• 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
Eva Smedeby

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer

This is Eva Smedeby’s senior year in high school as well as her fourth year writing for The Express. She is excited to be part of the newspaper staff as the Opinion Editor and hopes to make some great memories throughout the year. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music. She is more than hopeful that this class will help her to grow as a writer and further support her ambition to become an author.

All content by Eva Smedeby
Anna Ho (12) searches for summer programs online. Between generalized programs and those attached to Ivy Leagues, many students have an abundance of opportunities.

Ivy League Summers Programs Are Unnecessary

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
April 25, 2022

Students Studying Abroad

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
April 24, 2022
With an intuition for her life being beyond the United States, Kasandra Georgi loved the idea of studying abroad. Fulfilling that desire, she will spend this next school year traveling in Germany, looking into U.K. universities the following year.

Kasandra Georgi: UNITED KINGDOM

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
April 24, 2022
Spending the earlier parts of her life in Ireland, MK included studies in Dublin as a university option. After undergoing the application process, MK settled on University College Dublin where she will be in the nursing program.

MK Sills:  IRELAND

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
April 24, 2022
Growing up in Toronto, Amy is returning to Canada this upcoming year. They will be studying at Brock University as a Dramatic arts major.

Amy Shaw: CANADA

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
April 24, 2022
With French heritage and German customs, Kalb was very interested in the idea of studying abroad. When discovering The American University of Paris, that idea quickly became a reality, where Emma will now be attending the school as a History major this fall.

Emma Kalb: FRANCE

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
April 24, 2022
A map of Ukraine uses red arrows and bullet points to show where Putin is targeting. Most attacks come from the East end of the country as it borders Russia.

Putin Continues With Attacks Against Ukraine

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
March 14, 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.

[Photo] CUSD Trustee Resigns, Citing Public Harassment and Personal Conflict

March 13, 2022
Currently, the main focus of SJHHS student activism is centered around repealing mask mandates. While the energy put into this cause is admirable, it begs the question—could this energy be utilized to help resolve other issues that are greater affecting our community?

10 Problems Facing SJHHS Students That Are More Serious Than Mask Mandates

Anna Ho and Eva Smedeby
February 17, 2022
As more of the younger generation undergoes medical and cosmetic procedures, the criticism surrounding plastic surgery simultaneously rises. Rushing into scrutiny offers no benefit, advancing hatred rather than understanding.

Plastic Surgery: Let The Criticism Rest

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
February 8, 2022
To ensure that the district is progressing in accordance with the cultural proficiency plan, the district hears quarterly reports at board meetings.

[Photo] Ethnic Studies Is A Study, Not Part of an Agenda

Sandhya Ganesan, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 20, 2022

Garfield is the Magic Number

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
January 18, 2022
Rowan Smark (11), and her horse Thomas are featured riding at the USEF/USHJA National Championships. The two returned home as winners of the National Children's Jumper Grand Prix.

Student on Campus, National Champion in the Fence

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 13, 2021
As the weight of the world is hammered onto senior students, their to-do list makes pressures high. Adjustments needed due to the pandemic does little to ease this weight, where most 2022 graduates are now consumed with an overflow of work.

Senior Burnout: The Increasing Vexation

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
November 1, 2021
The Long Beach Antique Market gathers hundreds of shoppers at their most recent pop-up on Halloween morning. The holiday did little to lessen the amount of visitors, where vendors supplied a surplus of books, clothes, decor, and many other trinkets.

Local Flea Markets Aid in Supporting Sustainability

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
November 1, 2021

Ding Tea: A Boba Haven

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
October 18, 2021
A Red Cross Member holds box of donations for hospital delivery. Each drive marks a positive turning point for many patients in need, and the October 26th drive with CUSD is no exception to that goal.

The American Red Cross Teams with CUSD for Blood Drive

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
October 14, 2021
To Kill a Mockingbird, a tale of prejudices and controversy, remains one of the core books in students' curriculum. Its involvement in education, along with several other discriminatory works, remains a shame to the ideas of teaching inclusivity and growth.

Discriminatory Themes In Literature: Why They Must Be Taught Delicately

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
October 3, 2021
Older works stack up to assemble the visual beauty of period piece novels. These books surpass being exclusive to outer charm, however, written in a talent that matches their tangible state.

The Superiority of Period Pieces

Eva Smedeby, Opinion Editor
September 23, 2021
Cat Conlisk (12), practices with teammates at an away game against Santa Margarita high school. Just weeks ago, Conlisk committed to Seattle University, where she will continue pursuing volleyball with a brand new group of players.

Volleyball Player Catherine Conlisk to Set Grounds at Seattle University

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
September 7, 2021
After 13 years of teaching at SJHHS, Spiers is retiring to travel and spend more time with family.

After 13 Years, Spiers Bids Farewell to SJHHS

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
September 7, 2021
Parents around Orange County have been organizing proms/grad nights for students. SJHHS' non-school affiliated prom is next in line, set and scheduled for May 29th.

Parents Organize Prom for Seniors

Eva Smedeby and Julia Lehman
May 2, 2021
The typical self care regime usually correlates with a "one and done" scenario. Going to the spa is just one of the many examples of this, where people treat themselves to an hour of relaxation once in a blue moon when it's truly the bare minimum of what they could be doing.

Self Care; Don’t Do the Bare Minimum

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 2, 2021
Far-Right Extremism in Orange County; It’s a Problem

Far-Right Extremism in Orange County; It’s a Problem

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 16, 2021
Picture from the SOS website, which includes all of the information regarding registration and organization of Walk For Wellness this year.

SOS Hosts Virtual “Walk” to Encourage a Positive Mental Health Discussion

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 23, 2021
Books are Always Better than the Movies; It's Inevitable

Books are Always Better than the Movies; It’s Inevitable

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainmnet Editor
March 9, 2021
Throughout Unity Week, students and staff were presented with virtual backgrounds to use over zoom. BRIDGES, DIRHA and art students collaborated to create these designs, where Hannah Palmer constructed a piece entitled, "Each of Us is a Raindrop in a Beautiful Storm."

UCI DIRHA and BRIDGES Host Second Annual Unity Week

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 26, 2021
In their piece, the Tong twins show many depictions of discrimination against minorities.

Sisters Bring Awareness to Discrimination With an Award Winning Art Piece

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 25, 2021
Some of the most beloved shows on Netflix, including The Office and Friends are marked with an "x" to signify its cancellation from the platform. Following 2018 Netflix has continued to discontinue popular movies and shows, only to increase the subscription cost.

Netflix Continues to Cancel Relevant Shows, Only to Increase the Subscription Cost

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 2, 2021
18th century royalty displays the peak of 18th century fashion. The dresses and the jewelry all came together for a great outfit.

Let’s Bring Back 18th Century Fashion, Minus the Colonial Wigs

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainmnet Editor
February 2, 2021
The Toxicity of Aesthetics

The Toxicity of Aesthetics

Eva Smedeby, A&E Editor
January 18, 2021

Changing to French on Netflix was a Great Mistake

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 13, 2020
Netflix's newest original highlights the struggles teenagers face today and addresses themes not frequently found in other shows.

Grand Army Showcases a Shockingly Realistic Portrayal of Teenagers Today

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 12, 2020
Grace (10), Natalie (9), and Maddie Jo (7) Chapman take photos for their Etsy shop, CHAPS handmade. The sisters started their shop mid July, and have received immense success since its launch.

Chapman Sisters Turn a Hobby Into a Successful Business

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 31, 2020
Men, teenage boys especially, are breaking gender norms to express their individuality and prove that femininity is inclusive. Boys can now be seen wearing skirts and dresses on the regular, embodying the idea of feminism as the face of masculinity.

“Femboy Friday” Embraces Femininity In Men

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 17, 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

Juniors

Eva Smedeby, A&E Editor
September 20, 2020
Class of 2019-2020 AVID students pose for group picture. This was taken prior to the pandemic, where AVID students still partook in on-campus learning.

How the AVID Program is Adjusting to COVID

Eva Smedeby, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 20, 2020
Kaia Wolfe (11), sits by computer to start online school for the day. Her tab is opened on Canvas, a system new to several students that helps to navigate classes, schedules and assignments.

Online School is Decidedly Helpful

Eva Smedeby and Sydney Wolfe
September 15, 2020
Kids sit by a TV screen to watch a movie. Majority of people find themselves doing the same thing due to the lockdown on account of COVID-19.

Top 5 Series to Binge Over Quarantine

Eva Smedeby, Entertainment Editor
April 17, 2020
For many students, these challenging times are bringing feelings of stress and sadness or increased anxiety and depression. However, there are many ways to help manage these difficult feelings through self-care.

[Photo] COVID-19’s Negative Effect on Mental Health

Isabella Mahar, Feature Editor
April 1, 2020
AP Testing Isn’t Cancelled, But Possibly Postponed

AP Testing Isn’t Cancelled, But Possibly Postponed

Eva Smedeby, Art and Entertainment Editor
March 17, 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.

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.

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

March 19, 2020
Harper O'Loughlin (11) holds a piece of wood steady while Julia Raubolt (12) drills it in. These final touches on the cross sections add detail to the scaffolding on stage. After drilling, the scaffold was painted and given final checks before the show. Throughout Newsies, this scaffolding was used for all of the dance numbers in addition to its frequency in helping to make the sets. These sets are built during Mr.Pike’s fifth period stagecraft class at SJHHS.

Newsies: Behind the Scenes

Ella Villar and Eva Smedeby
February 28, 2020

People Who Hate Zodiac Signs Are All Geminis

Eva Smedeby, A&E Editor
February 28, 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.

All-Star Lucas Pattinson Competes Nationally in Rugby

Eva Smedeby, A&E Editor
February 21, 2020
The Hawaiian Band shows their dynamic lineup during the song “Leave It All To Me” from iCarly. Vivian Landa (11) sings, Jeremy Yu (11) plays his guitar, Ethan Chambers (11) shakes hands with security guard Sebastian Miletich as the band nears the finale of their performance.

Hawaiian Band; The Show’s Not Over

Eva Smedeby and Isabella Mahar
February 18, 2020
During dance production’s performance, advanced dancer, senior Jordyn Apostolache (12) dances with Max Miller (12). Every year at the Winter Pep Rally, dancers pick a partner to dance with for a song, even though he may not be involved in dance.

[Photo] Grammy Winter Formal Pep Rally Photos

Max Katz, Staff Writer
January 29, 2020
Dance production performs a routine choreographed surrounding the costume Lady Gaga once wore to the Grammys.

The Dance Production team collectively jumps up to the song “Hair Up” from the phenomenon, Trolls. The room flashed between colorful lights while the dancers continued to perform in sync.

Half way through the pep rally, Stella interrupts the scene to ask Stanley, both mascots, to Winter Formal. The sign read, “Stop horsing around and go to formal with me”.

The Stallion Song Team chants a song to engage the crowd at Friday’s pep rally. The performance included the Intermediate Advanced dance teams as well.

Jordan Apostolache and her teammates amaze the junior and senior sections during their final performance of the Grammy winter pep rally.

During dance production’s performance, advanced dancer, senior Jordyn Apostolache dances with senior Max Miller. Every year at the Winter Pep Rally, dancers pick a partner to dance with for a song, even though he may not be involved in dance.

The Hawiian Band celebrates as they are announced Battle of the Bands Champions. Band members from the right: Grant Haliburton (11), Jeremy Mitaux (11), Jeremy Yu (11), Max Katz (11), Ethan Chambers (11), Sam Giraud (11), and Gianni Sirgi (11) step down in front of the crowd to be recognized for their achievement.

Dance Production raises their mirrors as if they are celebrities preparing for the Grammys. The dancers each have the name of a musician embroidered on the back of their robe.

SJHHS dance team uniform a high kick. Obvious talent was displayed throughout the performance as they balanced challenging moves keeping their toes pointed. The team dressed in metallic blue shorts and a white tank top.

[Photo] Stallion Life November 18

Jack O'Connor, Photo Editor
November 18, 2019

Schoolloop Causes Unnecessary Stress

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
November 3, 2019
Nicole Haghani (11) throws a beanbag during her cornhole match on October 17 as her partner Luke Whittaker (11) and spectators watch. The annual cornhole tournament happened during lunch everyday this week, and teachers Matt Ahmer and Damon Garner won.

Stallion Life October 18

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
October 18, 2019
Julia Lehman (10) and Gabby Laurente (10) encourage passersby to fill out voter registration forms. While not apart of a club, Lehman and Laurente volunteered to promote voter registration in order to increase interest and participation among new voters in the upcoming election

Club Rush 2019

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
October 18, 2019
Club president Kasandra Georgi (left) poses with club members during last years' poetry slam competition at Orange County School of the Arts.

Poetry Slam Team at SJHHS Heats Up the Competition

Eva Smedeby, A&E Editor
October 6, 2019
Austin Hogan (12) grips the ball away from opposing team during the SJHHS homecoming game against Great Oak High School. Stallions end up on top with a resulting score of 35-7, kicking off homecoming on a positive note.

[Photo] Homecoming 2019 In Photos

Sandhya Ganesan
October 4, 2019
Striving for Success: Austin Hogan (12) grips the ball away from opposing team during the SJHHS homecoming game against Great Oak High School. Stallions end up on top with a resulting score of 35-7, kicking off homecoming on a positive note.

Brother Boberg speaks to students during early morning Seminary at SJHHS.

[Photo] LDS Seminary Moves to Campus

September 15, 2019
Upcoming freshman college student, Isabella Smedeby, poses for the camera clad in red to represent her committment to Washington State University.

Taking a Break is Always an Option

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
June 4, 2019
Freshman student, Sam Gugliuzza prints her name on sign up sheet for Donate-A-Dance. Gugliuzza, along with several other students gathered in Mrs.Bak-Boychuk's room on March 6th to join the club and took the lunch period as a time to discuss upcoming plans and goals for Donate-A-Dance.

New Club “Donates” Dances to Students in Need

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
April 9, 2019
Summer School Sucks the Life Out of Students

Summer School Sucks the Life Out of Students

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
March 17, 2019
Body Positivity001

Are Horror Movies Worth the Trouble?

Are Horror Movies Worth the Trouble?

Connor Rose and Eva Smedeby
February 14, 2019

Horror Movies are Bad

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
February 14, 2019
2018 was filled with many fashion trends, including teddy jackets, air pods, and kanken bags. It also saw the return of many former trends, like scrunchies, birkenstocks, and corduroy.

2018 Most Popular Trends

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
January 17, 2019
Posters like this one, designed by show's publicity team, will be spread around campus.

World War II Play “Front” Coming to San Juan HIlls

Eva Smedeby, Staff Writer
September 27, 2018
Madison Beebe (12), goes for a spike to finish the set which confirmed the stallions a trip to CIF.

[Photo] Sports Divisions for Dummies

Jack O'Connor, Staff Writer
September 13, 2018
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