IN-DEPTH
Having difficult conversations in an age of increasing political sensitivity
PAGE 8-9
Staff and student experiences working with neurodivergent youth
PAGE 11
Henry M. Gunn High School
THEOraclE
Palo Alto social, political divisions increase amid local, national events
Yu-Ming Liu Forum Editor
In recent months, political and social tensions have heightened in Palo Alto, following PAUSD school board controversy, protests against popular electric vehicle manufacturing company Tesla and fractures within parent networks.
With around 73% voter turnout in the 2024 general presidential election, according to Santa Clara County voting data, the region has been highly engaged in politics at the local, state and national level. However, this participation was 12% lower than the 2020 general election voter turnout. The data also shows that the county is relatively liberal, with 68% of voters voting for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and 28% voting for the Republican candidate Donald Trump, compared to the entire nation, with 48% of Americans voting for the Democratic candidate and 50% Republican. General left-leaning voting tendencies in the region align with recent shifts in reactions to political events on local and national levels.
School Board
During a special PAUSD board meeting on Jan. 23, Board Member Rowena Chiu stated that she had “not felt very safe” on the dais regarding feedback she had recieved from the community. According to the video recording of the meeting, around 50 minutes later, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Danaé Reynolds, a Black woman, made a comment about the correct rhetoric for Chiu to use, stating that the word “unsafe” was reserved for cases such as worrying about whether her husband would come home.
On Jan. 27, Chiu reposted an X account named “Asians Against Wokeness” that made a post arguing that Reynolds silenced Chiu on the premise of being Asian, with many in the comments section
calling Reynolds a racist. Chiu took down her repost a few days later, but controversy quickly brewed: The Palo Alto Educators Association revoked their endorsement of Chiu, with members of the Palo Alto Management Association calling for her to resign in a signed document. On Feb. 11, School Board Vice President Shana Segal and Board Member Shounak Dharap introduced a resolution to reassign Chiu, which caught the attention of many meeting attendees. At the March 11 board meeting, PAEA president Teri Baldwin reported that Chiu was unwilling to meet with the executive board to discuss her actions due to PAEA’s rejection of Chiu’s preconditions, including having an attorney present and a video recording of their meeting.
Parent and Student Reactions
Overall, these events have been extremely divisive: Some saw Chiu’s actions in reposting the account as justified, arguing that Reynolds was in the wrong and acted to silence Asian voices, while others believed that Chiu’s actions were unjustified, seeing the repost as an attempt to have Palo Alto flip against Reynolds. Others did not know what to think. The situation itself exemplifies that the city is more divided on social issues than once thought. According to a PAUSD parent, who requested anonymity to prevent social backlash, a sizable portion of the Asian community was outraged at the resolution. However, Chiu’s actions also were not justified.
“She has a right to free speech, so she can say things,” they said. “But now that Chiu is in a leadership position, it wasn’t a wise thing to do. You have to work with the teachers and staff, and you have to get them to trust you.”
Division on local politics also led to the eventual splitting of parent group chats on WeChat, a popular messaging app used by primarily Asian parents. According to a different PAUSD parent
At the Superintendent Student Advisory Group meeting on March 17, students met with Superintendent Dr. Don Austin to discuss the most pressing topics regarding PAUSD’s high schools. These included mental health, course delaning, artificial intelligence use and recent federal legislation. The forum was open to all PAUSD high school students.
One of the large group discussions focused on academic stress. In his March 21 Superintendent’s Update Austin wrote, “In PAUSD surveys, students ranked academic stress as a leading risk factor for youth suicide.”
During the meeting he also said that district mental health professionals reported academic stress as the reason for over half of student visits. The advisory group discussion’s goal was to identify its causes.
Nearly all attendees contributed, agreeing that academic stress was primarily caused by the pressure to attend prestigious colleges, driven by fear of peer judgement or a desire to live up to both internal and external expectations. Junior Aman Solanki shared his experience with the latter reason.
“All of our parents worked really hard to get here,” he said. “All of us want to follow a similar path to them, so we can get the same life for our kids. For me, my parents got (into) UCLA, and I know they’re successful, so I really want to go (too) so I can follow the same path.”
Before the meeting, he wrote to Mental Health and Wellness Director Dawn Yoshinaga to survey wellness staff and counselors to see if student and staff perspectives align. According to Austin, if these perspectives align it will be easier to channel resources and target the roots of stress.
“(My) biggest takeaway is that a lot of students are feeling exactly the same way, regardless of the family or culture you come from,” he said. “I think we have underestimated the Palo Alto school system culture and, instead, try to think that there’s differences within subsets of students (which is) less true than most people think.”
Following the meeting, Austin carried these concerns into his update, where he emphasized hearing firsthand student accounts and addressed student mental health as a priority.
After the school board meeting on January 21, which approved the merging of honors and non-honors biology level classes, there has been discourse about the reasoning and efficiency behind this decision.
Some students supported the decision, saying eliminating the “honors” label would reduce peer pressure and give students more confidence. Others had concerns about preparedness for more advanced science classes after removing the honors lane.
“I know a lot of people who struggled in (Chemistry Honors), and I can’t imagine now what it’s like for people who aren’t in Biology Honors (anymore) because we’re de-laning it,” junior Deven Sharma said. “Jumping to Chemistry Honors, I’m going to imagine that’s going to be a pretty difficult jump for some people.”
According to Sharma, who is also a member of the advisory group’s Planning Committee, the discussion with students may not lead to any immediate changes but was originally intended to set a precedent for future initiatives.
“Ultimately, we just wanted to see what students actually thought of (the delaning),” Sharma said. “It’s just a way that we wanted to (increase) student input on it because I don’t know that Dr. Austin received much input on it before.”
Melody Song Reporter
Graphic bySarahXie
Monthly highlights: Key Club On-Campus Service Day
“We got to paint on these different gardening pots and plant whatever we wanted with them, which we could then donate.”
BY THE NUMBERS
• 400+ participants volunteered
• 100 rocks painted
• 30 hearts crocheted
• 125 “care bear towels” made
“So many people were able to come in and try different activities. I feel like everyone found something that they enjoyed.”
Student volunteers divide into groups and select smooth rocks to be painted and donated to the community.
—Quotations
California Ave., Ramona St. continue construction for car-free project
On March 17, California Avenue’s and Ramona Street’s car-free construction project went into full swing after a delay in a shipment of bollards, or short steel poles, and contracting issues for equipment in February. Currently, the city is repaving and excavating streets to prepare for the installation of thermoplastic paving and removable bollards, an undertaking the city projects to complete by the end of April. The retractable bollards will work to manage and control pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
According to the City of Palo Alto’s Chief Communications Officer Megan Horrigan-Taylor, the goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly space where people can dine and shop outdoors without the disruption of vehicular traffic. The purpose of the revamp is to promote local businesses and maintain an economically healthy retail district. To achieve this goal, the transformation will create a more attractive space for consumers.
The project began in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought indoor dining restrictions and social distancing measures that negatively impacted local businesses. According to Assistant to the City Manager Bruce Fukuji, Palo Alto officials temporarily closed off sections of Ramona St. and California Ave. to support economic recovery by promoting outdoor dining, pedestrian access and retail activity.
While these streets have remained closed since 2020, it was not until November 2023 that the City Council
voted to make the street closures permanent, officially banning vehicular access.
“The Palo Alto community really enjoys these streets as car-free with outdoor dining as a positive outcome of the temporary closures due to the pandemic,” Fukuji wrote in an email. “It is a safer environment for pedestrians when there is no vehicle traffic, no clutter of cars, better air quality, less noise and a more relaxed, walkable environment (because) people love dining outdoors.”
The Palo Alto community really enjoys these streets as car-free with outdoor dinings as a positive outcome of the temporary closures due to the pandemic.
City Manager Bruce Fukuji
California Avenue is going to be completely remodeled as the city plans to change its visuals. The goal is to make the street similar to Santana Row in San Jose. The city staff proposed two concepts for the future of the street. The first one, named “the adaptive street,” is intended to maintain the current curbs but add bike lanes, planters and sidewalk areas to the street. The other concept, called “the reimagined street,” goes further to create an extensive tree canopy, pedestrian pathways, a central multi-use public space and a public art gallery. The city council will give more details on reconfiguration of California Ave. by the summer to acquire the necessary environmental
clearance licenses. This change will ensure that there are no long-term environmental impacts and preserve the air quality.
After months of watching the site transform, junior Chilton Chau has witnessed steady construction progress from his apartment near California Ave.
“I’ve been so close and have seen the progress,” he said. “I’ve seen this construction every night. Recently, they were doing something with the sewage lines, tearing up concrete.”
Chau predicts that this improvement will enhance Palo Alto’s local economy, and the increase in foot traffic will not only improve California Ave.’s welcoming atmosphere but also boost the business output by attracting new visitors.
“Making a street for people to come and eat with a nice atmosphere and environment to hang around will have a positive impact on all the citizens,” he said. “You spend money to eat food, so people can get jobs at the restaurants. That will help the economy in Palo Alto, and it will have an overall positive impact.”
— Written by Carmen Ruiz Fernandez
Senior Melinda Huang fills a decorated planter with soil to prepare for others to plant.
compiled by Lena Duggan
Students have lunch while making colorful friendship bracelets that will be donated.
Senior Floyd Neesen (left) and junior Elijah Williams (right) decorate pots and planters for a gardening activity.
—Tess Bogart, 12
Gavin Yeung, 11
Student volunteers collaborate to crochet hearts and fold “care bear towels” for cancer patients at Ronald McDonald House.
Source: Key Club President Tess Bogart Photos courtesy of Tess Bogart
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Student teams take on nationwide competitions
Gunn Instrumental Music
Over the past few months, Gunn Instrumental Music has been preparing for its upcoming Southern California trip from April 3 to 7. The ensembles will take a bus to Anaheim to perform at a music festival organized by the WorldStrides Performance company, enhancing their musical and social careers at Gunn.
According to band director Todd Summers, winning is not the top priority.
“The focus (of the trip) is playing really well and doing a good job, and typically that will yield good results for us,” he said. “In the past, we’ve done well, but we’re not going to say, ‘We want to go to win things.’ It’s just to go play and get feedback.”
Aside from performing at the music festival, the orchestra will also enjoy a day and a half at Disneyland. Additionally, they will spend
From March 26 to 30, the Gunn Robotics Team traveled to Nampa, Idaho, to compete in the For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology Robotics Competition. GRT placed 15th out of 51 teams and won the “Team Spirit Award,” which recognizes one team for “extraordinary enthusiasm” and “exceptional partnership and teamwork,” according to the FIRST website.
Although the team did not qualify for the FIRST World Championships, GRT member junior Hannah Mei was satisfied with their performance.
“Overall, the competition went well,” she said. “We played matches we were expected to lose, but we beat the odds in a lot of them and ended up winning (those rounds).”
To GRT captain senior Amelia Perry, the biggest challenge was the lack of efficiency of
designing and fabricating the robot’s parts.
part of one of the days touring University of California, Los Angeles, doing clinics with the music faculty, getting a campus tour and eating lunch in the student union.
Wind orchestra member junior Elijah Leppert has been preparing by actively preparing for the performance in class. He emphasizes his excitement to enhance his music abilities and gain new experiences while building strong connections with his peers.
“It is another opportunity to perform in front of a more serious audience,” he said. “It’s a great experience to enhance both your musical capabilities and social life.”
“The number of high-precision machines we have compared to the parts we need to make with them slows us down significantly,” she said. “By designing with machining in mind, we can machine faster and leave more time in our schedule for controls.”
This year’s game — called “Reefscape” — challenged teams to build a robot to collect and place large balls (algae) and cylinders (coral) on a “reef” in the center of the playing field. GRT’s success could be attributed to their unique strategy, according to Mei.
“(We specialized) in one of the pieces called algae” she said. “Other teams were focused on placing coral, but we specialized in algae, so it made us stand out more among teams.”
From March 7 to 10, Gunn’s Model United Nations club attended the National High School Model UN Conference in Manhattan, New York, where students write research essays and speeches to prepare for the event. The busy days were accompanied by visits to iconic New York City landmarks such as the Empire State Building and helped strengthen bonds between club members.
Sophomore Misha Cherukumilli represented the Russian Federation in the Committee on Women and had the opportunity to discuss female digital literacy and gender equality in sports.
“I learned a lot about the stances of other countries on the Committee on Women,” she said. “Russia is surprisingly progressive on this issue. They have initiatives to increase female digital literacy to improve the economy.”
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Freshman Fiona Wu also represented the Russian Federation and found that the conference taught her to quickly write speeches on the fly.
“You have to improvise it, since you only have three minutes before each round to prepare,” she said. “I also improved my public speaking skills.”
Sophomore Tony Wu, who represented Sierra Leone, worked with other delegates to resolve conflict in Afghanistan and other issues regarding their modern-day politics.
“I liked socializing with delegates from other parts of the world since they are from everywhere,” he said.
Letters and Comments may be edited to meet space requirements, and the writer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the content. Letters to the Editor, Comments and ideas for coverage may be sent to oraclegunn@gmail.com. These letters do not need to be from current students.
Photo courtesy of Riya Chaudhary Gunn Robotics Team
The Gunn Robotics Team groups together and cheers for their team during a round.
Gunn Wind Ensemble rehearses during fifth period to prepare for the SoCal trip.
MUN student delegates listen in at the opening ceremony in New York City.
Model United Nations
Sylvie Nguyen
Photo courtesy of Fiona Wu
—Written by Gwen Domine
—Written by Roy Lao
—Written by Eanam Maor
Recent political events highlight underlying community disunity
who requested anonymity to prevent social backlash, some parents’ voices were silenced in a group chat due to having dissenting opinions.
“The leaders of the chat kicked out people who didn’t share views supporting the school board’s policies,” they said. “The new parents, who were somewhat right-wing, made their own group chat, so there’s two groups now.”
Furthermore, some students faced backlash for speaking out in support of Chiu. An anonymous Paly sophomore specifically noted an occurrence where he was singled out by others who did not share his views after he spoke at the board meeting against Segal and Dharap’s motion. The student also requested anonymity to avoid social repercussions.
“Three days after I spoke at the board meeting, people tracked me down and came up to me during my prep,” the student said. “They gave this really rude stare, but I did speak out against them in a sort of way.”
Three days after I spoke at the board meeting, people tracked me down and came up to me during my prep, (and) they gave this really rude stare.
Anonymous Paly Sophomore
The community has also grown increasingly divided over the school board apart from the Chiu controversy. PAUSD’s student body is predominantly Asian and white and is reflected in the diversity of the school board members as well. The anonymous student noted that race has been a large factor in conversations over school board representation, perhaps too large.
“The main issue is that, when candidates are Asian, they usually say they represent the entire group of Asians,” the student said. “Then some people say that one person is representative of all the Asians, but then there’s other people who don’t think so. It’s just this attachment of race and representation within a group, and that presumption of it.”
Separately, a group of parents also attempted to recall school board member Shounak Dharap in February, with signees stating that Dharap purposely overlooked
problems at Hoover Elementary and had made politically charged decisions that ignored implications on the education and well-being of students. The motion was denied after it failed to gain the 30 signatures needed to start recall processes, according to Palo Alto Online and the Palo Alto Daily Post.
Tesla dealership protests
A changing political climate nationally has also led to an increase in public demonstrations in Palo Alto.
Over the past three months, Tesla CEO and President Donald Trump’s senior advisor Elon Musk has been in the spotlight of national politics for leading the Department of Government Efficiency and slashing budgets for many federal agencies. This controversy has caused severe backlash against Tesla around the world and led to acts of vandalism and protests. Palo Alto has been no stranger to such demonstrations. On Feb. 28, hundreds of protesters gathered outside of Tesla Engineering Headquarters, urging boycotts on Tesla and Amazon, according to Palo Alto Online.
Smaller-scale protests have also been taking place at the Tesla dealership on El Camino every weekend. Community members held anti-Trump and anti-Musk signs. These protests typically start in the morning and go on for multiple hours throughout the day. According to junior Rrishi Anand, who lives in an apartment complex across the street from the dealership, the protests can be quite disruptive.
“They have megaphones, so I can constantly hear them yelling,” Anand said. “They also walk into my apartment complex holding poster boards.”
The crowd also acts out physically, according to Anand, and can get aggressive or violent.
“I saw a Tesla trying to pass through the intersection once, and somebody threw an object at it,” Anand said. “Several times, the police have been called, but after they leave, the protest usually escalates again.”
While similar anti-Musk protests have been occurring internationally, according to social studies teacher David Bisbee, Palo Alto has the unique position of being a central hub of Tesla. As a result, the demonstrations are more likely to have an impact.
“Musk has incredible influence and access right now, so the Tesla locations have been the places to get his
attention,” Bisbee said. “He has a definitive connection to Palo Alto.”
These demonstrations show a sense of intensified activism seeping into Palo Alto. Because the recent policy changes made by Trump are seen as extremely controlversial, along with the fact that Palo Alto is extremely liberal — with 52% of voters being registered as Democrats and just 16% as Republicans in Silicon Valley, according to Palo Alto Online — the city is in a tense political mood. The Tesla demonstrations are one way for the Palo Alto community to democratically express their concerns and are also encouraged by similar international activities.
In response to Trump’s actions, the Palo Alto City Council reaffirmed its detachment from “prominent Silicon Valley technology executives” and proposed a legal process that would allow Palo Alto’s Policy and Services Committee to pursue legal action against federal legislation on March 17 in a 7-0 vote, according to Palo Alto Online. Anti-Trump actions such as these reaffirm the city’s values in the face of changes in the national political atmosphere.
According to Bisbee, tensions have been rising for decades on the national level, and changes in political party dominance typically do cause expulsions in tension.
“It hasn’t been an overnight change,” Bisbee said. “Anytime there’s a new political party in office, especially in today’s context, you’re going to see the tension ebb and flow.”
However, a clear-cut difference today is a change in the mediums of information. Social media’s rise has led to a change in the way that people digest information while also making it easier for people to engage with politics. According to Bisbee, today’s world is vastly different and allows people’s voices to be heard.
“Social media is an easier outlet for people to get engaged, and there’s a myriad of different things that young people care about, like climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, gun legislation, reproductive rights, education, racial justice, DEI issues and homelessness,” Bisbee said. “Social media is a great vehicle, too. If you’re not actively politically engaged with an organization, it’s a place where you can let your opinions be known.”
Superintendent’s Student Advisory group focuses on student experiences
Superintendent—p.1
Federal legislation and AI
At the end of the meeting, students split up into two groups, each with an assigned topic.
One group discussed PAUSD’s reaffirmation to safeguarding families from the fear of increasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on school campuses nationally since President Donald Trump’s presidency. Participants proposed distributing Red Cards, which inform students of their rights if approached by an agent, in an effort to support students without being in open defiance of the law. They also discussed the
National Collegiate Athletic Association’s recent ban on transgender women competing in women’s sports. Participants spoke about the importance of treating athletes with respect, regardless of one’s political views.
The other group discussed how many students use free and accessible AI tools like ChatGPT to help their school work productivity, from simple searches to essay outlines. However, generative AI’s capabilities have implications for academic integrity. Students decided that teachers should make AI expectations clear on a per-assignment basis, emphasizing that whether AI is considered cheating should depend on the assignment’s objective.
FORUM
Sustainability efforts should be more convenient, nuanced
Olivia Lee Reporter
Bamboo straws, paper bags and biodegradable plastic are all popular sustainable products that many people attempt to integrate into their daily routines. While these products seem like a key way to fight against environmental issues, they are actually not as beneficial as many believe them to be. Sustainability has reached a point where the perceived benefits are eclipsed by the negative consequences that can result from its implementation.
According to a 2023 survey by TheRoundup, a company that promotes sustainability, 62% of United States adults seek more environmentally friendly products, compared to just 27% in 2021. With this increasingly environmentally conscious mindset, sustainability has become a popular trend. Oftentimes, the alternatives are simply replacements for their plastic counterparts, but are made using more sustainable materials such as paper or bamboo.
However, while these replacements are biodegradable, they bring their own issues and act as a band-aid solution for the deeper environmental issues they are trying to combat. According to National Geographic, paper is a resource-dependent material to produce. For example, manufacturing a single paper bag takes about four times the amount of energy used to produce a plastic bag. In the process of creating paper bags, additional chemicals and fertilizers are used, which also has a negative impact on the environment. Paper straws also often have additional plastic coatings that make them unrecyclable. Additionally, when they get soggy, they often can’t be recycled. While eco-friendly alternatives may seem more beneficial than their plastic counterparts, the energy and resources required to produce them can unintentionally lead to greater environmental harm than the original products they were meant to replace. Without considering the full impacts of sustainability, there is the major risk of swapping one harmful process for another.
Many “sustainable” alternatives also sacrifice convenience for sustainability. Consumers can become frustrated at products that lack functionality and deteriorate faster than the plastic version, sullying the user’s experience with that product. This phenomenon shows a need for implementing sustainable options that do not solely prioritize the environmental impact, but also maintain the quality
Sustainability is also costly. According to research in 2024 conducted by the Dutch consulting company, Kearny, sustainable products have an average markup of 75% to 80% compared to the traditional plastic versions. As a result, this price increase will start to take a notable toll on buyers. As companies lean into more sustainable practices, basic products, such as household items and groceries, will become costly and less accessible to the average consumer. This means that not all environmentally-conscious individuals can consistently afford to buy sustainable products.
Some may argue that implementing sustainability is more beneficial than not because it encourages consumers to make an effort to fight against prominent environmental issues. However, the way many are practicing sustainability is unsustainable in the long run.
Implementing sustainability is an important step toward fixing current environmental issues. However, the current approach to sustainability often focuses on surface-level changes, instead of addressing the root causes of environmental issues. Rather than entirely relying on products, sustainability efforts should target deeper problems like deforestation or industrial pollution by spreading awareness about the larger problems. This would ensure people take meaningful actions to fight against the cause, rather than creating superficial solutions that have little impact.
Masculinity should not be viewed as inherently negative
Yu-Ming Liu Forum Editor
In previous generations, being a masculine man was not something to be ashamed of. Recently, gender roles have undergone significant changes, many of which are beneficial for society. For example, women have found a greater sense of equality, taking on more power and representation. However, the shift has also caused detrimental effects, such as the shift towards viewing masculinity as something undesirable. The changes in societal gender norms have caused a double standard in the perception of masculinity, with men being seen through a restrictive lens while also being expected to be stoic. These effects cause men to feel silenced, isolated. Growing stigma around traditional masculinity has certainly increased in the modern era. Terms such as “toxic masculinity” routinely highlight problems associated with the social image of masculinity, including aggression. It is true that harmful behaviors related to masculinity must
be addressed, but the overgeneralization of masculinity as being inherently distasteful alienates men. In fact, a 2017 Pew Research Center study found that 37% of Americans view looking up to masculinity as negative. The overall societal shift presented is also hypocritical. While masculinity is further ostracized, men are still expected to embody it. According to the same Pew Research Center study, 86% of men feel pressured to remain emotionally stoic, a central trait of masculinity. Essentially, men are still expected to take up their traditional roles while society paradoxically attacks them for it. The issues with masculinity have also led to the rise in popularity of toxic masculinists such as Andrew Tate, attracting insecure men to a dangerous ideology that reinforces misogynistic views. A clear divide has been shown: Men are unsure of whether to choose to adhere to traditional masculinity — and perhaps slip into toxic masculinity — or to buy into masculinity reforms that reduce their agency.
The modern era has also unfairly burdened men with suppression. According to a joint poll conducted by digital newspaper Politico and market company Ipsos MORI, around 55% of Americans believe that stigma exists around male vulnerability. When men cannot open up about their problems without facing backlash, they keep their emotions bottled up, which leads to lower social support and emotional connection, according to a 2009
study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Since men face scrutiny for being vulnerable, they keep their feelings in the dark. According to a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, men made up 80% of total suicides in 2022, a rate four times higher than women. According to Dr. Claudia Elsig, the expectation to suppress emotions plays a large factor in the high suicide rates in young men, signifying that reducing the ability for young men to be open about their feelings contributes to their mental health problems. Extending this argument, there is no end goal that men can achieve to be both accepted by society and still retain their masculinity, a problem that is not discussed enough and leads to mental health issues.
Some might argue that men can open up to others. After all, open minds and emotions are sought for in this day and age. But this is often not the case. Although traditional masculinity has been called out for its issues, men are still expected to embrace it, creating a dangerous cycle where men are criticized for expressing masculinity while also being criticized for not embodying it. In such a world, society must stop painting masculinity as a negative trait and embrace its positive sides.
Students should recognize SEC efforts to lower prom ticket prices, understand reasons for high costs
Prom-ises and price tags — this is the paradox of prom. From attire to transportation, students spend an average of more than $600 on prom, according to Yahoo Style’s 2017 Prom Across America survey. At the baseline of this giant price tag is the prom ticket cost, leading many students to argue that this defining landmark in their American education has become too expensive. However, for schools, it’s a balancing act between keeping prom affordable and equitable while also sustaining its cultural weight — the climax of high school years and the cusp of adulthood. If students gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic, they may develop a more realistic and less frustrated view of prom’s economics, where the cost reflects the effort put into creating a lasting experience.
In neighborhood districts, such as Los Altos Mountain View Unified School District, students are allowed to coordinate their own rides if the venue is within Santa Clara County. However, PAUSD requires the schools to provide transportation by bus, regardless of the event location, to ensure student safety and reduce risks associated with students driving. Safe and controlled transportation to and from prom is essential, but it comes at a significant expense. This PAUSD policy adds one of the heaviest components of cost for proms. This year, the cost for transportation accounts for 20% to 25% of the total cost for prom, according to Student Activities Director Lisa Hall, who helped advocate for PAUSD to reconsider its transportation requirements.
Within many schools, there is a recurring discussion about the possibility of moving prom to a location on campus, which would eliminate transportation costs and free up more of the budget for decorations and entertainment. However, this change is often vetoed because of the romanticized novelty a new venue adds to the exclusivity of prom. Because of this expectation, schools are often hesitant to choose on-campus locations for such a significant event.
The demand for a high-quality event in the digital age has also elevated expectations for prom. For instance, the social media hashtag #prom2024 amassed approximately 164,000 videos on TikTok within
two months. The hopes for a polished, Instagramworthy experience have become almost ubiquitous, transforming prom into a full-fledged production.
As a result, schools are faced with the challenge of using commercial venues that specialize in lighting and sound that often charge premium prices. In addition to vendor costs, schools may also invest in event insurance to protect against potential liabilities. This ongoing financial pressure to satisfy district policies and deliver to student expectations must be communicated to students for them to understand that ticket prices reflect more than just an evening out.
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This ongoing financial pressure to satisfy district policies and deliver to students illustrates the background knowledge students may need to appreciate that ticket prices reflect more than just an evening out.
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According to CostHelper prom ticket prices in the United States can reach $250, depending on the venue. Gunn’s prom prices have ranged from $90 to $159 for the early bird prices and $110 to $185 for the later prices. To make sure that the Student Executive Council does not lose money, organizers added another level to the tiered pricing system this year where the price increases slightly as ticket sales go on. This measure was added to avoid repeating the $13,000 accrued in debt from last year, according to Hall. As for subsidization, many organizations provide second-hand dresses and accessories for students, but they usually do not partner with schools. On campus, there are tuxedo rentals for students who cannot afford their own, a staff-run prom closet where the staff provide dresses, subsidies for tickets and full or partial scholarships. Although the prices are still steep, SEC and the Gunn community are doing their best to lower the costs as much as they can.
When comparing the prices of prom throughout the years, they seem to rise slightly from year to year. According to data collected by SEC, between 2015 and 2019, the prices stayed around $100 per person, while the prices between 2022 and 2025 were closer to $145 per person.
The comparison of the total venue cost and transportation cost and what students are charged shows a significant difference. In 2024, the price for the venue and transportation was $250.23 while students
were only charged $145 to $165. In 2023, the original price was $224, and students paid $159 to $169. While the prices are still high, there is a drastic difference between what students have to pay and the actual cost to SEC.
In the past, SEC has partnered with organizations like The Princess Project, which supplies second-hand prom dresses but found that it was a tedious process to coordinate. Although the idea of The Princess Project is great, students’ tight schedules and busy lives made it difficult to implement.
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Although the prices are still steep, SEC and the Gunn community are doing their best to lower the costs as much as they can.
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To combat the complications of working with The Princess Project, SEC hosts tuxedo rentals and promotes the staff-run “Prom Closet.” However, an issue with the tuxedo rentals and “Prom Closet” is publicity. Many students don’t know of such opportunities. As a result, they struggle to gain traction and continue operating. While there are many resources to make prom more affordable, they must be publicized to both parents and students. In reality, prom may be expensive, but there are numerous efforts and resources to help students create a memorable experience.
59.7% of students think that public schools must standardize prom costs and alternative options
Source: Self-selected survey sent out to Gunn students by The Oracle from March 28 to April 2 with 119 responses.
Sylvie Nguyen and Vaani Saxena News Editor and Reporter
Rin Sanami
Networking encourages genuine, healthy relationships, builds strong connections
Every time a hand is shaken, an email is sent or a LinkedIn connection is made, the sound of the “cha-ching” in one’s mental networking register echoes triumphantly. In contrast, others from the sideline scowl and express contempt toward such means of building connections and labeling the relationships. They argue that the networker comes across as superficial, transactional and parasitic. Despite its potentially negative reception, the act of networking can augment the number of genuine, meaningful connections one can cultivate.
Without the desire
to network, guiding one to step out of their bubble and seek out others in the world, one would comparatively lessen the number of interactions they could have. As a result, they might miss out on meeting new people who they have common interests with, even if that person’s main underlying motive does not directly correlate to gaining a friend. Despite the goal-oriented nature of networking, there is a chance of a connection arising in the meeting that leads to a friendship which may not have developed otherwise. For example, if someone wants to cultivate their skills in a sport, they might need to acquire a training partner to improve. One could potentially also feel as though their current connections lack the level of skill, interest or intensity they require to obtain the most effective results. By venturing outside of their social circle and contacting other individuals in the sport, the networker boosts the number of people they know. Although not always a necessity, possessing a commonality is a key factor of many friendships, according to a study published in the Social Science Journal in 2015. Additionally, maintaining a
similar aspect of identity involving all parties is the target of networking.
Gunn is a prime example of the hidden benefits of networking in building friendships. It is rife with students who fixate on achieving high-level positions in student organizations, founding initiatives to highlight their strengths and gaining advice and insights from upperclassmen. Students often do so to elevate their college application profile or further themselves intellectually, socially and academically. Despite the seemingly negative connotation of overachievement, such underlying motivations can lead to meeting new people and potentially making new friends. Hence, rather than looking at it with disdain, individuals should recognize and accept that networking plays a crucial role in building mutualistic, healthy friendships.
Students must take ownership of actions, fight procrastination
Sarah Grupenhoff Reporter
Although procrastination is an undoubtedly prevalent issue among teens, it has become normalized to the point where many fail to realize the true magnitude of its negative impact. More people need to learn that the temporary relief procrastination provides is not a solution. Rather, it is a method of ignoring problems that ironically creates a multitude of other problems on its own.
Procrastination can significantly impede academic success, especially as poor habits accumulate. According to a 2007 meta-analysis by University of Calgary researcher
disadvantage when it comes to test preparedness. In a 2012 study conducted by Nova Southeastern University researchers Yair Levy and Michelle Ramim, they found that procrastinators scored an average of 82.9% on exams, significantly lower than the non-procrastinators’ average score of 87.7%.
Damaging effects of procrastination can take shape outside of the classroom as well, leading to the deterioration of one’s health. People prone to procrastination have a 63% greater risk of poor heart health, per a 2015 study by Durham University. As a result, putting off work that may seem insignificant could have drastically disastrous effects later down the line. Additional research from 2015 conducted by Sirois also suggests that procrastination spurs negative emotions like shame, regret, guilt and anger, all of which are gateways to poor mental health.
Some may argue that procrastination leaves more room for creativity because having time
procrastinating leads to immense stress and dampens creativity, according to a 2018 study by Macquarie University researchers Andrea Espedido and Ben J. Searle.
The greatest underlying issue is that procrastination is usually a voluntary activity. Most students inflict these detrimental effects upon themselves by choosing to scroll on social media or play video games instead of finishing their work. Afterward, they end up overwhelmed with a towering pile of work that would be considerably less formidable, had they started working on it earlier.
In the long run, the consequences of habitually pushing off work will only amplify in severity. The more frequently someone procrastinates, the more used to it they will become. It will eventually be noticeably harder to take a step back and recognize that procrastination is happening in the first place, ultimately sacrificing one’s self-accountability.
To mitigate the harm procrastination has caused and truly change habits, one should start making changes at the root of the problem. If social media is a major distraction, consider putting the phone in a different room during study sessions. Or, perhaps the overwhelming stress of excessive assignments is preventing one from getting started altogether. In that case, students could try breaking up major, daunting assignments into smaller chunks, with quick breaks or a reward system in between segments. Procrastination can seem like a daunting obstacle to overcome, but taking a stand against it limits
Sera Singal Reporter Chaewon
Tienming Shao
Vanisha Vig Features Editor
Sitting in the second row of her 10th grade social studies class, junior Claudia Wolff De Tourreil was accustomed to difficult conversations. As part of the Social Justice pathway, the class often focused on debating current events. Students were guided through approaching controversial subjects, even when the class was divided in their opinions.
Still, there were moments where Wolff De Tourreil noticed a strained atmosphere in the room — when people began to be emotionally driven in their dialogue.
Despite her own opinions, Wolff De Tourreil found an importance in genuinely listening to each perspective. She attempted to remain factual in the face of disagreement and explain her own ideas with careful phrasing.
“I had to try and put my own thoughts and feelings aside in order to try and understand how each person viewed the situation,” she said.
During these interactions, Wolff De Tourreil realized how necessary it was to learn how to converse about sensitive topics.
“(The experiences) showed me that even if people disagree, they can still have
Digital Whirlpool
through
amount of misinformation. According to a 2023 article in Journal of Communication, the problem of audience activity — the choice consumers have to expose themselves to content that reinforces their pre-existing views — has intensified. This selective exposure, exacerbated by the social media algorithm, has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to confront conflicting viewpoints in a constructive manner. Psychology teacher Warren Collier attributes the growing division between conflicting groups to the rise of digital platforms and an increase in the number of news outlets.
With more people both releasing and consuming content on various sites — not just through the radio or TV, but by scrolling through Instagram or other social media — there is a vast amount of information circulating the internet. When faced with several sources and conflicting perspectives, Collier says that, instead of critically evaluating information, many people lean on their personal judgement to distinguish the truth.
“Unfortunately, we’re not very good at judging what is factual and what is misinformation,” he said. “And usually what happens is confirmation bias.”
ConversationS: Overcoming
“(The experiences) showed me that even if people disagree, they can still have respectful conversations and express
SarahXie
Overcoming polarization, hate within society through a fundamental AND THOROUGH approach
“When people use the term ‘political correctness,’ there’s a certain condescension, especially when it’s coming from the (politically) right,” she said. “(People assume it says) we must follow all these rules of discourse, and it sidetracks the point of the conversation. Sometimes the word ‘political correctness’ is used instead of the idea of just choosing words thoughtfully and carefully so that they don’t hurt people.”
The current climate, especially in digital spaces, has made conversations even more difficult. A 2022 Pew research center report 69% of Americans believe that the impact of the internet and social media has made people less civil in the way they talk about politics. 65% think these platforms have made people more divided in their political opinions. Weissinger suggests that people should be mindful of how their words impact others rather than basing them on a political term.
“If I could use a term that you understand and saying that doesn’t hurt you, why wouldn’t I choose that word?” she said. “Why would I choose a word that I know is going to make you flinch and feel pain and feel othered if there’s a word I could choose that’s
Encouraging Empathy
Weissinger acknowledges that “cancelling” occurs on both sides of politics — rather than the just the more liberal side — and is something everyone involved must take responsibility for. In another perspective, she sees it as a notion that has the potential to create a lack of feeling and understanding between people, heightening fear of addressing difficult conversations in the first place.
“What if, instead of the term ‘cancel culture,’ we say ‘cutting ourselves off from empathy for somebody who’s made a mistake’?” she said. “Because, I think we all make mistakes, and keeping our lines of empathy and compassion open, even when somebody says something that is hurtful or harmful, is just a really essential part of keeping ourselves together as a society and as a community.”
In Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki’s book “The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World,” he explores how empathy is critical for bridging social divides and how it can be cultivated in society today. He highlights the power of connecting with others despite disagreement and emphasizes that one must open themselves to new perspectives in order to face their own biases.
In a 2019 article Zaki authored for Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, he wrote: “We are increasingly tribal, and sometimes view outsiders not as human beings but as symbols of ideas and groups we fear and hate. We might hear about thousands of people affected by a disaster or civil war, but think of them only as faceless statistics, without any way to access
He also encourages people to build their empathy through meditation, friendship and listening to stories — adding life and emotion to the statistics that one may glance at once and then forget. He writes, “empathy dissolves when we see the world in terms of ‘us and them,’ but it recovers just as quickly when we return to ‘you and I.’”
Skills and Lessons
As a response to the stress and confusion of the 2024 elections, Weissinger started the Constructive Dialogue Initiative. As a part of this effort, she piloted a class last school year aimed at encouraging students to learn how to approach difficult conversations: Constructive Dialogue in Public Policy. The class attempted to find a balance point between a “safe space” and “place of meaningful dialogue.”
Throughout her teaching, Weissinger read chapters with her class from Monica Guzman’s “I Never Thought of It That Way.” She emphasized a few main ideas: intentionally, deep listening and curiosity. There was a focus on mentality: If one does not enter a conversation with the intent to engage and talk, the conversation is meaningless in the first place. Coming from a place of trust and giving the conversation time and respect are all techniques that work towards more successful outcomes. Berkeley graduate student Chip Moore, who participated in the class, felt he learnt how to enter situations with a better
“This class helped me become more intentional about creating space for different perspectives — especially when emotions run high or the issues are deeply personal,” he said. “I’ve learned to ask better questions, to pause before reacting and to frame conversations in ways that invite trust and vulnerability, not just agreement.”
Weissinger also underlines the importance of curiosity — having the interest to learn about another person without dismissal or defensiveness.
“First starting with knowing that this is something you actually want to do, you’re making a decision: ‘I want to be engaging in a conversation that’s meaningful, that’s going to bring me closer to this person, where I’m not going to come away angering them
For Berkeley graduate student Kirsta Hackmeier, the class was an opportunity to open her mind and challenge her pre-existing truths.
“Whenever I hear something that sounds like something I agree with, I am more likely to (retain) it and more likely to believe it. The opposite is also true, that I am more likely to forget and ignore the things that disconfirm my beliefs.”
–Psychology teacher Warren Collier
“Everyone likes to think that they are a completely logical person, and that strongly held beliefs are rooted in objective facts,” she said. “However, it’s usually the case that our deepest beliefs are reflective of a conscious or subconscious value system that we have selected facts and figures to match. This is true regardless of political ideology — I see it in myself even — and is not necessarily even a bad thing. It’s just something to be aware of in your own discourse and in that of those with whom you disagree.”
Although communication can seem daunting, especially about issues where one may feel strong emotional attachment to, Weissinger urges people to offer forgiveness and kindness to each other.
“Shutting people out and publicly flogging them in the virtual town square creates a different kind of problem,” she said. “I want to live in a world where people can learn from their mistakes, can apologize and don’t have to be branded with a scarlet letter for the rest of their digital lives because of the mistake that they made.”
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Math teacher Khoa Dao honors Vietnamese American identity, connects with local community, family heritage
About a century ago, America was referred to as a “melting pot,” suggesting that all immigrants would at some point “melt together” and disregard their cultural identities. By the mid-20th century, the term “mosaic,” emphasizing the value of the country’s heterogeneous cultures, emerged and became a more fitting metaphor for America. Math teacher Khoa Dao’s Vietnamese identity makes up one piece of the mosaic.
When Dao was only six months old, his parents left Vietnam due to the aftermath of the Fall of South Vietnam or the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 — a day known as Black April — to seek opportunities for a better future. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Black April, during which almost two million Vietnamese had to leave their country and seek refuge in other countries.
His immigration experience to America led him to be deeply involved in Asian American advocacy efforts. One of the first clubs Dao joined during his college years at the University of California, Berkeley was the Asian Pacific Islander Recruitment and Retention Center, which focuses on helping underrepresented or undocumented Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders receive higher education. This opportunity helped Dao understand and connect with his Asian identity.
“(The Asian American advocacy efforts) really helped me figure out who I was as a person and what I stand for,” he said. “Going through college, I was very proud to be Asian American.”
As Dao further explored his identity as a Vietnamese American, he decided to join the Vietnamese Student Association during his last semester of college.
“That’s when I created a mentorship program (in college) to bring people together, learn more about what it means to be Vietnamese American and learn about their identity,” he said. “It was crafted in the image and the struggles of what I went through as a student.”
be Vietnamese. As Dao went through that discovery, he wanted to help those who were in the same situation as him and share the message he learned.
“If you’re feeling like the second or third generation where it’s like, ‘I’m so far removed from Black April, and I’m so far removed from Vietnam,’ (this mentorship) is the opportunity to reclaim some of that,” he said.
If you’re feeling like the second or third generation where it’s like, ‘I’m so far removed from Black April, and I’m so far from Vietnam,’ (this mentorship) is the opportunity to reclaim some of that.
He recalled his college years as a time where he conversed with many people to understand what it meant to
Through his exploration of Vietnamese culture in college, Dao has felt proud to be Vietnamese American. Particularly, he values the ability to speak Vietnamese in a place with not many opportunities to do so.
“Whenever I run into a Vietnamese person who I’m able to speak Vietnamese to, people are always pleasantly surprised, and it brings this kinship together,” he said. “People are a lot more welcoming and nicer to me. Whenever I can speak the language, it’s like, ‘Oh, you’re one of us. It’s rare to see somebody in your generation be able to speak Vietnamese.’”
He feels grateful for his parents’ efforts, such as being enrolled in a Vietnamese language program near his home growing up and only speaking Vietnamese at home, to preserve the Vietnamese culture in the household.
“(My parents) only spoke Vietnamese, even though they understood English,” Dao said. “I remember trying to speak English at home when I was really young, and they were just like, ‘No, unacceptable. You only speak Vietnamese in this household.’”
Dao’s parents have viewed Black April as a period in their history to reflect upon how that event brought them to America.
“My dad was a lieutenant colonel for the South Vietnamese Army during the war, so he and his children would not have any opportunities in Vietnam,” Dao said. “So I was doomed before I was even born.”
Dao described one of the unique challenges of his generation growing up to be trying to understand and navigate a new, unfamiliar system of the new country with their parents. He recalled his experience at the Social Security Administration office when he was young, and how he was responsible for figuring out the system.
“I remember going to different offices growing up,” he said. “The one I remember the most is the SSI office for low-income people, and I had no idea what I was doing there. It wasn’t easy, knowing that my parents were always trying to make sure that we got all of our government benefits.”
These early experiences navigating new systems shaped Dao’s understanding of his identity as part of an immigrant family. In fact, he identifies himself as the 1.8 generation, closer to the second generation than the first.
“The first generation is (the case in which) they grew up in the home country (and were) adults when they immigrated,” Dao said. “1.5 (generation) is (where they) kind of grew up with both (elements of first and second generation). But 1.8 is (where) you’re almost like second generation, but you technically were born in the home country.”
Although Dao and his family encountered difficulties, such as learning to adapt to a completely new environment instead of their home country, due to Black April, he views the event positively.
My dad was a lieutenant colonel for the South Vietnamese Army during the war, so he and his children would not have any opportunities in Vietnam. So I was doomed before I was even born.
“This was a new opportunity for so many of us to go into the diaspora and do all the cool things that we’re doing,” he said. “Every time I hear about a Vietnamese person doing something cool, I’m like, representation matters.”
This perception of Dao regarding Black April has enabled him to consider the month of April in a unique way as well.
“I look at April as ‘We are here now in the diaspora, we’re able to take advantage of the opportunities that we’ve been given here in America,” he said. “So, I’m happy that, as a community, we’re able to land back on our feet.”
—Written by Melody Na
april 30 marks the anniversary of black april
50th
Math teacher Khoa Dao
Math teacher Khoa Dao
Andrew X. Pham chronicles his cross-continental bike ride and insights on his family history.
Thien Pham recounts his refugee struggles with assimilation and happiness during his childhood.
Thi Bui narrates her family’s transition from war-torn Vietnam to the United States.
Graphics by Azuki Radhakrishnan
Courtesy of Khoa Dao
Ya-An Xue Claire Jittipun Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers
Math teacher Khoa Dao and his wife, wearing traditional clothing, pose for a marriage photo.
Autism Awareness Month: STudent Volunteers, Special Education Staff support Neurodiverse community
Junior Alex Yang forms connections volunteering at Friendship Circle
Junior Alex Yang began volunteering with Friendship Circle, a program that pairs teen volunteers with neurodiverse children to participate in activities, through a two-week summer program in 2024. Since then, she has continued to volunteer with this organization every Thursday during the school year and 5 days per week
Yang decided to join Friendship Circle after her history teacher assigned her and a partner to work on a project researching Gunn’s policy regarding students with special needs. They learned about the program by talking to various administrators and coming up with ways to improve it through surveys sent out to teachers. Although they weren’t able to come up with long-lasting solutions for Gunn’s policy on students with special needs, Yang did gain knowledge about the community and policies regarding their education.
“I had originally been interested in the topic of (helping the community) because I noticed a lot of the neurodiverse kids in my history class were being made fun of by the other kids in the class,” she said.
“I was interested in seeing what could be done to mitigate that (problem, which) got me interested in working with members of the neurodiverse community.”
Throughout Yang’s time at Friendship Circle, she not only gained knowledge and experience, but
she gained something even more valuable — a special connection with one of the camp attendees.
“ I was paired up with a five-year-old girl, and she’s super cute,” she said. “She’s energetic, but she’s also nonverbal. (Despite this barrier), she is able to communicate in other ways. I had so much fun working with her. She really loves to give high-fives — that’s her favorite part (of seeing me).”
Having the opportunity to create and nurture these bonds with special needs students is one of the reasons Yang joined the program in the first place. However, her job also comes with challenges.
“Since I have been mostly working with (a five-year-old nonverbal) girl, and she doesn’t speak, I’d say the hardest part is trying to understand what she wants without her verbally telling me,” she said.
Regardless, Yang loves her volunteering job. Although most of her time was spent with the five-year-old girl, she has since branched out and worked with different kids every week.
“I’m really big on working with kids, and I love being with kids,” she said. “It’s fun getting to know their different personalities, and it’s been really interesting to get a new perspective on a (diverse) group of kids.”
Education Specialist Natalia Hawthorne leads special education team
From guiding aides to adjusting every lesson to best support each student, Educational Specialist Natalia Hawthorne puts tremendous amounts of effort into helping every student she works with.
She spends time preparing individualized materials for each student, managing aides, communicating with parents and teachers and discussing Individualized Education Plans with parents to determine what their child needs.
“We typically balance having IEP meetings with parents and having meetings with teachers,” she said.“ We are also collaborating with other educators and support providers, like specialists that do speech and occupational therapy and the adaptive P.E. teacher.
Puzzle pieces are often used as symbols to represent unity within a diverse spectrum.
Hawthorne’s work requires her to aid each student based on
“If I have, let’s say, six kids in a class, that’s six different curriculums, because there’s six different sets of needs,” she said. “For example, I have a student with visual impairment. So I’m taking the work that might be designed for the rest of the class and I adapt the materials digitally so that it aligns with his visual impairment needs.”
One of the crucial parts of her work is communicating. She prioritizes talking with
the other special education teachers, the instructional aides and, of course, the students.
“(This work) is really about making sure everybody’s on the same page,” she said. “(We need to make sure) that we’re all able to communicate with each other. I work really well with the other teacher that has the same job as I do, and we team up and support each other on everything. I see improvement in how the entire team is working with each other and in the ways that we are communicating. (For example), we have created text groups for individual kids.”
She believes the most difficult part of her job is when students struggle to express what they need or how they are feeling. Even though the job comes with its challenges, Hawthorne has a deep love for the kids.
“I love their joy, love that they are authentically themselves and don’t feel the need to impress or be a certain way for other people,” she said. “They’re just truly authentic.”
—Written by Vaani Saxena
Instructional Aide Tatum Angotti supports students’ needs
When she’s teaching a nonverbal student to spell out his thoughts by pointing to letters, instructional aide Tatum Angotti embodies a guiding hand. Last year, Angotti helped the student use the letter board to write a 1.5-page letter that explained his needs and experiences at
“It’s a fulfilling moment to see him (write the letter) and have him realize that he has a say in his education and how he wants to learn and experience at school,” Angotti said. “He felt like (people around him) would listen to autism experts more than they would listen to him about his actual experience.”
As a second-year aide in Gunn’s Extensive Support Needs class, Angotti accompanies students to classes and assists them in achieving their Individualized Education Program goals. Her work continues in room K-12, where she helps her students in vocational training, body regulation and reallife application of academic skills.
“The more we model (for them) and they see their needs being met, it inspires some level of independence in them, and that’s the goal,” she said. “We don’t want them to be reliant on other people, and they don’t want to be reliant on other people either.”
Her interest in understanding behavior catalyzed in a less expected place: criminal
psychology. Trying to get into the field, she worked as a behavior therapist, which led her to volunteer with disabled youth, including those who were hearing-impaired and wheelchairbound. Combined, these experiences shifted Angotti’s career goals toward neurodivergent behavior.
“I feel like the more that I worked with kids on the spectrum, the more I realized that all behavior is a form of communication,” she said. “It might be (atypical) to an outsider, but it’s effectively them trying to communicate something that they don’t have the ability to with their words.”
Before starting her paraeducator journey, Angotti recognized the field’s perennial issue of high turnover rates, in which aides report feeling underpaid and overworked. While Angotti does not express feeling this way herself, she acknowledges the adaptability and empathy required to navigate the hurdles of the career.
“(Many) on the spectrum rely on their most comfortable routine, so something challenging is if routines are messed up (from late-start Mondays, field trips or special schedules),” she said. “Parent communication helps to anticipate triggers that could affect the behavior, but unpredictability can be tough.”
While the challenges of the job are undeniable, they are eclipsed by a broader mosaic of work that is deeply fulfilling. In this way, Angotti learns from her students, leads them to self-advocacy and plays a hand that leads without holding too tight.
“Their minds are alive, and they’re so smart,” she said. “In their core, they’re just regular high school kids (who have) crushes, want to date, want to go to the dances and all that stuff. It’s cool to see that and help bring it out of them.”
Sylvie Nguyen
—Written by Sylvie Nguyen
Blue is the official color for autism awareness.
Through Fast, prayer, students connect with religious identity
Junior
Elijah Williams participates in traditional Christian practice, Lent
The Christian practice of Lent can be traced back to early as the second century. The first record of the event was from the Council of Nicaea the group best known for the creation of the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith defining core beliefs regarding God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit — where they formalized the practice of fasting for Lent in 325 AD.
Each year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the 40-day season. It is common for Christians to go to church on Ash Wednesday and have crosses drawn with ashes on their foreheads. This cross is a symbol of repentance and the death of Christ. The phrase, “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” is often stated during the blessing as a reminder of mortality and natural origin. The ashes used are typically gathered from burned palm fronds used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday ceremony.
During Lent, it is customary to choose something to give up as a method of repentance and reflection. For junior Elijah Williams, this comes in a multipart practice including cutting out all junk food and sweets, setting screen time limits, and doing Bible studies during his lunches and evenings.
“It’s very tough,” he said. “It’s a big change in my scheduling, because I like my lunches with my friends and it’s my favorite part of the school day.”
Regardless of this, it is not meant to be an easy task. The point of Lent is to remind oneself of the hardships that Jesus endured whilst on a 40day journey in the desert, tempted by sin and the devil. Despite difficulties
of participating in Lent, it can come with many benefits: For Williams, the evening Bible studies have provided him an opportunity to strengthen relationships with his family and think more deeply about the reasoning behind the Easter season.
“(Lent has) created a really great bond with my family back in Nevada, and it’s really helped me have a closer connection with my brothers and my mom and dad,” he said. “We’ll have a reader, and everyone will highlight their favorite verse or a verse that stuck out to them or have questions about, and then we have a conversation that usually lasts between 45 minutes to two hours.”
During Lent, Christians often focus on a specific section of the Bible in order to streamline their readings. Williams’ family goal is to read Proverbs, averaging about 20 verses per day. In the past, Williams has removed meat from his diet and done thankfulness challenges consisting of a 20-item list that had to be different each day and ending with a list of 800 items that Williams was grateful for.
Practices such as these instill the point of Lent in Christian culture: removing something from one’s life in order to become closer with God. While this may look different for each person, it is important to decide what will best help Christians further deepen their faith.
“I definitely feel like Lent is a really important part of Christianity, and it’s a really good time for people to have an opportunity to get closer to God,” Williams said.
—Written by Gwen Domine
Facts about Ramadan
There are five core pillars of Islam. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five, alongside giving to the poor, praying, visiting the holy site of worship Mecca and believing in Allah. Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival marking the end of the fasting period.
After Ramadan, some Muslims observe six extra days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, believing it’s equivalent to fasting for a year. Shawwal signifies new life and renewal after a month of spiritual cleansing, giving the opportunity to continue good habits.
It’s a really nice month, because typically, my family actually eats dinner at different times, but during Ramadan, we all break fast at the exact same time.
Sophomore Inaaya Ahmed
Facts about Lent
Many consume simple breads, particularly pretzels, as a reminder of prayer and fasting. The shape resembles arms crossed in prayer and the three holes represent the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Other than almsgiving and prayer, some Christians change their diet by abstaining from meat. In the past, the Church considered fish and other cold-blooded animals a more humble food, permitting believers to consume them for Lent.
Lent is a really important part of Christianity, and it’s a really good time for people to have an opportunity to get closer to God.
Junior Elijah Williams
“ ”
Sophomore Inaaya Ahmed embraces holiest Islamic month, Ramadan
During Ramadan, sophomore Inaaya Ahmed rises before the sun. From Feb. 27 to March 29, she eats her pre-dawn meal, Suhoor, in preparation to fast until sunset, when she breaks her fast with a meal called iftar. For Ahmed, iftar usually consists of dates and water. After eating in the morning, she performs the morning prayer, Fajr, and returns to sleep before heading to school. Throughout the day, she participates in four other prayers while refraining from eating or drinking until sunset and remains mindful of her actions during the holiest Islamic month.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar — a deeply spiritual and communal time for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the month in which the Quran — the central religious text of Islam — was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel “Jibril” (Gabriel) on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power), the holiest night of Ramadan. It serves as a period to fast, self-reflect and perform charity.
“Because it’s once a year, the purpose of fasting is to get closer with God and really think about your actions more and build good habits,” she said.
For Ahmed, Ramadan is a time to connect with God and family through iftars.
“It’s a really nice month, because typically, my family actually eats dinner at different times, but during Ramadan, we all break fast at the exact same time,” she said. “We all sit around the table and make a new meal every night. The religious aspect is very large, but the familial and community aspect of it is also very important to me.”
This year, Ahmed participated in Palo Alto’s second-ever Iftar Dinner, where hundreds of people from the community gathered together to break fast. Along with other youth, Ahmed gave a speech and was delighted with
the turnout of the event.
“It was completely open to anyone, not just Muslims, and what I really liked about it was the fact that we were able to share the joy of iftar with people who haven’t ever experienced it before,” she said. “I just really appreciated the opportunity to share a really important part of who I am with people who really haven’t ever experienced what it’s like to break fast, so I thought it was an absolutely wonderful event.”
Ramadan is followed by the threeday Eid al-Fitr Celebration. Described as the “Muslim version of Christmas” by Ahmed, participants receive presents, indulge in delicious foods and connect with people. Discouraged by the lack of Eid-related events at Gunn, she created Eid Night which will take place afterschool on April 16.
“It always made me feel that Eid wasn’t seen because Christmas falls during the winter break no matter what, and while I know it’s not marketed as ‘Christmas holiday,’ it was still seen in that way,” she said. “I always felt that Eid wasn’t seen in my community or recognized by my school, so I am really hoping to just bring the spirit and food and show people what (Eid) really is, because a lot of people just don’t really know about it.”
Ahmed’s most meaningful memories of Ramadan are created when she is gathered with her family.
“The best memories are always with my family, surrounded by them at the iftar table, because it’s something you do for 30 days straight and you do it every single year throughout your whole childhood,” she said. “No matter where we have been, which house we were moved to or which state we were living in, that was always a constant.”
—Written by Yael Gottesman
Graphics by Rin Sanami. Photos by Naomi Wang.
LIFESTYLE
Badminton partners juniors Arden Lee, Stanley Xing smash their way to the top
Referee whistles and the scuffling of sneakers fill the gym as juniors Arden Lee and Stanley Xing eye the whitefeathered birdie that arcs across the net, moving to send it back. For the pair, the badminton court has been a second home and source of adventure, bringing them to international competitions.
Both Lee and Xing originally began playing due to family influence, with Lee coming from a legacy of highlevel badminton players and Xing being introduced to the sport from a visit to the gym with his parents. However, they ultimately decided to pursue the sport competitively at the age of 10 as their drive to succeed naturally increased alongside their skills and experience.
“When you play in these competitions and you win, you build up the (desire) to win even more,” Lee said. “Then, when you get to higher-level tournaments and you lose, you start to realize that there are always people who
bit better than the badminton system in the U.S.,” Xing said. “So, the tournaments are way more official and everything’s way nicer.”
“
At some point, everyone’s strength, speed and shots become around the same level, but it’s just how strong you can remain mentally and in life.
Junior Arden Lee
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With tough competition at these tournaments and less experience playing against foreign players, the pair have developed a growth mindset about losing matches.
Albert Zhang
“If you played the best you possibly could (but) lose a match you shouldn’t have, you probably will feel really bad afterwards,” Xing said. “If you’re playing in the high-level international tournament and you lose to a pair that you didn’t really try to win against anyways but you played the best you could, it feels like you did your best, and you also get to learn from it.”
Throughout the season, their coaches create a schedule of conditioning and drills to keep the pair in peak physical condition and help their plays run smoothly. To continue training and improving at the elite level, Lee finds that discipline is a vital skill that applies both to the sport and in other areas of his life.
“At some point, everyone’s strength, speed and shots become around the same level, but it’s just how strong you can remain mentally and in life,” he said. “I think a lot of people face the same struggles and hardships, but it’s (more important) how you personally can handle it in
Playing doubles together has fostered a close friendship off the court, which in turn strengthens their teamwork during matches. From carpooling to practice to sharing meals together, the pair have created many
“When you become so close and when you’re on the court in the heat of the moment, you won’t be scared to hurt your partner’s feelings, because it doesn’t really matter when you share the same goals and understanding,” Xing
Outside of playing within their club, Lee and Xing also joined Gunn’s badminton team playing singles. Although they miss out on some practices due to their training
Every tournament is a stepping stone for their ultimate goal: The Olympics. Hoping for an Olympic qualification in either the 2028 or 2032 games, Lee and Xing are pushing hard due to the short timeframe until the 2028 games and disadvantage of being on the younger end of the field.
“It does take a lot more effort — combined with academics and college, especially for 2028 — but I think our bodies can only be young for so long,” Lee said. “I definitely want to take advantage of that opportunity and the resources that are available.”
—Written by Ya-An Xue
Arden and Stanley serve up badminton tips and tricks
TIP #1
“When you’re at practice, you need to be Willing to do the same thing over and over and over again until you get it done perfectly.”
TIP #2 TIP #3
“you shouldn’t try to finish the rally quickly or in one shot. be patient. you should be Willing to keep on playing the rally until you find the right opportunity.”
“When you’re moving around the court, don’t alWays focus on just being as fast as you possibly can. you need a good sense of rhythm and your feet have to be organized.”
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH RECOGNIZES
IMPORTANCE OF POETRY IN DAILY LIFE
April marks National Poetry Month, established in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to celebrate poetry’s role in culture and daily life. This month encourages people of all ages to engage with poetry, whether by reading, writing or sharing it.
Poetry’s history stretches back thousands of years, with roots in ancient oral traditions. From the epic tales of “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” in ancient Greece to the profound verses of classical Chinese poets like Li Bai and Du Fu, poetry has long been a medium for storytelling, preserving history and expressing emotion.
The impact of poetry is vividly illustrated through the works of iconic poets. Langston Hughes, for instance, was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He used rhythmic lines and jazz influences to give voice to the African American experience, fostering cultural pride and social awareness. Mary Oliver’s natureinspired poems, filled with vivid imagery and contemplative reflections, invite readers to find solace and connection in the natural world. Emily Dickinson’s introspective verses challenged conventional thought, delving into themes of identity, death and immortality with profound simplicity. Meanwhile, contemporary poet Amanda Gorman captivates audiences with her eloquent words embodying hope, unity and social justice, as seen in her powerful inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
Throughout April, schools and libraries across the United States host readings, workshops and poetry slams that showcase these poets’ legacies and inspire new voices. “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” which takes place on April 10 this year, encourages individuals to carry and share a favorite poem, nurturing community through the written word.
In today’s fast-paced world, poetry offers a chance to pause and reflect. This April, delve into the works of poetic trailblazers — read a poem or pen your own verses.
As poet Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote: “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.”
—Written by Vin Bhat
STUDENT POET MARS EZAKADAN EXPLORES HIS PASSION FOR POETRY
Poetry Club Co-President junior Mars Ezakadan carries on the longstanding traditions of poetry at Gunn. Ezakadan first became interested in poetry in middle school through a friend. While he initially felt that he wasn’t able to appeal to poetry’s ability to express emotions, he enjoyed playing with language. This kept Ezakadan invested in the art form until today, where his style of poetry is more autobiographical.
Ezakadan was inspired to start Poetry Club upon realizing that Gunn lacked a balance between STEM and the arts and humanities. Gunn clubs hold a multitude of STEM events including GunnHacks, a day-long hackathon. With the understanding that Gunn has few events catered to those interested in writing, his goal with Poetry Club was to get one step closer to equalizing opportunities for students at Gunn.
“I started thinking about (Poetry Club) seriously at GunnHacks,” he said. “At GunnHacks last year, I wasn’t participating, (but) I was thinking that it would be really cool if there was something like (GunnHacks) for writing. A kind of writers workshop thing at Gunn with the community could be fun. (I thought) that it would be really cool to organize that.”
Ezakadan emphasizes that poetry allows him to speak his feeling into words, putting his heart onto paper and opening up his emotions.
“There are two main appeals for me,” he said. “I really like language in general and manipulating language. I like that you can say anything you want, but you can hide behind (poetry) and say what you mean. And (poetry) feels a little bit less vulnerable because you’re spilling the deepest, tresses of your heart.”
—Written by Ezra Rosenberg
STAFFERS RECOMMEND BOOKS TO READ OVER SPRING BREAK
‘The Handmaid’s
Tale’ weaves in female narrative
If you’re into dystopian stories with immense tension and dramatic build-up, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood is the perfect spring break pick. Set in a future where a strict regime has taken over, women are stripped of their rights and divided into either “Handmaids” — who, like the lead protagonist Offred, are forced to bear children for powerful families — or “Commanders” who act as a ruling class.
Offred’s voice pulls you into her world — quiet, intense and filled with small acts of rebellion. Atwood’s writing is
rich and thought-provoking, combining suspense, emotion and eerie world-building. It’s a novel that challenges ideas about power, freedom and resistance.
This isn’t your average beach read, but that’s what makes it all the more interesting. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or staying up way too late, “The Handmaid’s Tale” will have you turning pages and at the edge of your seat.
—Written by Claire Jittipun
‘Ace of Spades’ addresses systemic racism, privilege
“Ace of Spades” by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a gripping dark academia thriller that synthesizes the themes of both the TV show “Gossip Girl” and the movie “Get Out.” The novel follows Devon, a quiet musician, and Chiamaka, the ambitious queen bee — the only two Black students at the prestigious Niveus Private Academy — who become targets of an anonymous cyberbully, Aces. As their secrets are exposed, they realize the attacks are more than just high school drama — they’re part of something sinister and deeply rooted in systemic racism.
Throughout this book, Àbíké-Íyímídé masterfully builds
‘In
suspense, crafting a chilling mystery while addressing realworld issues like privilege, institutional discrimination and identity. Devon and Chiamaka are compelling protagonists with complex struggles and aspirations. The novel’s fast pace and shocking twists make it impossible to put down. Perfect for fans of thrillers with a powerful social message, “Ace of Spades” is a must-read that challenges readers to question power structures and fight for justice.
—Written
by Yael Gottesman
Other Lands’ tackles relationship struggles
I originally picked up “In Other Lands” because of the big gold mermaid on the cover, but it turned out to be one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s fantasy, romance, friendship, comedy and social commentary all rolled into one hopeful, heartwarming coming-of-age story.
This book follows Elliot Schafer — an eclectic teenager with a history of romantic, platonic and familial relationship struggles — through adolescence after moving to a magical land. Told through his droll internal monologue, it’s funny and entertaining at times, while poignant and sensitive at
others. Though I intensely want to gatekeep this book, the urge to share it is stronger because it invokes a hopefulness in me that I think everyone needs. It’s a reminder that fighting for yourself and what you love is always worth it.
—Written by Melody Song
Graphics by Rin Sanami
Photo illustration by Evelyn Chow and Rin Sanami
Rin Sanami
THE ORACLE’S ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
1. Cartographers
8. Flapjack flipper
15. Not moving (3 words)
16. Laundry detergent capsule dangerously eaten in a trend
17. Reduce, reuse, __
18. Be visibly affected by (2 words)
19. Nor. neighbor
20. __-skelter
22. Ambulance’s destination, abbr.
23. Pitch in
25. Some 49a’s that use film, abbr.
26. Smidgen
27. Perry of fashionista fame
29. “Aye aye” in Spanish
31. Labyrinth
32. Snub, a little
34. Contaminated
36. Devices inserted into shoes to maintain their shape
38. April 22
41. Alternatives to Triscuits
45. “Yasss!”
46. Tolkien monsters
48. It was __ __ and stormy night…”
49. Device for snapping a pic
50. Person who makes 55a
52. All
53. E.g., e.g.
55. Tikka __
57. Wager
58. D&D knight class
60. Plant fertilizer
62. Green gemstone
63. East, in Spanish
64. Venture to declare (2 words)
65. Curry or Butler, say
1. Wetlands
2. Had a good meal (2 words)
3. Eugenio __ (Pope Pius XII)
4. “Gangnam Style” rapper
5. Engrave
6. Parts
7. Bouts
8. Job change or marriage, psychologically speaking
9. __ 39 (Fisherman’s Wharf)
10. Legislation for accessibility rights
11. Georgia __
12. Ready for a pitch
13. Home buyer’s concern
14. Take in 21. Many altar paintings of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
24. Boar’s abode
28. “Quiet!”
30. Robert of “The Sopranos”
31. Requirement (2 words)
33. __ list
35. “Star Wars” princess
37. Easy-listening and shallow music
38. Got away
39. “Sweet Home __”
40. Yapper
42. Ice machine
43. “Coco” twist villain
44. Run like a mouse
47. Manatee
51. __ and fauna
54. Uncommon
55. Actor Kunis
56. “The Kite Runner” boy
59. “__ Kapital”
61. According to
THREE BOARD GAMES TO
SHUFFLE UP SPRING BREAK
‘The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine’
Imagine: You and your closest companions soaring through space, navigating broken comms systems and wormholes on your expedition for an undiscovered planet in the solar system. Or, more accurately, imagine: you and your crew huddled around the game table, playing your 50th and final mission, staring at the final two cards in your hand which will determine your collective fate. “The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine,” is a collaborative card game set in outer space, preserving all the best elements of classic trick-taking games while exploring new twists and turns which make the game more accessible and entertaining for
‘Sequoia’
2-5 players, 20 min
your group. Still following trick-taking order, “The Crew” adds flexibility as each player tries to take — or avoid taking — tricks to meet team goals, mapped out in advancing difficulty in the player mission handbook from level one to 50. Challenges include communication barriers, specific orders of tricks taken, and crewmembers becoming ill — requiring the captain, the player with the highest trump card, to step in and delegate new tasks. The game allows for real cooperation and a pleasant learning curve. Once you conquer the final frontier, the sequel — “The Crew: Deep Sea Adventure” — offers new goal mechanisms to push your crew even further.
Secretly shielding your dice from your opponents, you pick two pairs, glancing around nervously and crossing your fingers that no one else went for the same numbers. In reality, “Sequoia” is very unstressful and beginner friendly with gorgeous design. It can bounce back and forth between being rowdy and concentrated in a matter of seconds while keeping the stakes low, providing for an optimal game-playing experience with friends. Like most best strategy games, each player is going for the same goal, but must stay on their feet, ready to adapt in the face of bad luck or conflicting or overlapping strategies.
Although the boards are shaped like four leaf clovers, you don’t need any luck to succeed at “So Clover!”, just a superior level of synergy and problem solving. If you want a test for how quick you can think on your feet or know how your friends think, this is the game for you. Players place four keycards — specially-made square cards with a different word on each side — randomly on their boards, generating four pairs of words around the edge of the board. Using shared associations, uncommon definitions, wordplay and even inside jokes, it’s up to you to pick the one word to best connect and clue each pair of words for your teammates
2-5 players, 10 min
“Sequoia” provides this dynamic in a deceptively simple way: lasting only ten rounds, players simultaneously roll five dice and create two pairs, placing two of their tokens on the cards matching the sums of their pairs. At the end of the game, the players with the most and second most tokens on a numbered card rack up points. The tie breaker mechanism provides a refreshing method to settle scores through playing instead of rules, actually augmenting initial strategies as well. With a few rounds under your belt, it goes fast, the perfect excuse to squeeze in additional rematches if luck was not on your side in the previous game.
3-6 players, 30 min
so they can reassemble the cards on your board. But there’s a twist: after removing the four cards, a fifth card gets shuffled in as a red herring. “So Clover!” pushes your vocabulary, creativity, covert communication and teamwork. It sparks creative thinking — and more often than not, laughter — perfect for late night board game parties or get-to-know yous. For an additional challenge, try house variants such as mixing two players’ boards together instead of adding a fifth card, or come up with your own.
—Compiled by Violet Tivol
The Oracle takes on new york city
Broadway’s ‘The Great gatsby’
Nothing says New York like a Broadway show, and watching “The Great Gatsby” did not disappoint. Although everyone was tired from a packed day, from the moment the lights dimmed, we were completely hooked. The musical numbers and sets cast under bluegreen lights made it an unforgettable experience. To top it all off, we discovered that Gatsby and Daisy were played by none other than Ryan McCartan from “Liv & Maddie” and Sarah Hyland from “Modern Family.”
—Written by Anne Dong
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journalism convention
After waking up early and catching a 10-minute subway ride to Columbia University, The Oracle spent most of our Wednesday and Thursday in Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s convention sessions. Staffers split up into lectures of a variety of topics from student press ethics 101 to Q&As with career journalists — looking for ideas to improve our own newsroom. Of course, our favorite memory is lunchtime in the sun, snacking on food truck quesadillas and tacos.
—Written by Kaylee
Cheng
Times Square
Although widely considered a tourist trap, our trip to The Big Apple would not be complete without a visit to Times Square. Purchasing overpriced “I Heart NY” shirts and nearly getting hit by police officers on horses definitely made it a memorable outing. The lights were blinding and the noise was deafening, but a stop to Anita Gelato provided a sugar cure to all of our overstimulation.
—Written by Gwen Domine
Famous places we visited in New York
While in New York, The Oracle stayed on the Upper West Side at The Empire Hotel, a prominent recurring location in the 2007 hit TV series “Gossip Girl” — a show that followed the dramatic and scandal-filled lives of privileged, socially elite Upper East Side prep school students and their ploys.
—Written by Sarah Grupenhoff
— Tom’s Restaurant —
Tom’s Restaurant was just a three-minute walk from the journalism convention at Columbia University. It was used for exterior shots of Monk’s Cafe in the wildly popular 80’s and 90’s sitcom “Seinfeld,” which followed a group of four single friends living in New York City and won 10 Primetime Emmy Awards.
—Written by Yu-Ming Liu
memorable, funny moments together in New York
Let’s do a crisis roll call. Strong winds? Here! Stressful experience? Present! Nausea? Yo! On The Oracle’s flight back to SFO, as soon as our plane neared on the runway, it shot back off into the sky. Thankfully, everyone got home safely after 40 minutes and one successfully retried landing.
—Written by Ezra Rosenberg
It looks like great minds think alike and all head to Target at 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday night to buy Celsius. As my group of friends and I were walking through Target, we found some familiar faces and familiar cans. Kaylee, Anne and Gwen all had a Celsius in hand — how shocking! It made us feel right at home.
—Written by Vaani Saxena
“KGB!” we shouted into the packed subway station. For context, KGB is a nickname for our adviser, Kristy Garcia Blackburn. The moment suddenly grew tense, all eyes were on us. We always forget that the name KGB also stands for Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnost — the security agency of the former Soviet Union. No wonder we got so many stares.
—Written by Lena Duggan
— The Empire Hotel —
Graphics by Michael Lu
Photos by Vin Bhat