Holiday Home Tour

by Ian Owdom

Editor-in-Chief

Fresno's annual Home Tour made its return this year, featuring a breathtaking selection of four homes along with a special visit to the Tower Theatre. Student docents from Fresno High School enriched the experience for visitors by sharing insights about the artworks, architectural designs, and historical significance of each location. Among the highlights was the Solstice tree crafted from driftwood by Idaho artist Eric Stufflebeam, displayed at "The Peace Home."

The student volunteers come from various programs, and each year, members of the FHS Senate and full IB diploma candidates play a crucial role in making the Fresno High Home Tour a success.

This Home Tour is not just a showcase of exquisite homes; it also serves to support local businesses and organizations. A pre-tour gathering took place at the local establishment, Moto Delicatessen & Bodega. Many homes featured antiques from the local shop "Palm and Olive Antiques." The proceeds from the event frequently benefit community initiatives, ensuring a rewarding experience for both attendees and the wider community.

Cookies and Cram

by Levi Gagliano-Bingham

Features Editor

Cookies and Cram is an annual event held at Fresno High at the end of the first semester, designed for freshmen who need assistance with finals or other projects. This gathering helps them catch up on the credits necessary for their first year. Attendees can enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies while they study. The event typically takes place in the Cafeteria or Library after school for about an hour, attracting around 100 students. All freshmen are encouraged to attend, even if they don't require help.

Sponsored by Link Crew advisors, including Mama Bee (Melissa Bangerter), Ms. Keldejian, Mr. Bug, Mr. Rivera, and Mr. Amador, this year's Cookies and Cram occurred on Monday, December 16th, in the Cafeteria. Although only about 20 students attended, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Freshman Brianna Alonso remarked that it was a "great chance to socialize with upperclassmen." Senior Omar Caro shared that he "loves having a study hall during finals week" and appreciates the cookies and hot chocolate. Others mentioned they felt well-prepared for their finals.

Teacher Feature: Mrs. Claudia Nieto

by Jessenia Varela-Gomez

Mrs. Claudia Nieto, affectionately known as Mrs. N by her students, was born on January 14, 1983, in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, California. She later relocated to Fresno, California, in the sixth grade. From a young age, she aspired to become a fashion designer, a dream fueled by her passion for creating her own clothing. She made all her formal and prom dresses herself. In 2006, she began her college journey at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, earning her Fashion Design AA. She then pursued a Bachelor's degree in Studio Arts at Fresno Pacific University, completing two years and graduating in 2016. In 2020, she obtained her teaching credentials from Fresno Pacific University.

Her teaching career commenced at Carter G. Woodson Public Charter School in 2016. Following a two-month student teaching stint, she secured a position at Fresno High in November 2017, where she continues to teach. Mrs. Nieto is known for her patience, helpfulness, and light-hearted spirit, always striving to cultivate a fun and creative atmosphere in her classroom.

In her leisure time, she enjoys road trips, particularly to the coast with her family, and loves spending time outdoors with her sons. One of her favorite pastimes is crafting; she proudly states, “I love D.I.Y.ING things; if you ever visit my house, you'll see that almost everything is handmade.”

Mrs. Nieto's greatest influences include her high school ceramics teacher, who encouraged her artistic aspirations, and her mother, who consistently supported her dreams. She draws inspiration from her favorite artist, Frida Kahlo, a strong female figure unafraid to celebrate her uniqueness.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Nieto hopes to still be teaching ceramics at Fresno High in ten years. She enjoys her role there and doesn't envision moving elsewhere unless a job closer to her home arises. Additionally, she dreams of establishing her own studio to teach ceramics after school or during the summer.