Here’s what 40 Carrillo students have to say about their school
The MCHS campus during lunch (Natalia Woods / The Puma Prensa)
Written By: Natalia Woods, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Maria Carrillo High School, since its founding in 1996, has had one mission for its students; to turn them into Powerful Producers, Universal Citizens, Masterful Communicators, and Active Learners. From the outstanding athletes, passionate activists, dedicated musicians, and everyone in between, Carrillo students have not only lived up to those expectations, but surpassed them. To understand the true passion and community that is present on campus, we decided to ask students from each grade level what they think makes Carrillo so special, and why they love being a Puma.
“ I really feel like our honors classes are going to prepare me for the future.”
-Adriana Taylor, 9th grade
“The athletics department and how developed it is.”
-Stella Sederholn, 9th grade
“I love that our teachers are supportive and they try to do everything in their power to help you get better…if you need extra help they’re willing to stay after school or come earlier in the morning.”
-Adrina Mota, 9th grade
“I feel safe at this school.”
-Kahlil Bowen, 9th grade
“I love the art programs but I really love our academics…we just have such an intelligent student body.”
-Amelia Hsu, 9th grade
“The fun classes. It’s just a fun school, fun activities, sports.”
-Kelan Bailie, 9th grade
“The classes, like AP classes, are super challenging.”
-Annie Considine, 9th grade
“We’re a new school with a large student body.”
-James Leffew, 9th grade
“I really like the sports, specifically the cross country team… our sports training programs are excellent.”
-Hugh Cochrane, 9th grade
“The cheer team, the hard classes, the people here, and the leadership program.”
-Ella Kane, 9th grade
MCHS Choir Singers Ava Reynolds, Maren Negri, and Trystan Treiner performing in the 2024 Student Voice Assembly (Alexa Rios / The Puma Prensa)
“The MCHS Encore program has virtually changed my life, I’ve never met so many kind and caring people.”
-Ava Reynolds, 10th grade
“Carrillo just feels like a place where you can rise to a different level and challenge yourself.”
-Sireen Moalla, 10th grade
“Our clubs help people find a place here and feel at home at Carrillo.”
-Siena Denault, 10th grade
“Our Mariachi program.”
-Miguel Angel Ramirez, 10th grade
“The different classes and APs that it offers.”
-Gabrielle Burk-Chavez, 10th grade
“The friendliness of the community.”
-Paige Richards, 10th grade
“Sporting events like football games and rallies… getting to be with my friends.”
-Bella Tapia 10th grade
The MCHS football team celebrates a victory (Rheya Bushan / The Puma Prensa)
“I just love the people here at Carrillo… everyone is relatable and entertaining, and also so talented and special, and everybody actually tries–they’re so motivated.”
-Annie Lee, 11th grade
“There’s a mix of school spirit and preparation for college…the purpose of high school is to help kids figure out their future and that’s what Carrillo does so well.”
-Madison Denault, 11th grade
“The people here make me feel welcome.”
-Tanner Isachsen, 11th grade
“It’s just always been a safe school– like during freshman year when everything was going down, Carrillo was a safe place.”
-Zachary Miller 11th grade
“The communities are amazing…The Choir program, our whole Encore Performing Arts, the swim team– it's just fun to meet new people.”
-Jason Poole, 11th grade
“We have four classes of leadership, I feel like that shows that a bunch of kids at this school really do care about the home of the Pumas.” -Victoria Salazar, 11th grade
“All the teachers try their best to work with students, and students treat each other with respect, they know boundaries and limits and everyone helps support each other.”
-Ayla Alexander, 11th grade
“The Jazz program is great, we win a lot of competitions and are probably one of the best in Northern California— plus it’s just fun and great to be a part of.”
-Yazan Osman, 11th grade
“Our campus is super nice.” -Lillian Terrel, 11th grade
“We have such great programs here…a great dance program, phenomenal band and orchestra.”
-Sophie Barrow, 11th grade
“The Auto program is unique.”
-Jagger Cann, 11th grade
Carrillo students watching a football game (Rheya Bushan / The Puma Prensa)
“An involved student body fosters a tight community, and this is certainly the case for Carrillo– it’s just an abundance of student involvement and passion.”
-Ishan Shardha, 12th grade
“Our teachers are intelligent and motivated about teaching which leads to excelling and involved students.”
-Kyle Barrisford, 12th grade
“There’s an abundance of opportunities to make a difference in our local community– from our Study Spot, bilingual tutoring, to mentoring young musicians at local elementary schools, promoting respect for cultural backgrounds through clubs, and enhancing social activism.”
-Shravan Sundaram, 12th grade
“Our Arts program is great–it’s been consistent throughout my life and it’s thoroughly strong.”
-Katie Winkleman, 12th grade
“Carrillo promotes diversity of thought… it’s why we have over 30 wide-ranging clubs.”
-Sebin Park, 12th grade
“I love how the arts are a part of the student experience and are truly valued at our school.”
-Tony Li 12th grade
“Maria Carrillo supports a balance between academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and social life.”
-Connor Masuno, 12th grade
“I’m grateful that we have such good facilities and coaches that allow us to play sports to our best abilities.”
-Gabriel Murphy, 12th grade
“I think this school does a good job of encouraging well-roundedness and producing diverse citizens of the world.”
-Bailey Epperson, 12th grade
“The focus on extracurriculars, teachers encourage leadership and participation in sports as well as clubs in classrooms.”
-Erin Kelleher 12th grade
“We have a very tight-knit community that can work with each other to grow, develop, and promote unity within Sonoma County.”
-Soren Shioda, 12th grade
“I think everyone here has such capability to do great things, whether it be in the arts, sports, academics, music, whatever it is… Carrillo is proof of what happens when student creativity takes form.” -Phoebe Shalev, 12th grade