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Nicole Macgaffey

Nicole Macgaffey, Features Editor

I am a Senior at Bonita Vista High and this is my second year as a staff member for the Crusader. I am now CPS Editor and previously was News Editor.  I am continuing to pursue my interest in journalism that I have had since my freshman year, as I have developed a strong passion for it. I enjoy being involved in the BVH community and being able to interact with them through reporting.  Outside of newspaper, I am a part of several clubs such as Task Force for Class of 2022, Green Team, and Progressive Club.  I am also a flute player in the San Diego Youth Symphony.

Follow me on Twitter @nicolemcrusader 

 

All content by Nicole Macgaffey
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[Photo] Harvesting the fruits of their labor

June 7, 2022
International Baccalaurate (IB) parent Laura Shimizu, speaks passionately about her concerns expanding white robes during an IB parent meeting with the Bonita Vista High principal. These parent meetings began at the school level, but has now reached the Sweetwater Union High School District level.

Parents include superintendent in white gown discussion

July 19, 2022
On May 22, Campus Assistant Oscar Panigua patrols the main hall during fifth period on the lookout for students outside of class. On occasion, he tells stu- dents who are loitering in the halls to “Get to class!”

Keepers on campus

July 16, 2022
Ethnic Studies student walks under mural in Chicano Park after being told to explore the area for 45 minutes. She continues to walk around looking at the murals displayed in the park under the Coronado Bridge Highway.

[Photo] Cultural Connections

July 15, 2022
Data collected from the World Health Organization and AIM Adoptions.

Overturning Roe v. Wade will be a mistake 

June 24, 2022
Senior Aaron Tewolde attends South Bay Sustainable Communities Community Workshop on Worm Compost. Tewolde attended the event to contribute to the 20 hour service requirement for Advanced Placement (AP) for WE Service.

[Photo] A New program helps AP students outside the classroom

July 17, 2022
Winterguard holds a banner honoring their first place victory for their performance titled The Waiting Game. The group sits with their sister schools after awards were announced at the SMWC Winterguard Championship.

Through tough times

May 18, 2022
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[Photo] At the fork in the path of IB and AP, choose IB

April 13, 2022
Assistant Principal Jason Josafat presents certificate to junior Emmanuel Triana in his fifth period IB Environmental Systems and Socities class. Triana place third in the Sweetwater Science fair.

From classroom assignment to winning project

May 9, 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.

[Photo] Take a stand or take a seat

May 13, 2022
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidate Samantha Bianes presents to Roman Del Rosario, Ed.D., the work IB students must do. On his desk to the left sits a folder of several of the IB diploma candidates external assessments, work that non-IB diploma candidates do not have to do.

Divisive Discussion

May 4, 2022
International Baccalaureate (IB) raise their hands after an IB parent asks, How many have cried because of the IB program?. IB students laugh as they see every IB student in the room raise their hand.

[Photo] Photo Gallery: IB parents discuss expansion of white gowns with BVH principal

April 20, 2022
Senior Benjamin Romero walks to the bathroom during fifth period with the bathroom pass for Autoshop. The pass is a blue hubcap provided by Autoshop teacher Jose Levya.

Peculiar Passes

April 17, 2022
BVH principal Roman Del Rosario visits Jose Vallejos fifth period History of the Americas (HOTA) to get student opinions on the white gown debate. Fifth period HOTA was especially adamant about keeping the white gowns reserved for IB diploma candidates.

BVH principal gathers IB students to discuss cap and gown debate

April 11, 2022
Euphorias scenes are often commended for their cinematography. Scenes are often praised for their ability to convey emotion and relatability.

[Photo] Euphoria: A double edged sword

April 4, 2022
cps i4 globe

[Photo] Around the world

March 27, 2022
Ethnic Studies teacher Don Dumas reads chapter 1 of new text “Jensen”. In this book, a white author discusses the impacts of white supremacy on different social groups and the importance of acknowledging this oppressive system and white people’s role in it.

[Photo] Diversification of education

March 24, 2022
Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) board member Nicholas Segura and SUHSD board president Arturo Solis listen to the concerns of the community in a SUHSD Board of Trustees meeting on March 14th. At this meeting, the members briefly gave an update on the new mask mandate decision.

SUHSD updates mask requirements after state descision

March 17, 2022
Accelerated and Regular Biology student teacher Dang Keying teaches a lesson on Speciation. Students in the class take notes on their computer whiles Keying lectures about the presentation on the screen.

[Photo] Stepping stone

March 5, 2022
From left to right Advanced Placement (AP)/International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry students junior Isaiah Chappell, senior Denise Wu, senior Tannya Meza, and junior Sofia Barbabosa work to figure out the reactivity of certain metals. They, as a team, review their most recent lab results and connect them to their new unit of Electrochemistry.

Battle of the physical sciences

February 27, 2022
The choice of wearing a mask provides health benefits to both the individual and people around them. Its crucial for BVH students to follow COVID-19 protocols by wearing a mask.

Masks are a must

February 23, 2022
In a poll conducted by the Crusader on Feb. 2, students responded to various questions related to their use of TikTok and the impact the app has had on them.

[Photo] Trapped in the trend

February 16, 2022
Six students sit through training with Peer Counseling Program Coordinator Laura Lowery in her classroom. Entering the second semester of the 2021-2022 school year, a lack of peer counselors has prompted the removal of two support groups: Family and Emotion First-aid.

Shortage in peer counselors prompts the removal of two support groups

February 7, 2022
Bonita Vista High (BVH) counselor Britney Pacini is hard at work in her office plastered with papers on the wall. She filled the once vacant position as of Jan. 10.

[Photo] Finally set for stability

January 30, 2022
Teachers Say

Teacher’s Say

January 28, 2022
After lining himself up with the goal, junior Noah Burke (6) successfully made a shot against San Ysidro High. Burkes goal was the last of the night for BVH, and left the Barons with a win of 15-1.

[Photo] Undefeated with room for improvement

January 22, 2022
International Baccalaureate (IB) English Higher Level (HL) teacher Jason Good.

[Photo] Teacher’s Say

January 22, 2022
On Nov. 18, in a poll conducted by the Crusader of 693 Bonita Vista High students, 15 percent identified as either vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or having a dietary restriction.

[Photo] Left with an unsatisfied palette

January 12, 2022
At the Virtual San Diego NAACP/Southwestern College/SUHSD forum discussing the legacy of Dr. King, Black Student Union (BSU) President and senior Mariah Journigan (right) and Vice President and senior Halle Smith (left), along with BSU advisor Don Dumas (far left) listen to speakers discuss the impacts of Martin Luther King Jr. At one point, speaker and Co-Chair of Black Minds Katrina Hasan Hamilton, Ed.D., recognized Dumas for his role in education and BSU members for their roles in advocating for their community.

Virtual advocacy

January 15, 2022
BVH seniors can feel overwhelmed with balancing all aspects of life especially during college application season. Students can feel scattered brain and find conflict in managing all their responsibilities.

[Photo] Seasons for change

December 7, 2021
Students crowd outside room 611 while waiting for their substitute teacher. Substitute teachers are often late because they teach many different classes.

Substitutes for sick days

December 1, 2021
International Baccalaureate diploma candidates ate lunch on the top floor of the San Diego Central library. Students ate burritos overlooking downtown San Diego.

IB bookworms

November 30, 2021
Freshman Victoria Takaki took her first stroke for the first hole of the match against Otay Ranch High. Takaki is part of the first pair of golfers in the match.

A win with 8 strokes

November 11, 2021
On Oct. 19, Bonita Vista High students wait in line for lunch, taking advantage of the free food available to them. Students stand in long lunch lines in order to receive their free food.

[Photo] BVH feeds on a budget

October 28, 2021
In a poll of 699 BVH students conducted by the Crusader on Oct. 14, students responded to various questions about the LGBTQ+ community. The 17.7% of students who identified as a part of the LGBTQ+ community answered whether they have attended the peer counseling group for LGBTQ+.

[Photo] Rainbow representation

October 21, 2021
BVH International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidates shared their selected Theory of Knowledge (ToK) project prompts and chosen artifacts that answer the prompt with their peers. Students gathered in the cafeteria to showcase their work and learn about others’ projects.

Knowledge on display

October 7, 2021
BVH students are able to get one-on-one support from a peer counselor. These sessions are confidential and give students a private outlet provided by the peer counselor.

[Photo] Students sit down with peer counselors

September 22, 2021
The Chula Vista Police Department visits Bonita Vista High School on Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 to educate students about the health risks of vaping. At their booth, the officers hand out pencils and pamphlets to students in an effort to advocate against vaping.

CVPD visits BVH campus, warns students against the dangers of vaping

September 9, 2021
BVH Principal Roman Del Rosario acknowledges the possible gaps in academic performance post-distance learning. Del Rosario states that the Pass/No Pass grading policy is being reimplemented for BVH students as a way of addressing the issue.

‘Pass/No Pass’ grade changes now available to students

August 18, 2021
Bonita Vista High students mingle in the quad after the fifth period bell rings, singling the end of class. Only a limited number of students are on campus for classes.

Shedding a light

June 14, 2021
Senior Madison Bianes takes her first swing at Bonita Golf Course in a match against Otay Ranch High. BVH won this match, taking home their first win of the season.

The last putt

May 12, 2021
In this episode, guests answer the questions what is ASMR and what does it meant you?

[Photo] Ep. 10 What is ASMR and what does it mean to you?

May 11, 2021
Almost half of the students who are taking an AP exam this year are only taking one. 48.1% of students are taking one, 26.2% of students are taking two, 17% of students are taking three, and 8.7% of students are taking 4 or more.

[Photo] College Board rolls out new changes for 2021 AP exams

May 8, 2021
Senior Ursula Neuner is class of 2021 valedictorian. BVH administration congradulated her with a suprise visit to her house.

Four years of great grades

March 23, 2021
Ep. 9 How do you express yourself through fashion in the pandemic?

Ep. 9 How do you express yourself through fashion in the pandemic?

March 21, 2021
Some students have found themselves texting their friends to find out whether class has started or not. They worry if they are missing out on class instruction.

Calling all teachers

March 18, 2021
The BVH CASC Club held a conference on March 5 to discuss the upcoming Student Advocacy Conference on March 13th. The meeting was run by BVH CASC Club President and Development Committee Assistant Director for the CASC Region 12 Cabinet Analia Vega.

Building the leaders of tomorrow

March 13, 2021
Maria Delgado makes tamales with her grandmother during the holiday season. Maria Delgado cherishes the times she spent baking with her grandmother.

The faces of COVID-19

March 10, 2021
Associated Student Body (ASB) Sports commissioner and senior Tatiana Eustaquio cleared a student for sports clearances on Friday Feb. 26. Sports clearances have been going on for several weeks.

[Photo] Getting back in the game

March 7, 2021
Associated Student Body (ASB) Sports commissioner and senior Tatiana Eustaquio cleared a student for sports clearances on Friday Feb. 26. Sports clearances have been going on for several weeks.

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Between the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year there was an increase of 31 students registered for IB exams. This is a 20 percent increase from last school year compared to this one.

[Photo] Future of May IB Exams Unknown

January 17, 2021
AP Calculus AB and BC and IB Math SL teacher Mr. Chan is conducting his final as a Juno Lesson in Jupiter Grades. This format automatically grades students’ answers to each question and allows them to retry the question until they get the correct answer.

The final test

January 1, 2021
Senior Alexandria Guerra was unable to participate in the 2020 Spanish exchange program, which was set to occur in the fall. The program has since been postponed to summer 2021.

Spanish exchange program postponed to summer 2021

December 6, 2020
Student athletes throughout the district signed the petition in hopes to bring the sports season sooner. The petition has received 2077 signatures and 590 comments so far.

BVH athletes push back against SUHSD’s decision to postpone sports season

November 17, 2020
The model explains how on campus pre-season conditioning workouts will be conducted—each circle represents one cohort made up of 14 student athletes that will have one coach with them each. Each color represents the specific type of training: Yellow is Football/Conditioning Drills, Blue is Football plays/Instruction and Red is Bodyweight Exercises.

SUHSD authorizes fall sports to conduct pre-season conditioning workouts on campus

November 6, 2020
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[Photo] An alternative path to success

October 31, 2020
Mariachi Garibaldi performing at the San Diego County Fair 2019. Pablo Shimizu has been participating with Mariachi Garibaldi for 4.5 years

On a musical path

October 30, 2020
Students used this downloadable background to use during the virtual climate change walkout. Backgrounds were made by the BVH Green Team, who also organized the walkout.

[Photo] “Social change, not climate change!”

November 10, 2020
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Nicole Macgaffey