The student news site of Alisal High School

Trojan Tribune
It has been 31 years since Lina Cabrera returned to Alisal. She never really imagined herself back as a teacher. “I actually was going to be an International Studies major,” she said. The atmosphere was one of the factors that brought her back. Now as part of the staff, she works to give her students the same positive experience she once had.
Generational wealth
As the finalist for the Poetry Out Loud competition at school, senior Milagros Santiago Gonzalez went on to perform two poems, The Debt by Paul Laurence Dunbar and The Modern Woman to Her Lover by Margaret Widdemer at the Black Box Theatre on January 31st. In competition with other high schools in Salinas, she won second place. “I feel with the first poem I was overthinking a lot,” Santiago said. “The second poem, I feel that I was more confident with that one. But I feel like I was really just enjoying the moment and just not overthinking that much in the end.”
Trojan takes second in Poetry Out Loud competition
Woodshop teacher Pablo Fergoso assists senior Diana Carrera in drilling screws into a step stool. “First we had to cut the wood, then piece it together and nail it, and then file it down,” she said. “It was pretty easy because my teacher really helped a lot.”
Building relationships and more
Baile teacher Oscar Benavidez has led the school’s program since 2021, and has taken a long road to get back to his home at Alisal. “I find it special because I get to come to work and remind myself that I work very hard to be here and to provide a great education to my students.”
Taking the long way back
English teacher Esmeralda Ochoa believes what makes Alisal so special is a sense of closeness and familiarity. “I think what makes people want to come back to teach is that everyone kind of already knows each other,” Ochoa said.
Finding her way back
Against Salinas High, junior Briana Ochoa gave her team a first pin win, and secured 3 points for the team by putting her opponent in an arm bar. “It was my first home dual since I got injured 2 weeks ago,” Ochoa said. “Mentally I felt prepared, but physically I was still nervous, but overall I felt great and good being back on the mat.”
Girls’ wrestling team wins league title
Flanked by his mother and father, senior Diego Carbajal signed his letter of intent to play soccer at CSUMB, on December 11th, 2025. “It was a very special moment for me and being surrounded by family and friends made it special,” he said.
Diego Carbajal commits to CSUMB for soccer
Against Carmel, midfielder Jazmine Vargas tries to take control of the ball. She ended up scoring the team’s lone goal in the 2-1 loss. “I felt pretty good because I did overall really good.” she said. “I had opportunities to score another goal, but as a team we did our best.”
Trying to turn it around
Against Palma in their first dual of the season, sophomore Patrick Garcia scrambles his way into a tech fall, winning his match by 15 points, giving Alisal a 6 point lead. “I was just trying to get the six for my team,” he said, “I wanted to encourage all the rest of my team to win.”
Momentum at Midseason
Against Hollister, senior Lucy Peinado dribbles through the court during the second quarter. The Trojans won a thriller with 61-56. “I was a bit nervous because they were one of our top opponents,” Peinado said. “But overall, I feel like I played a really good game along with my teammates, they're wonderful.”
Reaching New Heights
The SPCA enclosures are used to introduce pets to their potential new owners. The mural was finalized in June of 2025 to portray the love of all their animals by the talented Amy Burkman. During my time volunteering at the SPCA, I spent most of my time in this welcome area.
Daily Chores, Forever Rewards
Actress and singer-songwriter Freya Skye has released her newest single, “Gold’s Gone”, which portrays her musical talent as a song composer, as well as her vocal abilities. Photo courtesy of Gomoxie.org
Song Review – Gold’s Gone/Freya Skye
By Screenshot of the title card from an episode of the television series., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71054937
Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 3
Deltarune (2025), the successor to the popular indie game Undertale (2015) by Toby Fox, was finally released to the public, along with Chapters 3 and 4 this year. (The screenshot can or could be obtained from Toby Fox/Artist- Temmie Chang/GameMaker Studio 2., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?)curid=58942342
Game review: Deltarune
By Swift, Taylor (October 3, 2025). "The Life of a Showgirl". United States: Apple Music. Archived from the original on August 19, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81464136
Album Review – The Life of a Showgirl/Taylor Swift
During two different stages in my life I am spending time in the classroom: a first grader unknowing what to expect from school back in Russia, and a senior awaiting to graduate from American high school.
My education journey through two countries
An example of how bruising looks when inflammation is attacking the blood vessels, for me usually appears on my legs or inner arms. These bruises aren’t just pain, they’re a reminder of what my body has overcome.
My battle with my body
Slow walkers in the main building make it difficult to get to class on time, especially when they take up the entire hallway.
Slow walkers need to pick up the pace or get out of the way
Jun 17, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds former player Pete Rose speaks during a pregame ceremony of the unveiling of his bronze statue at Great American Ball Park. Rose was banned from baseball for betting on games, but now baseball, basketball, and football are partners with betting apps and sports programming often promotes the betting line. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Why has sports betting become normalized?
Clothes aren’t going to change, but the price of them is. I bought this shirt on Amazon for $25.
Tariffs are changing my shopping habits
The student news site of Alisal High School

Trojan Tribune
The student news site of Alisal High School

Trojan Tribune
News
It has been 31 years since Lina Cabrera returned to Alisal. She never really imagined herself back as a teacher. “I actually was going to be an International Studies major,” she said. The atmosphere was one of the factors that brought her back. Now as part of the staff, she works to give her students the same positive experience she once had.
Generational wealth
Daniela Bravo, Reporter • February 5, 2026

If 40 years ago you were to ask Rosalina Cabrera what she wanted to do in the future, teaching would not be it. Teaching wasn’t even on her...

As the finalist for the Poetry Out Loud competition at school, senior Milagros Santiago Gonzalez went on to perform two poems, The Debt by Paul Laurence Dunbar and The Modern Woman to Her Lover by Margaret Widdemer at the Black Box Theatre on January 31st. In competition with other high schools in Salinas, she won second place. “I feel with the first poem I was overthinking a lot,” Santiago said. “The second poem, I feel that I was more confident with that one. But I feel like I was really just enjoying the moment and just not overthinking that much in the end.”
Trojan takes second in Poetry Out Loud competition
Emma Ocampo, Reporter • February 5, 2026

Roses are red, violets are blue, Trojans are smart, and we know poetry too. Besides English class, there aren’t too many opportunities for...

Woodshop teacher Pablo Fergoso assists senior Diana Carrera in drilling screws into a step stool. “First we had to cut the wood, then piece it together and nail it, and then file it down,” she said. “It was pretty easy because my teacher really helped a lot.”
Building relationships and more
Miles Wilson, Reporter • February 3, 2026

It’s always difficult when a teacher leaves, but it’s even harder when a hands-on class like woodshop is left without proper instruction....

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Feature
It has been 31 years since Lina Cabrera returned to Alisal. She never really imagined herself back as a teacher. “I actually was going to be an International Studies major,” she said. The atmosphere was one of the factors that brought her back. Now as part of the staff, she works to give her students the same positive experience she once had.
Generational wealth
Daniela Bravo, Reporter • February 5, 2026

If 40 years ago you were to ask Rosalina Cabrera what she wanted to do in the future, teaching would not be it. Teaching wasn’t even on her...

Woodshop teacher Pablo Fergoso assists senior Diana Carrera in drilling screws into a step stool. “First we had to cut the wood, then piece it together and nail it, and then file it down,” she said. “It was pretty easy because my teacher really helped a lot.”
Building relationships and more
Miles Wilson, Reporter • February 3, 2026

It’s always difficult when a teacher leaves, but it’s even harder when a hands-on class like woodshop is left without proper instruction....

Baile teacher Oscar Benavidez has led the school’s program since 2021, and has taken a long road to get back to his home at Alisal. “I find it special because I get to come to work and remind myself that I work very hard to be here and to provide a great education to my students.”
Taking the long way back
Armando Gutierrez, Reporter • February 1, 2026

In honor of Alisal’s 60th Anniversary, this is the 10th in an ongoing series of staff/alumni profiles. Alisal High has always been immersed...

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Opinion
During two different stages in my life I am spending time in the classroom: a first grader unknowing what to expect from school back in Russia, and a senior awaiting to graduate from American high school.
My education journey through two countries
Lidiia “Lika” Pesliak, Reporter • January 23, 2026

In the middle of November 2022, I made a decision that changed my life. I was born and raised in Russia, and while I never thought of leaving,...

An example of how bruising looks when inflammation is attacking the blood vessels, for me usually appears on my legs or inner arms. These bruises aren’t just pain, they’re a reminder of what my body has overcome.
My battle with my body
Marilyn Castro, Reporter • November 4, 2025

When you hear about diseases like hypothyroidism, Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, you might think an older person would have them. Well, lucky...

Slow walkers in the main building make it difficult to get to class on time, especially when they take up the entire hallway.
Slow walkers need to pick up the pace or get out of the way
Betty J Camargo Corona, Reporter • October 19, 2025

8 minutes, that’s how long a passing period is. And while it should be enough time to get across campus, say from the portables to the main...

Jun 17, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds former player Pete Rose speaks during a pregame ceremony of the unveiling of his bronze statue at Great American Ball Park. Rose was banned from baseball for betting on games, but now baseball, basketball, and football are partners with betting apps and sports programming often promotes the betting line. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Why has sports betting become normalized?
Ricardo Lara, Reporter • May 21, 2025

Over the past several decades, sports betting has transformed from a casual activity among fans to a widely accepted and promoted part of the...

Clothes aren’t going to change, but the price of them is. I bought this shirt on Amazon for $25.
Tariffs are changing my shopping habits
Noemi Martinez, Reporter • May 21, 2025

Retail therapy has become very popular, but now it is not how fashionable it is, but how expensive it has become.  Going to the malls on...

Mr. Ashby with his 5th period class. “It's not a hard subject, it's a lot of work. As long as you are not behind you should succeed on the class and exam,” he said.
Why you should take AP US History
Everardo Estrada, Reporter • May 20, 2025

During a time of so much misinformation and misconceptions, it is important for everyone to know United States history because it is a course...

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A&E
The SPCA enclosures are used to introduce pets to their potential new owners. The mural was finalized in June of 2025 to portray the love of all their animals by the talented Amy Burkman. During my time volunteering at the SPCA, I spent most of my time in this welcome area.
Daily Chores, Forever Rewards
Jacqueline Magana, Reporter • December 19, 2025

Finding the perfect community service opportunity can be difficult. Depending on your passions and interests, you may have to navigate through...

Actress and singer-songwriter Freya Skye has released her newest single, “Gold’s Gone”, which portrays her musical talent as a song composer, as well as her vocal abilities. Photo courtesy of Gomoxie.org
Song Review – Gold’s Gone/Freya Skye
Sariah Gutierrez, Reporter • December 16, 2025
By Screenshot of the title card from an episode of the television series., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71054937
Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 3
Mia Reynoso, Reporter • December 12, 2025
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Your donation will support the student journalists of Alisal High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. Thank you! :3

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