Issue 3

In this issue

Opinion

Feature

Sports

A&E

Eagle Eye calls for mental health initiatives in light of the pandemic decline in mental health.

Page 4

African American Culture Club promotes learning Black history during every month.

Page 12

The Ice Hockey Team navigates COVID-19 restrictions and a new head coach.

Page 14

Explore the popular fashion trends from the year 2020 in the 2020 Fashion Rewind.

Page 16 Photo by Lexi McCabe

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

EAGLE E Y E

THE

March 2021

Volume XXXV, Issue 3

Covid plastic crisis Beaches pay the price for pandemic related single-use plastics.

By Aaron Moffett, Staff Writer With more people staying at home, one would think the environment would be less polluted.

Yet, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Environments, specifically beaches here in Southern California, seem to be rampant with plastics of all shapes and sizes.

One factor in this increase in plastic waste is due to COVID-19 and the increase in single-use plastics.

Takeout bags, disposable plastic utensil sets, cans, and plastic bottles are among items polluting the sand, but now these items are more apparent than ever, according to Scientific American.

The Surfrider Foundation has been helping to clean up beaches and protect oceans for 35 years. Senior Mckenna Thomas, current president of the SM Surfrider Club, leads cleanups two times a month in order to combat this growing crisis. The c l u b goes t o

local beaches in South Orange County, and each member collects at least one bag of trash.

“People seem discouraged to want to pick up trash nowadays, and I can see why,” Thomas said.

“The trash could have a myriad of bacteria and even viruses like COVID-19. Without proper precautions, such as gloves, people are very wary to pick up the waste and litter they find out on our beaches.”

However, people who don’t want to pick up the trash on the beach is not the only problem. With a highly contagious virus, consumers are sticking to more sanitary, yet environmentally harmful, single-use plastics and other items. The main culprit: single-use masks.

“I often find a lot o f single-use masks, and each member averages about two

Photo by Aaron Moffett

Litter - Disposable face masks lie at the beach. COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in plastic pollution because of the increase in single-use personal protective equipment.

or three masks at each cleanup,” Thomas said.

That totals at least 20 to 30 masks in a single cleanup day.

These single-use disposable masks can hurt sea creatures and other animals living near the beach, with the band around your ears being the most detri-

Thrown away - Trash is found on the beach. Plastic cups did not make it to the recycling bin.

mental according to PETA. “Dolphins, turtles, and other marine animals can easily choke or suffer from fatal airway obstructions when they mistake a mask for food,” Thomas said. “A simple solution if you are using these disposable masks is clipping the ear bands to prevent animals from getting tangled.”

While the Surfrider Club’s main focus is beach cleanups, they also promote healthier and more sustainable ways to live within our en-

vironment.

“In order to reduce our waste, especially during this pandemic, I suggest using reusable masks and simply washing them often, so you are less tempted to use a disposable mask,” Thomas said. “Simply being conscientious and aware of the plastic and/or disposable items you use can have a really positive impact on our beaches, wildlife, and environment as a whole.”

Illustration by Carly Giotto

Activities department hopes for senior season

By Emily Freeborn, Web Editor-in-Chief Despite Orange County’s persistent place in the purple tier (more than 8% positive tests), the Activities Department released its plan to continue with senior season events. These include Homecoming, Winter Formal, Every 15 Minutes, Senior Cruise, Senior Pilgrimage, Prom, Senior Luncheon, Graduation practice, Baccalaureate Mass, and Grad Night.

Last year’s senior class was robbed of half a year of traditions, including Prom, Grad Night, and Graduation. Since then, Calif. has taken steps to halt the spread of

COVID-19 and placed heavy restrictions on events. Due to these restrictions, high schoolers missed out on a semester’s worth of memories. Until the Activities Department’s announcement, it appeared that spring semester would be the same.

According to Vice President Sammer Darwazeh, the activities team hopes to put on much anticipated traditions in person. However, that plan could depend on current COVID-19 restrictions, which can change depending on rising numbers.

The Kairos retreat, a longstanding tradition for the senior class, is already underway. Currently

Check us out online!

scheduled for Valentines weekend, additional dates are being considered as well.

“I am really grateful SM has taken the steps to provide a COVID19-safe Kairos opportunity,” said senior Mary Katherine Riley. “I think it is really important to continue creating memories and have one of the senior experiences that make SM so special.”

Though this isn’t the senior year students expected, they can still make the most of the time left. Continued social distancing and practicing COVID-19 safety, whether on campus or outside of school, is suggested to achieve a traditional senior season.

Photo courtesy of Campus Ministry

Jumping for Jesus - K142 jumps with excitement during the first Kairos of the year. Students had to provide a negative COVID-19 test to attend.

@smchseagleeye www.smchseagleeye.com App: Student News Source

2 News

March 2021

The Eagle Eye

Biden inaugurated president 46

By Catherine Bryson, Staff Writer

J

oseph R. Biden walked hand in hand with wife Dr. Jill Biden on Monday, Jan. 20 to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

This inauguration was a celebration of America’s unity and democracy. 2020 was a year that saw a global pandemic, protests over racial injustice, and the capitol riots. President Biden is tasked with unifying the country, helping to bring an end to the economic crisis, providing COVID-19 relief through vaccine distribution, and so much more.

President Biden set to work on day one, and has set a requirement to wear a mask when in government buildings, rejoined the World Health Organization, established a COVID-19 response team which reports directly to him, extended all federal evictions and foreclosures until March, froze the collection of student debt, rejoined the Paris Climate Accords, banned workplace discrimination on LGBTQ+ employees, and made changes to immigration laws.

“We need to find a new way to structure debt so students can work out of it so the government can subsidize education and free two year community college,” said A.P. Government teacher Raymond Dunne. “The first step is to push out of debt and get into jobs and making money. The second would be free community college and the third would be the federal government providing education.”

Even with these orders, Biden’s agenda for his first 100-days in office are focused primarily on COVID-19 and bringing an end to

Illustration

by Lizzie Bork

Inauguration - Figures at the inauguration include President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, poet laureate Amanda Gorman, performers Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, and step daughter of Kamala Harris, Ella Emhoff. The inauguration took place on Jan. 20.

the economic crisis. Biden has set a goal of 100 million Americans to be vaccinated by April 30, Biden’s 100th day in office. He also called for a 1.9 trillion dollar relief package which would go toward helping people during the COVID-19 caused economic crisis.

“The last four years have been rough for a lot of people and there’s a lot of cleaning up to do before we can even think about achieving a sense of normalcy again, but I think that his inauguration specifically shows that America is not completely lost,” said sophomore Brianna Velez. “We were just misguided. We will grow even stronger from this experience and better for our relationship with other countries and with each other.”

This inauguration featured

pop singer Lady Gaga, who sang the national anthem, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez singing “America the Beautiful” and “This Land is your Land,” and the National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman who recited her poem “The Hill We Climb.”

“Since 1789 when Washington was president, every four years has had an inauguration,” Dunne said.

“This is a remarkable record for democracy. It represents a peaceful transition of power and is a celebration of democratic ideals.”

Biden said in his inaugural speech, “Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. We have learned

again that democracy is precious.

Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”

Vice President Kamala Harris also made history as the first woman and woman of color to hold the office of vice president. She too calls for unity during the “Celebrating America” event hosted by Tom Hanks.

“This, too, is American aspiration,” Harris said. “This is what President Joe Biden has called upon us to summon now. The courage to see beyond crisis, to do what is hard, to do what is good, to unite, to believe in ourselves, believe in our country, believe in what we can do together.”

Both President Biden and Vice President Harris pushed for unity

in their inaugural addresses because of the tensions between parties, which led to riots in the capitol earlier this year.

“In this age of hyperpartisanship, Biden had to reach out to the other side in the address,” Dunne said. “The fact is we are so divided it makes it difficult to not taper over it. For the government to work, it has to work together.”

Dunne believes the transfer of power teaches students by setting an example in cabinet appointees and what they accomplish.

“I think it’s a big step forward for our country,” Velez said. “We now have the most diverse cabinet in US history, and I think that really says something about the dedication of President Biden towards Americans.”

Students react to Jan. 6 capitol riots

By Devon Nguyen, Opinion Editor

“ January 6, 2021 is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. ” - Emily Leavey

Jan. 6, 2021 will go down in American history. On that chilly Wednesday, thousands of individuals who were upset with the election votes seized the Capitol in an act of defiance. A symbol of democracy was broken into in an attempt to stop the official vote that congress would make to solidify President Biden’s election once more.

In the days and subsequent month that followed the 2020 presidential election, both former President Donald Trump and his most staunch supporters hailed the election as fraud and unfair.

“January 6, 2021, is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life,” said senior Emily Leavey. “I remember vividly my brother running down the stairs as I ate my

lunch, telling me to put on the TV to the news. It was terrifying and horrific witnessing the Capitol building, a government structure that is meant to be protected at all costs, being broken into and

defaced”.

The siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6th contained a multitude of different faces, from avid QAnon supporters, to prominent white supremacists, and a handful of neo-Nazis. Among the wave of American and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags, the Confederate Battle flag made headlines after it became the first ever Confederate flag to be present in the Capitol. Not even during the Civil War did that flag fly anywhere near the Capitol building.

Several offices were broken into, along with multiple important documents and even a laptop stolen. Congress people had to hide the best they

could from the mob before being escorted to the underground metro to escape. Amongst the five casualties was one Capitol police officer.

Senior Sofia Lim was more disappointed then surprised.

“The thing that’s so disappointing is that I’m not surprised at all,” Lim said. “I feel like I, and along with many other people, are almost just desensitized to that behavior.

It’s unfortunate what happened, but unless the country as a whole stops being so divided on politics, I don’t think anything will change or get better.”

That Wednesday will forever be a day of infamy for many Americans.

Photo CC by Britannica

U. S. Capitol - Pro-Trump protestors storm the capitol to protest the election results. There were five casualities from the event.

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

News 3

Testing positive Students describe impact of having COVID-19.

By Maddy Sherwood, Staff Writer

Photo by Mary Driscoll

Ready to go - People line up at their local pharmacy to receive doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine underwent significant testing to ensure its reliability against fighting the virus.

Vaccines roll out

By Sofia O’Keefe, Staff Writer

A

s people search for solutions to return to some normalcy during the pandemic, vaccination seems to be the only viable option.

In total, there are four types of the COVID-19 vaccines in production. These types consist of protein subunits, RNA/mRNA, non-replicating viral vector, and whole virus vaccines.

Data from the clinical trials reveal that both of the vaccines have an efficacy rate of about 95 percent after the second dose. As of now, the FDA has only approved the double dose, since that was the amount studied in the trial.

“They believe that the immunity when you receive the COVID vaccine lasts several months, right now it looks like at least 5 months, maybe even longer,” said Joe Barrera, a doctor of endocrinology at Mission Heritage Medical Group.

Typically the second dose is received about three weeks after the first dose. However, there are some studies that suggest that one shot may be sufficient. This is not recommended now, but in about a year, the COVID-19 vaccination process may be similar to getting a yearly flu shot.

“Of all the people that I know who’ve had [the vaccine], I haven’t known of anybody who has had an unpleasant reaction to it, other than a little bit of arm soreness for a day or two,” Barrera said.

According to researchers studying the Pfizer vaccine, 37 percent of participants experienced some minor side effects after the first dose, but this number rose to 45 percent after they received the final dose (BBC).

“I was a little lightheaded for a few minutes, but that was it, I had no reaction whatsoever to the first [dose],” said Doctor Maria Johnson, the IB program director and Philosophy and Theory of Knowledge teacher.

Despite possible reactions to the vaccine, enough people need to obtain the protection in order to make progress in flattening the curve and returning to pre-pandemic lifestyles (CDC). “[After] about a 70 percent vaccination rate of the worldwide population, you achieve the level of

immunity where the virus basically starts to peter out since there’s no host for it to infect,” Barrera said.

Even though the level of immunity that is required to eradicate the virus is likely not going to be reached by fall, Barrera believes that this vaccination process will allow most common places to open up.

As of now, the two major vaccination sites open in Orange County are located in the Soka University campus and the Disneyland parking lot.

“It was pretty painless, very well-organized, and I did not spend a lot of time in line,” Johnson said.

As a testament to this, Johnson explained how at the Disneyland vaccination site, each person was required to pass several checkpoints before they could even enter the tents where the nurses were allocating the vaccine.

“I kept saying ‘Can I put my [ID] stuff away now?’ and they kept going, ‘Nope, you’re going to have to show it again,’” Johnson said.

Once the vaccine is released to everyone, there will be more information to ensure that everyone makes the right decision for themselves. Namely, this novel information may lead to the discovery of which vaccine is optimal for each individual.

By receiving the vaccine, not only do you protect yourself, but you protect others as it increases the herd immunity throughout the worldwide population (CDC).

“For the global and community good, I think the more people who are willing to receive it the better,” Barrera said.

Before making a decision of whether or not to get the vaccine, Barrera suggests seeking out reputable information from a trusted health care provider or certified online sources such as distinguished universities and medical centers.

“I just urge everybody to spend enough time really learning about the vaccine and interpreting the information in a critical thinking manner,” Barrera said.

Photo by Mary Driscoll

Wait in line - There are check-in areas in order to receive the vaccine.

Rite Aid began carrying the vaccine at various locations.

Seniors Derek Wilkins and Cole Humphry tested positive for COVID-19 in November and December of 202o. They followed the CDC’s safety and health guidelines in order to protect themselves, their families, and their communities while they had the virus.

“COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a new coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Because it is a new virus, scientists are learning more each day,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “Although most people who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause severe illness and even death. Some groups, including older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk of severe illness.”

Humphry had the virus for five days and quarantined for ten days.

He had general symptoms, such as a headache, a cold, a fever, fatigue, and a sore throat. He did not lose his taste or smell, but Wilkins, along with having more general symptoms, did.

“I had COVID for two weeks, and I really missed going to football practice and just getting out of the house,” Wilkins said.

During their quarantines, Humphry and Wilkins not only suffered physical symptoms, but mental and emotional symptoms as well.

The CDC provides information on how to care for all effects of the virus.

“If you are sick with COVID-19 or you think that you might have COVID-19, stay home except get medical care, separate yourself from other people, monitor your symptoms, call ahead before visiting your doctor, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean your hands often, avoid sharing personal household items, and clean all ‘high-touch’ surfaces everyday,” said the CDC. “Some healthy ways to cope with stress are to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, taking care of your body, make time to unwind, connect with others, connect with your community or faithbased organizations.”

In addition to the CDC’s recommendations, the Mental Health and Wellness program on campus is also supporting students through this pandemic. Whether or not a student has the virus, the Wellness program has a variety of resources to support them.

“You may feel anxiety, worry or fear related to the social disruption caused

by COVID-19. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. If you or a loved one is feeling this way, please utilize our resources,” the Wellness pro-

gram said.

The CDC and the Wellness program each provide a variety of resources, information, guidelines, help, and support to survive the virus. From setting regulations to providing someone to talk to, both groups are working to assist everyone’s needs.

“It really sucked quarantining for two weeks, and there were

“ I had COVID for two weeks, and I really missed going to football practice and just getting out of the house. ” - Derek Wilkins

times I was really down,” Wilkins said. “It wasn’t terrible, but it was not fun at all either.”

Quarantining is isolating, both physically and mentally. Looking forward to seeing their families and friends again helped these seniors get through it.

“You can be around others after: 10 days since symptoms first appeared, 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving,” said the CDC. After his symptoms were all gone, Wilkins was very excited to finally see his grandparents again.

Not being able to see them made him appreciate them more. Similarly, Humphry missed his friends a lot and was ecstatic to see them again after his symptoms passed.

Illustration by Molly Jacobson

Raging on - COVID-19 continues to spread to students, teachers, faculty, and staff. Quarantine, symptoms, and the virus overall influenced those who had COVID-19’s daily routines.

4 Opinion

The Eagle Eye Staff Print Editor-in-Chief Evelyn Driscoll Web Editor-in-Chief Emily Freeborn Copy Editor Giulia Henshaw Managing Editor Alex Vallone Web Managing Editor Kendrick Choi Social Media Editor Domi Drust Photo Editor Katie Eli News Editor Gracynn Crocker Opinion Editor Devon Nguyen Feature Editor Katharine Lee A&E Editor Bella Scarano Sports Editor Roman Sergi Illustrators Tristen Mielke Xiang (Lucy) Chang Lizzie Bork Molly Jacobson Katie Gasper Carly Giotto Staff Writers Hadley McCusker Natalia von Gierke Sydney McMahon Juliana Soliman Aaron Moffett Lauren Memoly Marcus Kim Lexi McCabe Emelin Conboy Maddy Sherwood Sofia O’keefe Xiang (Lucy) Chang Catherine Bryson Lana Diab Staff Adviser Debra Barbre

March 2021

The Eagle Eye Staff Editorial

Mental health matters Eagle Eye calls for measures in response to decline in mental health as a result of the pandemic.

W

hen lockdown began, some students looked forward to a short vacation, while others panicked at what online school would mean for their mental health.

Many students lost the routine and human interaction that keep mental illness at bay. If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that mental health needs to be taken seriously. We urge administration to consider the following steps as they develop their wellness program: listening, educating, and providing resources.

“We want to really support students as they journey through the high school years which can be so fun and full of amazing things,” said Interim Director of Wellness Joy Cleary. “But also, we acknowledge [that it can be] full of challenges.”

We encourage those willing to address wellness to first listen.

After watching the “Angst” documentary during our sophomore year of high school, we left feeling more anxious than when we went in. Although the intent of the screening was to bring awareness to anxiety, it lacked something imperative in the teen mental health conversation: teen involvement.

As administration continues to develop its Wellness Program, we advise them to make teen voices a priority.

Our school must offer more opportunities for discourse between students and faculty about student issues, especially mental illness.

Administration cannot hope to impact students’ lives if they do not even ask how to help. Surveys could provide more options for student input and monthly meetings could even allow students to share their experiences and opinions.

School must also make education a priority. When you experience mental illness without knowing that you’re facing mental illness, your first thought is that

Illustration by Lizie Bork

Stressed out - How someone seems on the outside doesn’t always match how they’re feeling on the inside. The pandemic increased mental health issues amongst students.

you’re crazy. You feel alone and scared to reach out to someone for fear of being deemed irrational or exaggerating. For this reason, education is the second step towards mental health. This education must be built in within classrooms or by splitting the student body into small groups after an education assembly.

We grow up learning about anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression. But, when did we learn about obsessive or intrusive thoughts? Anorexia? Bipolar disorder? Without being taught what the symptoms of mental illnesses are, students are left to feel alone if they have a mental illness, which ultimately prevents them from seeking help.

It’s also important that this

education is extended to adults.

This is because parents and faculty should have the skills to identify symptoms of mental illness in youth, and this education will end invalidation from adults when students share their struggles. More teens may be willing to seek help if they feel they will be listened to.

Thirdly, we call for an abundance of resources. We’ve witnessed school put an immense amount of effort in developing mental health resources on campus, including restructuring the counseling department, working with the nurses’ office, the Principal’s wellness blog, and test stress workshops. The implemented Speak Up ambassadors, students trained to help their peers with mental health, is

a prime example of what administration needs to continue doing on campus. However, students must be aware of available resources in order to benefit from them. When asked via Instagram Poll whether students thought other students were aware of the mental health resources at school, 72 percent said no.

Teachers also have a responsibility for their students’ mental health. Although many have, not every teacher’s expectations have adapted to being in the middle of a global pandemic. Some do not understand that for some students, making the consistent decision to manage their mental health is more important than getting their math homework done on time.

We should not be punishing students whose deteriorating mental state is preventing them from conforming to traditional expectations. Instead, we must work together to create a safe space where students feel comfortable talking about their daily struggles, whether it’s daily check in surveys or mental health homework passes.

“You want to meet students where they are and recognize that some days we do need to relax, take a deep breath, get centered and grounded before we can participate in class,” Cleary said.

Wellness is not just putting up quotes in the hallway or including meditation time in class. It involves tangible measures of listening, educating, and providing resources. We hope that the Wellness program considers these as they move forward.

“We want to offer relief of difficult experiences and symptoms, and there are so many ways to journey through difficult times,” Cleary said. “I would encourage everybody to reach out to somebody and to get an adult involved that has the ability and skills to be able to address if you are hurting.”

Right way to protest Capitol riots beg the question of how to protest correctly.

By Kendrick Choi, Managing Web Editor Protesting is as American as apple pie and the bald eagle. Our country was founded by people protesting against what they believed to be unfair taxation and legislation. When talking about how to correctly and lawfully protest, it is important to be mindful of what is and is not considered constitutional.

Under the first amendment of the United States Constitution, the government cannot abridge the people’s right of freedom of speech or the right to peaceably assemble. As long as people are not being violent and harming others, any gathering of people to protest in public locations that are not private property is perfectly fine. However, once protests trespass on private or government property or become violent (causing injuries, deaths, or property damage), they are no longer legal.

With the protests that occurred

earlier this Jan., questions regarding the proper way to protest have arisen. The protestors, supporters of the 45th president of the United States Donald Trump, carried out a riot against the United States Congress in an attempt to overturn Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election. Some of the rioters were able to breach police perimeters and storm into the Capitol Building, proceeding to vandalize and loot parts of the building.

As a result of the riots, five people, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, died with many others injured. There was much backlash, with many prominent political figures, such as Nancy Pelosi, calling for Trump to be held accountable. However, many eyes still remained on the actual protest itself, as well as the seemingly non-violent response by Capitol Police.

Although it might be difficult to definitively say whether or not there is a right way to protest, there is a legal way. It is better to

Photo by NBC News

U.S. Capitol - Pro-Trump supporters breach the Capitol building. They protested the presidential election results.

stay within the bounds of law and order with constitutional, peaceful protest. Once protests turn extreme and involve violence and property damage, they are no longer the right way to call attention to issues. In fact, the more extreme a protest, the less

likely the public or those in power will be inclined to advocate for the change originally sought by the protestors. Thus, in the best interest of both the protestors and the cause they are fighting for, everyone should protest in the right way through peaceful gathering.

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Opinion 5

Sick of senior year With little to look forward to, senioritis hits the senior class harder than years past.

By Sydney McMahon, Staff Writer

E

very year, high school seniors experience “senioritis.” This well-known phenomenon is commonly associated with second semester seniors who have finished applying to or have been accepted to colleges and no longer feel motivated to finish high school with a bang. This year, however, the senior class is graduating during an unprecedented time, causing a whole new level of senioritis.

So far, none of the events that seniors had planned on have happened. Events such as Homecoming, Senior Cruise, Kairos, Winter Formal, the football season, pep rallies, and spirit weeks that we have been looking forward to for years will no longer happen as normal. Most senior classes can get excited about their last year of high school by seeing their friends everyday at school, hanging out in their hometown for what could be the last year, and participating in fun school activities. This year’s seniors only got to attend school in person two days a week (if that) and most likely won’t get a traditional prom or graduation.

Unlike previous years, most

seniors this year can truthfully say they lost motivation before senior year even started. With junior year being cut a semester short, and the summer revealing little hope for their last year, motivation ran low in the class of 2021 from the start.

Senior Amanda Duffy has felt this senioritis kicking in as well.

“I definitely think senioritis is worse this year, and I think it’s starting a lot earlier for most seniors too,” Duffy said.

Duffy also commented that schoolwork has not slowed down, despite the world around us slowing drastically.

“With the endless flood of Teams assignments popping up and hardly any school events to look forward to, a lot of seniors are ready to graduate and have lost motivation for school,” Duffy said.

Duffy expressed her sadness to miss all the “lasts” of high school and the events planned just for seniors.

“I’m definitely bummed about missing senior cruise,” Duffy said.

“I feel like because only seniors get to attend, it’s really a great way for seniors to connect with other members of the class who they don’t normally see.”

The point of events like this, directed specifically for seniors, is to create a close knit community

and celebrate how far the class has come. With this unprecedented senior year, it’s hard to believe that we will be graduating in a few short months and won’t get to see our classmates everyday.

“It’s a bummer that all the events where our class would get to come together and celebrate have been cancelled so far,” Duffy said.

The class of 2021 has held on to hope through the few events that have gone through. At the beginning of the year, many seniors took advantage of the senior retreat to spend time with their classmates and form bonds for the remainder of the year. The senior class was also able to plan a senior sunset before the first day of their last year, and senior assassin, a fun game that has become tradition for many graduating classes, but both of these events are unaffiliated with school. Events like these could be the only opportunity some students have to see some classmates, as the A-L students and M-Z students don’t often cross paths.

Although it is hard to stay motivated this year, the class of 2021 still has hope that we will finish the year out strong and get a graduation to celebrate in the end.

Teachers and students struggle with demand to turn on cameras

By Hadley McCusker, Staff Writer Checking in to an 8:00 a.m. class can be a difficult task for students, and it has become especially discouraging with virtual classes. It has become second nature to join a call with the click of a button and leave to go make your breakfast, an action where the consequences run deeper than what meets the eye.

Next time you choose to turn off your camera, take a moment to stop and think. Throughout this year, the lack of participation and seeing students in person has taken a toll on teachers.

“When you have your camera on you are able to make a connection even when you are at home, simply being able to see someone’s face and eyes is essential to spark good conversations in the classroom,” said Religion teacher Chuck Walker.

It has become increasingly easy for students to forget that turning off their camera leads to other consequences. The feeling that you are not being monitored can be a freeing but also a detrimental factor in slacking off and forgetting assignments.

“I think it’s easier for kids to get distracted with their cameras off,” Walker said. “Even if it’s just the teacher watching them it is an incentive to keep them on track and help teachers assess body language in seeing if their students are in need of extra help.”

This year, it is more important

Photo by Alex Vallone

Blank screen - A common sight for teachers is to stare at initials. Students’ unwillingess to turn on their cameras has made teaching more difficult for teachers because they lose face-to-face connection.

than ever to promote unity. Feeling alone and isolated is completely normal and having our cameras on during class will allow for students to regain their connection. We have taken for granted the times in which we could sit close and socialize with our friends in class and promoting cameras can help replicate that sense of community even from home.

“Teaching the same subject, last year kids were fired up to be involved and to be engaged and it is something that I took for granted,” Walker said. “Kids being kids

and socializing with one another is something that made school fun, and I truly feel for you guys and the situation you have been thrown into.

It’s a wall we have to break through in order to fully immerse ourselves in our education this year and make the most of it.”

As we continue on in these next few months of school, it is essential to keep our school spirit alive through our cameras and smiles until we are finally able to return it back to our campus.

Illustration by Xiang (Lucy) Chang

Slipping attendance - Senior absences are high as motivation runs low.

Due to the pandemic, seniors were forced to change their view on a typical senior year.

6 Opinion

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Walking through it all Illustration by Carly Giotto

Simple ways to save money in high school

By Emelin Conboy, Staff Writer Most of us know the frustration of receiving that notification telling us our bank account balance has fallen below $25. As a teenager, a large part of our social lives involves spending money in one way or another, whether it’s on food, gas, or tickets to a concert. High school can be a great foundation for good spending habits that’ll carry into adulthood. It’s possible to make simple changes to your lifestyle that’ll make an impact on your bank account. Here are some ways that you can save money as a teenager: #1 Set goals: Have your eye on a nice clothing item or new technology? Set a saving goal for it. Write down how much it costs and when you’d like to be able to purchase it.

This will help you be more mindful of what you’re spending because you’ll remember that there’s an item more important to you than the one you’re considering buying on a whim. Plus, you’ll feel more accomplished buying something you’ve been wanting for a while rather than buying something unnecessary. #2 Open a savings account and add a portion of any income to it: A savings account can motivate you to save money because it’s kept separately from your spending money. This makes you less inclined to spend, since you’d have to transfer the money to your checking account. Whenever you earn or are given money, put a portion of it into your savings account. #3 Create a budget: By listing different expenses and how much money you would like to spend on them, you have a guide to reference before spending mindlessly.

Many banking apps such as Bank of America have tools to set limits on your spending in different categories like entertainment, food, or clothing. You can also see how much you’ve been spending in these categories to gain perspective on your habits and set goals for the future. If your bank does not have this feature, apps like Mint or Personal Capital can help you set a budget. #4 Make coffee from home: Each $4-5 drink from a coffee shop adds up, so, become your own barista! According to Spoon University, purchasing a Starbucks drink every day will cost $1,100 a year on average. On the other hand, Spoon University calculated that making a drink at home costs about $200 annually. This includes fancier drinks like lattes or macchiatos, saving you around $900 a year. Although a coffee machine is an investment if you do not own one already, the long term savings may be worth it.

Although saving money can seem difficult or daunting, some small sacrifices and planning can have a large impact on your account balance. If you are hoping to spend your money more mindfully, a few less meals out or learning how to budget are useful steps.

Walking is the best physical activity during the pandemic due to its mental and physical benefits.

By Domi Drust, Social Media Editor

W

hen the pandemic hit, volleyball clubs closed, gyms closed their doors, and work out classes cancelled. As an athlete, I didn’t know how to process this major life shift of not having volleyball or training every day. I used sports to exert my energy and allow me to process my emotions. It was my sweet escape and in March, I had more time than I knew what to do with. This was when I discovered walking and the endless benefits it has for our mental, emotional, and physical health.

While underrated, its benefits are overwhelming. Walking burns body fat, aids cardiovascular health, and strengthens your joints, according to Prevention.com. Walking should not be directly compared to running; running is more demanding on the body, which was not easy to do with my injured joints and sore muscles.

Being away from volleyball caused me to struggle with knee issues.

I grew fidgety when running was deemed to be the only option once gyms closed. Since running was physically demanding on my knees, it was not an option. When I had the inability to release the anxiety I felt from the current state of the world, I decided to go for a walk.

When I observed the nature around me, I entered a state of harmony. I decided to integrate walking

Photos by Domi Drust

Look Around - Walking within nature is therapeutic. It allows Drust to clear her head or spend time with family and friends.

into my workout routine. I was getting the health benefits of light cardio while being able to clear my head and take in the environment around me.

According to a Harvard study, walking protects knee and hip joints and could prevent arthritis. Walking boosts immunity and people who inherited obesity promoted genes had those genes cut in half if they walked a hour a day. Mentally, walking also

has shown to reduce fatigue, stress, and anxiety.

Walking can take you new places, whether it’s the beach, mountains, or a nearby trail. You can put on a podcast, music, show or audiobook to make it more interesting. Walking gives you time to yourself that gives you a hour or two to reflect upon your day and dedicate that time to listening or watching something you love.

As someone who participates in rigorous cardio and lifting normally, I am a big advocate for walking. Over the past year I have learned to appreciate taking a walk. Walking keeps me centered, grounded, and helps me stay in shape.

Do not underestimate walking. If you feel stressed or detached, go for a walk. You will surprise yourself with the enjoyable experience it brings to your wellbeing.

The inevitable transition Students can expect challenges adjusting to normal, in-person school.

By Lauren Memoly, Staff Writer The change from hybrid schedule to regular school will be a difficult transition for future students.

Many students prefer the current schedule rather than the normal block schedule. There are positives and negatives to both schedules, and and both come with challenges when transitioning.

Many students have ultimately adjusted to the current schedule. Junior Kayla Scopaz is in favor of our current schedule and believes school will be difficult when things go back to normal.

Students have been participating in the current hybrid schedule for several months, and it seems completely normal now.

“I do think it will be hard to adjust going back to normal school at this time because I am so used to the schedule right now,” Scopaz said.

It will be hard for students to adjust to longer school days and attending school four days a week again. Students are used to being less engaged at school and used to learning in a different environment. Students are used to attending school for fewer hours and days and benefit from the accommodations of the current schedule.

Photo by Giulia Henshaw

Back to campus - The new schedule provides students with the hope that the school year will be back to normal. However, most students were not used to being in a classroom four days a week.

“I believe some challenges will include focus level because I am used to not having to focus for long amounts of time,”Scopaz said.

Many miss being able to see their friends and engaging in a full classroom. Scopaz faces the struggles of not being able to see her friends on a daily basis and enjoys

lunch with them.

“I miss being able to see all my friends at the same time as well as eating lunch in big groups,” Scopaz said.

In addition, it will be harder for students to manage their time while not having as many school days online. Senior Sabrina Cormie has good memories of a normal

school and has missed normalcy.

“Since it has almost been a whole year since we were sent home from school, I feel like I’ve forgotten what a normal day at school is like,” Cormie said. “As weird as it is going to be, I’m so eager to get back in class with more than three or four other students and be able to see more familiar faces around campus.”

In the new modified schedule students will be in a classroom setting with all students rather than only half of the class at a time.

Students look forward to participating in a full class and adjusting back to a normal school classroom environment.

“When in a normal school environment, I am able to focus and learn more while having fun and interacting with my classmates,” Cormie said.

Students look forward to returning to school for four days a week and hope that it is a sign school will go back to normal. It has been almost a full year since students have attended school in a normal environment and they look forward to taking steps to reach that again.

“I see going back to school four days a week like the light at the end of the tunnel,” Cormie said. “I think life overall will start to feel more exciting and normal finally after a whole year of this pandemic.”

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Feature 7

, ,& Southern California Experiencing Southern California’s Joshua Tree Desert, Big Bear Mountain, and Laguna Beach is possible all in one day.

By Juliana Soliman, Staff Writer

F

ew places on earth offer all three of SoCal’s greatest perks: desert, mountains, and ocean -- all within a few hours of each other. Visiting all three in the same day proves an ultimate adventure.

“On a whim my friend goes, ‘Guys we need to do this, we need something because senior year has been kind of lame so far, and we need to make up for that,’” said senior Bella Tosches.

Tosches and her friends were ready for an adventure to make up for a lack of dances, football games, and more senior festivities, and a SoCal adventure was their perfect comeback. In one day, they traveled from Rancho Santa Margarita to the Joshua Tree Desert to Big Bear to Laguna Beach and back to Rancho Santa Margarita.

“I woke up at 2:30 a.m,” Tosches said. “We left at 3:30 a.m. and drove straight to Joshua Tree. We made it there before sunrise, and no one was there.”

An early rise for Tosches and her friends meant they got to enjoy a scenic sunrise in Joshua Tree and after a stop for breakfast, a head

Photo by Bella Tosches

Photo by Lauren Memoly

Photo by Emelin Conboy

Photo by Aaron Moffet

Photo by Emelin Conboy

Photo by Bella Tosches

Siezing the day - Tosches and friends visit the Joshua Tree Desert, Big Bear, and Laguna beach in one day. They enjoyed the picturesque views each spot had to offer.

start to their next spot: Big Bear.

“We went to do a hike and realized the whole path was icy and steep,” Tosches said. “We had no idea the hike would be like that, so we did not have the right shoes.

We did have hiking poles though, so we climbed up using those, and I probably fell five times. It was super funny.”

Beyond a laughable hike, Tosches enjoyed the picturesque views of Big Bear.

“When we got to the top of the mountain there was so much snow, and we were throwing snowballs,” Tosches said. “The air was super clear and the view of the lake and all the trees surrounding was so pretty.”

Another pit stop for lunch and a quick stop at the historic citrus garden in Riverside and the group was off to the final terrain of the adventure: the ocean.

“We went to Heisler Park in Laguna Beach and by the end of the day we were so dead tired we didn’t even walk down to the sand,” Tosches said. “We saw the pretty

sunset, and we were done.”

With over 200 miles of driving done, the group felt accomplished and exhausted. Tosches’ main tips for anyone who’d want to tackle the adventure themselves is to check the weather, make sure you’ve packed everything you need for the day, and make sure you keep to your time.

Music that matters Senior Keely Mulvihill uses her life experiences to create songs that connect with others.

By Giulia Henshaw, Copy Editor The beauty of music is its ability to resonate with people, and the song’s lyrics is what creates that connection. Senior Keely Mulvihill understands the emotional power behind songwriting and uses her own experiences to create the message behind her songs.

Mulvihill first discovered her love for music in elementary school when she joined orchestra, which led her on a path to learn how to play the piano, guitar, and finally, write and sing songs. However, it wasn’t until her sophomore year that she began to dive deeper into song writing.

“During my freshman year, I took a year off [from music] and didn’t really touch the music room a lot, but the year after, I started to write a lot in my songbook,” Mulvihill said.

Depending on whether she has a specific topic or theme in mind for a song, writing songs can either take Mulvihill days or weeks. Not only does she write her own lyrics, but she produces the beat, melodies, and all other instrumental components of the song. Once the song is completed, Mulvihill records the song, which proves to be the most difficult part.

“Since I am a perfectionist, fin-

Photo by John Mulvihill

Photo by John Mulvihill

In the studio - After writing the lyrics and creating the beat, Mulvihill records her song. Her completed songs were posted on her Instagram.

ishing a recording is hard for me,” Mulvihill said. “I can spend two weeks on a section of the song and love it, but a few days later I can find something that needs to be better.”

The songs Mulvihill writes are inspired by her own life. Her desire to help people feel understood is what motivates her to continue her music and share it with others.

One of Mulvihill’s songs, “Song For You,” addresses the feelings that come from losing a loved one.

However, she wanted a different approach.

“I feel that songs about losing someone are always sad and focused on the grieving process,” Mulvihill said. “I wanted to create a song focused on the person that passed and honoring their life.”

Mulvihill looks forward to continuing to pursue music in college and determined her college list based on schools that would expose her to all aspects of the music industry. She plans to focus on song writing and production and is excited to further her musical education.

Music provides Mulvihill with an outlet to express her stories

Face behind the music - Mulvihill uses her music to relate to the struggles people face in their lives.

She uncovered her love for music in her school’s orchestra class.

through her lyrics to help others who may be struggling with mental health.

“My two big passions in life are art and music and I really love making songs about mental health where I can potentially help other people in their struggles,” Mulvihill said.

To listen to Mulvihill’s music, visit her Instagram, @myst_music.

Life through the lens Seniors Sam Cruz and Nathalie Barnes capture memories with their film cameras, worrying less about the societal pressure to have perfect pictures.

By Alex Vallone, Managing Editor

O

Photos by Cole Parker

Captured moments - During a dinner party, a drive in movie, and more, Cruz and Barnes snap photos on their film cameras to savor the moment. Film can take weeks to develop so Cruz and Barnes were drawn to the mystery and anticipation of film cameras.

ne, two, three, smile. In an instant, the flash goes off and snaps the photo. Bringing the old tradition of film cameras back to life, seniors Sam Cruz and Nathalie Barnes break our culture’s social media expectations and focus more on being present in social settings. Cruz was inspired by her mother and hopes to continue on her mother’s tradition of sharing film with friends.

“I was going through my mom’s old stuff from when she was a flight attendant and I found her old film camera, which still had film in it,” Cruz said. “Her and her friends had a tradition where they would each get a new film camera for every country they went to and each friend would keep film. I got the film developed, and I loved the way the pictures looked, so I started using my mom’s old film camera.”

Both Cruz and Barnes are avid lovers of photography and were drawn to the mystery and anticipation that comes with using film cameras. In addition to the element of surprise,

Barnes appreciates the tangible feeling of holding print photos in your hand.

“I love the anticipation of not knowing for a long time how the photos turned out,” Barnes said.

“I will totally forget about certain moments and pictures, and then I get the film back, and I have a perfect collection in time.”

There is a lengthy process that surrounds developing film. The first step is filling up a roll of film or a disposable camera with pictures and priceless memories. Next, take the film camera to a local store that develops film. Barnes goes to the Digital Photo store in RSM. This process can take many months, but this suspense is what Cruz

finds so alluring.

“I like how you can’t see what the picture looks like,” Cruz said. “When you take a picture with your phone you are so caught up in how you look, but with a film camera you take the photo and you get surprised when you develop it.”

In a digital age, it is easy to get caught up in social media and feel pressure wondering how many likes a picture will get. Film cameras ease the stress of taking a perfect picture because the goal is to capture perfect memories. For Cruz, using a film camera helps pull her away from her phone.

She is less inclined to bring h e r phone when in social

settings and brings her film camera everywhere she goes.

“Using only my film camera to take pictures helps me be more in the moment,” Cruz said.

Although there are downsides that come with the new trend of disposable cameras such as expensive developing costs and environmental concerns, including excessive plastic waste, Cruz and Barnes believe the positive benefits leave a much greater impact. Both Cruz and Barnes addresses the overwhelming feeling of being too concerned over how others view us and how this pressure can become consuming. For these seniors, they have rediscovered the meaning of social media by using film cameras to share photos that aren’t perfectly posed and embody the mindset of living in the moment.

“When you are using a disposable, you only have 30 pictures, so you have to make it count,” Barnes said. “ It’s not about posing, and scrolling through to find the perfect picture. There’s no pressure to get a perfect picture. You have what you have, and it’s a special memory.”

Illustration by Lizzie Bork

Photos by (top to bottom) Sam Cruz and Makena Eddy

Breaking norms - In a quick flash, Cruz has her friends smile big for her camera. Cruz worried less about taking the perfect pictures to meet social media expectations to always look perfect.

10 Feature

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Girlz make food Senior Sophie Tran shares her love for food through her Instagram.

By Katie Eli, Photo Editor and Bella Scarano, A&E

Editor

A

fter completing her culinary masterpiece, Senior Sophie Tran takes a step back to admire her work before capturing a picture of her creation.

Tran hopes to spark inspiration and motivation to others. It all started last summer through an exchange between Tran and senior Sam Cruz. After sharing breakfast and lunch creations with each other, the girls decided it was time to share their cooking with others, thus creating their Instagram: @ girlzmakefood.

Starting as a hobby, Tran now enjoys documenting and sharing her recipes in the kitchen. She has been using this platform to gain culinary knowledge and skill through healthy and sweet recipes.

From Buddha bowls to family recipe carrot cake, Tran has documented every step of their journey.

“I think the most rewarding part of starting @girlzmakefood is that I’m able to show a part of myself that is different from my personal Instagram,” Tran said.

One of the most exhilarating parts of having a food blog is finding the delicious recipes online and recreating them. Tran’s personal favorite recipe is homemade cinnamon rolls, which is featured most on the account.

“I really like working with yeastbased recipes like cinnamon rolls,

Photo by Lauren Raney

Photo by Sophie Tran

Photo by Olvia Mumby

Photo by Lauren Raney

Photo by Sophie Tran

Bold creations - Cruz and Tran share their love for food through healthy and easy recipes on their Instagram. Taking their passion further, they hope to serve their community through fundraisers, such as their Valentine’s Day project with Global Charity.

breadsticks, etc.,” Tran said. “I used to be so intimidated by what I thought was a daunting and tedious process.”

Tran’s inspiration came from student alumnis who created her own account posting photos from various eateries. Their casual and feel-good vibe is what set the alumnus apart from other food blogs.

Tran was inspired to create the same space with her account.

After posting healthy meals she was having for lunch, Tran quickly realized that eating healthy can be fun and exciting. In order to get this message across to her followers, she began to create simple meals that anyone could make.

“A lot of our recipes are plantbased or vegan, so another component of the account is to show that eating healthy and sustainably doesn’t have to be boring or bland,”

Tran said.

This platform has shown her how food can expand to different outlets that she is passionate about. She is able to connect with the community by supporting a Global Charity with her newest project.

“Sam and I are currently working on a project where we plan to sell charcuterie boxes on Valentine’s Day to raise money for the Global

Fund for Women (charcuterie4charity),” Tran said.

Tran has full intentions to post on this blog when she goes off to college and looks forward to exploring the epicurean world in the future.

“This is also something I hope to show our followers, that if two teenage girls with no culinary expertise can make something, you can too,” Tran said.

Farm fresh food for you The Ecology Center’s farm stand serves the community locally grown produce while being conscious of the environment.

By Lexi McCabe, Staff Writer Grocery list and market bag in hand, you step foot onto the grounds of the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, California.

The sweet smell of seasonal oranges drifts through the air. It is a beautiful day to witness a farmer tend to the acres of farmland. The Ecology Center is the first home to many organic, locally-grown fruits and vegetables that eventually end up in someone’s kitchen. Farm Share sells a variety of fresh produce, home goods, artisanal bread, tortillas, eggs, and flowers.

The idea of getting to shop an array of all-organic foods intrigued Kaylee Johnson after she heard about it

Illustration by Lizzie Bork

from a friend. Determined to purchase and eat nourishing, clean food, she decided to check it out for herself.

“Getting to visit and experience the Ecology Center for the first time was incredible,” Johnson said.

“Looking through all of the fresh produce and seasonal foods they were currently stocking motivated me to cook healthy meals throughout the week.”

The Ecology Center is one of the last organic farms found in Orange County. Their approach to serving and changing the community for the better is out of love for the environment. All of the food sold at the Ecology Center is either sourced within a short radius or grown on site.

“After learning about greenhouse gases in my environmental class, I learned the importance of shopping local and lowering my ecological footp r i n t ,” J o h n son said.

“Knowing

that I am able to purchase food that is sourced locally from the Ecology Center gives me great peace.”

Promoting a sustainable life is important to the Ecology Center.

They strive to limit waste by only providing brown paper bags for smaller individual items and no plastic packaging. Although it is not required, the Ecology Center encourages its shoppers to bring their own bags to package their groceries.

“Getting to put all my products into my own basket was definitely a highlight, since I knew I was eliminating waste,” Johnson said.

“It’s so cool that they make it easy for their customers to live a life of zero-waste through their minimal packaging.”

If shopping local is something that seems interesting, but visiting the Ecology Center is out of reach, checking out a farmers market close to home is an alternative.

Kaylin Maddox has had nothing but a positive experience shopping at the Laguna Niguel Farmers Market. She enjoys the fresh produce she purchases and loves getting to cook with them. Going to the farmers market has become an occasional fun-outing.

“I absolutely love going to the Farmers Market,” Maddox said.

“The vendors and people that shop there are very friendly. I enjoy talking with the vendors about their products, and they are usually

Photo by Lexi McCabe

A pop of produce - A look into the abundant Farm Stand full of fresh produce, home goods, and artisanal offerings. The local community has supported the Ecology Center since it opened.

happy to answer questions.”

The Farm Share at the Ecology Center or a local farmers market works for those who want fresher produce and other unique items, while supporting a small business and shopping locally-grown, or-

ganic groceries.

“I felt great after shopping local because I know that the food I am buying does not have as big as an impact on the planet,” Maddox said.

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Feature 11

'Present and voting' online Students and staff share perspectives on the virtual MUN experience.

By Katharine Lee, Feature Editor

S

ome staples of Model United Nations (MUN) are in a class of their own: constant debate and motions, students sporting Western Business Attire, a vast sea of suits and ties, heels and blazers, and, of course, the essential TK Burgers food trucks.

This year, SOCOMUN XXVI found the SM gym empty, devoid of hundreds of waving country flags; still, the conference was historic. Held virtually for the first time in 26 years, it would not be the last conference to move online.

Many delegates benefit from the online switch. Sophomore Celine Bacily reveals one upside of virtual MUN: the ability to travel to various international conferences without leaving the comforts of home.

Over the span of the first semester, Bacily has virtually flown all over the globe, winning awards in far-reaching countries like Panama, where she was the only delegate from the U.S. amongst Latin American students in her committee. In breakout rooms at SEOMUN, she collaborated on resolutions with delegates from Seoul International School, Korean students who considered English their second language.

Though she has never set foot in

Photo from SMCHS MUN Instagram

All smiles - Delegates pose for PANAMUN award photos post-closing ceremonies on Microsoft Teams. With 11 winners ranging from sophomores to seniors, SM MUNers proudly represented their countries and school.

either one of these countries—unable to sightsee the various tourist destinations with her delegation, physically unable to present in a conference room, forced to raise a digital blue Zoom hand instead of a placard labelled “U.S.A.”—Bacily found the virtual experience rewarding still.

“International conferences really open up the playing field in terms of the average MUN experience,” Bacily said. “As a delegate, you’re going up against people who come from distinct cultures and

backgrounds. Seeing the different ways people all over the world debate improves your own style, makes you more versatile.”

Along with international conferences, virtual MUN provides delegates with the extra opportunity to participate in multiple college-held conferences, such as BearMUN (UC Berkeley) and CMUNCE (Columbia and Barnard University).

College-tier conferences provide admissions talks to the delegates, as well as an exciting and challenging alternative to normal MUN

through the introduction of crisis committees.

Many such committees contain innovative topics like planning a Mars expedition or solving the Yemeni crisis. Crisis updates—unprecedented pieces of information that may change the entire course of a conference--force delegates to think on their feet and debate quickly, effectively, and spontaneously. Bacily emphasizes how the volatile nature of crisis committees helped improve her confidence as a public speaker.

“There's basically no preparation, no position papers beforehand, nothing,” Bacily said. "But eventually you get used to being called on the spot and become more well-spoken. Each time, there’s less and less of the whole stuttering and freaking out part.”

Freshman MUN teacher Ricardo Cuadra agrees that virtual MUN provides advantages to freshmen, who have given mostly positive feedback. Speaking to delegates over Zoom boxes releases some of the pressure that comes with speaking in front of a packed conference room, especially for those who are entirely new to MUN. "Virtual MUN has allowed the freshman to at least experience MUN this year," Cuadra said. "I love hearing them tell me about the feedback their chairs gave them to help them improve, or funny stories or tech flops in committee."

Sophomore Kassidy Goddard agrees that students are lucky enough to continue debate during the pandemic with modern technology. However, she is nostalgic over the interaction and memories the in-person MUN experience creates within the SM community.

“Remember when we all used to crowd in the gym, waiting for the awards to come out, and just screaming our heads off when someone from SM won?” Goddard said. “I miss that energy. I’m hoping we find it again very, very soon.”

Faith-filled school year Campus ministry prioritizes faith despite the pandemic on campus.

By Natalia von Gierke, Staff Writer Eat, sleep, school, repeat. This is what the school year is like for many students, making life repetitive and lonesome. But, Campus Ministry works to keep the faith alive on campus.

Gerardo Butalid, Assistant Coordinator of Retreats and Special Events, connects students to each other and to their faith.

"I think Jesus is so important for the identity of the campus," Butalid said. "In a time with all this chaos, it is super easy to forget that He is the priority, and making sure Jesus is the focus in what we do and who the students encounter."

The styles have changed this year, following COVID-19 guidelines to keep students distanced and to limit contact. Changing how the events look is difficult for the Campus Ministry team. They've

had to become more creative.

"It's difficult to plan ahead because things change so quickly with all the guidelines and with what we are permitted to do," said Francis Cabildo, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry- Retreats & Parish Outreach. "Once we get a green light on certain things, we like to do as much as we can."

Despite the obstacles, Campus Ministry has led quarterly XLTs and one day grade level retreats.

They are allowed to have about 40 to 50 people per retreat and about 40 people at XLT worship nights. Abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines has limited the capacity but not the participation.

Students are eager to attend these events and practice their faith. Senior Mary Katherine Riley explains students' willingness to take advantage of the events.

"People have seen what really matters to them, once they've had it taken away," Riley said. "People

" Campus ministry is there for all students to turn to, and it's never too late to become involved in your faith. " - Mary Katherine Riley

Photo by McKenna Thomas

Coming together - Students gather for the Catholic School's Week mass in the gym. Freshman and seniors enjoyed their first in person mass of the school year.

are much more grateful and more willing to turn to prayer."

Masses have transitioned to an online format, allowing students to participate from their classrooms, while Eucharistic ministers deliver the communion to the students on campus. Additionally, Father Tim, the school Chaplin, heard confessions during the season of Advent and will again during Lent. Retreats normally provide a step back from daily life to focus on growing students' connections with God. "We are hoping and praying for a couple of those Kairos retreats for

seniors," Cabildo said. "I know that is something that almost every senior looks forward to."

Despite the major setbacks for events, the Campus Ministry team is staying motivated. Cabildo and Butalid explain that the students and their love of Christ keeps them motivated to plan as many events.

"I love it because we are coming together, and it's Jesus that is bringing us together," Cabildo said.

Campus Ministry uses advertising, social media, and other Santa Margarita Instagram accounts to promote its events, especially those

with short notice. The events are also printed in the Eagle Update and displayed on the marquee.

Word of mouth helps to increase numbers because students are enthusiastic about the few events they can attend.

Through all the struggles of the year, Campus Ministry exists to welcome students with open doors and keep the love of God, Caritas Christi, alive on campus.

"Campus ministry is there for all students to turn to, and it's never too late to become involved in your faith," Riley said.

The Eagle Eye

12 Feature

March 2021

AACC tells Black history

By Evelyn Driscoll, Print Editor-in-Chief

M

any of us know Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks from our history classes, but we don't normally learn about Gwendolyn Brooks, Josephine Baker, and the multitude of other Black creators, activists, inventors, and influential people essential to American history. Senior Gabriella Gilchriese founded the African American Culture Club at the start of this year to promote inclusivity and awareness of Black history and culture on campus.

"I think that the mission statement behind the club is just a place to feel welcome, especially for the African American community at our school, and just a place to learn our history and learn about our culture because we just don't get taught it in our school," Gilchriese said.

The club's meetings feature a presentation led by Gilchriese followed by a group discussion. The presentations follow a timeline of African American history and cover lesser known topics not usually taught in history classes. This

emphasis on spreading awareness about less well-known aspects of Black history also influences the club's events that celebrate Black History Month.

For BHM, the club is holding meetings every two weeks. The presentation at the kickoff meeting on Feb. 8 featured various Black historical figures. Gilchriese chose to deem this meeting an "open meeting," which means it was open to any student whether they belong to the club or not.

"My reason behind that was because, at SM and a lot of the schools down here, we don't really do anything special for Black History Month, and we're only taught about the basics, maybe Malcolm X, but especially MLK and Rosa Parks," Gilchriese said. "And that's just not the whole story."

From Claudette Colvin and Katherine Johnson to Charles Drew and Bessie Coleman, the presentation featured over 45 "VIPs" in Black history, all followed by bullet points of who they were and their accomplishments. Gilchriese spends hours on end researching for every presentation.

"My mom is Black and Argentinian, my dad is White, and so she

has a lot of books on her history, so I get to read those and just [watch] films and movies and things like that that educate me so that I can educate everyone else," Gilchriese said.

Although researching is time consuming, being able to share her history is Gilchriese' s favorite part about being in the club.

"We've had meetings before where [there's] hardly anyone there because people just get so busy, and it's still so nice to know that someone listened for once, and that they were actually able to learn it," Gilchriese said. "They know my history now."

The presentation at the kickoff meeting also showed ways to support the Black community, including shopping from Blackowned businesses. Additionally, Gilchriese encourages students and faculty to watch movies and television shows centering Black experiences and voices that are not only based on racial trauma. She also reminds people to stop their support and learning when the month of February ends.

"To find out more, you can join our meetings or you can even just look it up on your own. You

Photo by Gabriella Gilchriese

Join the club - Students can join the club by emailing Gilchriese.

Gilchriese founded the club at the start of this year.

can look up Black Lives Matter [or NAACP] Instagram pages, you know, just simple things like that," Gilchriese said. "It's really easy and they always have facts on there [and] ways to get involved."

Gilchriese hopes her club will show people the importance and

necessity of learning Black history, especially when it is not fully taught in the classroom.

"African American history is American history," Gilchriese said.

"It really is. Yes, we need to talk about Black history because it's American history, it's part of us."

Hidden history out in the open

By Lana Diab, Staff Writer

T

hrough the newly created Hushed History Club, juniors Madeline Tourtlotte and Leo Dong are diversifying the history taught at school. Their interest in history and their desire to make teaching more interactive results in the club’s informative yet entertaining environment.

Tourtlotte and Dong were in the same history class during their sophomore year, which sparked a mutual interest in the subject.

Their curiosity led them to do additional research in which they discovered that there were many topics that schools did not cover but were vital for students to learn, which led them to create the club.

“I find that school history can either be boring or not relevant to society today or what you should know,” Tourtlotte said.

So far in the club’s brief existence, they have already learned about various topics: ancient so-

Photo by Evelyn Driscoll

New information - The Hushed History Club meets via teams to learn about various Chinese emperors. Madeline Tourtlotte and Leo Dong formed the club this school year and led the meeting.

cieties that held women in high regard, the Aberfan disaster, and more. “[For example] for the Aberfan Disaster, we went into explanations about how the industrial revolution led to the disaster and how it could have been prevented,” Tourtlotte said.

The value and theme of the topics are unique to each one. Whether the lesson is an appreciation of

rare occurrences in society, considering “what if” outcomes of events, or one which shows how an occurrence impacts modern lives, students interpret how history shapes the world in a new way. “[Tourtlotte and Dong focus on] how this historical event impacts the past and how it impacts or progresses anything that happens today,” Dong said.

Everyday occurrences are life

lessons for Tourtlotte and Dong.

They draw inspiration for lessons from media such as “The Crown,” proving the impact historical events have on present-day society and that motivation for learning can be contrived from anything.

Through their own experiences of being unaware of events in history, such as the Korean Genocide, Tourtlotte and Dong want to teach history through a different lens

with consideration of various cultures, countries, and more.

“We learn about [history] from a very Americanized or Eurocentric point of view, and I find myself just shocked that I never learned [about the Korean Genocide], which is extremely important to prevent events like this from happening again,” Tourtlotte said.

There are many plans for the future of the club, including creating a podcast for students. Tourtlotte and Dong hope to reach audiences in other schools and cities. The podcast would be a resource for anyone who does not have the opportunities or time to research historical topics.

The club serves as a resource for learning about rarely discussed topics and an initiative to understand history’s wrongdoings.

“Don’t be scared to learn about something wrong in history, and don’t be scared to speak out about it,” Dong said. “And it’s important to remember history so it doesn’t repeat itself.”

Ava Puepke graduates early to further soccer career

By Gracynn Crocker, News Editor In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, alumna Ava Puepke got the opportunity to graduate early.

With this year being an abnormal senior year anyways, she decided to switch her track to graduate before the spring semester.

Puepke grew up playing soccer with the dreams of playing soccer in college, but her chances of getting recruited were affected by sports being cancelled in California.

“The reason why I graduated early was because the USD women’s soccer team needed a goalie for their spring semester” said Puepke.

When one of the USD team’s

goalies got hurt, the coach reached out to Puepke asking her to fill in for the spring season. The coach didn’t want to go into the season with only one goalie.

Puepke started her senior year planning on graduating with all of her friends she had made through her years at SM. When shocking news that she could graduate early came, she only had a little bit of time to finish out her college credits. Puepke knew it could be possible with the help of the staff.

“The women soccer coach asked if I could graduate early in November and then all the sudden, I was starting my independent study on the first day of Christmas break,’” Puepke said. “I had until January 18 to complete everything then I was off to college.

Since Puepke was ahead in some

subjects, she only had to complete English, Religion and Economics in order to meet the requirements to graduate. With the lockdown and strict distancing rules placed due to COVID-19, the events that seniors normally get to experience have all been postponed in order to follow the guidelines put on by the state.

“Since all the fun senior events got moved to second semester, I am sad I don’t get to participate in those events with my friends,” Puepke said.

With that being said, Puepke felt like it was her best decision to graduate early, even if that meant missing some of these events.

“My friends and family were very happy and supportive of my decision,” Puepke said. “They were all excited that I was able to get the

chance to go to college early.”

The support of all those around her, gave Puepke the confidence to start this new chapter of her life, even though it was unexpected. She was overall excited to get a jumpstart to this experience.

“I am most excited to meet new people and to start a new chapter on my life,” Puepke said.

Seniors have a lot in common but one main thing is that they look forward to their next chapter after high school. Although all students have different journeys after graduation, it is something that excites the class as a whole.

“COVID has hurt my chances on getting recruited for soccer which caused me to lose hope, so when this opportunity came, it was like the light at the end of a dark tunnel,” Puepke said.

Photo by Rachel Puepke

Social media - Puepke shows off her new school. She posted to her Instagram to let her friends know what her future will encompass.

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Sports 13

Dancing through the distance Song and dance team adjust to virtual practices and competitions.

By Evelyn Driscoll, Print Editor-In-Chief, and Emelin Conboy, Staff Writer

S

ong and dance are already physically challenging sports. Add a mask, social distancing, and virtual competitions, and the song and dance teams have to dramatically adjust their dancing lifestyle.

“Our competition routines are really hard and require a lot of stamina, so having our mouths covered has definitely changed the way we have to work on things,” said Olivia Orsini, co-captain of the Varsity Song team. “We usually have a lot of physical connections in practices, and this year we haven’t been able to do that as much, so it’s a bit harder for us to connect the way we used to.”

Dance team is able to practice regularly, with similar precautions to Song regarding masks and distancing. Dancers also have the option to join practices on Teams from home.

Competitions for song transitioned to a virtual format. Each competition is managed differently, whether the teams send in videos of their material or perform live. The song team filmed their performances on Jan. 18, and afterwards their coach uploaded the video to the competition website, where anyone can go watch and subscribe. After scoring the performances, the judges hold a livestream to present the results.

The virtual competition format creates a new atmosphere for the teams, as the energy of the audience and the other teams is missing.

“Before, you would have nerves

because you would see your competition performing right in front of you and then you would go on next,” Orsini said. “The fun thing about this sport is that it’s competitive and the other girls are competitive. That’s what builds adrenaline.”

Dance team’s competition will likely follow the virtual format as well, dependent upon state mandates at the time.

“With changes to our practices and competitions, this once unavoidable drive and competitiveness has been difficult to channel,” said senior and captain of dance team Sophie Tran. “With this, it requires us to not hide behind our masks and to hold ourselves accountable for working as hard, or harder, than we would [during] a normal year.”

If in-person competitions are in the clear, the competition times will be staggered for each team, and all teams will have a designated time to perform on stage.

“While we do not have a lot of solid answers pertaining to how our upcoming competition season will look like,” Tran said. “We are still positive and look forward to any form of competition, virtual or in-person.”

Despite not competing, dance team has also found a way to continue bonding by having a team of Unity Leaders that plan COVID-19 accommodating events, like holding a Secret Santa. The song captains also try to maintain good team spirit through pep talks.

“Even with the adjustments we’ve had to make this year, we have found a new sense of unity and harmony that can only arise from collectively overcoming a challenge,” Tran said.

Photo by Arielle Kalina

Stretch - The Dance team warms up in a new envionment: outside and social distanced. Since the start of the pandemic, the team has learned to adapt to new precautions.

Photo by Danielle Darwazeh

Masked up - Song team poses in the dance room on campus. The team masked up to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Logistics of a club season From football to basketball, high school seasons have been anything but ordinary.

By Roman Sergi, Sports Editor When schools closed last March, there was optimism that it would come and pass like other viruses. Unfortunately, that optimism has faded. as it has become a full blown pandemic.

At the high school level, athletes have been among the most impacted by the coronavirus Like all students, athletes haven’t been able to attend school on a regular basis, but they’ve also seen their seasons upended and the inability to practice as they normally would.

Over this time many alternatives have arisen to help these athletes, specifically seniors, to be able to play for one final time. The most lucrative option has been club leagues. Already a mainstay amongst soccer, baseball, and basketball, it exists now for football as well.

Unlike in the past, club seasons have been a part of high school’s actual season and not separate like in basketball.

“We’ve been really fortunate to have a seamless transition into a club season,” said senior Aldo Ruiz-Ortiz. We’ve been able to get our practice in off-site and have played some games.”

For football, Winner Circle Athletics (WCA) has taken charge forming an entire league and building a field in a mere month.

Not affiliated with any high schools, they formed the Champions league--filled with top talent.

“I think it’s a great thing they have done,” said senior football player Tyler Whitman. “It is an opportunity for some teams to come together and play as one. They also get to gain film to demonstrate what they have worked on for these many months to colleges.”

The league has gained both criticism and praise. Many doubters like well-known LA Times writer, Eric Sondenheimer, have criticized the league for breaking protocols and not caring about the risks of the virus. Those who have praised it say it is the best and only opportunity for kids to actually get to play.

“I don’t think the critics really understand what is going on.

Players at home are doing what they must do to stay safe,” Whitman said. They temp check at the games, and players aren’t around other people but players and coaches. Players are getting the opportunity that was taken away by poor leadership.”

For basketball it has been similar to AAU ball. Forming under a

Photo by Greg Townsend

Performing mindset - Senior Aldo Ruiz-Ortiz switches the ball to get past a defender. The Eagles basketball team practices as a club in preparation for the upcoming season.

new name to play, many athletes have been able to play against the same competition, but under a club label.

“It sucks not being able to rep our brand, but we understand why.

We still get to play,” Ruiz-Ortiz said. “Unlike AAU we’re still pretty much the same team, and it’s more about playing than anything.”

Athletes have been given a chance to show off their talents.

“From a outside perspective this is the right path,” Whitman said.

“It’s so much more than getting a chance to play. It’s a chance to get out and get to college. Right now it’s the only path.”

The Eagle Eye

14 Sports

March 2021

Eagles soar on ice

The Eagles Ice Hockey teams deal with COVID-19 restrictions along with a new head coach. “

By Marcus Kim, Staff Writer Being able to n this unusual sports season, the Ice Hockey team has had make lifelong to deal with a series of conflicts while trying to ensure anothfriends on the er successful season.

The team has had to adjust to hockey team losing long time head coach Craig Johnson, who took an assistant was one of coaching job with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey the best League (AHL). Johnson brought the team three USA Hockey Didecisons I’ve vision 1 Varsity national championships (2013, 2018, and 2019). He made. also led the team to a silver medal in 2015 and 2017 and a bronze med” al in 2011 at the national level. Finally, at the state level he has led - Ryan the Eagles Division 1 team to four state championships.

Riddlesperger With Johnson gone, former as-

I

Photo from SMCHS Hockey

sistant coach Ladislov Kohn takes the reigns as the Eagles’ head coach. Kohn, a former NHL player, brings a familiar face to the program. Kohn was on the staff for the 2019 National Championship, and looks forward to continuing the winning culture.

Kohn took on the position during COVID-19, which meant the team had to adjust. By now, if it weren’t for COVID-19, the Eagles would have played over half of their season and would begin traveling to multiple tournaments around the country.

Dub Season - The Hockey Team celebrates their national championship victory by posing with their medals and banner. The team has won three championships in the past decade.

Senior Nick Smith, a junior year transfer from Mater Dei, has been a leader on the defensive side for the past year.

“It is quite frustrating practicing every week and not being able to play games at this point of the year,” Smith said.

Along with Smith, the team is led on the ice by captain Aidan Casey and assistant captains Marcus Kim, Ryan Riddlesperger, and Brandon Yamasaki. Casey, Kim, and Yamasaki have been a part of the national champion winning

program since their freshman year with Riddlesperger transferring from JSerra his sophomore year to join the team in 2019.

“Transferring from JSerra and being able to make lifelong friends on the hockey team at Santa Margarita was one of the best decisions I have made, and winning the national championship two years ago just topped it off. Hopefully, we can pull it off again this year,” Riddlesperger said.

With the team struggling to find games this year under California’s

restrictions the team hopes that a national and state championship will happen later this year.

“With Nationals being cancelled last year, and going second in state to qualify to play, and having it get cancelled because of COVID hurt but brought the team and me more motivation to try and get the National three peat to end me and the rest of the senior’s high school careers,” Riddlesperger said.

“During this unpresented time, to get more games in we have been traveling as a club team to different

tournaments around the country, most recently being Dallas, Texas,” Smith said.

The team has been successful twice, going to Texas undefeated with a total of scoring around 100 goals in nine games.

“In spite of the pandemic going we have came together as a group and overcame the adversity and hopefully will be able to continue our success in the future,” Smith said. “We’ve been together for a number of years and this is a great group of guys. Winning is natural.”

Robbed of a chance After transferring from another school, many players haven’t been able to officially play for their new school.

By Roman Sergi, Sports Editor and Domi Drust, Social Media Editor Among this year’s top-tier high schools and athletes, players transfer more than ever. Whether it’s a change in coaching or the wrong fit for the athlete, players go where they feel most comfortable and can grow into the player they want to be.

Many athletes transferred to new schools before coronavirus hit with the hopes to play in their new program. COVID rules and regulations have put a hold of many sports’ seasons.

Syncere Brackett was one of many players who came to play.

A freshmen linebacker, Brackett transferred from Corona Centennial.

“The reason I came here was because of the coaches,” Brackett said. “I know I can trust them [completely]. I also want to help turn around the program and I could be myself here, meaning my personality wouldn’t be taken away.

Brackett comes to a new school with high expectations and believes he and the team can accomplish them.

Photo by Team Name Image Likeness

New Blood - Linebacker Syncere Brackett catches a pass during warmups. He looked forward to dressing up for the Eagles.

“I really just want to win, to be CIF and state champions,” Brackett said. “That is the goal [for] myself and the team.”

Players like Brackett are disappointed in not being able to dress up in their new school colors and uniforms.

“That’s what any player wants at

any school, just a chance to show out for your team. It’s upsetting I haven’t had that opportunity,” Brackett said. “[Thankfully] we are on campus full time and most of the kids are cool and nice, that’s helped ease feelings of dismay.”

Despite not being able to officially play, the added practice

time allows players to form greater chemistry amongst them. Chemistry is arguably the most important aspect of teams and Brackett is confident when the team can officially play together they will demonstrate their readiness.

“For a bit it felt like because there was some doubt over if we

were going to have a season, it wasn’t as fun. There was some low energy and that chemistry couldn’t be created,” Brackett said. “But we have been working on it, taking days to go out and bond and chill [together]. At the end of the day, this is a brotherhood.”

March 2021

A&E 15

The Eagle Eye

Finding your ‘Soul’

Senior Katie Gasper shares her love for art while giving back to the community.

By Giulia Henshaw, Copy Editor

T

he typical milestones in a child’s development are walking and talking, but senior Katie Gasper added one more to the list: art. She has had a passion for art since she can remember and has discovered a way to use her talents to raise money for the Thomas House, a shelter that supports homeless families.

When a Tiktok of her watercolor Harry Styles painting went unexpectedly viral, Gasper began to receive feedback that she should start selling her prints. This inspired her to combine her love for art with a charity that resonated with her.

“Volunteering at the Thomas House with my family for the past 5 years showed me how much money they need and what it can be used towards,” Gasper said.

“Especially right now since we can’t volunteer in person, [selling prints] allows me to use my talents to help others.”

Prior to the pandemic, Gasper used her art skills at the Thomas House by face painting the kids.

Volunteering allows her to form meaningful bonds with them through art.

Gasper began her art journey by drawing pictures of Taylor Swift, and now she finds inspiration for her artwork from artists like Peter McInnis and Holly Warburton as well as pop culture. The art class-

Pixar’s latest release captures audiences of all ages and teaches the importance of simply living life.

By Aaron Moffett, Staff Writer Illustrations by Katie Gasper

Artistic influence - Gasper finds the inspiration for her art pieces from pop culture. The paintings of Harry Styles (left) and Billie Eilish (right) were sold on her art Instagram account.

es on campus have allowed her to expand her knowledge of art and challenge her creativity.

“IB Art has helped me branch out and be more original with my work,” Gasper said. “Recently, I’ve been painting more works of my friends instead of celebrities because it is more personal to me.”

In addition to the art classes she attends at school, Gasper attended a two-week painting camp at UCI, where she furthered her realistic sketching skills and painting using different color palettes. At the end of the two weeks, she demonstrated all that she had learned

with a final painting project, which turned into her favorite piece yet.

“For our last project, I painted this huge painting of Billie Eilish,” Gasper said. “It was stressful because they only gave us three days to finish it before the art show, but I’m proud of the final product.”

Not only does Gasper use her skills for people in need, but she experiences her own sense of relief when she paints or draws. During the pandemic, when social interaction disappeared and free time drastically increased, she found entertainment in her artwork.

“Art has impacted my life by

constantly providing a way for me to relax and let go of any anxiety I may be feeling,” Gasper said.

Whether it be drawing in her free time, sketching for her loved ones, or painting to raise money for people in need, Gasper finds an outlet in her art, and it is something she has been drawn to her whole life.

“Making art is being able to make others feel happy or loved,” Gasper said.

To view Gasper’s prints and help raise money for the Thomas House, go to her art Instagram and Tiktok accounts, @kkatiesart.

Keeping the music alive Choir modifies learning and performing music.

By Xiang (Lucy) Chang, Staff Writer When people passed by the A building, they could always hear the luscious singing of choir. However, the A building became quiet after the breakout of COVID-19.

Like other departments, choir made a lot of adjustments and changes to help its students and faculty to have the best possible class experiences at home. Choir faced harsh challenges during the pandemic but never stopped singing and delivering music to the community.

Before the pandemic, the choir members and teachers spent a lot of time under the same roof singing and rehearsing. However, the choir barely has had any chances to sing together after switching to distance learning.

“The unfortunate thing is that technology does not sync voices in real time, so we can’t sing together online, “ said choir teacher Francisco Calvo.

During in person class, each member of the choir mutes their mics and sings along with the teacher’s piano virtually. Now, the warm-up is for members to do by themselves though online videos.

Members also split into breakout rooms based on their sections of music and practice the music they learn in the class. However, singing alone behind the screen was diffi-

Illustration by Xiang (Lucy) Chang

Unmute and sing - Choir students mute their mics and sing along with their teachers during the virutal class. Even though their singing opporntunities were limited, online learning allowed them to learn more about music theory

cult for the choir to adapt to, so the efficiency of learning was not ideal this way.

“It was so hard to pick up the new music,” said sophomore Jack Shoemake. “It was easy to understand and visually learn your parts while in person, but I lost that connection when we went virtual.”

To help members learn more effectively online, the choir involved more music theory learning instead of singing in class. Choir members visit music web sites and watch educational videos about music. Although they lost some singing opportunities, choir students were grateful for accumulating more theory-based knowledge while staying at home.

Aside from affecting the choir classes, the pandemic took many activities away from the choir.

Since most of the public events were cancelled, the choir was not able to have some important concerts, such as the Pops Concert, a choir festival at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach, the Concordia University Invitational Choir Festival, and the Fall Concert of School.

“The Pops Concert was scheduled to be Disney themed,” Calvo said.

“The choir really loves singing the Pops Concert, especially the seniors. We lost so much in the past year.”

Fortunately, the choir did not lose all of their chances to have

fun. They were able to perform one of the last large-scale activities for the school, the Kraus Memorial Scholarship Concert at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, in March last year. Also, the choir participated in the Christmas production.

Even though there were obstacles like the uncontrollable noise when choir members sang outside, the choir had their Christmas production recordings produced. This challenging but unique experience was a special moment for the choir members because they were able to reunite like a family.

“I had never seen the other choir members in group A before in person, so it was very exciting to talk to them and hear them sing,” said freshman Katie Shepard. “Though we all had to be socially distanced and wear masks, it felt like we were a real choir again.”

After adopting new ways of learning and performing for nearly a year, the teachers and members of the choir feel motivated and energized for this new semester.

They look forward to having more concerts, such as a Kraus Memorial Scholarship Concert, and more chances to enjoy music together in person this year according to COVID-19 guidelines.

“We didn’t let the virus stop us,” Calvo said. “We rehearsed, we studied, we worked together in breakout rooms, and we did everything we could to keep the music alive. “

The purpose of life. The meaning of life. The events that change a life’s direction. Chief Creative Director at Pixar, Pete Docter, poses answers to these questions in his recently released movie “Soul.” Jaimie Foxx stars as the voice actor of the earnest jazz pianist and middle school band director, Joe Gardner.

Tina Fey plays the antithesis of Joe Gardner, the uninspired young soul, #22. Together, Pixar tells a tale of learning how to appreciate life’s little moments.

“Soul” is considered to be Pixar’s first movie that truly caters to all age groups, and this is clear in the universal message portrayed: people are not just living on Earth for something to do, or something to achieve, but to simply be and to experience life.

Joe Gardner finds himself in turmoil thinking that he was meant for one thing in life: to become a performing jazz pianist. But through an adventure with the stubborn #22, he comes to appreciate his life for what it is. Gardner realizes that teaching middle school band can also bring great meaning to his life because he is helping others.

Current senior Alice Lee has now watched “Soul” three times, resonating with each moment.

“With only recently finishing college applications, and having to wait such a long time for decisions, I am constantly worrying about the outcome,” Lee said. “Yet funny enough, each time I watch “Soul,” I am reminded of the importance to the journey, not just reaching my theoretical goals.”

Lee, while reaching toward those goals, recognizes the importance of adapting to the changes in life and discovering new joys.

“Don’t get sucked into something just because you think that’s what you are supposed to do,” Lee said. “Try and fail until you find something you truly enjoy simply because it makes you happy, not just because you’ve been longing or searching for it.”

With everything canceled due to the pandemic, and an uncertain future, many obsess over what was lost. A key idea in “Soul” is the idea of a “lost soul” or someone who is so entrapped in one aspect of life, either a mindset or goal, and it turns them into a monster.

Whether obsessing over getting a job, being accepted into a certain school, or the anger many students face about virtual learning, the point of the movie is that one must be careful not to turn into a lost soul. “Soul” encourages the audience to re-evaluate choices, and enjoy the journey of life. That is where fulfillment lies.

16 A&E

The Eagle Eye

March 2021

Taking a closer look at some of students’ favorite 2020 fashion trends.

By Bella Scarano, A&E Editor and Katie Eli, Photo Editor Senior Carly Giotto dresses in denim jeans and a crewneck while elevating her look with gold jewelery, a cross body bag, and a low bun.

Senior Phillip Medina is dressed in his Sea of Trees clothing brand.

With every purchase, a tree is planted. The brand’s crewnecks, t-shirts, and tote bags are available for purchase.

Photo by Jack Stevens

Senior Juliana Soliman, dressed head to toe in neutral colors, wears a matching comfy set, collard corduroy jacket, shoulder bag, and a hair clip.

Photo by Emma Jongekryg

Photo by Lily Matteson

Senior Spencer Johnson is dressed in RSQ pants and a Patagonia windbreaker.

He accessorizes with an Almond Surfboards hat.

Senior Lily Matteson is wearing colored high top converse, denim jeans, and a corset top accessorized by a baguette bag and vintage glasses.

Photo by Lexi McCabe

Senior Sabrina Cormie is wearing a Nike blazer, vintage hightops, a tennis skirt, and a crewneck.

Photo by Sabrina Cormie

Photo by Lexi McCabe

Driving to number one

By Maddy Sherwood, Staff Writer “I got my drivers license last week, just like we always talked about,” singer Olivia Rodrigo said.

“Cause you were so excited for me to finally drive up to your house.”

Those who are not singing along right now have not heard Rodrigo’s new song, “driver’s license.”

As soon as it was released, “drivers license” went viral because of its lyrics of heartbreak that related to millions. Rodrigo shares about her personal break up that has left her lonely, hurt, and confused.

“The lyrics describe that scenario of helplessness that you feel after a breakup,” said senior Sophia Christopher. “I think so many people can relate to this and have experienced that feeling in their life.”

Millions of people, especially teens, are obsessed with her song because they know exactly how she feels. From Spotify to Apple Music to TikTok to Instagram to YouTube, and everything else in between, it skyrocketed to the number one song globally.

“I started hearing about ‘drivers license’ after I saw everyone posting about in on their Instagram stories,

so I knew I had to listen right away and see what the hype was about,” Christopher said. “It definitely surpassed my expectations.”

Rodrigo started off the new year with a number one single and more fans and followers. She began her career by acting in Disney Channel’s “Bizardvark,” and then she transitioned to acting and singing in Disney’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” Meanwhile, her latest release makes her more popular by the second. At 18, not only is she now close with Taylor Swift, but she even outranked Swift’s new songs.

“I say that’s my baby and I’m really proud,” singer Taylor Swift commented on Rodrigo’s Instagram post about how excited she was to be ranked next to Swift.

Swift is extremely encouraging and supportive of Rodrigo’s success, however, there are rumors that a few people are not fans of her. While working in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Rodrigo met and started dating actor and singer, Joshua Bassett. Even though their romance in the show was fake, their love outside of the show was real.

Unfortunately, according to TikTok rumors, Bassett broke Ro-

drigo’s heart and started dating actress and singer, Sabrina Carpenter, leaving Rodrigo to now “drive alone past his street.” According to various TikTok theories, Bassett released his feelings about the situation in his new song, “Lie, Lie, Lie.” Many TikTok users believe that he thinks that Rodrigo is “acting oh so innocent,” but she is “lying to herself,” as the lyrics of his song go.

Additionally, TikTok users also suspect that Rodrigo mentions Carpenter in her song, “And you’re probably with that blonde girl, who always made me doubt.” On the other hand, they also conclude that Carpenter released her own song, “Skin,” to express her feelings on the situation as well. They suspect that she believes she and Rodrigo “could’ve been friends,” or “maybe blonde was the only rhyme,” as she says in her song.

Not only are millions of people interested in the stories behind the songs, but they have been able to process and express their feelings through them too. Just like Rodrigo, Bassett, and Carpenter, music is an opportunity for these millions of people to get their emotions out and communicate their feelings, no matter how strong or heartbreaking they may be.

Illustration by Katie Gasper

From the heart - The music video for Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” has over 80 million views on YouTube. Millions of people were invested in the relatable lyrics and heartbreaking story behind the song.