September '25

The 92nd Annual Monterey Italian Festival

By Alisha Yanez

8-5-25

MONTEREY – The 92nd annual Italian festival was held through September 5-7 at the Custom House Plaza. Locals and tourists of all ages were welcome to enjoy the gleaming Italian festival with many food stands, music, dancing, bocce, shopping, and many more.

Food and shopping stands were set up all around the plaza, also including a stage for live music performances and much space for dancing participants.

The festival was held over a three day time period to present its wide range of italian cuisine, music and traditional activities. For the attendees in younger age categories, there were many activities such as bungee jumping and an infallible slide.

Along with the various activities held, festival organizers also used the weekend to honor the contributions of Monterey’s fishermen, both past and present, who have also been vital to the city’s cultural history.

Davinia Grayson (‘27), who attended the festival, expressed how her experience was amazing. Grayson got to experience a new genre of music and sampled much of the cuisine offered, her favorite being the alfredo pasta with parmesan cheese. Grayson also noted how the weather was “Exceptionally nice” for the festival being held in downtown Monterey.

Grayson additionally shared that she got to experience the festival with her friend Kaley Lopez (‘27), who also enjoyed the music and got her own chance to tan in the bright sun.

Along with Grayson, Lopez’s favorite dish presented at the Festival was the five cheese pasta with garlic bread. Lopez expressed that the music gave her a sensational and “Welcoming experience.”

Lopez very much enjoyed the “Amazing food and good weather.” Both attendees were happy to share their experience, and very much recommend others to go to next year's Italian Festival.

Overall, the Italian festival left many of the attendees with a fond memory of delicious food and lovely music, hopefully enticing them to return for next year's festival.

The Monterey High school Chess Club

By Michael Daoud

9-3-25

On Wednesday in The Monterey High School’s students participated in an interview about their club called the Chess Club. This Club was made by Joel Garcia. “The Chess Club has become a nice space where students improve and develop strategic thinking, and maybe even create new friendships.”

He said the club is inviting more students to join and experience a simple game of chess. A community for Chess Enthusiasts and beginners alike The Monterey High School Chess Club, led by the chess Club members, offering a space for both high level players and newcomers.

Trast Howe, a dedicated member of the club, shares his thoughts “This chess club is really nice. Come and join us, it's a fun way to improve your skills and meet other students who love the game.”

His inviting mood reflects the club’s nice and cool environment. How the Chess Club Helps Students Grow, and talks about the educational benefits. “You can increase your chess experience and become much better,” Howe explains. “Whether you’re just starting out or already have some skills, our club provides resources to become better at chess.

There are friendly competitions that help players develop their experience and strategic thinking. Howe adds that participating in chess can improve thinking skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities. traits that benefit students beyond the game. The Structure of the club meets once a week on Monday in room 27.

Joel Garcia “Joining the chess club has helped me become more patient and think ahead. It’s not just a game; it’s a way to challenge yourself and improve your skills.” The club is actively recruiting new members.

“Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the club welcomes everyone eager to learn and improve. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and make new friends.” The Monterey High School Chess Club is more than just a place to play; it's a community dedicated to chess playing.

With passionate people like Trast Howe and motivated members like Joel Garcia, the club offers an inviting environment for students to increase their chess experience and become much better players. If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and strategic activity, don’t hesitate to join the Monterey High School Chess Club. Check their bulletin board or speak with a club member to find out how you can get involved today.

Senior Spotlight: Amber Kane

By Sunny Pelton

9-3-15

Amber Kane’s high school experience has been anything but boring. From long nights at the dance studio to international performances, she’s built a high school journey centered around creativity, leadership, and passion.

“Dance is my main passion,” Kane said. “I’m a competitive dancer, so I’m at the studio every night, training, rehearsing, and taking classes.” But her talents don’t end there. Freshman year, she picked up photography as a hobby, which has since grown into a small business. “It started as something fun, but now it’s one of my biggest passions,” she shares.

kane is also part of an international music theater group that travels to bring the performing arts to places that don’t always have access to the arts. “Getting to travel as much as I do is definitely a blessing. It’s not common to perform all over the world doing what you love.”

At school, Kane joined the show choir her junior year and now serves as the group’s head choreographer. She plays a major role in building the group’s performances from choreography to storyline and music. “I’m part of a planning committee with some of my closest friends. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I love it,” she said.

Kieri Coombs, director of Amber’s theater group, said it best: “Amber has always been focused and involved in everything. She’s grown into a caring, loving young adult who gives her all to the things and people she’s passionate about.”

Kane's advice to younger students is: “Stay true to yourself and to your passions. That dream is in your heart for a reason. Anything is possible if you work hard and stay committed. And learn to balance your social, academic, and artistic life. That’s something I’ve had to work on.”

Kane's words show her humility despite her many achievements. She gives advice that expresses how success requires more than talent, but also perseverance, balance and staying true to yourself; these qualities embody Kane as she prepares for life after high school.

Credit to Lex DiFranco

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Morgan Kristy

By Evelyn Escamilla

9-5-25

From her first game as a freshman to final season as a senior, Morgan Kristy has shown her passion and dedication as a varsity volleyball player here at Monterey High. From her late night practices to her most nerve-racking games she shared with them that volleyball has not only shaped her personality and characteristics, but it has also taught her how to be more confident and outgoing.

In talking about her experience as a MHS volleyball player she opened up about the toughest challenge she faced, which was mental health. She expressed, “Being an athlete involves overcoming the loss of a game, your mentality, bad sportsmanship.” She indicated that she truly faced these struggles when she first began, setting high standards for herself. However, over time, she feels she has been overcoming these challenges, which have shaped the athlete she is today.

Leaving all the struggles aside, she shared, “My favorite memory with my team is always beating a challenging team.” She claimed that the MHS girls volleyball program is very fierce and devoted with power to excel. Managing school, sports, and life outside of volleyball doesn't sound like an easy task, but she shared how she does it: “I keep a consistent routine to stay on track, finishing extra homework during the day, before games, or after practice.”

Looking forward to her life after college she shared, “After high school, I plan on continuing my sport by playing collegiate volleyball, aiming for the D1 or D2 level either in California, a nearby state, or on the East Coast near Georgia.” Alongside her volleyball interest she does want to major in landscape architecture, and after college Kristy would like to go into the air force and become a Reservist.

As her last MHS varsity volleyball season took place, she expressed, “I will forever miss the court floor, the audience, and my teammates with high school volleyball.” Her high school experience is in general one of the best of her life, but playing volleyball will forever be marked as her favorite memory. They want to share a message she left for future athletes with: “Never, ever, compare yourself to others. Everyone's journey with this sport is different. Your path may be different from others, but it doesn't mean yours is worth any less than. You can do anything you set your mind to!”

As her final season takes place she doesn't only leave all these victories behind on the court but she takes with her the lessons, memories and determination that volleyball has given her.

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