still working to grasp concepts in all other classes. grandpa until we had enough money to start our In the end, Mrs. Baker believes that these own business ourselves,” Zaragoza Ortiz recalled. students overcome the obstacles they face “through From there, they worked their way up. hard work and through a lot of support here on cam- Settling in the United States without fully pus.” understanding English, Zaragoza Ortiz struggled to Zeng and Zaragoza Ortiz are just two of the keep up with the rest of his class, which was learning many examples of immigrant students at Modesto everything in English, so he couldn’t understand High School who carry inspiring and moving stories much of what the teachers said. Despite this, he still of their journey to the United States. pushed to become academically successful and is The words of John F. Kennedy ring true in now a pre-IB student at Modesto High. the halls of Modesto High, “Everywhere, immigrants Mrs. Baker, a teacher who helps students have enriched and strengthened the fabric of Ameri- whose first language isn’t English adapt to the lan- can life.” By Rana Banankhah guage and culture at Modesto High said, “What we Modesto Returns to Compete - Winter Guard By Derek Tang

Peppy music accompanied by a wave of colorful flags represent the essence of Modesto High’s new Winter Winds program. In addition to just playing music or dancing, students in the program must be able to simultaneously march to a given beat and Students don a pink attire for the February show. move to various areas on a gym floor. Seeing that this is Modesto High School’s first marching band i is a relatively new activity to the Modesto City program in a few years, it is important to recognize Schools District. At 5:40 PM, the band and guard its importance to the school’s culture and spirit. performed, and later around 7:00 PM, awards were However, the program had a rocky start in Novem- given. Admittedly, Modesto High was only placed ber.. 2nd (out of two bands) at the awards night. Further- First, the hornline began with only twelve instru- more, Modesto High only obtained 1 point in each mentalists. As a result, four members had to drop judging category which is… less than fortunate to their native instruments and learn a new one to say the least. Everett Vasquez, a mellophone player, maintain a good instrumentation (e.g. a single flute was understandably disappointed in the outcome player would be no good if they were drowned out and said, “I had much better first shows in Freshman by a wave of trumpets). Thus, Winter Winds became year.” Another member, Samantha Smith from the an ensemble which consisted of trumpets, mello- Color Guard said, “I think we could have done better, phones, a trombone, and several saxophones. Later but for a first show that wasn’t horrible.” When asked into the year, two instrumentalists dropped out of about how the program can become better, Erikson, the program. On the other hand, the Color Guard shared his insight, “Things to improve are musicality, attracted 8 new members. With a small group and musical skills of approach. Others are understanding almost no experience in marching, students would the concepts of movement and music and how they have to work much harder to prepare for their first correlate.” In simpler terms, more practice is needed show on February 2. in keeping the beat musically, and while marching. One of the Winter Winds instructors, Rob Erikson, Overall, Modesto High has had a generally negative stated that the goal for the program was “to rees- outlook on its first show. Hopefully, this first show tablish the Winter Guard as an independent entity serves as learning experience for the students of the and continue the Winter Winds while improving Winter Winds and Color Guard program. With that in the students.” So, every Wednesday, Winter Winds mind, I can say that I am excited for future shows and and Guard has practices from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM am sure that the band will improve and grow. after school; on Saturdays, they become six hours long from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This time is used for rehearsing songs by Coldplay such as Paradise and Viva la Vida. After a couple of weeks of practice, students were ready to learn the marching drill - rhythmic marching to certain points on the gym floor. These practices were then held in the boy’s gym where Winter Winders and Guard marched for hours on end. Although exhausting, several students agreed that the drills were the best part of the prac- tices. Modesto High had its first Winter Winds competi- tion at James Enochs High School. Modesto High’s only competition was Enochs since Winter Winds Two students, James Stuart (Left) and Alex Hester (Right) paint props for the show while Everett Vasquez (Top) provides moral support. Bathroom Break or Broken Bathrooms ? By Tori Galloway the bathroom, it would be an improvement. In a perfect world, what would need to be fixed about the bathrooms is the stalls because they are too short. The toilet paper is a whole other issue; it is so thin. Also, the sinks are usually not clean once they’ve been used a few times. Another thing that is complained about is that there “I just really want are seat cover holders in the there to be better stalls, yet there toilet paper...” have not been any in them for years. “I just really want there to be better toilet paper and seat covers as well as knowing someone can’t see me going to the bathroom like on north cam- pus,” said senior Alyssa Cover. The stalls that were once designed for young children Changes need to be made to the bath- are too short. rooms, maybe not this year but in the next few years. This needs to be a school where Going to the bathroom is a part of every- a person can use the bathroom and not feel day life, but using a public restroom can present uncomfortable walking in there to take care of an issue, especially when the bathroom you have business. to use is not clean or does not have the neces- sary materials available in it. While everyone would prefer to use the bathroom at home, if the school day is at least 6 hours, people should be able to use the facilities and feel comfortable. Modesto High does have one or two nice bathrooms that usually stay clean. But, there are six bathrooms and more than half of them are very gross and run down. The worst one that all the girls dare not go into is the one on North Campus. “I feel like the bathrooms generally get the job done, but there are some that are bet- ter than others. No one wants to go in the north [campus] bathroom. I would rather walk to main campus than go in the bathroom on north [cam- pus],” said senior Hannah Scott. The custodians do an excellent job and work day in and day out to make this a clean, safe campus. Everyone should admire their hard work to make the campus a better place for everyone. That being said, if the bathrooms had more toilet paper in just about every bathroom, as well as soap since it tends to run out very fast so Even with the door closed, there is still a gap. people aren’t able to wash their hands after using Panthers in Peru

By Gina Pallios

Over winter break, a few students from Modesto High took a trip to Peru where they visited Macchu Picchu Lima and Cuzco. Some of the students in the Interna- Photo by Lauren Byerly tional Baccalaureate program used this trip as practice for their upcoming IB Spanish exams like junior Lyla Patel, “I thought it would be a great experience and way of learning more about the Spanish language and Peruvian culture.” Other students commented that they went for the traveling and cultural experiences that they could share with their friends.

Students were also exposed to brand new cui- sines. While visiting a local family-owned restaurant in Lima, students were able to cook their own meals However, this trip was not just fun and games. using locally grown, organic ingredients. Instructed by They also participated in a service project building Chef Diego, they created many local delicacies includ- a girls’ school in the village of Ollantaytambo. The ing Peruvian mashed potatoes and Lomo saltado, a school was dedicated for girls who are not able to com- traditional stir fry that combines sirloin with onions, mute to schools down the mountain from where they tomatoes, French fries, and other ingredients. Students live. Since many of them do not have cars or access also visited the Choco Museo where they learned to any bikes, this facility was built to be their houses. about the history of chocolate production and were This way, they can receive an education without having able to cast their own chocolate. Chandara Tep, a Se- to travel. For two days, students spent four hours each nior, commented that, “The drinks were amazing like morning sanding wood and varnishing them in order the fresh fruit juice smoothies. My personal favorite to build the roofing and beams. Students were split up was the Chicha Morada, which is a type of corn juice into groups and worked together to accomplish their drink.” tasks for the construction of the school for twenty girls currently living in the dormitory. This was a trip of firsts for many. In this case, this was the first for many to spend New Year’s away from their families and far away from home. On New Year’s Eve just before the clock struck twelve, their tour guide gave them yellow confetti, putting it on their heads for good luck for the upcoming year. Accord- ing to the students, yellow is a symbol of good luck for the New Year. Hence, everywhere they went, they saw yellow apparel, flowers, and decorations. Though they did not have a big party, some did take the time Lauren Byerly (left) and Marga- to reflect on their trip so far. After spending five days ret Peterson (right) working on in Peru, they talked about how this trip changed them the beams at the girls school. Photo by Safa Sareshwala and how grateful they were for the advantages and opportunities they have back home.

On the final day in Peru, students woke up with your friends are completely different experiences. at 3:00 in the morning to hike one of the New Won- You learn to be more independent and mature when ders of the World, Macchu Picchu. After taking a you are on your own. It was the most humbling expe- 45-minute train to the site and hiking up the moun- rience of my life. I’ve been traveling around the world tain, students enjoyed an informational guided tour of with my parents a lot but being with my friends and these ancient ruins. They hiked the Sun Gate, about seeing how people live around there, their culture and an hour walk up the mountain, in order to observe all traditions was very special to me.” of the ancient ruins from a higher perspective. Then, they were given a guided tour throughout the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organi- zation (UNESCO) World Heritage site for the entire day. When asked how she felt about this experience, senior Safa Sareshwala said, “It was really cool because it wasn’t just walking around and taking pictures, we were actually understanding what we were seeing and (Left to right) Shelby Benz, Safa Sareshwala, I think that’s really important for all of us especially Lyla Patel, Marina Sisneros, Martha Wenstrup, and Margaret Peterson. because we studied Latin American History last year.” Photo by Safa Sareshwala For Sareshwala, it was also a personal growth and bonding experience with her friends, “I think explor- ing the world with your family and exploring the world Whether they traveled to prepare for their IB exams or to experience a new culture with their friends, these students had a lot of fun exploring Peru. These students were able to eat and make new cui- sines, see amazing historical and cultural sites as well as experiencing a once- in- a lifetime global service opportunity. The biggest lesson learned, however, was learning to experience the world away from family and from their own cultures. Not only will this experience help them gain a broader perspective on the world, many commented, but it was also a wakeup call for the juniors and seniors on the trip who will soon be mov- Kennedy Cuningham and Martha ing away to college later this year. This experienced Wenstrup at Macchu Picchu helped them to understand how to take care of them- Photo by Kennedy Cunningham selves without parental guidance constantly with them, a lesson, they said, will have lifelong impacts on them forever.

Students and chaperons playing soccer at their hotel Jessica Martin looking at locally made apparell Photo by Lauren Byerly Photo by Kennedy Cunningham Woodshop Wonders Moist people work toward and hope to discover a passion and feel the need to pursue it. For many students at Modesto High this passion is woodshop. From art to practical application, woodshop has it all. The class, which has been around since the early days of Modesto High, allows students to forge their own path within woodworking. There are many routes, the most prevalent of which are the artistic and practical ones. When students take a more artistic ap- proach to woodshop they focus on decorating their projects. The more practical route involves creating things like tables and chairs. However, A cutting board a student made before students are able to pursue their special- ized interests in woodshop they need to learn the basics. back together. Cutting boards are also a common project The class begins with teaching students according to Poulsen, “They can take them home; how to use hand tools. Teacher Ryan Poulsen they’re something they can give to their mom.” described this process as “teaching them how not to hurt themselves.” A common project pop- As they progress, students learn to use ular among students during their introduction power tools, gradually abandoning making com- to woodshop is called intarsia, which is a process mon introductory projects like birdhouses and wherein a student draws a design on wood, cuts toolboxes and instead creating larger and more out the pieces, stains them, and then glues them complicated pieces.

For Elijah Taylor, a junior who has been in the class for the last three years and discovered a real passion for woodworking, one of his favorite larger projects was creating a corn hole board, or bean bag toss, for his family for Christmas.

This unique program allows advanced students to determine what they would like to do in the class. If they prefer to make more artistic pieces, they are welcome to! If practical creations like chairs and coffee tables are more their style, that is an option as well. Poulsen reflects that, when it comes to woodshop, “There is a little bit of art involved in everything.” Many students make practical objects which they then chose to deco- rate artistically, blending the two. Of course, there is artistry in all woodwork due to the fact that the student must design the piece that they aim to

An example of intarsia patience is.” create. 4 years of woodshop are available, and While many students take the course to the most advanced students can use the CNC fulfill extracurricular requirements, by the end (Computer Numeric Controlled machine). This of the class they discover a love for woodshop. means that students are able to design things on Elijah Taylor is an excellent example of a he said, the computer and have it cut out what they have “I absolutely love the class.” Mr. Poulsen adds designed for them. The level of skill developed in that the course is particularly valuable because instances like this means that they are often able “These are skills you’ll use for the rest of your to get jobs related to woodworking straight out of life.” high school. In fact, many come back looking for a job after they have graduated. However, Poulsen Even if you’ve never done anything relat- ed to woodworking before, you can still defi- nitely join the class. Mr. Poulsen advised that “As long as you want to be involved and use your hands this is the right place for you.” Wood- shop is open to anyone, as long as they have the dedication and drive to take full potential of the amazing facilities our school has to offer!

Some of the woodshop machinery

reflects that they have to be mature, “Most are ready for a job but not a career.” Many who come back asking for career advice are 20 to 21 and have developed more maturity. California carving a past student made

Woodshop requires a level of patience that many students haven’t developed yet. Poulsen knows this all too well, which was shown when he revealed that, at least when it comes to those in his class, “High school boys don’t know what Photos and Story By Lauren Byerly and Angelina Niave Photos by Scott Mitchell Swing, Spike, Score, Sign Story by Alex Phaing There are many amazing student athletes at the coaching staff for years and they have a repu- Modest High School. Many of which are recognized tation of getting their guys into the professional for their outstanding achievements in their individ- circuit.” ual sports. So far this year, three people have signed He also explained that he picked UOP be- or committed to colleges on sports scholarships. cause of how close it is to home. “I like the whole These athletes are the best of the best and have idea of staying close and representing the Central shown that they excellent chances of excelling in Valley like this because I know it is rare to see guys college sports. stay close to home like me and it’s an exciting situa- The first student to be recognized is Raul tion to be a part of.” Soria. Raul is part of MoHi’s baseball team. He signed His coach, Scott Michell expected Coby to with the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Unfortunate- sign with a college from the start. Mr. Mitchell re- ly, Raul and his coach Mr. Galloway could not be flected, “I expected him to get a really good scholar- reached for comment at this time. ship. But I did not expect him to sign with UOP. I was Coby McCaig is an amazing tennis player. He surprised at first because of his interest in maybe hit the ground running freshman year, competing going to Southern California.” in the state competition. He later qualified for state Mr. Michell is proud of Coby. “I am extremely junior year. This year as a senior, he signed with the thankful for Coby’s commitment to the game of ten- University of the Pacific to be a part of their team nis and what it has meant to the local tennis scene after he graduates. He earned a stunning 4-year full and to Modesto High in particular. Coby has made ride. the southern part of our section more predominant.” Coby intends on playing tennis profession- Tori Galloway is the latest person to sign this ally, so naturally he would sign with a school that year. She is one of MoHi’s best volleyball players. Tori has a reputation of getting their players into the big signed with CSULA for 3 years. She loves the school leagues. for the diversity and looks forward to the different Coby said, “[UOP] seems like a great fit. I’ve known people she will get to meet. She says that she is ner- Tori Galloway signing with CSULA Coby McCaig Signing with UOP

vous but excited to be playing college sports next year. This offer came as a surprise to Tori. She says, “I was not expecting to get an offer. They are the only school that I wanted to get attention from.” Tori’s coach and mother Traci Harris is very proud of her student athlete. She expected Tori to sign with a college. She says that when she continu- ously saw the CSULA scout at many of Tori’s match- ers, she knew he was interested. As a coach, Ms. Harris says of Tori, “She worked really hard to put her into this position. She decided junior year that she was going to play in college. I’m thrilled for her and I think she’ll do really well. Tori has a lot of growth ahead of her, but athlet- ically, she can do anything she wants.” As a mother, she expresses some concerns but overall, she is happy for her daughter. “I’m com- pletely proud of her. [Tori has] worked to overcome mental stuff about the game. I worry because col- lege sports are really difficult, but I think she can do it.” Modest High has amazing athletes because they work hard and get the job done. They were recognized for all their efforts. Congratulations to all Raul Soria signing with UHH the athletes that have signed so far. Modesto High

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