The Mandolin May Edition 2026

An Interview with Dean Cost

CORINNE ATKINS ’29

Dean Cost has long been a beloved part of the St. Francis community. A graduate from Folsom Lake College, she previously worked at Stanford University while her daughter was a student at St. Francis. During the time her daughter attended St Francis, Mrs Cost was a dedicated parent volunteer. Through her involvement, she developed a deep connection with the St. Francis community and eventually traded her long Stanford commute for a local position at St. Francis.

A remarkable quality of Mrs. Cost that really shines through is her love for the St. Francis students, whom she will miss the most after she leaves: “The students. The community, I mean, my daughter's an alum. It's just been an amazing experience. I am lucky that, as a dean, I get to leave while still enjoying my job, which is very unusual ”

Many Troubies have a favorite memory of Mrs. Cost, and while some may assume that

Dean Cost

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL SMITH

her opinions and memories are very different from those of her students, she disagrees: “I think the favorite memories are kind of similar to the girls. I think the favorite memory is always of looking up in the stands over the years, and I still remember the faces of girls, even if I can't always remember people's names, and just all the smiles and happiness for all the years. Everyone knows I don't lie, and I don't BS, it's true, what I will take away from here is always the joy and excitement from just the faces seated from all of you all ”

For the past 24 years, Mrs Cost has been sharing her wisdom with all of St. Francis, including her iconic reminders like “Don’t send nudes” and “No is a complete sentence,” as well as general encouragement for the future. For her final piece of wisdom she would like to share with the school, Mrs. Cost reminds students to trust in themselves and in their futures: “I promise you, it will get better. Trust yourself. This is a wonderful, amazing experience. Trust yourself. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to work out. Promise.”

Finals Week Survival Guide

CHARLOTTE HWANG ’29

Hey Troubies! Finals are here, but don’t stress. Here are some tips to help you get through Finals Week and into summer break mode:

1.Prioritize Specific Finals: At St. Francis, finals are only a part of your grade, weighted differently depending on what course. Use websites like RogerHub.com to calculate the score you need on your final to achieve your desired grade. Prioritize studying for classes where you need the biggest grade boost, and don’t over-stress about the ones you’re already confident in.

2.Don’t Be an Insomniac Get Some Sleep!: Did you know that several studies show that sleep enhances the mind’s capacity to concentrate? Getting enough sleep not only increases your ability to focus, it also helps the brain create memories that are crucial for recollecting facts. So hit the books in the afternoon on those early dismissal days and try to aim for eight hours of sleep before finals

3.Find a Studying Space: The best places to study are where distractions are at a minimum. During finals week and the days leading up to it, dedicate one space specifically for studying. Don’t try to play a TV show in the background or scroll Instagram reels while studying. It’s nearly impossible for the human brain to actually multitask. Instead, the brain engages in rapid task-switching, which lowers productivity and increases errors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE

Designate specific times in your schedule for studying and take breaks in between to maximize the productivity of your study sessions.

4.Maintain a Healthy Balanced Diet:

Although it may not seem like it, maintaining a healthy diet during finals is very important. Healthy foods help you to stay energized during studying sessions. Brain-stimulating snacks that may help you include: berries, dark chocolate, nuts, fish, and avocados. Make sure to drink plenty of water too

We’re almost to the end of the school year. Happy studying, and good luck on finals!

Athlete Spotlight - Piper Bates

BY DELANEY MCGAHAN ’28

Whether you have seen her exceptional dancing in Italian Club or heard her topnotch singing in the choir at mass, you can recognize that smile anywhere. Sophomore Piper Bates is an outstanding Troubie who is extremely involved at St Francis, most notably as a Varsity Diver.

Bates began diving over two years ago and found a deep love for the sport. Her previous experience in gymnastics made for a smooth transition into diving. Bates’ math teacher was actually the one who recommended she try out diving, as he was a diver himself. Little did he know where his advice would get her!

According to Bates, a typical varsity Dive practice begins with warmups on the floor and continues with conditioning and stretches. After the team is warmed up, they practice their voluntary dives, or the most simple dives. If there is a meet that week, the divers practice their list of dives that they have to perform at the competition If not, they try new dives and sharpen their skills!

When trying an unfamiliar dive, Bates handles fear with immense strength. She tries to channel confidence, which her coach greatly assists with. Bates has a positive mentality when it comes to attempting a new dive: “You never know if you don’t try it,” she said. Her courage and passion in diving is evident.

From her freshman varsity season to now, Bates explains that she has become more confident and comfortable with the sport. As a diver, she has increased her difficulty and has seen improvement in small aspects of her dives. She continues to focus on enhancing her scores, as well. The challenges of diving on her physiological capacity have heavily elevated her mental toughness and resilience, two hugely important features a successful diver must possess.

Bates’ diving story is impressive and inspirational. With only experience in gymnastics, Bates jumped right into diving the summer before her freshman year and excelled: “I just wanted to try something new, and I loved it ” Her experimental attitude led her to develop a love for a new sport, obtain useful mental skills, and embrace challenges with determination.

The Spring Concert Experience

BY MAISIE BILL ’29

"Band is a wonderful experience, and people should be more open to it and come to more of our concerts," said Akira Feguis, a senior in St. Francis’ 2026 Instrumental Concert.

As the school year comes to a close, the students of the Arts Department spent the last few months of the semester preparing for their end-of-year performances. The Choral Concert on April 29 and the Instrumental Concert on May 1 represented the culmination of many months of practice, nerves, and excitement. Students from performing groups and the tech crew shared their experiences preparing for the shows. Students join choir for a variety of reasons, with multiple St Francis choirs that tailor to each individual's interests. Both Chamber Singers (audition-only) and Concert Choir (no audition) are choral ensembles led by Mrs. Harris, the St. Francis Arts Department chair. In comparison to the classical style of Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, Show Choir is a vocal and dance group that performs pop and musical theater repertoire.

Morgan Rockenstein ’28, who is a member of both Chamber Singers and Show Choir described why she chose to participate in choir for her required St. Francis arts class: "I chose choir because I love to sing and be a part of a community It's super fun and I love the bond we have "

New performers also had the chance to step into the spotlight this season. Ella Rhody ’29, a first-time spring concert performer in Show Choir, touched on the subject: "I have a passion for singing along with dancing and when I saw that I'd be able to do both things that I love during the school day I wanted to take the opportunity." When it comes to pre-performance nerves, each student has developed their own ways to cope. For Rhody, movement and meditation are the best ways to reduce stress: "Although it has gotten better with time, I do get nervous before shows My favorite way to center myself before a performance is doing some sort of cardio or praying."

The Spring Concert Experience cont’d

While performers bring the music to life on stage, the tech crew works behind the scenes to make the show possible. From lighting to costumes, crew members play a key role in every performance. Tech crew member Kaleigh Moloney ’29 emphasized the importance of their work: "Without tech, the show wouldn't be able to happen and it helps other people, so their job isn't as stressful."

But the cast and crew aren't the only ones contributing to the success of these performances.

Directors also play a major role in guiding students throughout the process. "Ms. Harris has definitely inspired me the most," Rockenstein said. "She cares so much about choir and always pushes us to do our best." Both Ms. Harris and Ms. Agata have been driving forces behind the concerts.

With months of dedication behind them, students proudly took the stage and shared their talent and work with the St. Francis community. As Feguis put it, these concerts are more than just performances, they are an experience worth showing up for.

Summer Bucket List!

BY HADLEY BARNES ’29 and KATE HWANG ’27

Summer is on its way Troubies! As we draw closer, we’re thinking about all the fun things we can do. Here are some fun summer ideas you can add to your bucket list!

Beach day!

Spend a fun day at a nearby beach like Dillon or Stinson Beach. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and recharge! Spending time outside by the beach has been shown to reduce stress, boost the essential vitamin D, and promote physical activity, so grab your sunglasses and a picnic blanket and head to the beach.

Swimming!

Cool off and swim in a pool with friends In a city where summer temperatures regularly reach over 100 degrees, staying cool is an

essential part of summer break - and what better way to do so than a pool party with your friends? To make this activity extraspecial, bring a speaker to blast your favorite tunes.

Crafts!

Get creative with fun summer DIYs like making a beach memory jar or designing your own bikini rack Crafts are a great way to relax, express yourself, and create something to remember your summer by.

SUMMER/MISC. NEWS

Summer Bucket List cont’d

Tanning!

Relax in the sunshine and enjoy some time outdoors while working on your summer glow but don’t forget the SPF. Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin while you soak up the warm rays.

Movies!

Head to your local movie theater or enjoy a drive-in movie night with friends. Whether you’re watching the newest blockbuster or a classic favorite, movie nights are the perfect way to unwind during summer break.

Lake day!

Go paddle boarding or kayaking in a lake. At the Lake Natomas Aquatic Center, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and more for a funfilled summer adventure.

Farmers market!

Visit a local farmers market and pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade treats for a refreshing summer snack. Supporting local vendors while enjoying delicious seasonal produce makes for a perfect summer outing.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

BY CASEY ALVARO ’28

With only one month of school left, summer is definitely on everyone's mind. As you think about how you’ll spend your threemonth break, consider using that time to get involved in your community and knock out those service hours before school starts! Before you know it, those deadlines will be fast approaching, so it’s always safer to be done early. If you weren’t already aware, you can start logging those hours in mobile Serve on June 1st, 2026. Sacramento is home to many amazing organizations

The first organization in the Sacramento area is Sacramento Food Bank, an organization that distributes food to those in need. Powered by its wonderful volunteers, you can help out Sac Food Bank almost every weekday, perfect for summer when school is not in session To participate, you must be 10-15 years old with an adult chaperone, or 16-17 with a waiver signed and ready to go.

Make sure to check out their website to submit an application, and feel free to bring a friend or two!

Another meaningful service opportunity is Sacramento Loaves and Fishes. This organization allows you to help your community and serve food to the hungry by helping prepare, cook, and serve food to anyone in need in the area In addition to feeding the hungry, they offer programs that support women and families seeking shelter. To volunteer, check out their website and email volunteers@sacloaves.org.

A third organization that would love your help is TOPSoccer Sacramento. TOPSoccer is an organization where you can teach and play soccer with adults and children with disabilities who are eager to learn. They foster a safe and inclusive environment where no soccer experience is needed to volunteer! To get involved, all you need to do is visit their website and search TOPSoccer Sacramento

Summer Volunteer Opportunities cont’d

As summer approaches quickly, keep in mind these places that are welcome to volunteers and could use your help. Those service hours will be due quickly, and getting

them done over the summer can make the upcoming school year a lot less stressful.

Songs that Defined Our Year

BY VEDA WAHNSIEDLER ’29

This school year should definitely be famous because of all the amazing songs we listened to throughout the semesters. It’s hard to remember all the songs that we danced and sang along to in the beginning of the year, but luckily this article will give you a recap of every song or artist that was a big hit.

At the start of the school year, Tate McRae visited the Golden 1 Center in Downtown Sacramento for her album “So Close to What ” Tate had over 80 shows for this tour; traveling all through North America, Mexico, Europe, and South America. Then in October, Taylor Swift released a new album called “The Life of a Showgirl.” Twelve of the album’s songs were on the Billboard Top 100 following the release, and the most popular song, “The Fate of Ophelia,” held the number one spot for multiple weeks.

We also enjoyed some songs that we may have already forgotten. “Anxiety” by Doechii was famous and a huge Tik-Tok trend The rising artist, Olivia Dean created a popular song called, “Man I Need ” Sombr also released a single called “Homewrecker,” where Disney star Milo Manheim, and influencer Quenlin Blackwell starred in the western-themed music video.

The Superbowl felt like its own concert as Bad Bunny took the stage and gained an abundance of new fans.

His popular song, "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," was heard all over social media as hype for the halftime show grew.

Harry Styles released a new album named, “Kiss all the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” filled with songs that play in everyone's head on repeat. Every song in the album made it to the Billboard top 100, a huge accomplishment for Harry since his last album in 2022. Out of the songs on the record, “American Girls” was number four and “Aperture” was rated number nine, with the rest of the songs trailing throughout the chart

Songs that Defined Our Year cont’d

There’s also popular music we’ve heard in the past few months that was all we could think about. Starting off strong, we have Zara Larsson. A worldwide favorite of her songs was “Lush Life.” Fans across the country knew the choreography by heart, and Troubies could be seen performing it in the halls or at lunch

Recently, Olivia Rodrigo also released a new single that will be a part of her new album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.” The song is called “Drop Dead,” and the music video was filmed in the gorgeous Palace of Versailles, located in Paris, France.

With April came one of the most famous annual festivals: Coachella. Justin Bieber led in popularity by stealing the show, a craze called “Bieberchella.” Sabrina Carpenter also headlined with an amazing setlist and elaborate stage presence. Coachella definitely had success with other artists such as Addison Rae, Katseye, Kacey Musgraves, Laufey, PinkPantheress, Somber, Swae Lee, and Teddy Swims.

Summer Movies 2026

BY DESLYN GALANG ’28

As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, it’s almost time to kick back and relax for two months free from schoolwork! When looking for activities to fill in the long California days, make sure to go out with friends to see these summer films.

On May 29th, around a week after finals end, the popular found footage series the “Backrooms” will be moving from short clips on the internet to the big screen.

Filled with uncomfortable liminal spaces and trippy, dreamlike visuals, it will follow the story of Dr. Mary Cline (played by Renate Rivisine) searching for her patient named Clark (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor).

Superhero fatigue certainly hasn’t affected the blockbuster season this year DC’s “Supergirl” will be released a month later on June 26th. Starring Milly Alcock as the titular heroine, Supergirl will be full of intergalactic fun with her dog, Krypto and a desire for revenge.

Summer Movies 2026 cont’d

On the other side of popular superhero franchises, Marvel Studios is releasing “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on July 31st. Spoiler alert if you haven’t seen No Way Home yet, but Brand New Day will follow the aftermath of Peter Parker’s (played by Tom Holland) decision to erase everyone’s memories of him, including his best friend Ned (played by Jacob Batalon) and his girlfriend MJ (played by Zendaya).

If you want to see Tom Holland on the screen in another movie over the summer, go see the newest adaptation of Homer’s timeless classic, “The Odyssey.” Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, the movie will follow the ever-familiar story of a family torn apart and a father trying to return home to his family. Anne Hathaway will play Penelope, Odysseus’ cunning and intelligent wife who defends the home front while he tries to get home

Buzz Lightyear and Woody Pride PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE

Feeling nostalgic? Make sure to tune in to “Toy Story 5,” releasing on June 19th. Continuing a long-running franchise, the story picks up with the toys looking to push back against the newest threat to quality playtime: Bonnie’s iPad named Lilypad. Commentating on the iPad generation, Toy Story 5 is sure to be a tearjerker with bittersweet themes of growing up and moving on.

Steven Spielberg’s newest sci-fi film

“Disclosure Day,” will be released on June 12th During a live weather broadcast, the broadcaster Margaret Fairchild (played by Emily Blunt) becomes possessed by an alien on national television. The story will follow Fairchild’s and Daniel Kelner’s (played by Josh O’Connor) quest to prove extraterrestrial life is real. With Spielberg’s track record of classic movies like “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Indiana Jones,” and the legendary John Williams producing the soundtrack, “Disclosure Day” is sure to be a movie experience you won’t want to miss!

From endless mazes to comic book fun, the summer of 2026 is sure to have a film for everyone

Neha's Nook Summer Books 2026

BY NEHA VASANTHAN ’28

There will come a time when AP exams are over, there’s no need for a morning alarm, the sun sets at 8 pm, and Schoology hasn’t been checked in weeks. With a Starbucks Refresher in hand, bathing suit on, and the feeling of sunlight soaking into your skin, there’s only one thing missing: the perfect book. Don’t worry, because Neha’s Nook is the place to look.

The Say You’ll Remember Me trilogy is a profound yet hilarious and heartwarming series by skilled romance author Abby Jimenez. The titular first book, Say You’ll Remember Me, released in 2025, follows Samantha Diaz and veterinarian Xavier Rush. The novel largely takes place during the summer in California and Minnesota, and explores themes of long-distance relationships, caretaking, dementia and work-life stress via a touching romance story.

The Night We Met is the second book of the trilogy and was released in March of 2026. The story is about Chris, Larissa and Mike, and a split-second decision that changes everything. Chris and Larissa are co-parenting a Yorkie and have undeniable chemistry, but Larissa’s choice to take a ride home with Mike after a concert alters the course of their lives. Months later, Mike and Larissa are dating, and Chris is suffering under the weight of his unrequited love for Larissa. However, he bears the hurt because he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt. The book is fast-paced and wholly worth the read

The third book of the trilogy, Feels Like Falling, will come out in the spring of 2027. While each of the books can be read as standalones or in any order, the chronological order is recommended as the later books contain spoilers for the earlier books.

Neha's Nook Summer Books 2026

Unlike the beach-read romance books mentioned prior, the following book is guaranteed to cause philosophical thoughts and deep emotions. Circe is a character who shows up very briefly in Homer’s The Odyssey, yet she is often depicted as a villain in the story, for keeping Odysseus from his wife Penelope Madeline Miller’s fantasy retelling, Circe, gives Circe a voice. The book highlights themes of feminism, power and love through an extremely layered character. Turning the corner to summer mysteries… The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso is a thrilling young-adult book about

Paige Redmund, who is investigating the disappearance of her best friend, Audrey, with the help of Audrey’s brother, Dylan. Audrey disappeared the previous summer, but she wasn’t the first girl to go missing. As Paige and Dylan unfold more and more secrets and lies, Paige must be careful otherwise, she might be next. Whether one’s perfect summer read is a fun-loving romance, a piece of philosophical feminist literature (do not tell the performative males about Circe!), or a terrifying mystery, the summer of 2026 is going to be the best summer of all time especially because all the St Francis girls will be reading the perfect books.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Closing Statement

BY MERCY COLLIER ’26

Dear Troubies,

As we wrap up the final edition of the year, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who makes The Mandolin possible not only our dedicated staff and Ms. Kirstien, but also our readers and the entire school community. Your support and enthusiasm have brought every edition to life.

I’ve been a part of The Mandolin since my sophomore year and have had the honor of serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief for the past two years. With a special interest in covering the sports beat, I’ve been able to combine my love for athletics with my passion for writing. With each article, I’ve grown not only as a writer but also as a storyteller My time at The Mandolin has given me the opportunity to share what makes St Francis so special: our spirit, our stories, and our unique sisterhood that defines our community.

This fall, I’ll be attending UC Berkeley to study English, where I look forward to continuing my journey in writing and journalism at an even higher level. While it is difficult to say goodbye to St. Francis and all we’ve built at The Mandolin, I leave knowing it is in great hands. It is my pleasure to announce that Sana Sarkari will be joining Kate as Co-Editor-In-Chief for the upcoming school year!

I hope that our stories have inspired you to share your perspective with the world. Journalism is powerful; it uncovers truth, amplifies voices, and preserves the stories that shape our communities. As women, using our voice boldly and uplifting one another is a necessity. Thank you for reading, for supporting us, and for being a part of this incredible journey.

With gratitude, Mercy Collier

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Closing Statement

BY KATE HWANG ’27

Dearest readers,

As we put the finishin touches on this final edition of The Mandolin, I find myself reflecting on what a year it has been: the work we’ve accomplished, the tears we’ve shed and the laughs we’ve shared. I cannot believe that I am one step closer to the end of my journey at St. Francis, and I am so grateful for all of the experiences I now hold close to my heart.

This was my first year as Co-Editor-in-Chief, and somehow, I still feel like I’m just beginning to understand how much effort, care, and collaboration it takes to bring this newspaper to life. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Mercy, my Co-Editor, who has been an incredible partner and a daily inspiration Your leadership, dedication, and humor has shaped this publication more than you likely realize, and we will miss you so much next year Ms Kirstien, thank you for your patient responses to late-night emails, your supportive presence during assignment meetings, and for reviewing every word of every edition before publication. And to the Class of 2026, thank you for your ideas and the countless ways you’ve brought this paper to life.

Finally, to you, dear readers, we thank you for supporting student journalism and the power of storytelling. Now, more than ever we must recognize the importance of using the gift that our education has given us: the ability to ask questions, to listen, and to tell the truth with both courage and compassion. Every person has a story, and every article, interview, and headline you read this year is a reflection of the community we all share.

From now on, I hope you continue to seek out the stories around you. Thank you for believing in The Mandolin. I can’t wait to see what the next year holds for us.

Yours truly,

Kate Hwang

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writers Editors

Casey Alvaro

Corrine Atkins

Hadley Barnes

Maisie Bill

Mercy Collier

Deslyn Galang

Charlotte Hwang

Kate Hwang

Delaney McGahan

Neha Vasanthan

Veda Wahnseidler

Graphic Designers

Neha Vasanthan

Mercy Collier (Co-Editor-in-Chief)

Maria Consolini

Cameron Dundon

Cate Harcos

Kate Hwang (Co-Editor-in-Chief)

Ava Khodai

Rida Mujeeb

Thomasina Nicholson

Madeleine Oberlies

Sana Sarkari (Assistant Editor)

Z Smith

Annie Swanson

Publicists

Savannah Hamilton

Katie Koo