Category: Special Features

The stories behind these ink-tastic tattoos

The stories behind these ink-tastic tattoos

By Naythan T. Did you know that many students and teachers around have tattoos? And that these tattoos have significant meanings behind them? Junior Harleen M. doesn’t only have tattoos – she is a tattoo artist herself.  She really enjoys being able to tattoo others. She said, “I feel like it’s a blessing lowkey being able to tattoo people and have my artwork out on people’s bodies.” She said it’s like “leaving a message.” With the enjoyment of being able to tattoo people also comes with the struggle of some clients and their pain tolerance.  Harleen

Why students are running their own clubs at CATS

Why students are running their own clubs at CATS

By Hugo M. Diego Rivera offers a variety of extracurriculars for students to join, from lifting weights in the weight room to painting in the Arts and Crafts Room. However, more students are choosing to create and run their own clubs, inspiring creativity and leadership to other students.  For instance, one of the newer clubs this school semester has been that of Crochet Club run by senior Itzmin C. In the club, students can learn how to crochet and knit a variety of clothing, from cozy scarfs to fashionable beanies. Students can then turn in their

Senior spotlight: Christopher the barber

Senior spotlight: Christopher the barber

By Hugo M. Like many seniors his age, Christopher C. is currently working to achieve his aspiration: becoming a barber. Chris said, “I want to become a barber to make a living off of it, and because I have friends who are barbers who have also inspired me to become one.” For instance, currently, Chris is working toward his goal by advertising around the school, putting up multiple flyers, and he already has had several clients. “I’ve had a bunch of clients. I’ve probably had like about 20?, but, um, but it’s a good experience like

Special feature: An unforgettable CATS poetry slam experience

Special feature: An unforgettable CATS poetry slam experience

Poetry is a timeless art and speak volumes in just a few verses. Students had the opportunity to express themselves in the CATS poetry slam, which took place on March 21 at the Diego Rivera library. The CATS slam, which comes from the “Get Lit” curriculum, showcased our school community’s diverse voices and talents.  Below, senior students shared what they enjoyed about the CATS slam hosted by English teacher Mr. Benny Martinez and the difficulties they overcame. Some students also provided the poems they wrote. Photos by Daniel Z. Students Responses Senior, Stephanie M. said, “I

Leadership students tour New York and Washington D.C. over spring break

Leadership students tour New York and Washington D.C. over spring break

By Heyli G. Ms. Ramos’ Leadership class went on a field trip to Washington D.C. and New York for Spring Break. Ms. Ramos, a Leadership and Algebra 2 teacher, shared that she planned this field trip because she likes to travel, and when she found out that the school had some available funds for the field trip and that the field trip could be far away. She found out around 8 days before the field trip was going to take place that the field trip was allowed in the first place. She said, “So for me

Ms. Suarez given ‘Outstanding Teacher’ award and $10,000 prize

Ms. Suarez given ‘Outstanding Teacher’ award and $10,000 prize

By Gehenna N. “I feel so honored.” That’s what science teacher Ms. Michelle Suarez said when she was nominated for and given the award called “the Carlston Outstanding Teachers Of America” award. She was nominated by a former student of hers called Celeste G. who graduated back in 2018.  This award is only given to four teachers and Ms. Suarez was the youngest teacher to win it. “I feel so humbled and intimidated,” she shared. This is because teachers who have been nominated for the award have taught at least 20 to 30 years in their

Explainer: What is chess? Who plays chess?

Explainer: What is chess? Who plays chess?

By Ernesto H. Brief History of chess Chess is one of the oldest and most popular board games in the world. Two players are required, and the board game has a checkered pattern with specifically designed pieces of contrasting colors, mostly known as white and black. The objective of the game is to capture the opponent’s king by checkmate.  There are many ways to end a game of chess. According to Britannica.com, the game ends when a player puts the opposing player’s king in a position that cannot avoid capture which is checkmate, and gets taken

Mr. Monteon: Advisor for the Class of 2024

Mr. Monteon: Advisor for the Class of 2024

By Heyli G. Mr. Monteon is a graphic design teacher and most students will have him for at least one year out of their four years of high school. What most people don’t know, however, is that he is the senior advisor for the class of 2024 and it’s his first time being a class advisor.   Let’s take a look at his duties and responsibilities. Mr. Monteon goes with the flow when managing the senior class of 2024. He shared that, because there is no handbook or guide for how to do this, “This is

Special feature: The challenges emergent bilingual and undocumented students face when applying to college

Special feature: The challenges emergent bilingual and undocumented students face when applying to college

By Gehenna N. Editor’s Note: Some of the interviews below were conducted in Spanish and translated for uniformity What struggles do emergent bilingual and undocumented students who are applying to college face?Beyond the difficulty of coming to a new country, these students face additional challenges. Luis N., an emergent bilingual senior, shared his personal difficulties in speaking English confidently. “Sometimes I can’t put my thoughts together and speak the language correctly without stuttering,” he said. “This is why I opted to do community college first for two years to prepare myself better in the language and

A “bittersweet” farewell to Mr. Romo

A “bittersweet” farewell to Mr. Romo

By Journalism 2 students: Xiomara A., Heyli G., Axel G., Salvador G., Ernesto H., Gehenna N., Omar R., Hector S. After six years of being at CATS and nine years at Diego Rivera Learning Complex, Mr. Rafael Romo is leaving. Mr. Romo, who was the senior site coordinator at the complex for the ACE initiative, said it was a “really hard decision to leave.” He explained that it wasn’t something he decided overnight. “For about 2 years it’s something that I’ve wanted to look for the next step for me so that I can grow professionally

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