• Cambria Graff Named Teacher of the Year at SJHHS: one of the most recognized performing arts teachers in all of Orange County
  • Pajama Drive Happening Now: Donate a pair of new pajamas, infant through adult, between now and December 13. Drop off in the front office or ASB.
  • Trading Post Has New Merch, Visit During Lunch
  • Senior Portrait Deadline Dec. 9: Schedule Through South Coast Photographic
The story of San Juan as told by its students

The Express
The story of San Juan as told by its students

The Express
The story of San Juan as told by its students

The Express
Jack O'Connor

Jack O’Connor, Co-Editor-In-Chief

Jack is a senior at San Juan Hills High School. This will be his third year on The Express. He is looking forward to being Co-Editor-in-Chief this year. He is politically active and enjoys running. Jack is a captain and hurdler for the track and field team. When Jack is home, he manages his three cats and in his free time he’ll either be sleeping or eating.

All content by Jack O'Connor
Actors Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, who portray the Winter Soldier and Falcon, speak at San Diego Comic-Con.

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” Confronts Racism in America

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 2021
State Testing Partially Canceled for Juniors, Local Assessments for Seniors

State Testing Partially Canceled for Juniors, Local Assessments for Seniors

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2021
"I hope the plethora of relationships between students and staff that I’ve helped to create as President, Editor-in-Chief, volunteer, tutor, advocate, and peer will inspire subsequent generations of students to foster that same positive and inclusive school climate," said Gattis.

Stallion of the Year Award Races Ahead

Jack O'Connor, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 16, 2021
The graph breaks down where all of the $1.9 trillion, or more accurately $1.941 trillion, is going. The money for unemployment benefits includes expanding a child tax credit, extension of unemployment programs till August, expansion of paid sick leave, and employee retention credit. Money for local and state governments will be to help state and local governments recover financially from losses suffered from the pandemic and paid Covid leave for federal workers. Funding spent on education and labor includes funding to get schools and universities open in-person sooner and extension of nutrition assistance. Money for vaccines and Medicaid will be spent on increasing spending for testing and contract tracing, increases investments for the public health workforce, and increases Medicaid payments to states. The infrastructure projects are meant to create jobs and improve transportation infrastructure. Aid for small businesses will be for providing grants to restaurants and bars that lost revenue during the pandemic, additional EIDL grants, and allowing for more PPP loans. The spending on veterans will be for providing health care services and copays for veterans and to fund training assistance programs for veterans. Agricultural funding will be spent on increasing nutrition assistance, testing for Covid in rural areas, and paying off loans for socially disadvantaged farmers.

Covid-19 Bill Passes Senate

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 2021
Christine and Victor Abuharoon, as well as two of their volunteers, Sofia and Jordan Votava, pose in the kitchen. While the main product is pizza dough, SMIJJ has recently began selling cookies, which can be seen on the cooking tray,

Local Group Bakes up a Storm for Charity

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2021
Angelie Jackson shares her story about experiencing racism in front of the district office in June as part of a CUSD Against Racism Rally.

Alumna Explains Importance of Activism

Jack O'Connor, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2021
Before the meet began, cross country coach Bob Price explains to the runners what the course will be for their race. The race began on the track, the athletes would run to the teacher's parking lot, go up the teacher's entrance to the parking lot, circle around the hill and around the LDS church, repeat the loop around the hill, then go back to the track, and run 550 meters to finish the race.

Boys Cross Country Hosts First Meet of the Season

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2021
With the move to online learning, cheating has greatly increased. Some forms of cheating during online learning include opening up new tabs to search for answers, going on a phone to look for answer, and using notes.

[Photo] Cheating During an Era of Online Learning

January 17, 2021

How to Send a letter to the Express

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
January 16, 2021
New California Senator, Alex Padilla, speaks at the 2019 California Democratic Party State Convention.

California’s Newest Senator: Alex Padilla

Jack O'Connor, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 16, 2021

A Reality Check for the Ignorant

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2020
After CUSD gave students the option to remain online or partially in person, many students choose to stay online. As the class size gets older, the percentage of hybrid students decreases with only 24% of seniors now in-person.

Reopening Plan Causes Shifts in Work Locations for H.S. Teachers

Jack O'Connor and Jaden Hiraga
December 14, 2020
A student in the pottery elective works on her clay project. The student wears a face mask to follow CUSD's safety precautions upon the return of schools during COVID-19.

In-Person School Returns, but with Changes

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2020
The "I Voted" sticker is symbolic of the US election and with election day tomorrow we should expect to see many people showing off their sticker.

California Voters Prepare for Election Day

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2020
From left to right Shruti Marada (11), Lillie Ransom (10), and Taylor Zienblach (10) help participant out by handing them their running bibs and giving them the 4th annual James Henry Ransom 5k shirt. While the run is still going on right now, on November 24th, the foundation held a "kick-off" day for the run.

James Henry Ransom Holds Virtual 5k to Promote Mental Health

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett is Trump’s nominee to fill Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat after her passing. A favorite among the religous right, if Barrett is confirmed by the Senate she would tilt the Supreme Court further to the right.

Who is Amy Coney Barrett?

Jack O'Connor, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2020
Pamela Braunstein poses with her campaign sign at a campaign event in Ladera Ranch this past weekend. She is running to represent Trustee Area Two on the CUSD Board of Trustees, which includes Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, and parts of San Juan Capistrano. The seat is currently held by Trustee president, Jim Reardon, but Braunstein is hopeful that she can win.

[Photo] Pamela Braunstein Hopes to Bring A New Voice to School Board

October 19, 2020
Last year, five senior athletes signed their National Letter of Intent during tutorial. Cade Albright signed to play Football at Brigham Young University, and his teammate Carson Lewis will signed to play Football at the University of San Diego. Angelica Gonzalez committed to play Softball at Iowa State University, and her teammate, Phoebe Popplewell, committed tp Ottawa University. Joshua Rauterkus signed his Letter of Intent to play Baseball at Whittier College.

Sports Recruiting in Limbo Due to Covid

Jack O'Connor, Co Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2020
Which class has it the worst? 1

Which Class Has it Worst?

Alyssa Morrone, Nikki Iyer, Eva Smedeby, and Jack O'Connor
September 20, 2020

Seniors

Jack O'Connor, Co-Editor-In-Chief
September 20, 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.

[Photo] The Meaning Behind ACAB

September 20, 2020
Student advocates for CUSDAgainstRacism call upon the Capistrano Unified School District school board to address the widespread discrimination and racism occurring in CUSD schools. The crowd watching the students are all current or former CUSD students, parents, and teachers.

[Photo] Student Group Engages District Leaders for Change Against Racism

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
September 21, 2020
A student checks out his new textbook for the 2020-2021 school year. During textbook distribution, students and staff were required to wear masks and be socially distant from one another.

[Photo] Problems with Online Resources Lead to Book Distribution

August 31, 2020
Police officers line up near the San Clement Pier to keep protestors from blocking traffic. On May 31, Black Lives Matter protestors came to San Clemente to voice their frustrations about the death of an African American man, George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

The San Clemente Black Lives Matter Protest

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
June 3, 2020
Comfortable Sleep and Home, a furniture store, informs their customers that they are a nonessential business and therefore will be temporarily closed. Across Ladera Ranch and San Juan Hills, businesses complied with governor Gavin Newsom's order and closed their stores for the time being.

[Photo] Government Stimulus Package Has Underwhelming Effect During Desperate Times

April 17, 2020
Store name is VIP Nail Saloon Spa

In accordance with state and federal law, the district has installed fire alarms all across the school campus. This fire alarm, the one located at the track, is notorious for going off during practices, games, and track meets.

Fire Alarms: An Analysis of Student Indifference

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
April 3, 2020
Cameron Fox (12) and the San Juan Hills track team came together at Sendero Park to work on their sprints in a relay race. During spring break, instead of coaches, team captains in track for distance, jumps, and sprints, organized workouts in order to keep the team in shape for the return of the season.

COVID-19 Puts Spring Sports’ Seasons in a Standstill

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
March 16, 2020
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.

CUSD Schools Canceled Until April Third

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
March 13, 2020
Joe Scgounztos (12) recieves the baton from Hayden Parker (10) to run his leg of the 4x1600 meter relay at the Griffin Relays Invatational. Despite track season being cut short this year, Joe was able to have his biggest accomplishment this past January at the Irvine Half Marathon.

[Photo] Joe Scgounztos Sets Half-Marathon Record Before High School Running Career Ends

March 16, 2020
On Super Tuesday 14 states conduct primaries. Because incumbent presidents nearly always get their party’s nomination, Donald Trump obtained the lion’s share of Republican votes in California (92%). The contest mainly focused on Democratic primaries in these states to choose who will challenge Trump in November. At press time, the front runners were Sanders with 33% and with Biden 25%. They will proportionally share delegates at the Democratic National Convention.

Local Bonds Fail, Sanders Takes California

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
March 4, 2020
Coach E looks to inspire his team during a timeout at a league game versus El Toro High School. The Stallions defeated the Chargers, 64-59 and eventually made it to CIF.

Coach Inspires Players Both On and Off the Court

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
February 28, 2020
Bella Mincer (12) runs the ball down the field in a non-league match against Woodbridge High School. In a close game, the Stallions won 3-1.

[Photo] Main Goal: Get To CIF

February 28, 2020
Principal Hornig speaks in front of students and their families at the Winter National Letters of Intent signing. Hornig gave advice to future Chapman University football player Parker Whitham (12) and future swimmer for California Polytechnic State University Lauren Gleason (12).

[Photo] Hornig Takes Over As Interim Principal

February 28, 2020

It’s Time We All Stop Lying to Ourselves, Astrology Signs are Bogus

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
February 3, 2020
Day 1 Marocobamas: Connely Good shows off his beautiful chops as he jams out during the Marocobamas performance on Monday. The Marocobamas ended their performance with a freestyle jam where bassist Ben Chung (12), drummer Drew Cox (12), and Jeremy Mitaux (11) showed their ability to create music in an instant.

[Photo] Stallion Life: Battle Of The Bands

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
January 22, 2020
Senior Hayden Melin smiles for her parents with a celebratory bouquet of flowers after signing on for the Univerty of La Verne, where she will be playing soccer.

Stallion Life November 18

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
November 18, 2019
Cooper Murr (12) performs his fantastic impression of Marge from The Simpsons in order to make the crowd the laugh during the Comedy Sportz match against Santa Margarita High School.

[Photo] A Closer Look into Comedy Sportz

December 13, 2019
Macey Leonard (11), Joey Hobert (12), and Delaney Fuller (12) have committed to universities on athletic scholarships and must continue to maintain high academic and athletic standards in order to maintain their admission. Leonard will attend Brown for soccer, Hobert will attend Washington State for football, and Fuller will attend Angelo State for volleyball.

Athletes Commit to their Future by Committing to College

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
October 18, 2019
Daniel Fernandez (10) participates in San Juan Capistrano's Breakthrough program. Aimed towards aiding students who may have been given less benefits in life, Breakthrough gives kids the position to advance academically with equal opportunity.

Breakthrough Program Helps Disadvantaged Students Thrive in School

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
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.

[Photo] Freshman Boys Cross Country Places Second in Nationwide Meet

October 6, 2019
The varsity boys tennis team stands victorious with their CIF trophy. Pictured left to right: Ethan DeLaurie, Nathaniel Kim, Race Bernal, Julien Sanseverino, John Lyon, and Andrew Pavluk

Boys Tennis Rallies to Win CIF

Jack O'Connor, Sports Editor
June 3, 2019
Long-term sub, Ms. Wallace, helps a student prepare and review for the student's next timed write. Ms. Wallace replace Ms. Cooper who left on maternity leave on March 18.

Subbing In-San Juan Hill’s Long-Term Substitutes

Jack O'Connor, Sports Editor
March 28, 2019
Juniors, Marissa Berry, Haley Maniscalco and others help the class of 2020 in a hula hoop competition. Juniors got first, followed by seniors, freshmen, and then sophomores.

[Photo] Juniors Win Clash of Classes

Riley Goodfellow, Co Editor-In-Chief
March 26, 2019
Varsity Captain and Junior Josh Mastropaolo attempts to get the ball away from their goal and make an attempt to score in the second quarter. The varsity boys lacrosse team would eventually lose in overtime against El Toro, 13-12.

Spring Sports Slideshow

Jack O'Connor
March 19, 2019
In the 2018 season, the girls varsity soccer team won five games, lost zero, and tied three getting first in the Sea View League. Even against Trabuco Hills, Mission Viejo, Capistrano Valley, and El Toro, San Juan came first.

The Golden Age of Stallion Sports

Jack O'Connor, Sports Editor
March 15, 2019
Varsity Captain and Junior Josh Mastropaolo attempts to get the ball away from their goal and make an attempt to score in the second quarter. The varsity boys lacrosse team would eventually lose in overtime against El Toro, 13-12.

[Photo] A Week at SJHHS

Sandhya Ganesan, Feature Editor
March 14, 2019
Many of the social studies textbboks, A.P. Government and Politics, World History, A.P. American History, A.P Physcology, and other social studies textbooks, haven’t been updated to include more modern history. The most recent update to the history textbooks was in 2006.

[Photo] Big Hopes for Updated History Textbooks

March 14, 2019
Connor Rose (12) and Cole Lowey (12) representing the Republic of Ireland by wearing hats and flags of Ireland for Vocal Ensemble and Virtual Enterprise.

[Photo] SJHHS Celebrates Other Countries During Multicultural Week

February 26, 2019
Once home to Game-On, the leasing space in Mercantile East is now closed and hasn't had any new stores open there in years.

Out of Money, Out of Ladera

Jack O'Connor, Sports Editor
February 21, 2019
Abby Hazen (12) attempts to keep control of the ball to pass it off to her teammate in the girls' round two CIF game. SJHHS girls varsity soccer would take the win in the end with a score of 1-0.

[Photo] Winter Sports Slideshow

February 14, 2019
Senior, Abby Hazen attempts to keep control of the ball and pass it to her teammate in CIF round two. SJHHS would take the win in the end 1-0.

Government Shutdown001

[Photo] Government Shutdown is Temporarily Put on Hold

February 5, 2019
Lauren Precioso attempts to keep possession of the ball away from the Tritons and pass it to one of her teammates. San Clemente and San Juan would tie in the end 1-1

Kickin’ it to Victory With Girls Soccer

Jack O'Connor, Sports Editor
February 4, 2019
Tennis Rallies to CIF Individuals

Tennis Rallies to CIF Individuals

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
January 22, 2019
Micah Ohlen gathers with Stallion athletes from volleyball, basketball, tennis, and more to celebrate San Juan Hills High school being awarded the Safe Sports School award.

Athletics Scores Student Safety Award

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
December 13, 2018
Ralph Mattera, sports equipment manager, in the equipment room preparing for post football season. Photo by Ella Villar

Behind the Equipment, Beyond the Locker Room

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
December 13, 2018
3,000 burgers on average are sold every Friday. The lines typically take 10 minutes but can reach up to 30 minutes during the busiest hours.

New In-N-Out, New Problems

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
December 1, 2018
Madison Beebe (12), goes for a spike to finish the set which confirmed the stallions a trip to CIF.

One Season, Eight Games, Zero Losses

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
October 25, 2018
The SJHHS varsity boys’ cross country begins the Orange County Championship in the cold rain. The team starts in a desperate sprint to take an early lead. With victory ahead, the boys are determined to win.

[Photo] Cross Country Goes the Extra Mile

October 25, 2018
After much anticipation, the construction for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began this summer. Workers at the site start the process of building a new house of worship.

[Photo] New Church Breaks Ground on "Mud Lot"

October 25, 2018
Madison Beebe (12), goes for a spike to finish the set which confirmed the stallions a trip to CIF.

Sports Divisions for Dummies

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
September 13, 2018
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