CLEARLAKE —At Thursday’s Judge’s Breakfast in Clearlake, 15 Lower Lake High School students gave an overview of the ongoing programs currently available at LLHS. While providing an insider’s perspective of these extracurricular activities, the students also provided a glimpse at the average high school student’s life.
Several staff and other LLHS affiliates were also present including LLHS Athletic Director Bryce Brin and LLHS Superintendent Becky Solato.
Mackenzie Thrasher and Brialyn Anderson introduced themselves first in representation of the LLHS Cheer Team. Thrasher shared “We just got brand new uniforms, we needed more sizes” as they are accommodating more team members. The team is also working hard towards their goal or participating in travel competitions.
Kaylee Case discussed the ongoings of both the soccer and track and field programs. Case congratulated the boys’ soccer team on their placement in the playoffs last season and also noted “We have fundraisers planned, for both sports.” Brin added that recently “The district was able to add one more coaching stipend.” This means that each soccer team now has a dedicated position while before just one assistant was available to coach both teams.
Isabel Hernandez and Lily Milano represented the girls basketball team. Hernandez shared some of the team’s accomplishments like establishing a youth basketball clinic, annual tournaments, wellness clinics for students, and other volunteering opportunities around their community. Brin shared that this year one of their senior team members Tiana Tubbs “Broke 1000 points in her varsity career and she will be headed onto the Marin Mariners to play college basketball next year.”
Brin introduced Luke Campbell next, noting he represents the “trifecta of sports”, playing basketball, baseball, and football. Campbell shared that the teams all volunteer in their community with clean ups and fundraisers. Campbell also shared how well managed the baseball team is and their general excitement to welcome on new football coach Anthony Farrington.
Brooke Benson presented on behalf of the girls volleyball team stating, “We don’t have a coach right now.” She explained how she has been participating in the Lakeport Volleyball Club and added, “I hope in the future our school has something like that because the tournaments they do are very competitive and you play a lot of girls, it makes you much better.”
Brittany Blake discussed the girls softball team’s successful year as well as their upcoming fundraisers over the summer. The team desires to attend a 4-day softball camp over next year’s spring break.
The LLHS FFA was represented by Chapter President Ariana Covarrubias and Vice President Alee Beckstead who are also both delegates for the state. The FFA is very active in volunteering for their community. Covarrubias said, “We strive to bring out the best in every single student that comes along in their FFA journey.” Beckstead added, “FFA really does a lot and is very leadership focused.” Covarrubias thanked the Lower Lake Community Action Group as well as the Lakeshore Lioness for her scholarships totaling $15,000. She said, “We love our community and we know our community loves us.”
Covarrubias continued presenting this time alongside Ryn Hare and Josh DeGroff on behalf of the Drama, Show Choir, and ASB clubs. The trio presented in costume as Dorothy, the Lion and the Scarecrow promoting their upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz” which premiers this weekend. The drama club does three shows a year, two of which are musicals, and the show choir participates several community events including singing the National Anthem at the Wreaths Across America event each year. The ASB club is responsible for promotion of school programs and events, student and teacher appreciation, senior sendoffs, and spirit weeks.
Covarrubias and Daniel Mora Lopez shared their experience with the LLHS marching band, which is the only traditional marching band in the area. The band travels around the county playing in different parades and school events inspiring younger children to take up an instrument. Lopez will be taking over as head drum major next year and mentioned “Seeing the marching band roll around my school really inspired me to become a musician like them, but I never thought I would be an assistant drum major.”
Alex Milano and Brittany Blake presented on behalf of Link Crew which returned for the first year since covid. Blake stated “Link crew is a transition program to help incoming freshman. We give them a tour of the campus and discuss what they should expect.” The group holds daily activities, ice cream socials, and dances and also attends all of the school’s athletic, art, music, or other events to support their fellow students.
