Scripps Ranch parents shared these photos of their students on April 12, the first day of in-person learning available for students in general at public schools since closures last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite an unprecedented year, the Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) Foundation is dedicated to supporting the school and the people in it.

SRHS Foundation President Suzanne Lawson said the foundation’s purpose is to help SRHS teachers, staff and students through fundraising.

“We do a lot of money management,” Lawson said. “The intent is to turn around … and put the money where they need it the most.”

This year’s fundraiser is called “Signs, Seats and Students.”

“We are fundraising for directional signs all across the campus, permanent seating around the quad ... and with students, the emphasis is on mental health and funding all of our programs that can reach every student,” Lawson said.

Members of the board hold traditional board positions like president and treasurer, as well as chairs and committee members for major events.

“The majority of our board members have full-time careers,” Lawson said. “So, this is just their additional volunteer opportunity that they are participating in.”

While volunteering looks differently depending on what event is coming up, one constant is the foundation’s monthly board meeting. However, because of COVID-19, even that looks a little different.

“The first thing that (came) to mind, it’s a very cliché phrase, ‘Never waste a good crisis,’” Lawson said. “We had to pivot as quickly as we could.”

By April 2020, the foundation switched to virtual communication via Zoom.

“We’ve been on Zoom ever since,” Lawson said. “That has been fantastic.”

The foundation members faced a setback when they were unable to access their mailbox due to closures.

“That was huge,” Lawson said. “It doesn’t sound huge, but the impact, all of our funding dollars … (were) sitting in the mail held at the district for three months.”

Lawson said those obstacles were frustrating, “but everyone became very gracious because we realized there’s nothing we can do.”

Now, the foundation is making necessary changes to thrive despite the challenges.

“I think we just really embraced technology, like everyone else has to in society,” Lawson said.

The foundation now utilizes QR codes, virtual meetings and electronic payments.

“That’s probably our biggest accomplishment,” Lawson said.

The foundation’s upcoming events include a virtual Taste of the Ranch on May 1 and a COVID-safe version of Grad Nite.

“(We) are working with possibly the Zoo or SeaWorld to host something, more of a Grad Day activity, and really trying to make that happen for the seniors,” Lawson said.

Lawson is committed to giving back to SRHS, where her son graduated in 2019 and her daughter is attending as a junior.

“All parents and community members can participate in the foundation, and we’re always looking for more volunteers and more people to help,” Lawson said.

Kaylie Shadburn
Associated Student Body President

“Serving as ASB president has been a little difficult because we’re really restricted with what we can plan for the school because we can’t have most events that we would usually have,” Kaylie Shadburn said.

Other than being the ASB president, at SRHS, Shadburn is the president of the Butterfly Effect club and a part of the No Place for Hate organization.

Shadburn explained what she misses most from in-person school.

“I miss the community aspect of our school. I think we have a really good community at Scripps, and I think it’s hard to see and feel that when everything is virtual,” she said.

She also talked about what has been beneficial about online learning.

“Online learning has given me a lot of time to become my best self mentally and physically. I think it has also helped me become a better student because sometimes you end up having to teach yourself now,” Shadburn said.

Outside of school, she works at Athleta, tutors and takes care of her brother.

Shadburn plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) and major in business administration while minoring in communications.

“I’ve learned a lot through this year. I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. Once COVID is over, I’m going to make sure to take every opportunity and enjoy every moment,” Shadburn said.

Ethan Nicholas
Four-year football and
baseball player

“I miss the social interaction with everyone. It is sad that we aren’t able to have our ‘lasts’ of things such as prom and homecoming,” Ethan Nicholas said.

He shared his opinions on the benefits and issues he has faced with virtual learning.

“I’m a more visual and hands on learner, so I find that learning online does not really help me learn in the best way. It’s also hard because we can’t really just ask teachers things anymore,” Nicholas said. “I like having more free time as a result of virtual learning though. I feel like there is more time for homework and sports now. I feel like the teachers have really stuck with us and helped us, and it’s appreciated.”

On March 12, the SRHS football team had its first game of the year.

“I’m looking forward to spending my last season with all my friends that I’ve played with for years. I just want to thank my coaches for putting a lot of effort into us getting one last season,” Nicholas said.

Alongside football and baseball at SRHS, Nicholas is also a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club and the Butterfly Effect club.

Outside of school, he volunteers for the organization Lion’s Heart.

Nicholas hopes to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to study biology and he plans to continue football as well.

“I’m excited to start something new in college!” he said.

Jessica Thomas
Four-year volleyball player

“I was really looking forward to my senior night for volleyball. I was able to see both my sisters at their senior night, so I wanted that same experience as well,” Jessica Thomas said.

She described her feelings on missing senior year in-person.

“I miss seeing all the teachers and the students. I never realized how nice it was to get out and actually walk on campus. I still really hope we have prom because I’ve never been able to go to a prom,” she said.

“I think online learning has been easier because it is less stressful. We only have to manage three classes at once whereas it used to be six. I also think teachers have been more considerate, so that has helped alleviate some of the stress of school,” Thomas said.

Outside of SRHS, she works at Chili’s and plays for Coast Volleyball Club.

Thomas is committed to Cal State University San Marcos to play Division II volleyball and plans to study kinesiology.

“In November of 2020, I was able to go with my family to Petco Park for National Signing Day to sign my letter of intent. Getting to do that was something I’ve looked forward to since middle school, and it was the most memorable part of my senior year,” she said.

Students at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) have been able to connect with college counselors virtually to get a taste of what different campuses around the country offer through the SRHS College and Career Series.

Ginger Colletto, the coordinator of the College and Career Series, wasted no time moving the program online when the high school remained closed in the fall of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That’s when I approached Principal Lawson and said, ‘Could we take the Wednesday College Series and offer it to students by Zoom?’” said Colletto, who created a YouTube channel called “The College Corner: Virtual College Fair” that features more than 80 videos. “Parents and students can see them, and we could keep this program going even though we’re not on campus. [Principal Lawson] was in favor of it.”

The first virtual videos were uploaded on March 17, 2020, and featured single campuses. By late September 2020, the College Series became more interactive with a presentation of three to four campuses per week. Colletto got 60 campuses involved this school year, including Miramar College, Arizona State University, University of Missouri and Purdue. The process of recording and uploading takes her about five to 10 hours a week.

The Scripps Ranch High School Foundation plays a fundraising role for the College Series. Although most donations come from parents, some local businesses and programs within the foundation sponsor the event.

Colletto included an essay writing workshop in which college counselors worked with the students on what they can expect on an essay and how to write their personal statement for admissions. She also held a “Stress to Success” event that helps students and parents navigate through the college selection process.

Colletto said that many families are “caught up” in choosing California State and UC campuses, which has made the admissions process more difficult for students to get into. One way parents can tackle the competitiveness is to let campuses know if they are a “financial need family or merit family.”

“A lot of these schools provide a ton of merit aid to these families – that brings the [cost] down to where it would be the same as going to a California school,” she said. “A lot of the out-of-state campuses are not impacted. Oftentimes, students can get out in four years at the same price tag that they would be paying for an in-state California school. … There’s a lot of opportunities out there.”

Students and parents can find updates about the College Series in the Sunday message that Colletto sends out through the principal. They can also access the information in the SRHS Foundation’s website under the “College Corner” tab. The Associated Student Body also sends these updates on its Instagram page.

“There are a lot of options outside of our wonderful California schools that are affordable,” Colletto said. “We learned that many students are under a lot of pressure to be that 5.0 student with the volunteer experience and sports. It stresses the kids out. Just love your student. Love who they are. Encourage them to be their personal best and there will be a college for them.”

(March 26, 2021) The mayor of San Diego, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) board president and the SDUSD superintendent issued a public message urging students and parents to “Stop the Surge” over Spring Break, cautioning against Miami Beach-style super spreader events in order to keep COVID-19 numbers down across San Diego County as it begins to open up. Here is their message:

As San Diego and its largest school system continue to gradually reopen, city leaders are cautioning students, parents and others to avoid large gatherings like the ones occurring in Miami Beach over Spring Break. Spring Break in San Diego Unified begins on Monday.

“San Diego has some of the best outdoor attractions in the world, but it’s not an excuse to let our guards down in the fight against COVID-19 during Spring Break,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “We have made so much progress to stop the spread and begin the reopening process. Let’s work together so we don’t lose the ground we’ve gained and get our kids back in the classroom safely.”

San Diego Unified Board of Education President Richard Barrera, Superintendent Cindy Marten and San Diego Education Association President Kisha Borden echoed the mayor’s call for students to participate in responsible recreation.

“Friends and families can have fun together without creating super spreader events,” Board President Barrera said. “Schools are leading the way by demonstrating to young people how to be together without sharing exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We need students to remember those lessons about mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing, even when they are not on campus and no adults are supervising them.”

Superintendent Marten agreed. She added, “We want to speak directly to our students today, because they have demonstrated incredible courage and resilience through this pandemic. This is not the time to let our guard down. Have fun, get lots of rest and make sure you stay healthy for when school reopens online on April 5 and for in-person learning on April 12.”

SDEA President Borden reminded San Diegans about the massive surge in COVID-19 following the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years’ holidays.

“Though cases are declining in California they are once again on the rise in other parts of the country due to new variants, social gatherings and relaxing of mask usage. We must not allow the coming Spring Break holiday to set back the return to regular activities that all of us have been working toward,” Borden said.

Mayor Gloria and the education leaders urged the city’s students and parents to follow the medical advice from San Diego Unified School District Physician Dr. Howard Taras. Dr. Taras set out six practical ways to stop a surge in COVID-19 due to Spring Break.

  1.  Get vaccinated: If you are eligible to get the vaccine, book an appointment through your medical system, at a county-sponsored site, or a nearby pharmacy and get one as soon as you can.

  2.  Distance: Avoid mingling with other families (relatives and friends). If you do, stay six feet apart and wear your masks.

  3.  Outdoors is safest: If you are enjoying beverages and food with relatives and friends over the break, do so outdoors and keep your distance. This is true for homes and restaurants. Outdoor parks and beaches are better than indoors.

  4.  Masks: Places like airplanes, trains and airports can be safe, but only if everyone keeps their masks on. Since you cannot control what strangers do, keep your own mask on and keep your distance.

  5.  Self-quarantine: If you do not want to be tested, and you have traveled or mingled with other households over Spring Break, please stay at home for 10 days. Students may choose the “online” option for their education for the first 10 days after the Spring Break, and then opt to return to school.

(Feb. 23, 2021) The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) released an announcement about its plans to reopen school campuses for in-person classes the week of April 12. However, the planned openings are dependent on San Diego County being back in the Red Tier, teachers being vaccinated and safety measures being in place on campuses to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition, online learning will continue to be an option for families this spring.

Here is the SDUSD announcement:

San Diego Unified, the state’s second-largest school district, announced plans to return to in-person instruction the week of April 12, based on a regional agreement to start teacher vaccinations next week. The reopening plan would apply to all grade levels and take effect as soon as San Diego County drops back into the state’s Red Tier, teachers who wish to be vaccinated have had the opportunity to do so, and proper safety measures continue to be in place on every campus.

“Our plan to reopen classrooms in April is the result of groundbreaking collaboration between our city, our county and our professional educators. From the start of this crisis, we have remained committed to reopening when it was safe and responsible to do so. Full vaccinations for educators are part of that safety plan, and we are very grateful for our regional partners helping us to achieve this goal,” Board President Richard Barrera said.

The City of San Diego has offered to make emergency medical personnel available to help administer vaccines to educators, and the County of San Diego has said teacher vaccinations could begin as soon as Monday, March 1.

Board President Barrera also praised the State Legislature for the clear reopening guidance in Senate Bill 86, which was released Thursday, Feb. 18. He also thanked the panel of UC San Diego medical experts, which released the latest recommendations to the district Friday, Feb. 19. Those two steps last week have allowed the district to keep its commitment to follow the science in planning for a safe, responsible classroom reopening, Barrera said.

Even as the district prepares for a return to in-person instruction, the district recognizes some parents will not feel safe sending their students back on campus at this time. For those families, online learning will continue to be an option.

“In the past year, our country has lost 500,000 people to this terrible disease, and we know our young people have also felt its effects, through lost loved ones, and also through lost opportunities. We also know this loss has not impacted all communities equally, and our historically disadvantaged students have suffered the most from the COVID-19 crisis. It is up to all of us to give them back their future – not only on the day we reopen classrooms, but on each day afterwards by renewing California’s commitment to equity in education,” Barrera said.

Currently, some 4,000 students are visiting schools for scheduled learning appointments, and many more will soon be returning to more than 500 learning labs, which are scheduled to open in the weeks before the full reopening following Spring Break. However, these opportunities are largely designed to support students who face severe obstacles to online learning. They include students experiencing homelessness, English language learners and many special education students. Barrera described these efforts as important, but insufficient given the extraordinary level of need.

“San Diegans can be rightfully proud of the heroic efforts our teachers and other workers have put forward over the past year,” Barrera said. “They have served 12 million free meals, distributed more than 80,000 laptops and thousands of WiFi hotspots, hosted forums for thousands of parents in many different languages, and most of all, they have never stopped working to make our school buildings safer. That work will only grow in importance as we prepare to reopen classrooms.”

According to the San Diego County Office of Education, some 88,000 students are now participating in a hybrid learning environment, including some time on campus. That county number would immediately double once San Diego Unified launches its own hybrid program.

Board Vice President Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne called on state lawmakers to move quickly to pass SB86 and then to move forward with additional funding for an equity-based recovery.

“Now is the time for the state to embark on a recovery plan to provide more instruction time and more dedicated attention to students. This recovery must be based on acceleration, not remediation,” Dr. Whitehurst-Payne said. “State funding must be set aside now, so districts can begin planning to implement evidence-based strategies, which should be locally driven, but could include expanded tutoring, in-person academic and enrichment classes this summer, and mental health supports.”

All families will be asked to share their preferences for returning their students to in-person classroom instruction in a district survey.

Seniors at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) describe both the bad and good aspects of distance learning – and explain what activities they miss most.

Nick Aguilar
Four-year cross country runner

“I really miss the cross country invitationals and getting to represent your school. Usually, we have the Mt. Carmel invite and there’s always such a big crowd, and it’s a fun and notable experience each season,” Nick Aguilar said.

Aguilar shared what he misses from in-person classes.

“I miss the personal connection with teachers. I miss getting to joke around with the teachers and the one-on-one question and answer time. It’s a lot harder to interact with your teachers online,” he said.

He commented on the positives of a virtual school year.

“The good thing about online learning is that I get more personal time. I have been able to spend more time with my family, which I think is nice especially since next year I’ll be off to college,” Aguilar said.

Along with cross country, Aguilar participates in Falcon Peer Tutoring and is the vice president of the Letters of Light club at SRHS.

Outside of school, he is part of the Chamber Bravura acapella choir and volunteers at the It’s all About the Kids Foundation.

Aguilar hopes to attend the University of California, Los Angeles to study human biology or genetics this fall.

Mackenzie Cain
Four-year theatre member

“I’m missing the social interaction. I miss seeing my friends in person and the teachers. I’ve been Facetiming my friends, but it’s not the same as seeing them at school,” Mackenzie Cain said.

She explained the hardships she has faced due to virtual learning.

“It’s hard not being able to stay after class. I used to be able to ask questions then. Now, it’s harder to ask questions because sometimes the teachers will miss your email.” Cain said.

She conveyed the benefits she has experienced with online learning.

“I like not having my camera on because I can go to class in my pajamas and in my bed. You don’t really have to wake up early … and it saves a lot of time,” she said.

In November 2020, Cain was able to participate in a virtual play through the school.

“It was nice that we were able to put on a production even through this time,” she said.

Outside of SRHS, Cain is Miss San Diego’s Outstanding Teen and has signed with Rage Model and Talent Agency. She participates in the Race for Autism and plays recreational soccer.

She has plans to attend Washington State University to study animal science.

Sabrina Krebs
Captain of varsity volleyball team

“I’ve been on the volleyball team for four years. We’ve been able to qualify for states and it’s sad that this year we were not able to do that. It would be nice to just have one last season with all the friends I’ve grown close with through the years,” Sabrina Krebs said.

She discussed the challenges she has seen through online school.

“I miss learning through others in a classroom. I miss seeing people in the hallways and being able to interact with everyone,” Krebs said. “It’s been difficult to communicate with teachers. Sometimes we have group assignments and it’s been hard to coordinate with group members.”

She explained how online learning has been beneficial.

“Online learning has helped me with my technological skills, which is something I’ll need in the future. I’ve been used to writing with paper and pencil, but now I’ve gotten better with typing,” she said.

Other than volleyball, Krebs is a part of the club Circle of Friends at SRHS.

Krebs is part of Wave, a club volleyball team, and Girl Scouts outside of school.

She plans to attend Pepperdine University to study occupational therapy.

Dean Bisco
Four-year theatre member

“We’ve had one show this year and it was virtual. The show was a really different experience, but it was still fun and I’m glad we’re keeping theatre alive. However, I miss performing on a stage instead of a camera in my room,” Dean Bisco said.

He spoke about what has been difficult because of virtual learning.

“Staying engaged is hard. You’re in your own environment and that definitely has more distractions. It is easy to get disengaged with the material when on Zoom because you can just go on another tab,” Bisco said.

He voiced what has helped in regard to virtual learning.

“Teachers are adapting well and I think it’s really impressive. They use a lot of platforms that keep everything organized. It helps to see the due date of everything through those platforms because it keeps me on time,” he said.

Outside of SRHS, he is involved in the Chamber Bravura acapella choir.

Along with acting in the SRHS plays, Bisco is also the vice president of the theatre program board and is part of the improv team.

He hopes to attend a four-year university in California and study computer science.

A group of parents are determined to give their kids a great senior high school experience, despite an unprecedented school year.

The Scripps Ranch Senior Parent Committee is made up of parent volunteers who work to prepare events for Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) class of 2021.

Jody Luke created the committee in September once she realized the school district wasn’t going to hold events for seniors due to COVID-19.

“It didn’t seem like anyone was advocating for kids … That kind of broke my heart right away,” Luke said. “I think at that point I felt like I had to do something.”

Luke, the mother of a SRHS senior, a freshman and a sixth grader, called other parents she knew to form the committee.

Now, the committee is 15 members strong, with 250 members in their Facebook group.

Luke’s goal with the committee is to support and celebrate seniors.

“I think senior year is a really pivotal time in someone’s life,” Luke said. “This was supposed to be their time to be leaders and captains and role models, and they found themselves at home, in front of the computer all day with no activities and no sports.”

The committee’s first event was lighting the SRHS football stadium for 20 minutes and 21 seconds in the fall when football season was normally held.

“It doesn’t seem like a huge thing, but it was a big deal,” Luke said. “It was something that said, ‘Hey seniors. We see you, we recognize the loss, but we want to support you.’”

During homecoming week, the committee partnered with Scripps Ranch restaurants to organize a seniors’ restaurant week. Ten restaurants participated by giving seniors a discount.

In November 2020, the committee put together an event for seniors to paint parking spots. Painting spots is a tradition normally held as a fundraiser, and this year the committee ensured it was COVID-safe. Since the SRHS campus was off-limits, seniors were allowed to paint parking spots in the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library parting lot.

“I heard of someone, once their grandparents got the vaccine, they took them down to see their senior parking spot,” Luke said. “I don’t know if they would have done that (otherwise).”

Other events the committee put on include a senior drive-in night at the Santee Drive In Theater, a Starbucks Falcon drink, connecting the high school seniors to senior citizens at The Glen at Scripps Ranch Retirement through letters and more.

Luke said it’s been cool to see the community come together for the seniors.

“It speaks to the testament of the families of Scripps Ranch that where they see a need, people just step up,” she said.

Their upcoming events include powderpuff football, a senior picture with a drone and a graduation parade.

“We knew this was going to be challenging from day one,” Luke said. “All these parents have come together to say, ‘Let’s not just watch and wait and see, but be a part of a solution and make some memories for our kids.’”

Luke said the students are grateful they have not been forgotten.

“The amount of gratitude we’ve gotten from seniors and families has been satisfying,” she said. “But that’s not why we did it. We did it because there’s a need, and Scripps Ranch families rise to the challenge when there’s a need.”

Sophomores at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) Michael Ohayon and Anush Salaniwal started a club to help students of all levels learn about career paths.

“When I was in quarantine, I was talking to a lot of college and fellow high school students about what career they wanted to enter. For a lot of students, they found it hard to nail down one answer. Many of them didn’t know what they wanted to do and, honestly, I found myself in the same boat,” Salaniwal said.

To help his fellow peers, Salaniwal decided to start the Scripps Ranch Professional Career Club (SRPCEC) and enlisted the help of Ohayon.

“This club is aimed at students of any grade level that find themselves confused about what path they want to follow. I think choosing a career path is really daunting and I wanted to educate myself and those around me so that we are able to make the right choice for ourselves,” Salaniwal said.

Salaniwal and Ohayon set up a YouTube channel in which they interview professionals in different careers to aid those who find themselves lost.

They have interviewed a pediatric anesthesiologist and an electrical engineer who also teaches, for example.

The team planned to post interviews with these professionals about once or twice a month.

“The interviews that we post give our peers first-hand knowledge about these career paths. With these interviews, you get to see the parts of these careers that aren’t in a textbook or written. It’s the real experiences and trials of these professionals that help students who are unsure of what career they might want to go into,” Salaniwal said.

Not only does the club have a YouTube channel, but they also promote their interviews on their Instagram page @scrippsranch_careerexploration.

“On the Instagram page, we post about the interviews that we conducted. We also use the Instagram page as part of our outreach. We hope that people will see the page and watch the videos and learn, or that professionals see the page and are willing to be interviewed,” Ohayon said.

For Salaniwal and Ohayon, their main goal is to continue educating and inspiring others.

“As someone who is also trying to find the right career path, it just makes me happy to know that my word is getting out there. I want to be able to educate those around me because I know how difficult it can be to narrow down a career path,” Ohayon said.

Outside of the SRPCEC, Salaniwal plays water polo for SRHS as well as the club team Poway Valley and has also played piano for nine years.

At SRHS, Ohayon participates in Winterguard, plays sousaphone in the marching band and has been playing guitar for seven years.

“I feel like we’re all so stressed about what’s after high school or what’s coming next so, if we can just help clear that up and relieve some of that tension, that is our hope. If we get to see at least one person that is able to find their career path because of our work, then this is all worth it,” Ohayon said.

The team hopes to expand its outreach by using social media platforms.

To reach them, email srpcec@gmail.com. To keep up with the latest interviews, watch their YouTube channel at bit.ly/3sqHVNY.

Seniors at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) express their thoughts about going through their senior year under distance learning restrictions.

Rocco Granucci
Four-year baseball player

“The main thing I’m missing is my senior baseball season. Sophomore year we went to CIF and since last year we didn’t get the chance to go again, I was hoping that this year we would be able to go and win,” Rocco Granucci said.

He described his feelings toward missing an in-person senior year.

“I miss seeing my friends that I would make in specific classes. I miss the social environment at lunch. I was also really looking forward to going to prom with my girlfriend of three years,” he said.

He shared the difficulties he has experienced due to virtual learning.

“It’s just hard to stay motivated. Staring at a screen really sucks and I find it really hard to stay motivated when you’re not physically going somewhere,” Granucci said.

At SRHS, Granucci is part of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

Outside of school, he volunteers for the organization Lion’s heart.

Granucci plans to go to a four-year university to study business and play Division III baseball.

Sanjana Ganti
Captain of the varsity
tennis team

“I really miss the face-to-face interaction. I was really looking forward to my last tennis season, rallies and school spirit,” Sanjana Ganti said.

She explained her thoughts on this virtual school year.

“The lack of face-to-face interaction makes it feel less like school. It doesn’t feel like senior year. We haven’t had any dances or any sporting events,” Ganti said.

Ganti shared the benefits she has seen with virtual learning.

“Three classes have helped to decrease the workload and helped when I was applying to colleges. I’ve noticed that when you’re taking more APs, you’re not as overwhelmed because it’s more split up now. I have more time to focus on other things now,” she said.

Along with varsity tennis at SRHS, Ganti is the manager for the boys tennis team and is part of the Model United Nations club.

Outside of SRHS, she is the president of the South Asian Culture Show (SACS) and plays guitar.

She has plans to go to an in state four-year university and study computer science.

Makenzie Kensel
Four-year field
hockey player

“I’m really missing not having a senior field hockey season. We probably would have gone to playoffs and played in CIF again. I just miss being able to hang out with my second family,” Mackenzie Kensel said.

She conveyed her struggles and positive experiences with online learning.

“It’s kind of harder with teachers that don’t understand technology as much. It’s also hard to stay motivated because you’re not in a physical classroom. There are way more distractions when you’re at home. I also miss seeing my friends that I usually wouldn’t see outside of school,” Kensel said. “Being at home though has led me to have more time outside of school work. I am able to do things that I enjoy more now.”

Kensel shared her final wishes for the school year.

“I really hope that we are able to have prom,” she said.

Outside of school, Kensel coaches field hockey for middle schoolers for the club team Mystix.

She is committed to Hartwick College for Division III field hockey where she hopes to study psychology.

Alanna Reyes
Four-year volleyball player

“I miss the little things like seeing friends during lunch and passing period, and sitting in my car in the morning listening to music,” Alanna Reyes said. “I definitely miss high school volleyball. This would have been my senior season, which is a really special time for dedicated athletes.”

She described how online learning has benefitted her.

“I have a little more independent time for homework and extracurriculars, which is much needed since our classes are moving at a much faster pace with more independent work. It is also nice to wear comfy pajamas to class every day too,” she said.

Reyes explained how virtual learning can be challenging as well.

“No one is really stopping us from lazily lying in bed and not paying attention, so we have to motivate ourselves to stay proactive and engaged. It is also really hard for me, as a visual and social learner, to fully grasp concepts through a screen,” Reyes said.

At SRHS, she is part of Associated Student Body and the Letters of Light club.

Outside of school, she plays for Wave Volleyball Club and volunteers at Feeding San Diego.

She plans to attend a four-year university and study kinesiology/exercise science.

Garner Saguil, a fourth-grade seminar teacher and the choir director at Dingeman Elementary School, has been teaching his class ukulele since last year after teaching himself how to play during a vacation.

“I started researchingukuleles for the kids, and I found the prices for all of that,” Saguil said. “I started researching grants, and I put together a grant with donorschoose.org. But the only thing with donorschoose.org is you can only put in for 25 ukuleles, and I teach fourth grade, and our numbers can go up to 35 students.”

Seniors at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) provide their thoughts about missing "Friday night lights" as well as other traditional activities – and describe how they are coping with distance learning. 

Shea Richardson-Pepper
Four-year lacrosse player  

"I miss the dances and I'm nervous about not being able to have Prom. I really miss the football games too. It's not so much about the game, but the people you're with and the memories being made," Shea Richardson-Pepper said. 

She explained her experiences and struggles with virtual learning. 

"It's crazy to think that I'm a senior this year because it doesn't feel like we're in school anymore. I move from my bed to my desk to do work. Right now, it's hard to make friends … because we're not really interacting with anyone anymore," she said. 

As a member of the varsity lacrosse team since sophomore year, she shared her disappointment in losing her season. 

"Last year our season was cut short, so we only got to play like four or five games. Lacrosse is a big aspect of my life and most of my closest friends play it. Not having my senior season with my team hurts," Richardson-Pepper said. 

Despite her struggles, she remains optimistic about these trying times. 

"As unfortunate as the situation is, I'm still really grateful to have what I have. I think it's easy to focus on what we can't do, but you really have to think of the bigger picture and that is that we're a part of something historical now," Richardson-Pepper said.

She is also a part of the SRHS yearbook staff.

Outside of school, she plays for San Diego Wave lacrosse and works at Chili's. 

She plans to attend a four-year university and play Division III lacrosse. 

"I miss watching the games. Some of my friends are on the football team, so it's kind of a bummer that I can't watch them play and cheer them on," Steven Lancia said.

He shared his differing experiences regarding virtual learning. 

"I like having only three classes now and not going to every class every day. The quarter system feels more efficient to me," Lancia said. "However, I feel like it's super hard to communicate now with teachers. It feels like everything is hidden behind a screen. You just can't substitute the in-person experience because we can't just talk to our friends in the halls anymore."

He hopes to have his senior baseball season this year. 

"I want to win Western League again. We did that two years ago and I'm sure we would've done it again last year if our season didn't get cut short," he said. "I'm hoping to just practice and see the team again. They really become like your family."

Outside of SRHS, Lancia plays for Trosky Baseball. 

He hopes to commit to the University of California, San Diego to play Division I baseball.

Olivia Mann
Four-year cheerleader
and pole vaulter 

"I miss cheering at the games and rallies. The whole team is really close and I miss just meeting up with them and getting to practice and prepare," Olivia Mann said. 

She conveyed the positives and negatives of virtual learning. 

"Just staying interested is hard because you're not in a classroom and there are a lot of distractions around you at home. It's hard because of the lack of interaction as well. I feel like it's less stressful virtually though, so that's nice," Mann said. 

As part of the pole vault team, she explained her feelings of missing her season. 

"It's sad that I'm going to be missing both of my senior seasons. I've been a part of both teams for all of my four years and I was really looking forward to having this last season. I'm hoping that we can have somewhat of a season, but we just don't know yet," Mann said.

At SRHS, she is involved in the clubs Letters of Life and Pioneer Women. 

Outside of school, she dances at SoCal - Dance. 

Mann plans to attend a four-year university. 

"It's definitely a big bummer that we aren't having football games this year. It's definitely hard for the seniors on the football team who were looking forward to their last season. I feel bad for the freshmen because they aren't able to experience those games," Grady Pond said. 

He shared his struggles about online learning. 

"I miss the social interaction between students and teachers. Not having that face-to-face interaction makes it hard looking at it from a student's perspective," he said. 

But, he described the benefits of virtual learning. 

"I like how I can set my schedule. It makes it easier to get things done when you have more control over the day," Pond said.

He explained how the teachers have been helping.

"I think the teachers are trying really hard to make everything really inclusive and they've been very comforting. They're doing their best to keep us interacting with them," Pond said.

Outside of school, Pond participates in the volunteer organization Lion's Heart and plays for the Rotten Cheeseburgers club lacrosse team. 

Pond hopes to attend San Diego State University and study political science.

"What I miss most is just seeing my friends. It's just hard to interact with anyone right now," Melina Dimitropoulou said. "I'm missing interacting with my teachers more directly. Virtual learning has been pretty hard to get accustomed to," 

As president of Peer Tutoring, Dimitropoulou shared her challenges and experiences of running a club virtually.

"It was hard at first to get people to sign up for peer tutoring and send out the right links. It was new for us to be tutoring through Zoom," she said. "Things have worked themselves out though and we're able to tutor more people as well now since we don't have to physically be at school."

Dimitropoulou, a four-year member of Science Olympiad, explained her concerns for this season. Their competition will be in March and held virtually. 

"Right now, we've been studying alone. I'm a little nervous to see how the competition will play out because a big part of the competition is being able to communicate with your partner directly," she said. "I think there will be a way for us to message our partners during the competition, but it's not the same." 

Outside of school, Dimitropoulou ice skates at the San Diego Ice Arena. 

She plans to attend a four-year university to study computer science.