The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

tjTODAY
The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

tjTODAY
The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

tjTODAY
Sebastian Garcia Gaytan

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan is a junior at Jefferson who thrives on challenge, whether it’s tackling tough classes or sparring in Muay Thai. Sebastian has been a loyal member of tjTODAY since his freshman year, he loves uncovering the real stories behind people while sharpening his writing and photography skills. When he’s not reporting, Sebastian is usually reading fantasy or historical fiction, playing video games or picking up his guitar or violin.

All content by Sebastian Garcia Gaytan
Sam Taylor and Annandale defender Arisel Aguilera-Sanchez fight for possession of a grounded lacrosse ball. “It was really hot, but it felt fun. We're able to try new things and to take more risks, because we know we're able to win the game,” Taylor said.

Jefferson girls lacrosse triumphs 19-6 over Annandale Atoms

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Multimedia Manager
June 1, 2025
History teacher Gwen Wright smiles in a thrifted wool sweater of her signature color: bright pink. “I love thrifting clothes,” Wright said. “It’s probably where I get a good amount of my clothes. It's affordable, which is great, but it's also sustainable. Thrifting is a really fun hobby because you just never know what you're gonna find.”

Teacher fabulous fashion

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Multimedia Manager
April 27, 2025
Getting ready for Veterans Day, Assistant Principal Volita Russell sits at her computer as the new grade level administrator for the senior Class of 2025. "I was working with the seniors in the absence of Mr. Frank, and so it wasn't a major adjustment."

Jefferson’s administration’s lineup changes

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan and Mahmoud Belhamdi
December 7, 2024
A Jefferson hallway sits devoid of students. Where there would usually be items overflowing out of cubbies from all the students, there is just one or two visible backpacks in this teacher’s class. “I stayed home because so many other people were staying home. I thought it was better to stay home than to risk my life,” said freshman Marie Dobbyn.

School shooting threat empties Jefferson

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer
May 14, 2024
The team poses with the first place medal for winning States at the University of Virginia. “It was a lot more cutthroat this year, but I think everyone saw it as fun,” Khemani said. “We try to do fun activities, like we always go out for food and things like that.”

Science Olympiad places first at States

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer
April 22, 2024
Bob Marley’s iconic album “Legend - The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers” was released in 1984. This artwork features the same face on his album with a red, yellow and green background to symbolize Rastafari, the religious movement focused on a life of peace.

How music sends a message in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ (2024)

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Kai Wang conducts Symphonic Orchestra as the first Jefferson orchestra performance composed and conducted by a student. Everyone in the ensemble dressed in red to symbolize good fortune and joy for the Lunar New Year. “I was just proud of him, because [the piece] was such quality,” orchestra director Allison Bailey said.

Composer and conductor, ‘Yours Truly’

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer
February 26, 2024
Amidst the crowd, sophomore Owen Davenport and junior Derek Deconti watch as the soccer ball nears the net. “I could always hear our friends cheering wherever we scored which was nice to have so much support and also pumped us up to play”, said DeConti.

2024 Class Council concludes futsal tournament

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer
February 15, 2024
Video games during 2023 reigned supreme, from remakes to upgrades to brand new games worthy of accolade, this year was perfect for avid players and new members alike.

Top 13 of 2023: Video Games

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan and Sami Nukta
January 25, 2024
Studying can be one of the hardest things to do when you can’t get something off your mind. Putting on music makes you feel like you’re more in control and helps eliminate nagging distractions.

Tune out to lock in

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan, Staff Writer
December 10, 2023
Welcoming everyone back with a flurry of spirit, the Jefferson cheerleaders hype up the spectators for the back to school bash. We talked to freshman varsity cheerleader Iryne Jackson to have a look into how the girls felt as a team. “At first, I was intimidated by the team, especially since only three other freshmen were trying out for varsity cheer,” said Jackson. “But all of the girls are sweet and the team is like a big family.”

News Brief: Cheer wraps up season

Sebastian Garcia Gaytan and Alice Nguyen
December 1, 2023
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