Highlander news-magazine issue 7 May 2020

HIGHLANDER IN THIS ISSUE:

The effects of body positivity READ IT ON PG 14

Profile on Mr. McDowell READ IT ON PG 22

The first female MLB coach READ IT ON PG 46

THIS IS NOT THE END. Vol. XI Issue VII | May 2020 | Carlmont High School | scotscoop.com

HIGHLANDER newsmagazine Highlander Editors-in-Chief Nisha Marino Emma Romanowsky Scot Scoop Editor-in-Chief Veronica Roseborough ScotCenter Editor-in-Chief Mandy Hitchcock Publicity Director Rachel Matatyaou Faculty Adviser Justin Raisner Editors Andrea Butler Molly Donaldson Francesca D’Urzo Rachel McCrea Kimberly Mitchell Emma O’Connor Auva Soheili Staff Writers Joshua Baxter Audrey Boyce Brianna Cheng Samantha Chu Eoin Cunningham Natalie Doud Anna Feng Nihal Karim Zachary Khouri Audrey Luey Ayal Meyers Miki Nguyen Miles Ozorio Mari Ramirez Bella Reeves Ava Richards Alena Ruhstaller Maddy Ting Taisiia Yakovenko Highlander is a newsmagazine dedicated to providing Carlmont students, staff, and the community with high-quality news, features, and opinion articles. We want to keep our readers informed on important issues ranging from events at Carlmont to international news, and want to engage them with unique stories and designs. Highlander is a publication completely run by the students of the journalism classes at Carlmont High School. Story ideas are generated by the students and the published content is up to the direction of the editorial staff. This issue’s editorial was written by Molly Donaldson on behalf of the Highlander senior editorial staff.

The back cover was drawn by Lexi Romanowsky.

The editorial cartoon is by Nisha Marino.

in this issue... features 6-21 Music causes nostalgia College decision day Women in tech Our options after graduating high school Pros and cons of the body positivity movement

campus 22-31 Pathwater profile

Mr. McDowell’s influence on campus The importance of sober prom The Carlmont musical theater community College sweatshirt culture Senior summer suggestions

sports 46-52 The importance of team captains Justine Siegal profile American soccer fans are at a disadvantage Jasyn Chidester profile

opinion 53-58

We need more Asian representation High school is not “one size fits all” Some positives in 2020 Editorial: Senior editorial sendoff

ASB & yearbook 59-63 SCOTLIGHT: COVID-19

Scotlight is Highlander newsmagazine’s in-depth cover story section.

Told by multiple perspectives within the Carlmont journalism staff, Scotlight delves into how COVID-19 has impacted students, reflects on our expectations for 2020, and explains that though this virus has forever altered our lives, it does not define us.

READ ON PAGE 32 Scotlight was designed by Francesca D’Urzo and written by various staff wrtiers.

Carlmont High School 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Reader, Highlander newsmagazine is proud to have become a part of Carlmont’s community over the past year. This final issue for the year marks a bittersweet time for us, as we are bidding farewell to both our publication and the community we have built through it. It has been an incredible experience to interact with our community through journalism and to have had the privilege of learning and sharing such unique stories. While our community has always been an integral part of Highlander newsmagazine, its importance is clearer now more than ever.

We are faced with unprecedented times. COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives in one way or another. Our school year has been altered, social events postponed or canceled, and milestones modified. But despite these changes, we have seen incredible resilience. As community members and publication leaders, we have been inspired by our peers’ perseverance in coping with the situation we find ourselves in. COVID-19 is a defining moment in each of our histories, but it by no means defines us as a community. Amidst these uncertain times, Carlmont students, teachers, and supporters are banding together and will emerge stronger.

It is our job to highlight these efforts, to remind our readers that COVID-19 is a part of our story, but it is not our complete story. Bearing this in mind, we are excited to deliver our final issue of the year. Due to COVID-19, our publication had to modify its operation to ensure that the quality of content remains constant while also prioritizing the health and safety of our staff and readers. For these reasons, we opted to combine two issues which would each have been 32 pages in length into one 64-page newsmagazine. Moreover, this issue has been delivered via mail to each reader’s home, a practice that is unprecedented for Highlander newsmagazine. These new procedures were developed to respond to the statewide shelter in place, and Highlander newsmagazine will return to normal production as soon as possible.

Inside this issue you will find stories about the multifaceted Carlmont community. While we do address COVID-19, it was our priority to convey the Carlmont perspective, highlighting the direct ways that the pandemic has impacted us and illuminating how we have been able to cope. But COVID-19 is by no means the theme of this issue. Rather, we included profiles, articles, and features that shed light onto subjects beyond COVID-19 which interest our readers. One noteworthy feature is a 6-page story about body positivity. With our normal (pre COVID-19) publication schedule, this story would have been the “Scotlight” story for our seventh issue. We want to reiterate that we pride ourselves in relaying accurate, timely, and relevant content to our readers and that we work to include as many perspectives as possible. Our current times emphasize the power in perspective, as COVID-19 has had a personal and unique impact on everyone. We ask that our readers recognize that individuals may have different points of view.

As Carlmont’s final publication for the year, we felt obligated to include as many perspectives as possible. Given the unique nature and circumstance of this issue, we have included content from graduating ASB seniors as well as a sneak peek of the 2019-2020 yearbook. Due to COVID-19, the yearbook’s production has been delayed, however, we want to honor their work and accomplishments by allowing them to showcase their content. Featured in the special edition yearbook section, readers will find sample pages from throughout the year and the senior panoramic photo.

We hope that in reading this issue, you are able to gain a sense of normalcy and recognize the accomplishments of our community.

It has been an honor to assume this role in our community. We have learned so much and will take our experiences beyond Highlander. We are eternally grateful for the incredible support Highlander newsmagazine has received in its first year of existence. Though there are countless people to thank for contributing to Highlander, we especially want to acknowledge our adviser, Jusin Raisner, for his mentorship, support, and role in shaping us as leaders.

We look forward to seeing Highlander newsmagazine continue to be a part of Carlmont’s incredible community and are proud to announce Emma O’Connor as the Editor-in-Chief for the 2020-2021 school year.

Love,

Nisha Marino and Emma Romanowsky 2019-2020 Highlander Editors-in-Chief

CARLMONT AT A GLANCE The hard work and dedication of the students and faculty to maintain the Carlmont community makes it clear that the campus is not what makes Carlmont special — the people do. The Carlmont campus is left spiritless during the shelter in place.

Photos were taken by Nisha Marino on April 29, 2020.

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Music takes us back to the ‘good old days’ Bella Reeves A woman riding on the bus scrolls through her old playlists. She sees the title, pleasantly surprised, and clicks “play.” The first note throws her back into a time machine; she is no longer on the bus, but instead baking snickerdoodles with her late mother. A wave of emotions takes over and she closes her eyes; thinking of the time when her mom was still here, she hums along to their song: “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” Music. It’s meaningless without emotion. It can trigger memories that one hadn’t thought of in years, or bring a smile to a frozen face.

“I’m not even sure why this song triggers a memory, but the song ‘Talking To The Moon’ always reminds me of when my sister graduated from high school and she had to say goodbye to all of her high school friends,” Anjali Mehta, a sophomore, said. “This song was playing when they all had their last goodbye hug.”

Music has the power to transport us back to a time and place in such detail, but many are unaware of how.

According to a BBC article by Tiffany Jenkins, our memories, controlled by the hippocampus and frontal cortex, are strongly influenced by the music we listen to. The first five seconds of a nostalgic song can bring anybody back to a moment they forgot existed.

Essentially, there are two different kinds of memories: implicit and explicit. Implicit memories are unconscious recollections, like riding a bike or singing a song. An explicit memory is conscious and is intentionally recollected, such as factual information.

Music can evoke implicit memories, which are tied to certain emotions; it’s the strong feelings that make the music nostalgic for the listener.

6 HIGHLANDER FEATURE

According to late British psychologist Oliver Sacks, “musical emotions and musical memory can survive long after other forms of memory have disappeared.”

Patients with dementia demonstrate Sacks’ statement. In the documentary “Alive Inside,” social worker Dan Cohen explores music’s capability to rejoice dementia patients.

“Sometimes you remember when it used to always play on the radio and you’d just want to turn it off because it was so overplayed,” Anjali Mehta Sophomore

The film follows 92-year-old patient Henry Dryer, who is seen inactive and mute prior to listening to music. After listening to music from his youth, he was asked a series of yes–no questions about his past, in which he expanded on his answers with joy; he even began to sing songs from his favorite band at the time.

“Henry has restored himself. He has remembered who he was and has reacquired his identity for a while through the power of music,” Sacks said.

Music allowed Dryer to temporarily regain his youthfulness. He was able to feel the nostalgia and rediscover memories he once had as a kid.

Television shows,

movies, and hit radio songs from one’s childhood can leave a lasting impact on their memories.

“A lot of music that makes me nostalgic is from Nickelodeon and Disney channel.

Specifically, Big Time Rush, I still remember all of their songs word-for-word because I was obsessed with the show growing up,” Mehta said. “If I ever hear one of their songs, I remember exactly what my life was like when I watched their show, when I heard the music for the first time, or even what episode it was from.”

Music can light up one’s visual cortex, and songs like “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond engross people with nostalgia and take them on a trip down memory lane.

“Music nostalgia is when you listen to a song, it doesn’t even have to be that long ago, you just listen to it and can remember and feel exactly what you were like when you first listened to it,” Mehta said.

When a song is first heard, it triggers the auditory cortex, which processes the song one is listening to into one coherent piece of information.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “many researchers believe that music is encoded in the brain by the perceptual memory system, which organizes auditory information into melodies and rhythms, rather than by the semantic memory system, which encodes meaning.”

When Tej Tummala, a junior, was studying for the SAT, he would listen to music to keep him focused; now, after taking the test, when he listens to a certain song from his SAT studying playlist, it reminds him of the time he spent intensely studying.

“A prominent memory I have when I listen to ‘Lose Yourself ’ by Eminem is taking the SAT because I listened to that song dozens of times before I took the test,” Tummala said.

We remember these melodies because they evoke an important time or event in our life.

Studies show that most adults feel nostalgic when listening to the music they listened to as a teenager. This is because during that age, you are constantly searching for a sense of identity. This formative period is what evokes strong emotions and vivid memories, further making the music they once listened to very

nostalgic.

According to the NCBI, a recent study examined the memories and emotions that are triggered when we listen to music from one’s past. In their experiment, people listened to 30 second excerpts of past popular songs. The tests concluded that, on average, 30% of the songs stimulated personal memories.

“One of my friends had introduced me to the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’” Mehta said.

“They specifically told me to listen to the song ‘Waving Through a Window,’ which is a pretty sad song, but it always gives me a bittersweet, nostalgic feeling because I’m reminded of my friend and of when I was in eighth grade.”

Although music has been proven to access our unconscious memory, people also intentionally use music to remember important information. For example, as kids, we were taught to remember the alphabet by singing a song. As adults, people often sing the tune to remember where in the alphabet a letter resides.

Music allows us to store information in an alternative way. Putting information into a song groups the lyrics together and makes the material easier to recall in the future.

“I usually use music memorization for formulas

in math,” Mehta said. “For example, the quadratic formula; I physically cannot remember a time where I haven’t sung the quadratic formula jingle in my head when writing it down. Even when I say it out loud, I have to sing it first.”

The quadratic formula is normally taught to students in order to solve for “x” in an algebraic equation.

The formula is

quite long, which has led to teachers putting it into the melody of songs like “Pop Goes The Weasel” in order for their students to easily memorize it.

Music and memory are infinitely intertwined; not only can music infuse one’s implicit memory, but it can also supplement one’s explicit memory. It’s been shown to temporarily improve dementia patients’ memories and bring them a sense of what was once their identity.

“Music conveys different emotions and I listen to different types of songs usually to match the emotion I am feeling,” Tummala said.

Art by Bella Reeves

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 7

DECISION DAY

MAY 1

May 1.

Decision Day; the day where all the feelings of uncertainty towards the entire college process just seems to fade away.

Decision Day marks the last day where seniors across the country determine the course of the next four years of their lives and commit to a college that they’ve been accepted to. It’s the day that answers the question they’ve been wondering about since their freshmen year; where they will be going to college.

The process of college decisions has been nearly universal for decades; you apply, you tour the campus, and you accept or decline your offer of admission. It’s a system that almost every high school senior goes through, yet for the class of 2020, this process seems to be unattainable.

Decision Day in the age of COVID-19 is unthinkable to many. Some students may have been fortunate enough to tour campuses before the outbreak, but the majority of students are being forced to commit to a college that they’ve never visited beforehand. Campuses are toured virtually, and all admitted-student events are canceled. Incoming students are expected to learn about their future school merely through the online sessions and resources they provide. For some, Decision Day is a complete blind gamble.

However, despite these difficulties faced by the class of 2020, students still remain confident in their commitments and continue to look forward to what the next four years hold for them.

Article by Alena Ruhstaller

GABY PIERCE

Purdue University

SDSU

ZAC MALLET 8 HIGHLANDER FEATURE

The college search may be daunting to many, but for Gaby Pierce, it was simple; she knew where she wanted to go and got in.

“San Diego State (SDSU) was always one of my top choices,” Pierce said. “SDSU is a big school, which is something that I always wanted. The location is amazing and the campus is absolutely beautiful. It’s also a state school so it’s a cheaper option for my family and me.”

Pierce plans to major in psychology and is thrilled for the opportunities she’ll experience while at SDSU. “My planned major right now is psychol-

ogy. I loved taking AP Psych and I want to go to law school so it’ll be very helpful for that,” Pierce said. “SDSU is a very good school academically and I know going there will give me a lot of future academic opportunities.”

Pierce also plans to participate in the various aspects of student life that SDSU offers in order to make the most of her college experience.

“SDSU has tons of club sports and campus activities that I would love to take part in, and their Greek life is really active,” Pierce said. “I’m the most excited about making new friends and experiences.”

Among many others who will cross the country for school next fall, Zac Mallet will settle in West Lafayette, Indiana to pursue his undergraduate career at Purdue University.

“I’m planning on double majoring in statistics and business at Purdue,” Mallet said.

“I would like to be a sports statistician and eventually be a manager of an NBA team.”

In addition to Purdue’s Division I basketball team, Mallet found the school’s location and campus specifically appealing while touring and comparing it to other schools.

“I fell in love with it as soon as I visited the campus,” Mallet said. “Purdue was my top choice because it seemed like a good school that I could get into. I also like how it’s in the Midwest, which is where I’d want to live other than California.”

However, Mallet doesn’t plan to attend Purdue without a sense of home; many of his friends at Carlmont also committed to Purdue’s class of 2024.

“I’m very excited to live with my friends who are also going there,” Mallet said. “We’re planning on being roommates and renting an apartment together.”

Though Mallet is prepared to start a new chapter in his life away from home, he still feels a little remorse in leaving his home state.

“My feelings towards going to school so far away honestly swings. I know it’ll be a cool experience, but I’m definitely going to be homesick at some point, ” Mallet said. “I don’t think going to school so far away will be too different than going to school in California because it’s still college — there will be a lot of diversity and people from other states.”

University of Washington

Princeton University

SHIINA SUGIOKA

LILY GITTOES

Emerson College

COLIN WELTER

Crisp weekend mornings strolling the Pike Place Market and pink cherry blossoms budding in the spring.

These fantasies will become reality for Shiina Sugioka, who plans to attend the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle next fall to study psychology.

“I’m planning on majoring in psychology and hopefully transferring into neuroscience.

When I took AP Psych with Ms. McKee, I found the subject really interesting and I wanted to learn more about the brain,” Sugioka said. “If possible, I would also like to study computer science outside of my major because coding and game design is another one of my passions.”

Although Sugioka was unable to visit the

campus in-person, she remains confident in her choice and hopes to take advantage of what the college has to offer.

“The University of Washington has a really nice campus that unfortunately I couldn’t visit, but I’m really excited to go out of state to a big city like Seattle,” Sugioka said. “I heard that the weather in the spring is gorgeous so I’m looking forward to that too.”

Even though many of Sugioka’s friends are planning on attending UW, Sugioka is determined to make her own college experience.

“A lot of my friends are going to UW and we’re very excited to make new memories together; I’m also very excited to meet my roommates and make new friends there,” Sugioka said.

Lily Gittoes will return to her birthplace of Princeton, New Jersey. in the fall to attend Princeton University as either an economics or operations research financial engineering (ORFE) major.

“I’m deciding between economics or ORFE,” Gittoes said. “Princeton has an amazing economics program and is one of their most popular majors. It’s also in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy which has a lot of amazing professors and programs.”

Gittoes looks forward to all of the research opportunities she’ll have as an undergraduate and hopes to take advantage of all of the experiences that will be presented to her.

“I like how we get a lot of research opportunities as undergraduates, for example, students write both a junior paper and a senior thesis,” Gittoes said. “They have a lot of

funding for research, and there’s also a huge undergraduate emphasis on it with a lot of opportunities.”

After returning to her birthplace several times and touring the campus, Gittoes knew that Princeton was the school for her.

“Princeton was my top choice for college, and my dad went there,” Gittoes said. “The campus is so beautiful, and I love the location — it’s super close to New York City and Philadelphia.”

Despite her excitement to attend her first choice school, a part of Gittoes is still nervous to move across the country.

“I’m excited and a little nervous to be living on the East Coast next year because it’s so far from home and the cold weather,” Gittoes said. “But I’m the most excited about meeting new people.”

After countless years of pursuing theater and acting, Colin Welter will be continuing to follow his passion by majoring in musical theater at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

“I’m majoring in musical theater because it’s been my passion for most of my life and I just love doing it,” Welter said. “I truly can’t picture myself doing anything else.”

Welter first visited the campus during the summer before his senior year and has fallen in love with the school since then.

“Emerson was one of the first schools that I toured and I instantly [fell] in love with it,” Welter said. “After spending the summer there taking classes, I was devastated to leave

and was thrilled when I got in early action.”

Second to the anticipation of meeting new people and enjoying new independence, Welter looks forward to spending the next four years in an environment outside of the Bay Area.

“Considering we are in such a bubble here in the Bay Area, I’m really excited to really immerse myself in a new environment with tons of new people,” Welter said. “Boston is quite the college town, and fortunately, I already have a lot of friends that live there. I will certainly miss the Bay Area, and I know it will be different; I will have to be careful with who I express my opinions to.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 9

Women fight against the tech gender gap Nihal Karim Ada Lovelace wrote the first computer program. Grace Hopper invented the compiler, a computer program that translates code into a different programming language. Katherine Johnson helped NASA’s first spaceflight succeed.

Women have pushed diversity and made countless contributions toward technological advancement, and yet the gender gap in technology and computer science remains an issue.

Today, women make up only 26% of computer science employees in the U.S., according to the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP).

“This is a huge issue because women and men both bring great ideas to the table, so we need to encourage more girls to pursue their interest in computer science,” Jessica Yu, president of the Girls Who Code club, said.

The gender gap is equally prevalent in both education and jobs when it comes to computer science. According to the NGCP, only 18% of women receive bachelor’s degrees in computer science. Girls in high school are also less likely to take computer science courses than their male counterparts.

“I think that is a problem that can be traced to the roots of secondary and higher education: women are not encouraged to go into tech at the same rate men are,” Emna

Women hold only 22.9% of tech jobs at Google.

10 HIGHLANDER FEATURE

Sellami, a senior, said.

The existing gender gap can often discourage women from pursuing a career in computer science due to a lack of female role models or mentors.

“Many girls become interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) at a young age, but one of the reasons they lose that passion is the feeling of not belonging,” Yu said. “When they are one of the few girls in the field, it can be challenging to feel motivated or to feel that their ideas are valid.”

Due to the technological advancements in Silicon Valley, people of all genders have more overall opportunities to participate in technology careers.

Many companies and organizations have started to acknowledge the gender gap. By bringing the issue to light, these organizations are striving to decrease the gender gap by offering women more opportunities to practice computer science. One such company is Intel, which partnered with the 10x10 Girl Rising campaign that aims to spread awareness and advocate for girls’ education.

“I was never really interested in computer science, but after participating in a summer program, I discovered a new passion,” Ofa Ahofono, a senior, said.

Not only are there more organizations focused on increasing the number of women in the tech industry, but tech companies such as Slack are also working to increase diversity

Women received 18% of bachelor’s degrees for computer science in 2015.

Only 38% of women who majored in computer science have a job in the field.

in the workplace.

“The gender gap within tech is a problem on a global scale, but I think it is improving in the Bay Area,” Sellami said. “Many tech companies make sure to hire more women over men if they have similar qualifications, but I think one challenge they’re facing is that there are not enough women engineers to hire.”

While making an effort to hire more women in the tech field, many companies are trying to create a more welcoming work atmosphere.

“I think women do receive more opportunities to learn and participate in STEM, but there is also a specific reason for that,” Yu said. “Creating more opportunities specifically for women is not an act of inequality.

It is an act of creating equality by providing resources for those that need them.”

Although the gender gap in tech remains large, the increased awareness about the issue allows organizations such as Girls Who Code to work towards closing the gap. Creating more programs that teach girls computer science can allow them to learn about computer science early, as well as give them confidence in their abilities.

“When it comes to computer science, I think it is important to encourage others,” Yu said. “Everyone starts somewhere and learns at different paces, so it’s important to be there for them instead of being discouraging or condescending.”

Facebook’s percentage of women in technical jobs has increased from 15% in 2014 to 23% in 2019.

74% of women in computer jobs said they experienced gender discrimination in the workplace.

Art by Emma O’Connor

Choices, Choices, Choices...

Taisiia Yakovekno

Throughout high school, students are faced with a number of choices that can make or break their high school career.

Students can become overwhelmed with all the extracurricular choices and AP classes as they go through their high school careers. To most students, the overarching question is “Which college do you want to go to and what do you want to study?”

In 2018, 63% of high school graduates from public schools in California enrolled in a college after graduation, according to Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE).

Although a four-year college remains the most popular post high school option, students sometimes fail to consider other possibilities, such as community college, military service, or work.

“In our area, a lot of parents are college-educated and encourage their kids to do the same,” said Nina Rasor, College and Career Assistant. “They think that it’s the best option for their kids and don’t always offer any alternative pathways.”

With increasing pressure for students to meet the needs of the changing world, students should consider alternative post high school career options.

READ MORE ON PAGE 12

Art by Emma O’Connor

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 11

Work

Some students decide to focus on their career right after graduating from high school, which can directly contribute to their future.

“I have seen some students choose work right after high school,” said Andrew Ramroth, an AVID teacher. “I think that most of it was due to financial need. Some kids had families that needed a little bit more financial assistance.”

Choosing to work right after high school could be seen as a financial decision that has its flaws and benefits, just like any other post high school career.

“I think that work experience gives kids a valuable perspective on the world,” said Ramroth. “I do not think that they could’ve gotten it from any college that they could’ve potentially gone to.”

Although kids may gain some experience in the workforce, some of the flaws of working may come at the expense of future career goals.

“Sometimes working right after school can slow down career growth and potential earning. For some specific fields, students might never truly reach their career goals,” said Ramroth. “Sometimes, working also puts students out of that academic mindset, so going back to college might be a lot more challenging after working.”

Despite the idea that working right after high school could stall one’s future career goals, it can help students to determine their direction.

“I think that working after high school is also a great way to get to know yourself and potentially figure out what career goals you might want to pursue in the future,” said Ramroth. “I think it can also serve as a great wake-up call for students to get back to school.”

Moreover, working directly after high school could be the most optimal way for career development in some industries. In some industries, work experience is more valuable than higher education.

“It’s almost assumed that you will not be able to get any kind of tech-oriented job right out of high school, but I’ve seen students build relatively successful careers in retail or restaurant business,” said Ramroth. “Some kids who worked in stores during school became managers there shortly after graduation. I think that it’s a great option since some companies are very caring about their employees.”

Despite the idea that working right after high school carries certain negative implications with it, it can be the most optimal pathway for some students.

“A lot of parents and teachers assume that the best for their kids is to go to a four-year college and not work right after [high school] graduation,” said Ramroth. “But that is not necessarily true because everyone has their paths to success.”

12 HIGHLANDER FEATURE

Community College

Contrary to some assumptions about community college, 57% of Californian high school graduates who enroll in a college choose two-year institutions, according to PACE. “Today, I see a lot of negative stigmas about community college,” Rasor said. “I think most of it comes from parent and peer pressure. Some parents sometimes even say ‘Why would you want to go to a community college over a four-year one?’”

The main difference between community college and a four-year institution is that community colleges only provide a two-year education plan.

Community colleges only award associate’s degrees, which takes four semesters to complete.

“I think that the main benefits of community college are that it usually saves money and allows students to become more independent,” Rasor said.

Some students are considering community colleges in order to give themselves time to adapt to the new environment and prepare themselves for a more independent life since the transition from high school to college might be challenging.

“I do not want to leave my home yet,” said Melissa Alejandres, a senior. “I think that community college is the best option for me because it allows me to stay with my parents and have a great opportunity to pursue a career that I’ve always wanted.”

Moreover, students choose community colleges as a more financially friendly option that can still provide an education for their desired career.

“After community college, I’m thinking of transferring to a different program, which would help me save some money,” said Alejandres. “I think that this educational plan would help me become a nurse.”

Numerous benefits of attending community college can sometimes overshadow some of its flaws as students become concerned with their academic future.

“I think that one of the biggest flaws of community college is that I can become unmotivated to learn,” said Alejandres. “However, I think that I would be able to avoid that if I stay focused on school and pursue something that I love doing.”

With community college being one of the most popular options for many Californian high school graduates, the stigma is slowly beginning to diminish.

“One thing that I would really like to stop seeing is students saying, ‘I’m only going to community college,’” said Rasor. “Community college is its own way to success. Every student should be able to choose their pathway to success without giving in to peer or parental pressure.”

Four-Year College

The process of going to college usually goes something like the following: upon graduation, every student is awarded the option of a four-year college.

The purpose of one’s high school career is complete once they set foot onto campus and walk off into the sunset of academia.

In the Bay Area, going to college, whether it be a private or public institution, is considered the golden standard for many high schoolers.

“I think that I was always set up to go on the ‘college pathway,” Lilly Gittoes, a senior, said. “Because of that, I never really considered any other options.”

For the majority of high schoolers, the college application process starts early on in their high school career as the process can be demanding.

“The best advice that I have for students who would want to apply to a four-year college is starting early,” Gittoes said. “For some college application requirements, it takes a lot of preparation and planning that can not always be done at the last minute junior or senior year.”

In 2018, 39% of California graduates who enrolled in college went to four-year institutions, according to PACE. With four-year colleges being popular options, students see a lot of benefits from it.

“I think that one of the main benefits of going to a four-year college right after high school is just getting it done while you are still in that academic mindset,” Rasor said.

With some students being only focused on the potential benefits of a four-year education, some of its flaws may be overlooked.

“When students decide to go to a four-year college, I really want them to consider whether or not they are emotionally ready,” Rasor said. “Kids also need to make sure that they are picking a school that actually fits them, not the one that their parents or friends told them was ‘good.’”

Military Service

Some students consider joining the military service right after graduation.

“I decided to join the Air Force,” said Shuaib Khan, a senior. “I have always been set on serving my country, and I have always been passionate about flying.”

The Air Force, just like other branches of the military, can offer a number of benefits to students who choose to commit to it.

“The main benefit for me is the discipline that I will be allowed to build,” said Khan. “I also think that a sense of community and overall unity would be great for me.”

Moreover, the military can be seen as a unique environment that can set students up to succeed in their desired career goals.

“I learned about the Air Force through one of our family friends,” said Khan. “I always knew that I wanted to join, but what I was fully convinced was a sense of friendship and strong community bonds that I was told about.”

Although there are numerous benefits to joining armed forces, there are also a few precautions that students may need to be wary of.

“I think that one thing that I might struggle with is adjusting to the discipline,” said Khan. “However, I think that once I get used to it, it will become like second nature to me.”

Just like the college application process, the application to become part of the armed forces can be demanding.

“I would say that students who also want to join service need to start on the application early and to consider all their options,” said Khan. “The application has a lot of parts to it and is time-consuming. I would also make sure to look at all the options — for example, for the Air Force, I can apply to an academy or a special college program — to make sure that they can find their best fit.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 13

BEHIND THE BODY POSITIVITY MOVEMENT

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Article by Anna Feng Design by Kimberly Mitchell

I

n an age where social media reigns, people are increasingly able to compare themselves to others. While the increased prevalence of social media means that it may be easier to discover new clothing styles or recipes, this can also promote a specific ideal body type that leaves people feeling discontent with their own bodies.

The body positivity movement has made a resurgence in the past decade, teaching young boys and girls to love and accept their bodies for what they are.

THE HISTORY OF THE MOVEMENT

T

he 1960s, an era of broad socio-political change. As the fight for civil rights continued on the streets, another movement was rising: the body positivity movement.

In an article by TIME Magazine, Dan Fletcher notes the particular obsession with thinness that marked the ‘60s.

At the time, British model Twiggy was all the rage. Her popularity, coupled with the hippie counterculture which emphasized emaciated appearances, led to the ostracization of fat people.

As a result, many demonstrations broke out in parks, eventually coming together to form the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). According to their website, NAAFA aims to “eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through advocacy, public education, and support.”

While the body positivity may seem radical and new, people — women in particular — have always fought against societal beauty standards.

According to Fusion TV, the Victorian Dress Reform movement of the midto-late 1800s can be considered a major precursor to the fat acceptance movement, as they argued against the restrictive clothing trends of the time.

However, today’s idea of body positivity is much more inclusive than its predecessors.

The modern movement began in 1996, when the website The Body Positive was founded.

Over the years, the website has evolved into an active organization, which aims to spread body positivity in local communities.

According to the website, the organization relies on the “Be Body Positive Model,” which stresses five core skills to practice in daily life: The Competencies of Reclaim Health, Practice Intuitive Self-Care, Cultivate Self-Love, Declare Your Own Authentic Beauty, and Build Community.

In 2012, the movement resurged as models like Tess Holliday emphasized the need for fat representation in the fashion industry.

However, as a result of her advocacy, Holliday received a lot of criticism for the way she looked and people believed that she was promoting obesity.

In an Instagram caption, Holliday responded to her critics, writing, “I have always used my career as a way to bring awareness to the lack of diversity in the modeling industry & in mainstream media ... seeing different races, body types & genders when we flip through magazines or turn on our TVs instead of picking apart those who are trying to make a difference. I know one day there will be people of all sizes standing next to me, changing the world.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 15

MASS MEDIA’S INFLUENCE ON MASS

A

video plays on a white screen.

In it, a teenage boy hangs from monkey bars, walking up an imaginary flight of stairs.

His name is Vincent Wai, and he’s a senior at Carlmont. Wai runs a fitness Instagram with over 300 followers under the username @wai_2_fit.

“Although a fitness Instagram may be slightly cliché, I mainly saw it as an opportunity to channel my passion for fitness in a different route, to motivate me even further,” Wai said. It also served as a boost of confidence, showing my progress over this two year period in a friendly, playful way.”

Wai is a part of a trend on Instagram where fitness gurus — professionals or the like — post videos of their workout routines to hundreds, thousands, or even millions of followers.

However, sometimes these videos can be demotivating for people who strive to look like the fitness Instagrammer and end up dissatisfied with their current body.

“I think the hardest thing to grasp about body image is comparing yourself to others. Although many famous fitness models and advocates truly plan to inspire others to achieve their goals, people may simply feel undermotivated, especially when presented by someone who fits the ‘ideal body type,’” Wai said. “The way I see it, my body is my project which I will be working on for the rest of my life. Body image is a misleading concept and everyone should be proud of where they are, or where they plan to be.”

While many blame social media for the increase in poor body image in teenagers, societal pressure to look a certain way actually started much earlier.

Shelley Bustamante, the S.O.S. adviser, believes issues with body image arise through feedback by family members on weight loss or gain.

“All that feedback plants seeds of ‘Oh, this is what I’m supposed to do to get positive feedback,’” Bustamante said.

According to Bustamante, the pressure from family in addition to social media has resulted in eating disorders in girls at

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“MY BODY IS MY PROJECT WHICH I WILL BE WORKING ON FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.” -VINCENT WAI an earlier age.

“I’m seeing right now that there are definitely a group of girls rising with anxiety [and] perfectionism wanting to control the one thing they can control, and that’s what they put in their mouth,” Bustamante said. “That’s not realistic but it becomes an obsessive behavior and compulsion. So, it’s kind of a catch-22 because they can’t do well in school if they can’t eat.”

This trend isn’t going unnoticed either.

PBS notes in its docuseries on eating disorders, “Dying To Be Thin,” that anorexia has risen 36% every five years since 1950, with girls ranging from ages 15 to 24 most at risk.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, 2% of women in the United States are underweight. Being underweight has been linked to an increased chance of conditions such as osteoporosis, a compromised immune system, and anemia.

“People have to learn the irreparable damage they are doing to their bodies,” Bustamante said. “For example, [in] people with eating disorders who are throwing up, the esophagus gets worn down from the acid and that erodes it and can cause cancer, but it can also require it being reattached and then they have to use pigskin to reattach it to your stomach.

There are a lot of things that people don’t think all the way through.”

The body positivity movement aims to target these behaviors by teaching people to grow to love their bodies rather than obsessing on an unattainable standard, whether it be through family members or social media.

“The body positivity movement can be tricky, as some may see it as an inspiration to achieve their fitness goals while it may lower those with more sensitivity relating to body image,” Wai said. “I think it’s an overall good message, though. People should be proud of their bodies, despite social media’s attempt to perfect this image.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 17

SPORTS POSITIVITY

I

n the world of athletics, one’s size can make the difference between winning and losing. While sports have long been criticized for promoting only one or two types of body shapes, little change has happened.

Esme Grenstam, a sophomore, is on the Carlmont swim team. She says that while the environment in the swim community has always been supportive and encouraging, the unfortunate truth is that body shape does play a role in the sport.

“In swimming, at least, it is quite a major factor,” Grenstam said. “We wear two-pieces and normal suits, and that obviously is very revealing. It definitely takes less effort to pull yourself through the water if you are lighter and smaller. You have less muscle and so I would say that it is easier in a way.”

Bustamante has also noticed the trend of losing weight for sports, specifically in wrestling.

“These are kids that are already thin, and they’re losing weight so they can stay in a certain class and have more of a chance of winning than if they went up into a heavier class. It seems ridiculous that weight is such

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a factor,” Bustamante said.

Joe Patane, the Carlmont wrestling coach, said these weight classes are designed to give the wrestlers a fair chance against kids their own size.

Patane argues that the way the classes are structured makes sure that the wrestlers don’t restrict themselves too much.

“Based on their body-fat testing they can potentially go down to the lower weight class over a certain period of time,” Patane said. “Coaches will monitor and guide the wrestler through the process of weight management by advising on an exercise regime and sticking to a healthy diet.”

With the seeming disconnect between the body positivity movement and the emphasis on physique in sports, it may be easy to dismiss sports as an area that simply cannot fit into the body positivity movement. However, according to Grenstam, it is possible for the two to coexist as long as changes are made.

“I think it would be possible, but effort would need to be put in to promote change, like encouraging people to participate in sports that maybe are less athletic and maybe makes some sports less competitive so more can compete,” Grenstam said.

For Patane, the focus is on the style of coaching. He tries to maintain a balance between acknowledging the role weight plays in wrestling without having it overwhelm the spirit of the sport.

“As a coach when wrestlers are new to the sport of wrestling, I emphasize having fun and learning the fundamentals of wrestling,” Patane said. “Oftentimes, weight management distracts wrestlers from learning and enjoying the sport of wrestling. This makes weight management a lower priority until their skills are developed.”

In the end, Patane makes it very clear: while weight is emphasized more in sports, it’s absolutely possible for the body positivity movement to coexist in sports.

Patane said, “Wrestling is an equal opportunity sport for both genders. It caters to all different body types, sizes, and weights.”

ON LOVING YOURSELF

W

ith all the pressure from social media, family, and sports, it can feel like it is impossible to get help for body image issues.

However, Bustamante stresses that the most important part is finding a way to reach out to others for treatment. “[People] have to go to their counselor and get referred if it’s a really serious state and they need help. Stanford has an excellent eating disorder program and they can come [in] during this time at work,” Bustamante said.

According to Bustamante, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy and body positive lifestyle.

“It’s not a bad thing to care about your

appearance, if your teeth are brushed, if your hair is washed, and you feel good about how you’re looking; you feel healthy and all of that — that’s all positive. But where it becomes dangerous is when that’s all you can think about, and your life becomes out of bounds,” Bustamante said.

For Bustamante, the most important path to body positivity is establishing the balance between making sure you’re eating healthy and not over-restricting yourself.

“It’s about putting things in your body that contribute to your health and calories and nutrients that actually nourish,” Bustamante said.

“I think friends have to support each other as a group and have a healthy life. Walk together and just know everything you’re putting into your body; think about if it’s helping it.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 19

20 HIGHLANDER ADVERTISEMENTS

The story behind

PATHWATER Maddy Ting

In a market filled with wasteful single-use plastics, Pathwater offers a sustainable, infinitely refillable solution with its recycled aluminum bottles. These bottles are filled with locally purified water and are guaranteed BPA-free via a reverse osmosis process that can be adopted worldwide. In just a few years, Pathwater has revolutionized the bottled-water industry and pushed the world towards eco-friendly solutions, striving for a society free of single-use plastics.

But who are the masterminds behind this rapid change?

Meet Ali Orabi, co-founder and Vice President of Marketing at Pathwater, and Amer Orabi, co-founder and chief operating officer at Pathwater. Not only are they famous entrepreneurs, but they’re also famous Carlmont alumni. After moving to the US from Jordan, Ali attended Carlmont in 2006 during his senior year with his brother Amer Orabi, who started as a sophomore. Amer graduated in 2009, when former principal Andrea Jenoff retired.

Can you tell us a little bit about what your experience with Carlmont was like?

Ali: Starting my senior year in a new school, let alone a new country, was a major transition and adjustment. Everything was different than school in Jordan. I learned to adapt and create solutions.

Amer: One of the biggest challenges of

high school was getting used to the lifestyle and freedom since it was very different from school in Jordan. I focused on doing homework and finding friends that had a positive influence on me. I remember Carlmont offering a lot of support for new students, particularly Principal Jenoff, who was super nice and very understanding.

What’s your favorite memory from your high school years?

Ali: Like a typical high schooler, I mostly

remember just having fun with friends. Our spot to hang out back then was around the

Carlmont Shopping center. While at school, the former principal Andrea Jenoff left a lasting impression on me. I was a bit of a troublemaker, to be honest, and her support and guidance while working with her as a clerk at school truly helped me channel a more positive and productive attitude.

Amer: Homecoming dances were a fun ex-

perience that I’ll always remember, especially the first one. We didn’t have anything like that in Jordan; in fact, girls and boys were usually separated. I loved that everybody was just having fun together!

Is there anything you wish you did during in high school?

Ali: I wish I tried out for the soccer team, but

at the time, we did not have health insurance, so my mother was worried about me getting injured. I ended up working almost every day at Shoreline Café, which actually helped instill a solid work ethic that I was able to use in college and beyond.

Amer: I wish I focused on harder classes. I took the easy way out and wasn’t as familiar with the education system here when I first moved. Looking back, I would have loved more challenging AP classes for college credits.

What was it like coming out of Carlmont?

Ali: My time at Carlmont was short, but I

had infinitely more freedom than I did when living in Jordan. The idea of experiencing even more freedom while at Foothill College was alluring.

Amer: One of the biggest things I took away from high school was navigating social interaction and learning how to talk to people.

I am an introvert, so learning how to communicate with people gave me a leg up. I also looked forward to even more independence in college.

Do you have any advice for graduating seniors or students currently at Carlmont?

Ali: Find opportunities to create

thankfulness over jealousy. It will set you on a path to positivity.

Amer: Who you are today is a sum of all

your past experiences. Seek out people who can help you create a positive experience. If Ms. Jenoff hadn’t cared so much for new students, I don’t think I would have had as great of an experience as I did. Also, follow your dreams and put in the hard work. When we started Pathwater, everyone I know told me I was crazy. There’s no easy way out, so put the hard work in.

How has your journey with Pathwater changed you since high school?

Ali: Ever since high school, I’ve come to realize that I enjoy finding solutions to problems.

And that transitioned into the mission of Pathwater: to forge the path to end single-use plastic bottles.

Focusing on the COVID-19’s impact on Pathwater, how has your company been handling the recent panic and fear?

Ali: We’re not in the business to sell water.

Pathwater is trying to solve the single-use plastic bottle crisis, and the only way to solve it is to reuse as much as possible. However, with the increased demand for water due to COVID-19, we’ve seen a 300% growth in sales mainly due to panic. Even with the pandemic, the majority of our country still has access to clean drinking water. Stockpiling bottled water, especially single-use plastic bottles that will end up in landfills, should not be happening. Pathwater bottles are aluminum, which is 100% recyclable in a closed-loop system, so we hope the influx of people purchasing our sustainable alternative to bottled water will at least help keep a fraction of plastic waste out of landfills over the next few months. We are grateful that Pathwater hasn’t been affected by COVID-19 like so many other companies and industries, and to show our support during this difficult time, we are giving back to our community by donating $100,000 to local food banks in the Bay Area.

To learn more about Pathwater and buy your own today, visit www.drinkpath.com.

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 21

Beyond administration and teachers

Mr. McDowell’s impact on Carlmont students Rachel Matatyaou Some students may know him as a fun substitute, while others see him as a father figure. Through the many roles he fulfills, James McDowell is known to provide a safe and warm environment for students and faculty members.

While McDowell is almost always on campus interacting with students, his official position is as a substitute teacher. However, it was by chance that McDowell came across the Sequoia Union High School District.

“I discovered this just by serendipity. I was riding my bike, and I saw Sequoia High School, and I went up to see if it was going to be an open campus ever so I could tour it,” McDowell said. “There was a teacher, and she said, ‘Oh, I’d love for you to come to my class.’

It went from there to getting fingerprinted, and next thing I know, I’m a substitute.”

Before becoming a substitute at Carlmont, McDowell worked as a small town planner, contracting redevelopment efforts such as waterfront developments or public policies.

Being a substitute was not what McDowell envisioned himself doing, however, this job has created a second home for him.

McDowell makes it his goal to create strong bonds with students so that they always have someone to turn to, whether it be about sports, school, or personal issues; he spreads positivity with simple conversation. When asked why he does what he does, McDowell always says, “I’m here for the kids, always for the kids.”

Students are reassured that there is someone on campus to support them both academically and personally in a lighthearted, fun way.

“Mr. McDowell means a lot to students.

He’s someone that makes you feel like he’s on your side. He turns the day into something entertaining, and he helps people relax a little more during stressful times,” Kaimei Gescuk, a senior, said.

During the beginning of his time as a substitute, McDowell never expected to fall in love with the Carlmont community and students as much as he did. McDowell developed a passion for working with children that he’d never thought about before.

McDowell is also a large supporter of the Carlmont athletics and arts programs.

“I pride myself in being involved in the full spectrum of the school. I love to sub all the 22 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

classes. I love to be with everyone, supporting everyone because I learn something unique about everybody all the time,” McDowell said.

McDowell has declared this academic school year to be the year of Carlmont’s women in sports because of the strong female athletes and record-breaking performances female student athletes have produced. Whether it be swimming, soccer, or cross country, McDowell is at every event supporting the athletes.

McDowell has also served as a coach for the junior varsity boys water polo team in addition to filling in for various coaching positions over the years.

He has developed strong relationships with many athletic teams so much so that the swim team has created a cheer chanting his name.

McDowell’s presence is not only noticed by the swim team, but by many student athletes and teams who also find comfort in McDowell’s continuous support. In fact, he has noted that in the past eleven years, he has missed fewer than a dozen Carlmont soccer games.

“He is at every single one of my soccer games no matter if it is home or away. His presence makes me feel more confident as well as motivated because I do not want to let him down. I want to make him proud,” Makenna Summers, a junior on the girls varsity soccer team, said.

On top of attending many sports games, McDowell shows equal support for the performing arts department. He puts an effort to attend all band, choir, and orchestra concerts because he believes all aspects of the Carlmont community are unique.

“I’m not just sports; I support everyone. I never miss a musical or band concert,” McDowell said.

In addition to his constant presence, McDowell makes coming to school something students look forward to doing.

His jokes and light-hearted attitude have made a long-lasting impact on the Carlmont campus.

“I have heard multiple students tell me that the only reason they would come back to high school after they graduate is to see Mr. McDowell. He gets us. He has a lot to say and he loves interacting with the students and we love listening to him,” Sadie Somers, a senior, said.

After 10 years at Carlmont, McDowell continues to look forward to meeting new students each year while watching current

students grow.

The administration, too, values McDowell’s positive attitude and presence on campus. Teachers know they can count on him to run their classes accordingly, while at the same time providing a fun environment. His charismatic personality is noticed and appreciated by everyone on campus.

Carlmont Principal Ralph Crame said, “He genuinely cares about students and they can sense that. Mr. McDowell is a big part of the Carlmont community and is respected and appreciated by everyone. We are fortunate he chooses to be a part of our community.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 23

Sober Prom

Despite cancellation, its message still resonates

P

rom. They said it was a night to remember, but you can’t remember anything at all. When you close your eyes, the last thing you see is your best friend’s car, your fist wrapped tightly around a bottle.

24 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

She never came out.

This was a glimpse into Sober Prom, an opportunity for Carlmont students to experience the consequences of using drugs or alcohol before getting into a vehicle. In 2018, it was a performance that came in two parts: a simulation of a DUI car crash in the senior parking lot and a mock funeral that took place the next day. A video starring Carlmont seniors themselves was played at the mock funeral to illustrate the events of the crash and shed light on the issue of DUI to their peers.

A video played,

and well-known seniors around campus were seen going to and leaving from a party, all under the influence. The joyful mood felt by the students changed in an instant, and their car crashed.

The video went black, and Carlmont upperclassmen headed to the senior lot where they found an elaborate crash scene.

Student actors were covered in fake wounds and blood; the crash seemed real. On the scene, one student was declared dead, another arrested, and others rushed to the hospital.

The following day, students attended a funeral and witnessed a video which featured the sentencing of the driver respobsible for the crash and

hospital scenes where a student passed away. Prom was the following night.

Before COVID-19 interrupted the semester, a similar concept was planned for today’s juniors and seniors to watch. The school nurse responsible for organizing Sober Prom this year, Sami Gingher, described how the process came together.

“We sent emails to senior teachers and asked them for recommendations on who they thought would be good candidates [for Sober Prom]. Afterward, we called the students in and gave them confidential contracts to bring home for their parents to sign,” Gingher said.

“We talked about each role the students would play based on what the parents were comfortable with and came up with a scenario.”

According to Gingher, the story focused on senior Kaija Villagrand’s birthday and a “dayger” that would take place at her friend Sarah Stulbarg’s house. The partiers would decide to drive to Villagrand’s house, but two students, including senior Rachel.

Amir Chatman, would die in a subsequent crash. “[Stulbarg and I] have been playing soccer together for about 10 years now, that was going to be a part of the story, as she knows how important soccer is to me,” Chatman said.

Although Sober Prom will not be taking place this year, its message still lingers.

“It’s not only something that occurs on prom night, but any party that happens in high school. We need to be aware of drinking and driving and distracted driving,” Chatman said. “I really wish it was able to continue this year, and I’m hoping that we can still do something as an alternative, similar to what we were going to do before it was canceled.”

Senior Adam Fox also planned to be involved with this year’s Sober Prom.

“I was going to be a guy at the party and also in the back of the car. I wasn’t going to have a huge role, and I wouldn’t have died, but I would’ve been a person injured in the crash,” Fox said.

“We would have had to act out the crash in front of everyone and make a video explaining what happened before and after.

It’s about staying sober for prom and the consequences of drunk driving, as the person who drove was arrested.”

He advocates making informed decisions in the case of drugs and alcohol.

“It’s a matter of life-anddeath,” Fox said. “We live in a bubble almost where we think everyone is going to be okay, but then one bad move, and you’re dead, or you’re arrested.”

According to a survey conducted by the CDC in 2017, 30% of high school students reported that they had at least one drink of alcohol in the 30 days before taking the survey. In the same study, it was discovered that 6% of high school students had driven a car or another vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol within the previous month.

“Studies have shown that the age in which an adolescent starts partaking in recreational drugs or

drinking is when the frontal lobe starts maturing and developing and that cognitively, you are at the age you started using drugs forever,” Gingher said.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, there are two types of drugs when it comes to the effect that they have on the teenage brain. Whereas marijuana and heroin mimic neurotransmitters and send “abnormal messages” throughout the brain, others release natural transmitters such as dopamine in excess to generate positive emotions. Drugs manipulate the limbic system, responsible for developing behaviors by “rewarding” the brain with feelings of pleasure. However, the brain grows attached to repeating the joy of the high, increasing one’s tolerance until they rely entirely on the use of the drug to feel happy at all.

Drugs have dramatic, longterm effects on the brain by killing or reducing the activity of neurons, exacerbating mental health disorders, and causing severe cognitive impairment.

The amygdala, which controls stress and anxiety, also becomes increasingly sensitive as a result of long-term drug use.

Students who are struggling with mental health disorders may turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping with their stress.

However, this unhealthy coping mechanism is unlikely to sustain a positive mood in the long-run, but rather reinforce dependency on drugs.

But beyond stressing students’ understanding the dangers of long-term dependency on drugs and alcohol, Sober prom advcocates for safe habits. By demonstrating the consequences of driving under the influence,

Sober Prom encourages students to reconsider their choices and stresses the dangers of drinking and driving.

Sober Prom’s message uniqueley resonates with students because it gives tangible outcomes to what, for many, seem like theoretical problems. In organizing the elaborate event, students and participants alike come to acknowledge the implications of substance abuse and are forced to consider their personal desicsions.

“We only have one life, and it is important to treat your body well,” Gingher said.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction and would like to get help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline today at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

6% of high school students had driven a car or another vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol.

SCAN TO WATCH CARLMONT’S 2018 SOBER PROM VIDEO:

Article by Zachary Khouri MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 25

The inclusivity of the Carlmont Musical Theater family Audrey Luey Everyone has a passion, something that defines who they are and ignites an irreplaceable spark within them. For some Carlmont students, that spark is found in the performing arts — specifically the musical theater program.

Pursuing a role in musical theater undoubtedly requires talent; acting, singing, and dancing are not easy to perform simultaneously. With Carlmont’s welcoming atmosphere, dedicated individuals who share a love for musical theater can come together.

“The theater provides an outlet for artistic expression for stage members. Around the high school level, performing arts students are working to develop real quality work,” Rory McGann, a junior who has performed for two years, said. “Our theater group is made up of people that really feel passionate about their art and have devoted time and effort into it.”

Not only does the musical theater program serve as a public platform for students to develop their skills in an activity that brings them joy, but also helps them break into the theater community.

“I think the biggest opportunity each musical has given us is the chance to connect and work with the different directors. The musicals are always directed by people who have strong connections within the theater community, and who work on community theater productions,” Laylena Zipkin, a senior, said. “The best thing individuals can do if they want to go far in theater is to form connections with influential people.”

26 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

Within Carlmont’s well-established musical theater program, students looking to dedicate themselves to a professional career in the liberal arts already feel one step ahead of their competitors.

The musical theater program has developed throughout the years, and since the Carlmont Performing Arts Center’s remodel in the spring of 2009, it has produced one musical each year. Recent productions include “The Wedding Singer,” “Into the Woods,” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”

While the number of productions is small, the people on stage and behind the lights give Carlmont theater its liveliness and bring together its community.

“My favorite part about musical theater is the people. The people in the group make or break the experience, and luckily here at Carlmont, we have a pretty stellar gang.

They’re nice to work with, so you have exponential fun, and that’s what ties it all up as a great experience,” McGann said.

The connection between musical theater members resembles a small harmonious family where people of all backgrounds are embraced. Throughout high school, it can be hard for some to find a place where they fit in; however, through musical theater, its members are gifted with a supportive group of people.

“The musicals offer a wonderful sense of community that isn’t found in any other activity on campus,” Zipkin said. “Students learn about the importance of commitment and dedication, and nothing is successful unless each member of the cast works hard and is respectful to those around them.”

The majority of musical theater members return the following year. A sense of trust is built between the students, creating a positive atmosphere where trial and error is encouraged. This, in turn, provides a tight-knit community of understanding peers.

“The Carlmont musical theater program offers students a safe place to learn and grow. During rehearsals, I always feel like I’m able to make mistakes and learn from them and

not be judged or made fun of,” Nicole Yeo, a junior, said.

Environments like these help to elevate the quality of the theater productions. The respect that performers share with one another is visible to their audience and spreads optimism both inside and outside of musical theater to community members of all ages.

“I think Carlmont performing arts is a leader in the community. The elementary and middle school kids who come to the shows to write performance reviews get to see top-quality performances that inspire them to take music seriously,” Robyn Peters, a parent volunteer, said. “For parents, myself included, seeing our kids on stage is such a surreal moment. It’s a moment of wonder and pride, and often there aren’t many dry eyes in the theater.”

The audience members get to witness how all of the hard work the cast puts into each production comes together. While the development of the musical theater community as a whole is encouraged, it may cause the personal journeys of each student to often go unnoticed, as many members use this opportunity to reflect upon themselves and focus on self-growth.

“I keep coming back to musical theater because it is one of the ways I can truly express myself and challenge myself as an artist.

Musical theater deals with emotions and stories so intense that simply talking about them isn’t enough; song and dance allow for bigger, more engaging, and more meaningful storytelling,” Zipkin said. “Theater helps me develop and define my own identity, as I find pieces of myself in all of my characters, and I have been able to learn and grow from their experiences.”

One aspect of musical theater that encourages self-discovery is the freedom performers are given to determine how they want to portray themselves. Additionally, being surrounded by people who are going through the same experience fuels personal development.

The students spend a lot of time learning with those who share similar interests and values with them, allowing for long-lasting bonds to be

Robyn Peters

The actors and actresses pose in colorful costumes after an act of Singin’ in the Rain comes to a close. made as well.

“At the end of each show, there is a sense of team and family among the students. Years later, the friendships made are still bearing fruit; I see young adults out in the world now who are still close friends that built their friendships during the course of a musical,” Peters said.

Although it has many beneficial impacts, musical theater is time-consuming.

Rehearsals for productions are proven to be long and strenuous.

Tech week occurs right before opening night and is managed by the Carlmont Technical Theatre Association (CTTA) and its president, senior Andres Raddavero. During this time, dress rehearsals with testing on lighting, sound, set pieces, and curtains for the musical occur.

As a result, students are spending up to 17 hours per day at school, making time management crucial.

“Even though tech week is hard because of the intense time commitment, it’s also one of the best weeks. We get to meet and spend so much time with the orchestra and crew kids, who are so kind-hearted. The pro-

duction is a team effort because we couldn’t do the show without them,” Emily Livesay, a junior, said.

The energy and dedication students contribute to producing top-notch musicals are immeasurable. However, some feel that the efforts they put into musicals go unnoticed.

“We work just as hard as any other athlete does. I think most students at Carlmont either don’t know about or don’t care about the musicals and the hard work put into them,” Zipkin said.

With the desire for more recognition, the students in the musical theater program continue to put their hearts into all that they do. Motivated by the satisfaction they receive from their finished productions, they work with their peers to learn and improve something new each day.

Carlmont’s musical theater program continues to be represented by students who are proud of what they do and what they are part of.

“I think that even though

it is a lot of extra commitment that may take away from time to do homework and other extracurriculars, it provides an indescribable reward,” Ashlyn Wo, an alumna of the musical theater program, said. “If a student is struggling with finding friends at school or with something at home, at the end of the day, they know that they have a family within the cast, crew, and orchestra.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 27

SWEATSHIRT CULTURE:

College merchandise sparks debate Mari Ramierez The college application and commitment process can be stressful for high school students.

Filling out applications is tedious and receiving a university’s decision can be nerve-wracking.

There’s an emphasis on making the right choice and pressure to succeed. There are a lot of unknown variables in the situation.

Beyond this uncertainty, students may be unaware of the stigma a piece of clothing associated with a college can have.

While some may consider the implications of wearing a particular school’s clothing, many don’t give a second thought about what college apparel they purchase and wear.

Maddy Becker, a junior, thinks that wearing college gear is harmless. “If I see someone wearing a college sweatshirt, I don’t automatically assume they go there, so I assume that’s how others think when they see me.

Whenever I visit a college, I buy a sweatshirt if I think I will apply to it. For me, a sweatshirt is a com-

28 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

fortable souvenir and a fun way to remember a trip,” Becker said.

Becker’s claim that college sweatshirts are about comfort and appearance more than anything else is shared by others.

Take Breaking Media, a network of websites and social media channels for business communities.According to Fashionista, a fashion website owned by Breaking Media, college apparel is making its way back into fashion. This trend is followed by not only ordinary people and students, but also high-fashion models and celebrities.

Some argue that wearing the college merchandise of a school a student doesn’t attend or isn’t committed to gives away their academic status. On College Confidential, the world’s largest college forum, there are multiple posted discussions where users have stated that they assume someone’s academic standing when they first see them.

For example, someone might assume a student’s GPA by the sweatshirt they choose to wear.These assumptions about

academic standing are not based on whether the student attends a university or not, but rather the perception made by how the student chooses to advertise a certain school through clothing. More competetive schools’ merchandise may seen differently than less competetive institutions.

Others don’t agree with this logic.

“I don’t think what college apparel a student wears should determine what type of student they are. It’s not a fair assessment that doesn’t accurately evaluate their achievements or obstacles they’ve faced in their academic careers,” said Maria Ibarra, one of Carlmont’s guidance counselors.

The type of institution displayed on the apparel also carries its own stigmas.

Individuals may view the multiple forms of higher education, and their apparel differently. From community colleges, trade schools, state

universities, to private universites there are different types of education levels, each which produce merchandise to sport.

“If I saw someone wearing an Ivy League sweatshirt, I wouldn’t expect them to go there because Ivys are so well known and not just anyone goes there. I’m more likely to believe someone attends a school if the sweatshirt isn’t of an Ivy League or if the school is in our area,” Becker said.

If Becker saw Hannah Schnitz wearing University of San Diego apparel, she might consider the school’s relative proximity to Carlmont and believe that Schnitz committed to the school.

In fact, Schnitz will attend USD as a member of the class of 2024. Though she’s committed, however, it doesn’t mean that she can’t wear a college sweatshirt from another school.

“I see people in my grade wearing apparel all the time, even if they’re not going to that

particular school. People should wear whatever they want, but be mindful of the fact that it might make someone else feel about their choice,” Schnitz said.

At the end of the college application process, seniors across the country celebrate National College Decision Day. On May 1st, seniors represent their future school by wearing its apparel.

“It’s always fun to see students excited for themselves, their accomplishments, and others, and that should be celebrated,” said Julie Manuel, a social studies teacher.

Still, for some, this day can be stressful. Some students may be waiting to hear from waitlist, while others opt to start their careers. For those who choose to attend a community college or trade school, stigma surrounding four-year institutions may interfere with their celebrations.

“I can see why someone might

feel shameful about not going straight to a university because we live in an area where ‘the right choice’ is to go to a four year or ‘name brand’ college,” Becker said. “But, those students shouldn’t feel ashamed because there’s nothing wrong with going to a community college and they should celebrate their accomplishments too.”

At Carlmont, it’s normal to see students, regardless of grade, wearing college apparel from a wide range of institutions. For some, these clothes advertise their future education; however for many, college gear is just another accessory.

Many students don’t worry about their peers judging them if they decide to wear a sweatshirt or think less of them, especially for Becker. “There isn’t time for stigmas because, at the end of the day, it’s just a piece of clothing.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 29

Prepare for takeoff

Final checklist before seniors take flight

30 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

X

Destination

Mandy Hitchcock Break out the flip-flops and sunscreen! Summer is about to begin.

It is an especially significant one for those seniors just fresh from graduation, the couple months before college being a season of lasts: visits to old haunts, experiences with friends, moments under your parent’s roof.

But don’t get too carried away — the months from June to August also see a series of deadlines and demands required of this transition from a high school kid to an adult.

“I plan to have the most fun with the people I am close with now because those relationships will probably change in the future,” Melina Dimick, a senior, said. She plans to attend UC Davis for diving, and like many others, she anticipates making the most of the time she has left.

“I’ve had a job for the past three years, but this summer I plan to travel with my friends, go camping with the Venture Free Foundation, hang out with my family, cook a lot, [and prepare] for college,” Dimick said.

Regardless of any plans one might have after high school — college, work, or a gap year — the summer is a perfect time to get off the couch away from Netflix to go make some memories.

There is nothing like realizing that everything you do is your “last” as a high school student to bring out the appreciation.

Steve Liu, who graduated from Carlmont in 2019 and is currently attending Duke University, has advice to share for incoming college freshmen.

“College is what you make of it; your ability to be involved and fully utilize the resources are what makes a difference,” Liu said.

Senioritis may have taken hold, but beware losing a grip on your reality and

potential expectations.

“The first semester of college is a lot like the last semester of senior year for a lot of people — for me, I just didn’t want to do anything serious,” Liu said.

“So I did receive a massive slap in the face when my first semester grade came out, but I also blame myself for not being balanced first semester.”

No doubt, there is much preparation to be done. This reality is confirmed by Lee Oller who has been an independent college advisor for ten years and has received her counseling credential from UC Berkeley.

Students heading for college will need to sign up for an orientation, complete a housing application, find a roommate, select a meal plan, confirm their health care coverage while in college, take any placement tests, register for classes, and accept any part of the financial aid award they want to receive.

“The summer before college starts is a special time. Graduating seniors don’t have the pressure on them to build up their resumes or improve SAT or ACT scores; that work is behind them,” Oller said. “For the first time in a long time, they can choose what they want to do with these precious few weeks before their college life begins.”

Of course, don’t forget how you got to this point.

“I encourage graduating seniors to pause and think about all the people that helped you get this far in your college journey,” Oller said. “The summer before the start of college is a great time to send a thank you to those important people in your life — take time to send them your personal thanks.”

Whether you had someone like Oller to consult, took full advantage of the efforts of your parents and friends for essay edits and application advice, or relied solely upon your own iron will, reaching this point begins a new chapter

in your life.

“Now that I’m done with the whole college season, I am just facing this new, exciting chapter of the process of searching for roommates, housing, and all of that fun stuff,” Dimick said.

Alongside securing housing or new arrangements for where that new graduate might stay are the decisions for course selection and what type of campus life you want to have.

“It’s important to stay in touch with upperclassmen from Carlmont when you’re in college,” Liu said. At his university, the “upperclassmen basically instructed the freshmen about everything — what classes to take, what clubs to join, as well as getting involved with fraternities or sororities.”

Regardless of what course your posthigh school life will take, that sometimes demanding yet necessary balance between extreme celebration and constant focus on your current responsibilities ultimately falls onto your shoulders.

“Heading off to college is one of the key milestones in a young person’s life.

It represents so much: the recognition of your maturity and readiness to be on your own, the culmination of all your hard work in school, and the anticipation and excitement surrounding the beginning of you charting your own course in life, setting goals and working to attain them,” Oller said. “You’ve been getting ready for 18 years. It’s time to finally do it!”

As Oller put it, the moment you have your high school diploma (regardless if that be walking your avatar through virtual graduation), change is upon you, and your senior summer begins.

“I want to have a sense of closure for high school,” Dimick said. “This is an end of an era of our lives that we will always remember.” **Please celebrate your summer while also being mindful of your local COVID-19 guidelines**

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 31

Photography by Emna Sellami Graphics and design by Francesca D’Urzo

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COVID-19 N

ew Year’s Eve 2019. As we celebrated the beginning of the decade, cases of pneumonia were reported in Wuhan, China. These cases were later confirmed to be a part of a novel coronavirus outbreak. Within two weeks, the first case of COVID-19 outside of China was reported in Thailand. By March, the virus had stretched from Africa to the Americas.

Now, people around the world are selfquarantining to keep the virus at bay. The COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of historyin-the-making, shrouded in global anxiety.

It may be challenging to process the reality of the situation. Should one have hope for the rest of 2020, or is there no time for optimism? The question of how to react to COVID-19 is a reminder that our generation has not experienced anything of the like before.

With hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide and cases numbering the millions, it is imperative that one complies to the expectations for social distancing until further notice. People of all backgrounds are being affected by COVID-19 in different areas of life. Behind the panic are the stories of students, activists, and politicians as they confront the reality of the situation.

COVID-19 has affected everyone, but the virus has not stopped the world from moving forward. We all are forced to cope with the reality of COVID-19, but it is up to us to decide how to cope.

Read on to learn about how Carlmont’s community is facing COVID-19.

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THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON STUDENTS

Sarah Jolls

A group of Carlmont students participating in the 2020 Global Climate Strike before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Natalie Doud Since the spread of COVID-19, schools across the U.S. have closed to take precautionary and preventive measures. All students have been affected by these closures but in many different ways.

The seniors have been hit the hardest socially by the unprecedented end to the school year, with all of the “senior” activities and events they had been looking forward to being canceled. Senior year is often one we view as a year to remember, with ditch day and prom being just a few of the activities that seniors can enjoy leading up to graduation.

“I have shut out that part of me that longed for a magical senior prom, all the lasts as a senior, and euphoric graduation,” Lauren Lui, a senior, said. “I chose to do that because I don’t want to accept the fact that I lost some valuable time with people I like to call my family.”

Along with the sadness that comes with the cancellation of the most prominent events, students have not had the chance to say a proper goodbye to the students, faculty, and school itself, making this process more difficult.

“We’re missing out on a lot of school activities held by ASB and the school. We also don’t get to enjoy seeing our friends and socializing in person with everyone 34

else for the last few months that we have at Carlmont,” Christian Buck, a senior, said.

“Outside of school, we also lose a lot of time to make memories with friends and family for our senior year that most people remember throughout their whole life.”

While seniors seemingly have a lot to lose in this situation, many other students feel like they’re missing out on essential experiences as well. For instance, freshmen are missing many of those first encounters that most high schoolers have already had, like their first season of a spring sport or Scotsland, an event at the end of Carlmont’s school year.

“Although we’ve experienced a lot this year, it’s upsetting that we might be missing out on our first ever Scotsland,” said Samantha Kosman, a freshman. “And for the Carlmont dance program, we had our spring show canceled, which was the most disappointing considering all the hard work we’ve put in.”

Students have also been affected socially with the increasing cancellation of events and extracurriculars. Those who chose to participate in a spring sport received an untimely end to their season, but that hasn’t stopped students from maintaining their athleticism while at home.

“The majority of the [golf] courses in our area got closed, so I’ve been trying to find counties that are still open so I can keep in touch with my game,” said Viveka Kurup, a

junior who golfs for Carlmont. “It’s tough because golf courses aren’t really something you can have in your backyard, but I’ve been trying to find ways to practice at home.”

It is especially frustrating, however, for student athletes looking to get recruited for college, as the whole process is now delayed, and there are fewer opportunities for these athletes to showcase their skills.

“There’s a big delay in the recruiting process for golf. There were two tournaments I was planning on playing in to impress coaches, but they got canceled,” Kurup said.

Along with sports recruiting opportunities, other events have been canceled,postponed or modified. These include the SAT and ACT, and the structure of AP tests has been completely altered. This presents a clear challenge for juniors who plan on applying to college in the fall.

This also affects the college recruiting process for sports, as many colleges require students to send their SAT and/or ACT scores to help with the process, making it increasingly difficult for juniors to get an idea of the interested schools.

“I was supposed to take the SAT for the first time in March, but it got canceled. This has made it particularly rough because I was supposed to send my scores out to college coaches so I can commit by the beginning of senior year,” Kurup said. “Because of the situation we are in, it’s going to make that a lot tougher; it’s really taking a toll on my

future.”

Even though several colleges have announced that they will be test-optional, the cancellation of these standardized tests creates many problems for applicants who wish to attend schools that haven’t made a decision, increasing stress among those who haven’t had or won’t have the opportunity to take the test. Although this affects other grade levels, juniors are particularly hurt academically in this process, as applications are due within the first semester of the next school year.

However, a number of students may see this as an opportunity to prepare themselves for the tests better if they are rescheduled.

“I signed up for both the March and May SAT, and they both got canceled, but it just gives me more time to prepare for them.

AP tests are going to be challenging as well because they’re so short this year, but the College Board is testing us on less content, so there is a silver lining to everything,” Noah Camerino, a junior, said.

Despite these changes that spark uncertainty, juniors will still have many opportunities to prove their academic abilities in the future. Colleges are beginning to recognize that the SAT and ACT may not be reliable in demonstrating a student’s aptitude hence the move of colleges towards a test-optional application.

However, there is an increase in potential academic challenges that come with online learning and testing, as it may be difficult

“ALTHOUGH THIS SITUATION HAS TAKEN A TOLL ON ALL OF US, I FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD NOT LET THIS TAKE ANY MORE AWAY FROM ME, ESPECIALLY THE EXCITEMENT OF GETTING INTO COLLEGE.” - LAUREN LUI

for students to properly communicate with their peers and teachers.

“Online school has increased the amount of work daily, each class giving around one hour of work. Although that is around the amount of work usually given, there is no assistance from teachers, and distractions can make this process much longer,” Kosman said. “It does promote independence and makes you more responsible for your work and time management.”

Despite the negative feelings that may come with this change in scenery, seniors can still look forward to their college acceptance letters, so the anticipated excitement of getting into college will not be postponed.

“Although this situation has taken a toll on all of us, I feel as though I should not let this take any more away from me, especially the excitement of getting into college,” Lui said. I think that getting into college and life as a senior in high school are two different things, and one should not take from the other, but instead complement each other.”

It is unclear whether all events are concretely canceled, so all students can do is work hard and hope for a positive outcome.

“It’s sad that we don’t have those rewards, but college itself is like a reward for all of our accomplishments in high school,” Lui said. “Those rewards are to celebrate my high school years and look at who I have become as a person. College itself is about celebrating the upcoming years and who I will become.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter in place order, Carlmont Key Club members volunteered at an event.

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OPINION:

WHY OPTIMISM CAN END IN DISASTER Eoin Cunningham

When President Donald Trump imposed a travel ban on Europe, there were already over 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the U.S., making the preventative measure a bit late.

By the time Italy forced the shutdown of all bars and restaurants, there were already over 1,200 confirmed cases within its borders.

As schools have closed and public life grinded to a halt, it can be hard to deal with the circumstances. But why wasn’t this done sooner?

Although blaming specific individuals or the government for the position we were in during April would be easy to do, almost no one was advocating for a complete shutdown of international travel in January even after a case was confirmed in Washington.

No statewide stay at home orders were issued after the first person to person transmission was reported on Jan. 30. In fact, the first of these orders came on March 17, when there were already 7038 confirmed cases in the U.S., according to the CDC. Other states followed suit, but as of April 7, eight states still had no stay at home order despite the fact that there are over 350,000 confirmed cases spread throughout all 50 states.

This lack of action is, in part, due to economic reasons.

With a stay at home order, less goes on, less money is spent, therefore the economy takes a dive. But with COVID-19 spreading, the economy is seeing severe losses anyway.

The only reason people and governments don’t react until it is too late is because our brains are hardwired to think that we are not threatened. Studies by Tali Sharot and Neil Weinstein show that we think that positive events are more likely to happen to us than to others and think the opposite for negative events. It’s called optimism bias and it leads to poor decision making and the way people reacted to COVID-19 is a perfect example of this.

People still traveled because, although they won’t admit it, they couldn’t even comprehend something “so unlikely” happening to them. Those who knew they were sick came into school and work, acting on the same delusion that they are somehow special and therefore immune to catastrophe.

Trump claimed that there was low risk for the average American when it came to the virus and also said that the

36

Democratic Party along with “The Fake News Media” were exaggerating the severity of the issue. Just four days later, he declared a national emergency.

The optimism bias can only last for so long before reality sets in. But before we could rejoice for the triumph of reason as mankind rose above our animalistic impulses, people started hoarding toilet paper and coughing on each other.

Just like that, people who couldn’t care less became terrified. Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and mask became scarce.

When masks could no longer be found, they were fashioned out of household items like plastic bags and bottles. Masks don’t even prevent you from catching the virus. W earing a mask can help prevent one from spreading COVID-19, but since these makeshift masks are constantly being spotted in public, the wearers’ actions are more failed attempts at self preservation and less altruism for the good of people in general.

However, the initial panic has died down. Enough, in fact, for a new phase of stupidity to arise. As soon as the novelty of shelter in place wore off, many people I know started to hangout with friends and completely disregard social distancing procedures. People want to spend time with their friends, and while some maintain six feet of separation, many don’t. What may seem like a reasonably low risk action to take, is actually quite a problem.

Exposing yourself to one more person actually is comparable to being exposed to their entire family and anyone else they may have been in contact with recently.

At this point you might be recognizing a pattern. People have the ability to use logic to make good decisions, but often abandon this logic because they are scared, optimistic, or just bored. Everything seems to fluctuate. One moment, the president says that the coronavirus is under control and the next we are told that 200,000 people could die. Some people buy all the hand sanitizer they can get their hands on while others party because it’s spring break.

In moments like this, the perfect balance between panic and contentment needs to be found. You shouldn’t let unbridled fear or optimism take over. Some people need to be reminded that they don’t need to prepare to live in isolation for years.

Others need to be reminded that they shouldn’t be kicking it back with their friends. No matter how low risk it seems, scientifically speaking it’s always greater than you think.

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REALITY

AN ALTERNATIVE PERSP Mandy Hitchcock It’s not all doom and gloom.

Though it may seem like the apocalypse has dawned upon us, consider taking your perspective to a bird’s eye point of view.

The lasting implications hold the potential for making changes for the better in our communities and lives.

“I hope the hand washing stays. These are the things we were taught in preschool and kindergarten,” said Mona Litvak, a community physician at the One Medical clinic in Redwood City. “Now you go to Trader Joe’s and they are squirting hands with hand sanitizer to enter. The sanitation process should have always been there, but in the past, people weren’t worried.”

Better late than never to take precautions, but with it has also come a change in attitude as well.

“People have become more considerate of other people’s health,” Litvak said. “Up until now, people would still go to work when they had a flu or were not feeling well, but I think this teaches people to really protect each other from getting sick; I hope that people really gain a perspective of how deadly pathogens really can be because we just take it for granted.”

The Bay Area may live up to a reputation of competition and selfreliance, but the shelter in place has truly put into perspective how our simple routines made up such a big part of our lives.

“This event has really given us a perspective of freedom,” Litvak said. “I grew up in Iran with a revolution; I grew up with war and famine and loss of freedom, so this really reminds me of a time when control was taken away from people — in our everyday lives, we don’t appreciate what that means.

We have our internet, we have clean water, and we have food.”

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Y CHECK

PECTIVE TO THE VIRUS As the community reflects over the realities once expected, none have come to reevaluate daily life and routine as much as those who are missing the milestones of their life.

Especially within the Carlmont community, seniors are mourning the loss of their final semester of high school — the days of senioritis and goofing around with friends, gone.

“It’s our senior year. It was supposed to be full of social events, goodbyes, and graduation festivities,” ASB president Joe Sison said.

However, understanding that there is worse pain in the world doesn’t invalidate one’s suffering.

The class periods that used to drag on are now replaced by great lengths of free time around distance learning.

“There are a few silver linings: I think it is a great opportunity for people to start some hobbies and learn the things that you’ve always wanted to learn. We have so much more free, unstructured time,” Sison said. “Hopefully, people can make the most of what they have and end senior year on a high note.”

Experiences are made up of the good and bad, and taking into perspective the full range of impact an event like COVID-19 might create allows you to keep a grip on the things you can control and remember to take a reality check.

“Don’t ever take for granted the moments big and small you spend with your friends and family. As a senior who has had their school year cut short, I’d do almost anything to be around my friends and get back to life as before,” Sison said. “If there’s one takeaway from this entire experience I’d like to share, it’d be that there are aspects of one’s life that are more important than others.

Spend your [time] making up for the time with friends you lost now, and make memories as you go.”

39

2020: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY

Zachary Khouri

Zachary Khouri The student runs her hands through her hair, scratching her head furiously. She’s sitting in front of her computer, waiting for her teacher to upload the video lesson online so that she can do her homework. It’s hard to stay focused.

She can hear her father watching the news about COVID-19 in the next room, volume on blast. Her younger siblings are running throughout the house, playing a game of hide-and-seek with each other. Her phone is buzzing with text messages from a friend who can’t access the homework sheet.

She wants to be back outside to practice soccer more than anything, but all of her friends’ favorite meet-up spots are closed and they can’t leave their homes, not to mention the dozens of assignments she needs to get finished by midnight. It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that she was groaning about how much she resented waking up for school. Now, she can’t help but miss seeing all of her friends and teachers in the morning.

It’s even worse for her senior friends, who don’t know whether or not they’ll be able to make it to prom or graduation. The memories of a lifetime, gone in a heartbeat.

This was the reality for many students after school was closed beginning the week of Monday, March 16. News surrounding COVID-19 was muddled with uncertainty and fear, a deep contrast to the hopes that everyone had for the new year.

For our Issue IV Scotlight, we discussed our expectations for the upcoming decade and looked at the new year in a similarly positive light. The following is an exploration into how the world has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since we published Issue IV in January.

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GLOBAL SCHOOL CLOSURES When you think of the ideal 2020, what do you imagine?

Watching the Olympics with family and friends? Keeping up with the next presidential election? Sitting in a movie theater as you await a much-anticipated blockbuster? For freshmen, the ideal 2020 might have looked like the swim unit; for sophomores, getting their license; for juniors, the SAT; and for seniors, graduation.

Junior Morgan Hawes’ ideal 2020 would have seen her continue her training routine for the Olympic Trials without obstacles.

“COVID-19 has impacted my training routine as I can’t practice swimming because all of the pools are closed,” Hawes said.

“It makes the college recruiting process for athletes a lot more difficult because college visits and in-person meetings have been canceled. Luckily, I’ve finished my visits, but a lot of other athletes, including friends of mine, are struggling through the college process.”

To comply with California’s shelter-in-place order, numerous public facilities, including school, have been closed until the fall.

“As a senior, Carlmont’s shutdown has dismantled my last months of high school and ... canceled prom and graduation,” senior Maya Litvak said. “Although I am disappointed, I am willing to sacrifice short-term happiness for the long-term health of myself and others.”

Ultimately, Litvak advocates for Carlmont students who are affected by COVID-19 in all areas of life to take the situation seriously.

“Anyone could be a carrier and be the reason school and work closures continue,” Litvak said. “It is crucial that people stay home regardless of their age or health.”

HOW COVID-19 HAS SHIFTED THIS YEAR’S EXPECTATIONS 2020 POLITICS AND THE ECONOMY As Americans tune into the news each evening, they’ve become frighteningly aware of the state of national preparedness in confronting COVID-19. A HarrisX poll taken on March 8-9 of this year revealed that President Donald Trump sustained a 3% drop in approval when compared to the month before. In total, 54% of registered voters disapproved of his actions as president.

Why is this? According to a study taken by FiveThirtyEight in 2017, only 14% of “reluctant Trump voters” spoke favorably of the job he was doing in office, but remained with him primarily because of how he handled the U.S. economy. The effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the domestic and global economy through the decline of the restaurant, tourism, and sporting industries reflects a shift in his support for this reason.

Another point of contention regarding Trump’s response is his use of the term “Chinese virus” to describe COVID-19. According to Rep. Judy Chu, “at least 1,000 hate crime incidents [have been] reported against Asian Americans” as of March 31, 2020; the term “Chinese virus” may contribute to rising xenophobia.

“Obviously, Trump did not have the best response to the pandemic. It was slow and ill-informed. However, his behavior was not too surprising. Crisis after crisis, Trump says what he knows Americans want to hear rather than the truth,” Litvak said.

Analysts predict that although the U.S. has a chance to avoid a recession, complete recovery of the economy is unlikely to come soon.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies echoed the fears of Bloomberg Economics that full-year GDP growth may fall to zero.

The Federal Reserve was forced to cut interest rates for the first time since 2008 to prevent the economic crisis from being exacerbated.

Depending on the long-term effect the actions taken by the government will have on the economy, the 2020 presidential election may take a turn. As Senator Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign to focus on COVID-19 relief, the election stands between Democratic nominee Joe Biden and Republican incumbent Trump. Polls currently see Biden in the lead against Trump, but although some Americans may be disappointed with how Trump has handled the virus, it will likely come down to party alignment.

Litvak discussed what steps need to be taken to ensure voter participation if COVID-19 persists into November.

“Especially with older voters, individuals are more hesitant to participate in in-person voting, which could decrease overall voter turnout,” Litvak said. “I think it is important that states take the outbreak into consideration when planning for their elections in order to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote without the fear of contracting the virus,” Although it is unclear how long the pandemic will last, COVID-19 has changed 2020 for the history books.

POP CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT With movie theaters closing everywhere to prevent the disease from spreading, entertainment stands alongside dining and tourism as industries that are posed to suffer because of COVID-19. Several blockbuster flicks, such as the James Bond film “No Time to Die” and Disney’s “Mulan,” have had to reschedule their release dates to keep an audience in the seats. Although one would expect that the use of streaming services such as Spotify would increase in light of the epidemic, the opposite has occurred.

“Mass media has never had to deal with an outbreak on this scale with this kind of response, so who knows what will become of the current state of the film industry,” junior Greg McCulloh said. “The fact that now less movies are being made with overblown budgets and this major setback will probably cost production means that we could see a huge drought in movies in the upcoming year.”

McCulloh predicts that COVID-19 spells negative consequences for the future of movie theaters.

“Movie theaters have already been on the decline since streaming services became so widespread. This is most likely going to further that decline,” McCulloh said.

Although entertainers may find themselves out of work for the time being, some are still doing their part during the crisis. According to the Guardian, celebrities such as Rihanna have donated $2.1 million to domestic abuse victims affected by quarantine, while Taylor Swift has been sending $3,000 packages to fans in need. For singers such as Dua Lipa, COVID-19 has not stopped them from releasing new music to entertain the masses while sheltering in place.

25 41

WE ARE MORE THAN THE VIRUS Veronica Roseborough

GLOBAL PROGRESS In this time of pandemic, it’s easy to forget that less than a year ago, the now barren streets of San Francisco were filled with chants of “your apathy has got to go” and protesters marching with purpose, all in the name of the global youth climate strike.

Today, those same activists sit at home sheltering in place, seemingly silenced until they can take to the streets once more.

However, they have found other ways to spread their message in the midst of COVID-19.

Fridays for the Future was a movement started by 17-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg, who urged people to skip school each Friday to protest the lack of government response to climate change. Amidst school closures, Thunberg launched a virtual alternative, “Talks for Future,” in which professionals outline the state of the climate crisis to ensure that it remains at the forefront of progressive thought.

“This month, we can’t take it to the streets,” Thunberg posted on Twitter on March 14. “We listen to science, and right now the science says that mass gatherings will cause harm. But that won’t stop us striking. The climate emergency ... won’t wait until after COVID-19 is dealt with — so we can’t either.”

She then encouraged advocates to post pictures of themselves holding climate strike signs using #ClimateStrikeOnline to show their support for the cause.

Another factor that has encouraged the prevalence of climate 42

concerns is the parallel between the reaction of older generations to climate change in comparison to younger generations’ response to COVID-19.

“Young people are really scared of climate change, generally, but used to be pretty apathetic about coronavirus because we couldn’t get it and it wouldn’t affect us,” said Sarah Jolls, a senior and member of Carlmont’s Green Team. “A similar thing is happening with older people and climate change; they’re not concerned because they’re going to die before it really gets bad, but they’re really scared about coronavirus. There’s kind of an inverse relationship going on between the two generations.”

If anything, it is Jolls’ hope that this juxtaposition will help each generation understand the concerns of the others and ultimately pitch in to help with both crises.

Meanwhile, offline, many have used the shelter in place to reflect on how their individual actions affect climate change.

Jolls, who works to reduce her plastic waste on a daily basis, emphasizes that the shelter in place provides a unique opportunity for those looking to change their wasteful habits.

“Now’s a really good time to do a survey of your trash can — if you’re interested in reducing your waste — and see what the main things you’re consuming are. Maybe after the lockdown is over, explore your grocery store and find a lower-waste alternative,” Jolls said.

Additionally, she urges that people take a look at what they are not using, such as cars, and consider the necessity of everyday items and their impact on the environment moving forward.

LOCAL INITIATIVES After more than two months of shelter in place, most everyone can agree that at one point or another, they have been “bored in the house and in the house bored.” However, there are some Carlmont students and parents who are using this extra time to serve the community in more ways than one.

One such group of students includes Sophia Morgan, Jordan Dooley, Samantha Kosman, and their families, who have put their baking skills to good use to create Baking for First Responders (BFF).

“The goal for BFF is mainly to give back and support our doctors and nurses who are doing everything in their power to help those with COVID-19,” Kosman said. “This is a scary and unpredictable time, so it is really important to appreciate the ones who are risking their own safety for the rest of us.”

According to Dooley, BFF has already received lots of positive feedback from recipients of the goods. Both Kosman and Dooley encourage those willing to join their cause to reach out to them via social media or to start their own initiatives.

“I would definitely suggest starting something that you’re passionate about. I’ve always loved baking, and it’s a great time to use your skills to help others,” Kosman said.

Another community member who has turned a passion into a project is Carlmont parent Robyn Peters. While she usually works on costumes for Carlmont’s theater productions, she has put her skills to a different use: sewing masks.

“Before we were in lockdown, friends of mine up in San Francisco were hearing rumblings from healthcare workers … that they were preparing for the worst and that they were certain they were going to run out of personal protective equipment,” Peters said.

Soon thereafter, those same healthcare workers requested 100 masks and, as the pandemic worsened, the requests for masks and surgical gowns became more frequent. To address these growing needs, Carlmont parent Gail Welter assembled a team of local costume designers with the skills and resources for the job.

It’s important to note that while the demand for masks is high, the homemade devices are by no means the only line of defense against COVID-19.

“The masks that we are making are not virus barriers. For the healthcare workers that they’re being given to, they’re an extra line of defense, so that the N95 masks that they currently have to ration will last longer,” Peters said.

However, the masks aren’t solely for healthcare workers. Peters has also been approached by Carlmont Gardens, a local nursing home, who requested 200 masks for their residents.

Likewise, community members are also looking to lower their chances of catching or transmitting the virus. This call has been answered in part by Carlmont parent Cheryl Shelmadine, who finds that making masks helps her ease the sense of helplessness she feels.While she gives most of the finished products to friends and family, she has also opened up an Etsy shop called DisneyFunCreations for those interested in purchasing Disney-themed masks at a low cost.

For those feeling lost in a time of pandemic, bored at home or looking for a cause to support, there are plenty of initiatives to invest time in, locally and globally, as there is truly no time like the present.

43

O’ captain, my captain

How team captains affect the chemistry of the game Joshua Baxter Congratulations! You’ve been selected as a team captain for the duration of the season of your sport! All the work you put in during the offseason has finally paid off. Not only did you make the team, but you get to lead it too.

Team captains are generally seen as the big kahunas of athletic players: their teammates look up to them for guidance and support whenever needed. They are also the first people their teammates turn to when they’re looking for motivation.

“I would say my main role as a captain of my team would be leading through adversity.

When the team as a whole isn’t playing to the best of their ability it falls on the captains to go out there and make a play to bring belief back into the team,” Trevor Douglis, a junior and captain of the boys varsity lacrosse team, said.

A large role for a captain is to set good examples for the rest of the team. This could mean many things, from work ethic and school work to properly conducting themselves on social media. Still, some people believe that having a captain on a high school sports team is simply unnecessary.

Kylie Murray, a senior at Lake Forest High School (LFHS) in 2018, wrote an article in which she described that while most teams at her high school had team captains, the softball team at LFHS did not. She explained how many of the players stepped up to take leadership roles on their own due to the absence of captains, and that not having captains doesn’t necessarily spell trouble for a team.

In fact, Carlmont varsity softball head coach Marco Giuliacci considered the idea of playing out the season without any definitive team captains.

“Last year, team captains didn’t work out so well for us because many people felt left out,” Giuliacci said.

Similarly, athletes have found that leadership can come from anyone on the team.

Douglis recognizes that there are players that the team looks up to when there are no captains around.

“I would say it falls on the most selfless players, those guys who silently lead with their play all year long. For our team, I would say it’s a guy like Shuaib [Khan]. Since freshman year, Shuaib has been asked to step into different roles around the team and ended up playing goalie, which is arguably the toughest 44 HIGHLANDER SPORTS

position in lacrosse,” Douglis said. “It takes a lot of heart to step between the pipes and play, and Shuaib silently leads all year with his play, so I think guys would look to him in this type of situation.”

Despite initially choosing to play without captains, Giuliacci changed his mind and decided to select a few after all.

“I think having captains is important to players who work hard. They’re a person other players can go to if they are not seeing eye to eye with the coaching staff,” Giuliacci said.

While having the honor of being named captain is exciting, it also comes with a tremendous amount of work.

For those who are able to bear the weight of being a team captain, the experience is like no other. Ethan Mayoss, a senior and captain of boys varsity volleyball, recognizes his role as captain as one of both high work and high reward.

“My experience as a captain has been really rewarding. As a junior, with the help of my co-captain, a senior (last year), I was able to lead our team to win the PAL. I really valued that my teammates looked up to me, and I appreciated the leadership experience that I gained from helping teach my teammates,” Mayoss said.

While this season was cut short due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Mayoss was still able to grasp some of what makes being a captain so memorable.

“This year was a little more challenging but equally as rewarding.

Because we were given a new coach with not as much experience, I was tasked with helping run practices with my co-captain and we really led the team to work together to become the best we could,” Mayoss said.

Captains can learn many important lessons through both teaching others and through the guidance of coaches, according to a report done by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

As captains set an example for their teammates, they must learn how to handle high-pressure situations so that they can help their team remain calm and not make careless mistakes under pressure.

Joshua Baxter

Captains also must be able to communicate with their peers, because miscommunications in sports may be problematic.

“As a captain, I learned to have patience and how to deal with stressful situations on the court. I taught my teammates by showing sportsmanship and motivating the team in times of struggle on the court,” Mayoss said.

“Off the court, I learned how to communicate. I am proud to say that I have had a pretty strong relationship with my teammates, and a very strong relationship with both of my coaches in the past two years.”

Even with all the stresses and responsibilities that come with being a captain, carrying the label is one of the biggest honors for a high school athlete, and the time spent leading the team is enjoyable.

“Overall, my experience as a captain has been really valuable and fun, and I appreciate the time I had with Carlmont volleyball,” Mayoss said.

Joshua Baxter

Jonaven Kuhn, a senior and varsity football captain, evades opposing players from Menlo High School.

Joshua Baxter

Kuhn runs past a defensive lineman.

Joshua Baxter

Patrik Dufault-Geleziunas, a senior and boys varsity soccer captain dribbles up the field.

Claire Tseng

Samantha Day, a senior and girls varsity water polo captain, looks for a pass.

Nadia Fedotova

Varun Suklikar, a senior and boys varsity soccer captain, daps up Fletcher Smith, a junior, during senior night.

Erin Kee

Alyse Murray, a junior and captain of the JV softball team, winds up to hit the ball.

Left: Samantha Phan, a senior and varsity girls soccer captain, prepares for a penalty kick.

Joshua Baxter

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 45

“Throw like a girl”

46 HIGHLANDER SPORTS

An interview with Justine Siegal, the MLB’s first female coach Ayal Meyers

When she was 13, Justine Siegal was told that she should “no longer play baseball.”

Twenty-one years later, she became the first female coach of a professional mens baseball team.

Justine Siegal grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she first started playing baseball at age 5. She fell in love with the game and her hometown team, the Cleveland Indians, and never considered playing softball.

“I played baseball with my brother and my friends, and it was just the sport that made sense to me,” Siegal said. “I was a big Cleveland Indians fan, and I wanted to play the game that all of my heroes were playing.”

Baseball became her life. After hours of playing in the searing summer sun, Siegal would come home to a household that shared her love for the game. She jokingly recalled that there was no dinner conversation that didn’t include the Indians, and, with a grandfather who had season tickets, the ballpark became her second home. But the simplicity and joy that baseball represented were soon replaced with discrimination and discouragement.

She experienced her first real taste of discrimination at age 13, when her new coach conveyed his disapproval of her playing on his team, insisting that girls play softball. But this dit not to dampen her dream; it encouraged it.

“That’s when I decided that I’d play baseball forever,” Siegal said.

This was the first of many discouraging conversations Siegal would have with men who viewed baseball strictly as a man’s game.

During her freshman year, Siegal was not allowed to try out for her high school team.

Weeks later, however, she pitched against them while playing for a different team. The coach then offered her a spot and she became the first girl to play at her high school. When she was 16, she was laughed at by that same coach after informing him she wanted to coach baseball.

“No man would ever listen to a woman on a baseball field,” he said.

She found that because she had unequal playing opportunities, she needed to overcompensate, and for her, this meant

education.

“I wasn’t going to get the same playing opportunities as men, but I could at least out-degree most of them,” Siegal said.

While getting her Ph.D. in sports psychology at Springfield College in Massachusetts, she worked as an assistant coach for their baseball team.

Then, in 2009, Siegal became the first woman to coach men professionally when she was the first-base coach for the independent league Brockton Rox in Massachusetts.

In 2011, she was called up to the major leagues to throw batting practice to her hometown Cleveland Indians, becoming the first female ever to do so. She then went on to do the same for five other teams, including the Oakland A’s.

During her time throwing for Oakland, Siegal met Billy Beane, Oakland’s general manager at the time. She kept in touch with Beane, emailing him for four consecutive years in a row inquiring about a coaching position. For the first three years, Beane rejected her requests.

Then, on Sept. 29, 2015, the Oakland Athletics announced that they had hired Justine Siegal to be a coach for their Instructional League team in October. Finally, for the first time in 140 years of official American baseball, the league had a female coach.

But it wasn’t smooth sailing from then on.

As a woman trying to become a coach in a men’s league, Siegal lived in a world where her mistakes were significantly more consequential.

“I had to sort of be invisible and perfect all at once,” she said.

There was still work ahead, but Siegal had proved to herself and to the world that she could do what nobody thought possible.

“I’m proof that a man will listen to a woman on a baseball field — when you know what you’re doing, when you show that you care, and when you can help them become a better ballplayer,” she said.

In addition to breaking barriers in the men’s baseball world, Siegal has worked to revolutionize the place of women in sports.

Inspired by her daughter, she used her influence and passion to start Baseball for All, a non-profit that provides assistance, instruction, and encouragement for girls who want to play or coach baseball.

According to the National Youth Baseball Organization, every season, more than 100,000 girls play youth baseball, but only

1,700 girls go on to play high school baseball.

“Their love of baseball and their talent didn’t just go away,” Siegal said. “So what happened to those other 99,000 players?”

She suspects the answer lies within her own experiences. Viewing the obstacles women in sports face as social injustice, Siegal founded her organization on the premise of opportunity and empowerment. In addition to direct coaching, Baseball for All teaches communities how to build and support girls baseball programs, helping organize and run events to bring those girls teams together, while also supporting girls in “boys” leagues.

“Boys that grow up to be husbands and fathers need them to know and understand how amazing girls and women are because that will create healthy relationships, and that’s what creates healthy children, and that’s what creates a healthy society,” Siegal said.

“Plus, every time a girl strikes out a boy, it makes him a better father.”

Since Siegal’s first major league appearance, several other women have made their debuts in professional men’s sports. The most notable is the 49ers’ offensive coach Katie Sowers, who made history last February when she became not only the first female coach but also the first openly gay coach to coach in the Super Bowl.

The Sacramento Kings and San Francisco Giants became the third and fourth organizations in California to hire female coaches, making the state a leader in supporting women in previously mendominated roles. Women are also breaking down barriers and stereotypes in the sporting world globally, including Siegal.

In 2016 and 2017, she served as a mental skills coach for Israel in the World Baseball Classic. Siegal also coached with the Fukushima Red Hopes, an independent pro club operating in central and eastern Japan. With these increasing opportunities, Siegal is optimistic about the future of women in sports.

“I think the day will come — I’m not sure when — that a woman will be signed by a major league team,” Siegal said.

For now, Siegal plans to focus on Baseball for All and continue fighting for women and social justice.

“If you tell a boy that girls can’t play baseball, what else would they believe that girls can’t do?” Siegal said. “This is not just a female issue; this is about our society and about what we can do together.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 47

The struggle of the American soccer fan Local fans express the difficulty of enjoying the global sport Miles Ozorio The blaring alarm wakes you; in your grogginess, you try to remember what day it is. “It’s Saturday,” you think.

“Why is my alarm going off at six in the morning?”

You turn the alarm off and check your phone. A picture of Messi illuminates the screensaver — now you remember: today is El Clasico. Barcelona is playing Real Madrid, and there’s no way you’re going to miss it.

A Barcelona jersey drapes over your shoulders as you barrel downstairs. The TV switches on just as the two teams, led by their captains, walk through the tunnel side by side.

The excitement builds in your stomach as the crowd in the stands gets louder. You know every player on the screen — every name, every country they represent, and every position. The camera pans out to a shot of the entire stadium. Fans are screaming and jumping, their faces painted and their lives momentarily postponed. You imagine what it would be like to be there today, living only to watch the biggest game in Europe.

In a way, you feel like you’re there — the excitement sure is. Yet, despite all the apparent butterflies in your stomach, you know you’re missing out. While the stadium is packed and loud, your living room is empty and silent. While Europe is on the edge of its seat, America isn’t even awake.

“On weekends, instead of being able to watch at night, I’d be waking up at like seven in the morning,” Nick Knobel, a senior, said.

Much of Europe is eight or nine hours ahead of California, meaning a game that would be 5 p.m. in Spain falls at 8 a.m. in California. However, for soccer fans in the U.S., there are more problems than a time difference.

“It’s not just the time difference that’s the issue. You can never watch in person, which is really unfortunate,” John Cinque, a junior, said. “That’s the biggest

48 HIGHLANDER SPORTS

thing for me. I think it’d be really cool to see the players live.”

Knobel shares a similar frustration.

“Not being able to watch sometimes in the stadium definitely sucks. For people that can say, ‘Oh I saw Messi,’ that’s crazy. That’s life changing for people and we’ll never fully get that experience,” Knobel said.

For fans like Knobel and Cinque who appreciate live soccer, America’s top-tier soccer league, Major League Soccer (MLS), is often their most viable option.

Unfortunately, many fans feel that MLS isn’t the most appealing league.

“I just think it’s because the level of play isn’t as high as the European leagues. And it’s not as popular as the other sports in America,” Cinque said.

Cinque acknowledges an issue many fans of European soccer have with MLS: it’s just not as exciting. In addition to the lower level of play, MLS doesn’t provide the world-renowned superstars that leagues around the world do.

“When you hear of soccer players like Ronaldo and Messi, they’re both from countries from different continents, so there’s a disconnect for Americans,” Alex Swanson, a junior, said.

Despite these issues, MLS has been taking steps towards increasing popularity through its signing of older European soccer stars.

“It’s cool to see these football legends when they join MLS teams,” Cinque said.

“They definitely bring in more fans to watch the teams and build popularity.”

On an international level, the dilemma for American soccer fans gets more complicated. On one hand, the U.S. womens national team is widely known as the best in the world, winning the past two Women’s World Cups. On the other hand, the U.S. men’s national team has struggled to defeat countries with populations less than 1% of its own.

“I’m somewhat proud. At least the women’s team is doing really well. I’m just hoping that the men’s team can get to the same level,” Cinque said.

Still, the dynamic of an outstanding

womens team and an underachieving men’s team is unique to fans from the U.S. — most other countries are either “soccer countries” or they’re not.

“I don’t think most Americans see soccer as the most important sport in the country. Whereas for the rest of the world, it’s number one,” Swanson said.

The appreciation of soccer throughout the U.S. is another struggle soccer fans have to deal with; the people around them just aren’t that invested.

Having the biggest football, basketball, baseball, and hockey leagues, it makes sense that less attention is spent on soccer, especially since MLS doesn’t meet the same standard.

“Not being able to watch sometimes in the stadium definitely sucks.

For people that can say, ‘Oh I saw Messi,’ that’s crazy. That’s life changing for people and we’ll never fully get that experience.”

Nick Knobel Senior

Knobel said,“People know that it’s not on par with other countries so they’re not as intrigued. We have the top quality leagues for pretty much every other sport, so there’s so much more fascination with those.”

With all these barriers, it’d be easy to understand why someone wouldn’t want to be a soccer fan in the U.S. Still, that same hardship creates a close-knit community and a more satisfying experience for many fans.

“Since it’s such a small group of people, everyone’s proud to be supportive of it. When you’re all together with them, it’s really cool,” Knobel said.

Additionally, since American soccer isn’t watched as much, fans can be more open on which teams they support; they don’t have to be restricted by local affiliations or peer pressure.

“As an outside fan, I can see players I like and give my support to their teams. I’m able to be free in who I choose to support,” Cinque said.

Overall, being an American soccer fan has a considerable amount of negatives or can pose some challenges.

Those who have true love for the sport must be dedicated to watching the games live, as their international counterparts to. But even still, the physical distance to the matches and the overall lack of popularity of soccer in America can cause fans to feel out of place.

Regardless, fans across the nation willingly set their alarms to wake up and support their favorite teams.

Whether it be love of the game, or allegiance to a team, American soccer fans are unafraid to display their support. For some, being a soccer fan in the U.S. is something to be proud of. Be it for the world-renowned national womens team, Major Leage Soccer, or international mens teams, there are plenty of ways that American fans of the game can express their love for the sport.

Cinque shares this sentiment; he is proud of his love for the game and for his status as an American fan.

“I guess there’s some sort of pride in being a fan of the sport hen it’s not the most popular in America,” Cinque said.

“It shows that you genuinely love soccer.”

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 49

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Jasyn Chidester

Athletic trainer ensures safety of all athletes Molly Donaldson Just like Harry Potter, Jasyn Chidester spends his time in a cupboard under the stairs.

However, instead of a bedroom, his “cupboard” is known as the athletic training room.

It is here where Chidester, the Carlmont athletic trainer, treats injured Carlmont athletes for the injuries they sustain while playing and practicing sports.

Chidester discovered his love for athletics at a young age. A Bay Area native, he played football, basketball, and baseball at Hillsdale High School and even began a college football career at the College of San Mateo (CSM).

However, after a series of shoulder tears from his time in football, Chidester was forced to quit the sport. He then transferred into the CSM Fire Academy and became Emergency Medical Technician trained and certified. Chidester eventually found a passion for athletic-related medicine and transferred to San Jose State University, where he was accepted into a program that allowed him to focus on a career in athletic training.

“I really tried to think about what could keep me in medicine because I really like doing that. I really like helping people and ... also wanted to get back into sports because I missed that,” Chidester said. “Athletic training was kind of a perfect medium of all the things I like.”

Using his education and experience, Chidester now provides immediate and critical assistance for injured athletes.

He recently came to Carlmont as the new athletic trainer after hearing of the position through his contributions to Stanford Children’s Health.

“Once [the position] opened

up, I kind of jumped on it because that’s exactly why I got into this whole thing in the first place,” Chidester said. “It was to help kids in ways that I wasn’t able to be helped in high school because we didn’t have a fulltime athletic trainer.”

Injured students appreciate how Chidester helped them in their time of need and how understanding he was while treating them. Parker English, a senior on the varsity boys lacrosse team, was injured during a game and was grateful to Chidester for his quick response.

“Jasyn was there instantly and did the initial tests to determine if a concussion was a possibility,” English said.

When treating an athlete, Chidester follows a series of regulated tests in order to determine how serious the injury is. He is trained to approach each injury methodically in order to guarantee the well-being of the student.

“His initial process in testing for my concussion included moving his fingers around and having my eyes follow them whilst keeping my head still,” English said. “Also, he had me do simple balance tests as well as memory tests — what day it was, who we were playing.”

These trials are crucial to checking in on a student’s status. If a concussed athlete fails too many of the tests, Chidester must refer them to a doctor in order to prevent as much damage as possible.

Similar to English, varsity girls lacrosse player Zahra Haider, a senior, remembers how Chidester helped her after she rolled her ankle in practice.

“He first just did a few tests to see how bad the sprain was, he was very understanding and was aware of what would hurt

the most and what that meant in terms of where the sprain was,” Haider said.

However, Chidester isn’t at Carlmont just to treat initial injuries. He works with athletes throughout the recovery process to make sure they can recuperate as soon as possible.

“A lot of times, I see an injury when it happens. I then get to diagnose that injury, and then send it out to a doctor to make sure my diagnosis is correct. After that, I get to work with the athlete all the way through the healing process. So not only do I get to see it, but the closer I get to work with the athlete, the more I develop that relationship as well,” Chidester said.

Athletes believe that Chidester’s dedication towards their recovery is extremely beneficial. Chidester and the athlete work together to minimize the length of the process.

“The recovery process was made pretty easy overall, as I had a constant schedule with goals to complete by certain dates. This allowed me to stay productive on the way to recovery in an easy and timely manner,” English said.

According to Chidester, communication between him and an athlete is crucial. He wants to enforce a sense of acknowledgement within the athlete so they can realize what is at stake if they don’t take the time to heal properly.

“I encourage questions. I want us to get to an understanding so that we can both move forward and kind of just go along with the healing process,” Chidester said. “A lot of times if it’s not clear, they’ll just assume that they can return, even though they’re not ready.

And the danger of that is having a prolonged healing time.”

Through his work, Chidester is able to make a difference in students’ lives. After not having access to a full-time trainer in high school, he is able to give back to the students of Carlmont by giving them the type of support he never had.

“I think it is very beneficial to have a sports trainer available. If I didn’t have Jasyn when I sprained my ankle, it would have taken me much longer to walk again and I believe that my ankle would be much more susceptible to being hurt again,” Haider said. “Even for more extreme injuries like concussions or back injuries, without immediate assistance the damage can be very severe.”

Chidester is also grateful for his time at Carlmont and hopes that he can ensure the safety and comfort for all studentathletes.

“It’s great, the whole being able to work with somebody and then watching them go back and do the thing they want to do,” Chidester said.

“Doing it makes me happy because I can’t play football anymore, but I can still make it so other people can continue playing sports all day long.”

“I can’t play football anymore but I can still make it so other people can continue playing sports all day long.”

Jasyn Chidester Athletic Trainer

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 51

The Carlmont journalism staff in Washington D.C.

Scot Scoop wins Online Pacemaker The Pacemaker is the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA)’s most distinguished award, displaying national excellence if won. Schools from all around the nation submit their journalism programs for consideration in several different categories — online, newspaper, yearbook, magazine, and broadcast. Based on the quality of writing and reporting, coverage and content, leadership, design, photography, and graphics, professionals in the specified field judge each submission.

On Feb. 6, Scot Scoop was named as an Online Pacemaker finalist along with 27 other schools from around the nation, with the winners to be decided later. Traditionally, the Pacemaker winners would be announced at the National High School Journalism Convention, but because of COVID-19, the convention was canceled. Instead, the NSPA hosted a live, open video presentation on April 17 to announce the Pacemaker winners. It was then that Scot Scoop was awarded the Online Pacemaker.

In 2013, Carlmont first began attending the National High School Journalism conventions, and since then, it’s won various national and regional awards. Its journalism program has four publications: the Highlander, a print newsmagazine; Scot Scoop, an online news site; ScotCenter, a broadcast site; and four Social Media profiles on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

According to Justin Raisner, the program’s adviser, this is the third time since 2014 that Scot Scoop has been chosen for the Online Pacemaker.

“As they announced school after school and Scot Scoop didn’t come up, I definitely started to lose hope. But, when I finally saw the site up there, I was more than overjoyed and really proud of everyone who contributed,” said Veronica Roseborough, the 2019-2020 Scot Scoop Editor-in-Chief.

Over the past few years, Carlmont students have earned ongoing success at the National High School Journalism Convention. They look forward to success in future conventions, where they can learn from professionals and students from various journalism programs around the country as well as increase their exposure to the practice of journalism outside of the classroom.

“The Pacemaker award is such a high honor, so having won that, I know Scot Scoop can only continue to grow. Especially with such an increase in staff and content production, I have a feeling that we will have another Pacemaker in our future,” said Natalie Doud, the 2020-2021 Scot Scoop Editor-in-Chief. “Scot Scoop has evolved so much over the years, so I know that an award such as this will further encourage our staff to work even harder to achieve bigger goals, as it all seems even more possible now.”

52 HIGHLANDER ADVERTISEMENTS

Appearance is not enough

Minorities need to be featured as flushed-out characters Brianna Cheng #OscarsSoWhite has been a common motto on social media over the past couple of years. Internet users have been up in arms over the latest movie that either whitewashes the main character or doesn’t give minorities “proper representation.”

But what does proper representation mean, and why is it important?

The American film industry has had a long history of marginalizing, co-opting, and mocking minorities and their stories, from Mickey Rooney’s infamous landlord character in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to Tom Cruise’s role as the white savior in “The Last Samurai.” The straight, white male protagonists always save the day, with occasional help from a quirky sidekick, who is sometimes a person of color or LGBTQ. These supporting characters have been played so similarly that there are stereotypes for each minority sidekick: the “gay best friend,” the “token black friend,” and the “magical Asian mentor.” The mere existence of these stereotypes speaks to the heart of why minority representation is so important: we want to see more than just one type of character. We want to be more than just the sidekick who helps the white male protagonist.

One-sided, token characters can have just as adverse effects on viewers as no representation at all. People can feel limited by media stereotypes. Finding stories that resonate and inspire is one of the primary reasons why we consume media. If the only stories available are about the “smart Asian kid,” there is pres-

sure to conform to that stereotype.

When people are exposed to only one facet of a culture, it perpetuates biases and affects how many people view those groups.

The implicit biases from the media can have wide-ranging impacts on how different groups are viewed, from job offers to relationships.

Diverse casting isn’t only a talking point; it has real-world effects in the box offices.

According to UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report, movies where 30-40% of the cast were minorities were the highest-grossing films in 2017. This is reflective of the racial makeup of the U.S. population. People want to see characters like them in movies, driving the story, and being the heroes.

However, in recent years, there has also been pushback from the extreme opposite of the spectrum: we aren’t casting accurately enough. Some movie-goers have accused films of giving roles to actors who are not of the same race as the character they play.

For example, the romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” received a lot of criticism for its casting of biracial or non-Chinese actors in ethnically Chinese roles, and for misrepresenting the ethnic makeup of Singapore, the film’s setting. In particular, Henry Golding’s casting as the SingaporeanChinese lead was controversial, because he is of Malaysian-English descent.

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Nancy Wang Yuen, the chair of Biola University’s sociology department, noted that this kind of criticism of diverse casting came from an equally deep-set position in Hollywood of racial purity.

Brianna Cheng

“By deeming Golding ‘not Asian enough,’ ... people are choosing to ignore his Asian heritage,” the Huffington Post article said.

So, where do we draw the line? What is considered progress in diversity, and what is backsliding into ignorance or racial purity?

I would argue that what we need is genuine stories that reflect who makes up our society. Whether those stories are as shallow as a teen rom-com, or as inspiring as real-life heroes, these should be movies that showcase different perspectives and the genuine experiences of the characters to the audience.

“We need to normalize multifaceted minority characters in the media, especially as America’s population becomes more diverse.”

We need actors that have the life experience to be able to portray those stories.

It doesn’t make sense to have a white actor portray the story of a half-Chinese character living in Hawai’i. Nor does it make sense to limit that role to only Chinese actors.

A great example of genuine diverse casting in teen media is of Lana Condor in “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Condor plays Lara Jean Covey, a Korean-American teen learning how to navigate high school love. Although she is Vietnamese, Condor can draw on her experiences growing up in America to play the role. Lara Jean is also a great example of a multi-faceted character. Although she is Asian, her whole story doesn’t revolve around that single fact. Lara Jean is simply another American teen growing up and falling in love, just like any other teen rom-com protagonist.

We need more stories like Lara Jean and more casting like Condor’s. We need to normalize multi-faceted minority characters in the media, especially as America’s population becomes more diverse. We are more than just stereotypes.

Let’s share our stories with one another.

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 53

Build your own high school experience Don’t let others tell you how to have fun in high school Samantha Chu Football games. Clubs. Spirit days.

Parties.

All of these things have been deemed integral to have a complete and enjoyable high school experience.

They’re also things that I haven’t done once during my four years at Carlmont.

Whenever people find out that I’m not going to some typical high school event, they usually say something along the lines of, “What?! But it’s your last year! You should go!”

At this point, I’ve given up on trying to defend myself. I usually just shrug my shoulders and sit in silence as they go on about how I’m going to regret not having a “high school experience.”

But in reality, I do have one; it’s just different from what others expect it to be.

Everyone seems to think that in order to fully experience high school, you have to get involved with ASB activities or go to sporting events. But being a total introvert who hates social interaction and large crowds, I’ve always avoided those events.

Let’s take football games as an example. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, there are more than 7 million fans that occupy U.S. high school football stadiums every week. I’m not one of those people.

I have never gone to a Carlmont football game.

There’s no doubt that football games are some of the more popular events in high school, but they’re not for everyone. Take it from someone who doesn’t know the difference between a punt and a fumble; football isn’t fun to watch when you have no idea what’s going on.

However, people still can argue that the game is just a small part of

54 HIGHLANDER OPINION

the “football experience.” There’s also the Screamin’ Scots, drumline, and the cheerleaders. Once again, these are not for everyone.

I would much rather spend my Friday nights binge-watching my favorite TV show than losing my voice while throwing baby powder in the air.

The latter may be fun for others, but it’s not for me, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.

The bottom line is this: Why should someone spend their time doing something that they aren’t interested in?

I cannot count the number of times I’ve gotten comments like, “You have to go to at least one football game” or “Wow, you really need to get out more.” But I just have no interest in doing the things that people seem to think I “have” to do.

Despite this, I’m not the antisocial hermit that people often see me as.

I am very much involved in some aspects of Carlmont, just not the “popular” ones.

I’ve played varsity softball for three years, and I’m also a part of Carlmont’s journalism program. Most of my free time goes into those two things, and that’s the definition of fun for me, not parties, football games, or dances.

I never envisioned myself spending my time watching a game I don’t understand or going to an event just because most other people go to it.

If I had done any of those things, I guarantee that I wouldn’t be as happy and satisfied with my life as I am now.

Though I am no psychologist or therapist, I can speak from experience and say that doing what you want to do can make you so much happier.

Especially during these hard times, it’s now more important than ever to just stay happy.

Because of COVID-19, many seniors don’t get to play in their last game or go to their last school dance.

For me, this is a blessing. I can spend

months in my house, never go outside, and still be content. All of the typical “senior” things do not interest me whatsoever, and that’s OK. In fact, I’m relieved that they’re canceled because now I won’t be pressured into doing something I don’t want to do.

But still, people judge me for not mourning the loss of these events.

Some people are sad because prom isn’t going to happen, while I’m sad because my favorite K-pop group’s concert was postponed. Everyone has different likes, so it’s wrong to judge others for what they’re upset about.

In the end, you know yourself best.

You know what you love, what you hate, and all things in between. We often get so caught up in this one, magical “high school experience” that many forget that there are other ways to spend your time in high school.

Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do to experience high school. It’s your life — you choose what to do with it.

“You know what you love, what you hate, and all things in between.

We often get so caught up in this one, magical ‘high school experience’ that many forget that there are other ways to spend your time in high school.”

HOW SHOULD YOU SPEND YOUR FRIDAY?

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 55

Blooming in the darkness Positivity still exists in 2020 Ava Richards

had unintended environmental benefits and changes in wildlife.

Uncertainty. Fear. Helplessness.

There have been significant reductions 2020 has been a whirlwind of emoin air pollution in areas that have been tions. And with saddening news seemsignificantly affected by COVID-19, ingly appearing every day, it’s safe to say like China and Italy. This is due to that the world is not in the best place transportation, aviation, and industry right now. slowing down. Pieternel Levelt, a reBut in this state of craziness, it’s searcher from the University of Technolimportant to be reminded of some of the ogy in the Netherlands, has found that good that’s prevailed. nitrogen dioxide levels are 35% lower in China than they had been during March Despite the chaotic circumstances, 2019. The emission of greenhouse gasses humans have continued to care for like carbon dioxide has also lowered due one another. Many kind people, school districts, and businesses to the current economic decline.

Animals have also been roaming the have donated supplies and prostreets of many urban areasi with the vided food to those in need.

Carolyn Wang, a junior, has lack of people outside. According to James Parkhurst, an Associate Professor used her sewing skills to make of Wildlife Science at Virginia Tech, this face masks, donating them to people in need, like nursing homes, her can lead to a change in their sleep cycle neighbors, and those that still have to go since they can now take advantage of the daylight. to work every day. Key Club also began Wildlife has also been protected a similar project and hopes to give their during this time, especially after the devmasks to those working in hospitals. astating fires in Australia. Bev Langley, Farther from home, the Cleveland the creator of Minton Farm Rescue CenMetropolitan School District aimed to ter, provided help for animals suffering help the young people in its community from injuries. She received one million by providing people under the age of dollars worth of medical supplies to reha18 with two free meals a day, Monday bilitate the animals with her husband and through Friday. The district is offering a shuttle service to the nearest site so people can pick up their meals.

Hallmark gave away 1 million cards to help keep people connected amid the shelter-in-place. Hallmark’s CEO wanted to give anyone the chance to show their love for the people in their life, whether it be family, friends, teachers, or coworkers. Anyone living in the United States can participate on the Hallmark website by entering their name and address for a chance to receive cards.

Shelter-in-place measures put in place around the globe have also

“In this state of craziness, it is important to be reminded of some of the good that has prevailed.”

56 HIGHLANDER OPINION

volunteers.

Last but not least, this troubling time has allowed people across the globe to come together and make the most out of this situation. People have been able to connect in the most extravagant and creative ways.

In Sicily, Italy, residents of neighboring buildings sat outside on their balconies singing songs and playing their instruments together. John Nichols, a Sicily resident, posted a video of the event on Twitter, and it went viral. In response, many citizens of Italy shared their own videos of their neighborhoods singing together.

Similarly in New York City, people living all over the city came together to celebrate health professionals.

At 7 p.m., everyone clapped, cheered, banged pots, or honked their horns to thank these people for all of their hard work during the pandemic.

Actor John Krasinski created a news network called “Some Good News” to tell stories from his audience about good things that have recently happened. This show helps spread joy in times like these, where it can often be challenging to find anything positive about the situation.

Editorial:

Seniors reflect on their time at Carlmont It’s crazy how something so basic, so normal, and so expected can disappear in an instant. No one ever expected this to happen, but such is life. So we would like to say thank you. It is you — our classmates, friends, and peers — who inspire us to push forward and make something that can unite us through this crazy time. Everything we do is driven by the student body and our desire to produce something that highlights the best of Carlmont, no matter where we are. Because we are still Carlmont. We students may be apart, but the lessons we learned and the friends we made will be with us forever. We will always be Scots, no matter the circumstances.

As your Highlander editors, we wanted to make sure that we could create something that would embody the experience here at Carlmont. We work with our classmates to ensure each article, each spread, and each interview works towards something that matters and can reflect the lives of the student body. It is our job to produce something worthy of not only publication, but of you guys. As we look back on the work we have put together and the content we created, we can know that we did our best to make something for everybody. We wanted to make sure that even now, we are still here and doing what we can to keep things as normal as possible. We want to be someone others can look to for support or guidance, and we are

here to look out for everyone.

As seniors, it’s a surreal experience to see the things we once knew to be so certain disappear. After four years here, we began to look to the future, knowing Carlmont would still be here to push us forward. We sometimes forgot to cherish the moments and days we still had left here. Now, we are filled with regret as we see the things we saw as absolute dissolve. As we say goodbye to the life we lived here, there is heartache over the promises we lost and remorse for the things we never did. But even more powerful than those, there is a sense of love. As we look back on the years, we feel nothing but fondness and appreciation for the times we had.

We have learned to cherish our memories and focus on the best parts of high school. In comparison to now, the things we had were pretty good. We are reminded of the laughs, the skits, the games, the Kahoots, and the friends we have, because without them, we would not be who we are today. So thank you, Carlmont. Thank you for giving us what you did. We’re sorry we didn’t get the chance to say goodbye properly, but that’s okay.

There is no way to tell what can happen, so we must accept what comes and keep our heads high. We love you, and wish you nothing but the best.

TO THE CLASS OF 2023: It seems like just yesterday we seniors came to Carlmont as freshmen. Just like you guys, we had our

first Homecoming, first football game, first choir concert. And we’re so sorry the year ended so early. You guys deserved more.

More time to develop your friendships, discover who you are, and try new things. We hope you look forward with optimism and promise you that the next couple of years will be amazing. Don’t forget that.

TO THE CLASS OF 2022: You guys have stayed so strong. We know how crucial sophomore year is to the development of the high school experience and we’re proud of you guys for keeping your spirits up. You’re the future of Carlmont and we know that it’s uncertain, but we believe without a doubt that you guys will handle it well. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

TO THE CLASS OF 2021: We’re proud of you. You guys have worked so hard. SO hard.

And you’re valid no matter what happens.

You are some of the brightest kids we have ever seen and cannot wait to see what you do next. We know what you’ve lost and the stress you’ve been given, but if anyone can handle it, it’s you guys. Stay strong. You can do it.

TO THE CLASS OF 2020: Thank you for the best four years of our lives. Nothing can describe the love we have for you and the role you played in shaping us. Thank you for giving us everything and for being a truly, truly good class. This is not the end. We’ll see you again.

MAY 2020 HIGHLANDER 57

#SCOTSUNITED All photos were submitted via the Instagram account @bluetape_baby

LETTER FROM ASB SENIORS Dear Carlmont Class of 2020, There are 518 students in our senior class. None of us could have predicted our high school years would end in these circumstances, but despite the situation we find ourselves in, we can find comfort in the moments that we’ve shared.

As individuals, we had similar goals to survive high school, make memories, and grow alongside each other, knowing that at the end of high school we would say goodbye and go our separate ways. Still, we can look back at our adolescence and the influential years we have all had as the Class of 2020. We share the pride of our robotics team making it to the top, the feeling of filing into the PAC to be endlessly entertained by our performing arts department, and trying to get extra credit from Wednesday night science lectures and biweekly math contests.

While we will never experience these moments again, we are thankful to have been a part of them. None of us are the same as we were when we entered Carlmont. We’ve all changed tremendously, and we can attribute this growth to the community of our class these past four years.

Our freshman year was a year of firsts: getting our first high five from Monty, seeing entirely new faces at freshman orientation, going to class meetings, hopping on the homecoming float, throwing baby powder during halftime, joining a club, suffering from sleep deprivation before finals, and meeting people that would change us for the better.

From homecoming to virtual spirit weeks, we have come together as a class to share good memories and positivity. While the end of the year may not have been what we expected, the past four years of priceless memories define us even more as a class. Even though we lost our end-of-year events, we can still look forward to our futures as Carlmont alumni.

On behalf of ASB, we must say thank you. Thank you for being the best class Carlmont has ever seen. Thank you all for letting us try to help give you the high school experience you so greatly deserved. There are infinite memories, classmates, and moments that we could reminisce about.

This is the best class we could have ever asked for.

Sincerely, ASB Class of 2020

ACTIVITIES COUNCIL SERVICE COUNCIL

Courtesy of Joe Sison

LETTER FROM THE YEARBOOK EDITORS Dear Scots, We hope you and your families are safe, healthy, and happy. Although this is a terribly tough time, we know that Scots have the spirit and resilience to get through this together. We hope you are doing your best to stay positive during this time and that you take time to reflect on all of the moments that we have created together.

We are disappointed to announce that the 2019-2020 yearbook cannot be distributed at the end of the school year as it has in previous years. While we are unsure of when the yearbook can be distributed, we are hopeful that it will be soon.

Our yearbook’s purpose is to serve as a keepsake of the good times we have experienced together this year.

Yearbook’s mission statement is “Capture Moments, Create Memories” and we are certain this book has done just exactly that. This year, we have taken more time to cherish the moments of our childhood that have led us to become the people that we are today. You may notice that our book looks very different than previous years as we have decided to implement significant changes throughout the book. Many of these changes were successful and many were not. A major change we made was the structure of the book — rather than sorting events and sports by category, we decided to organize them by season in a more modular design.

We have tried our hardest to represent all Scots equally throughout the book but unfortunately, this pandemic has affected everybody’s lives. Our Spring and Reference sections of the book were heavily affected by these global changes, and we were unable to represent as many Scots as we wish we could have. For that, we would like to sincerely apologize.

We would like to recognize our staff, who have worked countless hours taking photos, writing stories, and interviewing Scots to produce this yearbook. They were adaptable in the face of widespread change. Together, we all have created a book that we take pride in and are so excited for you to see it. This school year has given all of us extraordinary memories and new opportunities that we hope will not be tainted by this global pandemic. Please enjoy this glance into the yearbook as a thank you for being patient and optimistic.

Lastly, please be sure to check your school email as we will be using email and social media to communicate updates about the upcoming distribution.

Sincerely, Lauren Chong and Olivia Thompson 2020 Yearbook Editors-in-Chief

AUTUMN PREVIEW

WINTER PREVIEW

SPRING PREVIEW

SENIOR PANORAMA

thank you Justin Raisner

Courtesy of Carlmont Yearbook

WEAR YOUR MASK!