Features Overview
ToK: Banned Books
by Conor Hustedde
Fresno High’s head librarian Mrs. Sue Navarro gave a lecture on February 10 about banned books. The lecture was organized for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class, an I.B. class focused on learning how to think deeper about and exploring philosophical topics. The lecture was held to deepen students’ knowledge on the concept of banning books. Her lecture explored the history of banned books, what makes books more likely to get banned, and what books are being banned in contemporary times. A large component of the lecture focused on the recent wave of books being banned throughout the U.S. As an activity, small cards with graphics on them designed by students were handed out. Each card represented a band book, and attendees had to guess the reasoning behind the banning based on what was on the card. Students then researched the true reasons behind the bannings and shared their findings with each other. To conclude the lecture, Mrs. Navarro had the students choose from a wall of wrapped books, each contested or banned in a school across the country, which were gifted to the students.
Here is a list of the top ten banned books of 2020 compiled by the American Library Association:
George by Alex Gino
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
CART Showcase
by Kayla Madrigal
CART (Center for Advance Research and Technology) is a hands-on school where juniors and seniors have the option to learn new and exacting skills that may lead to their future careers. Every year CART has a showcase. It is a big event to show off to parents, board members from Fresno and Clovis Unified, teachers and fellow peers what they have learned so far. Many of our Fresno High students attend CART.
CART showcases are usually bigger, but this year CART had to keep it a small event because of COVID-19. They usually have three shows: morning class, afternoon class and after school. This year teachers allowed students to take shifts so everyone could enjoy the showcase. There are many labs with different activities and goals that were shared.
Ryan Moua said, "I feel that CART’s showcase is a great way for students to explore and learn more about their current lab. With my lab being Biomedicine, my group and I research medication and it’s use with critical patients, CART’s showcase allows us students to inform adults and members of other labs to learn about the lab we are in.”
Winter Formal
by Nick Bonilla
Winter Formal was on Saturday February 26, and it went from 7pm to 10 pm. The original date was supposed to be February 5, but it had been postponed because there were too many unforeseen circumstances that were happening. Winter Formal tickets were for sale for $20 and only 200 were available for purchase. Students were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test before purchasing a ticket as well clear financial accounts with the library.
There was another part to purchasing a ticket this year, a criterion for students called “the non-privilege list.” This only occurred if a student had more than five unexcused full day absences and 10 or more tardies since the beginning of the quarter. If that student meets one of those criteria, they needed VP approval to be able to attend Winter Formal.
Winter Formal was held at Severance Dance Studio on February 26. From 7-10, Warriors enjoyed pre-packages snacks, photos, and lots of dancing. Sadly, there was no royalty this year due to limited interest. The general perception of the night was a successful event where students were able to once again gather with friends in person. The one negative centered around the suffocating heat that turned the gathering into a sauna. Students, however, were so excited to be together in person that even this nuisance was handled in stride.