December 

The Monterey High Latin Club

By Michael Daoud

December 3, 2025

On Wednesday afternoon at Monterey High School, a big group of students gathered together to explore the rich history and language of ancient Latin civilizations through the school’s thriving Latin Club.

Founded two years ago, the Latin Club has quickly become a space where students can share their similarities and love for the Latin languages and the cultures of the Latin world. Members look at the Latin Cclub not just as a language, but as a gateway to history, mythology, and Roman traditions. The club offers a wide environment where students can participate in engaging activities, from eating Latin food to celebrating traditional Latin festivals such as the Semana Santa.

The Latin Club encourages curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Members often share their experiences as most of the members have Llatin descent. Also, many explore Roman culture through hands-on experiences like crafting Roman mosaics or tasting traditional Roman recipes that members of the club cook. From learning Roman numerals to celebrating festivals, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ancient world.

Three active members of the Latin Club are Sasha Brown (‘27), Blaise Santora (‘Class of 2027), and Samantha Lopez (‘26). Each of them shared their personal experiences being part of the club.

Brown, a junior who joined to deepen her love of languages, said, “Learning Latin through the club helps me in French class as many traditions are similar. I enjoy seeing how ancient Rome and other ancient latin civilizations connect to modern life, and it’s exciting to share that with other students.” Brown has also helped organize food workshops for students interested in eating original Latin foods.

Santora, also a junior, described how the club inspired his interest in Latin food. “The Latin Club isn’t just about exploring latin traditions but about trying out the food,” he explained. “We explore recipes and learn how to make the food. I especially love helping with cooking and baking that bring famous Roman food to reality.” His creativity has brought new ideas and energy to the club’s events and cooking shows.

Lopez, a senior with a long standing passion for Latin, emphasized the academic and social benefits of the club. “Being part of the Latin Club has really improved my understanding of language and history,” she said. “It’s also a great community. Everyone is so welcoming and excited to learn together.” Lopez has taken a leadership role in managing the members and organizing club activities.

Running the club requires coordination and teamwork. “We meet every Tuesday at lunch in Room 11 to plan activities and practice Latin,” Brown explained. “

Sometimes we even make traditional Roman crafts or host Roman themed trivia,” Lopez added. “It’s a lot of fun, but also very rewarding to see everyone engaged and learning.”

The Monterey High Latin Club meets weekly and welcomes students from all grade levels who are interested in latin cultures and activities. With dedicated members like Brown, Santora, and Lopez, the club continues to be a hub of learning, culture, and creativity.

Holly Jolly Spirit Week 2025

December 12, 2025

By Alisha Yanez

A week before winter break officially begins, Monterey High School students and staff participated in the Holy Jolly Spirit Week. This year's spirit week began on December 8 and ended December 13. 

Themed days of the week included Merry Monday where students and staff come in holiday headwear, cozy socks and ugly sweaters, Toasty Tuesday to show up in a puffer or flannel, Winter Wonderland to come dressed in all white, New Year New Me to come dressed in your fanciest clothing, and Festive Friday to show up in your favorite holiday pajamas.

Seen throughout the week, students and staff mainly participated in Toasty Tuesday, Winter Wonderland, and Festive Friday.  

Leader secretary treasurer of ‘27, Sasha Brown personally favorited Festive Friday because she was excited to wear her cute pajamas. 

Brown was thrilled to see a lot of student participation for Toasty Tuesday where students and staff showed up in puffers and flannels. For next year's winter spirit week, Brown hopes to see Toasty Tuesday once again because of how well received it was. 

Opposite to Brown, Anthony Cabrera's (‘27) personal favorite spirit day to participate in was Winter Wonderland because “I knew lots of people would do it because it’s a more basic spirit day that others could follow.”

Following, Cabrera was joyed to see people participate in Winter Wonderland because it's an easy day for others to easily participate in. Next winter spirit week, Cabrera hopes to see more winter-like concepts because he felt “dressing up fancy was something unrealistic that everyone in our school would not participate in.”

Genesis Garcia (‘27) participated in Pajama day but was happy with much participation from Toasty Tuesday where many people came to school in either puffer or flannels. Next year, Garcia hopes to see a more fun theme. 

Although there were many mixed opinions on this year's winter spirit week, there was still an increase in student and staff participation, allowing many to feel the festive aroma before break. 

Junior MAOS Field Trip

By: Dariele Ramirez

December 2, 2025

On December 2, 2025, the MAOS Juniors were fortunate enough to visit the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo. With 6 distinct colleges focused on their own subjects. 

Sarai Aranda(‘27) says: “It’s a really beautiful campus. I love how it’s surrounded by mountains, yet it’s close to the beach; it seems like a wonderful environment to be around. The presentation was super helpful, and it really highlighted all the amazing opportunities that are available at Cal Poly. It was a really amazing opportunity, and I learned so much about their application process and all they have to offer on and off campus.”

Cal Poly’s beautiful campus is surrounded by many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, surfing/going to the beach, and many more. Student activity and organizations are also very prevalent on campus, with a lively and inviting atmosphere.

While Kainoa Shimabukuro(‘27) adds a different perspective to the university, saying, “I like the campus, and the student atmosphere and faculty seem very welcoming, I wouldn’t say Cal Poly is my top choice for university,” Adding that SLO is very similar to Monterey in terms of location.

Cal Poly, while providing a plethora of majors with respectable fields, does not directly provide majors in the medical field, which can be off-putting for many students wanting to enter health care.

Zander Morse(‘27) provides his opinion on the university: “I liked the Cal Poly field trip a lot. The campus was really nice, and everyone there seemed cool. It was fun to see what the school was like, but I probably wouldn’t go there since they don’t have the majors I’m looking for.”

While students may have their opinions on Cal Poly, that should not take away from what an amazing university it is. Many hope for this trip to inspire students to apply and attend Cal Poly. 

MHS Varsity Girls Soccer 

By Sofia Custodio

12-10-25

The Monterey High School varsity girls soccer team is shaping up to be one of the toughest squads in the county this season, and for the first time in several years, the Toreadores look ready to make a serious push in the Central Coast Section playoffs.

Head Coach John Licea said the team’s preparation and unity have been key. “This group has worked all offseason to sharpen their chemistry and fitness,” Our girls have a really good chance in battling for the ring this year. 

A major part of that chemistry has come from senior leadership. Team captain Savanna Licea, a four-year varsity starter, says the difference this season is the balance between experience and energy. “We’ve got seniors who know what it takes to win tough games,” she said, “but our younger players bring fresh enthusiasm. Everyone’s putting in the work.”

Junior Belen Rodriguez has been an anchor, creating plays and having successful break aways and dribbles. “Our defense communicates so well this year,” Rodriguez said. “Even when we’re under pressure, we trust each other completely.”

Meanwhile, Freshman Ellice Chao has been a trackstar on the pitch. “I think what makes us strong is that everyone contributes,” Ellice said. “We don’t rely on one player, we rely on each other.”

The team’s consistent defensive play paired with fast transitions has helped them take down bay area teams, including Archbishop Riodan and Santa Teresa. With each win, confidence grows.

Coach Licea credits the group’s mentality. “They’re responding to challenges better than ever,” Licea said. “We’re not just hoping to make CCS, we expect to compete there and win.”

If momentum continues, the Toreadores could surprise many and make one of their best season runs in recent history. For now, their eyes are on the goal and each other.

They are currently 3-0 right now with 10 goals for and 0 against, which are very good stats for preseason games. We hope to see the girls continue this and work very hard to succeed this season, especially the senior class.

The Monterey High Model UN club

By Michael Daoud

December 10, 2025

On Wednesday afternoon at Monterey High School, a large group of students gathered to engage with global diplomacy and debate through the school’s growing Model United Nations club.

Founded five years ago and passed along, Model UN has grown into a space where students come together to understand world issues, develop public speaking skills, and carry the perspectives of nations across the globe. Members view Model UN not just as an academic activity, but as an insight into international cooperation and negotiation. The club offers a wide and broad environment where students participate in mock UN sessions, research geopolitical conflicts, and take on the roles of diplomats representing countries during conferences.

Three active members of the Model UN team are Alexandro Miles (‘27), Bishop Singer (‘26), and Tim Hamza (‘27). Each covering their personal experiences in the club.

Miles, a junior who initially joined to improve his public-speaking skills, shared, “Model UN has taught me how important it is to understand issues from many perspectives. When you represent a country, you have to think like a real diplomat. It allows you to see global problems in a deeper way, from many perspectives.” Miles has also helped organize practice debates for new members preparing for their first conferences.

Model UN encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence. Members often share how the club has expanded their understanding of global conflicts and helped them build communication skills. Through practice debates and resolution-writing workshops students learn to analyze international challenges while also discovering the value of teamwork and debate. 

Singer, a senior and one of the club’s recent dedicated researchers, explained how Model UN strengthened his interest in international politics. “I love diving into complex topics like economic development,” he said. “Model UN isn’t just debating, it's also to understand the history, the politics, and the human impact behind every issue.” Singer’s thorough preparation has brought depth and accuracy to the team’s discussions.

Hamza, a junior with a growing passion for diplomacy, highlighted the club’s community and its learning. “Model UN has helped me become more confident,” he said. “You learn how to negotiate, speak clearly, and collaborate with people who think differently from you. Everyone here supports a different idea, whether you’re preparing a speech or trying to understand a country’s foreign policy.” Hamza has taken an active role in speaking during conferences and coordinating the club's sessions.

The Monterey High Model UN team meets weekly. The club meets every Thursday at lunch in Room 23 to prepare for conferences, practice resolutions, and research global issues. and welcomes students from all grade levels who are interested in diplomacy, debate, and international affairs. With committed members like Miles, Singer, and Hamza, the club continues to grow full of global awareness and leadership.