The Crusader encourages community dialogue on public matters. Letters submitted to the Crusader may be edited prior to publication and must include a full name and class grade. Please email letters to either Opinion Editor, Antoinette Gilbert ([email protected]) or Paula Pichay ([email protected]) or visit www.bonitavistacrusader.org to view additional letters.
Dear Editor,
Hello, my name is Adam Ramirez. I am a senior here at Bonita Vista High School and I wanted to give my opinion about the article “Warning!” by Cielo Muniz Sigala. Jumping straight to my point, I want to say that I greatly appreciate the coverage of such a significant and necessary topic that needed to be shared as soon as possible. Having the article titled ‘Warning!’ emphasizes the urgency of the issue at hand and serves as an excellent attention grabber. It’s articles like these where I find journalism to be the most effective. Sigala’s decision to bring attention to the recent issues concerning strangers offering rides to students serves as a vital public service announcement for the students attending Bonita. Without reading this article I would’ve never known about these incidents and I’m sure that’s true for a lot of other people who have or are going to read this article. I also appreciate that Sigala was able to move from just focusing on Bonita and started to discuss the subject’s impact on SUHSD as a whole. Reading about what happened at Montgomery High made me think about how many incidents relating to human trafficking could be left unreported. I hope to see more reporting of this quality in the future, as it plays a crucial role in keeping our school informed and safe.
Sincerely,
Adam Ramirez
Dear Editor,
I was pleased to read the news article “The wrath of Hillary” by Cielo Muniz Sigala and Delilah Bannister, which touched on the damages of Hurricane Hillary made in classrooms around BVHS campus. As a student of Dr. Mardahl, my learning environment was greatly affected by the hurricane, as we were forced to move out of the classroom for a couple weeks due to a ceiling leak. I appreciate this article because it has highlighted consequences that have severely impacted various teachers and their students around campus. The article states, “due to the water exposure during the hurricane, both teachers experienced damage to personal items.” This created setbacks in the lesson plans of these teachers, and I am thankful that this was acknowledged in this article. Additionally, the article reports on the school’s aging infrastructure, mentioning, “Now that the school is surpassing the age of 60 years, staff members like Mardhal strongly believe that it is time for a change within the school’s infrastructure,” which I wholeheartedly agree with. This article has brought light to the outdated school infrastructure, which has caused major inconveniences for many teachers on campus. Overall, I believe this was a fantastic report on Hurricane Hillary because it was able to humanize its impacts on the BVHS community. Thank you for covering this in your issue.
Sincerely,
Cherise Magtoto
Dear Editor,
I recently had the opportunity to read Dani Fincher’s thought-provoking article, “Artists lost in the feed,” which discussed the complex interplay between artists and social media platforms. I appreciate how the author first highlights the positive aspects of social media for artists. Indeed, these platforms have provided artists with unprecedented opportunities to share their work on a global scale and connect with a diverse audience. However, I share the author’s concern about the detrimental impact of recent algorithm updates on artists’ well-being and livelihoods. Particularly, the craze over short form content disrupts creative liberties for those who want to succeed on these platforms. Indeed, the demand for engaging, attention-grabbing video content places artists in a dilemma where they must balance their artistic integrity with the need to gain visibility in a competitive digital landscape. The article cites Jenn Woodall, a popular online artist, who feels compelled to create reels due to algorithmic changes that deprioritize static posts. Woodall’s sentiment, “artists get punished by being made invisible by the algorithm,” sheds light on the challenges artists face in adapting to platform-driven trends. Ultimately, the author brings up a valid concern for artists around the globe, and begs the question, “How do we effectively publicize art in a way that remains authentic to its essence?”
Best,
Brianna Magtoto
Dear Editor,
My name is Kali Swanson, and I would like to comment on your recent article titled “Warning!: SUHSD Superintendent brings awareness towards recent student pick-up incidents.” Firstly, I would like to thank The Crusader for bringing this issue to light via a public platform easily accessible to BVH students. Prior to this article, I had no knowledge of this incident. As a woman, I find that I am constantly on alert when it comes to a possible threat of kidnapping and human trafficking due to the fact that young women tend to be the more vulnerable demographic. Therefore, I find it comforting to know that our school’s journalism outlet is able to provide quick information aiding in the safety of all young women attending BVH. The general knowledge of this information is crucial to the safety of not only young women but all barons who may be in danger due to pick-up incidents. I feel more safe at BVH now that I am aware of the situation and the steps being taken to eradicate it. These steps also ensure parents are aware of the predicament and are also able to take the necessary precautions. Thank you for being a team committed to the safety and comfort of all barons!
Sincerely,
Kali Swanson
Dear Editor,
I have recently read “Warning!” A News brief written by Cielo Muniz Sigala, which identified possible human trafficking happening on our own campus. I appreciate how this brief has given me much more insight into the tactics predators use in order to lure children. Reading this article has opened up a new perspective, and Sigala does a great job of obtaining sources who are well-informed about the topic. Although I am aware of the dangers of trafficking, it alarms me that this isn’t more talked about, especially because students from our own campus are being lured into this trap. Referencing the source Summer Stephen, the San Diego District Attorney states, “It’s important that no students accept a ride. . .” Informs me that teenagers aren’t aware of the dangers of taking rides from strangers. I know personally, that people my age have become more desensitized by the daily dangers that surround them, so I appreciate how Sigala is bringing awareness and making sure that students don’t make the same mistakes that others have done in the past. Hopefully, this brief will enlighten people about the dangers that could possibly happen to them in the future.
Thank you,
Eliza Noblejas
Dear Editor,
Today I read your news article about recent student pick-up incidents, which was published to The Crusader on September 16, 2023. I found the information you talked about extremely surprising, as I have never heard of anything like this in our community. I am glad that I took the time to read this article, as it is critical that students and parents are educated on these types of situations. Regarding the composition of your article, I appreciate how it is simple and straightforward while still being highly informational and maintaining professionalism. I also like the fact that you made sure to inform us as students that things are being done in response to this news, I am sure parents appreciate this detail as well. Human trafficking is a very scary thing, but I feel more at ease knowing that the higher-ups of our district are taking action, like Mr. Romero said. Something that would’ve been a good addition to your article is student voices, like some Bonita students’ opinions and feelings on the human-trafficking scheme happening on various campuses. Regardless of this, I genuinely found your article useful.
Thank you,
Mikayla Perreault
