Arcata High’s holy grails

Tigers favorite holy grails

Everyone has that special something they can’t live without. Holy grails can be anything: self-care, accessories, or meaningful objects. Holy grails get you through your day. You swear by them.

Walking around campus, you can tell many different people have very different lives, personalities, and needs. Is there something they have in common despite their differences? What do they need to power through the school day?

“My beads, man. I need them with me when I go to work,” Dean of Students Juan-Antonio Santisteban said.  “The beads are seeds from a tree in Nepal. My friend’s mother got them for me. I keep them with me all the time.” 

Anything can be considered a “holy grail,” regardless of sentimental value. Importance doesn’t have to be dictated by a story.  

Many people were quick to mention their favorite lip gloss and lip balm products. Freshman Gabriela Deleal said she can’t live without her mini Carmex tub. “I keep one of them everywhere. I have one in my emergency kit, too,” she said.

Students want to look and feel their best at school. Many think that if you look your best, you feel your best. Whether it is a product someone brings to reapply throughout the day or something put on in the morning or night before school.

“Oh, my Pantene Smooth and Sleek Conditioner,” senior Shuhan Hunter quickly answered. Self-care is growing increasingly important to high school students. 

Junior Olivia Beck says she loves her CeraVe moisturizer. She uses it every day. Personal wellness  is a very common holy grail among high school students. Senior Anna Clarke said she loves her perfume. She always makes sure to put it on in the morning. “I love my perfume. I love to smell good.”

Teaching several classes a day can be very tiring. Do teachers value different things?  Do different objects come to mind? 

Teacher Davina Bagnall wasn’t sure what her holy grail was. “I don’t go anywhere without my water bottle, though, my bracelets either,” she said. Her water bottle is covered with stickers, reminding her to be grateful and to commemorate places dear to her heart, like Paris and Quebec. 

Teacher Kayla Gaskil also considered her water bottle, but ultimately decided on her favorite playlists. With songs from different genres, Gaskill highlighted “Dancing Elephants” by Rochelle Jordan, “Collectin” by parkbreezy, and “2 Much” by Qendresa. “Let me put you on.”

Everyone considers different things necessary to get through the day- dear to their heart, or to help them feel their best.