Category: Showcase

  • How Covid-19 Affects Youth’s Mental Health

    How Covid-19 Affects Youth’s Mental Health

    Mental health, though often stigmatized, has been an issue since before Covid 19 shifted our everyday lives. Now, as stay at home orders displace us from our work and school environments and our everyday routine, mental health continues to be a top issue, especially among young people. 

     

    According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 10–20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet these remain undiagnosed and untreated. 

     

    At least one in five youth aged 9–17 years currently has a diagnosable mental health disorder that causes some degree of impairment; one in 10 has a disorder that causes significant impairment. 

     

    Regardless of whether youth have a diagnosed or undiagnosed disorder, factors such as isolation, fear, and a lack of engagement with friends and peers can negatively affect a young person’s mental health and lead to stress and anxiety.

     

    As social distancing, isolation, and online learning become the norm, how has this taken a toll on students’ mental well-being?  Four Poly students were asked how the Covid 19 pandemic has affected their mental health personally. Here’s what they said:

     

    Lizette Karina Ramon, Pace Senior

    “It’s been so hard because I’ve had a lack of motivation for doing things. This whole situation is depressing, and the way our country is handling this pandemic is frustrating. My mental health has not been the best because I try my best to be optimistic but the way things are going, I don’t think they are going to get better soon. I’m just very tired mentally.”

     

     

     

     

    Luis Cuahtli Sanchez, Justice Junior

    “You lose a lot of motivation for doing school work just for passing, it’s like they’re simply giving us things to do and not giving things for us to learn. 

     

    But I’ve forced myself to get used to this because this pandemic will last a long while so it’s better to make it easier for me rather than harder. 

     

    But still….just knowing this virus is out there and there’s no vaccine just scares me, it can infect anyone, my friends, my family and even me. But there’s no point in being scared all day, there are still things that have to be done and we can only hope for the best outcome for everyone in the future and hope this ends soon. This has affected me quite a lot and it takes time to get used to it.”

     

    Maya Morales, CIC Freshman

    “The first few weeks were easy mentally. I was being lazy but I was happy. After about a month or so, I started to feel depressed. It went on for a few days and the whole time I didn’t leave my house at all. I didn’t want to go anywhere and for some reason, I would just listen to sad music and make myself even more sad and cry. So dramatic!

     I think just being inside all the time and feeling a little lonely because my sister, my mom and my dad would work for so long, it messed with me a little. But I learned you just need to be a little more active and not simply do homework and stay in the house all day. Working-out or any physical exercise like a walk helps boost your mental health and makes you a little more productive.”

     

    Lance Manago, Meds Senior

     

    “I’m doing pretty good honestly. Online school is okay, but I just miss everything about waking up early and driving to school and seeing all my friends and teachers.

    I would say it didn’t affect my mental health but rather affected my physical health. I’m an outside person, I love being outside and try to be active every day. 

    I was also looking forward to graduation and prom and grad night, it truly sucks what class of 2020 has to go through”

     

  • Celebrating HERstory!

    Celebrating HERstory!

    Happy Women’s History Month!

    The High Life staff features some of the inspiring women they admire.

    Don’t forget to celebrate the women in your life everyday!

  • Poly at MLK Day Parade

    Poly at MLK Day Parade

    On the third Monday of January (January 20 this year) we celebrate the birthday of African American Baptist minister and civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
    The legacy Dr. King has created transcends his life and death. He reaped the seeds of change that we benefit from today. His teachings of love, respect and tolerance are as relevant in society now as they were in the 60’s.
    King had the strength to stand up against injustice not for his sake but for the sake of others. There is something utterly courageous and selfless of his pacifist stance throughout the whole Civil Rights movement. He never resorted to violence, even amidst death threats.
    I remember learning about Dr. King in elementary school and being fascinated by the way he used words to confront the injustices of the world he lived in. His words and his dream was enough to make a difference and spark change in a society tainted by racism and violence for over a hundred years.
    MLK Day should be viewed as much more than just a day off of school or work. Take a moment to think about what Dr. King stood for, about what he represents, and seek to be kind towards others.

  • Daisy Lane Parade

    Daisy Lane Parade

    LB Poly’s Marching Band, colorguard and JROTC participated in the Daisy Lane Parade on December 14.

  • PAAL Hosts “Lost in Art”

    PAAL Hosts “Lost in Art”

    On November 6 Poly Academy of Achievers and Leaders (PAAL) hosted its second annual art showcase event featuring artists from Poly and PAAL. The stage never failed to have a presence, as spoken word artists, rappers, singers and dancers all came together to ensure entertainment was always provided.
    While performing artists showcased their talents outside on the stage, visual artists’ work was displayed inside the gallery. Artists were given total creative liberty with their work, and a diversity of styles and subjects were present throughout the gallery room. Among the types of art displayed were paintings, drawings and sculptures. Topics present in the art often included Poly, society, and mental health, among others.
    Attendees were not only able to immerse themselves among the art created by others, but also to take a chance and create art of their own. With stations like “Paint a Tree Ring” or “Paint a Canvas”, adults and children alike were provided the tools such as acrylic paint and brushes to create their own masterpieces.
    One of the students behind organizing this event was senior Jessica Cubias, student council co-president at PAAL. Cubias said it was her favorite event of the year as it allowed students to connect to the paintings, the artists, and the music.
    “Painting brings out what people are afraid to let out,” said Cubias.
    The night’s line up consisted of performing artists such as Aermoongi, Mac, Money Traxx, KDI, T-Lost and many more.
    “Not many schools give student artists a chance to present their art,” said Mac Harris, spoken word artist and PAAL alumni. “Art is everywhere and this event becomes an outlet which elevates that.”
    “Lost in Art” was an event student council voted to keep and lead artist Ivan Rojas and PAAL seniors, as a class, collaborated together to ensure the night was a success.
    Art can help cope and manage emotional pain, one of the reasons Activities Specialists and Restorative Justice course teacher Marisol Ibañez-Tintorer feels this event is important.
    “It’s about giving everyone a voice,” she said, “everyone’s voice matters.”
    PAAL hosted events are open to all Poly students and it is important for Poly to support its sister campus.
    “We are a part of Poly and they’re a part of us,” said Ibañez-Tintorer.

  • Holly Jolly Poly Christmas: Holiday Project

    Holly Jolly Poly Christmas: Holiday Project

    LB Poly began the holiday season with its annual Holiday Project on December 7. The ASB sponsored event also featured student volunteers from Female Leadership Academy, Model UN, and LEIA club. Families from the community surrounding Poly were able to enjoy Christmas music and refreshments as well as partake in workshops such as choosing their own books to take home and making reindeer antlers headbands. Each child was given a “passport” to get stamped at each workshop which would later be exchanged for a toy at Santa’s Workshop. Performances by Poly’s cheer team and choir helped get attendees in the Christmas spirit and children and adults alike were able to enjoy a holly jolly Saturday.

  • Dancers Bust a Move (Photo Gallery)

    Dancers Bust a Move (Photo Gallery)

    On November 7th, Poly’s dance program held their annual winter dance show at the Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center. Featuring choreographies by Cynthia Negrete, the event showcased performances from Poly’s Dance Team as well as Negrete’s dance classes.

     

    Photos by Nick Eismann, Contributing Photographer

  • “She Kills Monsters” Killing it at the Poly Playhouse

    “She Kills Monsters” Killing it at the Poly Playhouse

    On November 14, 15, and 16 the Poly Playhouse presented their play “She Kills Monsters.” An action packed comedy which still managed to touch upon serious subjects, “She Kills Monsters” is a breath of fresh air amidst a stressful college season.
    The play, put on by Mrs. Bon’s Play Production class, starred Gabby Kaiser as Agnes, an “average girl with an average face living an average life,” and Audrey Moor as Tilly, Agnes’ geeky little sister who died in a car crash and a renowned Dungeons and Dragons master.
    Agnes and Tilly were never close while Tilly lived, both sisters being polar opposites and Agnes having a tendency to be ashamed of Tilly, a scenario which may be relatable to the audience. After her sister’s death, Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, containing a game scenario she created.
    Realizing there is much more about Tilly she does not know, Agnes seeks help from Chuck, a “dungeon master” who will lead her through a D&D journey in an attempt to understand the complex younger sister she never took the time to get to know.
    Filled with cheerleading demon girls, an aggressive fairy, bugbears and a cube of slime which eerily talks like her boyfriend, Agnes is in for the time of her life as she explores the universe her sister has created and often found refuge in.
    Once in the game, Agnes meet’s Tilly’s character, Tillius the Paladin, a mix between the side of her she never showed and what she aspired to be. Agnes discovers things she never knew about her sister such as her sexuality or her being bullied.
    “She Kills Monsters” targets different audiences. Firstly and most obvious, to the geeks and nerds who are fans of the game and understand what it’s like to be Tilly. This play does not mock them or make them the butt end of a joke but rather, divulges into their lives and explores their sentiments under the surface.
    But you do not have to be a D&D expert to enjoy the play, the premise is explained quite clearly, and remember, Agnes does not have any prior knowledge of the game so the audience can learn along with her.
    But the play was not only relatable to a teen audience, adults could get a kick out of the endless 90’s pop culture references.
    Overall, “She Kills Monsters” was beautifully executed play and made the audience laugh, think and cry at some point. The acting was phenomenal and the set design and costumes really transported the audience to a world of fantasy. “She Kills Monsters” was well worth seeing and my condolences to those who missed it.

  • Choice Night

    Choice Night

    Poly pathways, sports, and clubs showed off their accomplishments so far in the year for potential incoming freshman on Wednesday, November 20 at Poly.

  • Poly Hosts “The President’s Own” Marine Band

    Poly Hosts “The President’s Own” Marine Band

    On October 24 “The President’s Own” Marine Band performed in the Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center here at Poly. The United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization.

  • Fall Means Football (Photos!)

    Fall Means Football (Photos!)

  • Library Renamed In Honor Of Poly Alumni

    Library Renamed In Honor Of Poly Alumni

    On September 21, the Long Beach Public Library reopened its doors with an improved and renamed library. The now Billie Jean King Library held an opening ceremony with guest speakers such as Mayor Robert Garcia, council member Jeanine Pierce, among others as well as the tennis player and women’s right activist herself, Billie Jean King. King was greeted by an uproar of applause and proceeded to tell the story of how she would sleep with her tennis racquet and library books at night. The Poly alumni is fiercely loyal to Long Beach and hopes this new addition will be a helpful resource to the community.