San Benito High School District and Hollister High School share newsletter updates each Monday and Thursday. Make sure to follow us on social media as well through @BalerNews on Twitter/X and Instagram, @BalerSports on Instagram, and Hollister High School on Facebook.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

At the Academic Rally in Mattson Gym on Thursday, April 25, Hollister High School announced the Top 10 students from each grade level, based on their class standing from freshmen year through the end of the Fall semester this year. The freshman class Top 10 actually features 80 students, as all students with a 4.0 GPA as of the end of the Fall semester were recognized. The final Top 10 list of graduating seniors from the Class of 2024 will be announced later this month.

The top 10 seniors, in current ranking order, are:

1. Lucas Fowler
2. Maya Rosette
3. Estevan Rodriguez
4. Marayam Baryal
5. Emily Hinchberger
6. Noah Ramirez
7. Kendra Melching
8. Isaac Norstrom
9. Grace Sugiura
10. Alexandra Favela

The top 10 juniors, in current ranking order, are:

1. Jasmine Rocha
2. Sabrina Lim
3. Baron Recht
4. Miles Gamble
5. Samuel Buckingham
6. Emma Franks
7. Joshua Ong
8. Avery Cua
9. Tyler Marcus
10. Avery Rocha

The top 10 sophomores, in current ranking order, are:

1. Kevin Len
2. Rachel Buckingham
3. Jennady Bonilla
4. Annie Cullumber
5. Zoie Mead
6. Kenzy Mohamed El-feki
7. Genesis Sanjuan
8. Adeline Nelson
9. Aspen Park
10. Josue Perez

The top 10 freshmen, alphabetically, are: Kayla Aiello, Dianeth Arana-Paramo, Mariah Arbulu, Aiyann Bailey, Jasleen Bailey, Dominic Baladad, Desiree Barragan, Maya Betancourt, Tristin Bladek, Juliana Brackensick, Emily Brown, Luke Cardenas, Andres Carmona, Luce Marel Carpio, Natalie Castanon, Jinu Chu, Madison Cline, Rihanna Colin, Christine Condid, Vanessa Diep, Daniela Garcia, Zachary Garcia, Nathan Giberson, Tanvir Gill, Aaron Granados Tejeiro, Brooklyn Green, Madison Harmon- Tafur, Jacob Hernandez, Julio Hernandez, Shane Hinsley, Taylor Holsten, Taeden Kareeson, Mikayla Lake, Ephraim Longoria, Isabella Lopez, Jason Lopez, Ivan Lopez-Zaragoza, Ryder Lauren Lumbo, Shiley Madulara, Jordan Mangus, Autumn Martinez, Michael Mathews, Carlee Mayo, Heidi Mendieta, Isaac Millan, Julia Nordstrom, Sophia Nunes, Marisol Ocampo, Savannah Opray, Daisy Oropeza, Juan Pallorina, Andrew Parra,  Julissa Perez, Dione Zachary Rayman, Kayla Reames, Blithe Richards, Brigham Richards, Trixie Rizon, Jessica Ariel Rocha, Violet Rocha, Sophia Rodriguez, Luna Valentina Rodriguez Ruiz, Annais Sanchez Lopez, Noemi Santiago, Nicole Sequeira, Brooklyn Smith, Cambria Smith, Dahlia Solis Barrera, Abril Sotelo, Abigail Stephens, Elias Tafolla, Anna Taylor, Anthony Valdez, Aniya Villalba, Ethan Wahl, Emma Williams, Caelyn Wolfaardt, Cole Woodland, Kaelyn Wright, and Yessenia Zuniga Susano.

Throughout the year, Hollister High School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) students have had an opportunity to partner with Blach Construction through its five-session Student Engagement Program, which included a series of tours of the construction at the new Gavilan College site located on Fairview Road. Witnessing the entire construction process firsthand, students immersed themselves in a learning journey unlike any other. From groundbreaking to the current bustling construction site, they gained valuable insights into the intricate world of construction. "We are immensely proud of all our students who embarked on this transformative journey," said Hollister High's Work-Based Learning Specialist Kristine Hudson, reflecting on the remarkable progress made throughout our sessions.“These experiences not only bolster confidence in their future endeavors but also enhance their resumes, setting them apart as promising leaders in the field.   

Freshman Darren Brown, who demonstrated exceptional commitment by attending all sessions, was recognized for his outstanding efforts, and was awarded a certificate of completion by Blach Construction Senior Project Engineers, Reagan Milligan and Tami Williams. "On behalf of our entire team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated professionals at Blach for their unwavering support in helping our students reach their highest potential," Mrs. Hudson said.

San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum welcome more than a dozen retired Hollister High School teachers to a breakfast in the Davis Library on campus Thursday to provide information about plans for a second high school. Mike Fisher's Culinary class students prepared and served a breakfast buffet for the teachers. (Top photos by Ed Wong; bottom photo by Jenna Ellis).

On Wednesday, 162 Hollister High School students participated in the 2024 Ram-O-Ram at Gavilan College, which was coordinated by Baler Counselors Vanessa Klauer and Nydia Martinez. Students were welcomed by Gavilan administration and staff and listened to a student panel consisting of current Gavilan students (including former Balers). They took a tour of the campus and were able to complete Fall semester applications. Students were treated to lunch, activities and gathered information about different services, activities and events in which they can participate at Gavilan College. Students were chaperoned by Assistant Principal Natalie Kimura, Counselors Klauer, Martinez, Tiffany Cotter, Irma Lozano, Gualberto Monarrez and Heather Nichols, and Workability Employment Specialist, Pamela Sexton.

Volunteers from local agencies are needed for Hollister High School's Life Skills Program's second annual Community Hero Fair. Please contact Breanna Brooks for more information at bbrooks@sbhsd.k12.ca.us.

Hollister High School seniors can return to the Student Payment Center this week (April 22-26) to purchase up to two additional tickets for the graduation ceremony. Please note that only 2 tickets per senior can be purchased at this time while supplies last. Ticket purchases may be available in future weeks based on availability. More information will be provided on Friday, April 26 regarding additional ticket availability.

"Cali" is a chatbot that helps students prepare for college by texting high school seniors helpful reminders, encouragement and tips for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application. To opt in, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the website https://www.calisays.org/?utm_id=35675380000000

The school code for Hollister High is 35675380000000

As San Benito High School District evaluates revenue sources for a second local high school to relieve overcrowding at Hollister High School and protect high-quality education, we want to hear from our community. Please rate your priorities for local high school students by completing the survey in English or Spanish. Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/SurveySBHSD Thank you to those who have already filled out the survey online or returned the survey card that was mailed to them!

Hollister High School’s drama department’s presentation of “Mamma Mia!” opens on April 26 in the school auditorium. Tickets are available on GoFan at the link below.

Attention Hollister High School junior students and parents/guardians: Are you looking to get a head start on your senior year? South County Cal-SOAP is hosting a rising seniors camp at their main office in Gilroy. They will be reviewing college applications, personal statements, resumes, and more. One of the days will include a college tour. See the flyer for information about how to sign up for this free, three-day workshop. Questions? Hollister High's Cal-SOAP Success Coaches are located in the College & Career Center next to the school library. Email: calsoap@sbhsd.k12.ca.us.

As San Benito High School District explores funding options to protect high-quality education at a second high school campus, planning for that new high school presents a unique opportunity for our community to collectively shape its identity. Through a survey, the district is seeking input on the new school’s name, mascot and colors by scanning the QR code or clicking on the survey link.

The San Benito High School District will host a parent information night at Calaveras School on Thursday, April 25 from 6-7:15 p.m. regarding plans for a second high school in the district. The bilingual event is open to our community and will include dinner and raffle prizes. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Carol Heiderich at cheiderich@sbhsd.k12.ca.us or by phone at 831-637-5831, ext. 1132.

This Friday, April 26, Hollister High School's Andy Hardin Stadium will host the PCAL Gabilan Track and Field Finals starting at 4 p.m. The Balers' girls and boys teams are each seeking their third undefeated seasons in a row.

The San Benito High School District and Hollister High School's Migrant Education Program will host a bilingual Parent Advisory Council and District English Language Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to gather input and feedback regarding the planned second high school in the district. The event will include dinner, child care and raffle prizes. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Elizabeth Martinez at emartinez@sbhsd.k12.ca.us or by phone at 831-637-5831, ext. 1702.

Hollister High School's 2023-24 yearbooks will be delivered to campus next month, so make sure to reserve your copy today before they sell out. Scan the QR code or visit https://www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter code 6779 to place your order. You can also click the flyer below to access the ordering website.

San Benito High School District and Hollister High School are hiring for various full- and part-time positions! Check out the flyers for open positions and either scan the QR codes or visit www.edjoin.org to apply.