Archbishop Mitty High School - Excalibur Yearbook (San Jose, CA)

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f N C C t is a mixture of people from different ethnic and economic backgrounds, states Josie Reguero, a Spanish teacher. Students as well as faculty come from vastly different backgrounds and experi- ences, and each culture adds to Mittyfs Richness,', either through their active participation in cultural events or just by being who and what they are, com- ments Reguero. The most visible ethnic activity on campus for the past two years has been Cinco de Mayo. A celebration ofa victory of the Mexican people over the French army at the city of Puebla in the year 1862, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated at Mitty with food, Spanish dancers, and a Mariachi Band. It is an event which builds communi- ty by teaching about different culturesf' explains Reguero. The Mexican- American community, parents, member of the Hindu religion, each month she participates in Aarti, a food offering to their Cod. Also, there are cer- tain yearly celebrations, such as Krsnafs Birthday which she celebrates with other Hindus in the bay area. Niyofs culture and religion have an effect on what she gives and receives at Mitty. She is com- fortable at Mitty and enjoys learning of another religionf' In return, the fellow students at Mitty have the opportunity to learn ofa culture that they previously knew little about,', noted Kevin Smith, a junior. junior Christine Bocanegra, a Mex- ican-American, is involved in cultural activities in her community. As well as assisting with Cinco de Mayo on campus, she recently became involved in Amigos de las Americas,Ja program training youth to participate in health projects in Latin America. While preparing her for her chosen field of behavioral science, melting pot of man culture teachers, and Spanish students are in- volved, which helps people learn of other cultures, and thus adds to the unique cultural experiencef' added Re- guero. Cinco de Mayo is such a success, Reguero hopes other ethnic days can be celebrated. The cultural experience at Mitty goes beyond celebrations. The varied cultures on campus are reflected in dress and other activities. Hispanic students at Mitty often wear clothes illustrative of their culture, as do the Islamic and Euro- pean students. Mehrnaz and Farnaz jamali, sisters from Iran, display their cultural ties through their unique East- ern jewelry. Other students choose to represent themselves through hair styles. Still others reflect their culture through their music. From soul to punk, all musical varieties are present at Mitty. Several students who come to our dances from other schools are amazed by the different types of music that are played, especially the soul music,', states senior Gina Bonanno. The most subtle yet powerful cultural influence at Mitty is the culture prac- ticed at home which the individuals carry with them on campusf' reflected Betsy Townsend, a junior. junior N iyo Kachalia, an Asian Indian, actively participates in cultural activities at home and within her community. A Bocanegra also feels that Amigos will help her to improve her Spanish and learn more about the culture which is a part of her life. Although she felt some racial tensions in her freshman year, she generally feels that Mitty is a communi- ty that extends over racial barriers to work as a wholef' Michelle Alexander, ajunior, is a black also involved with her culture. She is attempting to join jack and jill, a peer group for black youths that discusses pertinent issues in their lives. In order to join the program, one must find a family that is willing to sponsor you. Alexander is in the process of doing a task which A healthy exchange of different culturesf, often takes a long time to accomplish. She, like Bocanegra, felt some racial ten- sion in her freshman year because of uthe small size of the ethnic groups repre- sentedf' She feels now, however, that Mitty is a community that stresses equality even though the ethnic groups are not extremely largef' In general, at Mitty there is a healthy exchange of different cultures, and thus ideas, summarizes Patrick Fitzgerald, a senior. by Lori Weichenthal

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RT is a glamorous experience. Clamour? In the theatre? Bruised legs, extreme physical and emotional exhaustion, and being the idol of twelve-year-old kids. That's as glamor- ous as it gets right nowf' says Brandy Parris, a senior seriously considering a career in acting. At this time in their lives, most artists at Mitty find little glamour but a lot of prom- ise in their talents. Brandy is one of numerous students who came to high school with previous training in art. She had gained experience with the stage and play procedure by per- forming in plays and working on various technical crews. She has been in Mitty Theatrical Arts productions, her special he shaping shading talents helping her win leading roles. I perform because I can't express myself as well any other way, and acting is a way to show how I feelf says Parris. A sophomore musician, Franco Fin- stad, also enjoys the free-flowing expres- sion achieved through art. When Franco began in the sixth grade, he learned to balance his time effectively so that he could expand on school and music at the same time. Practice, one of the most important aspects of trumpet playing, has become involuntary to him. My talent is definitely a result of self- discipline and will power,', explains Fin- stad. There are no short cuts in art. Carolyn Brilla, a senior, is also very involved with music, only her voice is her artistic talent and ticket to fame. Since her first performance in Oklaho- ma, she has been in more than nine other plays. Brilla finds she can use her voice best in cheery songs. Often though, she writes poetry and invents tunes to accompany them. She hopes to enhance her talents by being in plays, taking classes, and having voice lessons. It,s the real mef' she says. I can look deep inside and tell what's there without saying it. Personal pizzazv is the expression of emotions through any art form. For a musician, the mood of the music makes each bar unique. In painting, Einar Fin- stad, a senior, poses a personal style of realism, yet loose and simplev on his artistic creations. His art works reach for the more pleasant aspects of color and design. Einar's paintings and sketches depict landscape scenes, mountains, or city streets concentrating on the shadows, sun, and natural forms. His style proves versatile as he can disregard the perfec- tion in nature and make things simplified and down to the basic beauties of things. U After college, when recognition is established, Einar does not want to follow popular trends, but set the fads. This ulti- mate goal may come true for Einar as his talents improve and his expressions shine with pure originality. F ads are meant to be set by young apprentices. Imagination and creativity show through styles of their own making. For Nick Dubois, it is comic book and fantasy characters set in a futuristic time frame. In the past, you have a guideline or reference point for your work. In the future, you can create your own world for the comicf' comments Dubois. His graphic narrative talents allow him many job opportunities. As a producer, and of an artis director, or writer, Nick could apply his creativity. To improve his tyle, he takes time out to attend and participate in conventions in San Diego and San Francisco. It's a good way to find out how professionals like your workf, With the continuous variations and characters, Nick hopes to establish his comic book talents in the world of art. College is usually a dream, something far away and unreal. To the seniors, another four-year commitment is a scary reality. Often, though, they look for schol- arships to take some of the burden off their families. For those students who are advanced in the arts, their talents are finally beginning to pay off Beginners in the arts that come to Mit- ty find the classes most helpful. However, not all forms of art have instructional courses. Dancers, for instance, find no classes to help them. They must take les- sons outside of school. Charlotte Yeh, a senior, began ballet dancing two years ago. When she came to Mitty, she continued her after-school classes. I saw a friend of mine dancing, and it was so beaufitul that I wanted to dance also, says Charlotte. She has a hectic schedule, trying to fit in school, homework, ballet lessons, and projects. Using her knowledge of dance, she hopes to be able to perform in many varying roles. Both beginners and advanced artists find their place in Mitty's art community. Many students are not recognized for their abilityf, comments Mazor. In the future, they hope to have art shows that would make known the extensive talents of Mitty's artistic students. by Tina Iohnson Carolyn Brilla fbelowj in a chocolate chip cookiegram costume prepares for a hats off rendition of Happy Birthday. Her singing helpe others enjoy their gift of cookies all the more