Sarah Montano is a first-semester staff writer at The Oak Leaf, but has been a freelance photographer since 2012. She is passionate about photography and uncovering the story behind each image. Sarah is on a journey to find her purpose in life both for her own fulfillment and as a single mom who wants to set a strong example for her 3-year-old daughter.

Maritza is a second-year journalism major at SRJC with plans to transfer in Fall 2021 to continue her study of journalism. Her desire to cover social issues started in the 4th grade when she wrote about social issues for her elementary school’s paper. Maritza also enjoys working out and listening to music, which will inform her arts and entertainment coverage.

Aryk Copley (he/they) is an aspiring photojournalist in his second year with The Oak Leaf. After experiencing a brain injury and a subsequent 5-year recovery, Aryk has returned to school with a matured perspective of the world. As a means to cope with the aftereffects of his injury, he developed a passion for photography. Aryk works as a freelance wedding and portrait photographer in the Sonoma County area and maintains a propensity for full-contact weapons fighting, analog film photography, traveling, cinema and thrifting.

Audrey Fry (she/her) is exploring new careers at SRJC after teaching science for many years. She likes learning and organizing information so that it’s useful for others. This is her second semester at The Oak Leaf. Outside of class, Audrey can be found playing with her new puppy, watching “Nova” on PBS or reading “The Lord of the Rings.”

Nicholas “Nick” Vides (he/him) Is a seasoned breaking news reporter dedicated to making sure every shutter click of his camera captures a moment worth sharing. Nick’s itch for chasing fires has kept him busy over the past seven years, covering every major fire event in Northern California from the Paradise Fire to the Caldor Fire. Nick currently splits his time as a contract photographer with The Press Democrat and works for Highway 12 Winery in Sonoma, California as a cellar hand. He has more than 10 years of experience with photography, has been director of photography for multiple short films with the SRJC Media Arts Center, directed numerous student-led broadcasts with his Media 19 class, and interned for The Sarah and Vinnie Show on Alice 97.3.  

Peyton Krzyzek is a third-semester SRJC student and English major who is new to The Oak Leaf. She views writing as an outlet that allows her to creatively express new perspectives and helps spark innovative conversation, and she enjoys educating herself in current world and national affairs while advocating for social justice though society. Peyton loves drawing, dance, connecting with nature, and creating, listening and playing music. After the JC, Peyton plans to transfer to UC Berkeley to pursue a career as a full time journalist with a side hustle in the music or art industry.

Jonathan Bigall is a journalism major in his second year as an SRJC student who is planning to transfer after the Spring 2021 semester. This is his third semester at The Oak Leaf. Jonathan plans to transfer to either Humboldt State or Long Beach state to get a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He loves podcasts and podcasting and even has his own show, “The Chaos Addiction Podcast.” Jonathan has fallen in love with the journalism field and wants to be a part of a major publication in his career.

Alden Nichols, a second-year SRJC student, joined The Oak Leaf his first 2020 semester as a staff writer. A future photojournalist, Alden’s inability to spell is supplemented only by his ability to take decent photos.

Hannah is a first-year English and Journalism major at SRJC who is planning on transferring in Spring 2022. This is her first semester at The Oak Leaf. She enjoys writing about social and cultural topics in the community. Hannah loves to watch Netflix and Hulu, take trips to the beach with her friends or family, and go on hikes.

Abraham Fuentes is a Writer and photographer at the Oak Leaf News going into his 3 third semester. He will be transferring in 2020 fall Semester.