Nick Sestanovich

5 days ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Nick Sestanovich

WATSONVILLE — It takes a lot of work to become valedictorian, not just taking the classes that will put a student’s grade point average over the top but also studying hard and putting in the work in those classes. Jesus Nolasco-Vega did all of that to become Watsonville High School’s valedictorian for the class of 2025, a title he shares with Yasmin Salas.

5 days ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Nick Sestanovich

WATSONVILLE — Transferring to a new school can be difficult for many. They have to become acquainted with new faces, a new campus and maybe even different educational styles. Yasmin Salas had to do all of that when transferring to Watsonville High School at the start of her senior year following three years at St. Francis High School. None of that was an issue though. In fact, she will be graduating as the school’s valedictorian, a title she shares with Jesus Nolasco-Vega.

5 days ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Nick Sestanovich

SANTA CRUZ — Sunday marked the official start of Pride Month, which commemorates the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms their commitment to being themselves. However, Santa Cruz Pride did not have to wait until June for Pride festivities to get underway, as June 1 marked the culmination of a week of activities that ended with its annual parade down Pacific Avenue and festival with performers and more than 100 vendor booths.

6 days ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Nick Sestanovich

WATSONVILLE — Zaida Garcia-Santiago’s four years at Watsonville High School have been nothing short of eventful. She got an early taste of college, both through taking classes at Cabrillo College and taking part in a science internship at UC Santa Cruz, and was among many Pajaro residents attending Watsonville High who were temporarily displaced following the massive flooding in the spring of 2023, her sophomore year.

1 week ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Nick Sestanovich

WATSONVILLE — When the Pajaro Valley Unified School District bestowed its first California State Seal of Civic Engagement honors in 2023, it did so in a small ceremony during a school board meeting with only three students, all from Watsonville High School, recognized for demonstrating excellence in civic education and participation. The following year, that number jumped to 73 students honored from throughout the district.