The festivals allow students to engage in pride-related activities by partying, dancing and having fun. There is no dress code, but many people wear bright, rainbow-colored garments reminiscent of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag.

There are many Pride events to look out for in the Bay Area, including at Gunn. Hosted by the Student Executive Council
every year, Pride celebrations take place in late May. Among the festivities are student performances, the Pride Fair and Gender Sexuality Alliance events.

Pride Month events in the Bay Area include the Civic Center Celebration at the public plaza in front of San Francisco City Hall, and the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 26, a march from Market Street to City Hall that will include performances. The Filoli Historic House and Garden is also hosting two days of pride festivities on June 3 and 4. The event will offer food and drinks for purchase and photo opportunities with the decorated garden.

Some events may not be appropriate for teenagers, so check individual events’ websites for more information on age restrictions.

The park’s views become even more striking at sunset, with the dimly lit city skyline resembling a scene straight out of a movie. Although the spectacular skyline view from the top of the 800-foot-tall mountains requires hiking a few trails, the journey is less demanding than that of Mission Peak, which boasts a similar view. On the way down from the peaks, visitors pass a quaint lake and waterfall. They can visit a herd of cattle or enjoy hang gliding, hiking and horseback riding around the park. The bottom of the mountain features a fishing lake, playground structures and lawn areas with picnic tables. The relative obscurity of the location only adds to its scenic beauty — unlike other hikes, there are few crowds.

Don’t let the beauty of the trail completely bewitch you: On the mountain peaks, be aware of rattlesnakes and other wildlife. Also, be sure to carry water and snacks, as walking the trails to the top can take several hours. Although the longer trails may be slightly arduous, the sight from the top of the hill is worth all the effort.

The event was created to spread awareness about the environmental benefits of repurposing old clothes. The club spent several weeks coordinating with Student Executive Council to plan the clothing drive.

Sustainable Fashion Club Vice President Zara Mukhtar hopes that the event will provide an example of sustainability in the local community and help students clean out their closets. “A bunch of seniors are leaving for college and cleaning out their closet and deciding what or what not to take,” she said. “This is a really helpful event for them. We wanted to show people a real-life example (of) what you can organize in your community.”

Club member junior Anna Rodden noted that the contributions students make — however small — can have an impact. “I feel like sustainable fashion is a really accessible way to get into (climate crisis issues),” she said. “It’s a fun way of getting into how to do things more sustainably. We are trying to publicize this way that you can help the earth, even if it’s in a small way. ”

Aside from participating in the clothing drive, the Sustainable Fashion Club suggests partaking in sustainable practices by thrifting, donating old clothes, being consciousMukhtar,  of brands’ sustainability and shopping consciously throughout the year.

Finne-Ipsen decided on the U.S. in particular because she was already familiar with English, and wanted to see the reality of living in the US. “I see it on social media and it’s very different from European teenage life,” she said.

A difference Finne-Ipsen noticed between Palo Alto and Denmark is that school is far more focused on grades in Palo Alto. “In Denmark, high school is more for fun and a time for friends,” she said. 

In her first few months as an exchange student, Finne-Ipsen found it difficult to adjust to the regimented schedule between school, homework and sports that many students have in Palo Alto. “Back in Denmark, you go out with people after school, to the mall or a cafe,” she said. “You don’t eat dinner at home.(Instead), you’re out with your friends. Sports are a thing, but not a lot of people do (them) in high school.”

Finne-Ipsen also found that students in Palo Alto are generally more sheltered than those in Denmark. “There’s a lot of things that kids are not allowed to do (in Palo Alto),” she said. “The parents are really protective.” 

She was surprised by the difference in school spirit between Denmark and Palo Alto. “Everybody is just so hyped, and that’s a feeling I want to take back to Denmark,” she said. 

Her most memorable moments at Gunn were during homecoming week. “There’s so much community,” she said. “Everybody was just dressed up and (and) it was amazing that everybody was so happy to be at school and be together.” Along with enjoying participating in school events, Finne-Ipsen also likes how Palo Alto has a little of everything to explore. “There are stores, there is nature (and)generally a lot to do,” she said.

Nearing her last few months in the Bay Area, Finne-Ipsen will miss the school opportunities and inclusive environment at Gunn the most. “Here, school is not just school, but it’s a place where you can do sports, be part of clubs (and) do whatever you want,” she said. “I feel like there’s a space for everybody here because there’s so much diversity.”

Coordinating menus is one of Gomez’s most vital duties as Kitchen Lead. Her position requires coordinating with district officials and staff from other schools. “All the leads at different sites meet with our main boss and talk about what is working or not working with the menus,” she said. Then we talk about what we like and don’t like.” At Gunn, Gomez and her team of five serves between 1100 and 1200 meals per day. After working in the industry for several years, she has grown accustomed to the high number of students needing to be served, but still finds it overwhelming at times. Gomez believes that the switch to free lunches is a reason behind the higher meal count. “Gunn has the highest meal count of all 17 schools in our district,” she said.

Due to construction, supplies for the kitchen staff have been temporarily moved to V-18, and staff have to use carts to move products across campus.“It’s especially busy with the construction on our old building and going back and forth between rooms,” she said. “It’s a little time-consuming, but we manage to do it every day.”

After several years in the nutrition department, Gomez still finds that interacting with students is her favorite part of the job. “It makes me happy to see students I knew in elementary school now in middle and high school,” she said. “They basically grew up before my eyes. It’s amazing to me.”