Senior Olivia Harvey targets Marissa Smith to eliminate her from the traditional senior game. Read more about the face behind the madness, guidelines, and how this game has impacted the dynamic between seniors at CCHS.
No Floaty, No Mercy
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is someone we can pray to for guidance and love.
Why Do We Pray To Mary?
The Pope’s Exorcist is one of the two demonic movies that is currently streaming on Amazon Video.
Two Demonic Movies To Watch or Not Watch This Summer
CCHS cheerleaders Brooke Lewis ‘24, Julia Walton ‘24, and Mikey Black ‘24 smile from the sideline at the 2022-2023 Senior Night. Next year, these athletes will have to adjust to significant changes to the program and work hard to fulfill the season’s new theme: Be a star!
The Cheer Program is Ready to Shine
Journalism students Kelli Jackson (right) and Arabella Cassidy (left) enjoy two Erewhon smoothie classics: Coconut Cloud and Strawberry Glaze.
Erewhon: Is it Functional or Just Trendy?
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is someone we can pray to for guidance and love.
Why Do We Pray To Mary?
The Pope’s Exorcist is one of the two demonic movies that is currently streaming on Amazon Video.
Two Demonic Movies To Watch or Not Watch This Summer
Teddy Howell, the 9 year old podcast creator dressed up as a priest, his dream occupation. This young third grader describes how when he grows up, he wants to be like Schmitz and be a priest at his local church in Michigan.
Teddy Howel’s Creation of the “Kids Bible of the Year”
Confirmation is one of the Seven Sacraments. It is an opportunity for teenagers to publicly affirm their faith in God.
History of Confirmation
Father Mike Schmitz is known as the Superman of priests and Catholic media.
Father Mike Schmitz, A Social Media Catholic Priest Sensation!
Senior Olivia Harvey targets Marissa Smith to eliminate her from the traditional senior game. Read more about the face behind the madness, guidelines, and how this game has impacted the dynamic between seniors at CCHS.
No Floaty, No Mercy
CCHS cheerleaders Brooke Lewis ‘24, Julia Walton ‘24, and Mikey Black ‘24 smile from the sideline at the 2022-2023 Senior Night. Next year, these athletes will have to adjust to significant changes to the program and work hard to fulfill the season’s new theme: Be a star!
The Cheer Program is Ready to Shine
Journalism students Kelli Jackson (right) and Arabella Cassidy (left) enjoy two Erewhon smoothie classics: Coconut Cloud and Strawberry Glaze.
Erewhon: Is it Functional or Just Trendy?
Suka Falo: The Unsung Hero of Cathedral
Suka Falo: The Unsung Hero of Cathedral
Ms. Wells is a pillar of the CCHS community, always offering a shoulder to cry on or an ear when needed.
Mrs. Wells
Peñas self-portrait that won the Presidents award. This work is highly regarding and was admired by CCHS students during the Art Show.
The Talents of the CCHS Art Show
A photo of Riverdale’s “core four” characters: Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, and Veronica Lodge. Behind the main characters and their close friends, Kevin, Cheryl Blossom, and Katty Kay,
OPINION: Reality behind the “Riverdale” series
This year has been an eventful one full of new experiences, from new theaters to international travel! But it’s not over yet, with Broadway San Diego Awards coming up next Sunday.
The End?
Gordon Lightfoot, a beloved Canadian singer-songwriter, died in early May of this year. He was said to have defined the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 70s, and revolutionized the music industry. His songs are often lost among new generations, yet Lightfoot’s music is something worth preserving and celebrating for years to come.
Gordon Lightfoot – Life and Legacy
Combs V. Wallen
COVID in the community uncovers the members of the Cathedral Catholic High School community taking on the novel coronavirus.
COVID in the community: Mrs. Nadine Kassity-Krich
COVID in the community uncovers the members of the Cathedral Catholic High School community taking on the novel coronavirus.
COVID in the community: Mr. Maurice Correia
COVID in the community uncovers the members of the Cathedral Catholic High School community taking on the novel coronavirus.
COVID in the community: Makenna and Carson Doan
Hannah Tasto 23, Donny Davalos 21, and Peyton Farmer 22 (left to right) perform the CCHS drama departments production of Tuck Everlasting, the winter musical, earlier this month.
Everlasting performances
Cecilia Bacich ‘20, Anthony Graf ‘22, and Emily Rotunda ‘20 (left to right) hold the banner to lead the 8th Annual San Diego Walk for Life, which approximately 4,500 people attended, in order to advocate for the rights of the unborn.
Annual Life Week returns
The LeBron vs. Jordan GOAT Debate Who is the greatest of these two legends? Basketball greats LeBron James and Michael Jordan are competing for the title of GOAT. The debates are heated and touch on statistics and victories. Interested in diving into this debate? Go to ElCid.com to learn more!
Lebron V Jordan
Manny Machado expresses his anger toward teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. after a rough game in 2021.
Padres Key’s to Success
The Dons fought hard to take home their 25th Western League Championship Title. The baseball players celebrate their comeback against Saint Augustine High School to win 4-3, as pictured above.
They May be Rivals, but They are Hardly Competition
Kapi Coleman ‘23 pictured with Tori Bowie in 2018.
3x Olympic Medalist Tori Bowie Dead at 32
Fernando Tatis Jr. in the infield for San Diego Padres during a game on July 10, 2021.
The Return of El Niño
Protesters in the streets fighting for justice after the brutal death of George Floyd. The people suffered emotional and physical damage and are now awaiting $80M in reimbursements.
Cities in the United States pay $80 Million to Repay for the Injuries Caused in 2020 Protests
Kevin McCarthy speaks to reporters outside West Wing following debt limit discussion with President Joe Biden.the federal government may not have enough funds to pay all of its bills, which could lead to a default, causing the economy to suffer and borrow costs to rise.
Biden Meets with McCarthy to Discuss the “Tough” Debt Ceiling
Image of Russian politicians Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Putin. Both politicians are at tension with each other as Putin sees Navalny’s actions over the past decade as a threat.
Russia: Poison, Prison, and Politics
With the presidential election around the corner, who are the candidates for the democrats and republicans?
Who’s the Next President?
Many immigrants wait at the U.S. - Mexico border after the expiration of Title 42. Migrants are taking the opportunity to leave their home country and find better opportunities in the U.S.
Title 42
Protesters in the streets fighting for justice after the brutal death of George Floyd. The people suffered emotional and physical damage and are now awaiting $80M in reimbursements.
Cities in the United States pay $80 Million to Repay for the Injuries Caused in 2020 Protests
Kevin McCarthy speaks to reporters outside West Wing following debt limit discussion with President Joe Biden.the federal government may not have enough funds to pay all of its bills, which could lead to a default, causing the economy to suffer and borrow costs to rise.
Biden Meets with McCarthy to Discuss the “Tough” Debt Ceiling
Image of Russian politicians Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Putin. Both politicians are at tension with each other as Putin sees Navalny’s actions over the past decade as a threat.
Russia: Poison, Prison, and Politics
With the presidential election around the corner, who are the candidates for the democrats and republicans?
Who’s the Next President?
Many immigrants wait at the U.S. - Mexico border after the expiration of Title 42. Migrants are taking the opportunity to leave their home country and find better opportunities in the U.S.
Title 42
Zoey Ronco ‘24 pictured with a Pinterest board of homecoming dresses that fit the new dress code. Female students must make the change from traditionally short dresses to maxi and midi lengths.
Past the Knee, Bend the Knee
During Red Ribbon Week, students are able to experience various activities that promote community and love. On this day, a petting zoo came onto campus, and students spent time with cute animals!
Why are CCHS Students Stripped of a Health Class?
Speaker McCarthy’s proposal to raise the debt ceiling includes work requirements for recipients of Medicaid. This could disproportionately affect people with disabilities, the impoverished, minority racial groups, and caretakers. How will this go over in the houses of Congress? What does this look like for typically American households?
Are Work Requirements for Medicaid Worth It? (Opinion)
Reading is the perfect past time in the summer! Picking the perfect book for you will get you back into reading.
The Best Books to Read During Summer Break!
Boasting over one hundred clubs CCHS is advertised as a school where student creativity and leadership runs the show. But as many students know, this club system has lacked in many regions and held little to no standing on campus for years-but why?
Why does it Feel Like Clubs do Nothing?
Season 2: Episode 19 Farewell to Fr. Martin
Season 2: Episode 18 All About AP Testing
Season 2: Episode 17 The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Review
Season 2: Episode 16 Tech Office
Season 2: Episode 15 Women’s History Month
Zoey Ronco ‘24 pictured with a Pinterest board of homecoming dresses that fit the new dress code. Female students must make the change from traditionally short dresses to maxi and midi lengths.
Past the Knee, Bend the Knee
During Red Ribbon Week, students are able to experience various activities that promote community and love. On this day, a petting zoo came onto campus, and students spent time with cute animals!
Why are CCHS Students Stripped of a Health Class?
Speaker McCarthy’s proposal to raise the debt ceiling includes work requirements for recipients of Medicaid. This could disproportionately affect people with disabilities, the impoverished, minority racial groups, and caretakers. How will this go over in the houses of Congress? What does this look like for typically American households?
Are Work Requirements for Medicaid Worth It? (Opinion)
Boasting over one hundred clubs CCHS is advertised as a school where student creativity and leadership runs the show. But as many students know, this club system has lacked in many regions and held little to no standing on campus for years-but why?
Why does it Feel Like Clubs do Nothing?
Cate Schnell shares her phone with me for the article. “I use my phone a lot but I also have days where I take breaks and not use my socials at all.”
Should we be deleting our social media?
Reading is the perfect past time in the summer! Picking the perfect book for you will get you back into reading.
The Best Books to Read During Summer Break!
Beams book is a touching story that has won the Teen Choice Award for Teen Movie: Drama. In this true story, protagonist Annabel’s miracle evokes intense emotion from the reader.
“Miracles from Heaven” Book Review
“Go Ask Alice” a banned novel written by a teenager girl in the 70’s, explores themes of addiction and other worldly struggles. Novels such as these should not be banned due to their educational opportunity to expose readers to the dangers of addiction.
“Go Ask Alice” Book Review
Mieko Kawakami’s novel, Heaven, explores the mind of an adolescent. She paints the scenes with a raw beauty, tormenting and captivating readers with each turn of a page.
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
“The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis takes you along on a ride to Heaven.
The Great Divorce Book Review
The Student Newspaper of Cathedral Catholic High School

Dons Press
The Student Newspaper of Cathedral Catholic High School

Dons Press
The Student Newspaper of Cathedral Catholic High School

Dons Press
Hong-An Phan

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Hong-An Phan is a student journalist for El Cid Online and a junior attending Cathedral Catholic High School. Her passion for journalism stems from her surroundings, as she earnestly aspires to discover and share the different stories and perspectives that originate from ordinary people. Outside her Journalism II Honors classroom, Hong-An participates in a variety of organizations on campus, such as the National English Honors Society, Mock Trial, Key Club, and Ambassadors for Christ Corps. After school hours, Hong-An can be found figure skating or reading a book from her collection, containing over 90 novels. She hopes that her interest in creating written works touches many.

All content by Hong-An Phan
Zoey Ronco ‘24 pictured with a Pinterest board of homecoming dresses that fit the new dress code. Female students must make the change from traditionally short dresses to maxi and midi lengths.

Past the Knee, Bend the Knee

Hong-An Phan, Editor
September 20, 2023
This summer is the perfect time to try a new lifestyle change. El Cid had the opportunity to receive advice on transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet! This change may help you find balance in your life.

A Summer Diet?

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
May 16, 2023
Rhianna pictured at this year’s MET Gala. Rhianna arrived in an all-white Valentino ensemble, quickly becoming one of the night’s best dressed.

What Are Those? These Are Clothes.

Hong-An Phan and Brooke Johnston-Quirarte
May 4, 2023
The CCHS Baked With Love club has hosted two successful bake sales that received over $300 that were donated to Feeding America. The club’s success is dependent on its members, the officers, and the meticulous planning that is put into every event.

Baked with Love

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
May 3, 2023
Frank Ocean has returned to the music festival stage of Coachella following years of silence. The artist delivered a performance that many deem unsatisfactory, while fans defend his decision to perform in memorial of his brother, Ryan Breaux.

Frank Ocean’s Stormy Return

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
April 25, 2023
The newly distributed t-shirt for the Class of 2023 carries on a CCHS tradition. Seniors received a shirt designed in a black, red, and yellow font, reading “23niors” in the front.

23niors Clothing Traditions

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
April 18, 2023
Lana Del Rey, dubbed “the greatest American songwriter of the 21st century” released her ninth studio album that explores themes of family, death, and grief. Her lyrics have matured alongside her audience to reveal new depths of her songwriting and emotional storytelling.

The Evolution of Lana Del Rey

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
March 31, 2023
Most Americans are unable to achieve a healthy balance in their lifestyles. Important factors to take into consideration include fitness, diet, medical health, and more.

Why Americans Aren’t Healthy

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
March 31, 2023
Mieko Kawakami’s novel, Heaven, explores the mind of an adolescent. She paints the scenes with a raw beauty, tormenting and captivating readers with each turn of a page.

Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

February 16, 2023
The Black Student Union led the school liturgy to begin Black History Month on 2 February 2023. They plan to continue this tradition in light of its beaming success, as it increased reverence and participation from students during the Mass.

BSU for Black History Month

Hong-An Phan and Sarah Brown
February 6, 2023
With the no accessible library available to students, teachers have set up bookshelves in English classes with minimal resources and no research skills necessary to acquire books. In order to get books, students must navigate through various classrooms with virtually no organization in the bookshelves, making books largely inaccessible or inconvenient for student use.

The Cost of Not Having a Library

February 1, 2023
Michael Peterson ‘23 and Mia Compas ‘23 have gained an impressive following on the CCHS Dons Press Tik Tok for their Hallway Interviews series, where they feature the students of Cathedral Catholic. Follow @cchsdonspress to see their viral videos!

Behind the Hallway Interviews

December 8, 2022
Tik Tok is a social media platform responsible for setting many trends in our generation. The app’s featured audios have helped many artists grow, but have also decreased many musicians’ artistic value.

[Opinion] Is Tik Tok Ruining Music?

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
November 29, 2022
The Poppy War is the first book from The Poppy War trilogy, written by R.F. Kuang. It is highly appraised for its roots in Asian history and accurate portrayals of war.

The Poppy War

November 10, 2022
The British economy has been severely affected by the short reign of Liz Truss. Rishi Sunak, the newly appointed UK Prime Minister rises to relieve the weakness of the British market.

Lowering Tax, Lettuce, & Liz Truss

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
November 9, 2022
Jesse Rutherford, lead singer of The Neighbourhood, and Billie Eilish, Grammy Award winning artist, spotted together having intimate relations. Rutherford is currently 31 years old, while Eilish is 20 years old.

Hollywood’s Controversial Love

Hong-An Phan, Co-Editor in Chief
October 21, 2022
The Secret History was written by Donna Tartt and published in 1992. The novel follows the story of Richard Papen and his friends’ descent to madness at Hampden College.

The Secret History

Hong-An Phan, Editor in Chief
October 13, 2022
Ava Thuresson (Class of 2022) was recently featured on Season 22 of The Voice! Follow her at @avalynnthuresson on Instagram to watch her journey.

A Don’s Voice

Hong-An Phan and Cassidy Smith
September 30, 2022
Protestors flood to the streets around the world after the death of Mahsa Amini. Justice will be served for her unrightful death.

Flames of Tyranny

Hong-An Phan, Politics Editor
September 23, 2022
Meet the team! Brooke Quirarte ‘24, Sarah Brown ‘24, and Hong-An Phan ‘24. (Pictured: Left to Right)

Behind the Scenes @ Dons Reads

Hong-An Phan, Sarah Brown, and Brooke Johnston-Quirarte
September 15, 2022
On September 11, 2001, American citizens across the nation watched in terror as the Twin Towers were torn down and death filled New York City’s streets.

In the Memory of 9/11, 21 Years Later

Hong-An Phan, Politics Editor
September 13, 2022
The late Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom was a beloved public figure renowned for her long lasting reign. She died on September 8, 2022, passing on the throne to her son, King Charles III.

In Memoriam of Queen Elizabeth II

Hong-An Phan and Neve Walker
September 9, 2022
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Hong-An Phan, Politics & News Editor
September 9, 2022
US President Joe Biden announces student loan relief with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona (R) on August 24, 2022 in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC. - Biden announced that most US university graduates still trying to pay off student loans will get $10,000 of relief to address a decades-old headache of massive educational debt across the country. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Forgives Student Loans

Hong-An Phan, Politics & News Editor
August 31, 2022
Dr. Calkins and the donors of the Academic Center stand inside the newly opened Academic Center. The space was carefully planned to maximize student collaboration, creativity, and work productivity.

A Grand Reveal

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
August 23, 2022
Filming of Benedict Cumberbatch in the set of Dr Strange, in the Multiverse of Madness

The Mystifying Multiverse of Madness

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
May 13, 2022
Graffiti in the CCHS Bathroom. Derogatory comparisons on physical appearance were scrawled on the bathroom stall.

Sorry, the Bathroom is Out of Order

Brooke Johnston-Quirarte and Hong-An Phan
May 4, 2022
TOPSHOT - Russias figure skater Kamila Valieva walks upon her arrival from China at the Sheremetevo airport outside Moscow, on February 18, 2022. - The sport has been under intense scrutiny at the Beijing Olympics after 15-year-old Russian prodigy Kamila Valieva was allowed to compete despite failing a drugs test before the Games, with her youth cited as a factor in the decision. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Flaming the Winter Olympics

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
March 2, 2022
BEIJING, CHINA - FEBRUARY 17: Alexandra Trusova of ROC cries ahead of the Women Single Skating Free Skating on the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China on February 17, 2022. (Photo by Nikolay Muratkin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A Cold Medal

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
February 18, 2022
BEIJING, CHINA - FEBRUARY 17: Kamila Valieva of Team ROC cries after the Women Single Skating Free Skating on day thirteen of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Capital Indoor Stadium on February 17, 2022 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

The Fall from First

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
February 17, 2022
Russias Kamila Valieva poses as she celebrates winning the gold medal for the womens competition at the Rostelecom Cup 2021 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Sochi on November 28, 2021. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) (Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Skating Under Fire

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
February 10, 2022
BEIJING, CHINA - FEBRUARY 07: Kamila Valieva of Team ROC skates during the Women Single Skating Free Skating Team Event on day three of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Capital Indoor Stadium on February 07, 2022 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Making History

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
February 8, 2022
Kamila Valieva is the womens 2021 Finlandia Trophy champion after a sublime womens free skate on Sunday (10th October). Valieva landed three quad jumps to score a massive 174.31 points on her free for a total of 249.24.

The Cost of Olympic Gold…

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
February 4, 2022
Junior Gavin Mestler dominates during Senior night against La Jolla

Out on Top

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
February 2, 2022
Ashley Hurrell, a sports med trainer at CCHS, assists a student-athlete during a wrestling match.

The Heroes off Court

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
January 27, 2022
A father and son embrace during Graduation. For many families, this moment is transformational and one that required an immense amount of sacrifice.

[Opinion] The American Dream Through Generations

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
January 21, 2022
Students at CCHS have the ability to check out books from NEHS. However, the majority of students reading is focused on technology.

A Library-less School

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
December 13, 2021
Nick Bailey sits with the cast of The Nick Show.

Nick Bailey: Cathedral’s Rising Star

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
November 5, 2021
Mr. De Vera prepares engaging lessons for his students.

A New Don at CCHS — Mr. De Vera​​

Hong-An Phan, Staffer
October 22, 2021
Self

[Photo] Hong-An Phan

September 30, 2021
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