The story of San Juan as told by its students

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Nikki Iyer

Nikki Iyer, Co Editor-in-Chief

Nikki is a senior at San Juan Hills High School, and this is her fourth year on The Express. As a Co Editor-in-Chief on the paper, Nikki is super excited to grow as a writer and a leader. Outside of The Express, she is a dance captain at SJHHS, the president of Comedy Debate Club, and an avid Bollywood dancer. In her free time, she loves working on her Spanish, doing karaoke with her friends and hanging with family at the beach. 

 

All content by Nikki Iyer
Stallion of the Year nominees of the senior class are Julia Tonai, Rosa Hernandez, Kristina Sabad, Lindsey Gattis and Brandon Sotelo. Students were chosen for their involvement at SJHHS and knowledge of what it means to Ride for the Brand. The winner will be announced at Senior Awards.

Stallion of the Year Nominees RFTB

Kaitlyn Kittredge and Nikki Iyer
May 5, 2023
Recently, the College Board removed Roe v. Wade from the AP Government and Politics curriculum. Nationwide, students will no longer learn the case that defines the women’s rights movement. Roe still belongs in the classroom.

College Board Nixed Roe: Here’s Why it Still Matters

Nikki Iyer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2023

Lockdown: Suspicious Person Removed

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
May 2, 2023
More than one million immigrants come to the U.S. each year to live out their American Dream. However, immigrant students say that moving to a new country, fitting in, and succeeding in the education system, all come with challenges. On Mar. 2, the fourth day of Unity Week, students from the organization No Place For Hate will give a presentation on immigration to increase awareness on the topic.

Immigrant Students Share Experiences: Life at Home, Moving, Education

Nikki Iyer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2023

The “Divorced Kid” Academic Mentalities

Nikki Iyer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2023
Untitled_Artwork

[Photo] Inclusivity Is Necessary In Class Libraries

February 16, 2023
A parents divorce can significantly impact their childs outlook on education and romantic relationships.

[Photo] Family Fallout and Student Wellbeing

February 15, 2023
Rosa Hernandez (12) applied to Princeton University through Questbridge, a program for high achieving, low income students. Hernandez recently received her acceptance to Princeton and earned a full ride to attend.

Student Success: Rosa Hernandez Lands a Full Ride to Princeton

Nikki Iyer, Co Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2022
Proposition 31 was recently passed to ban the sale of vape in California, and lessen its effects on youth. However, it is unclear if the bill will be effective.

Vape Use on Campus Still a Problem Despite New CA Ban on Flavors

Nikki Iyer, Co Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2022
Varsity cheerleaders show their spirit, waving their pom poms and smiling together at the first home game of the season. The game was the cheerleaders’ Senior Night as well as a “Camo Out” honoring first responders.

[Photo] Stallion Football: 2022 Season Recap

November 30, 2022
Candidates Michael Parham and Kira Davis are running in the November 8 election to fill the School Board Trustee vacancy in Area 2.

Area 2 Election: Meet the Candidates

Nikki Iyer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2022
Karate siblings Jacob (12), Miyah (11), and Ella Verde (9) recently competed at the World Championships in Florida, placing in the top five athletes across various categories. With nearly a decade of training, the trio came home with an abundance of medals.

Karate Trio Wins Big at World Championships

Nikki Iyer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2022
English teacher Flint faced nationwide scrutiny for their Queer Library last Thursday, facing allegations that their library contains sexually explicit material like orgies and BDSM, citing the books shown in Flints TikTok. The library is currently under review by the district to ensure all books meet CUSD policy.

National Articles Spark Controversy Over Queer Alliance Club Library

Nikki Iyer, Co Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2022
The STEPS program is hosting the Stallion Olympics on May 16. 12 students in STEPS, including pictured freshman Addy Hayes, will be participating, in addition to many athletes and stallions around campus.

Calling all Students, STEPS to Host the “Stallion Olympics”

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
April 25, 2022
CUSD recently purchased the free-to-use, 24/7 tutoring program Paper for students. The program has features including essay review and virtual chat discussions to best help students.

Improve Your School Papers with “Paper”

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
April 12, 2022
CUSD Trustee Pamela Braunstein stepped down from her position last week, citing harassment from the public, and differences between other trustees. Pictured, a member of the community speaks at a board meeting.

CUSD Trustee Resigns, Citing Public Harassment and Personal Conflict

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
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.

There’s UNITY in the CommUNITY at SJHHS

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
March 8, 2022

Voices of the Students

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
February 17, 2022
The Prima Deshecha landfill is located less than one mile away from campus. The stallion community has raised concern about SJHHSs close proximity to the landfill, but it may not actually pose much risk to students.

Sanitary, not Trashy

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
February 17, 2022
Administration has implemented a new hall pass system in order to keep campus organized during class.

Administration Tightens Security Measures to Organize Campus

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
January 16, 2022
Dancer Lennon Hodges (11) performs a lyrical dance along with their classmates, masked up. Dance teacher Kristine Calder is currently working to ensure equality in mask usage across campus programs.

Dance Teacher Fights Against Program Inequity of Mask Usage

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
December 13, 2021
Recently, gymnast Kaylee Larson (11) competed in an international tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan. She returned to the United States victorious, placing 11th internationally for her age group and gender division.

Gymnast Triumphs Internationally After Surgery Recovery

Nikki Iyer , Staff Writer
December 12, 2021
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill to stock free menstrual products in bathrooms of public schools for students grades 6-12. This law, which takes into effect next school year (2022-2023), hopes to combat “period poverty,” and ensure girls are comfortable at school.

SJHHS to Provide Free Menstrual Products for Students by Law

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
November 18, 2021
Stallion Startup leader Bailey Smolinski (12) chats with Stanley the Stallion and a freshman during the Stallion Startup Halloween Lunch Activity. At the event, freshmen were given treats and candies, and a scavenger hunt was planted around the school for the 9th graders to enjoy.

A Week In Photos 10/25-29

Nikki Iyer and Kaitlyn Kittredge
November 2, 2021
Sophomore Lisa Gnielinski recently starred as Elle Woods in the Legally Production at SJHHS. Before that, she was Dorothy Gale in the Wizard of Oz at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. Gnielinski is grateful for her theater opportunities, and is excited to continue to expand her knowledge in the industry.

Underclassman Stars as Elle in Legally Blonde

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
October 28, 2021
On the sidelines, mascot Stella the Stallion cheers for SJHHS at the football game. Throughout the game, Stanley and Stella took photos with students, parents, and future stallions.

[Photo] Pink Stands in the Badlands

October 27, 2021
ASB member Jacob Verde hypes up the crowd. At the game, the student section is full of life and energy, cheering for the SJHHS team.

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On the sidelines, mascot Stanley the Stallion cheers for SJHHS at the football game. Throughout the game, Stanley took photos with students, parents, and future stallions.

[Photo]

At halftime, marching band performed a stellar series of songs for the crowd. The performance surely made future band stallions excited for their upcoming years in high school.

[Photo]

Decked out in pink, spirit members Caden Berry, Garrett Moreno, and David Engle watch the football game. The entire crowd wore pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

[Photo]

Juniors Spencer McClellan and Jack Snyder go all out for the games theme: pink out. The students brought with them a satirical skeleton that wore a shirt that said Mission Viejo.

[Photo]

Cheerleader Kayla Todd holds a future stallion after participating in the halftime show. The game was future stallions night, where many parents and young children/middle schoolers flooded the stands. During the performance, both future and current stallion cheerleaders danced together.

[Photo]

School was noticeably quieter the day of the vaccine mandate protest. The vaccine mandate, which will go into effect later in the school year, requires all eligible students to receive the vaccines. While this mandate has many exceptions, students stayed home in protest, significantly reducing attendance.

[Photo] The Vaccine Mandate Protest Behind Monday’s Increase in Unexcused Absences

October 21, 2021
Crew member Sydney Briggs (9) and dancer Cali McCanna (12) perform at the lunchtime pep rally with the theme “Back to the Future.” Although dance had originally planned to perform their pep rally show on the football field, the weather had other plans. Fortunately, they were able to seamlessly transition the production to the quad by lunch time. While the change was disappointing, the group was later able to perform on the field again at the football pregame.

[Photo] Homecoming Week in Photos

October 19, 2021
The Devious Licks challenge has swept across the nation, leading to significant disruption in schools. The challenge entails students stealing or vandalizing a certain area. Pictured, a garbage tin is dumped into the toilet, and red PowerAid is smeared across the scene.

“Devious Licks” Cause Chaos on Campus

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
October 14, 2021
Administrators have been working on contact tracing since the return to school. However, members on campus have recently begun to question the accuracy of the tracking.

COVID-19 Protocol Effectiveness Begins to Raise Questions

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
October 14, 2021
Cari Brandt (12), Young Democrats co-president and Reagan Hirchag (11), Young Republicans president, stand together despite differing political views.

[Photo] Young Republicans and Young Democrats are not as Different as They Seem

October 14, 2021

Homecoming Court is Outdated, Let’s Move On

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
October 11, 2021
From left to right, assistant principals Amanda Bratcher, Alexandra Easton, Brian Brosamer, and Heather Bosworth smile next to Stanley the Stallion, ASB Advisor Brooke Valderrama, and principal Manoj Mahindrakar. Easton is a returning assistant principal, while the other three are new to the position.

Behind the Desk: Introducing Three New Assistant Principals

Nikki Iyer and Cooper Aitken
October 3, 2021
SJHHS is currently accommodating around 3,000 students. This large number has led to traffic congestions in the parking lot before and after school.

Efforts by Administration and Petitions by Students Work to Reduce Traffic

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
September 29, 2021
An astonishingly low voter registration rate among the youth in Orange County has lead to the community questioning the efficacy of government curriculums in school.

Low Teen Voter Registration in OC Leads to Records Request

Nikki Iyer , News Editor
September 28, 2021
El Condado de Orange tiene un asombrosamente bajo porcentaje de registros de votantes jóvenes. Esto ha resultado en la gente preguntando sobre la eficacia de los curriculums del gobierno en las escuelas.

Porcentaje bajo en los registros de votantes jóvenes se resulta en un solicitud de registros

Nikki Iyer , News Editor
September 23, 2021
Erin Rickert, AP biology and anatomy/physiology teacher, bottle-feeds two white bengal tigers. When she worked as a zookeeper, Rickert would often hand-raise animals, including the baby tigers pictured.

Biology Teacher Shares Zoology Experience

Nikki Iyer, News Editor
September 12, 2021
Diversity on Display is a virtual show of monologues, scenes, and songs put on by the SJHHS drama departments BIPOC students. The show will stream on April 30th.

Upcoming Drama Production to Showcase Representation: Diversity on Display

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
April 27, 2021
Fangirls smile at a One Direction concert, dressed in the boybands merchandise. The girls excitedly wave at the camera during the event. Fangirls receive significant criticism and are often degraded for their likes. Its time we stop associating female joy with shame, and learn to celebrate excitement.

The Shame in “Fangirling”: Let’s Learn to Celebrate Joy

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
March 15, 2021
This lantern festival was hosted to share Chinese culture and raise awareness towards anti-Asian attacks in the community. The Si family has been the latest victim of anti-Asian harassment, where teenagers threw rocks at their house and yelled racist slurs at them. Haijun Si and his wife stand in front of banners saying Good luck best wishes.

Local Lantern Festival Hosted to Combat Asian Hate and Highlight Chinese Culture

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
March 2, 2021
Because Representative Mike Levin was in Washington DC and could not attend, he filmed a virtual statement for the festival condemning anti-Asian attacks in the community.

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The Qing Wei Lion and Dragon dance troupe came to perform at the festival. The group performed the Zhou Jia styles of Chinese Kung Fu and Traditional Lion Dance.

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Attendees of the festival prepare their lanterns. At the event, all guests were masked to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

[Photo]

Members of Dear Asian Youth, an organization dedicated to empowering Asian youth with over 79k instagram followers, stand next to founder and MC at the festival Stephanie Hu (right). Dear Asian Youth helped host the event.

[Photo]

Task force leaders of San Juan Hills Against Racism, an organization dedicated to minimizing racism on campus, Sarina Iyer (12) and Sandhya Ganaesan (11) answered questions and helped guests at the CUSD Against Racism booth. CUSD Against Racism helped host the festival.

[Photo]

The Si family is the latest victim in Ladera Ranch to severe anti-Asian harassment. Neighbors are uniting together to prevent these attacks by waiting in shifts outside of the targeted house. Members of the community often bring food for the volunteers. Pictured is a brown bag of food and case of bottled water with a label in front saying Hate has no home here! In the background, chains are pictured in the driveway, one of the many security measurements the Si family implemented as a deterrent to attacks.

Neighbors Unite to Stop Harassment Towards Local Asian Family

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
February 23, 2021
Spanish teacher Marguerite Morlan is headed to Barcelona on the Fulbright research grant. She will be studying sociolinguistic patterns to see how they impact political sentiment.

Spanish Teacher Heads to Barcelona on Research Grant

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
February 15, 2021
Feature editor Nikki Iyer virtually chats with campus supervisors Earl Pagal, Adrianna Lopez, and Kim Jenson about their roles on campus during COVID-19 in-person learning.

Campus Supervisors Talk Campus Culture

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
February 12, 2021
Senior Anna Carlson recently received her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. As a server at the Heritage Point living facility, she took the vaccination to keep the residents and her family safe.

Student Takes First Dose of Corona Vaccine

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
January 29, 2021
Presley Nicholson (11) collaborates with director Cambria Graff and backstage sound members during the mic check. During this time, backstage crew members were able to test the sound of the microphones, in order to find the perfect balance in volume. Behind Nicholson, actors wait their turn to test their microphones. In the production Nicholson played Katherine Plumber, a desperate journalist who writes the story of the “newsies”.

Theatre Student’s Performance Earns Callback from Prestigious University

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
January 25, 2021
Following the capitol protests, photos of CUSD teacher Kristine Hostetter at the capitol protests on January 6th were released on the internet. While CUSD declined to make a comment on the investigation, parents of her class have confirmed Hostetter has not been in her classroom since the protests.

Teacher’s Alleged Involvement at Capitol Protest Draws Scrutiny

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
January 20, 2021
The Croy family quarantined in their backyard with their neighbor, who also contracted the virus. The Croy’s spent most of their 14-day quaranting period inside their own home, only occasionally going in their backyard to get a breath of fresh air. Everyone in their family, excluding their youngest son, all tested positive with varying effects for all of them. While the entire family did survive, they continue to wear masks and stay socially distanced in order to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what they did.

Quarantining Together

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
December 14, 2020
School second semester is expected to look very similar to first semester, however many of the details are unclear.

The Ins and Outs of Second Semester

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
November 30, 2020
One group of dancers filmed at a cemetery, adding a very spooky feel to their performance. Kristine Calder, dance teacher, worked to ensure dancers were able to see their visions come to life.

Upcoming Virtual Dance Performance: Haunted Film Festival

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
November 16, 2020
A student in the pottery elective works on her clay project. The student wears a face mask to follow CUSDs safety precautions upon the return of schools during COVID-19.

[Photo] In-Person School Returns, but with Changes

November 14, 2020
Kristin Hilleman, director of food and nutrition services of CUSD, smiles with under her mask as she holds food bags. These food bags are free for pickup at school for in person students or at the CUSD Food & Nutrition Services Office for online students. Any CUSD student can pick up these bags for free.

CUSD Extends Seamless Summer Free Meals Program to the end of the School Year

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
October 26, 2020
Incumbent candidate Mike Levin will face Brian Maryott in a race to win the seat of the 49th district.

49th District Face-off Between Mike Levin and Brian Maryott

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
October 18, 2020
Despite online learning, the SJH Academic Decathlon team will be returning to practices online. Applications are currently open for interested students.

Returning to Academic Decathlon During Distance Learning

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
September 29, 2020
Junior Matthew Goldbaum creates background music for the episodes of the recently canceled ASB video series SJH Rigs. In the episodes, staff members would give a tour of their online teaching setup.

ASB Cancels Series “SJH Rigs”

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
September 29, 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

Sophomores

Nikki Iyer, Feature Editor
September 20, 2020
Teachers are being greatly affected by COVID-19, and many are having difficulties with distance learning. For instance, many teachers are spending longer hours working than before, and feel more tired working at a computer than in-person, and grading and emails continue to pile up.

Struggles with Distance Learning not Limited to Students

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
April 19, 2020
Effective July 1st, Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar will become the principal of SJH. Mahindrakar has worked in CUSD for 12 years in many different positions, including being a middle school principal. Mahindrakar smiles as he poses for a picture taken in the hills

Welcoming New Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
April 17, 2020
Art by Nikki Iyer

[Photo] Why The Creator Of "The Simpsons" Is Definitely A Time Traveler

April 1, 2020
Los oficiales J. Duran (izquierda) y A. Jablonsky (derecha) visitan la sala de maestros de SJHHS para educar a los maestros y administradores escolares sobre a qué prestar atención cuando buscan posibles dispositivos de vapeo en el campus. Los oficiales trajeron muchos ejemplos para que el personal los examinara de cerca. Todos fueron herramientas de vape previamente confiscadas de escuelas secundarias públicas locales.

Taller Educa a Padres Sobre Peligros de Vapeo

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
March 6, 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.

Kimberly Stanga Gana Maestra del Año

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
March 6, 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.

Kimberly Stanga Awarded Teacher of the Year

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
February 28, 2020
Junior Kimora Farry takes a shot on the goalie from Hillcrest during the lady Stallions second round CIF game. The girls won 12-4.

Girls Waterpolo Continues to Thrive

Nikki Iyer, Staff Writer
February 28, 2020
Presley Nicholson (11) collaborates with director Cambria Graff and backstage sound members during the mic check. During this time, backstage crew members were able to test the sound of the microphones, in order to find the perfect balance in volume. Behind Nicholson, actors wait their turn to test their microphones. In the production Nicholson played Katherine Plumber, a desperate journalist who writes the story of the “newsies”.

[Photo] Newsies: Behind the Scenes

February 28, 2020
From the left, Schafer Welsch (12), Ryan Sisson-Burack (10), and Parker Gorton (10) are filmed for an episode of The Mane Event. Behind the scenes, the students work together to adjust the sound, lighting, and camera for the edition.

[Photo] The Mane Event Delivers News With Comedy

March 4, 2020
During this number, Jack Kelly, played by Michael Liebig (11) and Katherine Plumber, played by Presley Nicholson (11) sit inside of Medda Larkin’s theater. The backstage costume crew chose costumes for Jack and Katherine that would reflect the social status of each individual. For example, Jack wears a paperboy’s outfit in recognition of his poverty, Katherine chooses a pink dress, demonstrating her wealth. To the right, performers dance to the song “I Never Planned on You/Don’t Come Knocking on my Door”. On the left of Jack and Katherine, Medda Larkin, played by Madeline Halliburton, tells the two to lower their voices in her theater.

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Dean McElroy conducts the students in a song from the production during dress rehearsal. The musicians in Newsies learned around thirty songs for the show, practicing about six hours weekly. Preparation started for the show late October, and carried into February. Every instrument in band and orchestra, except the viola, was incorporated into the show, in addition to guitar and electric bass. After collaborating with the actors, the musicians said they could almost mouth the lines of the play. “It’s cool to see it all come together,” said musician Abraham Palmer (12).

[Photo]

Edward Kemp (12) dances and sings along with other performers, engaging with the audience as they laugh and cheer along with them. In the show he played Joseph Pulitzer, a man in ownership of a newspaper company. His character attempts to raise the prices of the newspapers to make a greater profit, further leading to the “newsies” revolting against his company. As a member of Actors Repertory, Kemp has also participated in many other SJHHS theater productions, including Romeo and Juliet where he played Lord Capulet, Mr. Laurence in Little Women, and Mr. Mann in Front.

[Photo]

Varsity baseball player Ethan Pope (12) speaks to an audience of future stallions and parents about the college he has committed to play baseball for. Other athletes announced their college plans to inspire eighth graders about the benefits of attending SJHHS.

[Photo] Stallion Showcase 2020

February 12, 2020
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