For the hard working students of Samohi, summer was no time to kick their feet up and relax. In fact, for many, summer vacation meant more work, but on their own terms.
A common way Samohi students spent their break from school was, ironically, more school. Santa Monica College, UCLA and other higher education institutions in the area hosted Samohi students during their summer semester. Students have also taken courses at online high schools or completed two to six week programs at universities across the country.
Cleo Topp, a rising senior, attended UC Berkeley's four-week on-campus embARC program.
"It’s an architecture course with a focus on sustainable city planning," said Topp. "I’m really interested in Berkley and this was a good way for me to get a feel for life on campus. I also thought I maybe wanted to major in architecture. I don’t think it’s my thing but I’m happy I got the chance to explore that," Topp added.
In the highly competitive college admissions landscape, Samohi students are drawn to college classes because admission offices will calculate GPA by weighting grades in college classes on a five point, rather than four point, scale. Also, the credits earned in a college class can be used towards both high school and college credit requirements. Despite undergraduate colleges being able to offer more prestige, Samohi students tend to attend summer classes at SMC rather than other institutions due to the strength of Samohi and SMC’s relationship; the two have had a Memorandum of Understanding in place since 2007. Not only that, SMC classes are free for high schoolers.
With hourly jobs in Santa Monica paying upwards of $17 an hour, working a summer job is an appealing way for high schoolers to spend the break and Samohi’s college and career center has been open all summer, providing work permits to students joining the workforce.
Nina Slavonia, a rising junior at Samohi, started working as a lifeguard at the Santa Monica College pool this summer.
"I do surveillance, which is just watching to make sure no one is struggling in the water. But I also teach swim lessons," said Slavonia. "I got the job because I’ve been a junior lifeguard since middle school and my sister who graduated from Samo this past year works there as well," Slavonia added. "I wanted a job because I want my own money, I don’t want to have to rely on my parents for that."
While some students spent their summer in a classroom or working, fall-season athletes were preparing for their upcoming season.
Samohi football, eager to repeat the success of last season, has been putting in work. The CIF-SS Division 9 runner-ups have moved both division and league and hope to prove themselves in a new setting. This summer the Vikings have traveled as far as Arroyo Grande and central California to play in numerous pass football summer tournaments. The team had a winning record in every tournament they played in and found exceptional success at the Troy Clash of Champions Tournament, beating out 20 schools for the championship.
"I think we’re in good shape," Varsity receiver Ashtin Derrick said. "Touch football is a completely different game but it’s a good sign. It’ll be tough but I’m hopeful."
In a more competitive division and with the graduation of key seniors like Caden McCallum and Jayden Montanez, the Vikings have had to work overtime to make sure they’re in good form come season. The first game of the viking’s season is on August 23 at Chino.
Whether in the classroom, behind a deli counter, on the field or elsewhere, Samohi students have kept busy this summer.
Leo Lucente, SMDP Intern
