Grizzlies reflect on their summer vacation

Guadalupe Medina Magaña and Cristal Astorga

September 5, 2025

This past summer was full of different experiences for both students and staff, from family trips to simple moments with friends. To learn more about what staff and students did this summer, one question was asked: “What was the highlight of your summer?” Now that Labor Day has passed, marking the unofficial end of summer, their answers help us remember all the memories that were had in the summer of 2025.

“I worked and spent a lot of time with my family. I had a three-day trip where I went to the beach with my family. We also went to Magic Mountain and to a baseball game.” – Ben Rodriguez

“This summer I worked in the fires. It was a unique and fun experience, but also full of adrenaline. I also learned many important things about how fires work, how they start, and how to control them. I’m really looking forward to going next year and pursuing a job in firefighting or even starting my own company and learning a lot more.” – Jesus Vazquez

“The highlight of my summer was first off, I went to the beach with my grandma for a party, and then later on, I went to LA. I went to the Natural History Museum. I went to the fair out there, and I went to the science center and learned a bunch of school stuff.” – Rebel Guillen

“I spent my summer in volleyball conditioning. My summer was mainly working out all summer and focusing on sports.” – Joselyn Estrada

“This summer I spent a lot of time with my kids. I also went to two Dodger games with my family. I also watched my son play senior youth football.” – Anna Gurrola

“I went to my cousin’s house in Sacramento. We visited a lot of lakes while we were there, and we also got boba near her house every day. Once I was back, I went to a church related girls’ camp. I stayed there for 3 days and did a lot of art-related activities.” – Almitha Joseph

“The highlight of my summer was all the days I went horseback riding. Every day I would look forward to doing it, I love being with my horses.” – Valeria Rosales

“The highlight of summer was taking my parents to Mexico City. We visited the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Basilica de Guadalupe, Pirámides del Sol y Luna in Teotihuacan. We did a lot of things in a short amount of time. The trip was only 5 days.” – Mrs. Carmona

“The highlight of my summer was spending my first summer with my 3-month-old baby. Getting to nap in the middle of the day was also nice. My wife and I also took our son to my friend’s wedding in Cabo San Lucas.” – Mr. Nickell

“The highlight of my summer was attending CADA camp. CADA is an ASB leadership camp. I attended the camp with most of my close friends. I had a lot of fun with them.” – Natalie Hernandez

“The highlight of my summer was being able to spend time with my friends and my family. I also spent some of my time focusing on myself by going to the gym.” – Andres Sanchez

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About the Contributors

Guadalupe Medina Magaña, Junior Staff Writer

Guadalupe Medina is a 16-year-old junior at Granite Hills High School. She was born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico. She’s known for her ability to brighten the classroom with her positive attitude. Medina is part of the Academy of Careers in Education (ACE) Pathway, where she is preparing for her future career as an elementary school teacher. In this pathway, she has gained valuable hands-on experience by completing internships at Santa Fe Elementary, Monte Vista, and Los Robles. These opportunities have allowed her to strengthen her leadership and communication skills while gaining firsthand insight into what it takes to manage a classroom. Outside of school, Medina enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, as well as listening to music. She is passionate about education and guiding the next generation of students.

Cristal Astorga, Senior Staff Writer

Cristal Astorga is a 16-year-old junior at Granite Hills High School. She is a member of the ACE Pathway. Astorga is building a foundation for a future career in the education field. Not only is she in the Academy of Careers in Education Pathway, but she is also participating in extracurricular activities. She is part of the JV volleyball team. Astorga is known as a kind and positive person who is always willing to help her peers. She can also be described as creative, organized, and hardworking. Outside of school, she enjoys shopping and spending time with her family. Astorga has accomplished many goals in her pathway. She has been a part of a few internships, one of them being able to experience hands-on what a classroom looks like. Astorga is excited to learn more leadership and communication skills this year.