ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK STARTING June 9, 2008

Monday

Senior Beach Day

Yearbook Distribution after school @ 2pm

 

Tuesday

Finals Schedule/Minimum Day

Senior Breakfast

 

Wednesday

Finals Schedule/Minimum Day

Senior Graduation Rehearsal 8:30am-12:30pm in the main athletic stadium

 

Thursday

Finals Schedule/Minimum Day
Last day of school

Senior Graduation Rehearsal 8:30am-10:30pm in the main athletic stadium

Graduation Ceremony 5pm
Gates open @ 4pm

Friday

Teacher work day

Saturday

 

Jazz Cafe

On Friday night, May 30th, the Jazz Band held it's Jazz Cafe in the small gym. At the concert, people could purchase coffee and a variety of desserts while the jazz band played away. In addition to the band, the famous jazz guitarist James Robinson performed on the concert and played with our very own jazz band.

 

Sports Banquet

On Friday, May 30th, the Athletic Department held their annual Spring Sports Banquet. Several hundred family and friends of Branham Spring athletes showed up for the dinner which was provided by The Outback. Above are just a few of our spring coaches including Nicole Huguenin-JV softball, Christie Spurgeon-Track, and Jennifer McGrath-varsity softball.

 

Band Concert

On Wednesday, May 28th, the Branham Instrumental Music Department presented their annual Spring Concert under Director Diane Wyant at West Valley College. Performing on the concert were the Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard, and Jazz Band.

 


Super Delegate Luncheon

ASB candidates had their chance to give speeches to members of the faculty who are serving as super delegates in addition to the student delegates. This is part of the new delegate system for ASB elections which will give BHS students a real life experience of how the American system of government works. Competition will be tough as delegates try to decide who will be in charge of the student government.

 

Students dance the night away at the 2008 Prom


On Friday night, May 2nd, Branham held the annual Junior/Senior Prom. The theme and title was "When the Lights Go Down in the City." The event was held at the Summit Center Ball Room on top of the fourth street garage in down town San Jose. Students enjoyed a wonderful three course meal while watching the royal ceremony as Calvin Worsnup and Lori Salazar were crowned Prom King and Queen. After the ceremony, the students danced the night away until the event came to an end. It was a very memorable prom for all the students.

 


Tree Planting Ceremony

It was a special day Branham High on Saturday, April 17 – a day when students, staff and community members gathered together to recognize former Principal Jack Wagnon and continue his passions in education and forestry. Mr. Wagnon began working in the Campbell Union High School District in 1958, and was Branham’s Principal from 1971-79. On Saturday, a memorial brick was placed in front of a tree that had been planted several years ago to recognize Mr. Wagnon’s commitment and dedication to Branham High and Our City Forest (OCF). In attendance for this event were family members including his wife Margaret, Our City Forest CEO Rhonda Berry, District 9 City Council member Judy Chirco, members of the local Kiwanis Club chapter, CUHSD Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Farber, current and former Branham principals, teachers and Branham students.
 
Along with his long and productive career in education, Mr. Wagnon was highly involved with OCF for many years, including having served as a member of the Board. OCF is a local organization with a mission to cultivate a greener, healthier urban environment and a renewed sense of community by involving Silicon Valley residents in the understanding, planting and care of the urban forest. Mr. Wagnon’s interest and work in forestry is carried on today at Branham High, which has a thriving club called SPARE working throughout the year on various campus beautification projects, including the planting of dozens of trees from OCF. On this day the club’s work including planting three new trees in front of the school cafeteria.
 
As individuals and organizations across the country celebrated Earth Day in many ways this year, it was an opportune time for the community to come together in recognition of Mr. Jack Wagnon. Community members are welcome to visit Branham to see the work that is being done by the SPARE club www.branham.cuhsd.org/SPARE.htm, and to contact OCF for information on the work they do throughout San Jose: www.ourcityforest.org

First Annual Bruin/Longhorn Faculty Dodgeball Tournament

The mighty Bruin staff took on the Leigh Longhorn staff in the first annual Faculty/Staff Dodgeball Tournament on Wednesday, March 12th. Above are Mr. Fernandez, Mr. Salberg, Gail Bagnatori, Mr. Utic, Mrs. Ruiz, and Ms. Lee in action during the game. The Bruins were victorious in one of the most populated events ever seen in the gym.


Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Marsh, and Mr. Selfridge demonstrate their superior dodgeball abilities as the crush the Leigh Longhorns during the all mens game.

Spring Fling Geek Day

Students show their spirit as they dress up for "Nerd Day."

Mr. McVey admits during the lunch activity that he is not smarter than a BHS student.

 

FACULTY MUSICAL

The reviews are in!! Branham High School's faculty musical is a hit! This production is produced by the Music Theater Class with Student Director, Zoe Saenz, leading members of the faculty and administration in one of Disney's biggest hits. The students teach the lines, blocking, choreography, and singing to the staff members and also design and build the set. The show runs only three nights on Jan 31st, Feb. 1st & 2nd @ 7pm. Tickets are $10 general and $8 for students with ASB. Come watch Alipaz, Schweizer, Nelson, Quinn, Posey, Salazar, and many more members of the BHS staff sing and dance there hearts away as they show you that were all in this together!!


Boys Soccer

It was a cold night during Branham’s Varsity Soccer game on January 30, 2008, when the Bruins faced the Longhorns. Although the temperature was low, there was no lack of heat in the game. The excitement and intensity of the game continued throughout both quarters, but resulted in a tie between the teams.

Reporter: Stephanie Brown
Date: January 30, 2008

Boys Soccer vs. Lincoln



It was the varsity boy’s soccer game against Lincoln High School. Both teams played well. In the first half no one scored a goal. By the second half the game got more intense and both teams began to play more competitively. Overall it was a very close and exciting game, but in the end Branham won 2-1.

Reporter: Matt Gonzales
Date: Friday December 9, 2007



Winter Band Concert


Branham’s symphonic band, percussion ensemble and jazz ensemble had an amazing concert at Heritage Theater in Campbell with Ms. Wyant leading the way. The theater was filled with friends and family to enjoy the different types of music. It was a wonderful night for the music department with a very successful concert. Some of the pieces that were played were Heaven’s Light, Stick Schtick, and Freddie Freeloader.

Reporter: Stephanie Brown
Date: December 7, 2007


Band Rings In The Holiday Cheer

On Saturday, December 1st, the Branham Bruin Band performed in the annual Los Gatos Holiday Parade. The band competed against others similar in size and took first place. Other awards included first place for drum major, first place in drill team, and second place in tall flags and I.D. unit. The Symphonic Band will also perform on Friday, December 7th, in their annual December concert at the Heritage Theater in Campbell starting at 7:30pm.

 

Jazz Band Takes Center Stage

Jazz Band entertains the lunch crowd in the quad the day before the Thanksgiving break. The Jazz Band is under the direction of Diane Wyant.

B.S.U Thanksgiving Feast

Members of the B.SU Club (Black Student Union) work at their second annual Thanksgiving fundraiser lunch. The club offered a turkey lunch with all the trimmings including mashed potatoes , peas, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and a biscuit.


Musical Theatre Performance

The Musical Theatre class put on their first Musical Review of the year on Thursday, November 15th.  The class is lead this year by Sharon Salazar.  The review included pieces from the musicals Wicked, RENT, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, and more.  The event was spectacular with its lighting, use of set designs, and of course the ever so talented performers.  If you missed the show, there will be another Musical Review in the spring

ASB Reporter: Lynn Albert
Date: November 15, 2007


HOMECOMING OVERFLOWS WITH SPIRIT!

Branham's homecoming week came to an end with the homecoming dance on Saturday, November 3rd. The week was full of activities and fun including Branham's first all school rally to kick off the week. The freshman showed spirit like no freshman class ever has, giving the seniors a run for the money at the powder puff football game and the night rally. Below are just a few pictures of the excitement of Branham's biggest homecoming ever!


The seniors get ready to cheer during the night time rally.


Cori Tom shows her excitement at winning the nighttime powder puff championship .


Many students competed in the annual costume contest including these girls dressed as a box of crayons.


The male cheer for the powder puff game that was introduced this year became one of the highlights of homecoming.


Bobby Bruin poses for a picture with excited fans at the powder puff nighttime championship .


The teacher skit is one of the most anticipated events during the nighttime rally .


The box car race between classes during the powder puff halftime was an exciting event.


The seniors battle it out with the tug of war game against the freshman at the nighttime rally.


Bobby Bruin loves being in the spotlight. Who is the man behind that mask anyway????

 


Branham's varsity football team plays against the Leigh Longhorns under the brand new stadium lights for the first time .

 


Classes line up for the people pass relay race during the nighttime rally.


The most spirited freshman class in Branham's history performs their skit at the nighttime rally.


Juniors show their spirit at the nighttime powder puff championship.


Students show their school spirit on twin day at the lunchtime powder puff game .


Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Fernandez are just a few of the many teachers who got involved in homecoming activities.


Senior girls took twin day a little farther and dressed as quintuplets.


Senior Gino Valletta, Bobby Bruin, and Junior Alex (Chuy) Flores lead the crowd at the All School Rally on Monday.

The Varsity Cheer Squad performs for the school and leads the student body in a cheer in preparation for Friday's football game against Leigh High School.

 

Classes compete during the rally as they "mummify" four brave teachers. Each class team consisted of 3 students who had to wrap their teacher with three rolls of toilet paper. The juniors won!

 


Seniors Nick Price and Ross Macbain sing their hearts out as they lead the senior karaoke during Monday's lunch time activity.


Have you ever seen the quad packed? Well it happened when 1500 students gathered in the quad on Monday, October 29th, for Branham's first all school rally. The event featured class competitions, fall sports recognitions, and performances from the cheer squad and dance class. The rally was a great start to a week of fun culminating with the homecoming game on Friday 10/2 and the homecoming dance on Saturday 10/3.

Campus Beautification

On October 5th, Recycling Club, English Club, Helping Humanity, Key Club all got together to clean up the gardens on Branham’s campus, specifically the Zen garden, the ASB garden, and Key Clubs garden. Overall this beautification was a big success, there were many participants both student and faculty.  The clubs got a lot done and were able to fix up and plant more flowers in all of the gardens.

ASB Reporter: Philip Drasny
Date: October 5, 2007

Branham Honors Academic Success


On Friday, October 12th, Branham's Principal, Mr. Utic, honored over seventy students who received a 4.0 last Spring. Each student was presented with a certificate and a 2007/08 Bruin Pin. The 4.0 Reception takes place twice every school year. The next one will take place in March when Branham honors the 4.0 students from this school year's first semester. Congratulations to all of you students who continue to achieve tremendous academic success.

 

Hosted by the
Branham Music
Department

Girls Varsity Field Hockey game

Field hockey played Leigh High School on Monday, October 1st. The game resulted in a loss for Branham. Although the lady bruins played a very good game they came up short. They tried very hard, but the score was 4-1. Although it was a loss for us the game was still entertaining.

ASB Reporter: Matt Gonzales
Date: October 1, 2007

Club Rush

Branham's Spirit Week festivities concluded this week with the annual Club Rush.  All campus clubs came out to the quad in order to draw support for their organizations.  Veteran clubs such as Key Club, B.S.U, and G.S.A were present, along with some new additions to the Branham community.  New clubs this year ranged from the S.T.E.P and Zinch Clubs, to the  music oriented Hip Hop Club.  Junior Alex Flores did an excellent job emceeing the event and made sure that every club had an opportunity to share something about their organization.  As Club Rush was in full swing, the ever popular Branham band, Point of View, took the stage.

ASB Reporter: Lynn Albert
Date: September 21, 2007

 

Back To School Dance

 

"Back To School Week" concluded with the annual "Back To School Dance." Students dressed in full spirit by wearing their school colors to the dance as they rocked the night away. This dance is held in outdoors in the quad under the starts. Special thanks to the Branham Music department who sold water and food throughout the evening.

 
Teacher Surprise


On Thursday of back to school week, the teachers had a chance to participate in "Teacher Surprise" at lunch on the stage. Each teacher was blind folded and brought out to a table with bowls full of random food and other items found in the kitchen. Some had dressing, mayonnaise, crushed bananas, and other "goop." Each teacher placed their hands in a bowl in an attempt to determine what they were dipping into by touch. The event brought out a tremendous number of students as some teachers were successful in guessing the contents of the bowls while others were stumped.

Tug Of War Wednesday


Today at the quad during lunch we hosted a tournament of Tug of War between all four classes. In the first round we had the Freshmen versus the mighty Bruin Seniors. The battle between the two was short leaving the Seniors victorious while leaving the Freshmen to lick their wounds. In the next round we had the Sophomores versus the Juniors, a battle of middle class champion. This was a sight to see as the Sophomores gave it their all, unfortunately the Juniors were able to steal the win away. In the championship round we had the mighty Bruin Seniors versus the Juniors. This battle of brawn was over quick though, leaving the Juniors in the dust, the mighty Bruin Seniors came out on top as champions of Tug of War. This was a great event to host during lunch in the middle of the quad. Not only was their high participation from all classes but the quad was packed with members from all of the classes who came out to encourage and cheer on their friends and classmates.

Reporter: Philip Drasny
Date: September 19, 2007