The Student News Site of Bonita Vista High

the Crusader
The Student News Site of Bonita Vista High

the Crusader
The Student News Site of Bonita Vista High

the Crusader
Isaiah Nafarrete

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor

I am currently a senior at  Bonita Vista High and this is my second year on staff as a Features Editor. I was previously the Videographer and chose to keep working with the Crusader as a result of the connections that I made as well as the pride I hold in the publication. The capability to cover stories that people normally would not hear about is a part of journalism that continually interests me. Outside of the Crusader, I am the BVH’s Key Club President.

Follow me on Instagram @isaiahcrusader 



All content by Isaiah Nafarrete
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[Photo] Elon Musk must stop animal testing

Antoinette Gilbert, Opinion Editor
May 15, 2024
BVH sophomores Mason Markham (left) and Ally Scott (right) perform a duo interpretation for the Speech and Debate showcase on May 10. Markham and Scott are performing a reenactment of a scene from the movie "Hidden Figures."

[Photo] Dynamic duo

Delilah Bannister, Staff Writer
May 17, 2024
BVH seniors Angela and Brianna Magtoto were two recipients of the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship. This scholarship awarded them both with 40,000 dollars and a paid internship at Amazon one year after they graduate.

[Photo] A win for two

Liam De La Fuente, Staff Writer
May 10, 2024
Photo gallery: Lady Barons bash Mariners 18-3 on senior night

Photo gallery: Lady Barons bash Mariners 18-3 on senior night

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
May 6, 2024
harvard act sat graphic 1

[Photo] Harvard University should not bring back SAT and ACT score requirements

Madison Knudson, A&C Editor
April 26, 2024
Teachers Say

Teachers Say

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
April 26, 2024
On April 19, Pickwick club advisor Raymond Chhan sorts the books donated by students for the Pickwick club book drive. Throughout the month of April students and staff donate books to drop off boxes in teacher's classrooms, like Chhan's. The books will be donated to the San Diego Literacy Council, a non-profit organization that also supports and advocates for literacy for all.

[Photo] The drive for literacy

Cash Alexander, Sports Copy Editor
April 24, 2024
BVH senior Sebastian Higuera-Rodelo is one of three seniors awarded the title of Salutatorian. Higuera-Rodelo is seen working in the BVH library after school.

[Photo] Insight on academic excellence

Carlos Cartlidge, Podcast Manager
April 22, 2024
On April 12, the English teachers met in room 407 for the English Language Department (ELD) meeting. International Baccalaureate (IB) Literature HL 1, Theory of Knowledge and first year ELD)1-2 teacher Jason Good organized the meeting to discuss the changes for the next school year.

A glimpse into the 2024-2025 academic calendar

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
April 19, 2024
BVH senior Saul Gonzalez is one of BVH's three salutatorians. Gonzalez is seen working in his first period, Human Anatomy and Physiology class.

[Photo] Saul Gonzalez announced as one of BVHs Salutatorians

Destiny Avila Ramirez, Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2024
Yes/No: Is boycotting an effective form of protest?

Yes/No: Is boycotting an effective form of protest?

Kendall Johnson and Isaiah Nafarrete
March 13, 2024
On March 1, the Bonita Vista High (BVH) girl's lacrosse team plays against San Ysidro High (SYH). The Lady Barons take the ball and travel downfield in the hopes of scoring.

A minor setback

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
March 12, 2024
On Feb. 26, BVH senior and track athlete practiced with senior and track athlete Tyler Scott. The pair are doing sprints to warm-up for their practice.

[Photo] Tracking his success

Carlos Cartlidge, Podcast Manager
March 14, 2024

Arts & Crafting: how to make slime

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
March 8, 2024
Teachers Say

Teachers Say

Isaiah Nafarrete and Paula Pichay
February 25, 2024
BVH seniors Aaliyah Victoria and Carlene Rico sell handmade baked goods including cookies, brownies and chocolate covered strawberries. They do this in order to be able to pay for their dance competition in Chicago.

[Photo] Life sure is sweet!

Isaiah Benitez, Sports Editor
February 20, 2024
On Feb. 2, the BVH Fortnite club held their first meeting in room 301. BVH Fortnite club treasurer and senior Elias Brannam explains the basic information surrounding the club during the meeting.

[Photo] Fortnite club lands at BVH

Liam De La Fuente, Staff Writer
February 16, 2024
Bonita Vista High (BVH) senior Luke Anjo is one of the many students at BVH who take advantage of the Southwestern College (SWC) gym membership. Anjo works out at the SWC gym after school, giving him access to all kinds of gym equipment.

[Photo] Southwestern offers discount to BVHS students

Liam De La Fuente, Staff Writer
February 7, 2024
On Jan. 11, at the Bonita Vista High gym, sophomore Jad Keddo (192) cracks down on his Hilltop High opponent in attempts to maintain control. This was a essential game leading up to the wrestling dual meet held on Jan. 25.

Back in the zone

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
February 5, 2024
Teachers Say

Teachers Say

Isaiah Nafarrete and Kendall Johnson
January 26, 2024
On Jan. 17, the Bonita Vista High (BVH) varsity girls water polo team outplayed Otay Ranch High's (ORH) lineup in a 22-6 beatdown. BVH captain and senior Bella Kovar (6) winds up her shot into ORH waters, taking a deep breath before launching the projectile.

BVH girl’s water polo dominates ORHS 22-6

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
January 25, 2024
On January 11, the Bonita Vista High (BVH) Barons boy's varsity wrestling team faces off against the Hilltop High (HHS) Hulks at a dual meet, with BVH wins against HHS with a score of 57-18. Prior to the first varsity rounds, the team chants "Barons!" as a way to lift spirits.

Photo gallery: BVH wrestling team faces off against HHS

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
January 19, 2024
BVH AP Secretary Claudia Roman is seen working in her office space in the main office. Roman has been working for BVH for 13 years.

[Photo] A look into BVH’s administration team

Dani Fincher, Staff Artist
December 8, 2023
On Nov. 27, senior William Fowler enjoys a game of Fortnite from the comfort of his home. Similar to many others, Fowler has enjoyed Epic Games bringing OG Fortnite back to the game.

A leap back in time

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
December 2, 2023
Senior Cherise Magtoto works on her personal statement essay during her second period International Baccalaureate (IB) English Literature Higher Level (HL) 2 class. IB English HL2 teacher Eric Helle holds an activity known as “Helle University” in which his students submit college essays and apply to this hypothetical university.

Students apply to hypothetical university

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
November 29, 2023
Teachers Say

Teachers Say

Isaiah Nafarrete and Paula Pichay
November 18, 2023
United States History, Advanced Placement African American studies and BVH's BSU advisor Don Dumas expresses his gratitude for various schools gathering at the district BSU meeting, allowing students to speak on their experiences as an African American student. Dumas attended the event as a presenter and shares experiences of his own as well.

Sharing the BSU experience

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
November 13, 2023
BVH automotive teacher Jose Leyva owns a Subaru that he modifies in his auto shop class. Car modification is a widespread niche hobby that Leyva is involved in and familiar with as he is seen working on his car.

[Photo] Unconventional transportation

Carlos Cartlidge, Podcast Manager
October 28, 2023
Teacher's Say

Teacher’s Say

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
October 25, 2023
Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES), International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Societies (IB ESS) and biology teacher Jennifer Ekstein talks to her sixth period IB ESS class about her trip to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. Ekstein points at one of the native sea turtles she saw when she and the group she was accompanied by went snorkeling.

BVH science teachers travel to the Galápagos

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
October 23, 2023
On Oct. 19, Bonita Vista High (BVH) varsity water polo played against Hilltop High at Parkway Aquatic Center. BVH varsity water polo captain, field player and junior Trevor Manaligod (8) gets ready to pass the ball to a fellow teammate.

[Photo] BVH boys’ water polo relocate to Parkway Aquatic Center

Madison Knudson, A&C Editior
October 23, 2023
Barons Speak

Barons Speak

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
October 20, 2023
On Oct. 7, an armed conflict between Palestinian military groups and Israel broke out. Palestinian group Hamas launched a barrage of rockets on Israel from the Gaza Strip, causing Israel to formally declare a state of war.

[Photo] War erupts, hate increases

Dani Fincher, Staff Artist
October 17, 2023
On Sept. 20, robotic members and seniors Matthew Ecdao, Erica Palacios and Jonathan Enriquez (left to right) are seen building the foundation of their robot. Members in the club gathered in room 210 after school to work on their projects.

Potential upgrades

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
September 22, 2023
Teachers Say

Teachers Say

Kendall Johnson and Isaiah Nafarrete
September 20, 2023
On Sep. 19, Bonita Vista High students without a sixth period exit campus through the office. In order to leave, students must present their class schedule to BVH staff.

BVH students take on modified schedules

Cash Alexander and Isaiah Nafarrete
September 20, 2023
Bonita Vista High former AP Environmental Science teacher Adrienne Marriott was freshly appointed as the BVH librarian. She is seen working on her computer while she helps students and around the library.

Starting a new story

Isaiah Nafarrete, Features Editor
September 19, 2023
On Aug. 21, Youth for a Sustainable Future (Y4SF) volunteers teaches the Lemon Festival attendees about the importance of sustainability. Vermicomposting is one of the many activities Y4SF uses to educate.

A zero waste future

Isaiah Nafarrete and Aparri Tarpley
August 30, 2023
On Aug. 18, BVH Advance Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Environmental Science Biology teacher, Jennifer Ekstein instructed her fifth period class on material introduced by a guest speaker.

[Photo] High temperatures lead to hot concerns

Cielo Muniz Sigala
August 21, 2023
Conflict brews in the United States over the age of people who run the country as a result of controversy over the senate median age in July, 2023. This causes debate on each side, proposing government age limits.

Too old to lead the country?

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
August 16, 2023
Fourth period IB English HL1 student Savannah Jackson as prosecution questions Tonantzin Murillo as Haruki Murakami during the mock trial. The trial covered topics such as misogyny, sexism and Murakami's place in the IB curriculum.

[Photo] Murakami goes on trial

Amanda Cortes, Staff writer
May 24, 2023
On May 7, Bonita Vista High’s (BVH) Get to the Pointe (GTP) dance team held an end of the year dance concert at Eastlake High School. The concert featured Dance 1, Dance 2, IB Dance and GTP dancers who all performed in a routine to Hugh Jackman’s “Come Alive” as a finale to the concert.

A spring dance ensemble

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
May 15, 2023
Yes/No: Is AI a danger to society?

Yes/No: Is AI a danger to society?

William Maywood and Isaiah Nafarrete
May 15, 2023
Banning books could be detrimental for expression and social issues. Important topics would be censored through the ban.

[Photo] Banning books does not benefit society

Grace Na, Managing Editor
May 1, 2023
On April 11, in Bonita Vista High's (BVH)'s Associated Student Body (ASB), students line up to buy their prom tickets. Tickets are on sale for $80 the week of April 10 through April 14.

A two-week delay

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
April 17, 2023
Students everyday use the restroom during school hours. At times it feels uncomfortable due to some factors.

The bathroom dilemma

Isaiah Nafarrete
March 25, 2023
BVH gets stoked with the Stoked Body

[Video] BVH gets stoked with the Stoked Body

Kendall Johnson, A&C editor
March 8, 2023
Students use social media every day. What they don't know is that there might be consequences that could effect their future.

[Photo] The danger of an internet shadow

Maddie Almodovar, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2023

[Video] BVH holds first health fair

February 15, 2023
There is a debate across the U.S. about whether or not to add an Advanced Placement African-American Studies course to high schools. However, adding this course will bring many benefits to students, including giving students an opportunity to learn more about the culture in-depth.

[Photo] New classes call for a change

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
February 8, 2023
Bonita Vista High (BVH) principal Lee Romero (left) answered questions while seniors Jechaenna Velazco and Isabella Gutierrez (bottom right) listen to what he has to say. Romero held this meeting on January 31, in BVH gym during lunch.

Clearing up misconceptions about graduation

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
February 6, 2023
On Jan. 18, captain, point guard and senior Kaylyn Buchanon-Lamb (3) hit her 1,000th career point at a home game against Otay Ranch High (ORH). Buchanon-Lamb and her team call a timeout in the first quarter to celebrate her milestone.

One thousand and counting

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
February 1, 2023
Social media can be an outlet to many for freedom of expression. But it can be confused with an online persona to hide people's reality.

[Photo] Truth of the social media persona

Jechaenna Velazco, Photographer
February 1, 2023
At BVH's front office, Attendance Technician Mayra Valenzuela looks at infinite campus to check students' tardies and absences.

BVH welcomes new attendance coordinator and attendance technician

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
January 27, 2023

Cooking with A&C: Holiday edition

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
December 12, 2022
The 30th anniversary for Cartoon Network has arrived, while many characters pop out of their shows to unite. Bugs bunny watches as Gumball celebrates and Tom chases Jerry.

A network for the ages

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
November 16, 2022
Some students choose to avoid PSAT when the day comes. They do not see the importance in it, leading to missing or ditching that class period.

[Photo] Yes/No: Should the PSAT be optional?

Eliza Noblejas and Valerie Torres
November 4, 2022
On Oct. 28, BVH Interim Principal Lee Romero visited room 703 to give senior Giselle Geering a letter of commendation. Students in 703 begin to cheer as Romero explains what the letter contained.

The top three percent

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
October 31, 2022
BVH Key Club hosts blood drive

BVH Key Club hosts blood drive

Eiffel Sunga, Jechaenna Velazco, and Isaiah Nafarrete
October 24, 2022
Bonita Vista High Italian teacher Robert Pirazzini has a bright look on his face, as his period 5 class practices speaking in Italian through presentations. Pirazzini appreciates his students who are trying their best.

Andiamo! From the “Porta Magica” to Italy

Grace Na, Eliza Noblejas, and Isaiah Nafarrete
October 19, 2022
Teachers have the ability to notice when students are not using the restrooms responsibly. Using E-hall pass the time limit will enforce this rule and create effective results.

Yes/No: Are E-hall passes effective in the classroom?

Grace Na and Isaiah Nafarrete
September 27, 2022
Sophomore Vivian Pruitt, Sophomore Kirsten Tibi, Sophomore Daniel Patrick Mcelwain and Junior Brianna Magtoto regarding proposed legislature investment in high speed rail which was monitored by Joseph Szakovits.

Speech and Debate kick-off season with annual on-campus tournament

Isaiah Nafarrete, Videographer
September 21, 2022
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