This article was in the top 3 winners of Lookout’s Journalism Scholarship challenge, which invited high school students to highlight an unsung hero in their life. For placing in the top 3 they were awarded a $500 scholarship. Learn more and find all of the winners here. The kitchen is a chaotic place. Picture this: […]
Student Stories
Kirby School creative writing contest winner: ‘I can still see them’
Lookout’s Student Stories initiative presents this creative writing piece by highschooler Rowan Renner-Lassar.
Harbor High’s Film Team: The 2025 Clash of Titans Film Competition Fundraiser
Editors Note: Student Stories is where students can share their voices, opinions and projects. This is a project offered through our Lookout in the Classroom program where students receive free access to all of our content as well as workshops and curriculum for local educators. Learn more here. Harbor High’s IB film team has been […]
Aptos High Drama Department Presents: The Pajama Game Directed by Stacy Aronovici
Aptos High Drama is proud to present their production of The Pajama Game, directed and produced by Stacy Aronovici! Transport yourself to the fabulous 50’s, a world of bright colors, big skirts, and 30ȼ gas prices! Mr. Hasler (Demetrius Sosa, senior), the greedy boss of an Iowan pajama factory, Sleep Tite, has hired a new […]
The Queer and Trans Youth Council creates a zine with hopes to support LGBTQIA+ high school students
The Queer and Trans Youth Council of Santa Cruz County, a program of the Queer Youth Task Force, is a youth-led council that focuses on building community and leadership skills. Each year the council members create and complete a project that will help build a safer county for our LGBTQIA+ youth. This year they are […]
Ligiah Villalobos: Educating Lost People of Mexican Descent through the Medium of Film
Editor’s note: Lookout’s high school journalism challenge invited students to write a profile of an unsung hero who is making a positive difference in our community, inspired by our popular “Unsung Santa Cruz” series. This student participated in his class at Diamond Technology Institute. A mother and son, hundreds of miles apart, physically separated by […]
Unsung Santa Cruz: Recent Storms Prove our Neighbors are More Than Just Neighbors
In the close-knit community of Santa Cruz County, neighbors proved to be unsung heroes during the recent devastating storms. With properties flooded and homes damaged, residents faced challenging situations. However, amid the chaos, the unity and support within the community shone through. Neighbors came together to help each other, from tearing out wet carpet to offering food trades, showcasing the true strength and kindness of Santa Cruz County residents in times of crisis.
Unsung Santa Cruz: Counselor Zamora helps students succeed in a post-pandemic world
Roberto Zamora, an academic counselor at Rolling Hills Middle School, is an unsung hero dedicated to helping students navigate their educational journeys. Born in Mexico and raised in Watsonville, Zamora goes above and beyond to support not only students but also his colleagues, offering guidance, assistance and even acts of kindness like buying lunch for those in need. His passion for making a difference, fueled by his own experiences, makes him an invaluable asset to the community of Santa Cruz County.
Unsung Santa Cruz: Katie Akagi helps troubled students find their identity
Katie Akagi has overcome a troubled past to become a dedicated teacher at Delta Charter High School. At Delta, Katie supports students who struggle in traditional school settings, providing personalized guidance and assistance. Their own experiences of overcoming challenges and the support they received motivate Katie to empower their students and show them that anything is possible.
Unsung Santa Cruz: Promoting Self-Care and Community-Care, Karen Gosling Inspires Others
Karen Gosling, the director of the Dominican Hospital Wellness Center, is a dedicated and compassionate individual who tirelessly helps others in her community. From assisting people with disabilities during beach outings to organizing fundraisers for local organizations, Karen’s commitment to serving others is unwavering. She inspires those around her to prioritize self-care and make a positive impact on the lives of others, embodying the qualities of a true community hero.

