Kerry Mohnike

On March 23, around 50 juniors in the Media Arts Program (MAP) traveled to San Francisco to participate in a scavenger hunt funded by the MAP Boosters and organized by MAP coordinator Kerry Mohnike.

With the school year quickly coming to an end, restless students are excited to jump out of their seats as both MAP and drama are venturing to Southern California on class field trips.
Drama plays with other schools

It is a long, windy and often costly road to Saratoga High from Santa Cruz. To adapt to the 25-mile commute, a handful of English teachers have come up with a plan to make every morning a little bit smoother.

From June 2-4, both of the drama classes will be showcasing the last production of the year in the Little Theatre: “Noises Off,” a 1982 comedic play written by Michael Frayn about the hectic scramble and behind the scenes of a drama production.

Back in the day, senior Jay Lee would often play dress up with his neighbor. The young Lee and his childhood friend would put on large capes, grab some plastic swords and fight off the aliens invading the planet.

From April 11-16, 13 students will be traveling with history teacher Matthew Torrens and Media Arts Program Coordinator Kerry Mohnike to Washington, D.C., in order to learn more about U.S. history.

Amid the budget cuts and financial difficulties that face the school, the Media Arts Program has continued to move ahead. Now in its third year, MAP has included the 9th grade by creating new English 9 MAP classes this year.

Next year will be one of change and adjustment for drama students, as current English teacher Kerry Mohnike has volunteered to teach two classes of drama after Chris Mahle, who has led the program for four years, was not retained by the school.

Many students were disappointed about news of Mahle's departure, which was revealed during a drama club lunch on April 6 by assistant principal Karen Hyde. Junior Hannah Harter said the news was "very upsetting" and was surprised to hear it.

The clock reads 12:30 a.m. The roads are empty, students are studying for an AP Biology test and English teacher Kerry Mohnike is still working by lamp at home. Currently on her 18th year of teaching at Saratoga High, Mohnike has taken on many leading roles this year within the school that often require her to stay up late in order to finish up work.