BSU February 26, 2024

by Ian Owdom- Editor-in-Chief

On Monday, February 26, many gathered in Royce Hall to celebrate Black History Month. The doors opened at 5:30 pm and the performance began just before 7pm. Upon entering, snack tables with items like chips and water were available for sale. The proceeds to help fund the Fresno High BSU. There were also listening stations to learn about Black history and photo booths to remember the moment with those important to you.  

The event commenced with an informative documentary, shedding light on the beginnings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Alabama A&M. Subsequently, African Drum Interactive took the stage, showcasing traditional routines reminiscent of an African village, emphasizing collective music production. Audience members and volunteers were encouraged to join in by playing shakes (maracas) on stage. The group also delivered a vibrant drum performance akin to a theatrical production, featuring a variety of drums in different shapes and sizes, played both by hand and with sticks. 

The BSU students participated in other performances including a duet and the Step Dance team where they used rhythm to talk about HBCU’s. Advisors Mr. Hop and Mr. Bugg spoke about their experience at their respective HBCU’s, Savannah State and Morehouse University, talking about how it felt to be around people who were more like them and what it was like.  

Finally, a Kahoot of Who is Invited to the Cookout? The Kahoot featured popular characters such as Uncle Phil, Bernie Mac, Oprah Winfrey, Regina King, and more. The crowd was to choose between two people at a time determining who would be invited to the cookout.  

Afterwards Mr. Bugg honored BSU’s seniors by calling to the front of the stage and talking about the time they have shared together and their importance to the club. 

Mardi Gras: Tower District

by Levi Gagliano- Social Media

Mardi Gras is a centuries old tradition that has multiple theories on where it originates from. Many people believe that the holiday comes from here, in America, specifically New Orleans, but that is not fully true. One theory is that the holiday dates way back to the Middle Ages of European Christianity as a way to celebrate the twelfth day of Christmas, or better known as Three Kings Day. This, over time eventually became Fat Tuesday or the day of prayer before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is also deemed to have pagan roots, as traces show that during medieval Rome and Europe it was celebrated before the fasting period of Easter, the day of fertility and the beginning of Spring. This created the Christian tradition of giving up something important for 40 days as it is the first day of lent or the day of remembrance from the bible of Jesus’ fasting period in the desert, enduring temptation from Satan. This holiday is to Commemorate Jesus’ forgiveness of all sins, grief, death, and mortality.

This year, tower district hosted their Mardi Gras party on February tenth at one pm. They had around 30 different floats including multiple sponsorship cars. There were appearances by Goldstein’s, Lincoln Pub, the fire station, Bobby Salazar’s, Heineken beer, and many others. There were also other crafts like an Addams Family float, Killer clowns from outer space, the Mystery Machine, a raiders float along the rosary club of Fresno, three hearses, the 105.1 radio station, two pride floats, drag queens and multiple singers/ bands that were playing cover songs!

Super Bowl

By Jeremiah Gomez- Sports Editor

February 11 was the day of the annual Super Bowl presented by the NFL. This year, the fans got a Super Bowl rematch between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The big game this year was hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada. Like their first matchup in 2020, the game once again resulted in the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers. The final score was 22-25. 

Unlike the first match up, however, this game went into overtime. This was only the second time in Super Bowl history when a Super Bowl went into overtime. The 49ers had multiple chances to put this game away. They led through most of this game with leads in the late fourth quarter and in overtime too. However, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs found a way again, now winning back-to-back Super Bowls. The Super Bowl's most valuable player once again went to Patrick Mahomes who threw for 333 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing yards. This is his 3rd Super Bowl MVP. 

As for the 49ers, this is their third straight Super Bowl loss. The last time they were able to win a championship was in 1995. The drought will continue in San Francisco as the Kansas City Chiefs will try to be the first team in NFL history to pull off a 3-peat next season. 

Fresno High Hosts Regional Bands

by Joshua Butz

The performing arts aim to foster diverse and creatively adventurous individuals at local, national, and international levels, emphasizing excellence, community involvement, audience engagement, and personal fulfillment through the arts. 

On Regional Band Day, which took place at Royce Hall, students in grades 5-12 from 12 different schools in the Fresno high region gathered to rehearse music for a concert. The repertoire included "Merrily We Roll Along" and "Au Claire de la Lune" for Elementary, "Aunt Rhody Plays a Visit" for Middle School, and "Ascentuim" for high school, culminating in a joint performance of "Hot Cross Buns.” 

The event concluded with a concert for the community and families, highlighting the significance of Regional Band Day in inspiring students to continue their musical pursuits. Witnessing almost 500 musicians performing together is truly remarkable, offering insight into the progression from elementary to high school and the exciting musical prospects ahead. 

Moreover, Regional Band Day provides a platform for students to showcase their growth and collaboration within the community. These experiences not only encourage risk-taking but also fulfill educational goals and are overseen by the Arts Education manager. The coordination of the Fresno High regional music events is led by the region's music teachers and organized by Mrs. Morehead.