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
Lauralai Gilbert

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor

As a junior, this is my third year as a part of the Crusader staff. This year I am a News Editor and was previously the  Staff Artist and Photographer. I initially joined the Crusader to expand my writing skills, develop my photography and artistic skills. Journalism also provides me with useful experiences to advance my writing and social skills. Outside of the Crusader, I take part in the Key club and am an offense player for Bonita Vista High’s varsity girls’ lacrosse team.

Check out my instagram @lauralai_crusaders

All content by Lauralai Gilbert
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[Photo] Yes/No: Should we stop genetically modifying foods?

Dani Fincher and Amanda Cortes
May 17, 2024
Periods shouldn’t be unnoticed

Periods shouldn’t be unnoticed

Lauralai Gilbert, News Section Editor
May 8, 2024
BVH Assistant Principal Secretary Jacqualine Hernandez works in her cubicle in the main office. Upon entering, Hernandez can be seen helping out with paperwork or greeting and assisting parents

[Photo] Longtime Assistant Principal Secretary leaves BVH for promotion

Carlos Cartlidge, Podcast Manager
May 6, 2024
New Associated Student Body (ASB) Advisor David Cobian assists recently elected ASB secretary and junior, Valeria De La Fuente during the start of lunch. Outside of the office, seniors line up for prom, one of Cobian's first major event as the new ASB Advisor.

A familiar face to welcome back

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
April 12, 2024
The boys bathroom is accessible on an everyday basis, giving students the opportunity to tag or vandalize the stalls. By saying something explicit or derogatory, it creates a negative impact on the BVH campus.

[Photo] Graffiti threat concerns many parents and students

Cielo Muniz Sigala, News Editor
April 12, 2024
As a participant of the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) contest, Bonita Vista High senior Saul Gonzalez won first place for the video documentary category. Moving on to their next event, Gonzalez listens to Photography, Advanced Placement 2D Art and Design teacher Edwin Lim’s directions and expectations for their upcoming Texas Photography Society contest.

A filmtastic win for three

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
March 20, 2024
Introduction to Multimedia and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher Hugo Martinez, watches his fifth period Introduction to Multimedia class work on their assignment. He stands near the group in case of any questions or advice students need.

An addition well needed

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
March 10, 2024
At Bonita Vista High (BVH), campus security Oscar Paniagua observes BVH students as they enter and leave the 700's Boys' restrooms. Paniagua has spent numerous years working at BVH to assist the campus to being a safe place for the BVH community.

[Photo] A friend to all

Cielo Muniz Sigala, News Editor
March 10, 2024
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[Photo] Yes/No: Should High School Students have a Job?

Dani Fincher and Cash Alexander
February 28, 2024
On Jan. 16 , former JV football coach for Bonita Vista High (BVH), Jay Hernandez was appointed as the new BVH Head Coach. Hernandez looks forwards to taking on this new position and building a stronger football community.

A step in the right direction

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
February 7, 2024
On Nov. 14, Bonita Vista High (BVH) defensive back, wide receiver and senior Mahliya Wilson (11) erupts with an emotional response after one her teammates gets an interception. Wilson’s leadership and athleticism helped lead her team to qualify for the first girls’ flag football championship game in the sport’s history.

An award well earned

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
December 7, 2023
Bonita Vista High Counselor Lorena Serrano works in her office at the counselling center. As one of the organizers for the new Asian-American class, she is excited students are offered this option.

A benefit to students’ education

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
December 4, 2023
Due to the implication of the "Unsafe Camping Ordinance" code, a numerous amount of unhoused individuals are left with the trouble of finding a place to settle in. Many community members believe this code has created more harmful factors rather than being a beneficial solution.

“Unsafe Camping Ordinance” code causes harm and should be rescinded

Lauralai Gilbert, News Section Editor
November 15, 2023
On Oct. 24, at Bonita Vista High (BVH) multiple staff and teachers notice the relocation of numerous tables causing disturbances to many teachers. BVH students gather around the relocated five tables placed in front of the Dance room.

[Photo] Secure a solution

Liam De La Fuente, Staff Writer
November 8, 2023
Final

[Photo] The ban of original recipes

Antoinette Gilbert, Opinion Editor
October 31, 2023
On Oct. 20, junior Daniel Patrick browses the various display of free books provided by the Bonita Vista High School (BVH) library. Another addition to the BVH library is Ms. Marriot's pet bearded dragon, Cheeto which is seen at the entrance alongside the free books.

BVH library undergoes positive developments

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
October 25, 2023
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program senior Alexis Acosta sits with other IB senior students, Nicolette Luna, Grace De León and Cherise Magtoto at Bonita Vista High (BVH). The IB Diploma candidates discusses the IB program and the students involved this school year.

[Photo] “IB for all”

Destiny Avila Ramirez, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2023
On Sept. 22, the Bonita Vista High (BVH) Amnesty Club gathered in a meeting to discuss club activities and goals. Hosted by Jose Vallejo, a teacher at BVH, the club focused on the protection and education of human rights.

Making a stand for human rights

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
September 22, 2023
Sophia Cervantes and Beto Peralta-Villarreal smile as they retake their Homecoming King and Queen photograph. On Thursday 19, a photo was scheduled for both kings and queens to retake a photo all together, unfortunately the other king and queen had left home earlier that day.

An addition to tradition

Lauralai Gilbert and Gabrielle Hebron
September 21, 2023
On Sept. 19 at Bonita Vista High (BVH), sophomore Maya Delgado skims through the choices list to review if she is added on. Many BVH students are placed on the choices list after seven unexcused absences and are needed to go to Saturday school to clear them.

[Photo] Clarifying concerns

Valerie Torres, Managing Editor
September 20, 2023
On Sep. 15, students the Bonita Vista High (BVH) parking lot. and walk to their rides. In other schools, incidents have occurred where strangers have offered students a ride.

[Photo] Warning!

Cielo Muniz Sigala, News Editor
September 16, 2023
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[Photo] The influence of a lifetime

Destiny Avila Ramirez, Editor-in-Chief
August 31, 2023
Bonita Vista High (BVH) Assistant Principal Jason Josafat completes final tasks during his remaining days at BVH. As of Aug. 4. Josafat will serve as principal to Bayfront Charter High.

AP Resigns

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
August 10, 2023
On May 8, financial commissioner of Bonita Vista High (BVH)'s Associated Student Body (ASB) Kian Torres is seen working in the ASB. He is given money from a student trying to buy the yearbook.

Different pathways

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
May 15, 2023
In Bonita Vista High's room 907 on March 16 a meeting was held by Task Force 2023, to have a vote for prom theme. Very few seniors attended and chose the theme Masquerade out of Alice in Wonderland, Tangled and Masquerade.

[Photo] Low voting participation for the prom theme

Madison Knudson, Features Section Editor
May 8, 2023
Speech and Debate treasurer Tai Cassel Engen gives a speech on Oregon's decriminalization of drugs during a showcase. The showcase took place at Bonita Vista High's Bolles Theater on Apr. 18.

[Video] A chance to showcase talent

Valerie Torres, Opinion editor
May 3, 2023
BVH Ethnic Studies, Black Student Union (BSU) advisor and boys’ basketball Head Coach Don Dumas discusses African-American voting history with his fifth period AP class.

AP African American Studies class coming to BVH

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
April 2, 2023
Students everyday use the restroom during school hours. At times it feels uncomfortable due to some factors.

[Photo] The bathroom dilemma

Isaiah Nafarrete
March 25, 2023
At Bonita Vista High (BVH) in front of the ASB building snacks are sold during lunch. Sophmore Paulina Iniguez (left) buys Cheezits and a water while senior Noah Caballero and senior Steven Perez (right) assist her.

[Photo] Snack at a higher price

Destiny Avila Ramirez, News Editor
February 10, 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.

New classes call for a change

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
February 8, 2023
Bonita Vista High students and teachers alike find joy in the outdoors. Surfing and skateboarding provide them with peaceful experiences.

[Photo] On board the BVH Surf and Skate culture

Antoinette Gilbert, A&C Editor
February 6, 2023
On Dec. 21 2022, flavored tobacco has been banned in California. A smoke shop in California has a new displayed sign 'NO FLAVORED PRODUCTS HERE!' to help reduce youth nicotine addictions.

[Photo] Proposition 31 clears the smoke from teenagers’ future

Eiffel Sunga, Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2023
As Valentine's day approaches, the Crusader celebrates by talking to community members about their favorite romantic comedies (romcoms). A film strip captures a box of chocolates and popcorn, classic snacks for watching a romcom.

Rom Com Reviews

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
February 1, 2023
At Bonita Vista High (BVH) on Jan. 26 during lunch in the Counseling Center, a National Guard Scholarship presentation was held. California Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Dante Burce and Lead Generator Zinnia Murillo talk to senior Giselle Geering about the different positions in the ROTC program.

[Video] National Guards presents an alternative path

Destiny Avila Ramirez, News Editor
January 30, 2023
Since Jan. 23 at Bonita Vista High (BVH), Baronial posters hang on lockers. The posters promote Baronial ticket sales for the first time in three years.

[Photo] Baronial makes a comeback

Sofia Murillo, Features Editor
January 25, 2023
The Supreme Court has recently passed a legislative law protecting same-sex marriage. This has granted a sense of relief for same-sex couples.

[Photo] Legislation leads to liberation

Jaylen Gladney, A&C Copy Editor
January 23, 2023
As the number of students getting sick increases, the funding for BVH’s next school year decreases. BVH Attendance Coordinator Antonio Gutierrez encourages students to clear their absences for it to be considered excused.

Respiratory disease falls on BVH

Lauralai Gilbert, News Editor
January 19, 2023
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[Photo] The battle of the networks

Madison Knudson, Features Editor
January 24, 2023
Upperclassmen students at BVH should be allowed access to open campus lunch. Businesses around the campus can benefit students when lines for lunch at school are too long or students who may have not packed lunch.

[Photo] Fulfilling students’ palates with an open campus lunch

Antoinette Gilbert, A&C Copy Editor
January 15, 2023
Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

Lauralai Gilbert, Staff Artist
December 6, 2022
The sound of music tends to sooth the mind and help others concentrate better. Blasting harmony music create warm insides for many students.

[Photo] The power of music

Stephanie Lomeli, Podcast Manager
November 30, 2022
Guadalupe Gonzalez begins the class warmup as he plays the Guitarron (a large bass guitar). Each student is incorporating their own part into the symphony that is being created.

The music to our ears

Lauralai Gilbert, Staff Artist
November 1, 2022
Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

Lauralai Gilbert, Staff Artist
October 30, 2022
On Oct. 13 at Bonita Vista High, the girls' tennis team plays against Mater Dei High. Ready to serve doubles, junior Paulina Escaiadillo begins the match serving while her doubles partner and junior Catherine Wunderly readies her stance.

[Photo] Disappointing loss to Mater Dei

Antoinette Gilbert, Copy Editor
October 24, 2022
column graphic

[Photo] Amateur no more

Eiffel Sunga, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2022
Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

Lauralai Gilbert, Staff Artist
October 16, 2022
On September 8, junior Aaliyah Victoria and senior Miles Tobitt held a peer counselor meeting in room 916. They discuss plans for the Health Fair that will take place at Bonita Vista High after spring break.

Peer Counselors plan Health Fair

Lauralai Gilbert, Staff artist
October 12, 2022
There are many factors playing into traffic at BVH. This has caused frustrated parents and students in the busy mornings and afternoons.

[Photo] BVH traffic creates mayhem

Sara Salgado-Garcia, Staff Artist
October 12, 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.

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

Grace Na and Isaiah Nafarrete
September 27, 2022
Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

Lauralai Gilbert, Staff Artist
September 11, 2022
On August 3, Advanced Placement English Language teacher Brian Bane lectures his 5th period class. He discusses the excerpt, “All Art is Propaganda,” with his students.

Swinging from golf course to classroom

Lauralai Gilbert, Nico Gatten, and Cherise Magtoto
September 1, 2022
friendship coffen graphic

[Photo] Any kind of loss can be grieved

Maddie Almodovar, Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2022
respect graphic

[Photo] Respect is a right, not earned

Maddie Almodovar, Opinion Editor
August 6, 2022
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[Photo] Yes/No: Should students still wear masks after the mask mandate lift?

Gabriella Bomjardim and Antoinette Gilbert
June 13, 2022
Enacted on Feb. 42 2022, the “Parental Rights in Education” bill will limit discussion about gender identity and sexual orientation. However, this bill affects LGBTQ+ students as their freedom of expression is regulated.

[Photo] Why we need to say gay

Jaime Jazo, Features Editor
June 12, 2022
Four students in Mathew Lambert’s second period AP Government class stand to recite the pledge of allegiance. The rest of the class chooses to remain seating during the pledge.

Take a stand or take a seat

Lauralai Gilbert, Photographer
May 13, 2022
In Sept. of 2021, construction of Bonita Vista High's (BVH) new track and field stadium began. Large construction vehicles were brought in to clear the field. By April of 2022 home side bleachers and a press box have been installed.

Seven month update on BVH track and field stadium construction

Lauralai Gilbert and Antoinette Gilbert
May 11, 2022
A teacher gets upset as the students are disrespectful during class. Disrespect is shown in various ways such as listening to music during class and talking back.

A teacher’s daily struggle against disrespectful students

Lauralai Gilbert, Photographer
May 1, 2022
On March 14, 2022, senior and star wrestler Isaac Lopez practices a with his partner in the Wrestling room. By the end of the 2021-2022 winter season Isaac Lopez ranked tenth place in California as a wrestler.

[Photo] Wrestling his way to top 10

Jose Solis and Nadia Martinez
July 21, 2022
On April 15 in the Bonita Vista High (BVH) south parking lot, Red Cross volunteer Santos Muniz assists junior Arianna Cruz check in for her blood donation. Before donating blood, donors must fill out a RapidPass health history questionnaire.

[Photo] “One donation can help save up to three lives”

Eiffel Sunga, News Editor
April 18, 2022
Varsity girls' Lacrosse team all strategize with a plan for the next half of the game. Before heading back onto the field they shout, "intensity on three!" to encourage each other.

[Photo] Photo gallery: Lady Barons gallop over the Lady Lancers

April 13, 2022
Vocal Music Department (VMD) Consultant Reina Bolles leads Music Machine in learning new choreography for their competition set. Bolles stepped up to help direct the VMD as a volunteer.

[Photo] On the in-Klein to recovery

Eiffel Sunga, News Editor
March 12, 2022
Mindfulness comes in many ways and can be performed through many activities. Mindfulness can help with understanding ones thoughts and and helps control how they want to feel.

Mindfulness Monday and Wellness Wednesdays

Lauralai Gilbert, Photographer
March 5, 2022
Co-captain and midfielder and senior Ashley Escamilla gains control of the ball and tries to advance to the goal. She is currently looking for players she is able to pass the ball to

Success through teamwork

Lauralai Gilbert, Photographer
February 15, 2022
Seniors Andrea Sanchez-Veliz and Ricardo Hernandez carry their Salutatorian and Valedictorian posters. BVH Principal Roman Del Rosario Ed.D. made the announcement in their third period IB Spanish class.

[Photo] The valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2022 are…

Isabella Garcia, Sports Copy Editor
February 15, 2022
The Bonita Vista Highs (BVH) Drama class rehearses for their latest production, "The Mystery of Shady Acres." Left to right, Olivia Apostol (nanny) checks into the hotel with Rebeca Munoz (child) with the help from Jasper Belicario (hotel staff).

The drama behind “The Mystery of Shady Acres”

Maddie Almodovar and Lauralai Gilbert
February 12, 2022
At Bonita Vista High in Adrienne Marriott’s Earth studies class, Yosuke Hashimodo and his team debate wether people should get the human papillomavirus vaccine. Hashimodo’s host student is Michelle MacGaffey.

[Photo] Cultural exchanges

Jaime Jazo and Eliza Noblejas
January 27, 2022
On a Google Meets call, students carry out the various tasks that help them pass the time at home. From cooking, to baking and playing board games, boredom became a stranger.

[Photo] Time for themselves

Stephanie Liang, Staff Artist
February 6, 2022
Executive Director of South Bay Sustainable Communities Tina Matthias presents about composting during lunch on Feb. 1. As lunch progressed the group of students crowding around 302 got bigger.

[Photo] Paving the way for composting

Yealin Lee and Maddie Almodovar
February 2, 2022
Students should not feel out of place and it is the teacher's responsibility to help those who experience anxiety attacks in classrooms. Teachers must go through mental health training to improve students' well- being.

[Photo] Let’s raise awareness

Mayah Cerecer, News Copy Editor
January 30, 2022
Task Force 2022 Secretary Noor Alramadan explains how to purchase senior merchandise. The students later finished the forms and received their order.

Photo gallery: Task Force 2022 distributes senior merchandise

Lauralai Gilbert, Photographer
January 27, 2022
The presence of a guidance counselor in BVH may cause a significant shift in the school environment. As of now, the role and office are left unfilled.

[Photo] The need for student guidance and counseling

Maddie Almodovar, Opinion Editor
January 22, 2022
English 9 and Global Scholars teacher Gina Vattuone is taking attendance online, while students have their laptops open and ready to learn. This processes is slowed when the district WiFi malfunctions.

BVH faces recurring Wi-Fi outages

Lauralai Gilbert, Photographer
December 28, 2021
On Sept. 24, Bonita Vista High's (BVH) Green Team members gathered in the Sweetwater Union High School District's (SUHSD) building with anti- fracking posters to pass a resolution to stop oil fracking.

[Photo] Green Team can guide us on the path to progress

Jaime Jazo, Features Editor
December 5, 2021

Teacher’s Say

Lauralai Gilbert and Jaime Jazo
November 3, 2021
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