Sophomore Megumi Estrada Nakamatsu has been participating in Marinera Nortena, a traditional Peruvian dance, since the age of 6. Marinera Nortena originated in Trujillo, Peru, and is a couples dance that tells a story about a man trying to court a woman. The female dancer traditionally dances barefoot...

Athletic trainer Gagan “Gee” Cheema helps student athletes with injuries related to muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons, as well as organ injuries and concussions. Her work extends past the physical — she also helps athletes confront the mental stress of dealing with injuries. “There’s a...

Crates piled high with colorful seasonal produce, the aroma of fresh fruits interwoven with the spices of baked goods, friendly chattering as vendors hand out samples — these are the sights, scents and sounds of the three Palo Alto farmers markets. The 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday Gilman Street market,...

Girls Tennis “The community of the team is very fun — I try to keep it very energetic. We (the tennis team) know each other so well, and being able to hit with each other and having fun playing out there (is great).” —Mia Saad, 11   Girls Volleyball “The upperclassmen are really...

Over her five years of practicing taekwondo, freshman Hannah Jung has maintained a pregame ritual to keep her centered before competitions. She first checks the quality and condition of the mat before relaxing her body and mind, and then she reminds herself to perform to the best of her abilities, regardless...

Junior Julia Maecker’s pregame routine, used throughout her 10 years as an athlete, helps her focus before swim meets. The night before, she eats carbohydrate-heavy foods — such as fruits and vegetables — and takes a soothing bath with salts. She then finishes by massaging her body with a massage...

Sophomore Giovanni Rischmoller has played badminton since freshman year. At the beginning of this year’s season, he created a pregame routine to keep himself focused and calm during badminton matches. Before a match, Rischmoller takes three breaths with his eyes closed to clear his mind, then checks...

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Biology and anatomy teacher Maria Powell met chemistry teacher Dr. Heather Mellows while they were teaching chemistry together at Gunn. Mellows came a year earlier than Powell, and, as teachers in the same department, Mellows became a mentor figure for Powell. “She (was) very patient and generous with...