Winter Dream 2025
by Alan Smithee
Winter Formal was held a little earlier than normal this year, December 6 at the Star Palace. In the past, the dance was scheduled in late January. Hosted by Senate, the theme was Winter Dream. Prices ranged from $25 to $30, depending on how early the tickets were purchased.
Though under 100 students were in attendance, the DJ engaged students in dance and CTE provided photos. Snacks were available to help keep everyone’s energy up. Many staff members were present, including Principal Amy Smith.
The one omission of the event was Winter Formal Royalty. It seems that due to slow tickets sales, there was a worry the dance might be cancelled. When the decision was made to move forward with the event, it was too late to nominate royal candidate.
A small poem about Winter Formal
In Fresno, down here under the stars so bright,
The students were stirring, with all of their might.
They wanted a dance, a Winter Formal so grand,
The finest of parties across all the land!
The outfits were chosen, the suits were all neat,
The dresses were stunning, a magnificent feat!
The students arrived, their spirits so high,
The number of guests quite small; ‘tis no lie.
But the spirit of dancing, and being with friends,
The fun and the friendship that never quite ends,
Didn't come from large numbers or royal decrees,
It came from the students, I know you agree.
Seniors Suit Up
By Jessenia Varela-Gomez
A Wednesday full of hundreds of bobby-pins, a surprise fire drill, loose tassels, slightly crooked caps, and too big too small gowns senior have made the first step towards graduation prep. The cap and gown photos took place on Wednesday the tenth and Thursday the eleventh inside Fresno High’s parent center which were taken by Larson Brothers Photography
The event was situated and managed by Mrs. Bangerter, better known as Mama B, with appointments from 9:15am until 3:30pm. While each day held two helpers at each period who worked on cap and gown duty from Fresno Highs Journalism and Yearbook class. As a senior came in, they were given a gown that worked with their height and then told to sit down so that their cap could be placed and occasionally pinned to their head. After they were ready to go, they were handed off to the photographer where they took two side shots and a front shot. Despite a slight conflict with a surprise fire drill causing one senior to exit with her gown, the rest of the day went smoothly. “I was so nervous to take my picture and then the fire alarm happened, and I was like thank God, but I did not want to go outside in my gown. Once I started talking with other kids who were also taking their photo, it made me calm down and realize this is my last yearbook photo, so it was more nostalgic than scary,” said senior Caroline Macedo.
A room full of smiles, laughs, memories, and an overall bittersweet feeling set the tone for just how fast the year is going for class of 2026. Senior Yajaira Castillo shared, “Putting on my cap and gown put into perspective just how fast time flies.”
Annual Home Tours Showcases New Gym
by Valerie Juarez
The annual Holiday Home Tours took place on December 1, this year in the newly renovated gym and throughout volunteered Fresno High School community homes. “Last year, we were at an actual house and played in the backyard. I’m not sure why we’re in the new gym now, but it’s still cool,” shared Naomi Rodriguez, a band student, with excitement for the evening.
The band participated in the event because the home tour coordinators wanted them to perform a selection of short Christmas songs to create a festive atmosphere.
At the gym entrance, students sold cookies and drinks to raise additional funds for the event. As many visitors arrived, they enjoyed a tour of the gym, featuring the newly installed amenities, including the basketball court, restrooms, and more.
This new gym is expected to be operational in a few months, so keep an eye out and remember to help keep it clean and well-maintained!
Meanwhile, Senate students played docents as guests were able to visit a numbers of historical Fresno homes. The Fresno High Holiday Home Tour has been running for over 30 years, having started informally in 1992 and becoming an annual tradition. This year is the 29th Annual Tour, marking it as a long-standing community event to showcase historic homes and raise funds for school programs like band and scholarships.
Tree Lighting Festivities
by Sofie Zuniga
Fresno High hosted their yearly Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event is usually held in December and before Winter Break, which starts three weeks after December 1. The event was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. There were many things happening at the event such as Concerts from Fresno Highs band and orchestra and even from middle schools in Fresno.
There were also hot chocolate cups, soup, and hot coffee to keep people warm were being sold by Fresno Highs teachers and staff members. Not only were these things happening but mini-Christmas trees and toys were being sold as well. They were countless games and activities at this event including Santa Games, and This is thanks to all the Staff, Teachers, and Students helping with the event the Tree lighting could not have been warmer without them. Not only was it a beautiful evening, but it was also a full moon.
Wreaths Across America
By Jessenia Varela-Gomez
The thirteenth of December marked the fourth year that Fresno High has joined the Wreaths Across America organization for their wreath ceremony at the Liberty Veteran Cemetery in Fresno. This event is held in honor of all the soldiers buried at the cemetery.
The ceremony began with an introduction speech from retired M.Sgt. USAF veteran John Delgado. They then allowed retired veterans to place a wreath in honor of every branch of service. The national anthem was sung, and a speech was given by Lauren Delgado. During this speech she mentioned U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kazuo Otani a brave soldier from Visalia California who was killed giving first aid to one of his fallen soldiers during WWII. Once the ceremony was over, everyone was informed of the wreath placing procedure.
The wreaths were placed on every other grave, and the bow was placed at twelve o’clock. They were placed below the tombstone, and their names and achievements were to be read aloud. Once all the wreaths were placed, the helpers were welcome to get coffee or baked goods provided by the organization. Retired M.Sgt. USAF veteran John Delgado explained, “The reason we started was because my family has a deep tradition in the military and I wanted to honor my Uncle Alfred who was killed in action and is buried here. This cemetery has been unrecognize and we wanted to make sure it was recognized and not forgotten and we want to keep the youth involved to remember their freedom.”
Folklórico Winter Showcase
by Aris Cookson
Fresno High and Sunnyside students came together for an exciting Folklórico show on December 5 and 6 at Fresno High’s Royce Hall. The event was created with help from both schools’ directors and was run by Ms. Rosemarie Pantoja, the teacher in charge of the Folklórico club. She worked hard with the dancers to bring everything together. The performance featured student dancers from both schools to show off traditional Folklórico styles they had been practicing. Presale tickets were $5, and tickets at the door were $10, with children 2 and under entering for free. This made it a fun event for families and the community.
Students who are interested in trying Folklórico have the chance to join the group; no experience is needed. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Royce Hall, where new members can learn the basics, meet new people, and become part of a supportive school community.
With performers from both Fresno High and Sunnyside, the Folklórico show ended up being a memorable celebration of culture, teamwork, and student talent. It is definitely an event worth attending and a great moment for everyone involved. Many of the audience members were impressed. As Alexander Salas Martinez shared, “It was great, each dance was different, and the dancers were all in sync.”