Best Dressed Teachers Edition

News Spring Trip To Kenya

By Emi Matsuda

Every spring break, Canyon Crest’s very own Mr. Stiven leads a transformative trip to Kenya, Africa. Here, students and families from Southern California experience the Maasai way of life and are exposed to different cultures, as they interact with natives and explore various areas of their communities. By participating in this adventure, students and their families are given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Maasai youth, one of the oldest indigenous tribal tribes still living in East Africa, through volunteer work in building the Maasai Education Center.

“Understanding their way of life provides valuable insights into the diversity of human cultures, promoting tolerance and breaking down stereotypes.”

Learning about the Maasai culture in Kenya is crucial for fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. The Maasai people have a rich and distinctive cultural heritage that includes unique traditions, rituals, and social structures. Understanding their way of life provides valuable insights into the diversity of human cultures, promoting tolerance and breaking down stereotypes. Additionally, cultural awareness ensures that any interventions or projects respect and align with the Maasai’s values, beliefs, and practices, fostering collaboration and community engagement for more effective and culturally sensitive outcomes.

Moreover, exploring Maasai culture contributes to the preservation of global cultural diversity. As globalization progresses, many indigenous cultures face challenges to their traditions and identities. Studying and appreciating the Maasai culture allows us to recognize the importance of pre-

New Art on Campus

By ABigAil Chou

With the final months wrapping up our school year, a few changes will be coming on campus to close out the year with a bang. Since the beginning of the semester, the Envision Conservatory of Arts students have been divided into groups specializing in various projects to update our campus. As a member of EVA myself, I’ve had the chance to ask our on-campus artists about their processes, inspirations, and plans moving forward. From statues to zines, EVA Conservatory has a lot in store to serve as a refreshing start this fall, and a grand farewell to the 23-24 school year.

Pillars Leading Into the Learning Commons

Though we feature some incredible designs on the pillars currently, EVA is rebranding and redesigning the pillars to connect our school with not only the community, but our city

serving such unique heritages, emphasizing the need to protect cultural diversity as a shared human heritage. In doing so, we contribute to the broader tapestry of human civilization, fostering a world that values and celebrates the richness of cultural expressions.

In East Africa, water scarcity has become a pressing issue, and droughts are a common occurrence in Maasailand. Several factors contribute to the challenges that the Maasai in Kenya face in accessing clean water. These may include insufficient infrastructure, limited resources, geographic remoteness, and environmental factors. Additionally, political and socio-economic issues can hinder the implementation of effective water projects. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of local and international efforts, focusing on sustainable solutions, community involvement, and infrastructure development. Many Maasai have no choice but to trek great distances in search of water, which is frequently contaminated and can lead to water-borne illnesses like typhoid, amoeboid, and diarrhea caused by parasites. The Maasai people are in dire need of clean drinking water to maintain a healthy and growing population. Due to the building of National Parks, resorts, and ranches, the Maasai’s former land was separated, limiting them to the driest and least productive regions. This April, join Mr. Stiven and many

other San Diego families on a journey to preserve the Maasai culture in Kenya and connect with Maasai youth. This year, the travel group will maintain a focus on water supply to Kenya, as well as blindness in the community, which has become a major concern. Due to their exposure to sunlight and dirt in a dry environment, blindness is common within the Maasai. To prevent this, Mr. Stiven is coordinating a sunglasses drive, so make sure to donate a pair of functional sunglasses to room B103. Ultimately, there are many ways to contribute to the Maasai. Even if you aren’t able to make it on the trip, you may donate clothes, sunglasses, and other necessities, as well as help to end the water shortage. Financial donations to support the the education center is another great volunteering alternative.

as well. After speaking with three students working on projecting their vision onto the pillars, I learned of the themes and creative direction they are planning on taking. Sheridan Liew (12) and Angela Chan (12) describe their mock-up designs as inspired by native San Diego plants wrapping around the pillar in hopes of representing some of San Diego’s natural wildlife to our campus. As they are often overlooked and ignored, Alejandro Berkowitz (12) hopes to make the pillars leading into the learning commons “more inviting [and] updated, and make people want to come to the learning commons more.”

Statues

Probably the most anticipated changes coming to our campus in the next few months are the statues currently in production. You either love them or hate them, but you have to give them credit for being the subject in the first photo you took in Digital Photography or the backing for the poster for your on-campus brand.

But when can we expect to see and experience the new designs? Roslyn Choi (12) emphasizes an art history inspired, school-wide theme that will be present in every sculpture. She says the goal for this project is to, “create a more vibrant atmosphere and represent EVA Conservatory to the incoming CCA kids.” As far as inspiration, our senior artist describes her inspiration towards

an art history-based theme as derived from analyzing Gustav Klimt’s work.

Zine

Finally, this brings us to a project that you won’t see withstand the rain on campus, but rather one that is brought to the students of CCA for inspiration. Like a magazine without words, EVA is introducing its first zine. Working on this project myself, I am excited to see how our visions unravel and come together again into a booklet, as well as work alongside with the creatives of our school.

Although multiple artists are contributing to this process, it all started one day during Anatomy and Physiology class. Lila Salatka (11) tells the story of her inspiration to create this zine, as she “took Anatomy and Physiology with Mrs. Eddingfield, and looked through the textbooks thinking it would be so much more fun if [she] could cut things out and create something on [her] own.” Unlike magazines, textbooks, and infographics, this booklet is a collection of artworks of different styles meant to be cut and altered. Lila hopes to spur a ripple effect in the pool of creativity with this project, as students can create their own pieces of art or functionality with the pages. She states that “this isn’t a magazine and it isn’t necessarily educational or informative, it’s like a gallery in a book and a collection of art. I hope

students could go into a boring class and look at the zine and think they could make something out of this.”

With EVA consisting of creatives spread across grades sophomore through senior, we have a large population of graduating seniors this year making these projects all the more special and exciting. Enjoy the familiar sculptures and artwork scattered around campus we have now, as a new era is in store.

“Leaving unique pieces of art as a first impression of our campus to rising freshmen, the seniors wave farewell to their time in conservatory as well as our school with a bang.”

Photo Credit: timothy Stiven

Junior & Senior Community Day

By mAddie treSSe

Community Day is an all-day event that Peer Assistant Learners (PALs) hosts, with the goal of building deeper connections and strengthening the mental health of individuals on campus. This year’s Senior and Junior Community Days were held on March 5th and 6th, respectively. The upperclassmen experienced a day full of uplifting activities and meaningful discussions.

On the day of, PALs are extremely eager as they have been preparing for the event since the beginning of the school year. From advertising to classes to designing the posters to planning each activity, a lot of work has been put in behind the scenes. Community Day requires a lot of dedication and effort, but the event generates a powerful bond that ties those who attend so much closer, making each ounce of hard work worthwhile.

Community Day is primarily student-run, with the MCs, leaders, and speakers take on significant roles throughout the day. This year’s MCs, Sophie Geierstanger and Xavio Fenix, planned out the entire day and described each activity. Leaders directed their assigned color group through each activity, initiated valuable conversations, and demonstrated a role model attitude. Speakers, who may also be leaders, told meaningful anecdotes, connecting with those in the room on a deeper level.

At 8 am, the dance room doors opened, hype music was playing, and curious participants walked through a tunnel formed by the arms of leaders and teachers. Cheers of excitement and high-fives kicked off the day. After receiving a warm welcome, the first activity, Gigantic Musical Chairs, was introduced to the group. Around 100 chairs formed a large circle and participants began circling them as music played in the background. High energy and competitiveness immediately took over the room as participants aligned their bodies to a chair with every step, ensuring their spot of safety. Eventually, it narrowed down to one chair, one teacher, and one student left. In the final moment, spectators brought the energy, and both of the remaining two were focused. When the music stopped, the student claimed their seat as the champion.

structed the Numbers Game, where participants mingled and walked around the room waiting for a number to be called. For each number, there was a motion associated with it. For example, when the number “two” was announced, participants would link arms with a partner and “do-si-do,” or when the number “seven” was called, groups of seven imitated the action of rowing a boat. At the end of each motion, a question would be announced for participants to discuss with their current group. Individuals talked about their comfort food, desired superpower, or favorite teacher. The game created small talk that sparked into longer, more meaningful conversations, as well as moments of laughter. To instantly connect with peers, the day began with thrilling activities, but as the event progressed, a more calm and personal bonding occurred.

Students tend to be distracted or share less of their feelings or thoughts when their friends are nearby compared to a stranger. As a result, participants were split into randomized groups that were determined by the color of the wristband they received at check-in. Each color group has its own section of the room with a poster hung up displaying the name of their color. Separating into smaller groups lets members be more open-minded to sharing and generates a deeper connection with those in the group.

Each group introduced their names and grades, and once everyone settled down from the previous thrilling activity, leaders addressed a list of categories that may affect mental health: Parents, CCA, Friends, Social Media, etc. Individuals were able to comment on how their mental health has been altered by any of these categories. Groups discussed and recognized common answers among themselves, which the leaders wrote down on a sheet of paper. Later on, a couple of members of each group went up to share what their groups talked about regarding the similar ways mental health can be affected.

Leaders then took out “We Are Not Really Strangers” discussion questions from the group’s supply box. The card deck had five levels, each level containing open-ended questions. Level one contained more light-hearted questions such as, “What is the highlight of your week,” whereas level five had more personal questions like, “What is something you are still trying to prove to yourself?” The game helped participants become more comfortable with their group members because the range in levels allowed them to ease into the emotional topics, without forcing those conversations right away. Not

only did members learn more about the individuals around them, but they also reflected and learned more about themselves regarding their own answers.

At this point, each participant grabbed a chair forming a half circle around the speakers, and once everyone was settled, the two speakers delivered their meaningful speeches. Students listened and took in the thoughtful words and anecdotes. Jolene Rabkin, a PAL Manager, expresses, “My favorite part is the speeches, I love being able to hear the voices of CCA students and have the whole group connect over the impact.” Speeches provided wisdom and a stronger understanding of another person’s challenges and what they have gone through. The speeches helped students realize they are not dealing with mental struggles, personal battles, or friend/family difficulties alone. Those who speak are often nervous to share their stories, but it is such an outstanding part of Community Day because seeing what someone else has gone through provides the strength and bravery for others to be inspired.

“Each individual carries their own hardships; unfortunately, humans have the natural tendency to conquer their battles alone. The speeches amplified how humans are constantly battling personal struggles and the importance of persevering, whether it is on one’s own or asking for a helping hand.”

After speeches, lunch begins, where participants are offered free Jersey Mike’s sandwiches, fruit roll-ups, cookies, chips, and beverages. During lunch, students are welcome to reunite with their close friends or sit with those who they have recently met. The brain break allows participants to spend time outside to regain energy. Following lunch, the groups completed a discussion activity where they would share how a stranger may perceive them, how a friend may perceive them, and how they perceive themselves. This

allowed participants to acknowledge the importance of not judging someone too quickly and how meaningful it is to take the time to listen and learn about who they truly are first. Next, Cross the Line evoked emotions hidden underneath the surface, and welcomed students to open up in a way they had not before. The activity gave participants a confidential space to connect with each other through acknowledging personal hardships. All the participants, leaders, speakers, and teachers formed a parallel line on one side of the room. The lights dimmed and the music softened. An MC announced a topic, and if it is true for an individual, they walk to the other side of the room, crossing the line. Participants are often not crossing the line alone, and are among other people, developing a tighter community. The topics began less intense, but towards the end, the topics allowed individuals to reveal the trauma they had experienced. Tears fell from faces. Those in the room grasped a stronger understanding of those surrounding them and the problems society faces, but chooses to conceal. After participants cross the line, returning back to their original spots, hugs full of love and compassion are given. Friends hug friends and strangers hug strangers. Many were crying, for themselves or for the realization of what others have experienced. The activity was important as it allowed participants to reflect on their own hardships, as well as, “Getting to see people be open about their lives, allowed true connections to foster between both individuals and the groups,” according to Alissa Lai (11).

Before the event was over, students were offered the chance to come up to shout someone out or share their experiences from the day. Multiple participants shared their words, which were followed with smiles or even tears.

“Signing up for Community Day, many students are not aware of the powerful impact it provides, but witnessing the event allows individuals to walk out with a greater understanding of themselves and those around them.”

Sophie and Xavio then

Photo Credit: miA Song

March Recap

By ShAfiqA ShAhul

The month of March this school year has had a variety of events to attend. Starting strong on Friday, March 1, we had the pep rally. The following week, PALS organized Community Day for seniors and juniors. It was a time to bond with peers and socialize by participating in fun activities and challenges. Community Day for seniors was on March 5, and for juniors, it was on March 6.

The CCA Foundation celebrated 20 years with a Raven 20s Ca-

CORRECTION:

sino Night on March 9. Starting at 6 p.m., it included classic casino games, Blackjack, Roulette with professional dealers, Bar Wars featuring custom 1920s cocktails, and much more. This event was for anyone aged 21 or above.

The Canyon Crest Academy Envision Arts performed two spring shows this month, one being “Lost Girl,” and the other being “The Sound of Music.” The opening night for “Lost Girl” was on Thursday, March 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The show continued

on March 8 and 9, March 14, and concluded on Saturday, March 16. The “Lost Girl” by Kimberly Belflower explores love, loss, identity, and magic. It is a continuation of J.M. Barrie’s well-known story Peter Pan, where Wendy decides that she must find Peter, long after she saw him fly out of her bedroom window, to reclaim her kiss and move on with her life.

“The Sound of Music” had its first show on Friday, March 15 and was followed by more performances on Sat-

urday, March 16 to Saturday, March 23.

“The Sound of Music,” by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is an interpretation of The Sound of Music by Julie Andrews from 1965. The production’s take on this classical story deviates from usual musical norms. They strived to provoke deep reflections on social and political issues, all while allowing the audience to enjoy and sing along to its fun tunes.

The 2023-24 school year’s spring midterms were on Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19. The Graduation Speaker and Performer Application deadline is on Friday, March 29. The speech and performance applications for Graduation are posted to the Class of 24 Instagram or available at the ASB finance office starting from March 6. Auditions for roles such as speeches, the National Anthem, music performances, or other positions will most likely take place in April.

In the February issue of The Raven Review, we erroneously referred to an English department elective course offering, “Ethnic Literature”, as “Ethnic Studies” in an article titled “Course Selection and Profiles”. Ethnic Literature is an approved, district elective and this course offering is not related to how our district will satisfy the upcoming California Ethnic Studies requirement for the class of 2030. We regret any confusion this may have caused.

Celebrating Women’s History

By tegAn innS

Since 1987, March has been set to celebrate the history of women. Throughout history, women have seen many changes in rights, whether through significant periods or tiny steps forward. Historians have recognized substantial changes in women’s lives with the term “waves of feminism.” Although this idea of “waves” is inconsiderate to the complexity of the small efforts made over time, it can help better identify times that greatly impacted women.

Feminism did not just randomly appear at the beginning of the first wave; there had been many feminist acts prior. However, these protests started the movement of the first wave. Historians claim the first wave began in 1848, on July 19th, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized a convention in Seneca Falls, New York. During The Seneca Falls Convention, Susan B. Anthony gave one of her many moving speeches that contributed to her efforts to press for women’s suffrage. Stanton called upon all the women at the meeting to advocate for their rights and they listened. After many protests, petitions, and speeches, women gained the right to vote in the United States of America in August of 1920. The ratification of the 19th Amendment marked the end of the first wave of feminism.

The 1960s was an eventful time in the US; the civil rights movement was growing, people were protesting the Vietnam War, and the assignation of President John F. Kennedy created a considerable rupture. So when women found a voice, it was hard to hear through all else that was going on in the country. Nonetheless, women did not stop advocating for their equal rights, starting the second wave. Simon De Beauvoir, who may

be a name you hear in English class, was a French writer who contributed significantly to the second wave. Her book, The Second Sex, is said to have initiated the second wave. Throughout her book, she advocates for women’s rights. One of her more famous quotes shows her feelings toward women’s oppression: “One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation, and compassion. All oppression creates a state of war. If you live long enough, you’ll see that every victory turns into a defeat. It is old age, rather than death, that is to be contrasted with life.” The second wave was highly theoretical compared to the

ing. Even though fashion icon Coco Chanel claims not to be a feminist, her luxury clotheslines were created for women’s bodies rather than men’s eyes, changing the definition of fashion. Her love for fashion introduced many signs of liberation for women. As Chanel claims, “A girl should be two things: Who and What she wants.” Women be gan wearing clothing and accessories defined from past waves as signs of oppression from men. In the ‘90s, women dressed for themselves rather than for the patriarchy. With the help of the status women gained from the second wave, activists renamed the qualities of women. Instead of raising daughters to be gentle, caring, and fragile,

first. However, women were still able to gain small successes in their movement, such as the approval of the contraceptive pill, allowing women more control over their reproductive rights. During this period, women also spread awareness of domestic abuse and gained the right to have credit cards and apply for mortgages. Women also achieved achievements in higher education, business, and politics.

The third wave began in the 90s when the fashion industry was boom-

mothers began to teach their daughters to be empowered, high achievers. Women were aware of the world’s oppression and sought to fix it with a continuation of activism. The early 2000s allowed access to the web, allowing the third wave to birth a kind of feminism that was multicultur al and embraced differences in women. It is hard to tell when the third wave became the fourth wave, but they differed considerably considering social media’s impact on culture in mod

ern-day society. Even with access to the internet, books, and movies, these recent times have helped raise awareness of what it is to be a woman. With over two million copies sold only 15 days after its release, Michelle Obama’s Becoming told stories of what it is like to be a mother and a working woman in today’s day and age. And although for Jo Koy, Barbie was about “a plastic doll with big boobies,” Barbie illustrated the experiences women have to face throughout their life and created a sense of feminism for many women. Its reliability sparked emotions for many girls and women, such as the scene with Gloria, played by America Ferrera, who ranted about how “We have to always be extraordinary but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.” Entertainment has grown more prominent than ever, and women have used this to their advantage to try and spread their stories. The fourth wave, like the third, seeks to show greater inclusivity. The desire for more diversity can be controversial and has created clashes between movements, but it has also created unification through many cultures.

With all these remarkable achievements and acts made by women, feminism grew immensely and showed many different qualities over time. Throughout time, women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, Marie Curie, Amelia Airheart, Jane Goodall, and so many more have changed the means of being a woman. These women have shown that women can do anything they put their minds to, even with oppression from the world. Recognizing the US’ steps forward is essential, but it is necessary to highlight that women’s work still needs to be completed. Protests, speeches, acts, and more will continue until women gain the rights they deserve.

Photo Credit: Jon ClArk

Photo Credit: yiqiAn WAng

Photo Credit: yiqiAn WAng

Photo Credit: getty imAgeS

Opinion Everything but Reusable: The Stanley Cup Craze

For a hefty price of 45 crisp dollars, a mad sprint through your local Target, and a three-hour wait during the earliest hours of the morning, you can secure for yourself the Internet’s most coveted item of the year: a “winter pink” (not hot pink!) Starbucks-Stanley collaboration Quencher.

“For what purpose? Why, to match each day’s outft, of course...or to match diferent Stanley decorations!”

In the span of these past few months, we’ve seen the number and size of these Stanley collections increase rapidly, lining the shelves of households with an array of blues, reds, pinks, whites, and greens. For what purpose? Why, to match each day’s outft, of course, or for different types of drinks, or diferent ice cream favors, or to match different Stanley decorations!

Never mind that these 40-oz Quenchers, originally fashioned in 1913 for tailgating or hiking, are very much reusable, refllable cups… that you can empty, wash, and return to the cabinet to reuse the next day, multiple times, regardless of whether they’re hot or winter pink.

More than anything, it’s shocking to see the efects the craze has had on people of all ages and demographics. Tiktokers faunt collections ranging from 10 to over 40 of these tumblers, while kids hardly older than nine or 10 are visibly upset at receiving a Yeti instead of a Stanley for Christmas. There’s no doubt that these cups are incredibly high quality, durable, and excellent at their job, but you have to wonder at what point using 10% of your 40-cup collection and leaving the rest to “look pretty” should be considered concerning. Or, for that matter, buying sleeves for your cups or an array of decorative attachments. Is there really a need to purchase a separate, attachable dessert tray for your Stanley when there are plates in your cabinets? Is it necessary to keep a case of keychains and straw caps specifcally for decorations’ sake?

Stanley cups are certainly not the frst item to fuel such a media-driven, hysteric craze. People can, and have, gone to great lengths to secure “special” goods—limited

editions, merch from favorite artists, designer clothes—but for a company that’s over 100 years old, this recently aroused fervor for their cups has resulted in a somewhat unfortunate combination both for them and their consumers. The same social media wave that sparked this craze and drove up sales has begun to change sides, and, suddenly, people are reporting that they’re embarrassed to use their Stanleys for fear of being mistaken as a culprit of mass consumerism.

To each their own—I have no problem with owning several Stanleys for multiple family members or diferent occasions so long as each of them is regularly put to use. However, when kids are growing up with the

“well, I think we have a problem.”

expectation that they deserve a $45, 40-oz tumbler far larger than anything anyone under the age of 21 would reasonably need, and when people are waiting for hours in the cold for a chance to receive a limited edition cup, and when mass media is promoting consumerist practices and unhealthy reasoning (the “girl math” justifcations require an entirely diferent conversation)... well, I think we have a problem.

The CCA Parking Lot is a Reality TV Show

by abigail newlander

CCA is a big school, with about 2500 students, half being old enough to have a driver’s license. So, every morning and afternoon the parking lots are flled, not just with young, inexperienced drivers, but parents, and even some Pacifc Trails students. This makes the CCA parking lot a pain to drive in, but an absolute joy to watch from your own car. Someone could make a reality TV show out of this parking lot and make millions.

“The PTMS students need to stay on the main road.”

Let’s start with the PTMS students. Some PTMS students who ride their bikes will cut through CCA’s parking lots in order to get to school. My question is: why? What’s the point? It’s faster to stay on the main road and use the bike lanes like a considerate person. These middle schoolers will cut in front of moving cars, ride through parking spots, and cut of CCA students walking on the sidewalks. This is not only dangerous, but really stupid.

Why on Earth would anyone ever think it would be safe to cut of a 16-yearold illegally driving their friends to Starbucks, or a burnt-out student riddled with senioritis who doesn’t pay attention to anything anymore? No high school student has the reaction time to avoid hitting a bike that cuts right in front of them. The PTMS students need to stay on the main road.

Next, the student drivers. You know them: sophomores (and sometimes freshmen) who just love to brag about the fact that they have their learner’s permit. We’ve all been one, so don’t try to admit you weren’t. With their terrifed parents in tow, they pull up to the drop-of curb, try to remember where the parking brake is and how to use it, open the door all the way to get out, and force other cars to stop behind them. They run around the car to get their backpack out of the trunk–which takes forever–when they could’ve just put it in the backseat. Or they’ll try to practice their parking and take someone’s usual spot–or two, for that matter, because they don’t know how to park.

Then we have the licensed students. These are the students who wave their keys around and talk about having a license to anybody who will listen. But who can blame them? In high school, having a license gives you status. You get to drive your friends around, going farther

than Panera and Luna Grill at lunch.

But the problem is, a lot of them are bad at parking. When there’s an entire Instagram account dedicated to bad parking at CCA, that’s when you know that some people need to work on parking. A lot of times people will take up two spots or be so crooked that nobody can park next to them anyway.

How is that even possible when the parking spots are so wide?

The CCA parking lot during rush hour is an absolute nightmare, but that’s what makes it so fun to get to school early enough to sit in your car with your friends and watch the chaos of the morning unfold.

photo credit: getty images

Best Snacks to Get at Trader Joe’s

by ava daniels

If you’re a student at CCA, it is more than likely you’ve stopped by Trader Joe’s. It’s right across the street in The Village and has high-quality versions of common snacks such as Taki’s and Swedish Fish. Plus, they have samples, which is always a win, except for when you are expecting frosting and take a bite of cream cheese (personal experience). When shopping at Trader Joe’s, you cannot go wrong. Practically everything is delicious and enjoyable. But not all snacks are created equal. Here are some of the best snacks and treats that you can get at Trader Joe’s in my humble opinion.

1. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

This snack has to be the frst one mentioned on this list because it is most defnitely my favorite. If you don’t like this, then you either hate chocolate and peanut butter, or you haven’t tried it yet. It is by far my favorite item from Trader Joe’s and quite possibly the best peanut butter cups I’ve ever had in my life. As someone who proclaimed peanut butter cups were her favorite candy as soon as she had the right words to pick a preference, this is really saying something. The dark chocolate is sweet, but not overpowering, and the peanut butter is also sweet, but slightly salty and very creamy. They are heavenly, taste like good memories, and only get better every time you eat one. The favors tie together very well and taste very natural. It’s perfect for someone who appreciates the chocolate and peanut butter combo and wants a healthier option. This treat is certainly a staple for me every time I go to Trader Joe’s and deserves its number one spot on the list.

2. Freeze-Dried Fruit

Just like the Peanut Butter Cups, I’ve been getting dried fruit from Trader Joe’s since I was little, and I love them. Oftentimes, these two items are the only things I get when I want to make a quick stop. There are several options to choose from, and while they are all good in diferent ways, the best ones in my opinion are certainly the dried mangoes, strawberries, and bananas. It’s just fruit, so there aren’t any added sugars or ingredients, and it’s executed so well. They are crunchy and sweet at the same time and are a healthy alternative to traditional snacks. You can put them in cereal, yogurt, or just eat them plain. There are a variety of uses and ways that you can make it a part of your snack routine. My one complaint is that the bags are way too small. There should defnitely be a jumbo pack because they run out way too fast. Especially if you have fellow fruit-loving competitors in your house.

3. Scandinavian Swimmers

These are certainly a very popular choice because of how superior they are to so many other snacks. Scandinavian Swimmers are a Trader Joe’s classic, and I love them, especially the greens, although some of my fellow tablemates have expressed their preference for the reds. Clearly, you cannot go wrong with them. Funnily enough, I absolutely despise normal Swedish Fish, because, unlike their Scandinavian counterparts, they are sickeningly sweet. Either I’m crazy to spot a diference, or these are just the superior snack. The best part about these is that they forge a perfect

Spring Break Ideas!

by kloe gillespie

Spring break is just around the corner, leaving only one long month of class left. There is so much to do whether you plan to travel or stay local. There really are so many ways to spend your free time this break. It is important to enjoy your time of with your family and friends, so here are a few ideas!

“It is important to enjoy your time of with your family and friends, so here are a few ideas!”

San Diego is flled with all types of activities. Farmers and fea markets are a great way to get outside and enjoy the sun. Encinitas has a fea market by the beach every Saturday, as well as a wide range of restaurant options. Another great place to go is the Carlsbad Flower Fields. This April, they will be hosting events like sound bath meditation and photography workshops. These are great places to go if you don’t want to travel far

balance between sweet and slightly citrusy. They are naturally colored and way softer than Swedish Fish, which is a nice touch. Scandinavian Swimmers are dangerously addictive and you simply cannot stop at just a few. Absolute snacking perfection. When given the choice between the traditional brand, I’d choose this snack every single time.

4. World’s Pufest White Cheddar Corn Pufs

I love it whenever these are in my house. They are perfectly cheesy, very light, and super addictive. I love Pirate Booty, but these blow them out of the water. Not only is the bag generally bigger, so it doesn’t run out too fast, but it is also way lighter than most cheesy pufs. Another thing that I really like about this version of the classic cheese pufs is that they are all cheesy. You cannot go through a bag of other brands without getting at least one corn-tasting puf. However, with these, it is cheesy until the very end, and just like almost every product from Trader Joe’s, it doesn’t taste artifcial in the slightest. Another thing that is great about them is how they

always taste very fresh, even if they’ve been sitting in the cabinet for days. Other brands tend to taste stale after a while, especially if you have a family that accidentally leaves the bag open like mine does. With these, they retain that fresh-out-of-the-bag taste for a long time, making them a premium choice.

Honorable Mention: Dark Chocolate Stars

This one is an honorable mention because it only comes around during the holiday season. They are just way too good to leave out, though. My family has been buying them for a few years now, and it has become a delicious tradition I can appreciate. These stars are shortbread covered in dark chocolate and white sprinkles. The shortbread is crunchy and goes perfectly with the rich dark chocolate. You certainly cannot stop at one. They are fun and versatile for every holiday tradition, no matter what you celebrate. These shortbread stars are holiday staples and I would 100 percent recommend buying them whenever they are back on the shelves.

from home. Alternatively, if you are looking for a fun day trip, try taking the train downtown or visiting Balboa Park. The Padres are back and playing the Giants and Cubs the frst week of April. Going to the games is always a fun way to spend your time. The atmosphere created by the fans is so electrifying and the food is also very good. The San Diego Zoo is another great place to visit with friends and family. They ofer activities such as bus tours and face painting.

“Visiting places far from home gives you the chance to experience diferent cultures!

Palm Springs, Mammoth, or the Outer Banks.

photo credit: tegan inns

Image credit: Getty Images

Feature An Insight into Islam’s Holiest Month

BY Julia Piekarski

As a non-Muslim student of CCA, I claim, abashed, I know little about Ramadan. Ignorant and uncultured, I think to myself, “Who would purposefully not eat?” and, “What’s the point?” To understand the holiday and the culture, as well as “why anyone would do that,” I plan to step into the shoes of a fasting follower of Islam for the next five days. The rules of my task are simple: from dawn till dusk, I am not able to ingest anything, including food, water, or medicine. The name of the last meal eaten before sunrise is called suhoor. Though the sun technically rises at 6:19 am, I stop eating around ten minutes before Fajr, which is the name of one of the five mandatory prayer times and is Arabic for dawn. From the more difficult perspective of my mission, I’ll be responsible for interpreting my experience.

Day 1: Monday

This morning, the sun rose at 6:19 am and I awoke with it, 30 minutes earlier than normal. I hopped out of bed at 5:50 am so that I could take my time adjusting from my dream state and find something to eat. Filling my stomach for the day, I ate a big breakfast and drank a lot of water with only minutes to spare before the sun came up. I’ve never really been a morning person or a breakfast person, so the next five days will definitely be an adjustment. Surviving through the day was relatively easy while I was distracted. School took my mind off my empty stomach. When the sun set and I re-

“Not eating allows people to be grateful for what they take for granted. It is a symbol of personal responsibility and accountability”

turned home, I broke my fast and successfully completed day one of five.

Day 2: Tuesday Summer is inching closer so the sun has decided to chase me to insanity. This morning, the sun rose two minutes earlier than the day before and I can feel that by Friday, I will be sleep-deprived beyond belief. As the clock inches closer to 6:17 am, I question my sanity. “Why would I do this to myself? How do so many people do this to themselves?” I have begun to gain enormous amounts of respect for those who fast all month long. I am conquering discipline and managing my urges. It is clear how restraining from eating would have spiritual im-

portance to Muslims or anyone who believes in God. Not eating allows people to be grateful for what they take for granted. It is a symbol of personal responsibility and accountability. Intermediate fasting is a common strategy for dieting, unrelated to the Islam-

more spiritual importance. Prayers and reciting the Qur’an increase. Amongst these nights, they also offer prayers as beneficial acts of worship. During this time, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, on a sacred night, Laylatul Qadr. Until the end

PHOTO CreDiT BY CaNVa

ic celebration. There are interesting dietary benefits related to intermittent fasting, including weight loss, cell repair, and reducing oxidative stress. This experience feels entirely different.

Day 3: Wednesday

I am a student-athlete and practice this evening previewed the summer weather. With the sun directly on my back, the temperature seemed like a solid 75 degrees, though the weather app only said 62. Maybe a lack of hydration made me dramatic and not just thirsty. The biggest challenge so far has been resisting drinking water. I find that it is refreshing to swallow my spit joyously. My saliva acts as an oasis, convincing my brain it actually has an effect. Today, I doubt I ate a big enough breakfast because, unlike the day before, by around 4:30 pm, my stomach ached painfully. My insides rubbed together like dry sandpaper in the Sahara desert. So, there I was mid-softball practice, abstaining from toppling over, falling to my knees, or doing something dramatic. I returned home and had just under two hours to pass before I could break my fast. Believing doing something would make it easier, I decided to take a shower and refresh my brain in an attempt to fix my headspace. Honestly, I’ve never seen water look better. I was so close to cheating on my experiment, but my ego got a hold of me. Two days? I can beat two days! As I predicted, I proceeded valiantly. So, we shall proceed with our experiment. Onto day four…

Day 4: Thursday Ramadan officially starts March 10th and goes until April 9th. For Muslims, the last 10 nights of Ramadan have

“Ramadan does not need to be viewed as a religious and solely Muslim holiday; it is a sacrifice made to improve morals and show forgiveness.”

of Ramadan, Muslims would have a larger spiritual connection to fasting. It is difficult to eat a big enough breakfast that will keep me at a sufficient energy level at such an early time of day. I feel like I’m racing the clock, gorging as fast as I can. Most likely, I will begin waking up earlier so that I can eat slower so I don’t upset my stomach. Nevertheless, tomorrow’s Friday and my final day of fasting.

Day 5: Friday

It is harder to meet my dietary needs for my age and amount of physical activity when I’m fasting. A daily nutrient requirement calculator was a valuable resource I used when determining what my requirements were. I’m lacking energy because, instead of consuming complex carbohydrates like peas, beans, or potatoes, I am eating bread, sugar, and dairy. Brainstorming other ways to get my nutrition is difficult

when you are picky like me. Honestly, I could pretty much eat anything in front of me; but would I like it? Probably not. This skill was built up over time. I have old, faint memories of returning from softball practice at the ripe age of nine and discovering a crockpot brewing my downfall on the counter. Nevertheless, I had to eat it. Now, while fasting all day, no matter what I break that fast with, it will automatically be delicious. Unable to eat all day, I was starving. My stomach felt like a grape being dried into a wrinkled raisin, curled up and empty like someone took a balloon and sucked all the air out from the inside. A sense of pride overwhelmed me when I realized this was my last day. My experiment has been completed with a bittersweet ending to an important experience. Breaking my fast that night, I reflected on my original reasons for fasting and concluded that it was to practice determination, discipline, patience, and responsibility. Truly though, I’m thankful it’s over.

Concluding my Investigation

This experience has widened my perspective on life. I suffered through the pain of starvation for a greatly purposed goal: character. I got to understand a small portion of what Muslims complete for an entire month every year. Ramadan does not need to be viewed as a religious and solely Muslim holiday; it is a sacrifice made to improve morals and show forgiveness. I practiced discipline and giving up what I didn’t need to feel grateful for what I had, and I would 1,000 times do it again. I’m glad I got to learn about this holiday during the experiment and even more grateful that it has ended.

PHOTO CreDiT BY CaNVa

Purim 2024: The Festival of Lots

BY isaBella POsel

This past weekend, the Jewish community observed Purim from sunset on March 23 to sunset on March 24. Purim, meaning “lots” in Hebrew, is a joyous festival commemorating Jewish survival from Persian rule in the fifth century BCE, a story detailed in the Book of Esther.

The story describes how, in the expansive Persian Empire, under which all Jewish people were subjects, the King Ahasuerus took a Jewish woman, Esther, as his queen (although she did not reveal her nationality). Meanwhile, a man who hated the Jewish people, Haman, was appointed as the empire’s prime minister. When the leader of the Jewish people (who is also Esther’s cousin/adopted father), Mordechai, refused to bow to him, Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree ordering the murder of all the Jewish people in the land. Even though Esther had hidden her Jewish identity, Mordechai implored her to speak to her husband the king. She did so, denouncing Haman’s plot and risking her own life. King Ahasuerus then issued a new decree, granting the Jewish people the right to defend themselves. Haman was hanged for his evil intentions, and Mordechai was appointed the new prime minister.

On the day after Haman’s proposed massacre and the subsequent Jewish victory, the Jewish people now celebrate and rest in one of

the most revelrous Jewish holidays.

Many synagogues have Purim festi-

“Today, as antisemitism rises across the United States, it is more important than ever to celebrate our unity, family and togetherness.”

vals where celebrators are encouraged to dress up in costumes, adults can drink alcohol, and the whole community comes together. Additionally, giving is a cornerstone of the holiday.

The Purim tradition of mishloach manot (“the sending of portions”) is a vital part of the holiday. Mishloach manot can take a lot of forms but traditionally, it is a gift basket. This practice is two-fold: first, recalling a Jewish sense of unity and community, and secondly, ensuring that all can have a festive meal and participate in Purim. Specifically, mishloach manot should be given to at least two people (friends, families, neighbors) and should not consist of monetary gifts but rather food and drink. Mishloach manot goes hand in hand with another Purim tradition, matanot la’evyonim (“presents for the poor”). Matanot la’evyonim started as giving similar gift baskets to the poor

(in this case, defined as those who could not celebrate the holiday otherwise); today, this is often realized by donating to a synagogue program, an outreach charity, or a community foodbank.

Purim is, at heart, a celebration of community and of resilience. The Jewish people remember that survival is possible and that there will be times to celebrate with those we love. The story of Esther is one of empowerment and triumphing over adversity. Today, as antisemitism rises across the United States, it is more important than ever to celebrate our unity, family and togetherness.

Even though Purim has passed, it is not too late to observe and celebrate. Consider donating or volunteering at a program like the Jewish food pantry, Hand Up, or other family services nearby. Also consider visiting the free art exhibit at the Jewish Community Center, The David Labkovsky Project, which focuses on Holocaust and antisemitism education.

PHOTO CreDiT BY isaBella POsel

PHOTO CreD BY isaBella POsel

Advanced Business

BY Sage Park

I’m sure everyone at some point has fantasized about becoming an entrepreneur by starting their own flashy business, reaching success and becoming a millionaire. At CCA, these dreams no longer have to be just dreams. Students have the unique opportunity to take the Business CTE (Career Technical Education) Pathway and turn their business idea model into reality. As students start taking the Advanced Business class in the spring, we start to see an influx of new student businesses popping up on campus, and some of these business ideas are honestly so creative that they have me wondering how they came up with such a useful idea. Whether you tragically forgot to charge your phone at home and desperately need one on campus, or you wanna try out 25 different types of tea, there’s something for everyone’s needs and wants. Here, I’ll introduce you to just five of the many amazing student businesses at CCA.

Charge Hub

We are all too familiar with the groan that escapes our lips when we open our school chromebook in a class to find it completely drained of battery. Now with Charge Hub, a rental service, you no longer have to make the dreaded walk-of-shame to the learning commons for a loaner. You can find them in the learning commons and rent not only chromebook chargers, but also phone chargers from them at just $1 a day. “We were thinking about problems that students at CCA students might have and we thought: in our classes, there’s at least five people that don’t have a chromebook charger and need one, or they don’t have a phone charger and they need one.” Raphaela Hanna (11) explained about the motives of their business idea. She also added that since people need chargers but often don’t want to buy a new one, they can simply rent one from Charge Hub. This company is especially relevant to students, who struggle with time management. Mundane tasks like bringing a charger can be slipped away easily because of all the other important things to keep in mind. Charge Hub hopes that through this company, students are able to get through their day with ease even if they happened to forget a charger on an important day.

Knock Knocking on wood gives you good luck! What better place to get knockable wood than at CCA? “We are a wooden jewelry and accessory company and we provide fully customizable wooden jewelry and accessories for our superstitious customers who like to knock on wood.” CEO Cole Terjesen (11) introduced. COO Taj Lippincott (11) addressed the authenticity of their wood, stating, “We realize in the modern day and age there’s a lot less natural wood that people can rely on for their superstitions. So what we wanted to do is bring comfort in reliability by providing natural wood so they can always knock on it whenever they feel like it.” Furthermore, they shared that the custom laser engravings are no easy feat, and pos

sibly the most difficult part in running this business, because of the manufacturing difficulties surrounding it.

“We were thinking about problems that students at CCA students might have...”

Their hard work pays off though, and if you decide to purchase from Knock, you’ll have an authentic good luck charm personal to you to knock on before any important presentations or tests to truly get lucky.

Charma Karma

This company, highly reminiscent of the current coquette fashion trend that has everyone by storm on TikTok, sells handmade, beautiful bracelets and keychains to hang on your water bottle or bag. CEO Ruby Gao (12) mentioned that she wanted to focus on the little things in life and good vibes when creating this company, emphasizing good karma. “It’s all meant to promote a good lifestyle.” She says. Charma Karma aims to brighten up every day life through the tiny details, which can include having a pretty looking charm on your everyday items to bring a little bit of dopamine to your day. The Charma Karma team also mentioned that the best part of working were their coworkers. “The best part about this job, I would say, is getting to work with all these amazing people and getting to know them.” Gao states.

“The best part about this job, I would say, is getting to work with all these amazing people and getting to know them.”

The Jade Tea Co. Tea is a very expensive luxury, and it is quite difficult to obtain many different types of tea at once. However, The Jade Tea Co. kicks the tea drinking experience up to the highest notch and makes it very accessible for CCA students. Not only do they offer 12-24 different types of tea, their package is also equipped with a tea infuser, as well as instructions on how to serve your tea. The founding members of The Jade Tea Co, according to CEO Steven Gao (12), come from tea drinking families, and wanted to bring that to CCA students in the most easily accessible way possible. Their tea is

supplied from Monterey Bay and all of their packaging and designs are made from hand. “We were finding ways to make it look professional and original.” CMO Celine Hwang mentioned. Tea is an essential part of many peoples’ cultures, and The Jade Tea Co makes it especially easy to share this staple beverage culture with the people closest to you.

Looped

Have you ever been caught in a negative mental loop? That’s exactly what Looped Crochet is trying to break. This company takes a more therapeutic approach, offering

handmade, crochet kits and crochet keychains to help ease mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Crafts like crocheting have been proven to help greatly in bettering mental health, and Looped hopes to make it easier and accessible to students, who may be dealing with these mental health issues. “We just wanted to make sure it was something that kids all over CCA could relate to.” CEO Sohvi (10) stated.

Through this, I hope you were able to find some student run businesses to support, or maybe you’ll even consider taking Business in the upcoming years.

@knock.artisans on instagram

@shopcharmakarma on instagram

@thejadeteaco on instagram

@looped_crochet on instagram

Best Dressed CCA Teachers

By Zoe Truong and Hanaka oyama

Teacher dress codes have existed for centuries, changing with the times. Even now, in part facilitated by the pandemic and subsequent online classes, the expected attire of button-down shirts, blouses, and slacks has been replaced with a more casual look after the return to in-per-

son learning. Among the many cycles of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans, there are a few teachers who stand out style-wise at CCA. Here are the top three teachers we deemed best-dressed and some extra unique clothing pieces worn by teachers around campus.

Profe Sanchez

Profe Krogh

Profe Krogh’s style is one of coordination and bold attire, made up of a variety of vibrant color-blocked pieces, particularly flowy skirts and bright dresses. Her students observe her fondness for heels, which she often matches with her outfits, with one student noting her evident devastation after a favorite pair broke. She’s deeply committed to showing up in them – sometimes, she walks into the classroom with ordinary sneakers but opts to change into her beloved heels once inside. Although she adores the more spring-and-summer look of bright dresses and skirts, her favorite season is fall due to her love of sweaters – and of course, regardless of the season, it’s not a complete outfit without Profe Krogh’s signature bright pink lipstick and extra accessories that tie it all together.

It seems that good style and a love for high heels flourishes within CCA’s Spanish Language Department – our last fashion feature belongs to none other than Profe Sánchez, who certainly knows what makes an outfit a “look.” Known for never failing to steal the show with her fabulous, glamorous style (and always with some added flair), her wardrobe consists of a

myriad of trench coats, brilliantly-colored items, and patent leather stilettos paired with chunky, bold jewelry that she wears with intention and curates carefully. Profe Sánchez’s coordinated outfits are made undoubtedly iconic by her beautiful collection of heels, with one of her students, Lulu Aivazian (12), declaring her the “queen of heels.”

PHoTo CrediT: Benji kaTZke

Mr. Pollock

Mr. Pollock can often be caught wearing button-down shirts, matching ties, slacks, and real dress shoes (a stand out in today’s “dress sneaker” forward culture) – it wouldn’t even be out of place to see him in a full suit on a random weekday. It’s a refined style, reminiscent of the former traditional standards for teachers. But what stands out, other than his formal

getup in a sea of hoodies and jeans, is the variety in the colors of collared shirts and ties in his wardrobe. With the diversity of hues, he’s very intentional and meticulous with color coordination. All of these attributes in his style are what give him the confidence to say that “there’s no competition” upon hearing that he’s considered one of the most fashionable teachers.

Featured Items

Mr. Malanga’s Pants

Handmade by a student, creaturesbybella on Instagram, Malanga sports upcycled jeans embroidered with graphics from a Trader Joe’s tote bag.

Mr. Shea’s ties, ranging from classic patterns to cartoon characters, are well-known to match the shirt he pairs them with.

PHoTo CrediT: james nguyen

April Fools Pranks! Entertainment

BY SYDNEY APPLBAUM

Monday, April 1, 2024 marks the annual April Fools’ Day on all of our calendars. A name given by the practical jokes that come along with it, April Fools’ Day has been a long lasting tradition for centuries. The actual story of how April Fools’ came to be is unknown, however, historians speculate the event is associated with the French calendar change in 1582, where the Spring equinox began on April 1st. Some individuals at the time failed to understand the New Year change, and those who failed to pick up on the new calendar became known as “April fools.” Henceforth, the date became known to history as April Fools’ Day. Although the origin of the day is foggy, individuals everywhere celebrate the day with countless jokes and hoaxes. However, as the years go by, coming up with new joke ideas is difficult. Are you a part of the group struggling to come up with pranks? Read on to find the best (and actually funny) pranks to play this April Fools’ Day!

The Iconic Picture Prank

I know you have seen this everywhere online, but it truly never gets old. Imagine waking up and seeing your face everywhere. On everything. The iconic picture prank is a funny joke

that has taken over online platforms everywhere. Simply get an image of the individual you want to prank, print out a number of copies of their face, and place the picture on any surface or frame available! The fun thing about this prank in particular is that if you put their face within picture frames, you have no idea when the individual is going to notice everyone being replaced by their replica. Seeing them slowly go crazy trying to put the pieces together is a joke in itself! You can also do this with numerous infamous characters, some popular ones online include Shrek, The Lorax, and more.

“Celebrate the day with countless jokes and hoaxes”

Car Hit Prank

Trying to pull a prank at school? The student parking lot is a joke in itself, but in case you want to laugh at it a little bit more, here’s a great one for you. Write out on a sticky note, “Sorry for the dent,” and place it on someone’s dashboard. Don’t actually hit their car (obviously), but

Coachella Headliners

BY JADYN HECHT

The music, performances, art, outfits, and, of course, the atmosphere attracts people from all over the world to Indio, CA., for the annual Coachella Festival. It takes place over April 12-14 and April 19-21.

Music festivals, in general, have grown to have a profound impact on American culture. You may know them for being a breeding ground for some celebrities and social media influencers, but they also foster new trends and opportunities for creativity. Festivals are a place for artists to showcase their talents. To follow suit, Coachella’s setlist celebrates all types of artistry and music styles.

Looking back on Coachella 2023, there were highs and lows, to say the least. Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny and the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK received high praise. The third headliner was the highly awaited Frank Ocean, who not only showed up an hour late but only performed one of the two weekends. It is safe to say that fans were outraged–especially those who planned to attend the second weekend of Coachella 2023 for Ocean’s performance. The

“The atmosphere attracts people from all over the world”

watching them search every inch of their vehicle for the mishap is hilarious. Eventually, it would be nice to let them know, but if you don’t, we won’t tell.

Cup Water Prank

A classic joke, the old cup water prank is a great one. Take a cup, preferably clear, and fill it with water. Next, put someone’s belongings that could survive water into the cup. Then, flip the cup over onto a paper plate or washcloth, and remove the plate/washcloth from underneath the cup. Now you have a cup flipped upside down filled with water, and the only way for someone to get their belongings out is by spilling the water everywhere! “Hey kids, where are my keys?” “I think I saw them over there!” WARNING: Make sure your parents won’t get mad before you do it, we’d prefer not to get any more complaints, let alone over a prank.

Penny under the Faucet

Looking for a quick and easy trick to do at home? All you need to do is grab a penny, some tape, and ensure you have a working sink! Simply put the penny up to the faucet, where water is released, and put tape on it to cover the water. That way, when someone turns on the sink, water will splash out everywhere! A funny and quick trick, this one is bound to get someone good. Just make sure

appeared on the competition show The Voice alongside her country singer-husband, Blake Shelton.

your tape is see through so no one can tell there is anything on the sink.

The Toilet Roll Prank

Finally, a simple yet immensely effective joke! Grab an empty toilet paper roll with no more cloth and place it underneath running water for a minute. The water alters the consistency of the roll, allowing you to shape the figure into whatever you want. The flexibility of the roll mixed with the dark brown color is a recipe for a disgusting disaster. You can place your fake excrement on the toilet seat or on the ground, whichever one you believe will get your victim better!

Now there is no excuse to not have a valid prank this April Fools’ Day. Get out there and get pranking (and just remember you didn’t hear these ideas from us!)

question is whether this mishap is a reflection of Frank Ocean or the festival.

This year’s headliners are Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, Doja Cat, and No Doubt. Also on the list are Peso Pluma, Blur, J Balvin, Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice, Jon Batiste, Grimes, Renee Rapp, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Lana Del Rey returns to the Coachella stage for the first time since 2014. She was supposed to perform in 2020 before the festival was canceled due to the pandemic. Her career has since flourished. She has gained an extensive following, released 6 albums, and received 9 Grammy nominations and many other awards and nominations.

Coachella 2024 will certainly not be Tyler, the Creator’s first time at the festival. Some of his most famous appearances were in 2015, 2018, and again last year during Kali Uchis’ set. Fans expect colors and neon lights to reflect his eclectic personality.

Doja Cat performed at the festival in 2022, but she is returning this year as a headliner for the first time. Infectious melodies, fearless approach, and confidence caused her to quickly emerge as one of the most versatile artists today.

No Doubt is a rock band that became famous in the mid-90s and is now reuniting for the first time after roughly 10 years. The band is most famous for their songs “Just a Girl” and “It’s My Life” and its lead singer, Gwen Stefani. Stefani has since released music independently and also

“Festivals are a place for artists to showcase their talents”

If you want to go, it is definitely not too late. Indio is only a short drive away, and tickets are still on sale. Every year, Coachella proves to be a wonderful experience no matter why you decide to go. It is the pinnacle of celebration, creativity, and self-expression that remains untouched by competitors, making it a bucket-list experience for many.

PHOTO CREDIT: CANVA

PHOTO CREDIT: CANVA

A Dune Trilogy Falling Flat

BY DIANA GOMES

With two out of three Dune movies released, it is time to pick apart the trilogy, explaining everything that’s wrong with it. Where do I begin? I’ll be sure to save one good point for the end.

First off, I loathed the Harkonnen design. In the book, the Harkonnens are not bald but, in fact, had bright red hair. While the Baron, Vladimir Harkonnen, did grow up to be morbidly obese to the point where he had to use anti-gravity suspenders to keep his weight from crushing him, he does not, as shown in the movie, use these to randomly levitate as a display of power. He just looked stupid floating around. At least the directors tried to keep his “basso voice” in the movie.

Regarding the na-Baron, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, he is portrayed as a plain, bloodthirsty psychopath; yet his literary character has so much more depth. He is the mirror of Paul which should have made their final duel have that much more weight but it just ends up being a teenage boy killing a twisted maniac. With the Harkonnens, in general, it feels as if half of the movie was just fight scenes between Fremen and Harkonnen—no focus on Paul to become the Fremen messiah and lead a murderous crusade—only fight after fight without any substance.

“He just looked stupid floating around”

Next up: Chani. In Dune: Part One, why is she constantly showing up in between scenes, during Paul’s dreams, or his prescient visions? Herbert mentions her once in the beginning of the novel when Paul is describing his dream to the Reverend Mother, but he does not mention her again until Paul meets her while fighting with the Fremen Stilgar and his group. Not only is Chani constantly popping up, but Paul’s visions are also left unexplained. I would understand the director’s choice to insert Chani here and there because he was leading up to her having a slightly more important role in the second movie, but just makes her character do a full 180. In Dune: Part Two, Chani becomes completely unsupportive of Paul and his goal of becoming the Fremen Messiah. And when Paul brings up marriage with Princess Irulan, book Chani understands that it is simply a necessary strategic move to guarantee Paul the role of Emperor, yet movie Chani seems to not understand this plan.

While Liet-Kynes plays an incredibly important role, their death should be equally important. Sure, their movie death appears much more cinematic and provides some action, but Dune is not an action story. Dune is a story about water. Originally, they died stranded in the desert without a still suit to conserve their moisture. Right before their death, Liet-Kynes began hallucinating their father giving a lecture about the ecology of Arrakis. Following this hallucination, Liet-Kynes dies from a natural gas eruption, called

a “spice blow.” This way, their death accomplishes two things: the reader is given a detailed explanation of water on Arrakis and how Liet-Kynes’ father hoped to achieve his goals, and more about the spice is explained.

Why are atomics suddenly brought it and why does Paul use them to threaten the Major Houses? Why not simply show that the Fremen support him and will use their power to completely end spice production? Duke Leto Atreides mentions “desert power” to Paul, meaning what the Fremen have learned to control while adapting to the harshness of the unforgiving planet. The use of atomics completely undermines the power that the Fremen have over the spice. And why threaten the Major Houses instead of the Spacing Guild to introduce it into the narrative as it plays an important role in Dune Messiah. It’s like Villeneuve is trying to make his job harder by having to establish the Spacing Guild in the next movie when he could have already done that. Though, from what I’ve seen in the first Dune movies, I doubt he will even make an effort to explain the importance of the Spacing Guild and its power.

A large issue about the movie is the plot. The storyline. If I had not read the book, I would have been entirely confused and utterly unaware of what anything meant. The scenes kept jumping from one place to another, and the continuous insertion of Paul’s visions with no explanation whatsoever provided for a very inconsistent storyline. The spice was not properly

explained, nor Paul’s prescient memory and how the spice enhances it. The Fremen and their complex religion is left aside, as well as the many things Paul had to learn and undergo in order to become Fremen. There isn’t much on sandworms, the Bene Gesserit plans and their thousands years of scheming, or Arrakis. Boring and confusing.

One good point: the CGI and VFX. The CGI was absolutely incredible. Each scene looked so real. Watching it in the theatre, I felt as if I could almost reach out and touch the sand, ‘thopters, and all of the other contraptions. During the test with the gom jabbar, the dark room and the veiled Reverend Mother gave the scene such a tense atmosphere; I was almost in the room with Paul—my life in the hands of a scheming old lady. The sandworms reverberated throughout the theatre seats as if I was also riding upon those creatures.

Overall, Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two left nothing from which to herald their praises. Nothing—from the general story to the way specific characters were portrayed— did the book any justice. The world that the movie depicted on the big screen was nowhere near the remarkable world that Frank Herbert created on paper. As for the third movie, my expectations are on the floor. I’m not even sure how faithful Villeneuve can stay to the book, Dune Messiah, given that he’s already changed so much.

“The Sound of Music” ran in the Proscenium Theater from March 15 to March 23. This “theatrical sing-along experience” was directed by Jeannine Marquie and highlights some of CCA’s brightest stars. PHOTO CREDIT: YIQIAN WANG

March Music Recap

BY SOPHIE SHI

2024 is shaping up to be a fascinating year for music fans worldwide, with big-name artists like Taylor Swift announcing upcoming music releases. This past month has been especially rewarding for listeners of all genres, with the following being some of the most anticipated album drops of March.

“More gut -wrenching electro-pop ballads”

Ariana Grande, eternal sunshine (March 8)

Fans have been awaiting the pop star’s seventh studio album release for months, with the release of the single “yes, and?” only heightening the buzz around Grande’s new music. The album has 13 tracks, which were revealed in various stages via Grande’s Instagram throughout the month of February. The album title is inspired by Michel Gondry’s 2004 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which touches upon the fantasy of removing a past relationship from memory. Upon the album’s release on March 8, many fans were extremely excited and immediately began delving into the hidden meaning behind Grande’s lyricism, with many connecting the various tracks to the singer’s 2023 divorce from ex-husband Dalton Gomez and her recent romance with SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical star Ethan

Slater. Fan favorites are varied across the album, with some preferring the more upbeat, high-tempo songs like track two, “bye,” and track eight, “the boy is mine,” and others opting for the more gut-wrenching electro-pop ballads, like track 11, “i wish i hated you.” Shortly after eternal sunshine was released, Grande released a music video for track 10, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” that featured herself and Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story actor Evan Peters as past lovers. The video stays on par with the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind theme, following Grande as she undergoes a procedure to alter her memories such that all traces of Peters and the two’s previous relationship are completely erased from her mind. Grande also performed “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” along with track 12, “imperfect for you,” live during the March 9 episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Dune actor Josh Brolin.

“Many fans were extremely excited and immediately began delving into the hidden meaning”

Kanye (“Ye”) West & Ty Dolla $ign, Vultures 2 (March TBD)

As the album title suggests, this collaboration between the two rappers serves as the second installment of the Vultures album trilogy. Its predecessor, Vultures 1, saw quite some success, reaching number one on iTunes despite delays as a result of its removal from major streaming platforms on various occasions. Producer Timbaland teased the release of the album on X, formerly known as Twitter, in late February, and many fans were expecting the collaboration to drop on March 8. To their disappointment, however, Vultures 2 failed to meet the expected release date. Ye reportedly reassured fans through the Instagram account “Ye Fanatics”

that the album was still in progress though, writing “We’re in the lab.” Despite the delay in release to streaming platforms, Ye and Ty Dolla $ign held an album listening party in Los Angeles on March 8, revealing the likes of artists like Young Thug, Future, Offset, and Playboi Carti to be on the album.

Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter (March 29)

Announced during her Verizon Super Bowl ad, Beyoncé’s eighth studio record, Cowboy Carter, is one of the final music releases of March 2024. Her release of singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” garnered immense attraction from fans, many of whom were pleasantly surprised by the superstar’s delve into the country-pop genre.

“Lost Girl” ran in the Black Box Theatre from March 7 to March 16. Performed by CCA’s Envision Theatre Arts, this play was directed by Siobhan Sullivan Crews.

Sports What’s Coming Up in Spring Sports

By Hayden CHang

With winter finally coming to a close, spring sports are just around the corner as tryouts are finally done and games are beginning. CCA students can look forward to viewing or participating in eleven different sports this season: badminton, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, boys golf, boys tennis, boys volleyball, track and field, baseball, softball, swim & dive, and girls beach volleyball. Here’s what some of our spring sports teams have been up to as the season begins.

Boys volleyball started their season off strong with a JV first place win at the Scripps Ranch High School Volleyball Tournament. During their

season home opener on March 6, they continued the streak with wins from both JV and Varsity against Classical Academy. When asked how he felt about the upcoming volleyball season, Connor Tuey (11), a member of the JV team, says, “I think this upcoming volleyball season will go very well, as the season has just started and we have already won first in a tournament.” Especially with the 22-23 team making it to the CIFSDS Division 1 semi-finals for the first time last season, this spring is looking good for boys volleyball.

Track and field competed in their first local meet at Mt. Carmel High School on March 2, ending with many standouts from CCA athletes. Historically, CCA competes at the Varsity Mt. Carmel Field and Distance Carnival as one of the first meets of the season, typically having many high-placing athletes with some even placing first in their event. This year, some notable placements were Jacob Pippel (12) in first place in the Boys 1600 Meter Run, Kai Bolaris (12) in second place in the Boys 3200 Meter Run, Dean Le (12) in seventh place in Boys Pole Vault, Elisabeth Driscoll (12) in first place in Girls Discus, and Julianne Sugimae (11) in third place in Girls Discus.

Mathias Penzes (10) says, “Preseason is going strong with constant improvements. We’re ready to smash the season when it comes.” Track and field’s next league meet at CCA is on March 28, so make sure to come out and support!

With a great start to the season, Varsity Girls Lacrosse won their first two games on February 27 and March 1 against Helix Charter High School and La Jolla Country Day. They continued their streak with a tight 1312 win against Valhalla High School, staying undefeated. Bani Chawla (10), a member of the Varsity team, says, “I’m really excited about this upcoming season because I feel like I’m going to grow as a player and we’re going to grow as a team.” Check out their next

Rising Athletes and the NFL’s Legacy

By kendall yee

With the NFL’s 104th season coming to a close, coaches are ready to find the best new prospects to bring into the 2024 season. Over the course of Feb. 29 to March 3, the NFL Scouting Combine has been taking place, selectively inviting players to have interviews with teams and perform tests to demonstrate their athleticism– all while being watched by hundreds of NFL coaches, scouts, managers, owners, and, most importantly, their fellow competitors.

At the NFL Scouting Combine,

prospective players can participate in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone, 20-yard shuttle run, bench press, and position drills. Depending on position and size, there is a chart of expectations per person. For example, in the 40-yard dash,the average speed per second of a wide receiver is 4.53 seconds, while defensive ends are able to get near an average speed per second of 4.82 seconds (ESPN). Now keep in mind that it’s not just all running– but also about how the skills one possesses can be applied to a situa-

tion within the game. Beyond focusing on the physical aspects of football, these drills test mentality and physicality in order to see the true athleticism and skill sets of these athletes first-hand.

Throughout the combine, players are judged by their athletic abilities–mainly agility and adapting on the fly–which pool together to form their stock (the overall consensus on how high or low a player is predicted to get selected in the NFL draft). Each drill in which a player partakes in contributes to their draft stock, which measures how the athletes promote themselves, and the stock value influences their chances to be picked in the draft. For example, some wellknown prospective players did not participate in the 2024 combine, such as USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams. As he is currently projected to hold the title of top overall draft pick, Williams opted out of participation in the combine since his inclusion could only make his stock decrease. This inevitable decrease in participation is due to possible inconsistencies or mediocracies which could cause a lesser quality performance to push the stock downwards. Therefore, for top-ranked athletes, there can be a larger risk to playing in the combine than sitting out.

Several athletes in particular stood out at the NFL Scouting Combine, one being 20-year-old Texas Longhorns Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy. By running a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, he made history. Setting the NFL

home games against Santa Fe Christian and Poway on March 26 and March 28!

Boys Tennis had a dominant 16-2 win against San Marcos at their first game on February 29, following up the next week with another 16-2 win at their first away game against Carlsbad on March 5. As CIF Open Division champions for the past three years, the expectations are high to bring home the win again this season. Shaurya Bairaria (11), one of the “players to watch” listed by The San Diego Tribune’s pre-season boys tennis evaluation, says, “I feel great about the upcoming season. Even with the loss of seniors, I’m confident this team can overcome the adversity they face and perform admirably.” There are many home games coming up for the next few months, so make sure to show up and support our spring sports!

‘‘We’re ready to smash the season when it comes’’

With the season just beginning, there’s a lot to look forward to before CIFs at the end of the year.

record, Worthy in turn increased his draft stock and made himself appealing to the scouts, making himself the fastest man in NFL Combine history. In addition to already proving himself on the Longhorns’ home field in Texas by catching “75 passes for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games… in 2023,” (Sports Illustrated), his impressive exemplary nature of sprinting will make him a large asset to any team.

On the other hand, according to USA Today, Penn State Cornerback Kalen King had a loss in his stock. Appearing as a standout athlete in the 2022 season, after attending the Combine, it seems King may have lost some steam on the train to number one. This is suggested by his 4.61-second 40-yard dash, as some are skeptical about his abilities when faced with receivers and defensive lineups. After some mishaps in his performance both throughout his junior and 2023 seasons, people today guess that his stock is sinking to become a Day Three pick after his mistakes.

The NFL Draft is predicted to

Players are judged by their athletic abilities–agility and adapting on the fly

take place in late April, and will decide the fates of several players for this com-

ing season. As there are only 32 teams, these athletes will be picked by their soon-to-be coaches– marking the day their professional career begins. As we wait to see several players get drafted to their favorite teams, we can reflect on their performance in the NFL Combine. Thus, the 2024 NFL Scouting

For top-ranked athletes, there can be a larger risk to playing in the combine than sitting out.

Combine was ultimately a success, as new program records, talents, and never-before-seen footage were produced. Each moment of the combine mattered, and every athlete is trained to take advantage of the opportunity and open new communication with teams they not only would play well on, but feel at home with. Now, the next step for these players is stretching the final mile to reach their goals by displaying incredible feats of athleticism and mental toughness so they can compete to be selected in the first round of the draft. Mark your calendars for April 25-27, as the NFL Draft is scheduled to reveal the new homes of the prospects of the 2024 Draft!

PHoto Credits: saBine CHung

PHoto Credits: Bani CHawla

PHoto Credits: leaH HetteBerg

Sports in the Rain

By Carrie krumman

Spring is in the air! And there’s no better way to celebrate the season of flowers and new beginnings than attending a CCA spring sports game— especially if the game you attend has been rescheduled five different times because of the seemingly relentless rain. Contrary to popular belief, many outdoor CCA sports teams’ greatest rival is not Torrey Pines or Cathedral, but the rain itself! Although many athletes recognize the importance of precipitation for the environment, it can certainly be frustrating when games or matches are constantly postponed.

Carrie krumman

Sometimes, the delays happen on backto-back days, adding even more drama to student athletes’ already hectic schedules. On the flip side, some sports have adopted a “we play until lighting” policy, much to the dismay of warm-blooded San Diegan athletes. Honestly, it seems like there’s no right answer when it comes to the rain — playing, rescheduling, or any other option feels im-

The RATS

By lake mallery

mensely draining (pun intended) when precipitation is involved. Nonetheless, these rainy days never fail to produce a plethora of humorous anecdotes for athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.

Track and field is notorious for its commitment to competing through

Rainy days present a wonderful opportunity for team bonding experiences

intense weather. Wind? Child’s play. Heat waves? Boooring. But what happens when a track and field meet is scheduled during heavy rain? Well, the show must go on. Although the field events (discus, pole vault, shot put, etc.) may get closed down due to slippery equipment, the track events are stuck competing until lightning saves the day. One infamous example of this “rain or shine” policy occurred at last year’s Del Norte meet on Feb. 25. On this day, the athletes arrived at the Nighthawks’ stadium, excitedly awaiting the opportunity to secure new personal records, but NOPE. The rain poured so hard that the track flooded! Athletes were either running (more like swimming) through the puddles of water on the track (more like a lake) or seeking temporary warmth with the help of the bathroom hand dryers. The whole experience was a land-based edition of “Under the Sea.”

Conversely, softball and baseball have a drastically different approach to rain than track and field. If the field is wet, the game gets canceled. With high-maintenance pitchers’ mounds, dirt infields, and grass outfields, playing even a little on wet ground has the potential to destroy the field. Not to mention the awkward challenge fielders face when throwing a soaked ball! Fortunately and unfortunately, this means that softball and baseball games are limited to days without rain. However, there are some exceptions. This year, on March 6, the softball team was scheduled to play a game against Escondido Charter High School. Although the weather was sunny and bright when the game started, a mass of dark gray clouds loomed above the field by the middle of the game. Eventually, the pouring rain facilitated a series of throwing errors, where the ball was flung too high or too low as a result of its limited grip. Whoops!

There is no doubt that rain can add an extra layer of annoyance to

Some sports have adopted a “we play until lighting” policy

the sporting season, especially when it seems like teams are forced to pick between two rather unappealing options: playing in the freezing rain or delaying the game. But what if athletes had the

power to change the narrative of these adverse weather days? If we think about it, rainy days present a wonderful opportunity for team bonding experiences. If your team falls into the “POSTPONE” category, then I have good news for you! A canceled game

is the perfect opportunity for a team bonding session, perhaps at a teammate’s house or an indoor activity like bowling, ice skating, or laser tag. This free time could be used to further unify the team and cement group morale. On the other hand, if your team falls into the “PLAY” category, take the opportunity to try your very best in your competition, regardless of the weather at hand. Sure, it may be more challenging to earn record-breaking stats, but isn’t the point of sports to challenge yourself? How cool would it be to defy the odds and achieve your goal despite the weather at hand? At the end of the day, having fun with your team is the aspect of high school sports that will stick with you forever — far longer than one win or loss — and the memories made with teammates through rain and shine are invaluable.

Spring has begun, and with it comes the exhilarating season of spring sports, but where there are sports, there are injuries. With 11 sports occurring simultaneously, the fields and courts have more athletes than any other time of year, creating an exciting scene for the sports medicine students at CCA. Meet the Ravens Athletic Training Students (RATS), the foundation of our school’s sports medicine program. These passionate individuals intern under the guidance of the medical trainer, Bri, providing essential support to our student-athletes. tion project to support CCA’s athletes.

“Our sports med program is a lot of long hours and work, but it is so worth it”

For many of these students, the journey began with a profound interest in sports and physical therapy. “I’ve been interested in physical therapy for a long time,” shares Z Huynh (11), the program’s president. “When I saw that Bri was training student aides, I looked to apply ASAP.” This program’s passionate students create a solid, practical rehabilita-

The one-year-old opportunity to intern for Bri offers a handson learning experience like no other. From mastering tape jobs to understanding the intricate mechanics of muscles, students gain invaluable skills that prepare them for future careers in sports medicine. “I’ve learned so much being in the program,” Huynh continues. “It would be hard to list everything, but a couple of things are tape jobs, rehab exercises, and how muscles work together in movement.”

At CCA, a typical day in the life of an intern is nothing short of dynamic. “A day usually starts with a huge rush right after school,” explains Huynh. “We’ll typically be helping Bri out by taping athletes that need it, guiding others through rehab, and also evaluating newly injured athletes.” Their dedication and experience are es-

sential in managing the diverse needs of our student-athletes. However, beyond the technical skills, what truly makes the RATS program special is the sense of community it fosters. “My favorite part of the program is all the people I get to meet!” shares Huynh. “I’ve become great friends with the other student aides and Bri, and I’ve also gotten to know a lot of the athletes I’ve helped out throughout my time in the program.” This tight-knit bond enhances the overall experience and creates a supportive environment for personal and program growth.

Despite the long hours and hard work, being part of the RATS program has high rewards. “Our sports med program is a lot of long hours and work, but it is so worth it!” expresses Huynh. “All of the student aids and Bri are pretty tight-knit, and you get so much hands-on experience out of it. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s always something I look forward to after school.”

“Bri and the RATS have been a huge help to me in recovering from knee and ankle injuries”

As the backbone of our school’s sports medicine program, the RATS embody the spirit of dedication, teamwork, and passion. Field hockey player, Hailey Church (10), comments, “Bri and the RATS have been a huge help to me in recovering from knee and ankle injuries. They are always so kind during rehab and are always willing to help with taping and recovery.” Their unwavering commitment ensures that our student-athletes can pursue their dreams on the field, knowing they’re in safe and capable hands.

PHoto Credits:

PHoto Credits: Carrie krumman

Crossword Crest Academy

BY Carrie Krummen

ACROSS:

1. Swedish pop music group

5. One circuit of a track, but insert “h” as the second to last letter

9. Mediterranean restaurant chain (there’s one at One Paseo)

13. Orange Sesame Street character who wears a pink tutu

14. Let’s be honest = Let’s ____ __

16. Physical destruction of a building

17. Harper Lee’s __ Kill a Mockingbird

18. Accurate/Exact

19. All buildings should have an emergency ____ door

21. Bodily accommodation to the motion of a ship at sea

22. Green area in a desert region, where water is found

23. Not messy

25. Use this app to identify the name of a song

27. Sarcastic comment

28. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY SWAMP?” - _____

29. Spill the ___

32. “What, like it’s hard?” - ____ Woods

34. Spherical body

35. Last name of the singer of “Piano Man”

36. Often the first word in book titles

38. Enthusiastic agreement

40. Precious minerals can be extracted from this material

42. Slightly less enthusiastic agreement

43. Conform = Abide by the ____s

45. We all ___eam for ice cream

47. Movie theaters that presented The Eras Tour movie

49. Agreement

50. Actor Michael ____ from the Super Bowl skincare commercial + “t”

52. NFL quarterback _____ Rogers

55. Castle/Mansion

56. Flatten/Squash

57. These quizzes test your knowledge of words

60. NFL’s Cincinnati team

63. _____ Newton of physics, but remove a repetitive vowel

64. Channel 10 news coverage

65. Not you

66. Lone/Only

67. These great flatlands are in the middle of the U.S.

68. Colonists used ___ and feathers in the American Revolution

69. Social media trend involving sensory sounds

70. Rubber part of a pencil, but remove the third letter and last letter

71. Moves head in agreement

DOWN:

1. SDSU team name

2. Sound heard in a haunted house

3. To __, or not to __, that is the question

5. Sticker/Tag, but remove the middle letter

6. Admission/Entry

7. Snow White’s dwarves’ favorite phrase

8. Danish-French impressionist

9. “Berries and _____!” - Little Lad

10. Cord to connect your phone to your car + “s”

11. Eight in Roman numerals

12. Sprinkle-sized insects

14. Honestly/Truthfully

15. First two letters of 29 across

18. Birthstone of June, commonly used in necklaces

21. Synonym for ocean + Ursula’s sidekicks

22. Tall tree that has evolved into ~500 species

24. Abbreviation for a natural logarithm

26. Black and white striped animal

29. Out of business toy store

30. What a high-pitched shriek sounds like

31. Abbreviation for a European mountain

33. Painting stand for artists

36. Attempt

37. Color property

39. Word game with tiled letters

41. “e” + colorful parrots featured in Rio

46. Lightning McQueen is a famous one

48. First word of a fast food restaurant chain that has a starfish logo

50. Taxi

51. Sport played with a racket and a yellow-green ball

53. First two letters of 58 down

54. Athletes who compete in the National Hockey League

55. The FitnessGram _____ test is a multistage aerobic capacity test

57. Passport endorsement, also a type of credit card

58. “Bears” in Spanish

59. Cool, ____, and collected

61. Unit of heredity, also sounds like pants

64. These infamous tests occur in May

65. Angry

68. Same as 17 across