The story of San Juan as told by its students

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Gabby Laurente

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Gabby Laurente is currently a senior and it is her third year writing for The Express. Outside of newspaper, Gabby is one of the three Task Force Leads for San Juan Hills Against Racism, the co-president of the Young Democrats Club, and a Stallion Start-Up Multicultural Commissioner. When she is not at her part-time after school job at In-N-Out, she can be found hanging out with friends or traveling. 

All content by Gabby Laurente
While we may be approaching equal pay for equal work, we have yet to offer equal opportunity for men and women in the workforce.

The Reality of the Wage Gap

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor in Chief
April 24, 2022
Book drive hosts Gavin Lynde (11) and Enzo Sarayba (11) hold up copies of donated books. Students are encouraged to donate any test prep books, from AP to SAT/ACT, until April 1.

Students Host Book Drive In Anticipation of AP Testing Season

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2022
Seniors in American government classrooms operate off of a curriculum which focuses on major events that have helped to shape the modern political world.

What Teachers Sacrifice When They Step into the Classroom

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2022
Last week, BRIDGES and DIRHA organizations at SJHHS held their third Unity Week. At lunch breaks, the student groups held presentations of different topics each day, ranging from mental health to immigration.

[Photo] There's UNITY in the CommUNITY at SJHHS

March 8, 2022

How to Effectively Take Steps to Create Change

Kaitlyn Kittredge and Gabby Laurente
February 17, 2022

Hold the Right People Accountable

Sofia Bello and Gabby Laurente
February 17, 2022
Career oriented programs and courses offered at the school grant students the opportunity to explore future careers, like that of theater production or cosmetology. Students pictured prepare during tech week for their showcase of Pride and Prejudice, which premiered in October.

Students Pursue Futures in Performing Arts

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2022
Traffic cones blocking off the students lane into the parking lot have now been removed, leaving just bases in their place.

New Lane Policies Introduced to Facilitate Traffic

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2022
POV: A camera pans to you sitting at the fireplace, reading a book recommended by your English teacher.

English Teachers Refresh Your Book Reccomendations

Gabby Laurente, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2021
Neel Chintamaneni (10), Jack Hinrichs (10), Brody Averell (11), Fritz Melchert (11), and Jonah Lee (11) dribbling their basketballs around in-between classes.

[Photo] Push-Ups. What's the Reason? Basketball Season.

November 7, 2021
On College and Career App Support day (10/27-28) seniors spent their history classes working on college applications, with support from the guidance staff. Pictured, Adriana Patino (12) and Juliana Weisinger (12) work on their applications.

[Photo] A Week In Photos 10/25-29

November 2, 2021
Crystals can adorn the hands and wrists in the form of jewelry in order to keep their safeguarding, protective properties nearby.

The Influence of Crystals

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2021
Sophia Bojorquez (12), Daniel Fernandez y Señor Serrano posan con las banderas con las que ellos se identifican. Sophia y Daniel son Mexicanoamericanas y el Señor Serrano emigró de España cuando él tenía 23 años.

El Mes de la Herencia Hispana inspira la reflexión sobre las diferentes culturas

Gabby Laurente and Sandhya Ganesan
October 14, 2021
Sophia Bojorquez (12), Daniel Fernandez (12), and Mr. Serrano pose with the flags of the nations to which they belong. Sophia and Daniel are Mexicanamerican and Mr. Serrano emigrated from Spain at 23 years old.

Hispanic Heritage Month Inspires Reflection

Gabby Laurente and Sandhya Ganesan
October 14, 2021
Criminal psychology teacher, Colleen Magaña, has been teaching the course since it first became available at the school starting the 2020-21 school year.

College and Career Advantage Releases New Criminal Psychology Course

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2021
Pictured is Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, one of the two governors who tried to issue a statewide ban on mask mandates in school districts.

The Consequences of Banning School Board Mask Mandates

Gabby Laurente, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2021
During 2019, the Yellow 4 James Club volunteered alongside the James Henry Ransom Foundation for a 5k run to raise money for mental health.

Yellow 4 James Club Battles Stigmas Surrounding Mental Illness

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
April 30, 2021
In the theatre library, there are books from and about BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals as well as posters of theatre plays and hand paint marks of current and former students.

Theatre Uses Library to Promote Inclusivity

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
March 26, 2021
Society has grown increasingly dependent on the use of smart phones, so much that it has eaten away at our ability to live in the moment.

The Benefits of Reverting Back to Flip Phones

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
March 9, 2021
Spotting White Privilege Step-By-Step

Spotting White Privilege Step-By-Step

Sydney Wolfe and Gabby Laurente
February 26, 2021
Sophia Bojorquez (11) is the Athletics subgroup lead of student-led task force, San Juan Hills Against Racism. The group is dedicating to promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination of all forms.

Student Finds Passion Through Activism

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
February 26, 2021
Stephanie Hu (11) is the founder of the worldwide movement Dear Asian Youth. The movement strives toward helping minorities, especially Asians, accept and take pride in their identities.

Tesoro Teen Founds Global Movement: Dear Asian Youth

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
January 16, 2021
Thousands of protestors across the state of California attended “Curfew Breakers” rallies in response to the 10 pm curfew announced by Governor Gavin Newsom. Protestors at this event near the San Clemente burned masks, signaling not only a frustration with public health regulations, but also a denial of the seriousness of the worsening pandemic.

[Photo] Masks Up in Flames

January 19, 2021
People gather around the White House in protest to Donald Trump during the 2020 Elections. This election had a record breaking voter turnout, with Black women at the front lines.

Black Women: The Driving Force Behind Biden’s Victory

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
November 13, 2020

Packing the Courts is Bad for America

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
November 3, 2020
The R-word has been used by many as a derogatory term to call someone stupid; however, intentionally or unintentionally, it’s negatively effecting those with disabilities.

Why You Should Care About The R-Word

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
October 23, 2020
Parents from across CUSD gather in front of the school district office building to protest against agenda item 38, a proposal to reopen schools at the start of the second semester. The agenda item was pulled later that same day.

[Photo] Moving Ahead with Hybrid Model Ignores Voices of Teachers and Students

October 2, 2020
Parents opposed to an extension of online learning for high school students gathered outside the district office on Tuesday.

[Photo] CUSD Drops Plan to Postpone Hybrid Reopening of High Schools

September 21, 2020
During the San Clemente Black Lives Matter Protest, a protester writes ACAB on a sign. Throughout the protest, people carried signs that showed their support for the Black lives matter movement.

The Meaning Behind ACAB

Gabby Laurente, Managing Editor
September 20, 2020
For the past two months Eva Benzan has been selling jewelry to raise money for racial justice organizations. Evas non-profit, Earrings 4 Equity, uses Instagram and Etsy to sell jewelry and spread awareness.

Student-Run Business Gains Traction and Raises Over $3000 For Racial Justice Organizations

Gabby Laurente and Julia Lehman
September 6, 2020
All DMV License appointments have been cancelled until further notice due to the stay-at-home order. Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Driver’s Licenses on Hold Until COVID-19 Emergency Sanctions are Lifted

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
April 19, 2020
Corey Patton (11), is a self-taught photographer and has been involved in the craft for six years. His work is solely independent, and highlights his creative outlook with a variety of unique angles. He hopes to start up his own business in the near future, capturing major events including weddings through videography.

Aspiring Photographer and Videographer Makes a Name for Himself in the Media

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
March 19, 2020
A parent voices his concern about how this school closure will impact his four children and asked questions regarding potential online classes and how online classes for bilingual children will work.

[Photo]

A woman listens to a parent discuss his concerns about how the school closure will impact his four children. During the meeting on March 13, four different speakers went up to the board to ask the board questions about what CUSD will be doing moving forward.

[Photo] CUSD Schools Canceled Until April Third

March 13, 2020
Kimberly Stanga se sienta con su estudiante Alexis Cárdenas (12) para ayudarlo con su trabajo escolar. Stanga esta encargada del Departamento de Educación Especial en el campus y recientemente ganó la Maestra del Año por sus logros bajo su cargo.

[Photo] Kimberly Stanga Gana Maestra del Año

March 6, 2020
Ms. Nguyen, Alekhya Pushadapu (11), Garret Gattis (11), Shaili Patel (11), and Giselle Barough (12) are members of the SJHHS CSF board. They plan chapter events, deal with the budget, organize volunteers, and handle membership.

[Photo] CSF Recognizes Academically Accomplished and Service-Minded Students

February 21, 2020
Bryce Connor (10) wears the Kindness Week shirt provided by ASB to promote kindness among a crowd of students. Students and teachers around campus wore yellow in support of spreading kindness.

[Photo] Stallion Life 1/17-1/31

January 31, 2020
Rumors of World War III Rage Throughout the Media

Rumors of World War III Rage Throughout the Media

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
January 18, 2020
Lucas Pattinson (12), captain of the USA u18 team, has been playing rugby since the age of 12. He competes against local schools with the rugby club and has traveled to a considerable amount of places for his feats.

[Photo] All-Star Lucas Pattinson Competes Nationally in Rugby

February 21, 2020
Max Miller (12) smiles wide for his parents after just signing during the National Letter of Intent Ceremony. He will be attending the University of Southern California, where he will play water polo.

Water Polo MVP Ranks First in Southern California

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
Senior Max Miller reaches to score a goal against Chadwick high school for the CIF quarter finals. Stallions won 10-5 and advanced to the semi-finals against El Dorado high school.

[Photo] Stallion Life November 18

November 18, 2019
Students in Lorena Sanchez’s Spanish for Spanish Speakers I class work on constructing their altars. The project serves to immerse the students in the Day of the Dead culture and also to connect with loved ones who have passed away through research of their lives.

[Photo] Altar Project Allows Students to Dig Deep Into Family History

November 11, 2019
Max Miller (12) reaches back to score a goal for the Titan Takedown at the Gold Game against Tesoro on October 28th. Having scored 128 goals this season and 475 goals in total, players brace for impact at the infamous intensity of his shots.

[Photo] Stallion Life October 30

October 30, 2019
AP test registration has been changed for 2020 testing, the sign up date being pushed sooner than in the past years. Teachers push out the new information to students in the printing of these small half sheets. These papers will give all the necessary information about this years registration information.

AP Test Registration Moved Earlier to Benefit Students

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
October 20, 2019
#15, Barni Szekely (9), races to score a goal in the varsity water polo match against El Toro on October 17. The team won with a score of 11-3.

[Photo] Stallion Life October 18

October 18, 2019
Runners for the boys cross country Freshman team, Dylan Calkins, Zach Ward, and Brandon Sotelo, begin their warm-up laps before practice.

Freshman Boys Cross Country Places Second in Nationwide Meet

Gabby Laurente, Staff Writer
October 6, 2019
Luke Whittaker (11) and Tommy Burleson (11) pose for the camera as preppy kids in celebration of Homecoming Spirit Week.

[Photo] Homecoming 2019 In Photos

October 4, 2019
Board members listen to public comment by a concerned parent regarding the racist allegations from SCHS football game.

[Photo] Spectators Accused of Racism at Game

September 27, 2019
wowthepresentation_Laurente

[Photo]

Student parking lots are jam packed, and many seniors have now been inconvenienced with spots formally given to juniors, adding 30 minutes to their wait time after school.

Lottery Style Parking Lot Leads to Mixed Emotions

Emily Wale, Gabby Laurente, and Kate Meyers
September 9, 2019
Ellie MacGregor (10) wears a shirt with inadequate coverage which would be reprimanded by SJHHS proctors according to the new dress code.

[Photo] Complicated Dress Code Leaves Students Questioning

September 11, 2019
Junior Kimora Farry takes a shot on the goalie from Hillcrest during the lady Stallions second round CIF game. The girls won 12-4.

[Photo] Girls Waterpolo Continues to Thrive

February 28, 2020
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