Long Beach High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates are in the midst of their extended essays, dedicating much time and work to developing the intense, 4,000-word paper. At this point, they have all settled on subjects and conducted research, and now the writing process is well underway. The seniors participated in an all-day, in-school workshop held in the library on Jan. 9 to further focus on their essays and make greater headway with the assistance of their mentors. 

The diploma candidates are writing about themes they selected based on their own strengths, interests and curiosity. Each essay begins with an essential question that the content supports through valid information sources such as articles, videos and others obtained through databases. 

Alec Chasin, an All-State clarinetist, is focusing on music, while Sophia Munier and Nicole Celis are incorporating different aspects of their science research project on oyster restoration. Jamie Allegria is incorporating her interest in forensics by studying the transcripts of serial killers such as Ted Bundy, while Eddie Vrona is working on an essay about George W. Bush’s transparency in policies. 

“I’m very involved with local government and wanted to look at the Freedom of Information Act through a historical lens,” Eddie said.  

Madison Gusler was inspired to study the impact of the American Red Cross after doing a service project in the Dominican Republic for one of the organization’s programs that provides the community with sustainable work. Angelica Gonzales is doing a rhetorical analysis of the Consoler-in-Chief concept, comparing the effectiveness of speeches given by former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama following the Sept. 11 attacks and Boston Marathon bombing, respectively. 

“I looked at both speeches and evaluated the ways the presidents used rhetoric to console the American people,” Angelica said. 

IB graduates have reported that the extended essays were of great value in preparing them for college. Members of the Class of 2019 will continue to polish their rigorous, advanced assignments in the upcoming weeks.