The story of San Juan as told by its students

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Sandhya Ganesan

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-in-Chief

 This is Sandhya's fourth year of writing for The Express. Sandhya enjoys learning and writing about current events and wants to study political sciences when she gets older. In her spare time she enjoys baking, traveling, and watching movies. She is excited to continue learning more about her school and journalism in her senior year as Co-Editor-in-chief. 

All content by Sandhya Ganesan
Politics Have No Place in a Board Room

Politics Have No Place in a Board Room

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor in Chief
April 25, 2022
California Senator helped propose two bills dedicated to increasing the vaccination effort in California in January of the legislative session, which garnered pushback among constituents.

State Senator Pulls Bill That Would Eliminate Vaccine Exemptions

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor In Chief
April 21, 2022
Mike Levin to Host Town Hall At SJHHS

Mike Levin to Host Town Hall At SJHHS

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor in Chief
March 16, 2022
Teacher Brings Restorative Practices to Classroom

Teacher Brings Restorative Practices to Classroom

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor in Chief
March 14, 2022
Students demonstrated just outside of school bounds with signs and an American flag. Other demonstrations similar to this took place at schools such as San Clemente High School and Ladera Ranch Middle School.

[Photo] Scores of Mask Choice Advocates Show In Board Room Following Two Weeks of Protest

February 17, 2022
Students who left campus after declining to wear a mask gather at the CUSD District Office to protest the mask mandate.

#letusbreathe Is Not Your Hashtag

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2022
Students demonstrated just outside of school bounds with signs and an American flag. Other demonstrations similar to this took place at schools such as San Clemente High School and Ladera Ranch Middle School.

Scores of Mask Choice Advocates Show In Board Room Following Two Weeks of Protest

Cooper Aitken and Sandhya Ganesan
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.

[Photo] Students Pursue Futures in Performing Arts

February 9, 2022
The SJHHS Theatre Companys production of the hit musical Legally Blonde has been a huge success, and its high production level has also allowed for a more professional casting process with a full understudy ensemble and the use of tracks of actors who switch main and understudy parts. For example, Lisa Gnielinski who plays the lead Elle Woods in the main ensemble also understudies as Elles mother.

[Photo] The Understudies of Legally Blonde

January 24, 2022
According to UNESCO research, as many as 258 million children and youth still do not go to school. There are an estimated 617 million children and adolescents who cannot read or do basic math. There are also a considerable amount of young girls who do not receive the same educational benefits as their male counterparts.

International Day of Education Brings Appreciation to Community

Sandhya Ganesan , Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 23, 2022
To ensure that the district is progressing in accordance with the cultural proficiency plan, the district hears quarterly reports at board meetings.

Ethnic Studies Is A Study, Not Part of an Agenda

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 20, 2022
Alex Torres (11) sits in the pool as Phaeton, the son of Apollo, played by Joel Robinson (11) as he recounts the story of his life to a therapist in a more modern retelling of his Greek story.

Behind the Scenes, and Into the Pool

Sandhya Ganesan , Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2021
Rydell and his family produce a Christmas light show in time with holiday music for his house every year. The show uses RGB lights and allows Rydell to utilize his computer programming skills.

Student Uses Computer Skills to Spread Holiday Cheer

Sandhya Ganesan , Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2021
Seniors Macy Loren and Kendall Rogers greet freshmen at the door with candy during the Trick or Treat event.

Stallion Start Up Greets Freshmen with a Treat

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-In-Chief
October 28, 2021
Matthew Goldbaum, more commonly known as Matty G, blasts the crowd with a carbon dioxide canon.

[Photo] Pink Stands in the Badlands

October 27, 2021
Matthew Goldbaum, more commonly known as Matty G, blasts the crowd with a carbon dioxide canon.

[Photo]

Aiden Briggs (10), Aishah Flores (12), and Bella Gordon (12) are on the audio team for Pride and Prejudice. Here they are operating the audio board which controls all sounds, music, and actor’s mics.

[Photo] What is Tech Week?

October 28, 2021
Natalia Johnson, Co-President of the Wild Ride club, poses next to her car. The Wild Ride club meets in room J105 in addition to their out of school hour events.

Wild Ride Inspires an Appreciation For Cars

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-In-Chief
October 21, 2021
Governor Gavin Newsom announces that schools will have to start requiring students to be vaccinated. The plan remains to take effect, and is garnering pushback from many who are vaccine hesitant.

Governor Announces Vaccine Mandate to Take Effect in California Schools

Sandhya Ganesan , Co-Editor-In-Cheif
October 18, 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
Selvarajan Uma poses for a photo, acting as if she were fastening an earring, that was included in her arangetram brochure.

Student On Campus Shares Experiences in Cultural Dance

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-In-Chief
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
Kaitlyn Perucci (12), has committed to Tufts University, where she looks forward to a bright academic future and experience on the softball team.

Senior Softball Player Commits to Tufts University

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2021
President Roosevelt poses with his roughriders, who San Juan Hills is loosely attached to.

San Juan Hills High School Retelling of History Narrow Minded and In Need of Change

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 14, 2021
new novels, such as I am not the perfect Mexican daughter, were gifted to English teachers who are now able to provide literature to their students or integrate it into their curriculum.

PTSA Gifts Teachers New Sets of Novels

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 5, 2021
Organizers Bethany Padilla and Reaghan Mulligan pose with the donation boxes they decorated. The boxes were put around Capistrano Unified School District high schools and in front of Kathys House.

Local HER Drive Raises Awareness of Period Poverty

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-in-Cheif
September 4, 2021
Candidates like Kate Jarvis made posters to hang up around campus in order to raise awareness for their campaigns and connect with students on the hybrid schedule.

ASB Elections Run Smoothly in Chaotic Year

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
April 29, 2021
With new CDC guidelines, SJHHS is planning to reopen campus and combine both the gold and navy cohorts in a four-day week schedule. Students still need to cover up with masks and social distance, but instead of the previous six feet rule, the space has decreased to only three feet apart.

Reopening the Door for In-Person Learning

Ella Villar and Sandhya Ganesan
April 16, 2021
Cancel Culture is a phrase primarily describing interactions on Twitter that aim to raise awareness about why a certain person or business is problematic. Conservative politicians have used this word often in efforts to display how the media has attacked them unfairly, and it has become a very common word with negative connotations towards liberals.

Why “Cancel Culture” Should Be Cancelled

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
March 25, 2021

News Editor Responds to Parent Criticism of BLM Edition.

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
March 11, 2021
The Black Lives Matter Movement has become a Democrat versus Republican issue, when it should be a human rights issue solely.

Black Lives Matter Movement: About People, Not Party

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
February 26, 2021
FBI agents raided the home of Russel Taylor early in the morning of January 27th following Taylor’s involvement in protests outside the Capitol during the January 6th riots. Pictured below FBI agents confiscate technology equipment from Taylor’s home and load it into a vehicle.

Homes in the Community Raided for Suspected Capitol Involvement

Sandhya Ganesan and Max Katz
February 15, 2021
The Thespian Holiday Show

The Thespian Holiday Show

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
February 1, 2021
The new rebranding was presented at a virtual staff meeting to help publicize the statement.

“Ride for the Brand” Gets a Rebrand

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
January 25, 2021

Coping As Best They Can

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
December 14, 2020

[Video] Digesting The Roughrider Meal

Max Katz, Politics Editor
December 1, 2020
The guidance office has many resources for students to utilize including information about college admissions and work permits.

Academic Advisors Adapt to the Pandemic

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
November 12, 2020
After only a month of in-person school being reopened, San Juan Hills High School has already seen two cases at school. In response, school administration has taken precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff.

COVID Response Procedures Followed After Two Confirmed Cases

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
November 9, 2020
SJHHS Counselor, Kasey Kessler, reads an email from a student about her academic burnout.

Counselors Use Online Counseling to Reach Students

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
October 30, 2020
Members of CUSDAgainstRacism pose with candidate Jasmine Funes at the end of the womens march.

Youth Group Endorses Multiple Candidates for Upcoming Election

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
October 26, 2020
Olivia Ross (12) poses with the instrument she will be performing with in the virtual concert that will take placer Friday October 23.

UNICEF Club to Fundraise at Classical Concert

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
October 23, 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.

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.

Problems with Online Resources Lead to Book Distribution

Sandhya Ganesan, News Editor
August 31, 2020
The stay at home orders have allowed for families to unexpectedly become closer with each other. While there are some negatives to constantly being around family, it is much better than the alternative of quarantining alone.

Quarantine Helps Families Bond

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
April 16, 2020
Scott records herself for her music video Anxious at a recording studio in Tustin. Anxious can be found on her YouTube page as well as other songs she has created.

Young Singer Writes Her Own COVID-19 Tribute

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
April 10, 2020
Renee Knight, founder of Sundaze Los Angeles, poses while wearing a graphic logo of her brand she is in the process of designing. She is currently taking a break, and processing graphics for her clothing line.

Student Entrepreneur Creates Makeup and Fashion Company

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
March 24, 2020
People begin to stock up on items that have become useful such as hand sanitizer, masks, and toilet paper. Non-perishables have also come into high demand, which has led to stores running out of stock very quickly.

Corona Virus Changes Student Lives

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
March 17, 2020
Joseph Sgountzos (12) habla durante la semana de la Unidad sobre su fe, el cristianismo ortodoxo griego. El jueves, los estudiantes jugaron Speed ​​Faithing reuniéndose alrededor de oradores que discutieron sus creencias religiosas para informar a los estudiantes sobre la diversidad de las religiones en el campus.

DIRHA Cree la Primera Semana de Unidad

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
March 6, 2020
Joseph Sgountzos (12) habla durante la semana de la Unidad sobre su fe, el cristianismo ortodoxo griego. El jueves, los estudiantes jugaron Speed ​​Faithing reuniéndose alrededor de oradores que discutieron sus creencias religiosas para informar a los estudiantes sobre la diversidad de las religiones en el campus.

DIRHA Hosts First Unity Week

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
February 28, 2020
Lexie Guzik (12) sits in the sound booth at the final dress rehearsal for the broadway musical Newsies. Guzik took on the responsibility of audio designer for the production and was running the audio board, mixing microphone sound qualities, equalizing the actors voices while turning microphones off and on.

[Photo] Newsies: Behind the Scenes

February 28, 2020
Lexie Guzik (12) sits in the sound booth at the final dress rehearsal for the broadway musical Newsies. Guzik took on the responsibility of audio designer for the production and was running the audio board, mixing microphone sound qualities, equalizing the actors voices while turning microphones off and on.

[Photo]

Jeffrey Tobar (12) stands with the Unity Week t-shirts. The design was made by him and other DIRHA members, and will be worn on Monday by students and faculty involved in ASB, Kindness Club, BRIDGES, and DIRHA.

First Campus-Wide Unity Week Planned

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
February 5, 2020
Day 3 The Hawaiian Band: The Week of performances was concluded with The Hawaiian Band performing “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys. From the right, band members Grant Haliburton (11), Sam Giraud (11), Ethan Chambers (11), Gianni Sirgy (11), and Max Katz (11) get the audience engaged in the final moments of their set.

Stallion Life: Battle Of The Bands

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
January 22, 2020
Ricky Gervais hosted the Golden Globes and addressed the nation about important topics. He mentioned the lack of diversity in those who were nominated for awards and told Hollywood they need to fix the problem.

Gervais’ Golden Globes Speech Calls Out Hypocrisy of Hollywood

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
January 21, 2020
Escuelas a Nivel Nacional Muestran Prejuicio Racial en los Procedimientos de Disciplina

Escuelas a Nivel Nacional Muestran Prejuicio Racial en los Procedimientos de Disciplina

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
December 13, 2019
Back row (from left): Kayden Karti, Namiah Miller, Nadine Tong, Mina Mahmoodzadeh, and Aaron Hernandez. Front row (from left): Araceli Carreon, Lexie Guzik, and Varshitha Selvarajan Uma.

Diversity on Campus

Riley Goodfellow , Grace Aitken, Ella Villar , Kate Meyers, and Sandhya Ganesan
December 13, 2019

Mina Mahmoodzadeh

Sandhya Ganesan, Opinion Editor
December 13, 2019
Aaron Hernandez (12), Zayda Lozano (12), and Billy Castro Sainez (12) are are pictured above helping out with promoting anti-bullying and encouraging students to sign the anti-bullying petition. October is National Bullying Prevention Month and this year October 23 was designated as a Nationwide Unity Day with the theme, “Together against bullying and united for kindness, inclusion and acceptance.” This year, ASB was in charge of making the posters, but the day was put together and supported by three main groups: ASB, Compassion Crew, a group of teachers and staff promoting kindness, and the Bridges Club. The purpose of Unity Day was to raise awareness about this issue, the groups found it important that we do not normalize bullying, and spread awareness. This day was an opportunity to bring the campus together and a reminder to continue being kind to one another and promote inclusion and acceptance. In the future, Kindness Week will take place in February and Mental Health Week will take place in April. The creators of Unity Day are excited to promote mental health and kindness even more and try their best to help make every student “Stallion Strong”.

[Photo] Stallion Life October 30

October 30, 2019
LGBTQ Representation on the Rise in Media

LGBTQ Representation on the Rise in Media

Sandhya Ganesan , Opinion Editor
October 20, 2019
Cole Caselli (9), Vivian Landa (11), Emma Seemann (11), and Madelyn Earnest (10) pose for a TikTok. Each student has achieved thousands of followers on the new social media app. Through dancing, lip-singing, or just having fun helped these creators reach fame, and truly become TikTok famous.

[Photo] TikTok Stars Go Viral

October 20, 2019
Zach Rothman (12) looks out into the stands while he cheers on the football team on September 6. He dances as well as cheers for the crowd because he is on the song team, which was created this year at SJHHS.

First Male Cheerleader Breaks Boundaries

Sandhya Ganesan , Opinion Editor
October 6, 2019
Luke Whittaker (11) and Tommy Burleson (11) pose for the camera as preppy kids in celebration of Homecoming Spirit Week.

Homecoming 2019 In Photos

Sandhya Ganesan
October 4, 2019
The new song team is introduced at the white out football game in the Badlands. Sarah Hansen (11) hypes up the crowd after she performed.

New Song Team Added to SJHHS Pep Squad

Sandhya Ganesan , Opinion Editor
September 9, 2019
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.

[Photo] Lottery Style Parking Lot Leads to Mixed Emotions

September 9, 2019
Students came to the upper quad at lunch on May 28 to pet therapy dogs Irish and Swagger.

Therapy Dogs: A New Addition to Campus?

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
June 4, 2019
Brandon Tong walks up to the podium to receive an award. Tong was this years Scholar of Scholars with a 4.9 gpa. Tong was also nominated for Stallion of the Year.

Brandon Tong Wins Scholar of Scholars

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
June 4, 2019
Zain Faruqi and Grand Halibutyon sing Wive it Wealthily in Padua as they try to woo Katherine, played by Jenna Husli in the first act of Kiss Me Kate.

[Photo] Kiss Me Kate is "Wunderbar"

April 30, 2019

More Counselors Needed

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Writer
April 30, 2019
Librarian, Therese Lewis poses with one of the books that is currently in the reference section. The library is giving away the section to make room for storage, like the shelves behind her.

Obsolete Library Reference Section Donated to Classrooms

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
March 28, 2019
Lead singer Liam Fahey sings to the massive crowd while his two guitarists Dylan French and Connor Rose play in the background. All of the band members wore tan to represent their band name, The Tan Band. The Tan Band ended up winning the competition and played a multitude of songs for the student body on Friday, March 15th.

[Photo] Battle of the Bands Rocks Campus

March 21, 2019
Coach Albert Tat inspires the Boys Lacrosse team to bounce back and make a comeback during the half time break.

A Week at SJHHS

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
March 14, 2019
Giovanna Cortes won AVIDs 2019 Senior Standout. She will receive a scholarship at the awards ceremony in April.

[Photo] Giovanna Cortes Wins AVID Senior Standout

February 28, 2019

Driver’s Test Gone Wrong

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
February 28, 2019
Sophomore Presley Nicholson performs as the protagonist Clarissa in Jo Marchs story. She is escaping the antagonist, Braxton, and takes a moment to sing about her struggle.

Little Women Slideshow

Makayla Walders and Sandhya Ganesan
February 21, 2019
LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SHOT: Kimora Farry (11) looks around at her teammates as they set up a 6 on 5 offense. After passing the ball around, Lacey Hall (12) shoots a swift goal, contributing to the final score of 11-6.

Girls Varsity Water Polo Scores Big in League

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
February 5, 2019
Court Orders Trump Administration to Restore CNN Reporter’s Press Pass

Court Orders Trump Administration to Restore CNN Reporter’s Press Pass

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
December 13, 2018
Jimmy Wale (11) conducts a presentation to the virtual enterprise class during second period on Thursday, November 29.

[Photo] Virtual Enterprise Class Promotes New Investment Company

December 13, 2018
SJHHS’ dance program strikes a pose in their routine for the Homecoming Pep Rally of 2018.

Homecoming Costs of $47K Covered by Ticket Sales

Sandhya Ganesan , Feature Editor
October 25, 2018
There are many solutions to help avoid the long lines of traffic which flood the school in the mornings and afternoons.

[Photo] How Individuals Can Help Reduce Traffic

September 12, 2021
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