The Last Dance

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6

The Last Dance

Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year

2023-24

By Shafiqa Shahul

To acknowledge and congratulate our staff who have all worked hard throughout the year, CCA had its annual voting for the teacher and classified employee of the year. The staff get together to nominate the candidates and then vote. This year’s nominees for the classified employee of the year were: Karen Burrows (Admin. Assistant II), Sandra Ceballos (Custodian), Brianna Corallo (Athletic Trainer), Kristine Freeland (Receptionist), Terri Glausser (Learning Commons Technician), Sunny Hardy (College and Career Center Secretary), and Kathleen Reyes (Admin. Assistant II). The nominees for the teacher of the year were: Laura Krogh (World Language), Alyssa Cesca (Math/PALS), Carlos LaGrange (Special Education), Andrew Norbeck (Visual and Performing Arts), and Lara Rhoads (English). Congratulations to all the nominees!

Moving on to the results, the classified employee of the year is Ms. Freeland, receptionist at CCA. She ensures that the campus is a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment.

The staff say Ms. Freeland juggles a wide variety of duties with ease and solves problems independently and creatively

ASBallots

By Jadyn hecht and lake Mallery

CCA’s recent ASB elections have brought a new set of leaders into office at our school. Each class had the opportunity to vote to elect students for seven different school-wide positions. We interviewed elected officials on the executive board to understand their plans for the school year and how they intend to make an impact on student life. Here’s what they had to say:

“Every winner brings a unique set of goals and priorities to their role, promising to address the varied interests and needs of our student community.”

Ms. Freeland engages with the school’s broader community — the parents, students and staff alike. Amongst staff and students, she is known to be a great listener and supportive. Ms. Freeland says, “I’ve only worked here for a year and a half, and there are so many amazing admin and classified staff; I am honored to be chosen from amongst them.” When asked who all have supported

her throughout her time at CCA, she says, “Everybody that I work with, especially the principal secretary and Kristine Gotta, who has trained me and helped me get my feet off the ground. And all the classified staff on campus have been very patient and helpful in helping me learn.”

The teacher of the year is Ms. Cesca, a math teacher and PALS (Peer Assistance

Listening Support) advisor at CCA. Under her guidance, the PALS program has created a safe space for students to seek social and emotional help, as well as strengthen empathy, peer support, and understanding at CCA. The staff congratulate her ability to teach a wide range of courses from math readiness to honors. They admire her passion, enthusiasm, and her steadfast commitment to her student’s academic success and well being. “Knowing that people took their time to nominate and elect me was special,” she said. Ms. Cesca said there were many who supported her throughout her teaching career at CCA, “Ms. Shultis, she’s been a huge support, Mr. Shay and Mr. Keenan, heads of the math department, Mr. Gilbert, and my lunch crew were all there for me when I needed advice.” When asked how students have played a role in achieving this, she said, “I think students make my job really fun, and being able to have fun makes me able to do more fun activities for them, and they’ll appreciate it.” Congratulations to the teacher and classified employee of the school year 2023-24!

After two weeks of campaigning, CCA students voted Hayden Crocker (11) as their ASB Executive President. Crocker states that he made the decision to run for this position because “we still have a lot of work to do in terms of increasing spirit and engagement on campus since COVID.” Throughout the 2024-25 school year, Crocker hopes to “increase attendance at sports games and make sure that our pep rallies are more organized” and also “focus on communication, making sure that ASB is communicating effectively with the student body through our social media and consistently collaborating with clubs, PALs, student groups, and businesses.” Next year, upperclassmen can look forward to a new sports event. As Crocker states, “I really want to look into doing powder puff but I don’t have any info on that yet! Again, events rely on how involved our student body wants to be in their high school experience. If the students want it, we’ll look into it!”

The Commissioner of Sports will be Emi Matsuda (10), meaning she will be responsible for connecting athletics and ASB. When asked about her motivation to run for the

position, Matsuda said, “Being in the sports committee for two years, I have the experience of planning fun athletic events and wanted to continue that into the 2024-2025 sports season.” Joining sports teams is a valuable experience, and Matsuda acknowledges that. “Being on a team has taught me so many important life skills like collaboration, communication, and more.” Keep an eye out for an online calendar of events and games each week, and follow @cca.ravennation!

Ben Du (10) will take over the Club Commissioner position, acting as the liaison between ASB and student-run clubs. Managing the hundreds of clubs at CCA is a big undertaking, but Du is confident: “I’ve worked with the past two club commissioners on planning club day and club registration,” he says. “Although these events are a logistical nightmare, I think it’ll be fun.” Given that there are so many clubs on campus, Du plans to “filter out inactive clubs so that active clubs can stand out and recruit new members.”

Oona Norvell (10) will be the Arts Commissioner for next year. As a member of the Comedy Sportz team and other arts programs, Norvell stat-

ed, “I think that the arts at CCA can completely transform a person’s high school experience if they take the initiative to truly explore their passions within these programs.” She hopes to increase student engagement in the arts and will bring back traditions like Battle of the Bands and Raven Idol, as well as introduce new lunchtime events.

Congratulations to Hayden Crocker, Hayden Chang, Emi Matsuda, Ben Du, Oona Norvell, Henry Garewal, Max Gibbons, Claire An, Jake Selecky, Ethan Leem, and Marcus Hammi for your hard work and impressive campaigns. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish!

“Everyone at CCA can expect a very memorable and eventful 2024-2025 school year.”

Photo credit: Mr. Min

Prom: Behind the Scenes

By hayden chang

Prom, one of CCA’s biggest events of the year, happened last weekend at the beautiful Green Acre Campus Point. The venue was decked out in flowers for the theme, Lilies and Roses, with students in matching floral outfits. As a current member of the dance committee, let’s look into how ASB plans prom, starting with venue and theme ideas and ending with the event itself.

“While most of us have attended a school dance at some point, not many know the process behind planning our favorite events like formal and prom.”

The first step in planning every prom is finding a location, which is often chosen about a year in advance. The dance manager, in collaboration

with the rest of the dance committee, emails venues and spends the whole school year touring potential options in various areas around San Diego. The committee is known for taking full advantage of the diverse scenery in San Diego, with past proms at beachside resorts and even an empty Petco Park just last year. This year, ASB’s dance manager, Brooke Tomlinson (11), selected Green Acre Campus Pointe, a restaurant and private event space in Sorrento Valley, as the 2024 prom venue. When asked about how venues are selected, Tomlinson mentioned the need “to consider lots of different things like capacity, location, price, and parking availability.” With a scenic outdoor area for the DJ and dancing and an expansive indoor space, Green Acre Campus Pointe was perfect for the final dance this school year.

Next on the to-do list for the dance manager is coming up with a theme. Just like the venues, themes are usually planned months before the official announcement. With certain locations, the theme comes naturally (like Sunset Island for our most recent formal at the Coronado Loews Bay Resort), but, for this year’s venue, there was more to consider regarding the prom theme. Ultimately, the dance committee went with the floral Lilies and Roses theme because the pretty

Senior Week Preview

By SoPhie Shi

As the school year comes to an end, CCA’s class of 2024 is set to begin embarking on their new college and post-high school journeys! Before graduation, however, ASB has prepared a week of fun activities for the seniors to enjoy and use to make some final unforgettable memories.

5/24, Senior Sunset (7:00 - 9:00 PM)

To kick off the week of activities, ASB has planned a fun bonfire and sunset-watching event at Moonlight Beach. The event is set to include smores-making, various games, and music. It should be reminiscent of the Senior Bonfire event held earlier in January of this year, making this activity exciting for seniors who enjoyed the previous event and something to look forward to for seniors who were unable to attend the earlier bonfire. Parking is free and there is quite a lot of space available near the beach, although it might be advisable to carpool with friends or arrive earlier to secure a closer parking spot. The beach includes a concessions stand, but it is not always open and has a more niche selection of food options. For hungry seniors, some other nearby options in the downtown Encinitas area to grab dinner include

white, pink, and green color palette perfectly matched the outdoor garden space at Green Acre Campus Point. Another essential to planning dances like prom is booking must-have services like the photo booth, DJ, and catering. In order to efficiently manage the many vendor contacts, each member of the committee is assigned a service to contact. For example, I was in charge of emailing security this year, which involved reaching out to acquire a quote and passing the necessary purchase order during the next ASB meeting. Passing purchase orders correctly is one of the biggest responsibilities for the dance committee since one zero could result in making the drastic difference between a check for $1000 and $10000.

Finally, the dance committee works on publicity for the event during the weeks leading up to the theme reveal. Since even other ASB members aren’t allowed to know the prom theme, dance members have to privately work on creating posters and flyers in the student store to ensure that the theme stays secret up until the whole school announcement. The publicity member usually does most of the designing, but the whole committee pitches in to help get all of the posters done in time. Hopefully, you were able to gain more insight into how ASB and the dance committee work to create and plan your school dances. Make sure to thank Brooke if you see her in the hallway since we wouldn’t have had any of the dances this year without her!

The Taco Stand, Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria, and Lofty Coffee. For those interested in a sweet treat, Jojo’s Creamery is close to the beach as well.

5/28, Cap Decorating & Belmont Park (11:00 - 1:00 PM, 5:00 - 8:00 PM)

Tuesday is set to be a jampacked day full of exciting activities in the morning and the evening. Seniors are first invited to decorate their graduation caps and sign yearbooks with their classmates and friends from 11:00-1:00 PM at Overlook Park. Students should bring lots of colorful markers, pens, decorations, etc. that they would like to use during the event.

In the evening, seniors have three hours of unlimited fun and games at Belmont Park. The park has four free parking lots available for students to park in upon arrival. The park offers all sorts of attractions, including rollercoaster rides, an escape room, and arcade games. In terms of food, there are mostly small bites and fast food options, like Pizza Port and Belmonty’s Burgers. Those with sweet tooths will be satisfied by the abundance of treats offered, including ice cream from Moo Time Creamery at the Sweet Shoppe, Dole Soft Serve, Dippin’ Dots, and churros.

5/29, Disneyland (8:45 - 7:45 PM)

The highlight of the week

and most anticipated activity is Disneyland. Students are expected to meet up at the CCA Stadium at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, May 29. Once all students have checked in, they will board the buses prepared by ASB, which are set to leave at 8:45 AM sharp. Seniors will thus likely arrive at the theme park around 10:15 AM depending on traffic. Students are allowed to bring their own bags for any items they would like to take with them, such as portable chargers, water bottles, etc. Once through the security check and inside the park, seniors have the freedom to explore whichever rides and games they want, with only the expectation of meeting teacher advisors and chaperones once it is time to leave. The buses are set to leave the theme park at 7:45 PM sharp, so students should prepare accordingly to arrive at the designated meeting area.

5/30, Graduation Rehearsal (12:30 PM)

On the second-to-last day of high school for the class of 2024, a mandatory graduation rehearsal will take place. This means, regardless of whether or not a senior passport was purchased, seniors must prepared to participate in the rehearsal that will be-

gin at 12:30 PM. For those who have purchased a passport, Jersey Mikes will be provided as lunch during the through. The rehearsal should cover essentially everything that is to occur on graduation day so seniors are prepared and know what to expect.

5/31, Graduation (2:00 PM)

Graduation will take place at 2:00 PM on May 31. Seniors are expected to check in at 1:00 PM prior to the actual graduation event. Parents, relatives, and friends are all welcome to attend the event and celebrate our seniors as they conclude their time as high school students. Of course, given the popularity of the event and as demonstrated by previous years, both reserving a parking space and a seat in the bleachers will be difficult so it

Photo credit: hayden chang

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

By Sydney aPPlBauM

Out of the 12 months in the year, two and a half are dedicated to ultimate freedom for all teenagers enrolled at Canyon Crest Academy. Sure, we have winter and spring break, but everyone knows absolutely nothing outdoes summer. With a UV higher than any of our GPAs, summer provides a time for us to lay back, relax, and take a moment to reset…for some people. Unfortunately, time is moving at an incredulous pace, and with college just around the corner, students are stressed beyond measure. Unless you intend on curing a disease, if one is looking to attend a four-year college, the hype around volunteer hours on a resume is undeniable. The concept of giving back to our community in numerous forms is unquestionably virtuous, yet no one wants to volunteer at a place they are uninterested in. Personally, if I had to stay in a babysitting room with children for more than 20 minutes, I’d go nuts. In contrast, some people find the idea to be a piece of cake. Are you a student looking for places to volunteer, but have no idea where to start? Read on to find some summer volunteering opportunities for high school students in San Diego!

#1) Animal Shelter Summer Camp

Calling all animal lovers! Helen Woodward is looking for JV applications for their yearly Shelter Summer Camp! Although a volunteer doesn’t directly play with animals, they aid in carrying their cages from place to place and being a camp coun-

Classifieds

By Julia PiekarSki

Disclaimer: These are all real jobs that are searching for applicants

Entertainment

Ride & Attraction Operators at Belmont ParkQ

3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109

$17.50 an hour - Temporary, Parttime, Seasonal No fear of puke. 858.488.1549

San Diego Zoo Event Crew & Mascot Character

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

$16.30 an hour - Temporary, Part-time Looking for energetic and entertaining individuals 16+ who can handle some heavy petting. (619) 231-1515

Float Driver - SeaWorld 2595 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA

selor to children. Volunteers will help assemble crafts, clean, and play games with kids from 8:00-3:30, or 9:00-5:00, Monday through Friday. As this is a week-long commitment, a mandatory training session is also required before signing up. Sign ups to be volunteers and for the training session can be found on the Helen Woodward website under the volunteer tab. Volunteers must be from ages 14-17, wear pants or knee-length shorts daily, and be in at least ninrth grade as of Fall 2023.

#2) Birch Aquarium

More of an ocean person? Birch Aquarium volunteers have the opportunity to choose between a range of titles, such as being a tide pool interpreter, a greeter and safety instructor, or manning a station at the animal touch spots! The minimum age to sign up is 16 years old, but Birch Aquarium volunteers have much more flexibility with hours, as they have the freedom to have only one shift per week. Before volunteering, one would need to get two letters of reference, and fill out a questionnaire on their website! With a flexible schedule and fun potential titles, this volunteer opportunity is not worth passing up.

#3) UCSD Medical Center

Looking into the medical field for the future? Apply to be a UCSD Medical Center volunteer! A volunteer can apply to work in Women & Infant Services, Patient Care Units, Pharmacy, and more. Although the medical

field is a competitive outlet, volunteers at the UCSD center need no previous experience to start. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older, available to start immediately after signing up, and must commit a minimum of 100 hours. Although a timely commitment, if you’re completely free over summer, the opportunity is a great way to get more medical management experience.

#4) Homework Coach at San Diego Library Is teaching more your thing? The San Diego Public Library is always looking for more volunteers, and this summer is a great time to start! Volunteers primarily assist the library staff by being library readers, arts and crafts instructors, Summer Reading Program Ambassadors, etc. If you’re available very early or late in the summer, the Do Your Homework opportunity may be a great one for you. Applicants must be above 15, good listeners, and enjoy assisting children within the K-8 age rangecomplete their homework assignments. Early June and the entire month of August are most likely when kids will still be enrolled in schools, so, for this program in particular, those may be the best times to volunteer. If teaching isn’t an interest of yours, check out the City of San Diego Official Library page for more opportunities!

#5) Fleet Science Center

STEM is definitely a popular interest amongst CCA students, and this opportunity is perfect! Be a

Fleet Science Center volunteer over the summer and help out at special events, science fairs, education camps, etc. The most popular opportunity for high schoolers seems to be the Museum Ambassador, where volunteers are required to direct visitors to galleries, monitor IMAX theater shows, greet individuals, and more. Applicants are required to be 16 years of age or older, commit to a minimum of three months of volunteering, and be ready to meet lots of new people! Volunteers also receive special discounts, such as 30% off at specific centers at Fleet, free previews of the IMAX films they offer to guests, and more. Check out the volunteer page on the Fleet Science Center website for more information!

So there you have it! If your parents are constantly nagging you about completing some sort of volunteering, any of the ones listed above are amazing options.

“Have a great summer everyone, wear sunscreen, relax, and try to ignore the fact we’re all getting older!”

$17.00 an hour - Part-time Required: High School Diploma, 18+, valid state-diverse license, able to swim (619) 222-4732

Customer Service

Host at Island Prime 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

$16.85-$19.00 an hour - Part-time Restaurant experience required. (619) 298-6802

Rancho Coastal Thrift Shop Team Member 120 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007

Do you like to feel used? Well, this could be the workplace for you.

$16.00-$16.50 (760) 697-4762

Juicer - Nekter Juice Bar 3435 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA 92130

$20.00-$22.00 an hour - Part-time A big drinker? Apply now! (858) 947-3400

Reservations Agent - Paradise Point Resort & Spa 1404 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

$17.85 an hour - Part-time High School Diploma; Previous experience in customer service (619) 222-4732

Other

Camp CaHito - Youth Day Camp Counselor 3101 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92103

$16.85-$20.00 an hour - Temporary, Part-time

Experience with children melting down is required. Must be able to carry 40 lbs. (619) 291-8985

YMCA Lifeguard

200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024

$18.00-$20.19 an hour - Part-time 18+ with CPR and First Aid certifications; floaties not provided. (760) 942-9622

Server/Dishwasher - Pacifica Senior Living 504 South El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024

$16.00-$16.50 an hour - Full-time Help Wanted! Expect your hands to get rough. (760) 313-7442

A Senior’s Guide to Elimination

By

Using neon pool floaties for protection and spray bottles as weapons, the classic competition “Senior’d Out” involves over 300 seniors battling it out to win a free senior passport, which covers the expenses associated with senior week. Participants or taggers are assigned a target in an email that comes out daily. The objective of the game is to be the last one standing or the tagger with the most eliminations by May 1, the ending date of the game. The strategy to win differs with each senior and constantly wavers between defense and offense. Interested students and staff should continue reading to discover the strategy that contributed to my success in Senior’d Out and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

“The game, as frivolous as it may seem, challenges students’ intellect, patience, courage, and loyalty, especially by placing seniors in an unfamiliar scenario.”

For my first target, Eric Li, I secretly arranged an interview with a few K-POP Club members and presidents, knowing he was one of them, under the pretense of “Advanced Journalism.” The brilliant setup proved unnecessary once Spoon Day was announced for the upcoming Friday. The rules were simple: a spoon must be in the mouths of participants to protect themselves from the dangerous spray bottles, replacing the original power of floaties. After a failed attempt to eliminate Li on his walk to school in the morning, I was ecstatic to spot his vibrant red hoodie during lunch. I followed the wary player aimlessly around campus, and eventually, he slipped into the sculpture room. Creeping into the room, I found Eric conversing with his friends while eating a salad. Unfortunately for him, he was using a fork and not a spoon. Upon securing my first elimination, my hands were shaking and my heart was beating rapidly, but I was in awe with the thrill this game gave me. Lesson #1: Opportunities come unexpectedly, so remain ready and do not get discouraged.

Targets were shuffled and Bruce Bei, a new acquaintance of mine, was my next victim. At his workplace, I waited two hours for his shift to end. Sadly, my patience was useless since he smugly waltzed out with his neon orange floaty clinging to his arm. Rumors eventually spread and Bei found out I was his tagger. Knowing I was the target of his dearest friend, Michelle Fan, the two constantly walked together: she became his shield of armor. Unable to get Bei out led to my unprotection the following week, serving as the catalyst for the budding friendship between the stairs and myself. Standing on the stairs exempted players from being sprayed because of the potential hazardousness associated with it. As a result, during each passing period, I would remain on the stairs and often ate lunch sitting on them. Sometimes I was with considerate friends. Other times, I was left alone, feeling like a scared freshman. One day during lunch, Fan found my ideal staircase to dine on and constantly passed by, smirking and teasingly waving in my direction. Refusing to react to her belittlement, I blatantly ignored her presence, continuing with my sarcastic hatred. A few times, this duo tried to convince me that Bei was willing to waive the white flag, but his sudden willingness left me with plenty of suspicions. Fortunately, Bei’s third period neighbored mine, and minutes before the bell, a plan was initiated to get him out. To confuse him, I decided to enter through the connecting hallway’s door rather than the main entrance. In his statistics class, a few of my friends gathered by the main doorway, making it challenging for Bruce to escape before the ringing of the bell. Looking for a way out, he immediately darted for the hallway, but the instant the bell rang, the hallway door sprung wide open, and I caught him by surprise. After the elimination, I quickly sprinted towards the stairs and left through another classroom, aware that my safety was still at risk. While catching my breath, I gleamed with joy and a subtle smirk appeared knowing elimination number two was secured. Lesson #2: Take risks when the reward is worth it.

Later in the game, 20 previously eliminated players were placed back into the game through the loser lottery. With this, I received my new target, Madison Mendoza, which turned out to be the easiest kill by a landslide as I eliminated her on the

first attempt. Spraying her as she simply walked out of her second period classroom. Lesson #3: Start simple before thinking outside the box.

Further on, I tagged Ruby Gao, but, unfortunately, the kill was not clearly caught on film, as my friend mistakenly recorded herself, not the elimination. Lesson #4: Have multiple videos recording at once.

Shortly after, targets were shuffled, and I was assigned Micah Kau, whose presence I was not aware of. Luckily, I soon learned about his weight training class. During my visit to the gym numbers, it was obvious he was very suspicious of me being his tagger, as my spray bottle was clutched in my hand. The bell had not rung yet, so I pretended he wasn’t my target by casually walking by and saying “Where is she?” to throw him off. Once the bell rang, however, I sprinted towards him, and, scared, he started running as his life was on the line. Thanks to my double-varsity insane athleticism, I was able to catch up to him and spray him out of the game.

“Lesson #5: Learn to think on your feet because the outcome of eliminations rarely happen as they were planned.”

After Kau, Emily Wang was my new target. However, after developing a close friendship throughout high school and having the PALs alliance, I never planned on trying to get her out. At a PALs event, I initiated a casual conversation with her to secretly gain intel on who her Senior’d Out target was; shockingly, it was Xavio Fenix, a fellow PAL. On a special safety day, I noticed Emily was not following the exact rules written in the email, but I refrained from spraying her after recently discussing her willingness to break the PALs alliance. Furthermore, I strategically did not want to be the first to betray the bond knowing I would anger the fellow PALs who remained in the game. Waiting to make my move worked in my favor as Emily did eliminate Xavio later that day, with my subtle encouragement to do so. All the shame went to Wang and I was just a simple bystander. Even better, I had multiple PALs rooting for me to eliminate her as revenge for Xavio’s death. Unfortunately, the sneaky setup for lunch with Wang fell through when a mutual friend of ours exposed me as her tagger. A few days later, the targets changed. Lesson #6: The same trust that is beneficial may be the trust that causes betrayal, so trust wisely.

My new target, Jess Freeland, was extremely invested in the game, so putting additional effort into eliminating her was necessary. From a random chain of communication, I learned of

her club soccer practice schedule and tried to eliminate her after a practice, but the flood lights went out 30 minutes early, and she escaped into the darkness. Overhearing the time and location of the CCA girl’s soccer team banquet set my next plan of attack into motion. I crept towards the learning commons as the official banquet ending time of 8:30 was approaching. My current sidekick, Wang, told me that Freeland was still there. As we snuck closer, conversations and laughs from a couple of girls echoed loudly, giving away the exact spot of where they were sitting in the room. Entering silently, I ducked down behind the first desk, blocking my appearance so I wouldn’t alert her of my presence. The instant my body was exposed, I sprinted towards her. Despite a teammate’s attempt at shielding her, I was able to get her. After leaving the room, I was thrilled regarding my accomplishment, but felt a lingering feeling of guilt knowing Freeland’s dedication to the game. Then again, the game is just a game. Lesson #7: Catching a player off guard is the most significant way to eliminate.

The most controversial player in the game became my next target, and all those rooting for me gleamed with joy knowing I had the chance of eliminating Niko Straviloas. Trust me, I was extremely invested. I parked near his car, visited each one of his classes daily, hovered around his goto stairs, scouted out his house, and even attempted a fake prom proposal (flopped). One week, the junior’s CAASPP testing happened, altering the school schedule. I enlisted the help of one of Straviloas’ enemies, who has a close friend that shares a second period with Straviloas. In between the regular second period and the additional time for testing, there was a passing

Maddie treSSe

Photo credit: Maddie treSSe

self from behind the cabinets, I caught Niko sitting on a stool in the corner of the hallway, twiddling his thumbs playing “Connections” on his phone. After spraying him, I left full of satisfaction after seeing his face flooded with redness and frustration. My sidekick and I jumped with joy as we not only eliminated one of the most dangerous and manipulative players in the game, but also, and more importantly, led me to the top three. Lesson #8: In the game, there is importance in having friends rather than having enemies, so play with respect and kindness.

The final three. Chloe Page, Derya Muezzinoglu, and myself. Page had the most kills by a long shot, so I secretly teamed up with Muezzinoglu, promising to refrain from eliminating her as long as I saw her putting in the

effort to get Page out. I knew trusting someone with this much power and control in the game was a risk, but I took a chance at it to see if it would work in my favor. However, as time was draining on, I realized Muezzinoglu was not dedicated enough for me, so I took control of the game back into my own hands. Unexpectedly, I saw Muezzinoglu nonchalantly heading towards the gate, so I quickly left my car to spray her. Right away, she noticed me approaching, but remained calm trusting the alliance we previously formed. At first, she was a little mad since I went against our deal, but, later on, I explained how I believed I had a better chance of winning the game if I had Page as my target and she kindly understood.

As the final two remaining, both of us had each other as targets, so the only way to eliminate the other was to catch them off guard. Chloe had obtained more eliminations than me; therefore, if she lasted until May 1, she would automatically win. With this in mind, I took on the mindset of 75% offense and 25% defense. I took the route of attempting to get her on her way from leaving work. Unaware of her exact shift, I spent three hours waiting on the stairs for her work to end as I partially hid behind a bush so she would not see me from the window. A few kind souls questioned if I was okay as they had seen me when they entered nearby restaurants and once again when they left those same restaurants. Exhausted from remaining in the same place for a long duration, I was questioning leaving, but encourag-

ing friends convinced me to stay. The battery percentage on my phone was slowly decreasing so every time I was around the 5% mark, I would sprint to my car at an abnormal time to charge my phone. Unfortunately, Chloe’s mom, who was picking her daughter up from work, spotted me from the stairs and alerted Chloe of my presence. Oblivious of the mother-daughter team, on the fourth sprint back to my car, Chloe sneakily approached out of the darkness and caught me off guard.

Of course, I was disappointed with the turnout, but I was also proud because, even though I didn’t win Senior’d Out, Chloe Page won and that’s an honorable accomplishment. The first few minutes after my elimination were wholesome as we gave each other a handshake, a “good game,” and a proud hug. Chloe Page was a very strategic and determined player, but she was also a very humble winner, which greatly increased my respect towards her. It’s unfortunate not to win considering the countless minutes I gave to this game, but that is an important lesson Senior’d

The San Diego County Fair

By aBigail Pinkerton

Every year as summer approches everyone in San Diego patiently waits for the San Diego County Fair to transform the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a bustling hub of excitement. When it does it draws in crowds from far and wide. This annual celebration, often hailed as one of the largest county fairs in America, is a celebration of Southern California’s rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and creativity.

From the moment visitors step through the gates, they are greeted by a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and aromas. The fairgrounds come alive with the whir of carnival rides, the laughter of children, and the scent of freshly cooked delicacies.

One of the fair’s main attractions is its culinary offerings. Food vendors from across the region come to showcase an array of dishes, ranging from classic fair food such as deep-fried Oreos and giant turkey legs to innovative creations like sushi burritos and bacon-wrapped everything. For those with a sweet tooth, the fair boasts an abundance of treats, including cotton candy clouds and towering ice cream sundaes.

But the San Diego County Fair is more than just a feast for the palate. Visitors can explore a diverse lineup of entertainment options, including live music performances, dance showcases, and comedy acts. Art lovers can peruse galleries featur-

ing works by local artisans, while thrill-seekers can brave the adrenaline-pumping rides scattered throughout the fairgrounds.

In addition to its entertainment value, the fair serves as a platform for showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage. Livestock exhibitions and agricultural displays offer visitors a glimpse into the world of farming and animal husbandry, while educational exhibits highlight the importance of sustainable living and environmental conservation.

At its core, the San Diego County Fair is a celebration of community spirit and togetherness. It’s a place where families and friends can come together to create lasting memories, indulge in

Out taught me: that trying brings unpredictability, not certainty. Yet, without trying, you will never know the outcome. Lesson #8: “Be patient, you don’t want to be too rash, otherwise your target will be onto you. There will be lots of opportunities to get your target out. Being discrete will really help you in the long run,” Chloe Page (12).

“I left the game not regretting a decision made because, if I did end up winning, I wouldn’t regret a single move. In this game, I was the last to lose after outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting 331 seniors and having plenty of fun doing it.”

culinary delights, and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Southern California culture. Tickets for the San Diego County Fair are on sale right now! The fair opens the 12th of June and the prices range from $13-25 with under five coming in for free, and on Fridays children under 12 get access to the park for free as well! The gates are open all days except Mondays and Tuesdays, the gates will open at 11am and close at 10pm. The San Diego County Fair will be open until July 7th so make sure you fit some time in your summer schedule to visit this magical place!

Photo credit: getty iMageS

The Parallel of Style and Greenhouse Gasses

By tegan innS

Global warming has been a pressing matter for many years, and it has been placed in our generation’s hands to fix. Yet, there is still much room for improvement amongst our generation. Gen Z has been brought up in a culture filled with influencers and social media; when the paparazzi catch a celebrity wearing an outfit, online sleuths immediately begin to search for cheap alternatives, which fast fashion brands are racing to produce first.

“However, we must be mindful of our shopping habits so that we can reduce our carbon footprint.”

Let’s start by reviewing what fast fashion is. Fast fashion refers

not get paid at all. These workers often have to work long hours in cramped and unsafe conditions, which can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health. Many people think they’re getting a great deal on these clothes—a dream piece for such a low price—but many are made with synthetic fibers instead of natural ones. While synthetic fibers can be produced in large quantities, their production generates a lot of pollution. Due to their low quality and passing trends, most of these clothes will end up in a landfill after only a handful of wears.

Fast fashion has taken the world by storm with its cheap prices and trendy designs. However, it comes at a significant cost to the environment and the people who make the clothes. The online-only Chinese fast-fashion brand Shein is gaining popularity due to its affordability and accessibility, but at what cost? The company produces about 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, and its workers are paid minimum wage, working in factories without windows or emergency exits. Many big-name

taneously promoting ethical practices. Starting with a more prominent name brand, Patagonia’s materials are made from recycled materials, and they offer a repair and reuse program; it even goes as far as to discourage customers from buying too many of its products. Patagonia transferred ownership to Patagonia Purpose Trust, which ensures that all of Patagonia’s profits go towards combating climate change. Reformation also does its part by using recycled and lower-impact materials and ensuring payment of living wages, as well as providing training for workers in their supply chain. Organic Basics is the place for you if you want lovely quality basics. Organic Basics uses eco-friendly materials, primarily organic cotton, which reduces the chemicals and water used in production and uses renewable energy in their supply chain. Outerknown offers clothing suitable for men and women using eco-friendly materials and recycles most of their scraps. Girlfriend Collective is an activewear company that provides clothing for men and women using recycled materials and recycled

quickly get bored of their clothing and enjoy switching things up, look into swapping with friends, family, or even on the apps I mentioned above! When I say donate, most people’s brains automatically go to Goodwill or Salvation Army, but only 10-20% of their clothing is sold. Some alternatives include Soles4Souls, Donation Town, USAgian, and Freecycle. Now, if your clothes are torn and tarnished, making them unwearable, your best options are to pick up a new hobby and learn how to sew, find an online high-quality tailor such as Fiber&Dye, or find a local tailor, which is the easiest option.

As Sabine Chung (10) says, “Summer 2024 is Sustainable Summer.”

to low-quality textiles that are rapid ly produced to follow current trends at low prices. Although these cute, cheap clothes can be tempting, the prices are meager due to the small pay that workers receive. Due to their cheap workforce, most of these inexpensive, trendy clothes are produced in unsafe, cramped, and dirty factories in areas like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Focusing on Bangladesh, garment workers have a monthly minimum wage of $113 in U.S. currency, while the estimated monthly living wage in Bangladesh is $302 US dollars as of 2023. Bangladesh’s low-wage garment workers cannot afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Additionally, these workers are often subjected to long hours and dangerous working conditions, which can result in severe injuries and even deaths. Unfortunately, lousy labor conditions exist in the U.S. as well. For example, garment workers in Los Angeles get paid two to six cents per piece, and, if their piece fails to pass the quality test, they do

brands, including H&M, Zara, For ever 21, Uniqlo, Mango, and ASOS, contribute significantly to the amount of waste fast fashion produces on the Earth. However, it’s essential to know that we, as consumers, can make a difference by being mindful of our purchases. One such brand to avoid is Brandy Melville. While their tees may be cute, the company needs to provide more information about how they source their materials; their practices are likely unethical. The new docu mentary on Hulu, Brandy Hellville, reveals many horrible truths about the brand. However, after watching the documentary, many are still willing to buy Brandy Melville clothes because their tees are “too cute.” But there’s an alternative. Namely, buying Brandy Melville from second-hand websites, such as Depop and Poshmark that offer these clothes for even less money than the actual Brandy Melville website, is an excellent way to reduce waste and give a new life to pre-loved garments. On the more positive side, let’s talk about some brands doing their part to better our environment while simul-

packaging while reusing their scraps to reduce textile waste. And to complete the outfit with some shoes, Veja is an excellent option. Veja uses low er-impact materials that limit the chemicals and wastewater used in its supply chain and offers recycling to its customers. To learn more about any of these companies or find more ethical companies, Good on You is an accessible website that has collected information on almost any brand you can think of; they offer an easy way to learn more about the brand you are buying from and how they are doing their part.

As spring cleaning season approaches, it is essential to note that 66% of the U.S.’s unwanted clothes end up in landfills, 19% are burned, and only 15% are recycled. If you have gently used clothes occupying your closet, your best options are to sell, swap, or donate them. Selling used clothing has been made easy with the age of social media; apps such as Depop, Poshmark, ThredUP, and the Facebook market place all offer ways to sell your clothes online, which makes it very conve nient. Swapping is rare, but those who

“It’s time to start investing in high-quality, ethically sourced clothing and stop buying clothes that fall apart after only a few wears from uneth

Photo credit: getty iMageS

Opinion

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Viral Makeup Edition

by hayden chang

With the advent of Sephora kids, makeup brands have been stepping up their marketing, moving away from traditional ads and toward platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Especially with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez starting their own makeup lines or participating in brand collabs like Glossier x Olivia Rodrigo, influencers on our social media are becoming more important than actual makeup artists in determining what products people buy. We’ve all seen the same products over and over again on YouTube makeup reviews and our For You Pages, so I decided to compile favorites from my spontaneous shopping sprees to tell you what’s actually worth the hype.

1. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: $24.00

Initially, I was hesitant to purchase a lip balm for $24, but I eventually caved when I saw it for the hundredth time on Instagram. And I have to say...I’m obsessed. I currently have this Summer Fridays lip balm in two scents (Pink Sugar and Cherry) and use it everyday. The first pro I noticed while applying this product was the signature sugary vanilla scent that Summer Fridays is known for. While I’m usually not a fan of scented products, this lip balm strikes the perfect balance between an invasive Bath and Body Works vanilla and no scent at all. Not only does it smell amazing, but the colors are also gorgeous. Pink Sugar has a sheer, baby pink tint, while Cherry is a strong, hot pink with a slight hint of red. I usually end up having both in my backpack and wearing whatever matches my outfit best that day. With the added bonus of being both long-lasting and nonsticky, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is my go-to lip product.

2. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: $23.00

The Rare Beauty blush was probably the purchase I was most concerned about after hearing the horror stories of people ending up with completely red faces after two dots of product. However, while there is more of a learning curve with this product than others on this list, this blush in the Hope shade is now a staple in my makeup routine because of its amazing pigment. Since it’s a little too strong for my everyday makeup, I usually don’t follow Selena Gomez’s

I have never had an issue. Especially with glowy makeup being trendy right now, I highly recommend adding the Elf Power Grip Primer to your cart to give your daily look an extra luminous touch.

4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: $24.00

This Laneige lip mask is a staple in my nighttime routine, allowing me to wake up with completely smooth and unchapped lips. As someone who frequently struggled with chapped lips, this mask has been a godsend. The formula is noticeably more heavy than an average lip balm or gloss, distinguishing itself from most lip masks and making it feel worth its somewhat hefty price. The packaging is also super cute, coming in a small pot with a little spatula to scoop the mask onto your lips.

recommendation to put two dots directly on each cheek, opting to use a brush and apply one dot instead. The formula is super buildable, so you can always apply more if one or two dots isn’t enough for you. The blush has a dewy finish, doubling as a natural highlighter on my cheekbones as well. If you’re looking to find a new blush or replace the one you have now, this is the one to try.

“If you’re looking to find a new blush or replace the one you have now, this is the one to try.”

3. Elf Power Grip Primer: $10.00 I came across the Elf Power Grip Primer on my For You Page while searching for alternatives to the Milk Hydro Grip Primer, which had been my primer for years. To answer the question everyone’s been wondering, the Elf Power Grip Primer is a great dupe for the Milk Hydro Grip Primer. It has a dewy, hydrating finish that pairs well with my other makeup products, moisturizing my skin in one pump. While it’s initially sticky upon application, it dries down within 30 seconds to the point where you feel like you’re wearing nothing on your skin. The fragrance-free formula is also beneficial for those with sensitive skin, and, as someone who has easily irritated skin,

“I highly recommend adding the Elf Power Grip Primer to your cart to give your daily look an extra luminous touch.”

After wearing this mask overnight, I wake up with noticeably moisturized lips, removing all rough patches from the day before. Right now, I own these masks in two scents (Berry and Grapefruit), and I’m looking forward to trying other fun scents like Gummy Bear and Sweet Candy. Overall, if you struggle with dry lips, stop reading this article and go buy this lip mask right now.

Next time there’s a Sephora sale, make sure to check these products out. Hopefully, this article showed you which makeup products not to scroll past on social media and made your purchasing decisions easier. Happy shopping!

photo credit: vince mariel conlu from unsplash

photo credit: amy shamblen from unsplash

The Problem with APs

During their time at CCA most students will take at least one AP class. AP classes have college level difficulty and give a boost to a student’s GPA. Then, in May, if a student wishes to they can take the AP exam for the class and will get a score of one to five. If a student gets a three or higher they can then use that credit to get out of one of their requirements in college. In theory, that is.

“They can then use that credit to get our of one of their requirements in college. In theory, that is.”

The problem is that at this point a lot of schools won’t accept credit from some tests, even if a student got a perfect score. Because of this, many students are no longer taking AP classes for their original purpose, the credit and saving time in college, but because they want to be more competitive with their classmates and make themselves look smarter.

Another issue that arises from this is that students, especially at competitive schools like CCA, become increasingly stressed and anxious due to taking too many rigorous classes

at one time. Students are stretching themselves too thin and have to sacrifice other things they enjoy in order to pass their classes. And the question posed by this is, at this point are AP classes really worth it?

If a student’s goal is to go to a competitive college, then the GPA boost given by an AP class certainly can be helpful to them, but there’s really no way of knowing until the acceptance or rejection comes in. Students are focusing on their academics instead of getting involved in unique extracurricular activities they enjoy that can also help boost their application without stressing

themselves out beyond repair. If a student doesn’t want to go to a top college and knows they’d rather go to community college, it’s more beneficial to them to get a good GPA in community college to transfer to a four-year school.

“At this point are AP classes really worth it?”

Because community college will be more beneficial to them than high school, there isn’t really a point of taking AP classes for a student who does not want to immediately go to a four-year college. So as you start to decide whether you should take all of your AP tests in the 2024-2025 school year, I hope you consider all of these factors and make the decision that’s truly the most beneficial for you rather than following the norm. As AP testing week wraps up, make sure to prioritize mental health and happiness before committing to 8 AP tests!

Prom Dress or Bridesmaid Dress?

by abigail chou

At the end of May we officially enter the final weeks of prom season. Since prom is an event continuously passed down for generations and brought back every school year, do trends exist within the dresses? For the past two years after covid, we’ve seen a drift away from the extravagant and embellished gowns and growth of favor towards simpler designs. Controversial online, the battle between more detailed gowns vs. ones labeled as ‘brunch dresses’ or bridesmaids dresses have taken over many peoples recommended pages across social media. An overwhelming amount of people online have deemed the spring and more floral dresses as ugly, boring, and not exactly what dressing up for prom is all about. But are these gowns truly ugly? Or do people fear the change of prom and what traditions it brings, or the price.

When searching for prom dresses in 2024 on apps like Instagram and Tiktok, a line of bridesmaid dress styles take over my feed with brands standing from LoveShackFancy, BEC +BRIDGE, to Meshki. These brands are not new the the formal gown scene, but have entered the prom scene through the girls choosing their styles this year.

A common style to see from all these brands would be simple satin silhouettes or ruffle and floral designs. Are these ugly? Or are they just not the classic “Prom” look we all have been anticipating to wear when the time comes.

Aside from the extravagant ruffle designs from any brand, I think the trend and common choices for simple prom dresses is due to the dance culture at most proms in our time. Though the styles with embroidered sequins or texture are pretty, the last thing you want is to be the person scratching someone’s skin with the pink sequins on your dress that also happen to be shedding, and under the feet of people around you. Also, for pre-prom activities, its anyone’worst nightmare to sit down at a nicer restaurant in and get up at the end of the meal with a trail of glitter in your seat and around your feet of the restaurant floor, only to receive looks from the staff of the place.

Honestly, I feel as if the Sunday brunch style prom dresses stick out like a sore thumb at any prom around the country, and really only look great in the pictures you take beforehand. Of course, anyone should wear what they like the most, but

there is definitely a time and a place for everything. For example, you wouldn’t wear a decked out and embellished dress from

to your

To me, the gowns with floral designs don’t necessarily fit the occasion that prom really is. Ugly isn’t the word I would use to describe them, but I think inappropriate fits more.

Sherri Hill

family’s breakfast at Snooze.

photo credit: amanda canas from unsplash

art credit: hayden chang

photo credit: todd cravens from unsplash

CCA Turns 20!

By IsaBella Posel and Zoe Truong

At CCA, we have troves of wildlife. There are crows as well as seagulls, and sometimes they fight! Sometimes they fight in the air. Sometimes they fight in the dumpster behind the G building. Sometimes we stumble upon large clumps of ripped feathers while strolling the perimeter of the school. Ants are also abundant and most certainly outnumber the students (and faculty). In a special class we had last semester, our teacher had to keep the door shut lest many bees find their way in. There are so many roly-polys that, if you are the type of person to steer small creatures out of the way of feet and bicycles, it is very stressful to navigate CCA’s walkways.

What makes CCA stand out?

There are especially many roly-polys near the B building, which was built in 2015 to accommodate CCA’s growth as development occurred in the area. CCA now has a student body of around 2500 freshmen through seniors –a strong departure from its original founding freshman class. CCA is a “choice” school, with a full four-byfour system, bountiful electives, and a vibrant arts program, meaning every one of these students actively chose CCA over other options in the district. There were also –– we’re not sure for how long, but at least a semester – two lovely birds that lived in our full-size gym, home to our award-winning sports teams. Go Ravens! Since

CCA’s founding, we haven’t had a football team or cheerleaders; instead, the founders wanted to uphold a creative and unique school environment in which weirdness was accepted and all forms of students could thrive, such as through our Envision program. Still, there is no shortage of stand-out varsity teams and diverse club sports. For instance, girls’ flag football made its debut this year. Another conduit for academic achievement that has become synonymous with CCA is the Career Technical Education Pathways program, providing students with practical skills otherwise not offered in a high school curriculum. But if you go here, you proba-

bly already know all of this. At the end of the day, it’s the people who have made CCA special for the last 20 years and will continue to make CCA special for 20 years to come. We have spent the last few weeks talking to current and former teachers, principals, and students; we have combed through old yearbooks and magazines; we have talked to our peers, all of whom have commented below. A motto of “Keep It Weird CCA” is alive and well, as is an admirable culture of caring, acceptance, and community. Also, do canyons have crests? What’s up with that?

Thank you to CCA’s founders, staff, and student body! Most of all, happy birthday!

“[The students] are creative, willing to take chances, and embrace curiosity. I appreciated the support and encouragement they had for one another and for their own passions.” - Karl Mueller, third principal

“It just shows that a school is not defined by the buildings- it’s the people within it and how they engage with one another (...) I think it begins with caring and that’s evident here” - Brett Killeen, current principal

“When I was a student, what stood out to me was the teachers and how much I felt like they cared about us. But now what stands out to me as a teacher is how amazing all the students are here. Pretty much all of the students I’ve had are just very kind people that have so many unique interests and skills and things that they’re really amazing at” - Marina Hartogs, alumni and current math teacher.

“What stood out to me [as a student] the most was the different classes you could take, and the depth that they went into. I definitely had professors tell me in college that I did things in high school that he had never heard a high school do before— and that was back in 2012.” - Alex Siegel, alumni and current science teacher

“What really stood out to the people who chose to come was the young teachers who were really enthusiastic about teaching, doing something new, and creating a new school community. Before the slogan of ‘Keeping it Weird CCA’ it felt like we were building something. A smaller community, not so much focused on the more traditional high school experience, but instead focused on the arts, more electives, and the ability to explore different disciplines”Amanda Melkonian, alumni and current social science teacher

What is the spirit of CCA?

“It’s a place where you can be authentic, you’re encouraged to be you, students have a desire to make our world a better place and treat each other well. and I absolutely love that.” - Brett Killeen

“I loved that it was a community that celebrated diversity and inclusion. The teachers modeled that. It really comes down to the relations that were established, the connections between adults and students, and the level of caring.” - Karl Mueller

“When we started it, before it was even open, when we were sitting around starting the school, we really had to think of how we would make it unique — how would it stand out as its own personality, its own culture. Because we weren’t trying to reproduce Torrey Pines or a comprehensive high school, we were trying to come up with something different that would be appealing in a different way. Giving them choices, options, to do different things.” - Brian Kohn, founding staff and former principal

“We capture it with the ‘Keep it Weird CCA’ phrase. We value community and collaboration, we bring people together, and we value people’s differences and diversity. We attempt to, at least, to be accepting. I think that’s different from a traditional high school experience.” - Amanda Melkonian

What have you learned in your time at CCA?

“Take risks. Listen to students. And say yes.” - Karl Mueller

“I’m really happy that I’m at this school. I’m grateful everyday that I work at this school honestly the best school ever” - Brian Shay, founding math teacher

“I want readers who are students to know that I want them to really embrace this time of their lives. So much of high school is outside of the classroom. So much of high school is outside the books. So much of high school is outside social media – encouraging students to enjoy this time.” - Alex Siegel

“I always believe that students were far more capable than teachers realized — far more than they were able to realize, given the right set of circumstances. And CCA provided those circumstances where we were, and I was, seeing students accomplish things, extraordinary things And the same went for the teachers. Give them the circumstances where they feel supported, feel encouraged to take risks, and feel okay when things don’t work out and try something else, and teachers will do extraordinary things.” - Brian Kohn

PhoTo CredIT: FranCesCo dI Mauro

2006 – Pulse Magazine begins

2008 – CCA’s first graduating class

PhoTo CredIT:

2007 – Brian Kohn takes the helm as principal, following founder David Jaffe

2013 – Karl Mueller becomes principal 2014 – CCA turns 10

2015 – Pacific Highlands Ranch opens 2016 – Current principal Brett Killeen takes over

2019 – Homeroom is introduced as a program

2021 – CCA returns to campus full-time

arT CredIT: IsaBella Posel

2017 – B building opens

How has CCA evolved? What is it like to watch that evolution?

“It’s just been interesting to watch it grow and become what it has become and be a part of helping it become what it’s become” - Brian Shay

“We’re always just trying to push ourselves to be better” - Brett Killeen

“When we first started in the senior lot, that was the school campus. It was a series of temporary classes arranged in a triangle shape. That August when we started school, the first week was oddly overcast. There was this sort of vibe, being in a construction zone, sitting in trailers during these gray days, and you can imagine there’s a perfectly built school with 30 years of history down the street — Torrey Pines — thinking ‘what did I get myself into’? But in short order, the students and the staff that were there that year had come to love the trailers.” - Michael Gaughen, founding English teacher

“I’m so incredibly proud of all your journeys. it really was all of the founding teachers and all the ones hired after and the students - you guys all made it just an incredible school.” - David Jaffee, founder and first principal

“I had a positive experience as a high schooler. I loved that time of [my] life and I think it’s a fun time to be a part of your guys’ experience of that same time in life. It’s exciting to see growth and be a part of that journey.” - Alex Siegel

“Seeing [CCA] grow over time, pretty much in every way, was really satisfying. And I think if you talk to any of the founding faculty or administrators who’d been there for many years, I’m pretty sure you’d hear the same story of how much they enjoyed the growth and development of the school. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an educator, teacher, or administrator to go through the building and development of a brand-new high school. It’s an extraordinarily rare thing and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it” - Brian Kohn

“Being the first class, we were always the oldest. That made it really different too, from the student perspective. From my specific view, it was about building the school as a student. Both literally and figuratively. As a teacher, it’s been built and evolution has happened. We’re in our 20th year now, so we have programs now, that legacy, and a culture we’re very proud of.” - Amanda Melkonian

What do you hope for for another 20 years at CCA?

“That we continue to focus on our relationships, that we hold on to and nurture our values because that’s the heart of a school.” - Brett Killeen

“Just keep CCA weird” - Craig Fox, original staff member and English teacher

“I think to continue to do what you all have been doing but also remembering that there’s a lot of high achieving at the school and that defining who you are as a human being is not correlated to your gpait’s who are you as a person” - David Jaffee

“My hope is that it’s able to adapt over the next 20 years as it has for the last 20 years in taking care of what it is the students need at the same time, as best we can, adapting to what the community wants. That focus on making sure that student needs are the dominant force in decision making, I hope that stays intact for the next 20 years.”Michael Gaughen

2020 – Transition to online learning

2023 – Pulse Magazine becomes The Raven Review

“I’m just so incredibly proud of the direction that the school has gone and all the students have had at this school, and all the heart and soul that the teachers and support staff have put into the development of the school. I will always be a raven.”

PhoTo CredIT: FIrsT yearBook

CCA’s first class votes on our mascot. making us the Ravens (after a weekend as the Panthers)

PhoTo CredIT: aMelIa song CCA shows their pride at a pep rally (fall 2023)

PhoTo CredIT: IsaBella Posel CCA’s B building, as seen through the adjunct sculpture garden

Feature

The Caffeine Question

BY SAGE PARK

It’s no secret that CCA students are tired. We are exhausted. But for those of us who still have to be on top of tests, projects, and extracurriculars, we resort to finding alternative ways to help us keep up with the rigor. Caffeine. As students, there are just too many things to do and not enough hours to do them, so to find more hours of the day to complete work, sleep will likely be the first to go. But is chugging down energy drinks really any good for us long term?

The truth is that caffeine does have its perks. Positive effects of caffeine include increased attention span and mood enhancement, as caffeine is a stimulant drug. When taken in moderation, it can actually help as an energy boost or to become more alert throughout the day. The recommended amount of caffeine intake for an average adult is 400mg per day. However, the negative side effects of caffeine intake, especially for teenagers, is worth looking at as well. Short term negative health effects of caffeine include insomnia, heart palpitations, nausea, and long term effects include arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and liver disease. Furthermore, caffeine is addictive, and some even develop withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, etc. which makes it even harder to cut back on it. Though caffeine can be beneficial for stimulation when taken moderately, people struggling with excessive caffeine intake are subject to these adverse health effects. The problem is, most students do not consume caffeine in moderation. In order to reap as many benefits as possible, students resort to taking cans upon cans of energy drinks and cof-

fees, especially during exam season. One reason for this student caffeine addiction epidemic is that it’s just easy to obtain. Caffeinated drinks are very easy for the average student to source. For CCA specifically, you can find every single type of energy drink imaginable in the drink aisles of Rite Aid, including Monster, Red Bull, Celsius, and more. Often, I’ll see hoards of students crowding around these aisles in the morning or during lunchtime, especially once they’ve restocked the popular flavors. Other places to get caffeine near CCA include Panera with their Charged Lemonade, as well as Starbucks coffee (Before they started renovating, that

“ Because of how much caffeine the student population consumes in general, it’s worth wondering whether this is proof of a critical flaw in the current education system.”

is. It is very common to see students walking around campus holding Celsius cans or sitting in their first period classroom with an iced coffee. The point is, caffeinated drinks are everywhere. A lot of students drink them and students drink a lot. Because of how much caffeine the student population consumes in general, it’s worth wondering whether this is proof of a critical flaw in the current education system. Most students will say that they resort to caffeine for studying related reasons. Either to pull an all-nighter to study for an important test, or to recover from staying up late the night before to stay alert during their first period. This calls into question: how much work do students have to be drinking this much caffeine? Many CCA students fill up the entire 4x4 schedule with rigorous honors and AP classes while also actively participating in an ample amount of extracurriculars and volunteering for the sake of their post-graduation future. The answer is simple: students are being spread too thin. College becomes increasingly

Summer Fashion Ins and Outs

BY SARA FULTZ

With summer coming in 2 months, it’s time to get started on summer shopping. As new trends come and go, we need to get ahead and start on what’s to come. Although my opinions may not be yours, here are my takes on what is in and out this summer. Ins:

1. Bright colored, floral mini dresses. Perfect for every summer occasion, a flowy dress will always look good and bring the summer vibe to life.

2. Denim skirts. Whether you are attending a brunch, a barbeque, or a nice dinner, a denim skirt can be styled perfectly, it is truly a timeless piece.

3. Strappy wedges/heels. As we approach the warmer season, strappy shoes will look perfect for every occasion. I believe as it’s summer, we

leave closed toe shoes behind for a while and embrace sandals and heels.

4. Tube tops. Tube tops never seem to go out of fashion, but I think they work the best in the summer. Whether it is over a bathing suit, or with a pear of jeans, a strapless top look always screams summer.

5. Woven cowboy hats. The new perfect beach accessory, a woven cowboy hat has air flow, shade protection, and cute style.

6. Headbands. Both stretchy athletic headbands, and fitting headbands seem to be coming back, as a perfect accessory. Giving the perfect Blair Waldrof look, one can rarely go wrong with a headband, whether it matches the outfit colors or brings in a pop of color.

7. Off the shoulder tops. As many are beginning to cut the necklines on skirts, long sleeves, hoodies, sweaters, and more. These are a perfect chill look for the summer.

8. Backless shirts. A recent trend has been the low back shirts that are high in the front. I predict there are here to stay for awhile, as they can be styled with skirts, shorts, jeans, and more for any occasion.

9. Crochet cover-ups. Whether it is a crop top, long sleeve, or skirt, crochet

items are perfect for pool and beach days to go over your bathing suit.

Outs:

1. Skinny Jeans. It’s time to face it, skinny jeans look good on no one. The fashion these days are baggier jeans, they are not only more comfy but they are more fashionable and so with more occasions.

2. Patterned Leggings. Bright colored patterned leggings are no longer the style. As many are an eye-sore, these have not been in style for a while, and hopefully will never be again. 3. Camo. If you are not serving in the military, you have no reason to wear camo. Contrary to some belief, camo does not look good on anyone, especially those hoodies that look like you are hunting.

4. Puffy sleeves. These have never looked good, and make styling differently. They are over the top, and just look cheap. 5. Flannels. We need to leave flannels in the fall, as they aren’t even great then. Many flannels look cheap and just aren’t stylish. These plaid prints should not be carried into the summer. 6. Cold shoulder tops. These tops have not been in style since the early 2000’s. It is time to admit it, a shirt with a hold just in your shoul-

harder to get into every year and anxiety is only growing among these students who do everything they possibly can to work towards their goal. In these cases, sleep is often sacrificed to farm more hours of the day to fulfill various tasks, which is a big contributing factor to the increasing caffeine intake among students and teenagers. If the current education system is setting students up to sacrifice themselves and their health for the sake of success, is it really serving the students any justice? It is important to consider your own well being throughout this process. One more cup of coffee or one more monster can is not going to be the difference between an A and a B. Will an A on the test really matter if you end up in the emergency room with heart arrhythmia from excessive caffeine? The recommended 8 hours of sleep has become an unrealistic luxury for many, but its importance still remains. Ironically, it is now 1:00 am by the time I’m writing this article. Clearly, I am also part of the sleep-deprived, caffeine consuming student statistic. Good night ravens! Please get some sleep.

der is not stylish. It just looks cheap.

7. Ballet flats. Although these have been coming back in fashion, I don’t think they should carry on. They are not as cute as people think. Not to mention there is little support for your foot.

8. Workout clothes as everyday wear. Yes, workout clothes are very comfy, but they should not be worn out of working out. We need to stop going to restaurants and events in workout wear, it does not look good, you just look lazy. 9. Animal prints. These just look cheap. There is never a good reason to wear cheetah print or snake print. Even if these are designer, it just looks bad and should be left in the past, we are not cavemen.

PHOTO CREDITS: SARA FULTZ

PHOTO CREDITS: SARA FULTZ

Graphic Credits: Sage Park

A Stab at the World Championships

BY DIANA GOMES

After 9 years of training and 29 hours of flying, I finally made it to the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For those of you who don’t know, fencing is one of the oldest sports in existence and a part of the original nine sports in the first modern Olympics in 1896. It involves three weapons — foil, epee, and sabre — each of which use a set of attack and defense rules to determine who scores the point upon impact. Trying to explain any sport adequately, especially to an audience that probably wonders if the weapons are sharp (they are not), is quite an impossible task to accomplish in a newspaper article. What you should know is that the Junior and Cadet World Championship is the final competition of the season for fencers ages 15-20 worldwide. Only the top three fencers per country can qualify for Cadets, and top four for Juniors making the ability to simply participate in this event an achievement by itself.

Entering the atmosphere occupied by the best fencers in the world, and some young Paris 2024 Olympians, it felt like an honor to be breathing the same air as the athletes. Inside the King Saud University Sports Arena I saw coaches, referees, federation officials, and of course athletes from every culture, each of us united by a common interest. Over the course of nine days, three weapons, and two age categories, 1,439 fencers participated from 103 countries. The athletes were so

“What you should know is that the Junior and Cadet World Championship is the final competition of the season for fencers ages 1520 worldwide.”

welcoming, especially my Portuguese teammates. I also had the opportunity of reuniting with a few friends I met at an international sabre camp five years ago. Despite flying to the other side of the world, there was someone I knew at every corner. This was also Saudi Arabia’s first time hosting the World Championships and, as someone with no prior experience at a championship,

“Closing the 2023-2024 season as 67th in the world is something I only could have never imagined after fracturing my foot quite a few times.”

I have to say it was quite exceptional. There were two large arenas: a main one with the elevated strip used for finals, and a secondary arena for practice and bouts lower down the bracket. Next to the practice arena was a large room with various changing rooms/ open roof tents for each country. Luckily for me, most of my team left by the time that my event began, so I had the whole room to myself. I finished my competition at 67th place and, although I was able to make it out of the

spire sanctifies the horizon,

first round, I lost in the second round.

After my competition was over, I spent the entirety of the next day watching Junior Teams in Men’s and Women’s Sabre. From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, I witnessed teams from all over the world fight their way to the top. My favorite team to watch was, of course, Team USA in Men’s Sabre. From their first bout with the Netherlands to their final victory against Romania, Team USA was remarkable to witness. My favorite fencer was Colin Heathcock, an 18 year-old who recently qualified for the Paris Olympics, making him one of the youngest fencers to compete there. What amazed me the most was his technique: it was

so absolutely precise that every time he did an attack on preparation or a distance parry, my eyes wouldn’t believe what they were seeing, even from just a few feet away. There was not a single unnecessary movement that Heathcock made while fencing. The flight home was horrendous and my luggage was lost but fencing in the World Championship is an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. Closing the 2023-2024 season as 67th in the world is something I only could have never imagined after fracturing my foot quite a few times. But thanks to my dedication, my parents’ support, and Coach Mindirgasov, I was able to achieve my goal.

PHOTO CREDS: GISELA GOMES

PHOTO CREDS: GISELA GOMES

Cats of CCA

BY AVA DANIELS AND LILAH DANIELS

There is no doubt that cats are beloved animals who have a huge place in the hearts of CCA students and staff. As cat owners ourselves, we wanted to know about some of the cats that belong to some students and staff at CCA. So, in honor of our beautiful feline friends, we interviewed some CCA students and staff about their cats. Here are the responses to our Google Form.

Photo Creds: Siri Rodin

Photo Creds: Diana Gomes

Photo Creds: Ava Daniels, Lilah Daniels

Photo Creds: Annika Xuan

Photo Creds: Tessa Villatoro

Photo Creds: Julia Krenek

Photo Creds: Ms. Myers

Photo Creds: Nathan Urioste

Photo Creds: Brooke Kenney

Photo Creds: Leilah Crosby

Morris

Guillermo

Jet

Diva and Sumi

Snow

Tiger and Cheetah

Finn

Zira

Uni

Pekoe and Nori

The Colors of San Diego’s Spring

BY ZOE PEI

April showers bring May flowers, and with May flowers comes an opportunity to preserve the brightest, prettiest colors of spring for the rest of the year. For those wanting a pop of color in their gardens this year, here’s a small list of pressable flowers to look forward to seeing this spring—plus a quick guide on how to keep them as bright and colorful as possible using just the heaviest book you can find and a couple paper towels!

1. Hyacinths have the added benefits of being super easy to grow, readily available (maybe you’ve seen them around at Trader Joe’s already?), and returning to bloom

every year. You’ll see a wide swath of colors: hyacinths grow naturally in all sorts of pinks, reds, whites, blues, and purples. Intensely fragrant and brightly colored, growing them in bunches is most effective to reduce the chance of them flopping over if they grow too tall. Expose them to partial to full sun.

2. It’s hard to miss the sunny yellow petals of the daffodil, being as easy to plant and hardy as they are. There’s a thousand varieties to choose from: large, split, small petals, with petal colors varying from yellows and oranges to pinks and whites. They’re also exceptionally easy to press, un-

“For those wanting a pop of color in their gardens this year, here’s a small list of pressable flowers to look forward to seeing this spring”

like a lot of other bulb flowers—their petals are sturdy enough to withstand pressure while also keeping that characteristic yellow color. Expose daffodils to partial to full sun as well.

3. Snapdragons bloom during the slightly cooler months of the spring with relatively low maintenance, but when the weather heats up in the summer, you can cut the old flower

With Summer Comes Change

BY KENDALL YEE

As the seasons change, new priorities form. Snowy mountains thaw to grassy meadows, bundled layers shed to swimsuits and tank tops, and people begin to contemplate how they’ll make the most of their break. In the minds of a high schooler, the sudden change in weather represents the end of AP tests, finals, and sports seasons, a time when stress is low and relaxation is high: summer.

There’s nothing quite like the sudden wave of the slightly nostalgic, yet sad happiness right after the last bell of school rings in the beginning of June. The mixed feelings of “I-can’t-believe-I-won’t-see-thisperson-again” and “I-don’t-want-tosee-this-place-again” sit heavy in our hearts, as we split ways, both mourning the end of one chapter and preparing for the start of another. But with the heartache and introspection, there’s no doubt that the majority of students will be celebrating another year in the books with countless days at the beach, time spent outside, and exploring new parts of the world.

Summer marks a time of bliss and happiness when students are finally able to take a load off and truly relax. For most Carmel Valley residents, the summer is characterized by worry-free, warm weather beach days. But what really makes the summer so great, according to the New York Post, is the amount of socializing and time spent outside, engaging in activities . People tend to feel happier during the summer as the thrill of travel and days off bring something to look forward to.

As soon as the sun peeks through the clouds in March, tourists are piled at the beaches, students are wearing tank tops, and suddenly every afternoon is the perfect time to tan. The first hot, sunny day after the long stretch of winter months causes our moods to increase. Following the spring equinox, our excitement bursts, as we dream of the soon-to-be warm, long days of summer. Just like us, people all across the world are feeling the drastic impacts of a sunny day. For example, the symptoms of those with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) may be decreased when the sun finally comes out (The Telegraph). Simply the appearance of the sun, reflecting light and heat across the streets, is a sure-

“ But with the heartache and introspection, there’s no doubt that the majority of students will be celebrating another year in the books with countless days at the beach, time spent outside, and exploring new parts of the world.”

stalks back to encourage a second bloom in the fall. They come in various shades of pink, yellow, orange, and white and red, and tend to be one of the earliest bloomers in the spring. They do best with lots of light, but not with summer heat, so if you’re planning on keeping some, store indoors during the summer. An added bonus of planting smaller flowers like daffodils is that they’re easy to press and preserve. Take a heavy book, place a flowerbud between two paper towels, and weigh the book down with a couple of other ones for a week or two! And just like that: pressed flowers, great for decorating and even better for all sorts of arts and crafts this spring.

fire way to get people smiling again, walking outside and enjoying the rays. Not only does summer have a large impact on human life, but it is also incredibly beneficial for countless other animal species. Plants begin to perk up, animals begin to come out of hiding, and bees begin to pollinate. Animals in our town are able to enjoy nature more when the clouds are parted, such as dogs at Dog Beach in Del Mar, where people spend hours playing fetch with their pups in the golden light. As if a paintbrush has washed over our eyes,

“ With summer right around the corner, it’s important to find the sources of our seasonal mood lifts and the positive impacts of the warmer months.”

suddenly our lives are more vibrant and rejuvenated. Color comes back. With summer right around the corner, it’s important to find the sources of our seasonal mood lifts and the positive impacts of the warmer months. Although the sun is used to provide life on Earth, the summer months also provide access to hundreds of activities, travel opportunities, and increased quality of life.

Photo Creds: canva

Photo Creds: canva

Photo Creds: canva

Entertainment Met Gala 2024

By Emiko matsuda and tEgan inns

The most exciting and creative night of fashion occurred on May 6th. The dress code for this year’s Met Gala was “The Garden of Time,” inspired by J.G. Ballard’s short novel about a beautiful garden. Many expected to see a range of florals and nature-inspired looks, and they were not wrong. Unlike last year, this year inspired many designers to create a look that suited the theme. This resulted in many jaw-dropping looks that could go beyond florals. To tie in with the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” designers spent thousands of hours working to create pieces that have never been worn nor will be worn again. To tone down the 261 looks of the night, we have created categories in which we choose some looks that apply best to it.

To start off, some looks, although not the best, were too iconic not to be mentioned. Let’s look at the icon herself, Anna Wintour. Wintour was dressed in Loewe last night. It featured a beautiful white gown with a blazer that touched the floor. Her blazer had flower detailing and a gorgeous diamond pendant and necklace to top off the look. A co-chair of the night, Zendaya, showed up in a Maison Margiela look featuring darker colors of nature with a forest green corset and a darker blue tule fabric wrapping up her body; however, this was not her only look of the night. She later showed up in an outfit change, wearing an all-black vintage Givenchy gown and a hat cov-

ered in colorful roses. Not particularly on the theme, but the most extravagant, was Cardi B’s look. Her Windowsen dress took up the whole red carpet. Finally, the woman who wears Versace best, Donatella Versace. Her dress incorporated leaf-like patterns in a light mint green, it was, of course, Versace.

While on the theme topic, let’s look at some looks that failed to follow the theme but were nonetheless terrific. Sofia Coppola arrived in a timeless two-piece Chanel set, featuring a tulle black and white sheer coat paired with a matching skirt; although Coco Chanel would have adored this look, it did not have much of a garden aspect. Next, Luciana Damon, styled by Karla Welch,

wore a classy Christian Dior white-columned strapless dress and a matching scarf, highlighting intricate patterns on her chest. Lastly, Rachel Zegler made a show-stopping appearance to celebrate her 23rd birthday at the event, complimenting her Michael Kors sequined gown with a dramatic icy-blue shadow. On the other hand, let’s look at looks that were on point with the theme. Nikki Minaj, dressed in Marni, wore a yellow silk duchess alongside hand-painted recycled aluminum flowers. In Jean Paul Gaultier, Emma Chamberlain went with the darker side of things. Dark brown thorns ran up her arms and down her legs, giving her a beautiful dress around her body that looked as if pulled right from the garden of Maleficent. Karlie Kloss in Swarovski included more color; her dress was a perfect shade of pink while gem flowers grew up her shoulders. The pink reminds many of Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, and the gem flowers can tie it to the

night’s dress code. In Versace, Iris Law had a dress that looked as if she were wrapped in a butterfly wing. Alia Bhatt in Sabyasachi incorporated the perfect color combination to put across the feeling of an ethereal garden; her sari pulled the outfit together, giving it an elegant look.

Finally, our favorite looks of the night; featuring males and females. The most jaw-dropping look was not done by an actor, singer, or even a model but instead by an entrepreneur. Mona Patel, a successful Indian entrepreneur, had a gorgeous nude dress with moving butterflies along her arm. Ariana Grande in Loewe had a fairylike look; wings sat on the ends of her eyes while her dress incorporated iridescent fabric. Elle Fanning in Balmain and Cartier showed up in an elegant iridescent dress that reflected the look of a flower. Some other honorable mentions that swept away the night include the following: Ivy Getty in Connor Ives, Eiza Gonzalez Rivera, Bruna Marquezine in Tory Burch and Tiffany & Co., Kendall Jenner in Givenchy, Jon Batiste in Cartier, Jamie Dornan in Loewe, Baz Luhrmann in Miu Miu, and Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne.

PHoto CREdit: gEtty imagEs

PHoto CREdit: gEtty imagEs

PHoto CREdit: gEtty imagEs

San Diego’s Independent Bookstores

By isaBElla PosEl and ZoE tRuong

Bay Books - Bay Books has been in Coronado for over 20 years, with an impressive Military History section and a new attached coffee shop.

Bella: I got The Comfort of Crows, and a surprise blind book that ended up being a fascinating history of onions –The Core of an Onion, which I’ve been thrilled with!

Zoe: Knowing that the store specializes in history-based books, I chose Race of Aces to gift to a beloved social science teacher. I also got Who is Alex Trebeck? as a surprise blind book.

Libelúla Books & Co. - Libelúla, in Barrio Logan, is a community driven bookstore with an emphasis on indigenous, Black, and Chicanx narratives and history. They also stock books written in Spanish, local arts, and an eclectic zine collection. Plus, there is a cat!

Bella: I got sustainably harvested sage, and pets from a cat. Zoe: I got stickers of Kuromi and My Melody, and pictures of the aforementioned cat.

Catapult - Catapult is an amazingly curated bookstore in South Park. Surrounded by adorable coffee shops, vinyl stores, and neighborhood hidden gems, this bookstore is owned by two longtime book lovers (see online blog The Book Catapult as the source of the name and for some great recommendations), who host monthly book clubs and discussions.

Zoe: I blinked and found myself with 3 books in tow. I had to be wrangled from buying more. My most anticipated reads, Wandering Souls and Stoner, were there and I couldn’t help myself! In line, moving in a snake-like pattern around the store, I picked up The Philosophy of Walking. I could rave on and on about this store –from the curation to the interior design.

Bella: I also broke my one book only rule! Their selection is just too good - I came home with Pathogenesis and Kappa (discovered in an intriguing section called “weird books we like for weird people we love.)

Meet Cute Bookshop - Meet Cute Bookshop is a feminist and queer romance bookstore. They have a wide range within the romance genre, spanning from contemporary, fantasy, historical, suspense, and more, with something for everyone - even those who do not like traditional romance.

Zoe: I went into this store expecting to come out empty-handed, or, at most, with more stickers – I am NOT a romance reader. I ended up with a book. Yay? I was pleasantly surprised to see a long-time TBR book there, In the Dream House, which is a memoir about the author’s abusive relationship told in a thriller fiction manner.

Bella: Me too!! Romance has never really been my thing, but Meet Cute was a great reminder of how connected so many genres are. I got a collection of essays, How Far The Light Reaches, which is described as “a life in ten sea creatures.”

Library Shop - The Library Shop is less book-focused, but is attached to a huge library and has tons of bookish paraphernalia. Its proceeds support the San Diego public library system and is such a cute place to get gifts!

Bella: I got a t-shirt here! It has a giant octopus and says “it came from the library!” I volunteer at the library youth programs and love horror movie posters, so the shirt felt perfect for me.

Zoe: I got 3 stickers of classic book covers with a cat-pun twist. The store is more of a stationary and gift shop than a bookstore, but it was, nonetheless, fun to walk around and look at their knick-knacks.

Verbatim Books - Verbatim is the largest bookstore in San Diego, featuring used and antiquarian books, an emphasis on local authors, and a vibrant zine corner. Verbatim is also decorated throughout with work by San Diego artists – do not miss the Stephen King book murals on the outside wall (or the cardboard cut out of him inside).

Bella: I love Verbatim! I stop in a lot before concerts at The Observatory or after brunch at The Mission. I got a book on writing, Tintin and The Secret of Literature. Their zine corner is managed by Burn All Books (which has a location in Normal Heights that offers classes and events.)

Zoe: We spent 30 minutes trying to get out of the parking garage next to the bookstore… but the expanse of the bookshelves – in height, length, and sheer amount – was, to say it simply, overwhelming (in the best way possible.) It wouldn’t be hard to get lost perusing the shelves and spend ages exploring their large collection – especially their literary fiction section. They had a special promotion going on for their Canterbury Classics, so I picked up a copy of Alice in Wonderland in order to get complimentary, special-edition stickers and bookmarks.

Bluestocking Books - Bluestocking Books is a Hillcrest institution, stocking primarily used books with a selection of new releases. This cozy store is packed with treasures in every stack, with a homey feel and amazing staff, and recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.

Bella: I love Bluestocking! Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest is such a fun street – when I was younger, my mom used to always take me to Fifth Ave Books, so even though they are closed now, it is great to still have such an amazing store. I have bought some eclectic books from them in the past, but this time I grabbed a book of Kafka stories as a personal library staple.

Zoe: Bluestocking is so quaint! I don’t have a personal history with the store, but I was still able to admire their collection – especially the classics. There was this one rotating book tower that encapsulated my favorite genres and authors; I absolutely adored it. I ended up picking up A Room of One’s Own and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.

PHoto CREdit: isaBElla PosEl

PHoto CREdit: ZoE tRuong

San Diego’s Independent Bookstores Cont.

UC San Diego Bookstore - UC San Diego Bookstore is self-supporting and non-subsidized, located in La Jolla on the UCSD campus. They carry a wide range of books, from the popular ones of the season to professor’s publications.

Zoe: I do have to admit that the selection was small and limited, but it is just a university bookstore. But in it being run by the students there, I was able to talk to the staff (who were around my age) about books (our opinions on authors, popular books, etc) and there was a well-curated table of recommendations from said staff whom I share preferences with. I got Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982, which was a long-time read on my TBR.

Bella: They had a pretty good science selection! For university students, they order books but otherwise, I would say maybe not the first place to look but still some good stuff. I got Babel, or The Necessity of Violence which seemed like a nice, thicker read.

Warwick’s - Warwick’s has been in La Jolla for many years, selling books alongside gifts and stationary.

Zoe: Loved, loved, loved this bookstore! In a similar vein to the Book Catapult, I adored their curation. I didn’t really go into this bookstore with a book in mind. A majority of my time was spent skimming through the many sections (mostly literary fiction), and I eventually stumbled upon a book I had never heard of or probably would’ve never picked up if it hadn’t been for the excellent staff recommendation table – Blackouts

Bella: I’ve actually been coming to this store for years. They have a great variety of both new releases and older classics - I was able to snag a copy of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Side note: The Living Room Coffeehouse moved after 20 years! So, if you want coffee after, you can still go but it is no longer visible from the storefront.

Joyride Bookshop - Located in Liberty Station, Joyride is a children’s bookstore. They also feature bright and eclectic artwork. A great place to get a gift for a younger relative!

Bella: I never actually outgrew picture books so this store was great for me. They had some nice art by local artists in the form of pins, stickers, magnets, and prints.

Zoe: What I had in mind was to pick up a gift for an acquaintance’s child, but I ended up being charmed by the illustrated cards they had.

Diesel, A Bookstore - Located in Carmel Valley, Diesel definitely shines with love for literature! The staff recommendations are teeming with amazing reads, as are the rest of the carefully curated shelves. The staff are also always so friendly and eager to help. If you live nearby, they can also order many books for you, which is a great way to build up your shelves or get gifts while supporting an indie gem.

Bella: I take the staff opinions here pretty seriously! So while I was torn between several books, when I was told that I should definitely read An Immense Journey, I made up my mind quickly.

Zoe: I 100% agree with what Bella said about the staff recommendations – that shelf is wonderfully curated and I always end up finding a new and interesting read from there! Often, I check out the bookstore right before work, as it’s next door. We visited many bookstores before this stop, but Diesel is still one of my favorites. While I’m there, I usually pick up a classic, but this time I got In the Margins by Elena Ferrante.

Mysterious Galaxy - As a genre bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy specializes in fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and horror, with a large selection for both adults and young adults. They also host book clubs, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and author events.

Bella: I was so impressed with their selection! The physical storefront was much larger than I imagined with a wide variety of classics, contemporary fantasy, well-known authors, and hidden treasures. I got a book of Neil Gaiman short stories, Trigger Warning, with a cover that I loved.

Zoe: For a while now, I’ve been drifting away from the fantasy genre despite it being my favorite for years. There was much to love about this place – they carried such a variety of books that weren’t exactly “mainstream” and introduced me to so many authors I probably would never see in a Barnes and Noble. But, the curation rekindled my interest, and I ended up having to chastise myself for picking up too many titles. After fighting the urge to buy 5, I limited my purchase to Kindling by Traci Chee and Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan.

La Playa Books - La Playa stocks both used and new books, and is women-led and operated in Point Loma.

Bella: Fun store with a really interesting mix of books, with a bit of everything. The owners were so nice! They had a selection of rare books in the back by appointment only. I got Kindred, which is a speculative fiction classic.

Zoe: Such a cute and quaint store. It’s like being tucked away in a cozy corner. The staff were so sweet; they and the customers cheered for us in our completion of the book crawl. We have a photo!

PHoto CREdit: ZoE tRuong

PHoto CREdit: la Playa Books

Sports Senior Sports Spotlight

BY CARRIE KRUMMEN

Glorious victories, character-building defeats, new beginnings, and bittersweet endings are just a few of the memories that epitomize a student-athlete’s experience. For many, this athletic journey begins as early as elementary school and continues for the next decade of a student-athlete’s life — a decade spent practicing, perfecting, and performing the sports they love. Aside from learning the importance of perseverance and resilience firsthand, student-athletes cultivate long-standing friendships and a sense of community to complement the friendly competition provided by sports.

“For many, this athletic journey begins as early as elementary school,”

At the high school level, four years of dedication to athletic extracurriculars present the perfect opportunity for student-athletes to gain confidence and leadership in the sports they love. Although every member joins a new team as a novice at some point or another, the beauty of high school sports lies in the transition from a wide-eyed beginner to a supportive senior leader. Captains or not, seniors set the tone of

the team and foster an environment in which teammates have the opportunity to flourish.

PHOTO CREDITS: BRIGITTE PATEL

However, as the 2023-2024 school year draws to a close, this particular time of year symbolizes the epilogue of many seniors’ athletic careers. As the sun sets on their last days at high school, CCA senior athletes reflect on their favorite memories with their teammates.

“I really enjoy the united feeling of being on a team and I have made so many deep friendships through basketball,” Mehar Thaper (12), a four-year member of the Women’s Basketball team at CCA, said. Thaper’s senior season “ended really sweetly” and taught her to be mindful of what’s best for others in a team setting.

Indeed, one of the most rewarding facets of being on a sports team at CCA is the growth of friendships between student-athletes of all four grades in high school.

“I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere of the [softball] team this year; it feels like everyone is close regardless of

Sports Recap

By KLOE GILLESPIE

As the school year is coming to an end, so are this year’s sports. These past seasons, our sports teams have accomplished many things, including going to CIF quarterfinals and taking part in the highest divisions for their sports. All of these amazing accomplishments are thanks to this year’s players that have worked together to build outstanding teams.

Every team from fall to spring has done amazing things this year! Fall season of 2023, Girls Flag Football made its first debut as a CCA team. As a team they have won 12-0 against SFC and 33-6 against Vista. There is no better way to start a year of sports than introducing a new CIF sport to our school.

This year’s seasons have been

grade level which is nice to see,” Ilana Roberts (12), a senior captain of the CCA Softball team, said. “We’ve won a couple close games in league play so far and it’s been special to celebrate those wins together as a team.”

As the only senior on the softball team, Roberts plays a large role in the energy and team spirit during practices and games. Inevitably, not all sports competitions are bound to be perfect, so a good team leader recognizes that mistakes happen and commits to a supportive and uplifting mindset. “Cheering and being positive helps make the game fun and boosts the atmosphere. I think high, positive energy can make the difference between a win or a loss,” Roberts added. To contribute to a positive team environment, it is paramount that athletes work hard at practices and trust in the abilities of their teammates. Most importantly, athletes should support their teammates regardless of the score on the board. “Spreading kindness is a crucial step to improve on a team,” Thaper agreed.

outstanding for all of CCA’s volleyball teams. With only their second year as a CIF sport, our Girls Beach Volleyball team finished 10th in D1. To add on, our Boys Indoor Volleyball team is 4th in D2 and has made it to quarterfinals.

This year our Boys Frosh team won the Del Lago tournament while the JV team won 3rd place at the Ramona tournament and the La Jolla tournament. This year’s volleyball teams have shown extraordinary results.

This year’s players that have worked together to build outstanding teams

Not only volleyball had good seasons. As always our tennis teams are on fire. CCA’s Boys Tennis team

On the road to graduation, senior athletes share advice with younger teammates who will assume the positions of team leaders and role models in upcoming seasons. “If I could go back and give my nervous freshman-year self some advice, I would tell her to be present and soak up every moment of high school softball,” Roberts said. “[Your teammates] won’t always be your teammates forever and taking the extra time to get lunch after a game or talk on the bus rides can create amazing memories and friendships that will go beyond a high school team.”

“High, positive energy can make the difference.”

With graduation on the horizon, seniors plan for the future while celebrating their academic and athletic accomplishments alongside their teammates. The journey forward will be different from high school, but determination and teamwork learned from years of athletics will assist many in their forthcoming experiences.

Although memories of wins and losses fade over time, the courageous and selfless leadership exhibited by student-athletes in CCA’s class of 2024 will endure forever. Thank you, seniors, and best of luck in your future endeavors.

finished third in the Open Division. The girls team ended runner up in the Open Division, following close behind their rival, Torrey Pines High School. To add further excitement, our golf teams have had a good run as well. CCA’s Girls Golf finished third in San Diego and the Boys were listed thirteenth in San Diego. Our Girls Water Polo team made it to the Quarterfinals for the first time in three years. What a great accomplishment! Our girls soccer team has had a great season this year too. They finished fourth in D1. Last-

ly, our Badminton received the title of League Champs this year. They had a record 10-0 this season, winning all games they have played. All around, although not expected, Canyon Crest Academy has had a year of achievements when it comes to sports and we can only hope to see more next year!

PHOTO CREDITS: MEHAR THAPER

PHOTO CREDITS: TEGAN INNS

PHOTO CREDITS: PHOEBE KATSELL

PHOTO CREDITS: ROBERT MURPHY

The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs

BY EMI MATSUDA

The professional hockey world’s height of intensity and enthusiasm is reached during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The best teams from each conference meet up in a battle of ability, determination, and pure willpower as the regular season comes to an end. The playoffs are a showcase of the finest that the sport has to offer, with everything from exciting overtime thrillers to intense physical clashes. The competition for hockey’s most prized award, the Stanley Cup, intensifies with every round as the stakes rise. The playoffs are the ultimate determination test and an opportunity for athletes to leave their mark on hockey history for both spectators and players. Let’s take a look at the states of each team as of April 29, 2024.

In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins have managed to maintain their dominance against the Toron-

Teams fight for their chance to acquire the most coveted trophy in professional hockey

to Maple Leafs, leading the series with three wins, while the Leafs have one. Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes are in a similar situation against the New York Islanders, currently holding a 3-1 lead in games. With this being said, both the Maple Leafs and Islanders are in a dangerous position, as they will be knocked out of the playoffs if either the Bruins or Hurricanes come out with another win.

Continuing the pattern, the Florida Panthers are leading their series 3-1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, the New York Rangers appear to be the first team in the playoffs to

advance to round two. Through four hard-fought games, the Rangers have skated their way past the Washington Capitals, emerging victorious from each matchup and making it look easy.

Unfortunately, this means that the Capital’s 2023-2024 season has come to an end, and they are no longer competitors for this year’s Stanley Cup. Shifting over to the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers have been able to hold onto their lead with three wins against the Los Angeles Kings, who currently stand with one win.

Additionally, both the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver

Canuc continue to dominate against the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators in their 3-1 series. Moreover, the Las Vegas Golden Knights lead a very tight matchup against the Dallas Stars 2-1.

As the NHL Stanley Cup 2024 Playoffs progress, the intensity and excitement are only set to increase. With each matchup, teams will continue to battle for supremacy on the ice, inching closer to the ultimate goal of reach-

ing the Stanley Cup. As each game unfolds, the drama on the ice reaches new heights, while teams fight for their chance to acquire the most coveted

“Unfortunately, this means that the Capital’s 20232024 season has come to an end,”

PHOTO CREDITS: EMI MATSUDA

Crossword Crest Academy

BY Carrie Krummen

ACROSS:

1. Cheese from the Netherlands

6. Part of the arm used to punch 10. File formats for documents

14. “Raindrops on _____ and whiskers on kittens”

15. Hotel brand that sounds like the opposite of “high,” but remove the “s” at the end

16. Nation whose most populous city is Dubai, but repeat the last letter

17. “e” + present tense of “do”

18. (2) Two is to II as (1) ___ is to

19. Repost something on Twitter, but remove all vowels

20. Creamy white pasta sauce

22. Behold/Voila!

24. Spill the ___

25. Slang for “cool”

26. Fastest car in the Pixar universe

29. Machine at the bank

30. Most touristy Hawaiian island

31. Abbreviation for nanosecond

32. Avoid these during your driver’s license test!

35. Similar to a pole, also an exam for lawyers

36. Creative

39. Holey, multipurpose shoe

40. Mess up

42. Taylor Swift’s ___s Tour + “e”

43. First five letters of the alphabet

45. What a realization sounds like

46. OutKast’s most famous song

47. Middle two letters of 48 across

48. Tall trees

50. Sound to express pain after an impact

51. There are nine in baseball games

53. Nonverbal language

54. Name that looks like it should rhyme with 61 down but doesn’t

57. Iconic red flower

58. Lingers

60. Similar to “let’s go!”

62. Essentially a slushie

65. What gets thrown at a dartboard, but repeat the last letter

66. Survey

67. Abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana

68. How they say “hello” in 30 across

69. Depend

70. Sport played with clubs and tees

71. Agree or disagree? = ___ __ no?

DOWN:

1. Word to describe Gatsby

2. A large quantity, also a dog with a poodle parent

3. Abbreviation for the United States of America

4. Caught off guard = A ____ in headlights

5. Advocates/Argues

6. Too much water

7. Atom with a net electrical charge

8. What eyes do

9. Spasm/Tremble, also a live-streaming platform

10. University in West Lafayette, Indiana, but remove the last letter

11. Job description of a statistician

12. Not many

13. Ready, ___, go!

21. Hydroelectric ones produce electricity

23. Relating to water, also a shade of blue

26. Women’s History Month

27. You write tons of these in English classes

29. First four letters of 43 across

30. Promises

32. “Keep it weird, ___!”

33. Metropolitan

34. Music genre that was popular in the 1970s

35. Find these in a library

37. Underwater home for fish

38. Usher’s most famous song, but remove the last letter

44. Long periods of time

46. “Oh, it’s a jolly _______ with Mary”

49. Getting older (British spelling)

50. “Bear” in Spanish

52. “If _ ____ had a brain/heart/ nerve”

53. “a” + green part of trees

54. Units of nothing

55. Braces dentist

56. “To be” in Spanish

59. “____ as old as time”

60. Certification offered by the American Red Cross

61. Potential nickname for Moana or Monroe

63. Baby sound

64. What the letter “L” sounds like