Photo Provided by Marci Rau ’24

Mock Trial has been one of the best experiences I’ve had at Rosary so far.

About a month ago, Mr. Bevins reminded the Honors English II class that sophomores are nearly halfway done with high school. As I watched the class of 2024 graduate last Friday, I realized that my freshman and sophomore years have flown by in the blink of an eye—I’m graduating in two years—and I’ve been so busy that I haven’t stopped to think about all the experiences I’ve had at Rosary so far. With that, here are some of my favorite memories from the past two years.

Winning Red and Gold this year

At the top of the list is the 2024 Gold win. I lost my freshman year and am still bitter about it, so I was really, really hoping to win this year. I put my all into my drill by practicing at home every day, and I smeared glitter all over my face and sweated inside a Tweety Bird costume for finale. When Gold’s team prayer after the Saturday night show ended with us chanting “Jesus” over and over again, I knew losing again would still be okay; I made amazing memories that weekend. Regardless, all I felt was pure joy when the cannons shot out gold streamers. Even if I never win Red and Gold again, at least I’m not a four-year loser.

Mock Trial’s “Pretrial Prison”

A group of Mock Trial’s attorneys (me, Marci Rau ‘24, Melanie Kamel ‘24, and Jaclyn Gonzalez ‘26) prepared separately from the rest of the team; we were by ourselves in room 102 without an official coach. We created what Marci affectionately dubbed the “Pretrial Prison,” where phones went in the trash can (the bag was clean), “I’m Just Ken” blared from our Spotify playlist, Marci’s random drawings covered the whiteboard, and all four of us shared countless laughs and stories. Since we spent nine hours a week together in room 102 for two seasons, the pretrial squad became a close-knit group. I’ll miss it more than anything now that half our squad graduated.

Model UN conferences

I will shamelessly plug MUN until the day I die; I promise it’s fun. During one conference I attended, the kid representing China tried to convert every country to communism, make China’s yuan the global currency, and bring North Korea onto the International Space Station—he actually succeeded. Others also proposed and passed a motion to play Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in the middle of a discussion about pollution, and I’ve heard a girl representing Russia try to take all of inmates’ rights away. The icing on the cake was when a student from Santa Margarita was so excited to win an award that he did a cheerleader-quality split jump and ripped his suit pants. 

The Shakespeare birthday party

Last year’s Honors English I class spontaneously held a birthday party in honor of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna. We surprised Mr. Bevins by wearing party hats, drinking lemonade from fake goblets, and bringing fruit and cake to enjoy. Isabela De La Cerda ’26 also designed a poster of Mr. Bevins screaming in order to terrorize incoming freshmen, which he loved and promptly went to show off to other teachers. 

The Royal Reporter 

I’d wanted to be part of the Royal Reporter since seventh grade when I was a potential Royal (I would fangirl over the Royal Reporter writers when I saw them working at prospective student events), and it definitely lived up to my expectations when I joined this year. Whether the class taste-tested imported Swedish candy, laughed at the unmatched humor of Ms. Barclay ’94 or Sara Garcia ‘24, or talked about random things happening in our lives, journalism was a blast and the best part of my day. The unhealthy amount of Twix, candy corn, and Kit Kats I enjoyed from the candy jar didn’t hurt, either. 

AP Euro

This class was tough, I won’t lie, but it was so interesting and surprisingly fun! In between lectures, weekly quizzes, and essay tests, we did the “Rasputin” Just Dance, watched “Les Mis,” and made multiple candy salads. AP Euro is full of motivated girls and is definitely a supportive environment, so I totally recommend anyone remotely interested in history take it. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. 

Honors Biology potlucks

Even though everyone struggled with this class freshman year, our monthly potlucks made up for it. The first period class didn’t simply have potlucks—we had feasts. Our homemade waffles, sticky Rice Krispie treats, delectable Lofthouse cookies, cold Capri Suns, and fresh Chick-fil-A nuggets were iconic. Second period slacked off on their potlucks—even our teacher admitted it. 

Rosary Day Disneyland trips

I love the freedom of running around Disneyland with friends; I’m able to indulge in Dole Whip, grilled cheese sandwiches, soft pretzels, and ice cream galore. During my two Disney days, I’ve tried not to crash on Autopia, watched parades, met princesses, and had a blast talking with friends while we waited in the insanely long lines. This past Rosary Day, Vanessa Malagon ’26 and I got to meet Snow White, Belle, and Mulan, and Belle invited us to be in her book club! Rosary Day has been one of the best chances to strengthen my friendships, and I’m so excited for my own Rosary Day this fall!

Unexpected friends

Frankly, Christina Vaughan ‘26 terrified me last year since she seemed like she had her life together all the time, and now, thanks to the Royal Reporter, she’s one of my closest friends. I never anticipated several of the friendships I’ve made at Rosary, especially how close I would become with some of the seniors who just graduated and with girls I met just by sitting next to them in class. 

I still remember my Rosary shadow day in September of 2021 like it was yesterday (shoutout to Gigi Coo ‘24, who was my ambassador), and now I can’t believe I’m about to be a junior. I’m terrified for next school year because of the horror stories I’ve heard, but I still hope the next two years are just as incredible as the last two have been.