Karli Branson- Writer
My name is Karli Branson and I am the Features editor for the Redwood Gigantea. I mostly overview my team and make sure that we are telling the right stories. I write deep dives and delve into the worlds of the underdogs. Being a journalist, I have learned that everyone deserves to have their story told. If it is someone’s passion at Redwood then it is my job to express their interests to the world. I love that I am able to give people a voice, and share what they love with other people. I am proud to be a part of students connecting to each other on campus.
My Work
Through The Lens: A Photography Showcase
Redwood’s Photography class looks to give viewers a glimpse through their lens’ with the upcoming Photography Showcase.
From Dreams To Reality: Student Athletes Make It Big With College Signing Day
On November 8, 2023, 6 Senior Athletes from Redwood High School signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at their future colleges. Rangers share their hopes and inspirations heading into this new part of their lives.
This story matters because I delve into.
From Class To The Big Screen: Ranger Video Prepares To Compete At The Porterville Film Festival
Redwood’s Digital Film students are competing in their first film festival this school year at the Galaxy Theater in Porterville CA. This story includes details about the festival as well as interviews with members of video who submitted films. This specific story highlights my skills as a writer since it includes mostly details rather than interviews. I was able to share a quality story by using my writing skills to spread information.
This story matters because people who are interested in film are able to go and see first hand how a film festival works. It informs people about film, and about how Redwood’s video program goes about a competition. It explains festival requirements to viewers and allows them to decide if this is an interest that they have.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Coming To Theaters
The sequel to Marvel’s Black Panther is titled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” which came to theaters November 11, 2022. This movie was very anticipated among the public so Redwood’s Rangers were asked for their opinions about the film. This story is a great interpretation of my interviewing skills. I asked all of the right questions to get the best quotes for my story and I feel like I did it well.
This story matters because the Marvel fan base is very large, and it allows people who view my story to connect to those that were interviewed. This can create friendships and bonds over the Marvel world which, in turn, provides a platform where these people who share the same interests can talk.
What Video Games Are Rangers Playing Right Now?
Redwood’s student gamers were asked for their recommendations and opinions on video games. I think that this story really highlights my interviewing skills. I interviewed different grade levels from around campus which allowed me to gain insight on the popular video games of varying ages. I personally like my stories better when I interview a vast genre of students.
The gaming world is a very big and broad world. There are many people at Redwood who are involved in it which is why I wrote this story. If at least one person read this story and connected to someone that I interviewed, then my job was done. This allows student gamers at Redwood to connect with one another and relate through the games that they play.
Taylor Swift's Upcoming Album Has Rangers Thrilled
Accomplished Singer-Songwriter Taylor Swift released her new album titled “Midnights” on October 21, 2022. Her fans expressed their excitement and students of Redwood shared their expectations prior to listening to the album. I made sure to interview people who were fans of Taylor Swift, rather than people who did not know who she was. I think that this allowed me to get better answers out of those that I interviewed.
People all over the world love Taylor Swift, and I knew that by writing this story, I would be able to touch her fans that go to Redwood. I knew I could provide an outlet for them to talk about Taylor Swift and converse about how they thought the album would turn out. I wanted Taylor fans to be able to connect and speak with one another.
New Taylor Swift Album: Was It Worth The Wait?
Taylor Swift released her new album titled “Midnights” on October 21, 2022. People all over the world have been stoked for the release, and Redwood’s Rangers were asked their opinions on its outcome. As a journalist I feel as though this story was one of my most creative stories. This is because I came up with the idea to do a pre and post story of Taylor Swift’s album.
Once again I feel that this story is able to tickle the heartstrings of Taylor Swift fans. I wanted them to be able to join together and discuss their opinions of the album, as well as how they think Swift will top it in the future. I believe that this story allowed Taylor Swift fans to unite and make their fan base stronger than ever.
The Black Phone’s “Phenomenal” Turnout
In June of 2022, Director Scott Derrickson presented The Black Phone starring accomplished actor Ethan Hawke. This film was long awaited by the public so students at Redwood were asked how they felt about the movie compared to their previous expectations. I believe that this story appeals to my writing techniques. This was my first story for the Gigantea, and I feel as though my actual writing was better than the interviews themselves.
The horror movie genre is something that people can connect about. My hopes were that people would see who was interviewed, and realize that they share the same interests. Also, I hope that if people have never heard of this movie, then they are intrigued to watch it for themselves. I wrote this story for the people who enjoy the horror genre.
New Movie “Smile” Has Rangers Frightened
Director Parker Finn, released a new Psychological Horror film titled “Smile”. The movie was released September 30, 2022 and was well anticipated by horror fans. Rangers on campus shared their viewing experience. I think this story highlights my interviewing techniques because it was kind of a struggle to ask around and find people who have watched this movie. Although I did not interview an abundance of different grade levels, I think my interviewing skills served me well here.
This story matters because once again, people can bond over watching the same types of movies. I hope to help people create with others who share their same interests. By writing this story I was targeting the people who enjoy horror movies, and I wanted them to be able to relate to others who also enjoy the same genre. I want people to know who else has their shared interests.
Ranger’s Thanksgiving Favorites
Rangers were asked about their favorite thing about the Thanksgiving Holiday. I think that this story targets all of my skills as a journalist. I interviewed a teacher and different grades around campus to understand how everyone felt. I also feel like my writing and wording of this story was good.
This story matters because it shows how grateful and loving Rangers are. It allows outside people who read the story to see how the campus of Redwood is around the holidays. I wanted to showcase the things that students are thankful for before going on break.
"Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" set to premiere on February 17, 2023, Marvel fans buzzing for new film
This new film features a blend of science and technology, villainy, and introduction of new characters. Redwood's Rangers were asked their opinions and expectations for the coming film. I think that this story really highlights a variety in my interviews. I found out from outside sources about teachers that enjoy Marvel so I could get their insights as well as students.
This story matters because it allows people around campus to relate to other teachers and students. This also enables them to seek out others who have similar opinions. It helps people on campus form new connections and bond over shared interests.
Shining Performances Take Center Stage: The Redwood Theatre Musical Debut of “Bye Bye Birdie”
Redwood High School is in preparation to debut the annual musical Bye Bye Birdie. An honest review is provided to students and faculty in regards to the premiere. This story highlights my willing to step out of my comfort zone and cover something i never have before. Not only was it my first story working with other people, but it was also my first story that I wrote in under one day.
This story matters because it gives a summary of the musical without spoiling its main factors. It allows people who did not get the chance to watch the play, to still get a feel for what it was about, and experience this part of Redwood's culture.
Redwood’s Crazy Collections: Jacob Yang and his keyboards
Students around Redwood are asked about things they collect or are very passionate about. Jacob Yang '23 build keyboards in his spare time for his family and friends. I think that this story highlights my skills in coming up with a story idea. I asked around and had to figure out who collects things and what they collect.
This story matters because there is a whole community of people who build keyboards and I hope to help them connect to one another with this story. I also hope it allows people to understand that what they collect or what they are passionate about, is very important and that they have a story that needs to be told, no matter what it is.
Kiana Lovgren unstoppable in her win for Miss Tulare County’s Teen
On February 18th, 2023 Kiana Lovgren ‘24 was crowned Miss Tulare County’s Teen and hopes to inspire others as she continues her journey towards the title of Miss California. I think that this story highlights my actual writing skills because I feel like I articulated this story very well and was able to tell exactly what I wanted to. I am very proud of this story.
This story matters because I wanted to spotlight Kiana's success but I also want to share her work and allow her to inspire other people at redwood who want to be able to enter competitions like this. I hope to connect these people with Kiana and give them someone that they can ask questions and rely on if they have any concerns.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Impact and Significance of Pageant and Festival Queens
This story is about people at Redwood who compete in pageants.and competitions. It also includes an adventure through the eyes of a seven year old girl.This story highlights my skills as a writer. I am very happy with this story and the fact that I was able to broaden my writing knowledge. I like that I was able to combine imagination with fact and blend them to make a story. I like that I could use some of my thoughts as well as the thoughts of the people that I interviewed.
This story matters because it allows people to understand what is behind competitions and organizations. I want to allow some imagination to show but I also want to shine light on people who have competed in these types of things, but are often looked over.
Making a Splash: Freshmen Varsity Swimmers Take the Plunge into Success
Freshmen participants of the Redwood Varsity Boys and Girls swim teams elaborate on their journey as a swimmer from childhood to now. This story highlights my skills in working with other people. I enjoyed writing this story with Donya and I think that our thoughts and our ways of writing blended very well.
These Freshmen still have many years ahead of them to peruse their swimming careers and that makes this story important because through the Gigantea, we can follow them in their evolution on varsity.
Dance Force Captains Take On The Stage One Last Time
Redwood’s 4-year Dance Force Seniors wrap up their High School season and take a moment to recap their time with the Redwood Dance Program. This is one of my favorite stories that I have written. It was very easy and I think it highlights my skills as a writer rather than a reporter because I already knew who I needed to talk to but it was about putting their words on a page and telling their story.
This story matters to the Gigantea because I wanted to showcase the last performances of these seniors. Performances that they will remember for the rest of their lives and I am the one who was able to tell their stories. Their senior solos are something that they should be proud of and I really wanted to highlight that fact and shed light on their last true performance. I am very proud of this piece.
Swifties Follow their “Wildest Dreams” at the Era’s Tour
Famous singer-songwriter Taylor Swift began her long awaited Eras Tour on March 17, 2023 and Rangers have been busy attending the tour and shining light on their inner Swiftie. This story compliments my skills as a writer because of the imaginative turn to put readers in the place of a concert.
This story matters because even though Miller hates Taylor Swift, there are a lot of people on this planet that do. She has a big impact on teenagers in today's society and has finally gone into concert after a long pause. I wanted to understand the feelings of these people and gauge their interest for the artist.
VAPA Picks Up Pace and Gets Ready To Hit The Stage
A portion of Redwood’s VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Teachers and Staff share their thoughts on preparing for the coming year’s events and activities. This story shows my skills as a storyteller. It was rough being able to get interviews with some of these teachers and I had to change the trajectory of my story to adapt to my interviews.
This story matters because VAPA is a big part of Redwood High School. Some of the most interesting parts of this school come from our dance and band classes. Like it is always said, Redwood is more than just a football team. To start my second year off right, I wanted to tell this story.
Homecoming 2023 Winners Feeling SUPER As They Take Home Their Crowns
On September 15, 2023 Redwood’s Homecoming King and Queen were announced at the Varsity Homecoming Football game. Redwood was joined by the 2022 King Noe Viveros and Queen Lexi Ellis to crown our 2023 winners.
I was very excited to tell this story and be able to support of our Homecoming winners. This is a multi media piece and I was very happy to be able to work with other people and create this piece. This is one of the stories I am the most proud of because it challenged me to venture out of the comfort zone that I have created.
Rangers Bring Home The Bell for 60 Years of Water Polo Celebration
On Thursday, October 5, 2023 Redwood’s Varsity Men’s Water Polo team celebrated 60 years of Water Polo at Redwood High School. This is another story that I am incredibly proud of. It challenged em to work with people which I am not particularly fond of, but it also challenged me to interview in a hard and crowded environment.
I had no clue of the backstory behind Visalia Aquatics and this story allowed me to do that. I am incredibly proud of myself an Brooke for being able to share with everyone, this story of Coach Bell and Redwood Water Polo.
Coach Alana Celebrates Monumental Milestone with 700th Volleyball Win
Redwood’s Varsity Volleyball, Coach Alana Montgomery, celebrated her 700th win on Wednesday night’s game against Monache. This story is like the Coach Bell story where it tested my interviewing abilities and allowed me to interview in an intense environment. I am also very proud of myself and Brooke for this story.
It is important that we wrote this story because we highlighted a woman who has not gotten much recognition thus far in her career. She has done great things for Redwood Volleyball throughout the years, so I am glad that I was a part in telling this woman's story.
Turning The Page: Dr. Brandon Gridiron Starts His Journey at Redwood High School
Redwood High School welcomes new principal Dr. Brandon Gridiron to the Ranger campus. Dr. Gridiron shares where he has been, and where he plans to head as Redwood’s new principal. This story highlights my skills as an interviewer. I think this because I had to reach out further to get more perspectives so I thought bigger and emailed the Superintendent.
This story matters because Dr. Gridiron is entering an entirely new campus to him with staff and students that have their guards up after not having a consistent principal for a while. I wanted to tell less of the politics side of his journey and more of the story of him as a person and his plans for Redwood High School.
Reflection
Where have I been?
Prior to being in, and experiencing journalism class I thought that it would be very similar to an English class. The sort of class where you write fictional essays about whatever you want, and the class where the teacher takes their job way too seriously to where it isn’t fun anymore. I thought it would consist of independent work and harsh grading and little entertainment. I honestly thought I would dread the class. Luckily I was wrong.
Where am I now?
In taking journalism, I have gained many social skills. I am able to interview people and get feedback without having to give myself a pep talk beforehand. I actually enjoy interviewing now. I am able to share peoples stories and give them a voice to share with the world. I can use my writing skills to share the interests of people on campus, and help them connect to others around them.
Where am I going?
As a section, my goal is that we will get more quality stories on the Gigantea website for the coming semester. I feel like our entertainment section is kind of slacking because I feel like I am the only one who consistently writes stories. Personally, I hope to maintain my straight A’s but also I want to look into colleges more. As I approach my senior year I want to have an idea of what I want to do when I go to college so I think it is a good time to start.