Jayce Alegre Class of 2015

Righetti is a big school with crowded classrooms, crowded hallways, and a high populous student body. The days I’ve spent in Righetti travelling back and forth across the campus like an endless merry-go-round. I thought I was riding a carousel with no purpose. I soon realized that the rigorous core classes I was taking that required my time to walk, also took my time to learn. I don’t regret taking AP/Honors classes, I’m glad that they were challenging classes, which changed how I really think.

Freshman year, I thought the rest of my four years were only going to be focused around academics. Boy was I wrong. The clubs I joined, the community service I provided, collaborations, track & field, college trips, Wake-A-Thon events, teacher talks, and increasing friendships were the most important attributes of my high school years. Sophomore Year, I took the hardest class on campus (supposedly, I think AP Physics is the hardest class nowadays), AP World History and passed it’s AP exam with a score of 4. I was proud of myself, then convinced myself to take more AP courses that’ll definitely benefit me. Junior Year, realization overcame me. I didn’t learn anything from my classes and so I took the time to work with others to get ahead of the game. All in all, this was an easy year (except physics). Senior Year, growth, unfairness, time constraint, “I wish I can do things over again,” anticipation, and now are still going on.

AVID Class 2015, Spirit Day - Rock the Purple Wave

AVID. College bound students with smarticles is where people get together without falter. Half my story is shared with my AVID classmates. Ironically, we barely do much in the class, but my 4 years with the class share unforgettable memories that may be-could be-might be match to those of future experiences of college memories. It’s important to know where your friends come from and AVID is the place to know so.

AVID Class 2015, College Trip North California

Some students may be bad, some good, but Righetti shouldn’t be considered a school of bad hopes and false dreams. The school values students who want to learn and retain information. I could be considered a bad kid who is labeled to be bad from where I come from. Heck I hang around those kids, but they aren’t bad at all. Personally, I’m proud of who I am because honestly, I represent the kids with the same background as me. Righetti offers opportunity, any kinds of opportunity. Just think of one, it’ll be there.

Susel Garcia Class of 2015

A student during a passing period playing the Rubik's cube and showing a security guard on campus shortly after the lockdown

When I saw this I decided to take the picture because I felt that there was more to Righetti than fighting authority figures. I felt it shows the side of Righetti that people here can be more related to, we are able to connect with them and aren't afraid of interacting with them and making friendships with them or even playing the Rubik's cube with them.
Check out Susel's Blog here: http://suselgarcia.blogspot.com/

Ryland Towne Class of 2013

I thought my high school career at Righetti would only consist of two things, academics and athletics. Yet as I look back at those four amazing years, I find something else that left a lasting impact on me outside of the classrooms and off the court. 

I was first introduced to Special Olympics during my sophomore year.  Growing up, I had a cousin with an intellectual disability. I was often afraid of his sudden outbursts and therefore made an effort to maintain my distance. I had heard about the Special Olympics club from a friend and thought that volunteering would be the best way to overcome my childish fear. As I arrived at the first practice, my stomach soon became filled with butterflies. Yet as I walked in Alic Jun, the president of the club, immediately greeted me and introduced me to each and every athlete. All of the athletes embraced me with a high five and the brightest smiles I had ever witnessed. It was safe to say that I was hooked.

The next few years I made it my goal to get involved in any way possible. I soon became president of the club my junior year and continued in that position until graduation.  

I have continued my passion for Special Olympics into college and as of now I am the External Vice President for Special Olympics at UCLA.

Righetti provided opportunities for me to expand my interests and follow some truly amazing passions. I will forever be grateful for my experiences at Ernest Righetti High School.