El Molino News
August 6, 2019
Important Update – 2019-2020 Bus Route and Bus Pass Information
February 7, 2019
Parent Support Meetings
Parenting Can Be Tough, But You Are Not Alone! El Molino High School in partnership with Thunder Proactive Consultation will be hosting parent evening meetings. Join us in the El Molino High School Library to explore issues as they pertain to your student, such as boundaries, communication, skill building, self care, and adolescent substance use.
Our next parent meetings will be on March 28, and May 30 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please join us, and together, we can be proactive.
October 5, 2018
Information from the California Depart of Health
For information from the California Department of Health about vaping and your child, please click this link: https://www.flavorshookkids.org/wp-content/uploads/flavorshookkids-share.pdf
April 12, 2018
Let’s Talk Cannabis
The Negative Health Effects of Marijuana
December 7, 2017
El Mo alum saves cats lost in the fires
“Who goes out at 3 or 4 in the morning and catches cats for people?” Shannon Jay, El Molino class of 1983, does.
September 7, 2017
Two El Molino Alumnus included in the Press Democrat’s Celebrity High School Grads
August 23, 2017
Lions footballers prep for dark horse role
It’s been more than a decade since we’ve heard murmurs of Sonoma County League football title aspirations in the El Molino camp, but long-standing Lions fans may be rewarded for their loyalty as the fall leaves begin to turn.
Veteran coach Randy Parmeter is back to lead a senior-laden group of 23 players who are both hungry and experienced, hopeful they can build on the momentum generated in a resurgent 2016 campaign.
El Mo (5-6 overall) finished third behind Analy and Petaluma in the league hierarchy last year, a season that included a 4-2 SCL mark and a trip to the North Coast Section Division 4 playoffs.
The 2017 Lions are the surprise dark horse pick of several SCL coaches on the eve of the season opener on Friday, Aug. 25, when El Mo is put to an immediate litmus test as it hosts perennial power St. Bernard’s of Eureka. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Learn more about this team and what looks to be an exciting season at the link.
August 22, 2017
Slideshow: Back to school at El Molino and Analy
Most of the west county was still sleeping Tuesday morning as parents and teenagers hauled backpacks and book bags to El Molino and Analy high schools, where the 2017-18 school year began about 7:30 a.m.
August 12, 2017
Decision expected this month on league realignment
El Molino and Analy are likely to be placed in new athletic league combinations next year. A decision will almost certainly be made on realignment of the Sonoma County, North Bay and Marin County Athletic (MCAL) leagues when the parties meet again on Aug. 24.
July 27, 2017
Sonoma County stakes stronger claim as endurance sports capital
“Miguel Crawford, a Spanish teacher at Forestville’s El Molino High School, will next year celebrate 20 years of organizing adventure bike racing in the area. What began as loose group rides for 30 to 50 of his friends over all manner of terrain, is now the ‘Grasshopper Adventure Series,’ a beloved schedule of North Coast suffer-fests on two wheels,” wrote The Press Democrat.
July 11, 2017
Forestville hydrant clean-up project nets El Molino junior a new Eagle Scout
July 11, 2017
El Molino mini sports camps this summer
El Molino High School is conducting one-day mini camps on the campus Fridays through July 21, with valuable instruction offered for a variety of sports.
June 27, 2017
Thanks for the Memories: Student/athletes will be remembered for their dedication and sportsmanship
June 21, 2017
Benefield: Underwater hockey making waves in Sebastopol
Press Democrat article about the little known sport underwater hockey and El Molino standout swimmer Ben Ziegler who will be competing with the under 19 US Underwater Hockey National Team in the world championship in Tasmania.
Congratulations Ben and good luck!
Link to article: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/7100535-181/benefield-underwater-hockey-making-waves
June 21, 2017
Keith Baker, Theater Teacher
We are excited to announce that El Molino alumnus Keith Baker will be teaching Theater next school year. This will be his fourth year teaching at El Molino and he is super excited about this new opportunity.
Mr Baker earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at UC Santa Barbara and ran a theater company in Santa Barbara. After some time acting in LA, Mr Baker then moved back to Sonoma County, earning his teaching credential at Sonoma State while also starting Main Stage West theater in Sebastopol. Baker was the Managing Artistic Director until stepping aside in 2013 to pursue his career in teaching. The photo is of Mr Baker acting in Of Mice and Men at the Cinnabar theater.
We would like to congratulate Mr Baker and welcome him as our new Theater teacher!
June 6, 2017
Lions smile with pride at graduation
Smiles signified the 119 graduating seniors who walked across the stage on the El Molino field in Forestville on Friday night, commemorating the hard work, tears and smiles of the past four years while looking forward to the next step for El Mo’s oldest young adults.
June 6, 2017
The mobile technology demonstrated at El Molino spews sawdust
Shawn Gavin brought his portable sawmill to El Molino at the request of woodshop teacher Brian Phillips and parent Steve Griffith. It was powered not by a featherweight lithium-ion battery but a 51-horsepower diesel engine.
Link: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
May 20, 2017
League champion Lions set pace at SCL track finals
Not only did the boys track team win the SCL League Championship with a 6-0, the girls track team also took second place overall! All in all our track program will send 29 athletes on to the NCS Redwood Empire meet next weekend.
The Varsity boys track team won the SCL championship meet with a score of 159. The next closest team was Petaluma at 114. This team loses only 4 seniors and looks to defend this title next year. Individual SCL Champions include: Avery Ransome 4×100, Carmelo Salas 4×100, Sire Clark 4×100, 4×400, 200m, Adler Hansen 4×100, Azur Ingrassia 4×400, Clay Serrano 4×400, Jose Padilla 4×400, Jack Fricker TJ,LJ,110HH,300H, Brian Schulz 3200m. Congratulations Boys!
This was the first time the girls have been in the top 2 since winning league in 2001. Losing only 2 seniors this team will look for an SCL title next season. Girls SCL Champions include: Jackie Ramirez 4×400, Evelin Ramirez 4×400, Ava Peterson 400m & 4×400, Aubrianna Tait 100h, 300h and 4×400. The girls 4×400 team set a new school record with a time of 4:10.44 beating the old school record by more then 2 sec set in 1987.
We’d also like to give a shoutout to the coaches and track family that helped the team to their success.
Congratulations everyone!!
May 13, 2017
8th Sonoma County Youth Film Festival, May 25
El Molino High School’s Digital Marketing class is producing the Sonoma County Youth Film Festival. Now in its eighth year, this festival showcases student films from El Molino, Analy, Rancho Cotati, Montgomery, Windsor, and Casa Grande. The featured pieces range from short films and documentaries to PSAs and animations, all created by current high school students.
“It’s a great film festival that gives all of us an opportunity to have a bigger audience. It’s amazing to see how much creative talent there is in Sonoma County.” Said El Molino senior and film festival participant, Forest Murnane.
May 10, 2017
Lions claim boys track & field championship
The El Molino boys locked up the Sonoma County League track & field championship on May 3, easily defeating visiting Piner, 90-46 to complete an unbeaten regular season.
The SCL pennant is the first for the Lions since 2004.
As they’ve done all season, El Molino used exceptional talent and versatility to vanquish the Prospectors, with most athletes earning points in several events.
May 9, 2017
Say … Cheescake!
Anamaria Morales is on a mission to bake her way through college, “one cheesecake at a time.” A year after launching “The College Confectionista” during her senior year at El Molino High, the spirited 19-year-old has banked more than $9,000 through baking. She hopes to more than double that amount by the time she’s ready to transfer from Santa Rosa Junior College, where she takes online classes. Her goal is to be accepted into the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley.
Link: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
May 9, 2017
El Molino multi-sport athletes explain Lions’ track success
May 2, 2017
FORESTVILLE — The El Molino Lions are on the brink of their first Sonoma County League boys track and field title since 2004, and they have made their run in a most unusual fashion.
With a small squad, many of whom saw track as just a way to keep in shape for another sport, the 5-0 Lions have evolved into a team that can offer up a competitor in just about every discipline despite what seems like, on paper, to be a lack of experience.
Coach Ryan Hopkins has long pushed the philosophy that being a multi-sport athlete will make you a better athlete in general. He invited kids to use track to get them better at something else. They came and now that something else happens to be track itself.
Link: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
May 2, 2017
Lions volleyballers beat Redwood; capture league title
“Make a plan and follow through.”
That has been the mantra for the El Molino boys volleyball team in a remarkable 2017 campaign, a season that culminated with a three-set win over first-place Redwood on Thursday night to capture a share of the Marin County Athletic League championship.
The historic victory did not come easily, as the Lions fought off every challenge to win in four electrifying sets; 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 25-22.
The result moved the Lions and Giants into a tie in the final MCAL standings with identical 13-1 records, pushing El Molino’s overall mark to 20-8.
April 18, 2017
Seniors get Rotary scholarships for college
April 5, 2017
New Edition of Lion’s Roar, El Molino’s Student Run Newspaper
Link to latest edition, March 2017
March 14, 2017
Congratulations to Volleyball Coach Becky Sani! All-Empire Coach of the year
Congratulations to Volleyball Coach Becky Sani! She was awarded All-Empire Coach of the year Honors. Great job!
Becky Sani, El Molino class of 1991, is head coach for girls’ volleyball. She played volleyball six years including three as a varsity Lion and two at Santa Rosa Junior College. Last year she taught the junior varsity team, and she carries into the varsity job a commitment to players at all levels. She lives in Cazadero and has an apparel decorating business. “I am a Lion through and through,” Sani said. “I bleed red and black.”
Link to Press Democrat article- http://www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/6700903-181/sonoma-valleys-jenna-mak-named
March 11, 2017
El Molino school district ranks among top 100
March 11, 2017
El Mo Rocks Poetry Event
The beginning acting and oral interpretation classes at El Molino High School competed in the school’s contest recently with junior Seryna Bonacorso besting 15 other schools in Sonoma County’s Poetry Out Loud event. Bonacorso will represent Sonoma County in the statewide contest in Sacramento in mid-March.
February 15, 2017
Sonoma County schools score high in national ranking
El Molino was one 24 of Sonoma County’s 200 plus public and private schools that received a grade of A- or above from Niche.com. El Molino received an A overall. Niche.com combines rigorous analysis with authentic reviews to highlight the best places to live and go to school.
El Molino received an A for academics, A for College Readiness, A- for Teachers, B+ for Diversity, B+ for Clubs and Activities, and an A for Health and Safety. https://k12.niche.com/el-molino-high-school-forestville-ca/
February 4, 2017
Wrestling Lions edge Tigers in “Apple” meet, 48-46
The El Molino wrestling team secured West County bragging rights in a closely contested dual meet with cross town rival Analy on Jan. 24 in Sebastopol, utilizing superior depth to edge the Tigers, 48-46.
El Mo competed in a pair of tournaments last weekend. Taking home medals in pooled brackets for the Lions were Nate Wheeler (1st place, 132-138 pounds), Deddy Coshnear (2nd place, 152-160 pounds) and Wyatt Ayers (2nd place, 106-112 pounds).
Congratulations to Thomas Mitchell for becoming the #8 ranked 170lb wrestler in the NCS.
January 7, 2017
West County Charter School – The Little School That Could
January 7, 2017
El Molino family honored in Rose Parade
El Molino sophomore Lewis Griffith will ride on a float in the Rose Parade with his dad, Steve Griffith, this year. Lewis is being honored for saving his father’s life two years ago with hands-only CPR, when his dad collapsed with sudden cardiac arrest. Lewis learned the life-saving technique at Forestville Academy.
December 23, 2016
All-league Fall season athletes will be on the El Molino “Wall of Fame”
Congratulations to these all-league Fall season athletes who will also be on the El Molino “Wall of Fame” in the gym!
Sami Hennen-Tennis
Tori Boles-Volleyball
Brian Schulz-Cross Country 3rd in State!!
Lily Dimond-Golf
Jake Peter and Jack Fricker-Football
Soccer-Kristine Daniels, Carly Hittenmiller SCL MVP!
December 13, 2016
El Molino girls looking to move up in league basketball ranks
Improvement is the operative word out of the El Molino girls basketball camp this week, as the Lady Lions take aim at winning season.
Head coach Keith Nordby returns to lead a relatively young and talented squad that figures to be competitive in a wide-open Sonoma County League race.
“The El Molino program as a whole is looking strong,” Nordby reported. “We lost two great varsity girls in the Dean twins (to graduation) that will be hard to replace but we’re looking forward to this year.”
December 13, 2016
El Molino booters looking for big strides on soccer pitch
The El Molino boys soccer team kicked off the 2016/17 campaign with cautious optimism this month, hopeful that a new all-weather field and an infusion of talent will take the program to new levels.
Dave Rosales will lead a strong group of players that include returning veterans Jack Fricker, Kristian Walker, Sergio Sanchez, Ryan Pamatmat and Alex Sanchez.
Sophomores moving up from last year’s JV squad are Logan Myers, Finn Smith and Jahmye Daly. Talented freshman Jack Grassl may emerge as a rising star this season.
Rounding out the varsity roster are Spencer Babcock, Abraham Martinez, Aubrey Minkus, Patrick Palmer, Eduardo Rodriguez, Arturo Ruiz, Carmelo Salas, Carson Salim, Josh Van Rillaer and Oswaldo Zamora.
November 29, 2016
Chefs of Tomorrow – Sponsorship and Donation Opportunities
Wine Country Chefs of Tomorrow: A Benefit for Sonoma County Youth Culinary Arts Programs
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
The Sonoma County Lodging Association invites you to join us for the Annual Wine Country Chefs of Tomorrow fundraiser. This entertaining night of great food, local wines, silent and live auction raises funds for local youth culinary arts programs. This year’s event will be held at the Event Center at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, April 26th.
This is our fifteenth year partnering with Sonoma County high school culinary arts programs including Casa Grande, Cloverdale, El Molino, Healdsburg, Maria Carrillo, Piner, Sonoma Valley and Windsor high schools. Each of the schools will be partnered with a lodging chef for a friendly appetizer competition dueling it out for the “People’s Choice Award” and the “Best Appetizer”.
Help us make this evening a brilliant success as we dine on superb appetizers and raise money to help educate our future culinary and hospitality success stories. Please consider joining us as a sponsor or guest. Enclosed please find a sponsorship/ticket form and donation form if you are able to help us with a donation for the auction or event. Ideas for auction donations include wine/beer, destination opportunities, cooking classes, special dinners, gift baskets, and items packaged together to make a complete entertainment experience.
Please take a moment to complete and return the form enclosed or use the links below to sign up at your earliest convenience. We look forward to your support to help make this event a success as we showcase the talented chefs of tomorrow. If you need more information, contact Judy at 707-837-1928 or email [email protected].
https://chefsoftomorrow.wufoo.com/forms/chefs-of-tomorrow-auction-donation-form/
https://chefsoftomorrow.wufoo.com/forms/chefs-of-tomorrow-sponsorship-ticket-form/
Sincerely,
Lucy Judy
Lucy Lewand Judy Groverman Walker
Event Chair Event Coordinator
November 23, 2016
High school district begins business breakfast series at El Molino
The West Sonoma County Union High School District (WSCUHSD) held its first West County Business Breakfast Series on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at El Molino High School. The event invited businesses throughout the Russian River, Forestville and Sebastopol areas to participate in learning more about the unique and innovative programs at El Molino High School.
October 26, 2016
West County students get political
October 22, 2016
Press Democrat: El Molino football team roaring through Sonoma County League play
El Molino brings a 3-0 Sonoma County League record (4-3 overall) into Friday’s showdown against the Trojans. If the Lions can knock off Petaluma for the first time since 2011, an even bigger moment awaits. The little team from the pretty West County campus would meet Analy in a battle of squads that are undefeated in league.
Link to Press Democrat Article
October 13, 2016
Running rivals put on top-tier show
El Molino’s Brian Schulz and Santa Rosa High’s Luca Mazzanti are the two fastest boys in Redwood Empire cross country this season. Luca Mazzanti and Schulz recently dueled to the third- and fourth-fastest times ever run in three decades of the Viking Opener. Mazzanti bested Schulz with a time of 9:51. Schulz crossed the line in 9:53.
And it’s no small meet. More than 800 athletes competed.
At the Rancho Boys Invitational on Aug. 26, Schulz beat Mazzanti on the 3-mile course while running the second-fastest time ever: 15:07. Mazzanti posted the seventh all-time result there with a 15:17.
Link to Press Democrat article.
October 8, 2016
Benefield: El Molino football player-turned-cheerleader back in the game after surgery
An article in the Press Democrat about Senior Azur Ingrassia who had been playing football since the seventh grade when a cyst on his pituitary gland forced him to undergo surgery and miss two months of his junior year. A return to football was out of the question.
Today, Ingrassia is still on the sidelines supporting the Lions, although now he does it as a member of the cheerleading team.
October 1, 2016
Lions footballers maul Greyhounds, 47-20 in “Battle for the Paddle”
The varsity football Lions notched their most impressive win of the 2016 campaign on Friday at Recreation Park in Healdsburg, using a big-play offense to spoil the Greyhound’s Homecoming party in a 47-20 victory.
The win in the annual clash now dubbed the “Battle for the Paddle,” was the second straight for El Molino, pushing its unbeaten league record to 2-0 and an even 3-3 on the year. The Lions will enjoy a bye on the schedule this week before resuming league action against visiting Elsie Allen on Oct. 14.
September 28, 2016
EL Mo Lions open league grid campaign with win
The Friday night lights shined brightly on the El Molino football teamson Sept. 23, as the Lions of business in the opening week of the Sonoma County League season.
El Molino (2-3, 1-0) erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge visiting Piner 21-17.
August 23, 2016
All-Empire track
August 9, 2016
El Molino boys working hard under new hoops coach
The Steve Cavalin era is off and running this summer, as the new El Molino boys basketball coach takes aim at re-building a competitive program. The veteran coach has been patrolling the sidelines for over 30 years, including a stint at Santa Rosa Junior College, 16 years at Cardinal Newman, and recently led the El Mo boys junior varsity team a couple of years ago.“I’d like everyone on the team to shoot the ball and I do like to run, but defense will be my main emphasis,” Cavalin said.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
August 2, 2016
El Mo FFA wins grand supreme at fair
El Molino’s Forestville Future Farmers of America (FFA) members have had a busy summer preparing for and showing their animals at local fairs.
Link to Sonoma West Times photo
July 6, 2016
El Molino teens head to Kenya
June 24, 2016
El Molino alumnus chosen to be Healdsburg’s new fire chief over 47 applicants
Jason Boaz was sworn in as Healdsburg’s new fire chief June 6 at the City Council meeting. He was selected after a nationwide search and rigorous process to fill the position. A Sonoma County native, he graduated from El Molino High School and attended Santa Rosa Junior College, then UC Santa Barbara.
Link to Press Democrat article
June 22, 2016
Class of 2016 College Accceptances!
El Molino High School is proud to announce that its 136 graduating seniors were accepted to 65 colleges and universities in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Many schools accepted multiple Lions, led by Humboldt State which accepted 14 and Chico State and Sonoma State which welcomed 12 each. At the junior college level, Santa Rosa Junior College accepted 54 Lions.
Colleges accepting El Molino’s graduating seniors are:
Arizona: Arizona State, University of Arizona.
California: Cabrillo College, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State East Bay, Chico State, CSU Channel Islands, CSU Fullerton, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU Stanislaus, Fresno State, Humboldt State, Monterey Peninsula College, Sacramento State, San Diego State, San Francisco State, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State, St. Mary’s College, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, University of San Diego, University of San Francisco, University of the Pacific.
Colorado: Colorado State, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver.
District of Columbia: Georgetown University.
Hawaii: Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii.
Idaho: Boise State, University of Idaho.
Illinois: University of Chicago.
Indiana: Purdue University.
Massachusetts: Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Michigan: Michigan State.
Montana: Montana State, University of Montana.
Nevada: University of Nevada Reno.
New Mexico: University of New Mexico.
New York: Parson’s College
Oregon: Oregon State, Portland State, University of Oregon, University of Portland, Willamette University.
Pennsylvania: Penn State.
South Carolina: Clemson University
Tennessee: Belmont University.
Utah: Neumont University.
Washington: Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, University of
Washington, Western Washington University.
June 22, 2016
Farm Bureau Foundation Awards $16,000 in scholarships to five El Molino High School graduates
Congratulations to the five El Molino graduates recently awarded scholarships by the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County. The foundation honored more El Molino graduates than any other Sonoma County high school except Petaluma High School.
From the Class of 2016: Julia Almind, Jake Dutton, Jordan Dutton
From the Class of 2015: Amanda Raffety.
From the Class of 2011: Dakota Kantala.
Julia Almind, 18, daughter of Chris and Melony Almind of Jenner. Almind recently graduated with the Class of 2016, she plans to study agriculture business at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Jake Dutton, 18, son of Steve and Theresa Dutton of Sebastopol also recently graduated with the Class of 2016. In the fall, he is attending Cuesta College majoring in Viticulture. He plans to eventually transfer to Cal Poly, SLO. He hopes to return to Sonoma County to manage his family’s vineyards.
Jordan Dutton, 18, is the daughter of Steve and Theresa Dutton of Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol. She recently graduated with the Class of 2016 and plans to attend University of California, Davis this fall. She will be pursuing a degree in Agriculture Business.
Amanda Raffety, 18, is the daughter of Douglas and Lisa Raffety of Forestville. She graduated from El Molino in 2015. Currently she attends Santa Rosa Junior College and is studying veterinary medicine.
Dakota Kantala, 23, daughter of Keith and Jackie Kantala graduated from El Molino in 2011. After High School she attended Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to California State University, Chico. She plans to major in Animal Science in the fall.
June 12, 2016
Class of 2016 Graduation Ceremony photos
Congratulations Class of 2016! View the Press Democrat’s El Molino Graduation Ceremony photo gallery here.
June 7, 2016
El Mo’s Brian Schulz takes fourth place at Meet of Champions
The El Molino track team sent a small contingent of athletes to the elite North Coast Section Meet of Champions held at Edwards Stadium on the University of California campus in Berkeley on May 27-28, the last qualifier for the CIF State Championships.
Participating athletes included El Molino’s Brian Schulz, Aubrianna Tail (300 intermediate hurdles), and Emma Cilley (discus). Schulz narrowly missed a state bid in the 3,200 meter finals, finishing a close up fourth overall in a sizzling 9:20.84. Also turning in strong efforts were Tait (14th place, 46.92) and Cilley (13th place, 107’ 6”).
May 25, 2016
Trio of ribbon cutting celebrate El Mo and Analy band room and stadiums
May 10, 2016
El Molino Culinary Students Impress Judges at Chefs of Tomorrow
Six El Molino students represented the school and competed against six other schools for the best appetizers at the 17th annual Wine Country Chefs of Tomorrow fundraiser. The Lions worked for weeks with Chef Francesco Torre of Canneti Roadhouse Italiana to plan and prepare their chosen dishes. “I am very proud of my students,” said Culinary Arts instructor Chef Christopher Correa.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News article
April 20, 2016
El Molino athletes succeed as academic stars
El Molino encourages students to be multi-sport athletes and El Molino’s integrated athletics program supports athletes to be successful academically. This year seven varsity teams scored a grade point average of 3.0 or above, to be North Coast Section Distinguished Teams.
April 19, 2016
El Molino grad is longest serving officer in the Sebastopol Police Department
On March 19, 1981, Scott Verse, El Molino Class of 1979, was hired as a reserve officer with the Sebastopol Police Department. Just 20-years-old, he embarked on what would become a 35 year — and counting — career serving the community as the department’s longest serving officer in its 114-year history.
April 12, 2016
El Molino runner Brian Schulz sets a determined pace
Distance runners are not known to get after it in the weight room. But here’s Brian Schulz, possibly the Empire’s premier boys’ distance runner this track season, lifting weights, doing pull-ups, core work and working his triceps. It’s like the guy doesn’t ever stop pushing.
Link to Press Democrat article
April 12, 2016
El Molino students honored for overcoming obstacles
Christina Hamner and Soo Min Kan were recognized by the Rotary Club of Sebastopol for their perseverance and character in overcoming obstacles. They were awarded $1,000 college scholarships. Christina hopes to be a doctor and Soo Min Kan hopes to be a political scientist.
April 11, 2016
Anamaria Morales honored at Youth Service Awards
El Molino senior Anamaria Morales was among 10 high school seniors from five Sonoma County schools recognized for leadership and civic engagement in the Press Democrat’s 28th annual Community Youth Service Awards.
Link to Press Democrat article
April 9, 2016
El Molino wins Battle of the Fans
El Molino Leadership students received the banner and $1,000 dollar check as winners of this year’s Battle of the Fans contest. The contest was based on the positive culture at sporting events including positive sportsmanship and schools reaching out to one another to create a welcoming environment.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/
March 30, 2016
El Molino mountain bikers blazing trails on Nor Cal club circuit
The mountain bike season is off and running for a pioneering group of El Molino athletes, bent on pushing it to the limit while enjoying the benefits of tough competition and lasting camaraderie.
The Lions, under veteran coaches Miguel Crawford and Mike Warren, are beginning their fifth season on the Nor Cal Cycling high school club circuit, featuring a total of seven races around Northern California, culminating in the State Championships in May.
El Molino is one of five competing high school teams from Sonoma County and is one of the top teams in the Nor Cal Cycling League that stretches from Fresno to Humboldt County and includes 73 teams and about 900 student/athletes.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News article
March 25, 2016
El Molino football team, Boosters given Spirit of Sport Award
This month, the El Molino football program and Boosters Club were selected as the 2016 Section 7 recipients of the “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
“Our Booster Club and football program are honored to be recognized for the work they did on behalf of the Valley Fire victims this fall,” El Mo teacher and Athletic Director Mike Roan said recently. “Although this award recognizes the work done by our football team and Boosters in support of the Valley Fire victims, I have long been amazed by the spirit, support and energy our students, boosters, parents and community demonstrate in support of our athletes and teams.”
The award was created by the NFHS to recognize those groups or individuals who best exemplify the spirit of sport that embody the mission and ideals of education-based athletics.
The NFHS divides the nation into eight geographical sections, with Section 7 states compromised of California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Nominations for the award were generated through NFHS member state associations and reviewed by the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award Selection Committee.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
March 15, 2016
El Molino’s Running Lions make sizeable splash at Big Cat Invitational
March 15, 2016
CTE Spurs Entrepreneurial Spirit in Schools
Both El Molino and Analy High Schools received funds toward their Project MAKE classes which offer students the opportunity to work with traditional and computer controlled tools such as a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, 3D printer and CNC router in a creative environment. The goal of Project MAKE is to encourage active learning and help develop the maker mindset in students.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
March 3, 2016
Music Matters
The current March edition of the Sonoma Valley Life magazine features an article titled Music Matters interviewing music teachers from across Sonoma County about the importance of music education for healthy youth development.
Link to March issue online. Article starts on page 10.
March 1, 2016
El Molino and Windsor win Battle of the Fans as Redwood Empire high schools try to clamp down on over-the-line taunting by fans
High schools can’t afford to let fans venture into the realm of verbal abuse — or violence. We haven’t had a lot of violent confrontations reported here in the Redwood Empire. But our slate isn’t clean, either.
March 1, 2016
Free culinary class for kids offered at El Molino High
Parents who would like the kids to cook for a change might consider having them register for a free Intro To Culinary Arts class at El Molino High School, named several times as a California Distinguished School. The class will be taught from March 12 to March 24by Chef/Educator Christopher Correa, who has been involved in the hospitality industry for the past 11 years.The course is limited to the first 30 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who register.
February 26, 2016
Local Wrestlers Shine at SCL Championoships
February 23, 2016
Scholarship will honor Healdsburg High School graduate killed in crash
Link to Press Democrat Article
February 19, 2016
Redwood Empire Battle of the Fans (BOTF) 2015-2016 Winner!
El Molino is excited to announce that we were chosen as one of the two winners of the Redwood Empire Battle of the Fans (BOTF) 2015-2016 competition! El Molino will receive a Champions banner for the gym and a check for $1,000 for our Associate Student Body to use on student activities! The contest was based on the positive culture at sporting events including positive sportsmanship and schools reaching out to one another to create a welcoming environment. This recognition is well deserved as El Molino students show a huge amount of spirit and dedication to supporting their sports’ teams, fellow students as well as showing sportsmanship to their competitors. El Molino’s 2016 Battle of the Fans video can be viewed at this link or below. Let’s go El Mo!
February 19, 2016
Sonoma County Farm Trails honors El Molino alumnus Steve Dutton for devoted service
Supervisor Efren Carrillo presented fifth-generation farmer and rancher Steve Dutton, who recently retired as Farm Trails board member and treasurer, with a gold resolution recognizing him for his contributions to agriculture and for helping the organization move “from the verge of collapse to a degree of financial stability that surpassed historic measures of success.” The gold resolution further honored Dutton for his “tireless, consistent and devoted service to Farm Trails and to the Gravenstein Apple Fair … a true hero and advocate of agriculture in Sonoma County.”
February 10, 2016
Baking her academic future
El Molino senior Anamaria Morales is determined to bake her way into college. Morales has branded her baking endeavor College Confectionista and specializes in cheesecakes, which she hopes will help fund her future college studies in entrepreneurship and public relations. “I’ve always loved creating things that are my own style and sharing what I make with people,” Morales said.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News article
January 9, 2016
Fields almost ready at El Molino, Analy, Casa Grande
El Molino, Analy and Casa Grande are all undergoing the change from grass to all-weather turf fields, mostly to get a handle on maintenance costs for natural fields. As the overhauls got started last year, football and soccer teams had to play their “home” games on the road. But soon, the fields will be playable for winter soccer and spring track and field competitions.
Link to Press Democrat article
January 8, 2016
Forestville educators pushing for new charter middle school
Momentum is gaining behind a revived proposal for a new west Sonoma County charter middle school at Forestville elementary school and aligned with El Molino High School.
Link to Press Democrat article
January 6, 2016
El Molino pilots Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship Program
El Molino High School has been piloting the Napa-Sonoma Small Business Development Center’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) for the first time this Fall. Students recently submitted their business plans to the YEP eighth annual Youth Business Plan Competition and sophomore Ian Karybill’s business plan was selected as a finalist.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News article here
December 31, 2015
2015, an exceptional year to remember in local high school athletics
The year 2015 will be remembered for outstanding individual and team achievements in a remarkable year in local high school athletics.
Here is a look back at some of the best moments in 2015.
El Molino senior veteran Tony Gemini joined a select group of elite wrestlers in March, capturing league and North Coast Section Championships in the 132-pound weight division.
Sprinter Lani Gaspar capped a star-studded track and field season by winning league titles in the 100 and 200 Meter races. Brian Schulz also took home league championships in the 1,600 and 3,200 Meters.
The boys volleyball team captured the first place pennant at the Nor Cal Invitational Tournament hosted by Novato High School in April. Under veteran coach and El Molino alum Bob Geissinger, the Lions’ 2015 campaign was highlighted by the program’s 150th win and spots in the league and NCS playoff tournaments. Team leaders were senior outside hitter Jesse Fichman, senior co-captain and all-league setter Greg Kincheloe, senior outside hitter Kindy Connally-Stuart and middle hitter Emmett Mountjoy.
Under the watchful eye of coach Tony Franceschi, the Lions baseball team (14-11) had their best season in years, sweeping the series with Analy and landing spots in both the league and NCS playoffs.
Junior Brian Schulz wrapped up a great fall season at the CIF State Cross-Country Championships in November. Competing in the Division-4 boys race for a school record third straight year, Schulz negotiated the course for seventh place in a blistering 15:38.
Go Lions!
See the Sonoma West Times and News article here.
December 29, 2015
El Molino set to host boys basketball tourney
El Molino will be hoops central next week when it hosts the first annual Lions Classic Basketball Tournament from Monday, Dec. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 30.
December 23, 2015
El Molino girls edge John Swett in REIBT thriller
The El Molino Lady Lions notched their second win of the campaign last weekend at the annual Redwood Empire Invitational Basketball Tournament hosted by Healdsburg, a good litmus test against other like-sized schools.
See Sonoma West Times article here
December 17, 2015
El Molino students participate in national social innovation challenge
Three El Molino students participated in a daylong design thinking Social Innovation challenge in Emeryville last month. The students pitched social innovation ideas and two of the students’ projects were selected out of the fourty projects pitched. In being selected, the students won $1,000 grants towards implementing their projects.
El Molino senior, Anamaria Morales’s project called “Trash Bash” was selected to compete in the national competition with nine other winningprojects from across the country.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News article
December 17, 2015
Sonoma County League Football All leaguers. Congratulations!
1st Team Offense:
#88 Austin Sani Senior TE
#66 Leo Garza Senior Lineman
1st Team Defense:
#88 Austin Sani Senior OLB
#66 Leo Garza Senior D-Lineman
#87 Ryan Fernandez Senior ILB
Honorable Mention:
EL MOLINO #71 Jake Peter Junior OL
Link to Youth Sports Network Article
December 17, 2015
Students Visit Dutton Ranch To Learn About Agriculture
Two agriculture classes from El Molino High School were brought out by their instructor, Sarah McMaster. Mostly freshman in intro to agriculture classes, the students had the opportunities to learn about apple production as well as pick apples that would be used for vinegar.
Link to Sonoma-Marin Farm Bureau Farm News Article
November 25, 2015
El Molino alum Skip Cassady remains a dedicated Lion
November 17, 2015
Press Democrat letter to the editor- Music In Schools
EDITOR: I wanted to thank the team at The Press Democrat for running the story about the music program in west county schools (“A musical revival,” Tuesday).
Music and the arts are vital to a well-rounded education, and one couldn’t ask for a better teacher. I’ve worked with Sadie Sonntag, and she really does have an energy, presence and commitment that inspires you to give it your all.
MARC RUDLIN
Rohnert Park
November 11, 2015
Safe School program joins El Molino and Analy to create positive climate
For the first time, Safe School Ambassadors had a joint training with Analy and El Molino students last Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. In the past, the schools have done the trainings separately.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
November 11, 2015
Leadership program supports West County young adults in learning about community need
West County students are taking advantage of a program that encourages development of leadership skills through real world observation. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) is program that started in Santa Rosa 24 years ago which accompanies students in their junior year to experience Sonoma County’s businesses, agriculture, justice and law enforcement, tourism and government. The program has spread out from Santa Rosa schools over the years and this year marks the first TLD series of fieldtrips for West County students.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
November 7, 2015
El Molino Night
Thank you to those that attended El Molino Night. We hope that you enjoyed yourselves and that it was informative about the opportunities that truly make El Molino a school with “large school opportunities and small school benefits”. The PowerPoint presentation can be accessed here if you would like to see it- El Molino Night 11-5-15
October 29, 2015
CBS’ ‘The NFL Today’ to highlight El Molino High School’s efforts to help Middletown after Valley fire
The El Molino High School athletic booster club’s generosity to Middletown High School following the devastating Valley fire has captured the attention of CBS Sports’ national football show “The NFL Today.”
Link to Press Democrat Article
October 29, 2015
El Molino athletes to be features on CBS
Hard work and charitable spirit is earning El Molino athletes a spot on the CBS Sports Channel.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
October 29, 2015
Cross country: El Molino’s Brian Schulz pulls away early to win meet against Analy
During Wednesday’s dual cross country meet at Ragle Park in Sebastopol, El Molino’s Brian Schulz showed he’s the best long-distance runner in the SCL.
October 28, 2015
Sonoma County school districts join forces to revamp music program
All day Monday Sadie Sonntag hurried. From El Molino High School to Guerneville Elementary School to Forestville Academy, from room D4 to G105 to 112, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., she acted as a mobile conductor, stringing together a collaboration between three west Sonoma County school districts that is reinvigorating the music programs of each.
Link to Press Democrat article
October 18, 2015
Governor Brown suspended the California High School Exit Examination
Governor Brown on October 7, 2015, suspended the administration of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) and the requirement that students completing grade twelve successfully pass the high school exit examination as a condition of receiving a diploma of graduation from high school for the 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18 school years. The law also requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to grant a diploma of graduation to any student who completed grade twelve in the 2003-04 school year, or a subsequent school year, and has met all applicable graduation requirements other than passing the high school exit examination. The law will take effect on January 1, 2016, at which time schools shall be permitted to issue diplomas to eligible students.
If you qualify to receive a diploma under the new law; please contact El Molino High School: 824-6550
October 15, 2015
Ella, senior at El Mo, finds stride and enthusiasm leading next generation
Ella Griffith, now a senior at El Molino High School, moved to Forestville from San Francisco just before her freshman year. At first she experienced the shock of what it is like to be transplanted from a busy city environment with all her friends to a much quieter community where she knew almost no one. Since then, Griffith has found her stride and an increased sense of self by actively engaging in challenging academic courses and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News Article
October 10, 2015
El Molino students repurpose livestock trailer to make fire donations
October 10, 2015
The El Mo seven keeps Forestville safe
October 10, 2015
El Molino varsity girls soccer team improved to 9-2
The Lady Lions followed up a dominant, 7-3 win over Healdsburg with an 8-1 non-league romp over Willits.
September 17, 2015
People Magazine: Football Rivals Raise Funds for California High School Devastated by Wildfire
It was supposed to be a big week for the students of Middletown High School in Lake County, California – plans included a five-day homecoming celebration with a rally, a dance and of course, the big football game against rival El Molino High School. Everything changed this weekend when the Valley Fire – one of several wildfires devastating Northern California that have claimed lives and displaced more than 23,000 people – blew through the region.
September 16, 2015
Middletown opponent pitching in to help devastated community
August 19, 2015
El Molino High School Foundation Golf Tournament
The Foundation’s Golf Tournament is coming up on September 11th at the Windsor Golf Club. See the flyer and the registration form for more information about the Tournament and opportunities to support the El Molino Foundation Golf Tournament.
August 18, 2015
PD Preps Football Team Previews: El Molino Lions
El Molino High’s football coach Randy Parmeter doesn’t have many varsity players, but he has a bunch of talented athletes. He decided to use an offense that takes advantage of the small, gifted crew.
Link to Press Democrat Article
August 15, 2015
Heads up on the playing fields
August 15, 2015
New superintendent cultivates culture of continuous learning
There’s a new superintendent at the West Sonoma County Union High School District- Dr. Steven Kellner.
With 22 years of experience in public education, Kellner is a veteran. Wanting to build on the current success of the West Sonoma County Union High School District (WSCUHSD), Kellner said he looks forward to sharing his vision of quality education with the district.
Link to Sonoma West Times and News article
August 14, 2015
Russian River Watershed Association high school video contest winners
El Molino students took third and $500 in the Russian River Watershed Association high school video contest. Their video starts @ 2:30.
August 14, 2015
Football Season Preview
EL MOLINO (6-5, 4-2): The Lions tied for second-place with Petaluma and were the third team in the league with a winning record despite having only 24 players on the roster.
“We’re looking solid in skills and talent despite being down in numbers to maybe 17 this season,” Parmeter said. El Molino has a First Team Offense and Defense returner in small but solid 5-foot-10, 200-pound senior two-way lineman Leo Garza (5-10, 200). Another First Team Defense selection returning is senior linebacker Ryan Fernandez (5-9, 185). He also received Honorable Mention as an offensive lineman.
Two seniors Parmeter is hoping come back strong from injuries are offensive/defensive lineman Mitchell Fricker (6-2, 215) and defensive lineman/tight end Austin Sani (6-1,205). Last year’s back-up running back Josh Wright (5-10, 175) will “carry the load” as a senior according to Parmeter. The quarterbacking duties will fall on sophomore Avery Ransome.
August 14, 2015
El Mo ladies wrap up summer campaign
August 7, 2015
Help with El Molino’s Football Season
Hello Lions!
Our 2015 home Football Season is almost here. Due to the construction of the new stadium and field, El Molino’s home football games will be played at Windsor High School. Our friends at Windsor have been very gracious and welcoming to us.
We are looking for volunteers to help with Home Field Clean Up Day: On Saturday, August 15th, we will need help from our boosters, coaches, team, parents, and fans to assist our Jaguar friends prep the field for the season. We will meet the Jags at the field in Windsor at 9:00 am on August, 15th. Wear your El Molino gear! Bring a rake, weed eater, and work gloves.
We have a great relationship building here, and we need a good turn out to show our thanks. We are truly appreciative that Windsor considers their field our home field.
If you have questions, please email Ron Wright: [email protected]
Together We Are El Molino!
Ron Wright
El Molino Booster President
July 24, 2015
Recent Graduate Profiled in Press Democrat
Three years ago, Jocelyne Santibañez, as a first-generation American and incoming high school sophomore, would not have considered herself a leader.
But now, she says she very much feels like one. That’s after she overcame her fears of being in front of big crowds to be a rally commissioner at El Molino High School, traveled to Mexico to help a small village repair its soccer fields, and earned a scholarship to attend Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania in the fall. That step will make her the first in her family to attend a four-year college.
Link to Press Democrat profile
July 24, 2015
Sonoma West publishes El Molino Honor Roll
Sonoma West has published the names of El Molino High School students who made the spring 2014-2015 Honor Roll by earning a grade point average of at least 3.0. Some students who have earned a place on the El Molino Honor Roll are not included pursuant to Education Code 49073 Release of Pupil Directory Information allowing directory information to remain private.
Each of the students earning recognition on the Honor Roll has achieved scholastic distinction and should be commended for the effort and diligence that led to academic success.
Together we are El Molino!
July 24, 2015
El Mo grads win All-American swim honors
Christine Lewis and Megan Warren, El Molino Class of 2013, have received All-American honors as members of the Santa Rosa Junior College swim team.
June 14, 2015
Thanks for the memories
June 13, 2015
El Molino class of 2015 hallmark class for new principal
The 2015 class of graduates at El Molino High School in Forestville enjoyed perfect weather and a nearly glitch-free ceremony, last Thursday evening. Parents of the 128 graduating students were joined by more than a thousand other family members, friends and teachers under blue skies to watch the high school seniors move on to the next phase of their lives.
Read the full article on the Sonoma West website.
June 13, 2015
El Molino students win Farm Bureau scholarships
El Molino grads Ashley Corbett, class of 2013, and Dakota Kantala, Class of 2011, are winners of college scholarships from the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County.
Read the full article on the Sonoma County Farm Bureau website
June 13, 2015
El Molino band marches in Forestville parade
Following the semi-drenching of kids versus firemen, the sidewalk crowd was entertained by old cars, local business floats, the El Molino High School marching band, lots of tossed candy and a procession of Forestville’s honored leaders.
View the full article on the Sonoma West Times and News Website
June 13, 2015
The El Molino High School Class of 2015 graduates
The Press Democrat publishes 26 pictures of El Molino’s graduation
June 13, 2015
Sonoma County teens face crossroads after high school graduation
El Molino senior Hugo Flores has long known what he wanted to do: Be a police officer. He’s one of this year’s graduates bypassing higher education to immediately pursue a career.
Read the full article on the PressDemocrat website
June 13, 2015
Imagine Dragons bass player’s road from Forestville to BottleRock
May 29, 2015
El Molino seniors present capstone projects
Elizabeth Bryant researched the use of body cameras by law enforcement. Dillon McLean helped Geurneville eighth graders learn to build and use robots. Loring Hartmann researched whether youth should be taught about nutrition and exercise under the mentorship of a dietician at Sutter Regional Hospital. Veronica Salas caught, housed and fed the many feral cats in her Graton neighborhood so she could have them spayed and neutered. These were among 130 diverse career- and/or community service-oriented senior projects completed by El Molino High School seniors this year.
Read the Full Article
May 22, 2015
Directing Change Awards
On Tuesday, May 19th Digital Filmmaking students Cade Van Stone and Forest Murnane visited the State Capital as regional winners for the Directing Change PSA competition. Directing Change is a program that challenges High School and College students to produce PSAs raising awareness of mental health issues. Forest and Cade won first place in their region which consisted of 6 Northern California counties. The winners visited with state legislators and were treated to a red-carpet award ceremony at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento.
May 19, 2015
Four El Molino athletes chosen All-Empire
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat honored four El Molino athletes as 2015 All-Empire Athletes of the Year. All-Empire athletes are Kayla Allen, volleyball, basketball, softball, and Tony Gemini, wrestling, football and track. All-Empire scholar athletes are Jocelyn Santibanez, softball, swimming and soccer, and Brady Lane, cross country and track.
May 19, 2015
Varsity baseball Lions score 9-1 romp over Analy Tigers
At press time, El Molino was in third place in the Sonoma County League standings after a 9-1 romp over Analy. The Lions will have a big say in who is crowned league champion when they close out the regular season schedule with a game against Sonoma Valley (May 15, Arnold Field, 7 p.m.).
May 12, 2015
School board selected new superintendent
The West Sonoma County Union High School District has hired a new superintendent to replace the current chief, who is retiring at the end of the school year. The district includes El Molino, Analy and Laguna high schools.
May 5, 2015
Golf Team Wins Sonoma County League (SCL) Tournament
For the second year in a row the Golf team took first at the Sonoma County League (SCL) tournament at the Windsor Golf Club, while also taking 2nd in league and advancing to the NCS tournament in Antioch. GO LIONS!
May 1, 2015
El Molino grads ranked top swimmers in the state
Christine Lewis and Megan Warren, class of 2013, are co-captains of the strong SRJC swim team, and Lewis is ranked No. 1 in the state in the 100-yard breaststroke.
April 28, 2015
Lion soccer players compete in Kiwanis all-star tournament
Lions Andes Toruno and Cutter Dittman were selected to play in the second annual Kiwanis High School All-Star Soccer games for senior boys and girls soccer stars in Santa Rosa April 17.
April 28, 2015
Running Lions shine at SCL tri-meet
April 28, 2015
Lions baseballers beat Tigers 5-4 on Analy turf
The teams were locked in a tense seesaw battle with the contest knotted at 4-4 in the seventh inning, when El Molino batter Montag Genser laid down a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt to score base-runner Brett Franceschi from third, lifting the Lions to an eventual, 5-4 win.
April 28, 2015
The ghosts she found in the old book
Indiana Jones might envy the internationally hailed discoveries that an El Molino High and SRJC alumna is making between the covers of a book hand-made in about 1250 and containing some of the first references to the legendary King Arthur and Merlin.
April 23, 2015
Spring Spectrum- Last annual dance show
Thursday, Friday, Saturday April 23,24,25 at the El Mo Cafe Theater each night starting at 7:30. Choreography, advanced, and intermediate classes will showcase their talents in an evening full of fun, rhythm and skill. Don’t miss this wonderful show.
April 21, 2015
Lions volleyballers win Novato tourney
The El Molino boys volleyball team continued their roll in tournament action last weekend, claiming the first-place trophy at the Nor-Cal Invitational tourney hosted by Novato High School.
April 21, 2015
El Molino senior following a different path to success
Enrolled in El Molino High School’s independent study program, called Russian River Ramparts, Anika Gillespie-Jones took an unusual path to completing her high school studies and preparing to graduate with El Mo’s Class of 2015 in June.
April 21, 2015
Running Lions compete at Twilight Relays
The El Molino track and field team traveled to Santa Rosa Junior College on Saturday, April 11 for the Twilight Relays, an annual event that featured many of the top programs in the Bay Area. Sprinter Lani Gaspar (100, 200 Meter) and distance specialist Brian Schulz (3200 Meters) led the way for the Lions boys squad with first-place performances, while Kelly Nagle (400 Meters, Pole Vault) and Abrianna Tait (300 Intermediate Hurdles) were top-10 finishers in their events for the varsity girls.
April 16, 2015
Mountain biking is a rare high school sport
El Molino High School is one of only five high schools in Sonoma County that has a mountain biking team: El Molino, Casa Grande, Healdsburg, Maria Carrillo, and Petaluma. Spanish teacher Miguel Crawford, co-coach of El Molino’s mountain bike team, told The Press Democrat the sport is both hard and exciting.. “It’s thrilling afterward, but it’s so hard. I tell the kids, ‘It doesn’t have to be fun to be fun.’ ”
April 14, 2015
Elmo wrestler Tony Gemini earns All-American status
El Molino senior wrestler Tony Gemini added another accomplishment to a story-book season, capturing a third-place medal at the prestigious Brute Nationals Tournament held on April 3 in Independence Mo. The third-place finished earned Gemini All-American status.
April 14, 2015
El Molino student featured on cover of Sonoma-Marin Farm News
Amanda Raffety, El Molino senior and Forestville FFA president, holds a piglet for students of Lincoln Elementary School in Santa Rosa to pet during Ag Days at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds March 17 and 18. More than 4,500 K-6 students attended Ag Days to learn about all aspects of agriculture.
April 10, 2015
Lani Gaspar speeds into record books
Back in 1975, Larry Richardson set the El Molino record books ablaze with his speed and athleticism on the track. Now, 40 years on, Lani Gaspar has Richardson’s marks in his sights and is poised to replace L-A-R-R-Y with L-A-N-I in the record books. Full Article Here.
April 8, 2015
Teen Face: El Molino senior will be first in family to go to college
El Molino High School senior Zonia López is on her way to become the first in her family to go to college. But the journey has not been without challenges for the honors and AP student.
Read the full article on the Press Democrat Website
April 8, 2015
Speech and Debate Team Successes this School Year
For the second year in a row, El Molino’s Speech Team swept the Sebastopol Rotary Club Speech Contest! Last year El Molino won 1, 2 and 3. Believe it or not El Molino did BETTER this year! Gabriel Staniford and Taylor Ramalia tied for First (and won $125 each) and Gillian Barrio placed Second (and won $75)!!! The prompt was “Authority: Respect, Question, Defy”.
Earlier in the year, Gillian Barrio also placed first winning $300 at the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy contest and placed third in the recent Sonoma County Poetry Out Loud Contest. Taylor Ramalia also placed first for Novice Thematic Interpretation at the Golden Gate Speech Association Tournament.
Go Lions!
April 7, 2015
El Mo hardballers win three at Lee Walker Invitational
The varsity baseball Lions are primed and ready for a competitive Sonoma County League campaign this week, putting in final prep work at their own Lee Walker Invitational Tournament last week. The Lions went 3-0 at the tourney, logging wins over Willits (2-1) and two over Kelseyville (7-5, 8-4) in an outstanding showing.
April 7, 2015
FREE all-ages free concert fundraiser to support the El Molino Dance team
This Saturday April 11th there will be an all-ages free concert at Aubergine Vintage Emporium and Cafe in Sebastopol starting at 7:00pm. Local bands Love Handles, Who’s Your Daddy, and Hadley Hill will be playing from 7-11 p.m. There will be food, drinks, and a raffle. The event is free (although donations are greatly appreciated). This fundraiser will support the El Molino Dance team to go to competition in May.
April 7, 2015
West county school board picks cork for athletic fields
The district board overseeing Analy and El Molino High Schools on Wednesday night approved using a more expensive infill made of cork for planned synthetic fields at the schools, a victory for a group of parents who raised health concerns about turf made of recycled tires.
March 25, 2015
The Varsity Boys volleyball team wins the 2015 Nor-Cal Invitational Volleyball Tournament
March 19, 2015
Sebastopol Rotary honors Coach Roan
A trio of the “very best of the best” educators in West County, including El Molino’s Mike Roan, were honored last week as Teachers of the Year by the Sebastopol Rotary Education Foundation.
March 19, 2015
Free El Molino Cooking Class- 6th-8th graders
March 19, 2015
Free Salsa and Hip Hop Dance Class
Free Salsa and Hip Hop Dance Class
March 19, 2015
Costume and Party Fundraiser
Purchase costumes and supplies for Halloween, Parties, Plays and more benefitting El Molino Friends of Music. 15% of your purchase goes to El Molino Friends of Music while also receiving 10% off your order.
March 6, 2015
Brianna Frazer profiled in Press Democrat
March 6, 2015
SRJC Sustainable Agriculture Summer Academy
The SRJC is offering the Sustainable Agriculture Summer Academy class for high school students; a two week program designed to introduce high school students to sustainable agriculture and nature resources through lectures, field activities, and hands-on projects. Applications must be submitted by March 27th.
March 6, 2015
El Molino and Analy High Schools are partnering on a College and Career Fair
El Molino and Analy High Schools are partnering on a College and Career Fair on March 24th from 5:30-7:30 PM, taking place in the Analy gym.
March 5, 2015
El Molino Wrestler Makes State Championship
Tony Gemini will be competing in the state championships this weekend after winning the 132 lb weight class at the North Coast Wrestling Finals. Good luck Tony!
February 25, 2015
Summer HS Internship Program (SHIP)
Are you a Junior interested in Science, technology, engineering or math? Are you looking for a great Summer 2015 experience? Want to do something fun and challenging and earn a $1,000 stipend? Sonoma State University is offering a Summer High School Internship Program for high school Juniors (entering Senior year) to work with research faculty.
February 20, 2015
El Molino’s Honor Roll for fall semester
Matt Dunkle, Principal of El Molino High School, is happy to announce the El Molino Honor Roll for the Fall Semester, 2014-2015. There are an additional 66 students who have earned a place on the El Molino Honor Roll whose names are not included pursuant to Education Code 49073 Release of Pupil Directory Information allowing directory information to remain private. Each of the students earning recognition on the Honor Roll has achieved scholastic distinction and should be commended for the effort and diligence that led to academic success. Together we are El Molino! Download List of Honor Students here
February 20, 2015
Congratulations to coach Randy Parmeter!
Congratulations to coach Randy Parmeter who was selected All-Empire large schools football team coach of the year as well as to the players that were also selected All-Empire! Full Article Here.
February 11, 2015
Press Democrat article about El Molino’s unique Integrated Athletics program
Press Democrat article about El Molino’s unique Integrated Athletics program, developed so that El Molino can offer the same sports programs as larger schools while students can still experience the benefits of a smaller school. Watch the video here.
January 27, 2015
2005 El Molino Graduate Sean Vreeburg goes to Kenya
2005 El Molino Graduate Sean Vreeburg goes to Kenya, Africa with 50 other Dental Professionals. Check out this website to get more info.
January 21, 2015
Sam Kang featured in Press Democrat
January 21, 2015
Rivera chosen to lead Parade of Lights
January 21, 2015
FFA at El Molino featured in Farm News
January 21, 2015
Alumna wins non-profit leadership award
January 8, 2015
Town Hall Meetings to Discuss New Superintendent Qualifications
With the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Keller McDonald, West Sonoma County Union High School District will be holding two (2) Town Hall Meetings the week of January 12. The Town Hall Meeting at El Molino High School will take place on Thursday, January 15, in from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm in the El Molino High School library. Please see the Press Release for more information.
December 9, 2014
Battle of the Fans Basketball
We will be live streaming the Battle of the Fans Basketball game on Wednesday (Dec. 10th) night at 6:30. Come and show your spirit. If you can’t make it to the game you can watch it live at home.
December 2, 2014
El Molino Girls Soccer Players Selected for All-League
Several El Molino girls soccer players were selected for all-league. Full Article
December 2, 2014
Varsity Football finished with a 6 and 4 record
For the first-time in more than 10 years the Varsity Football team had a GPA combined GPA over 3.0! Several El Molino Varsity Football Players wereselected all league and coach Randy Parmeter was selected as Head Coach of the Year.
December 2, 2014
EMDC Going to Santa Clara in May
The Dance Company is going to a competition in Santa Clara in May. If you would like a preview of the team in action CLICK HERE
November 13, 2014
El Molino Foot Ball
The El Molino High School football team took the game to the closing seconds Friday night (November 7th) as the Lions held off a rallying Piner team to win 15-12, Friday night.
The win gave El Molino an overall record of 6-4 — 4-2 in the Sonoma County League. The Lions will take on McKinleyville in their first playoff game.
November 12, 2014
Loyalty of the Lions
Congratulations to Brian Schulz and Brady Lane who won 1st and 2nd (respectively) in the Sonoma County League Cross Country Meet this past weekend. Check out the write up in the Press Democrat about the two-man cross country team, their friendship and sportsmanship.
Link to this article- Loyalty of the Lions
November 7, 2014
Claudia Sisomphou honored as Student Volunteer
Claudia Sisomphou, a graduate of El Molino was honored as the Student Volunteer of the Year at the North Bay Business Journal’s Nonprofit Conference and Leadership Awards held at SSU October 30. Words of wisdom in her acceptance speech included, “Compassion is the greatest thing you can share with someone,” she said. “I do hope that by receiving this award, my peers will recognize how valuable and empowering community service really is.” FULL ARTICLE
November 4, 2014
El Molino FFA students to attend national ag conference
El Molino FFA students to attend national ag conference
This year, eight El Molino students will be on their way to the 87th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo scheduled to begin on Oct. 29 in Louisville, Kentucky. The students worked hard on fundraisers throughout the summer and fall months, raising roughly $1,050 each in order to attend the convention. At the National FFA Convention, the students will be attending leadership workshops, listening to guest speakers, attending a large career fair and more. The trip will consist of a five-day, four-night stay.
October 23, 2014
El Molino Night November 4th
October 21, 2014
El Molino Night
The school year is in full swing and this means El Molino is abuzz with activities on campus and in the community. El Molino is planning an exciting El Molino Night and invites families and students interested in learning about the programs and activities that El Molino offers to prepare students to be successful in career and college to attend. There will be food, performances by the dance team, a scavenger hunt and prizes. El Molino Night begins at 6:30pm on November 4th.
October 21, 2014
Digital Marketing Experience
Students in the Digital Marketing class get hands on experience designing flyers for the upcoming El Molino Dance Team Winter Showcase taking place December 4th, 5th, and 6th at El Molino’s Cafe Theater. Several flyer designs are submitted by students and then judged to choose the best ones to promote events.
October 21, 2014
Lunchtime Activities
Lunch time soccer, football, basketball. Every day many students can be found playing sports on the blacktop. A nice way way to get moving and wake that brain up between classes.
October 21, 2014
Thank you, West County
Thank you, West County
The West Sonoma County Union High School District Board of Trustees recently approved a plan to broaden course offerings and strengthen educational programs for students at Analy, El Molino and Laguna high schools using revenues from the Measure K parcel tax passed by the West County voters in 2012. On behalf of everyone associated with our local high schools, I want to thank West Sonoma County for supporting the parcel tax.
The parcel tax funding is enabling our local high schools to keep libraries open before and after school daily; offer highly challenging college prep courses plus a variety of art, music, drama, shop, culinary and technology courses; and provide counseling services that are second to none in the North Bay Area. Again, thank you, West County for making a huge positive difference in the quality of education that our local high school students are receiving.
Keller McDonald
Superintendent, WSCUHSD
October 15, 2014
Cross Country Goodwill Fundraiser
October 14, 2014
Forestville Teen Saves El Molino Dad’s Life
A Forestville Academy student Lewis Griffith used CPR to save the life of his father, Steve Griffith, who is an El Molino High School parent and valued El Molino supporter,
October 9, 2014
Student athletes study before practice.
Student athletes overseen by their coaches studying in the library after school as part of El Molino’s Integrated Athletics program which links sports with academics. As part of the Integrated Athletics program students are encouraged to play multiple sports, coaches meet to coordinate goals and workouts; athletes attend tutoring sessions, coaches track grades, athletes visit middle schools, and coaches put on youth clinics. El Molino athletes are not just part of one team but members of a whole sports program, where they enjoy playing time and one-on-one coaching.
September 30, 2014
Spirit Week October 6-10
October 14, 2014
Jason Lane, El Molino baseball star
Jason Lane started playing baseball as a Lion, El Molino High, that is. He was a junior college Player of the Year at Santa Rosa Junior College in 1997; he was the winning pitcher for USC in the 1998 College World Series championship game; he’s played 15 professional seasons; he’s cashed paychecks from 11 different organizations; and he hit a home run in the 2005 World Series. Now he is reinventing himself as a pitcher.
September 30, 2014
El Molino football team beats their record from 2013 season
September 21, 2014
The El Molino football team has already matched its number of wins from last season, as the Lions turn their eyes to Sonoma County League play in the coming week. After finishing 2-8 overall in the 2013 season, El Molino is currently 2-2, and has no interest in pulling up, despite some key injuries. ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE. The record is now 3-2.
September 26, 2014
The El Molino Interact Club
The El Molino Interact Club presented at the Russian River Rotary Meeting on Tuesday night sharing some of the community service activities they have conducted. It was an interactive meeting where Rotary members asked the students questions such as what there interests and concerns were. Students mentioned issues like the drought and having access to quality education. The students were well spoken and it was clear that they enjoyed their work with Interact helping their community!
September 26, 2014
Club Day
Despite the rain Club Day found a broad array of clubs representing the diverse interests of the students and opportunities for students to connect. The tables were very busy with curious students asking questions and signing up to join. Clubs included the Women’s Flag Football club, the Graphic Enterprise, La Raza, The Green Team, Interact, FFA, the Badminton Club, the Intellectual Club, Pokemon Club, the Mountain Biking Club and many more.
September 26, 2014
TV 45 Interviews Beth Ann Turner
TV 45 students, Molly Dungan and Johnny Lushenko interview the new music teacher Beth Ann Turner
September 25, 2014
Broadcasting Students
Students in the broadcast class were busy recording for the El Molino High School Daily Bulletin where students report 4 days a week on El Molino related news. El Molino has a news reporting studio on campus. These photos are of some of those students doing some reporting out of the studio on the campus. You can watch the El Molino Daily Bulletin and see the Broadcast students in action on the El Molino website
September 18, 2014
UC Davis visits El Molino!
For the first time in 9 years UC Davis Admissions Officers presented to students at El Molino and the College and Career Center was full of students getting important insight into the college admissions process. There were a couple proactive Juniors getting a head-start and many seniors. It sounded like UC Davis is very interested in El Molino students!!
September 16, 2014
El Molino grape harvest
Viticulture and plant science students at El Molino harvested their acre of pinot noir grapes Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the school campus under the guidance of employees from Dutton Ranch, a prominent Sonoma County grower owned by two El Molino alumni Steve and Joe Dutton. — Sonoma West Times & News
September 16, 2014
El Molino pounds Lower Lake
Week two of the high school football campaign went according to plan for Analy and El Molino varsity teams, with both logging a pair of impressive victories on their home turf.
September 16, 2014
ELMO grad takes honors at Empire College
Elisa Osburg, El Molino Class of 2003, has graduated from Empire College with Dean’s Honors and received the Empire College Outstanding Graduate Award in Hospitality. An honors student in the Tourism and Hospitality Degree Program, she was the graduate speaker at commencement exercises July 28.
September 10, 2014
West County volleyballers take aim at winning campaigns
Optimism is running rampant in Forestville this fall, and with a veteran Lion’s roster which returns 11 players, why not? “We have a team loaded with seniors and for the most part, this team all played together last year,” noted head coach Jaime Hamilton, assisted by JV and frosh coaches Kirsten Beseda and Gina Casini. “The team chemistry is really great this year and while we have some kinks to work out, the overall vibe is very positive and excited.”
September 10, 2014
ELMO rolls past Lower Lake 28-6
El Molino relied on a balanced offensive attack and four touchdown passes from quarterback Steve Mori to defeat visiting Lower Lake 28-6 on Friday night in a nonleague game. The smaller Lions (2-0) spread the field offensively and successfully neutralized the Trojans’ (0-1) big and physical defensive front.
September 10, 2014
Lions outlast Willits in grid opener
There were few complaints from local high school football fans following the season openers for Analy and El Molino on Friday, with both teams logging big wins.
Click here to read the full article in the Sonoma West Times and News
September 1, 2014
Surge of Energy
With a core group of returning players and coaching, the players on the El Molino football team are practicing what they preach: commitment. “The guys have already put in a great effort so I expect them to continue putting in that same effort,” head coach Randy Parmeter said. “I know they will. They will work very, very hard to be successful.”
September 1, 2014
Young grape growers harvest crop at El Molino
A class of El Molino High School viticulture students got a hands-on lesson in grape growing early in the school year Tuesday when they helped harvest plump, ripe pinot noir grapes from the school’s one-acre vineyard.
August 14, 2014
El Molino’s new music teacher at Ignite Sebastopol
See these two YouTube videos of El Molino’s new music teacher, Beth Ann Turner, making five-minute presentations on “Why Everyone Should play Music” and “BA Turner, ‘All Fired Up'” at O’Reilly Media’s Ignite Sebastopol, a self-described “fast-paced geek event.”
August 12, 2014
Lions Roar In
El Molino High football coach Randy Parmeter addresses his 2014 squad after their Monday morning workout that kicked off the Empire high school summer training camp season. Parmeter told his team he’s looking for more effort from them as they prepare for another season of Sonoma County League competition. The Lions hope to improve upon their 2-8 record from a season ago where they finished 1-5, fifth in the SCL standings. Parmeter, a former El Molino star, enters his second season a the helm for the Lions. – The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
August 7, 2014
Schools Getting Ready For New Year
At El Molino, officials are updating the Wi-Fi system, bringing in Google Chrome Lab, with laptops on mobile carts that can move between classrooms. There will be new faces as well. Matt Dunkle, former vice principal, has been appointed principal, and Dani Barese, an English teacher and department chair, is the new vice principal. Seven new teachers have joined the faculty.
July 28, 2014
Empire High School Football Programs Always Pushing to Prepare
The North Coast football season does not officially begin until Aug. 11 but that does not mean football isn’t being played at nearly every high school in the area. “Football is a game of repetition. You have to rep it out to master it,” said Randy Parmeter, head coach at El Molino High School. “We lay it out there and really what it is is just an opportunity for you to do it in a structured environment.”
July 18, 2014
El Molino grad wins Farm Bureau scholarships
Emilie Strand, El Molino Class of 2010, is among the recipients of scholarships administered by the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Modesto Junior College before transferring to Cornell University in New York to major in animal science with an emphasis in dairy business management.
View the full article on the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
July 10, 2014
El Molino alum Guerrero awarded Juris Doctor Degree
El Molino High School alumna Jacqueline Guerrero has been awarded dual Juris Doctor and Master of Legal Studies Degrees from Empire College School of Law in Santa Rosa. — Sonoma West Times & News.
June 19, 2014
El Molino releases 2nd semester Honor Roll
Fifty-two El Molino students made a 4.0 or above in the 2nd semester of the 2013-2014 school year, and 274 students made the Honor Roll, which includes students who received at least a 3.0 or “B” average. Those earning 4.0 or above who agreed to have their names published are Madeline Barnard, Christie Collins, Uma Crouch, Molly Dungan, Emily Eck, Erin Eck, Donovan Eral, Anna Eva, Ella Griffith, Samantha Hennen, Soo Min Kan, Harsimranjit Kang, Miette Kringen, Brady Lane, Angelica Lezama, Clara Maddison, Cassidy Mountjoy, Kalvin Murray, Morgan Myers, Kelly Nagle, Amy Novak Wadley, Joy Risley, Brent Rivera, Faviola Ruiz, Talia Sanazzaro, Macey Schondel, Kelsey Sword, Noelle Terrero, Jessica VanRillaer, Julia Weggenmann, and Bayley Wiltermood.
June 12, 2014
Russian River Rotary gives record $13,500 in scholarships to El Molino seniors
The Russian River Rotary gave a record $13,500 in scholarships to 14 El Molino High School graduating seniors at its annual scholarship presentation this year, its biggest-ever boost to El Molino students seeking a higher education, said Rotary president Brendan Coen. In addition, the El Molino Foundation gave $1,000 to two students. Recipients are Louis Rampone, Kelsey Sword, Megan Cheatham, Mandi Young, Erika Sween, Riana Andersen, Isabella Negri, Fiona Barbolak, Ezgar Sanchez, Angelica Lezama, Megan Simmons, Mariah Udell, Sam Flood, Tomas Guzman, Emily Lewis and Mitchel Reesink.
June 10, 2014
A Letter to Our Community
The El Molino Boosters, El Molino Ag Boosters, and the students, teachers and staff members of El Molino High School would like to thank everyone who made El Molino’s 50th celebration at Shone Farm on May 10, 2014, such a great event.
June 4, 2014
El Molino says goodbye to principal, 49th graduating class
A class of 150 accepted their diplomas under a warm West County sun, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the high school, representing the 49th graduating class.
June 3, 2014
Jason Lane called up by San Diego Padres
June 3, 2014
May 21, 2014
El Molino Forensics Team Sweeps Rotary Contest
El Molino’s Speech Team swept 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places at the Sebastopol Rotary Club’s annual Speech Contest this year. Anna Eva, Gillian Barrio, and Olivia Yeates bested all speakers to take the top awards. Teacher Ginger Riley is the speech team’s coach.
Click here read the article in the Sonoma West Times and News.
May 21, 2014
Teacher Lynn Stewart honored by Sebastopol Rotary Club
April 30, 2014
Boys Varsity Golf Wins SCL Championship!
Congratulations to our Boys Varsity Golf for winning the SCL Championship! And, a special THANK YOU to Coach Olzman and Coach Thomas for their hard work & dedication.
Click here for the complete article from the Press Democrat
Go Lions!
April 30, 2014
Trombetta Wins State FFA Award
El Molino High School Principal Doria Trombetta is one of six high school administrators statewide to be honored as a Star Administrator this year by the California FFA association. Trombetta won the award for the North Coast Region, which stretches from Del Norte County south to Solano County. Click here for the full announcement.
April 26, 2014
El Molino Produces Sonoma County Youth Film Fest
El Molino’s Digital Marketing class was recently featured in the Sonoma West Times. Check out the article about the class producing the Sonoma County Youth Film Festival here.
April 10, 2014
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW for El Molino’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 10, 2014
El Molino is turning 50! Buy your tickets now for the celebration on Saturday, May 10th at the Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm. Click on the link below for tickets and sponsorship information.
April 9, 2014
Yearbook Order Form
Click on the link below to order your 2013-2014 yearbook!
April 8, 2014
Important Graduation Documents for Seniors!
Seniors, it’s that time of year again. All of the top-priority graduation forms can be found below. Be sure you download these go through and ensure you have a smooth graduation experience.
April 5, 2014
El Molino Varsity Baseball captures Lee Walker Invitational Tournament
The El Molino Lions will open the regular season schedule this week as the hottest team in the North Bay, entering Sonoma County League play with an impressive 9-1 record.
Click here to read the entire Sonoma West article.
April 5, 2014
El Molino, Analy Softballers set to open Sonoma County League campaign
April 5, 2014
El Molino’s Keith Baker Stars in “Of Mice and Men”
February 25, 2014
El Molino ag team victorious in annual pruning contest
El Molino’s FFA club was the highest scoring FFA team in this year’s Youth Grapevine Pruning Contest at SRJC’s Shone Farm, reported theSonoma-Marin Farm News. Levi DeCarly and Jordan Dutton were among the top individual winners. William Hamilton was one of the highest scorers in the annual Viticulture Challenge, which tests a student’s viticulture knowledge. Also performing well in the contests were Aleyah Banuelos and Jake Dutton, said El Molino’s ag teacher Marilee Mazur. The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission sponsored the event.
February 24, 2014
El Molino grad’s “Radioactive” wins Grammy
Ben McKee, Class of 2003, and his Imagine Dragons band just performed on Saturday Night Live after scoring the Grammy for Best Rock Performance for their worldwide hit single, “Radioactive.” That song overtook Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” to become the best-selling rock song in digital history.
February 13, 2014
El Molino’s Wrestling squad light in number, but not effort
El Molino High School has the smallest enrollment among the seven schools in the Sonoma County League. That fact contributes mightily to the biggest obstacle wrestling coach Bill Borges faces — trying to fill every weight class. The talent is there, however, as showed most recently in the Lions’ 50-27 dual-meet victory against Petaluma on Tuesday.
February 13, 2014
Teen Face: Maria Membrila
No one will accuse Maria Membrila of being shy. The El Molino High School senior is described as a leader, focused, determined and engaged.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140202/lifestyle/402021008#page=0
January 30, 2014
El Molino theater arts presents ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’
After countless hours of preparation, El Molino High School theater arts students hit the Cafe Theater stage with the musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!” last week, with three more performances taking place this weekend. “Everyone loves the Peanuts gang and the music is wonderful,” said Director and theater arts instructor, Ginger Riley about the show.
Click here to view the full article on the Sonoma West web site.>>
January 29, 2014
Flu Season is Here!
Influenza is in our community and will likely continue for several months. Influenza can be a very serious illness. Because the Flue can be easily spread from person to person, we are asking your assistance to help control the flu.
Click here for more information regarding the flu from Superintendent Keller McDonald
January 28, 2014
El Molino Plants a Rose for Nacho
Ignacio Martinez, known as “Nacho” to his friends, El Molino’s long-time grounds keeper, made El Molino’s campus beautiful for the school community for nearly 20 years. Nacho, who retired in 2012, recently passed away after a long fight with Leukemia. On Saturday January 25th, a Lincoln Rose was planted in El Molino High School’s Memorial Rose Garden in his memory. Walt Gentry, El Molino’s current grounds keeper, planted the Lincoln Rose in the presence of Nacho’s family and a number El Molino staff members. Nacho loved Roses and the Lincoln was his favorite.
January 23, 2014
Fall Semester Honor Roll
Twenty-three students at El Molino High School earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average in the fall semester, El Molino officials said. A total of 281 students made the Honor Roll, which includes students who received at least a 3.0 or “B” average. “Each of the students earning recognition on the Honor Roll has achieved scholastic distinction and should be commended for the effort and diligence that led to academic success,” said Principal Doria Trombetta.
January 21, 2014
El Molino High School fights declining enrollment
Supporters of El Molino High School in Forestville are continuing their drive to stop declining enrollment and develop a turnaround strategy to draw students to the Covey Road campus.
A community meeting Wednesday night (1/15/14) to discuss strategies drew about 100 people to the campus library where supporters suggested creating magnet science, arts or agriculture programs, bolstering public outreach and bringing community members to campus in mentor and support functions.
Click here to read the entire article on the Press Democrat website
January 21, 2014
Citizen-of-the-Month award
They are:
Rachel Companey, September, 2013
Cody Garner, October, 2013
Sierra McLarty, November, 2013
Ivet Zamora, December, 2013
January 15, 2014
Special Board Meeting January 15 at 6:30pm
There is a Special Meeting of the WSCUHSD Board of Trustees Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30 p.m. in the El Molino library seeking community input to develop strategies to stabilize enrollment at El Molino. Come to share your ideas and be part of keeping our school strong!
December 21, 2013
El Molino’s Valerie LaForge ready for next challenge
Valerie LaForge signed an Athletic Award Scholarship Agreement to play soccer at St. Mary’s College. Val will leave Jan. 5 for the Moraga campus. By doing so, LaForge will bypass the second half of her senior year at El Molino. LaForge’s decision is an uncommon one.
Click here to see Bob Padecky’s article in the Press Democrat
December 18, 2013
Forty-two El Molino Athletes Honored for Fall Sports Excellence
Athletic Director Mike Roan has announced the fall 2013 sports awards winners. Heart of the Lion awards – given to players who earn the respect of their teammates, coaches, and opponents by displaying spirit, pride, integrity, and sportsmanship throughout the season – went to Brady Lane and Sam Kang for cross country, Michael Sturgeon for varsity football, Charlie Lambert for junior varsity football, Jacob Colbert for boys’ varsity soccer, Aubrey Mikus for boys’ junior varsity soccer, Victoria Sprague for girls’ varsity golf, Jocelyne Santibanez for girls’ varsity soccer, Emily Eck for girls’ junior varsity soccer, and Emma Zeigler for girls’ varsity tennis.
December 7, 2013
El Molino High School Fall 2013 Scholar-Athletes
El Molino High School Athletic Director Mike Roan has announced the scholar-athletes for the fall sports season. An athlete must achieve a 3.5 grade point average, or the equivalent in advanced placement classes, to achieve the scholar-athlete designation. The teams with the highest overall grade point average were Boys Cross Country at 3.47 and Varsity Girls Soccer at 3.33.
December 5, 2013
El Molino students chosen for leadership project
December 5, 2013
Running Lions to compete at NCS Cross-Country Championships
El Molino junior Brady Lane and freshman teammate Brian Schulz etched their names in the school history books on Saturday, logging a pair of qualifying performances in the North Coast Section Division-4 Cross-Country Championships to punch their tickets to the State meet.
November 13, 2013
Cultivating leadership through forensics at El Molino
“Speech is becoming even more important than ever with the new Common Core Standards and new assessment tools being formulated,” El Molino English, theater arts and forensics instructor, Ginger Riley said. “Speaking skills are vitally important in every walk of life no matter what career you choose and becoming a confident speaker at an early age is a definite asset.”
To read the full article on Sonoma West Times and News, click here
November 6, 2013
WSCUHSD to sell bond for major projects
The West Sonoma County Union High School District board has decided to sell another general obligation bond — in the amount of $8 million — sooner rather than later. In doing so, the district will be able to accelerate the timeline for completing planned facility improvements at El Molino and Analy
To read the full article in Sonoma West Times and News click here.
November 2, 2013
Speech Team Strikes Gold at Tournament
Congratulations to the El Molino Speech team for their great showing at the Golden Gate Speech Association Tournament at Pinole Valley High. Emma Leahy won first place in Novice Thematic Interpretation. Olivia Yeates accumulated enough points to become a Member of Merit in the National Forensic League and Grace Kan competed in Oratorical Interpretation.
October 31, 2013
There’s a new sheriff in town
Principal Doria Trombetta and Vice-Principal Matt Dunkle participate in Halloween. This year the entire office staff dressed up as Cowboys and Cowgirls.
October 16, 2013
El Molino to kick off 50th anniversary with barbecue, floats at Homecoming game
October 16, 2013
El Molino High ag students harvest their grape crop
El Molino High School’s viticulture students helped bring in about three tons of pinot noir grapes from the school’s one-acre vineyard on Anderson Road, school backers said. – Extra Credit, The Press Democrat
Click here to see the full article on the Press Democrat website
October 13, 2013
Homecoming Queen
Megan Cheatham crowned homecoming queen.
October 11, 2013
Ag students pick apples
What do you suppose all those El Molino High ag students were doing the other day in the fruit-laden old organic apple orchard across Covey Road from the school? They picked their hearts out as part of a special day’s focus on the bittersweet history of the west county’s apple industry and how the 90-year-old Manzana Products processing plant has survived. – The Press Democrat
Click here to see article in the Press Democrat
Story appeared Oct. 6
October 9, 2013
El Molino celebrating its golden jubilee
October 9, 2013
Lions netters turn back Tigers in four sets
“I’m not quite sure what to say about the match except that it was awesome,” a jubilant El Mo coach Jaime Hamilton said. “
October 9, 2013
El Molino taps Nordby, Franceschi to join varsity coaching ranks
The El Molino Athletic Department announced the hiring of two new varsity coaches last week, tapping local veterans Keith Nordby and Tony Franceschi. Nordby, a longtime assistant coach and fixture in several sports, takes over the girls basketball program from former head coach Melissa Jones. Franceschi also has deep roots in the community, as an El Mo alum and veteran baseball coach at the frosh, JV and varsity levels, taking the reigns from former head coach Brian Houghtelling.
October 7, 2013
Kindness flows to injured Lion
His leg’s healing but that is not what former El Molino High football player Brent Rivera and his mom, Christina, most want people to know. They’ve been utterly overwhelmed by the kindness that’s flowed to them since Brent, 16, suffered two serious fractures to his left leg in El Mo’s Sept. 6 game against Justin-Siena. – The Press Democrat
October 5, 2013
El Molino High 50th Anniversary Celebration
El Molino High School is inviting the community to celebrate its 50th year with a kick-off BBQ at Homecoming Friday, Oct. 11, and a gala party at Shone Farm May 10. Save the dates. – Sonoma County Gazette
October 5, 2013
The 2013 harvest at El Molino High School
It’s harvest time at El Molino High School, as viticulture students help bring in about three tons of pinot noir grapes from the school’s one-acre vineyard on Anderson Road adjacent to the Forestville school. Pictured are Janet Kracker and Madera Miles, checking vines earlier in the year. –Sonoma County Gazette
October 3, 2013
El Molino celebrates 50 years
El Molino High School is inviting the community to celebrate its 50th year with a kick-off BBQ at Homecoming Friday, Oct. 11, and a gala party at Shone Farm May 10. “Everyone in the west county has seen El Molino progress through the years, and they’re just as much a part of our school as our students are,” said senior Issabella Negri of Santa Rosa, who is co-president of the student body with senior Casey Bauer of Sebastopol. Click here to see press release.
October 1, 2013
El Molino girls’ volleyball wins Apple Game
On September 26th El Molino girls’ volleyball team took The Apple from Analy in a thrilling finish.
September 28, 2013
Dance Company to perform at Spreckels’
The El Molino Dance Company will perform this Saturday night, Sept. 28, at Spreckel’s Theater in Rohnert Park at 7:30 p.m. They will be part of the North Bay Dance Festival put on by Studio Gray in Santa Rosa. Advance tickets are available at the Spreckel’s Box Office for $15, and tickets at the door are $20. Come and support your talented Dance Company in their first formal performance of the year. See director Colleen Pettis or any El Molino Dance Company member if you have any questions. (Mark Ballard Photo)
September 28, 2013
Welcome to our new website
As you can see, our new website is up. It is far from complete, however. You will notice some “LATIN” place holder text, some “coming soon” pages, and some links that don’t yet work. Please be patient while we complete the work. Our Digital Marketing class will begin the big job of completing the work soon. Stop back often and watch it evolve.
September 25, 2013
Palm Drive Hospital
Palm Drive Hospital is offering a FREE Sports Medicine clinic for injured athletes every Saturday morning from 7-8 am. Please take advantage of this opportunity to have injuries diagnosed and rehabilitated. Click here for a parent consent form
September 6, 2013
New teacher, new vision for El Molino ag
New ag science and viticulture teacher Marilee Mazur is well underway after jumping right in to help Forestville FFA members show at summer fairs. “I already feel like they are my kids, and I want them to excel,” she told the Sonoma-Marin Farm News for its August issue. Mazur grew up in Martinez and is a 2011 graduate of Cal Poly SLO in agricultural science and agribusiness. She’s got plans for us!
September 6, 2013
Learning by having fun
Two exciting new classes that teach real-life skills debuted this semester: Project Make and Digital Marketing. Project Make, taught by science teacher Mary Beth Smith, is a high-tech shop class where kids learn by making. In Digital Marketing with media teacher Seth Friesen, students learn to develop content for the web, including this site.
September 6, 2013
El Mo alum “On Top of the World”
Bass player Ben McKee, El Molino class of 2003, and his wildly popular rock band Imagine Dragons played at AT&T Park in San Francisco Wednesday, August 28. The stop is part of a worldwide tour for the group made famous by such popular hits as “Radioactive,” “It’s Time” and “On Top of the World.” McKee is from Forestville.
August 20, 2013
El Molino Wrestling All Stater
El Molino Wrestling: Congratulations All-Stater, Taryn Christiansen. Taryn medaled at the state wrestling tournament – the first El Molino wrestler to accomplish this feat. Please click here to learn more about Taryn Christiansen and his commitment to El Molino Wrestling. Nice work, Taryn. Great job to all El Molino wrestlers. Go Lions!
