• Urinetown Wins Cappies "Ensemble of the Year"
  • SJHHS Theatre Arts Wins Cappies "Play of the Year" for Animal Farm
  • "Every 15 Minutes": Held on April 22nd / 23rd.
  • Prom 2025 - "Top Gun" - Tickets on Sale Now in the ASB Office and Webstore. $95 w/ ASB Ticket and $105 w/o.
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
Sofia Bello

Sofia Bello, Arts & Entertainment

Sofia is a senior at San Juan Hills High School and is returning for her fourth and final year here on The Express. She has a strong passion for reading, baking, and could listen to music all day. She loves the color pink, watching sunsets, and spending time with her best friend. In the future she hopes to study criminal psychology and criminal justice as well as own a fashion line one day. Inside of  school she is a part of NHS, CSF, Creative writing club, and Publishing club. She cannot wait for another year full of new friendships, fun, and spreading the voices of her community. 

All content by Sofia Bello
Organ donation is a vital process that can save or improve the lives of many people suffering from serious medical conditions. By choosing to become an organ donor, you offer others the chance to regain their health and live fuller, longer lives through the gift of transplantation.

[Photo] Organ Donation: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Gabriella Bello, News Editor
May 30, 2025
Graduating Seniors and their families come together for the San Juan Hills High School award ceremony, where lucky students get awarded for their academic and moral excellence. Principal, Cina Abedzadeh awards Evan Lau for having the best grade point average in his senior class, Alexandra Easton, Trustees Lisa Zollinger and Gila Jones all clap and celebrate Lau’s success.

Mathew Cortes honored as the 2025 Stallion of the Year

Sofia Bello, Sydney Hogancamp, and Zaleeya Dhalla
May 28, 2025
Girls varsity lacrosse player, Chloe Villicana (12), fights for the ground ball after Corona Del Mar high school overturns the game possession. SJHHS Girls lacrosse team ultimately won the game with an ending score of 10-8.

Stallion Roundup 5/5 – 5/23

Sydney Hogancamp and Sofia Bello
May 23, 2025
Students Zain Abassi (12). Paul Freeman (11), and Wilder Doblie (11), smile together for lunch. Lunch break was an opportunity for all students to be together and engage in conversation with all at the event.

The Stallion Olympics Slideshow

Sydney Hogancamp, Sofia Bello, and Gabriella Bello
April 4, 2025
Stella Stallion high fives an observer in the crowd at the Swallows Day Parade. During the Swallows Day Parade, multiple schools take part to celebrate the Swallows. ASB, cheer, sports, and other members of the SJHHS community participate in the march.

Stallion Round Up 3/17-3/28

Sofia Bello, Sydney Hogancamp, and Domenica Peloso
March 30, 2025
Varsity members, Sovo Vonkaenel (10) and Sadie Duff (10) smile as the team begins their season proudly with another victory.

Stallion Round Up 2/17-2/28

Sofia Bello, Sydney Hogancamp, and Domenica Peloso
February 28, 2025
On February 27, Gianna Ioja (12) gets ready to bat the ball on the home plate as the Northwood pitcher gets ready to throw the ball. The Stallions fought hard all game long but the Timberwolves triumphed with a 6-3 win.

[Photo] Swinging for Redemption: Softball Aims for a Comeback Season

Audrey Tillotson, Staff Writer
February 28, 2025
On February 27, Gianna Ioja (12) gets ready to bat the ball on the home plate as the Northwood pitcher gets ready to throw the ball. The Stallions fought hard all game long but the Timberwolves triumphed with a 6-3 win.

Kendrick Lamar will take the stage with SZA to perform in New Orleans for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The two artists have multiple top hits together and fans are hoping to see it live.

Ranking the Past 10 Super Bowl Performances

Sofia Bello and Sydney Hogancamp
February 7, 2025
From left to right: Jackson Thurman (11), Daniel Riberos (11), Nathan Perlas (12), Kiyan Ghaffari (11), Kaden Banks (11), and Lucas Peña (11) smile together in their tacky tourist attire. On Wednesday 1/22, students dressed up in tourist-like clothing in the spirit for winter formal.

Stallion Round-Up 1/17-1/31

Sofia Bello and Sydney Hogancamp
February 3, 2025
Adding vibrant touches to the mural, Charlie Vega (11) helps bring The Vault to life, SJHHS’s new student art gallery. The former shipping container will officially open during lunch on Friday, January 31. This creative space aims to showcase student talent while fostering a stronger sense of community.

Grand Opening of “The Vault” On Campus

Sofia Bello, Arts & Entertainment Editor
January 18, 2025
Preparing to swing, Nico Tasso (12) stays focused as the ball comes his way. Baseball players need helmets, cleats, bats, and mitts in order to be eligible to play the sport. Equipment costs can accumulate fast out of one’s paycheck, especially when players re-purchase broken or damaged gear.

[Photo] Rising Sports Costs Sideline Talented High School Athletes

Sydney Hogancamp, Sports Editor
March 7, 2025
Beginning from left to right, Adelyn Clifton (10), Skylie Willis (10), Reagan Rigol (10), and Addy Vaught (11), smile as they begin their winter season. The girls soccer team had their home opener against Foothill, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Stallion Round-Up 11/15 – 12/6

Sofia Bello and Sydney Hogancamp
December 7, 2024
At the Future Stallion night for cheer and song, Ava Alaniz (9) spends time with a little stallion during their dinner break before performing at the football game.

Stallion Round-Up 10/21-11/4

Sofia Bello, Arts & Entertainment Editor
November 3, 2024
Lined up on the plate, Hudson Doss (11) is ready to swing. The boys baseball program held a world series baseball event and played against one another. Ultimately, ‘Team Kessler’ won the World Series title for the year.

[Photo] The Stallion World Series

Brielle Lee, Staff member
October 31, 2024
Taking the victory in a 8-0 undefeated season, the girls flag football team reflects on the determination and hard work that got them there. Qualified for CIF the team cannot wait to continue playing.

Girls Flag Football Team Celebrates Undefeated Season Victory

Sofia Bello, Arts & Entertainment Editor
October 20, 2024
The varsity flag football players stand together in smiles, surrounding the seniors for senior night. The seniors hold the posters made by their teammates with heart-felt messages written on them. These athletes stay undefeated and won this game against Dana Hills 38-0.

Stallion Roundup 9/23-10/4

Sofia Bello and Sydney Hogancamp
October 4, 2024
Racial injustice continues to be a pervasive issue in society, affecting countless lives and communities. Despite progress, systematic racism remains evident in many aspects of life, including in the criminal justice system. It is crucial to acknowledge these disparities and work towards meaningful change to ensure equality for all. The Marcellus Williams case is an example of the continuous fight for justice.

[Photo] Marcellus Williams: A Symbol of the Ongoing Injustice in the Justice System

October 4, 2024
The girls flag football team attended the 2nd annual girls flag football invitational tournament, hosted by the Chargers and Oakley. The stallions were 1 of 16 top teams across Southern California and made it to the final 8 during the two-day tournament.

Girls Flag Football Team Joins Chargers Oakley Invitational Tournament

Sofia Bello, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 25, 2024
Alex McNutt

Sofia Bello

[Photo] Sofia Bello

September 9, 2021
Gabriella Bello

[Photo] Gabriella Bello

August 23, 2022
Caoimhin Grothe-Brinton

[Photo] Caoimhin Grothe-Brinton

August 30, 2023
Elliott Ruvalcaba

[Photo] Elliott Ruvalcaba

September 4, 2024
Sophia Roldan

[Photo] Sophia Roldan

September 4, 2024
Sydney Hogencamp

[Photo] Sydney Hogancamp

August 25, 2022
Zaleeya Dhalla

Rowan Noonan

Staff-16

Brielle Lee

Kaiah MacLeod

Caden Mai

Domenica Peloso

Claire Stafford

Graphic depicts the Mental Health Awareness week that SJHHS will be putting on. The event will be taking place Tuesday April 30th until Friday May 3, hosting various activities everyone is welcome to attend.

Mental Health Awareness Week Inspires Hope and Healing

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
April 26, 2024
As the senior class wins Clash of the Classes for another year, Mrs. Magaña and Carson De Filipo (12) hold the trophy, commemorating the exciting win. Winning Clash of the Classes is an honor because it recognizes the classes school spirit and camaraderie.

[Photo] Stallion Roundup 3/25-4/12

Celeste Cariker, Claire Stafford
April 12, 2024
Winning Clash of The Classes Kennedy Canizales (12) and Makenna Reiter (12) are full of enthusiasm as they point to the champion cup that the seniors have won for another year.

Class of 2024 Wins the Clash

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
April 12, 2024
Graduating class of 2022 celebrate their victory at Clash of the Classes. Each grade level competed in a week of challenges to impress judges with their school spirit and gain the most points for their class.

[Photo] Prepping for Clash of the Classes: A Guide

Claire Stafford, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2024
CTE courses are a way for students to become engaged in their passions and desires for future careers. The College and Career center in the library offers lots of guidance for these pathways.

Building Careers In And After School

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
February 11, 2024
Ella, Lisa Gnielinski (12), and Prince Topher, William Meshkin (12), meet once again at the royal banquet and dance together. Prince Topher tells Ella about how he wants to truly help the people who have gotten their land taken away. They share a magical moment in love, right before Ella runs from the banquet at midnight, leaving one of her slippers at the palace.

Cinderella: Happily Ever After On Stage

Sofia Bello and Gabriella Bello
February 6, 2024
Teachers gather in the upper quad on Wednesday wearing red in support of the CUEA negotiations team. The teachers are seeking a share of the 8.22% cost of living adjustment (COLA) they must bargain for with the Capistrano Unified School District. CUEA stands for Capistrano Unified Education Association.

Stallion Roundup 1/15 -1/26

Sofia Bello and Celeste Cariker
January 26, 2024
Captivating the audience with her astonishing acrobatic routine, senior Spree Hazen dances to a solo entitled “Endangered Species.” Hazen danced on behalf of the SJHHS advanced program, and her dance was choreographed by Sasha Dee-Dayoan.

Dance Program Performs Fusion Show

Sofia Bello and Maureen Pike
December 1, 2023
Mrs. White, Viola Whittaker (11), and Wadsworth, Liam Herd (10), team up to search the ballroom for clues on the murders.

Clue: Murder Becomes the Game

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
November 11, 2023
Because of new funding provided by Prop 28, more students like Talyn Hardy (12) have an opportunity to take ceramics classes. After only starting ceramics this year, Hardy has already had many opportunities to express herself creatively. “I just like that you can make things that are tangible,” said Hardy.

Prop 28 Brings Art Funding

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
September 22, 2023
Walking out of the restroom, sophomore Ava De Filippo, holds anew bathroom pass. San Juan Hills introduced a new type of bathroom pass this school year and mixed reviews followed its arrival.

[Photo] Bathroom Passes Arrive to Mixed Emotions

Maureen Pike, News Editor
September 22, 2023
On the way to prom, the mock drunk driver, Gavin Blackwell (12) collides with another car causing a serious crash. Laying on the hood of the car, Taylor Doanes' (11) lifeless body was covered with stage blood after being ejected through the passenger seat windshield.

Photo Gallery Remembering Every 15 Minutes

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
May 9, 2023
Clash-11

Clash -10

Clash - 8

Clash -9

Senior Showcase is an annual dance performance, featuring only the seniors of the SJHHS dance program. Pictured, intermediate dancer Ella Winger performs a solo to the song “Paint it Black,” which she choreographed herself.

Seniors Showcase Their Dance Skills

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
March 7, 2023
Lisa Gnielinski (11) plays Gertrude the one-feather bird (center), she leads the cast of “Seussical” downstage as they all sing, “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think”. Nathaniel Chin (12) plays the Cat in the Hat (Left).

“Seussical” in Photos

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
February 5, 2023
The trio Seema Kulkarni (11), Julianna Paquette (10) and Viola Whittaker (10) decorate the materials for the stage.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Behind The Scenes of Tech Week

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
December 6, 2022
Onlookers watch as Marie Curie, portrayed by Allison Piwonka (11), discusses the benefits of the newly discovered element, radium in a press release. The radiation emitted by radium was not known to be dangerous at the time, and many believed that ingesting radium would benefit one's health.

Radium Girls: A Deadly Case

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
October 20, 2022
The San Juan Hills Marching Band, rests during football home game against Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Marching Band Continues to Bring the Fun to Friday Night Lights

Sofia Bello, Photo Editor
October 19, 2022
The Homecoming hosts and ASB crew kick off the Pep Rally by testing each class's school spirit with the traditional Rollercoaster.

[Photo] Homecoming 2022 in Photos

Sydney Wolfe
October 2, 2022
SJHHS School Counselors visit 10th grade history classes to educate students on the importance of Suicide Prevention month.

Students and Teachers Come Together to Spread Awareness Regarding Suicide Prevention Month

Sofia Bello, Sydney Hogancamp, Avery Koenig, and Domenica Peloso
September 27, 2022
SJHHS boasts a clean campus with signature school colors: blue and gold.

Plans for Campus Improvements

Sofia Bello, Staff Writer
April 24, 2022
The San Juan Hills Sinfonia Orchestra play for the Festival. Overall, Festival is not a competition, but an opportunity for each group to receive feedback on how they can improve in the future through judge feedback.

Instrumental Music’s Festival Explained

Sofia Bello, Staff Writer
April 2, 2022
Nine Girls, a murder mystery involving nine sorority girls in their private cabin, first opened February 23 and ran until February 26, then showed again the following week from March 2 through March 5. The show followed Mary, a women who killed her ex-boyfriend’s fiancee by accident, and then later murdered her sorority sister and attempted to murder her best friend in the pursuit of not getting caught.

Nine Girls

Sofia Bello and Cooper Aitken
March 28, 2022
The opening ceremony for the 2022 Winter Olympics, in Beijing. Traditionally, the ceremony consists of a parade with all of the nations participating in the game and the lighting of the Olympic torch.

US Takes Home 25 Medals In Winter Olympics

Sofia Bello, Staff Writer
March 13, 2022
Students work inside their classroom, all wearing their district-mandated masks. After March 11, these students will have the option to wear these masks in class. While the decision to keep wearing masks has been a source of stress for many, others will be very excited to take off their masks in classrooms for the first time in two years.

[Photo] Newsom Lifts Mask Mandate for K-12 Schools

March 13, 2022

Hold the Right People Accountable

Sofia Bello and Gabby Laurente
February 17, 2022
The team smiles for a photo after their victory against Yucaipa who was ranked #1 in the division at the time.

Girls Water Polo: CIF Final

Sofia Bello, Staff Writer
February 8, 2022
The final day of spirit week meant that it had the biggest event, which ASB accomplished by hosting a “treat table” and giving out churros for every student who wrote a good deed they did, placing it on the Kindness wall. By the end of the day, the wall was covered in hundreds of post-its of all the kind acts of students. It was a great close to a day dedicated to kindness and acceptance.

[Photo] Winter Spirit Week in Photos

Alyssa Morrone, Entertainment Editor
February 3, 2022
Weston Port (9) hopes to keep up his hard work and love for the game, for many more years to come.

Freshman on Varsity Receives Five College Offers

Sofia Bello, Staff Writer
November 7, 2021

Beach Officials, Declares Huntington Beach Oil Spill a State of Emergency

Sofia Bello, Staff Writer
October 14, 2021
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