FROM A QUIET FRESHMAN TO MC OF ONE OF THE YEAR’S MOST
IMPACTFUL EVENTS, JOHN SEDEN-HANSEN HAS LEFT QUITE THE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
In a sea of rainbow masks, one person shining behind them speaks up, introducing himself, among hoots and applause, as MC to the over 350 audience members. Meet John Seden-Hansen. The ASB Vice President led a group of over a dozen students in October as part of the LGBTQIA+ community to speak up against recent intolerant events against their community. With a motivation to not just help himself, but help others more, Hansen was chosen as one to represent, to bring out the voice of others who cannot speak for themselves, showing everyone what exactly it meant to be “Coming Out Against Hate.” Hansen described the night as one of his biggest achievements over his high school career, saying that hewas honored with the privilege of hosting an event that speaks up for those who cannot speak themselves. His hope, in the end, was that he could leave behind an environment for the future generation of Bearcats to feel safe in.
Hansen, one of the most active faces of the senior class, has proven across four years his hope was to leave behind the awareness of these issues, to raise his voice to allow others to follow, and to build strong campus spirit. His four years in PRHS Leadership class and a host of ASB titles and events shows that he has wanted to solve problems at the high school, in the community, and make sure everyone has a voice.
“‘Coming Out Against Hate’ was a big opportunity to at least try and make a difference for those kids who aren’t secure at the high school,” Hansen said.
He hasn’t always been this way, though. Joining clubs such as the Activist Club, being in leadership for all four years, and being the ASB Vice President for his senior year have all helped him improve his skills as a leader and speaker for his community. This has helped Hansen not only improve himself as a person, but also be more open to talking and bringing kindness to everyone around him.
“I try my best to be positive as much as I can. I think a little bit of positivity in your life, even from a stranger, can really make your day better,” Hansen said. “My style is being as friendly as possible to everyone, regardless of who they are.”
Friends also describe Hansen as someone who will instantly light up a room the instant he enters it, according to friend Holly DiSimone. He is seen as someone who is always reaching a hand out to help others, no matter who they are. In over a decade of knowing Hansen, DiSimone has described him as someone always willing to check in on people, making sure nobody is left behind.
“John is the person to instantly make you smile or laugh as soon as you see him walk into the room,”
“You can raise your voice to talk about those awkward things that nobody wants to talk about. You can raise your voice to solve those problems at the high school, solve problems in the community,” Hansen said. “You can show people that anyone can make a difference if we just work together.”
Hansen has also excelled in his athletics, as well, being a varsity swimmer since his freshman year alongside being a part of the varsity water polo team. He had become a staple of the swim team, swimming events such as the 200 yard IM, and also becoming the team’s top swimmer in the 100 yard backstroke.
“In seventh grade I joined the swim team and ever since then, I’ve been involved in aquatics,” Hansen said, describing the journey to becoming a four year varsity swimmer. “I started with just club, and eventually started swimming for the high school as well.”
Hansen’s academics have led him to a commitment to the University of Santa Cruz, to major in Human Biology, with hopes of later in life becoming a nurse, with the intent of helping others when they still need it most.
Hansen wants to make sure that he has left an impact on the school and wants to leave one final message for the future generations of students coming to the high school.
“You can raise your voice to talk about those awkward things that nobody wants to talk about. You can raise your voice to solve those problems at the high school, solve problems in the community,” Hansen said. “You can show people that anyone can make a difference if we just work together.”
