Rio Americano High School

The Mirada
Civitas Seniors Hosting SPCA Donation Drive Next Week
Members of the Rio Americano Mathletes team.
Mathletes Takes First-Place Finish in Final Competition of Season
The large camphor tree in front of the cafeteria at Rio Americano.
News Update: Giant Campus Tree To Be Removed
Senior Maryam Qazikhani speaking at the June 2021 graduation ceremony.
Senior Grad Speaker Wanted
Wellness Center organizer Marina Kidwell (12) in the newly created space, which features bean bags, stress toys and a seating area. Kidwell worked to create the space with fellow Civitas student Elisheva Joelson.
Rio to Open Wellness Center Next Week
Students at the summer 2024 UC Davis program.
UC Davis Med Center Invites Teens to Apply for Summer Program
Eleanor Thornton's photo was chosen for the 2025 Viewpoint Gallery Photographic Art Center student show, "Barriers and Bridges," featuring works from high school and college students throughout the Sacramento area.
Opening This Week: Rio Americano Students Selected for Viewpoint Photo Show
Students perform a traditional Afghani dance routine at the World Fair on April 8.
Photos: World Fair Attracts Hundreds with Lively Performances and Cultural Food
"The Dark Knight" (2008), directed by Cristopher Nolan. Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures.
The Best Christopher Nolan Films
History teacher Richard Yoha.
Q&A: History Teacher Richard Yoha on His Time as a Rio Student and Returning to Teach
Covid-19
The Day That Changed Everything: Reflecting on the Five-Year Anniversary of the COVID School Shutdowns
Author and Rio Americano graduate Maressa Voss (Maressa Garner, 2008).
Interview: Rio Americano Alumna Maressa Voss Publishes First Novel
Christopher Rufo in his 2002 senior portrait in the Rio Americano High School Tesoro yearbook.
Letter to the Editor Re: Rio Grad Chris Rufo’s Anti-CRT Push
Band Students perform at Playathon 2023.
The Effect of Music on Education
The Rio Americano field.
EDITORIAL: Build the Rio Stadium
Drawing by Gwen Lindsey.
Why Mass Parks Service Firings Hurt More Than Just the Workers
Drawing by Gwen Lindsey.
Why We Should Return to Pen-and-Paper Learning
Grade Inflation Hurts Students
Grade Inflation Hurts Students
The 1994-1995 football team. Photo from the 1995 Rio yearbook.
HALL OF FAME: Rio Honors Alumni Athletes and Coaches at 2025 Induction Ceremony
The ILS (Independent Living Skills) Olympics was held at Rio Americano on April 4. Photos by Evan Nguyen and Joshua Merri.
Photos: ILS Special Olympics Held at Rio
Junior Liliana Lettini competes at a wrestling match. Photo provided by coach Austin Bell.
Girls’ Wrestling Makes Sections for First Time in Rio History
The Rio Americano field.
EDITORIAL: Build the Rio Stadium
Sidney Johnson, the best freshman shot putter in the U.S., won first place at the Glenn Poole Invitational tournament. Photo provided by her.
Rio Freshman is Best Shot Putter in the U.S.
Faith Witte (10) chases down the ball. The Rio Americano girls lacrosse team defeated Oakmont 10-7 at home on March 26, 2025.
Photos: Girls Lacrosse vs. Oakmont
Students perform a traditional Afghani dance routine at the World Fair on April 8.
Photos: World Fair Attracts Hundreds with Lively Performances and Cultural Food
The ILS (Independent Living Skills) Olympics was held at Rio Americano on April 4. Photos by Evan Nguyen and Joshua Merri.
Photos: ILS Special Olympics Held at Rio
Faith Witte (10) chases down the ball. The Rio Americano girls lacrosse team defeated Oakmont 10-7 at home on March 26, 2025.
Photos: Girls Lacrosse vs. Oakmont
Rio Americano's varsity girls soccer tied with Christian Brothers at home on Feb. 10.
Photos: Girls Soccer vs. Christian Brothers
Rio Americano's dance teams perform at the blackout winter rally on Dec. 6.
Photos: Winter Blackout Rally
Photography Students Transform Classroom into Large Camera Obscura
Photography Students Transform Classroom into Large Camera Obscura
Students perform a traditional Afghani dance routine at the World Fair on April 8.
Photos: World Fair Attracts Hundreds with Lively Performances and Cultural Food
The ILS (Independent Living Skills) Olympics was held at Rio Americano on April 4. Photos by Evan Nguyen and Joshua Merri.
Photos: ILS Special Olympics Held at Rio
Faith Witte (10) chases down the ball. The Rio Americano girls lacrosse team defeated Oakmont 10-7 at home on March 26, 2025.
Photos: Girls Lacrosse vs. Oakmont
Rio Americano's varsity girls soccer tied with Christian Brothers at home on Feb. 10.
Photos: Girls Soccer vs. Christian Brothers
Rio Americano's dance teams perform at the blackout winter rally on Dec. 6.
Photos: Winter Blackout Rally
Photography Students Transform Classroom into Large Camera Obscura
Photography Students Transform Classroom into Large Camera Obscura
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Rio Americano High School

The Mirada
Rio Americano High School

The Mirada

Adam Abolfazli, Editor-in-Chief‏‏ ‎

Adam Abolfazli is a senior at Rio Americano and the editor-in-chief of the Mirada.

All content by Adam Abolfazli

Civitas Seniors Hosting SPCA Donation Drive Next Week

Adam Abolfazli
April 15, 2025
Members of the Rio Americano Mathletes team.

Mathletes Takes First-Place Finish in Final Competition of Season

Adam Abolfazli
April 11, 2025
Wellness Center organizer Marina Kidwell (12) in the newly created space, which features bean bags, stress toys and a seating area. Kidwell worked to create the space with fellow Civitas student Elisheva Joelson.

Rio to Open Wellness Center Next Week

Adam Abolfazli
April 3, 2025
The Rio Americano robotics team attends their first competition of the season at Pleasant Grove High School on March 15.

Robotics Team Finishes Fourth in First Competition of the Season, Looks to Improve Rankings

Adam Abolfazli
March 27, 2025
San Juan Unified's equity vision principles. Photo from the district website.

No Changes Planned to Diversity and Inclusion Policies, District Says

Adam Abolfazli
March 17, 2025
A painting by Rio Americano student Sienna Barelli was chosen for the Youth Art Month exhibit in Sacramento. (March 2025)

Rio Americano Students Selected for Sacramento Youth Art Month Exhibit

Adam Abolfazli
February 25, 2025
Rio Americano High School jazz combo took first place in the prestigious Charles Mingus Festival competition for high school musicians at The New School in New York in February, 2025.

Students Win Big at Mingus Festival

Adam Abolfazli and Gabrielle Berry
February 25, 2025
Rio Americano High School English teacher Jolynn Mason played volleyball at Sonoma State in the 1990s. She was saddened by the university's decision to cut athletics.

Rio Teacher, Former Sonoma State Athlete, Saddened by University’s Sports Program Cancellation

Gwendolyn Lindsey and Adam Abolfazli
January 31, 2025
The district's proposed stadium work. 1C.2, 1C.3 and 1C.5 represent additions of bleachers, lights, and a press box, respectively.

New Stadium Construction Not Expected to Begin Soon, District Says

Adam Abolfazli
January 30, 2025
Rio Poetry Out Loud Champion to Compete at County Level

Rio Poetry Out Loud Champion to Compete at County Level

Adam Abolfazli
January 15, 2025
Students practice in Victor San Pedro's newly created guitar class.

Prop 28: How Has Rio Benefited from Major Increase in Arts Funding?

Adam Abolfazli
December 4, 2024
The Vision Floor Plan for facilities improvements at Rio Americano was developed by the San Juan Unified School District after a months-long process working with members of the community.

Voters Approve $950 Million Facilities Bond for San Juan Schools

Adam Abolfazli
November 7, 2024

San Juan School Board Passes District Land Acknowledgement Resolution

Adam Abolfazli
November 6, 2024
Rick Singer. Drawing by Katelyn Caudill.

Column: Rick Singer, Infamous College Counselor Who Got His Start at Rio, Is Back in Business. Can He Be Trusted?

Adam Abolfazli, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2024
Music Director Josh Murray (third from left), former principal Brian Ginter (second from right) and district officials cut the ribbon to officially open the new theater in 2017, which was funded by the last San Juan bond measure.

SJUSD Places $950 Million Facilities Bond Measure on Ballot

Adam Abolfazli
October 10, 2024
Instagram to Roll Out Sweeping Changes to Teen Accounts

Instagram to Roll Out Sweeping Changes to Teen Accounts

Adam Abolfazli
September 19, 2024
Juniors McKenna Schinderle, Sophia Lynch, and Chloe Franz choose to use their phones instead of reading.

Amid School Phone Bans and Mental Health Concerns, Rio Takes Classroom-Specific Approach

Adam Abolfazli, Mirada Editor
September 6, 2024
Senator Nancy Skinner.

Senate Bill 274 Bans “Willful Defiance” Suspensions in CA High Schools

Adam Abolfazli, Originally published in Sacramento School Beat and Best of SNO
September 3, 2024
Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino) speaks at a press conference for AB2711. Photo from Ramos' press release.

CA Bill Would Block Suspensions, Expulsions for School Drug Use

Adam Abolfazli
May 27, 2024
Graduation Denied (Again): Rio Alumni Face Two Cancelled Ceremonies

Graduation Denied (Again): Rio Alumni Face Two Cancelled Ceremonies

Adam Abolfazli
May 15, 2024
Only Social's app icon.

Student-Created Social Media App Temporarily Disabled After Backlash

Adam Abolfazli, Mirada Editor
April 19, 2024
The Rio Americano field.

“Light the Field, Seat the Fans” Organizers Hoping for More District Action on Stadium Upgrades

Adam Abolfazli
April 16, 2024
U.S. Rep Ami Bera (left) and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra (right) speak to students in the medical careers facility.

HHS Secretary Becerra, Rep. Bera Discuss Healthcare Worker Shortage, High School Programs at Rio Americano Visit

Adam Abolfazli
April 8, 2024
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and US Rep. Ami Bera visit Rio Americano High School Medical Careers Program on April 8, 2024.

High-Profile Visit Brings Sec. Becerra, Rep. Bera, District Leadership to Rio

Adam Abolfazli
April 8, 2024
Raider Digest: March 31

Raider Digest: March 31

Adam Abolfazli
March 31, 2024
Raider Digest: March 17

Raider Digest: March 17

Adam Abolfazli and Isaac Rosales
March 17, 2024
Raider Digest: March 3

Raider Digest: March 3

Adam Abolfazli and Isaac Rosales
March 3, 2024
Food waste project organizers Genevieve Ferrera and Emilie Thoreson hold a fundraiser.

Despite Food Waste Program, Rio Lacks Comprehensive Recycling

Adam Abolfazli, Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2024
BSU holds a fundraiser.

Get to Know Rio’s Black Student Union

Adam Abolfazli
February 25, 2024
Raider Digest: Feb. 25

Raider Digest: Feb. 25

Adam Abolfazli
February 25, 2024
Raider Digest: Feb. 11

Raider Digest: Feb. 11

Adam Abolfazli
February 11, 2024
Raider Digest: Feb. 4

Raider Digest: Feb. 4

Adam Abolfazli and Isaac Rosales
February 4, 2024
Raider Digest: Jan. 28

Raider Digest: Jan. 28

Adam Abolfazli and Isaac Rosales
January 28, 2024
Raider Digest: Jan. 21

Raider Digest: Jan. 21

Adam Abolfazli and Isaac Rosales
January 21, 2024
Stricter Grading Standards Benefit Students

Stricter Grading Standards Benefit Students

Adam Abolfazli
November 1, 2023
The Sacramento Superior Court where former Arden Middle School teacher Glenn Alejandrino was sentenced to five years in prison for child sex abuse.

Former Arden Middle School Teacher Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse

Jaiden Crabtree and Adam Abolfazli
October 6, 2023
Lindsey Marr, seen in a screenshot of a presentation, is a Rio graduate and an engineering professor at VT with expertise in airborne transmission of viruses, air quality, nanotechnology.

Rio Alum Linsey Marr Named 2023 MacArthur Fellow

Adam Abolfazli
October 5, 2023

Kick ’em when they’re down

Adam Abolfazli
August 7, 2023
Weinberg and Keaton Martin share a milkshake during a scene in her short film, "Forbidden Love." Her film won Adam Bearson's Valentine's Day film contest.

Stella Weinberg: A Stella-r performer

Adam Abolfazli
June 5, 2023
Ava Diedrich connects with others through her love for music

Ava Diedrich connects with others through her love for music

Adam Abolfazli
June 5, 2023
Rio hosts first-ever mathletes competition

Rio hosts first-ever mathletes competition

Adam Abolfazli
June 5, 2023
Hailey Puglia excels at what many struggle with: math

Hailey Puglia excels at what many struggle with: math

Adam Abolfazli
June 5, 2023
A photograph of a high school student sitting at a computer using ChatGPT, taken from the vantage point of looking over the student's shoulder. The image was generated by DALL-E, ChatGPT's sister software.

ChatGPT Sparks Cheating Concerns

Adam Abolfazli and Logan Swain
May 25, 2023
California bill would raise teacher pay by 50%

California bill would raise teacher pay by 50%

Adam Abolfazli
May 15, 2023
Surina Naran.

Senior Surina Naran Receives “Spirit of San Juan” Award

Adam Abolfazli
May 9, 2023
New Superintendent Marina Bassanelli.

Melissa Bassanelli takes over as new San Juan superintendent

Logan Swain, Jaiden Crabtree, Edena Ichel, and Adam Abolfazli
April 29, 2023
Autumn Olagues’ favorite part about riding is the horses

Autumn Olagues’ favorite part about riding is the horses

Adam Abolfazli, Staff Writer
March 6, 2023
Satire: George Santos: One of Rio's Finest

Satire: George Santos: One of Rio’s Finest

Logan Swain and Adam Abolfazli
February 8, 2023
Salome Ospina’s involvement in five bands leads to musical success

Salome Ospina’s involvement in five bands leads to musical success

Adam Abolfazli, Brooklyn Hendricks, and Alina Trainor
December 20, 2022
Mother Laura Collanton speaks to students at a fentanyl awareness assembly in 2022.

Dangerous fentanyl crisis impacting Sacramento youth

Adam Abolfazli, Staff Writer
November 8, 2022
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