MISSION SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL
VOL. 57, NO. 2
October 22, 2021
41717 PALM AVENUE, FREMONT, CA 94539 41717 PALM AVENUE, FREMONT, CA 94539
STATEWIDE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER SHORTAGE EXERTS PRESSURE ON FUSD By Rohan Bhagat, Jacob Han, Vedesh Kodnani & Shelley Li Staff Writers As CA schools return to in-person learning, school districts statewide have been grappling with an urgent issue: a lack of substitute teachers. In order to compensate for the staff shortage, teachers have had to cover for their coworkers, sacrificing their prep periods and coping with elevated stress levels. To investigate how this issue has impacted the state, district, and MSJ community, the Smoke Signal contacted substitutes, teachers, and district staff to conduct an in-depth investigation into the shortage of substitute teachers.
CA Substitute Teacher Shortage School districts statewide have been dealing with the substitute teacher shortage since the start of the school year. According to the CalMatters, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing only issued 47,000 substitute teaching credentials in 2020-21, down from the 64,000 permits that were issued in 2018-19. Furthermore, based on the data from the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, 13,558 of California’s teachers retired during the There is a critical need for substitute teachers across the 2020-21 school year — 1,000 more than state, and the MSJ community is no exception. From a survey the previous year. of 38 teachers, more than 16% of them required a substitute five times or more since the beginning of the school year. In order to fill in for this shortage, more than 50% of teachers surveyed had to sub in five times or more for a coworker during their prep time. This lack of prep time has caused widespread frustration across the faculty. “During one two-week period I lost my prep eight of a possible 10 times, setting me back exponentially on my own work,” one teacher said.
From 2018-2021, the number of substitute teaching permits issued dropped
26.6%
Substitute Teacher Shortage at MSJ
The Smoke Signal surveyed teachers at MSJ for their experiences with the Substitute Teacher Shortage.
How many times Have you required a sub tHis year?
How many times Have you Had to sub in for otHer periods during your prep period tHis year?
16.2%
<5 TIMES 5+ TIMES
<5 TIMES >5 TIMES 83.8%
47.4% 39.5%
10+ TIMES 15+ TIMES 20+ TIMES
CA COMMISSION ON TEACHER CREDENTIALING
Causes The cause of this shortage stems mainly from the effects of the pandemic. According to Principal Jeff Evans, during the pandemic and online learning, the demand for substitute teachers was lower because everyone was working at home; therefore, many substitutes obtained other jobs or chose to retire. Furthermore, due to the economic pressure created by the pandemic, substitutes “have decided to move out of the Bay Area because it’s more expensive,” FUSD Human Resources Department Certificated Personnel Director Sherry Strausbaugh said. Some of those who do return have taken teaching positions in order to fill the teacher shortage that occurred because of the pandemic. “While we know that there has been a [substitute] teacher shortage for some time, we have not experienced substitute shortage like this during my time in FUSD as a director of human resources,” Strausbaugh said.
Impact on the School Community The impact of this issue reaches far across the school community, affecting administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, and students. In the teacher survey, many teachers expressed concerns about elevated stress levels, exhaustion, and complete burnout from having to substitute for colleagues on top of managing their respective classes and facing the difficulties of transitioning back to in-person teaching. “The lack of subs is adding to burnout for our staff and is not sustainable,” one teacher said. “For the first time in my career, I am considering how much longer I will have the energy to adequately do my job.” The lack of proper prep time for teachers results in lower productivity in the classroom, ultimately hurting the student body. For example, Social Studies Teacher
FUSD Response
Rachel Tevlin said, “I wasn’t able to make copies [for a class project] ... everybody had to wait an additional day before I could get them started.” Substitute teachers also suffer from the shortage of personnel. “Whereas normally, I’d be booked [for only] two to three weeks, it’s been almost a month,” Substitute Teacher Mark Henriquez said. “The teachers know that if they don’t book me out ahead, they’re not going to get me.” In order to adapt to the shortage, the MSJ administration has filled in for other teachers during their absence, setting them back on their own duties. “I’ve been running around the AP [classrooms], opening doors [and] staying in until the teacher gets there,” Evans said.
At the moment, FUSD is attempting to speed up the hiring process from their limited applicant pool. The urgency of the situation means that they need to squeeze their recruitment routine into a tighter time frame. “As we see substitutes apply, we are trying to quickly bring them in, get them hired and give them an orientation so they may begin,” Strausbaugh said. Due to the shortage, the district is forced to usher new hires in immediately after passing their interviews. According to Strausbaugh, there are now substitute interviews and orientations being held monthly. Furthermore, the district has altered its hiring techniques to target substitutes who are willing to work more at flexible hours and locations, as well as work with universities to recruit student teachers to assist as substitutes. When asked about long-term solutions, Strausbaugh said, “At the state level, there is definitely more money being put into higher education. Hopefully, we can see more individuals attending universities, getting degrees, and being qualified to become substitute teachers.”
“A joint video message (FUDTA & FUSD) is made and will be pushed out to community members to address the substitute shortage that is impacting the entire district and state. FUSD is aware of the issue. In fact, 20,000 fewer sub credentials across the state were issued this year than in previous years.“ — Fremont Unified District Teachers Association representatives to MSJ teachers
Teachers were asked if they would like their comments to be anonymous. “The lack of subs is adding to burnout for our staff and is not sustainable ... For the first time in my career, I am considering how much longer I will have the energy to adequately do my job.“ — Anonymous Teacher “The district needs to make a better effort to hire subs and meet needs, especially at the secondary level where the expectations that teachers should continue to give up prep periods to fill in [for other classes] are beyond reasonable at this point.” — Anonymous Teacher
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MEET THE NEW FACULTY
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With more than a third of MSJ staff being new this year, check out the Smoke Signal’s interactive spread featuring all new teachers, administrators, and school staff.
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The Smoke Signal
Friday, October 22, 2021
FUSD AFGHAN STUDENT REFUGEE RESPONSE By Sahas Goli, Elaheh Khazi, Esther Lau & Aaron Zhou Staff Writers
As thousands of Afghan refugees are evacuated from their home country after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, the CA Department of Education projects that more than 5,200 Afghan refugees, including youth and students, will settle in the state. To highlight FUSD’s response and plans for incoming Afghan refugee students, the Smoke Signal reached out to district administrators and MSJ staff.
5,200 Afghan refugees are projected to settle in CA Over the Next Few Months
Little Kabul
Fremont’s Afghan Community
Fremont’s
Little Kabul is home to the highest concentration of Afghan immiGrants in the US
Fondly referred to as “Little Kabul,” northwest Fremont has the highest concentration of Afghan immigrants out of any other city in the US, with a reported Afghan population of 5,000, though the number is likely far greater. This number is slated to increase as new refugees enter. As reported by the Commander of US Central Command Gen. Frank McKenzie, more than 120,000 people were flown out of Afghanistan over the month of August, and this number is expected to increase within the next few months. FUSD is looking forward to welcoming incoming students into its classrooms. “The message to send to our community is ‘welcome them with open arms, with grace and empathy,’” Superintendent CJ Cammack said to NBC Bay Area.
Challenges
District Response
The Human Rights Watch predicts that at least half of the Afghan population experiences mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress. “The residual trauma for [this] group [of refugees] will be ... amongst the highest levels of any groups we’ve ever resettled historically,” Refugee Advocate Paris Aristotle said in an interview with The Guardian. To address these lasting mental health issues these students may experience, “[FUSD is] looking to provide wraparound services ... not only on the academic side ... through academic, social, [and] emotional [services],” FUSD Federal & State Programs Director Christie Rocha said in a recent interview with the Smoke Signal . Another challenge for the refugee students will be resettling in the US and adapting to a new language and learning system. Many of immigrant students have little to no experience speaking English and much less experience reading and writing it. According to American Census Bureau data, about 50% of Afghan immigrants reported limited English proficiency. FUSD plans to provide aid for these Afghan refugee students to help them overcome any obstacles, such as community events and language adaptation resources. “We are here to serve. That is our role, and we are ready to do whatever is needed to support our students and their families,” Rocha said.
FUSD is currently partnering with community organizations such as the Afghan Coalition to provide services to incoming refugee families in all aspects, including academics, physical health, emotional well-being, immigration, housing, and other basic needs. The Fremont-based Afghan Coalition is the US’s largest Afghan American organization and serves more than 1,000 Afghan immigrants per year. “What we’re planning to do is have an event at one of our community centers where families would be able to come and get all of the necessary support available through the City of Fremont, through the Afghan Coalition, through the school district, and other community partners, and have all of those resources readily available to support them in any of the needs that they might have,” Rocha said. Moreover, action is also being taken to help refugee students adapt to their new native language. MSJ English Language Learner Coordinator and English Teacher Patricia Weed-Wolnick shares that the district has been implementing speech-to-text software, simplified visuals, and interactive class material to make the current curriculum accessible for refugee students. “Our teachers, especially in the core areas, are really excellent and adept at tailor-making a curriculum to fit individual students’ needs,” Weed-Wolnick said.
Ways To Support Afghan Refugees Afghanistan Awareness
Dari and Pashto Resources
Dari and Pashto Translators
Afghan Relief Help Fund
To support Afghan refugees, students can help spread awareness about Afghanistan’s conflicts by sharing information and resources through social media and personal networks. Keeping up with the latest breaking news in Kabul with reliable news outlets is also valuable.
Dari or Pashto-speaking community members can connect with students and help them adapt to the Fremont community. Additionally, they can create educational resources for them, including books in both English, Dari, or Pashto, and organize events with other Afghans in Fremont.
FUSD has two social workers who connect refugee families with different services. MSJ community members can aid these students if any do end up at MSJ. One staff member currently acts as a liaison between FUSD and these families. Dr. Rocha is looking to hire more translators for these families.
Furthermore, community members may contribute to the City of Fremont’s Afghan Relief Help fund. Launched on August 18, the fund aims to aid and support incoming refugees. The Fremont and MSJ community can aid these refugees through such funds and programs.
Friday, October 22, 2021
The Smoke Signal
NEWS IN
BRIEF Compiled by Esther Lau, Sanah Bhardwaj & Elaheh Khazi Staff Writers
LOCAL Doug Jorgensen/The Independent The Alameda County Fair, popular amongst the Bay Area, returns to the Alameda County Fairground October 22-31.
Alameda County Fair will return October 2231 for the first time since the pandemic. The Alameda County Fair is scheduled to return on October 22 after being repeatedly postponed due to the pandemic. The Bay Area staple will run through October 31 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Like previous years, the fair will feature more than 50 rides, carnival games, food vendors, and live music performances. Adult tickets are priced at $18, senior and children tickets are priced at $15, and veterans or members of the military receive free admission with proof of service.
NATIONAL Merck & Co. via AP Merck & Co.’s experimental COVID-19 pill molnupiravir shows efficacy in reducing serious COVID-19 infections.
Merck & Co. takes the next steps in approving COVID-19 Pill. Pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. has reported that it has asked the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir. If approved, molnupiravir would be the first pill to treat COVID-19, separate from the vaccine injection. According to a report published by the FDA earlier this month, patients who took molnupiravir were around 7% less likely to succumb to COVID-19 and symptoms compared to patients treated with placebos. Upon FDA approval, the US will buy 1.7 million molnupiravir products for almost $1.2 billion following an overwhelmingly positive trial.
INTERNATIONAL cnn.com
A man who killed 5 people with a bow and arrow was taken into custody by Norwegian police.
Fatal killings in Norway prompt terrorism investigation. On October 13, a man with a bow and arrow killed five people and wounded two others in the city of Kongsberg, Norway. The death toll was worse than that of any other attack in Norway since 2011, when Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 individuals. The Norwegian police say the man is now in custody, with ongoing investigations to see whether the attack was an act of terrorism taking place in the country’s courts.
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MSJ Marching Band stars in first in-person parade in 17 months Marching Band performed in front of a crowd for the first time since the pandemic began. By Jiyun Guo & Andria Luo Staff Writers
On October 9, MSJ Marching Band performed in the annual Santa Clara Parade of Champions, the band’s first public performance after an 18 month hiatus. The parade was founded in 1945 to honor the return of World War II soldiers, and since then the event has spotlighted new community heroes every year. This year’s parade celebrated frontline health workers and the reopening of Santa Clara County. At the event, local businesses, youth clubs, and marching bands paraded through Franklin Square, the center of Santa Clara’s historic downtown. Returning to in-person competition reinstated the musicians’ sense of direction after months without group performances. Regarding the band’s motivation to practice over quarantine, Mellophone player Sophomore Heidi Chin said, “if you don’t have [a] goal you’re working for, you don’t really know what you should be striving for or looking for.” The parade gave Marching Band the opportunity to showcase the progress they had made since the beginning of quarantine. “Everyone’s hyped up, everyone’s ready. I’m ready to see what the crowd thinks of our music,” Drum Major Junior Jerry Chang said before the parade. However, preparation for the parade was not without challenges. Because the band was unable to meet in-person for over a year, two classes of students needed
PHOTO BY STAFF WRITERS JIYUN GUO AND ANDRIA LUO
Trombones play while onlookers watch from the sidewalk.
to learn marching mechanics. “This was the first time we had to have both sophomores and freshmen being taught at the same time,” Band Manager Senior Alvin Cheong said. Due to social distancing regulations, Marching Band had to rehearse in the soccer field and use bell covers, elastic masks that stretch over instrument openings and prevent the spread of aerosols, both of which muted the group’s sound. Despite these setbacks, members were excited and ready for the parade. “We’d like to give a performance that encompasses the efforts that we put into it and how much we like what we do,” Cheong said. During the parade, Marching Band played a medley of traditional marches and pop songs, including “Gigantic March,” “Feel It Still,” and “Dance Monkey.” Because the parade took place outdoors and players were socially distanced within their blocks, they
were able to perform without bell covers or masks. As they marched around the perimeter of Franklin Square, the band alternated between band repertoire, color guard performances, and drum solos. Following the performance, band members were energized by the lively environment and their return to in-person events. Junior Ariel Kim said, “I feel excited ... there’s an adrenaline to going back to a parade after so many years. I was surprised by how many people were out here cheering for us, and the enthusiasm of all the members of band was really great.” After a year of cancelled events and online rehearsals, members regarded in-person festivals with greater appreciation than before. Reflecting on the performance, Kim said “I’m grateful for being able to be with my instructors and my friends, really [being] able to experience being next to each other, being unified, and being in a marching band.” ▪
Fremont community celebrates new Downtown Event Center & Plaza Fremont’s recently completed Event Center brings community together. By Daphne He & Esha Potharaju Staff Writers
On October 8, Fremont officials and community members gathered to celebrate the opening ceremony for its new Downtown Event Center & Plaza. Spanning 13,400 square feet, the new facility is meant to provide community members with a multi-purpose space to host social, business, and community events, ranging from concerts to seminars. In front of the Event Center, a one-acre plaza accommodates outdoor activities like picnics and food trucks. Only a few blocks away from Fremont City Hall, the Event Center, according to CA State Assemblyman Alex Lee, also serves as a convenient location for commission and civic meetings. Since its founding in 1956, Fremont has lacked a downtown center. In 2011, the city started working on plans to create a down-
Front doors of the newly constructed Downtown Event Center.
town hub of commerce and civic engagement in the heart of Fremont. Fremont City Council approved the Downtown Community Plan in 2018, allowing for the construction of a Downtown Event Center & Plaza. The Downtown Event Center also exhibits sleek and sustainable architecture. According to the City of Fremont, the Event Center will be the city’s first-ever building that is completely electric with no reliance
corrections for the SEPT. 24, 2021 issue News Pg. 1: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is misspelled. News Pg. 2: abcey.com is misspelled News Pg. 2: The French Laundry is misspelled. Opinion Pg. 4: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is misspelled. Opinion Pg. 4: AP Biology Teacher Arshiya Sultana’s quote is incomplete. Feature Pg. 5: Alison Bai is misspelled. Feature Pg. 8: Larry is top 50%. A&E Pg. 9: Xu Wenwu is misspelled. Sports Pg. 10: Anvita Das is misspelled.
News 3
Fremont Mayor Lily Mei speaks to the crowd at the Downtown Event Center & Plaza’s opening ceremony.
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS DAPHNE HE AND ESHA POTHARAJU
on fossil fuels: sun-shades prevent heat gain in the building, and the roof is mounted with solar panels. “It’s very modern architecture. We don’t have too many city buildings that look like this. It just looks like it’s very contemporary,” Fremont Firefighter Todd Silski said. The Event Center’s grand opening featured guest speakers such as Fremont Mayor Lily Mei and Community Services Director Suzanne Wolf, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks, and an assortment of local business booths in order to promote local commerce. “In the future, I’m hoping we have an author talk that would bring lots of people together. That, you know, that I would be able to rent a space here at the new center, to be able to accommodate a larger crowd beyond the scope of my shop,” Banter Bookshop owner Amy Davis said. Coming out of the pandemic, the Event Center offers a place to connect the Fremont community in a way that the city lacked for more than 60 years. “I think right now more than ever, we need to bring people together and unite on ways that we can be healthy mentally, physically, and fiscally, and this is just a great way for us to celebrate the culture and the arts and the incredible diversity and heritage, and it makes Fremont so rich,” Mei said. ▪
4 Opinion
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THE SMOKE SIGNAL Mission San Jose High School Est. 1964 Vol. 57, No. 2 | October 22, 2021 www.thesmokesignal.org 41717 Palm Ave. Fremont, CA 94539 510-657-3600, ext. 37088 MISSION STATEMENT The Smoke Signal’s mission is to represent the voices of the MSJ community and serve the public by providing accurate, meaningful, and engaging information presented through print and digital mediums. SCHOOL POPULATION 1968 students EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Megh Basu, Amanda Pang NEWS Larry Shi, Alina Zeng OPINION Isabella He, Sakshi Umrotkar FEATURE Lily Oh, Nithika Valluri CENTERSPREAD Naveed Shakoor, Jackie Wong A&E Joanne Park, Helen Tian SPORTS Anvi Kalucha, Jerry Yuan GRAPHICS Mingxin Wang WEB Tanisha Srivatsa, Jessica Yu TECH Bryan Xiong BUSINESS Jennie Wang CIRCULATION Angela Xiong ADVERTISING Rohan Bhagat, Steffi Zhou EVENTS Esther Lau WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Sanah Bhardwaj Pratham Bhashyakarla Olivia Chen Ruhani Chhabra Charlize Chiu Shaily Desai Anandita Devata Chloe Gao Sahas Goli Jiyun Guo Chahak Gupta Jacob Han Karina Han Daphne He Christy Huang Selina Kao Ayushi Kashyap Elaheh Khazi Vedesh Kodnani Sarina Li Shelley Li Waylon Li Amy Luo Andria Luo Maryam Naseer Aditya Patil Julia Peng Esha Potharaju Daphne Senecal Priyanka Shah Hannah Shen Annika Singh Aaryan Suri Jason Tang Darshan Thirumala Nessa Tong Kaitlyn Wang Kaylee Wei Amelie Wu Annie Xu Elton Yu Aaron Zhou ADVISER Sandra Cohen Send letters to the editor to opinion@ thesmokesignal.org. Letters under 300 words may be considered for publication and must include a full name and school affiliation. The Smoke Signal reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. For a chance for your artwork to be featured in The Smoke Signal, send graphic opinions to the editor to opinion@thesmokesignal.org. The Smoke Signal reserves the right to modify graphics for publication. To advertise in the Smoke Signal, email ads@ thesmokesignal.org. Advertising that is included on the pages of, or carried within, the Smoke Signal, is paid advertising, and as such is independent of the news and feature content. The Smoke Signal’s right to freedom of speech and press is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. To stay updated with our online content, see our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ msjsmokesignal. CORRECTIONS POLICY When factual and spelling mistakes are found or brought to the attention of the staff, corrections will be printed in the next issue’s corrections box. See the example below for styling. Centerspread Pg. 10: The California Youth Crisis Line should be the Crisis Text Line. DISTRIBUTION POLICY The Smoke Signal is distributed to all students during Read period on the publication date for no cost. Subscriptions are $30 for 9 issues (US). To subscribe, email circulation@thesmokesignal.org. BYLINE POLICY All writers who contributed to the article will be listed in the byline in alphabetical order. All photographers or artists will be credited in the text below the photograph or spread.
The Smoke Signal
Isabella's InterpretatIons
Friday, October 22, 2021
sakshI's solIloquy
Appreciating little interactions
The plight of pigeonholing
By Isabella He Opinion Editor
By Sakshi Umrotkar Opinion Editor
This meeting could’ve been done over an email, I’ve thought while attending a one-on-one status update meeting or going through an agenda, task by task. Imagine how much time I could save if all the information was simply bulletpointed in an email. From turning on my camera in Zoom to having pointless small talk, the process of setting up a meeting often feels tedious. However, I’ve come to realize the importance of building connections through meetings and social interactions, even if the tasks could be boiled down to an email. Small talk, back-and-forth discussions, open conversations — these components might not be critical to completing agenda items, but they’re crucial to forming relationships. “How was your summer?” I asked my team, making casual conversation at the beginning of our meeting. “It was great! I went to Yosemite — I saw a bear!” As we spent a few minutes discussing our vacations and favorite moments of our summers, I built closer connections with my teammates. These light, informal conversations feel inconsequential, but they’re the stepping stones towards significant relationships.
I rarely, if ever, ask “how was your week” or recommend that new restaurant I discovered recently in an email. Emails are task-driven — they get straight to the point. And while I appreciate the efficiency of an email for certain tasks, I’ve come to realize just how important going off-task to forge connections is. For instance, every month, I meet with other members of my neurodiversity lab to see what everyone’s been up to. From seeing their presentations to engaging in discussions about exciting progress, a live meeting beats asynchronously reviewing updates on a Google Doc hands-down. Beyond meetings and emails, the concept of appreciating human interaction over prioritizing efficiency extends to all areas of my life. Whether it’s having school spirit or hanging out with friends, setting aside a task-driven mindset from time to time is essential to forming bonds and making memories. Not everything we do needs to be towards achieving a particular goal or accomplishing a task. Rather, by striking a balance between efficiency and spending time to build connections, we can engage in the little interactions that lead to big relationships. ▪
After recently attending the Homecoming Extravaganza and participating in senior dress-up days during the week that led up to it, I realized, quite belatedly, that I’d been holding out on myself for three years. I always believed I was unfit for attending school events and dances, as if it just wasn’t right for me to be socializing. “I don’t know — maybe some other time,” was my hesitant response whenever my friends suggested hanging out at a popular boba spot or attending a school event. Eventually, the “other time” never came, and I found myself secretly wishing I’d put my reservations aside and talked myself out of my hesitancy for once. It wasn’t that I genuinely wanted to stay home, more so that I’d unknowingly pigeonholed myself into a shy, quieter character that didn’t believe it was her place to be outgoing. Our natural tendency to categorize everything — including the people around us — often causes us to grow up with la-
Start small and try to see the value in a step outside the pigeonhole.
bels that are hard to shake off as we mature into newer traits. Pigeonholing ourselves or restricting our identities to one-dimensional characteristics based on these labels causes us to make decisions that don’t quite align with what we really want. We may overload our social schedules because we believe our friends or families presume that we’re extroverted. On the flip side, you may limit your exposure to new experiences because you don’t think that it’s natural for you to be adventurous. Believing that you’re the “loud one” or the “lively one” because it’s what you’ve been told for most of your life only serves to restrict your choices and keep you from evolving as a person. As we’re constantly reminded, high school is the place for us to grow and understand our nature through trial and error. As cliche as it sounds, familiarizing ourselves with who we want to be is the first step to enjoying life on our own terms. For those still experiencing the dreaded fear of missing out despite believing that they’re not meant for socialization, use this time at MSJ to understand your character rather than limiting yourself to labels coined by others. Start small and try to see the value in a step outside the pigeonhole. ▪
The Opinion of the Smoke Signal Editorial Board
It's not lame to have school spirit “Why do you even participate in Homecoming every year? It won’t even help you get into college.” “What’s the point of cheering at the assemblies? No one does it anyway.” Sentiments like these are often heard amongst students at school-wide events like Homecoming, Multicultural Week, and sports events. However, these weeks are some of the only times MSJ students get to destress and step away from the tests, interviews, and applications commonly associated with the culture of our school. Still, many think these events are a waste of time to attend, organize, and participate in. As a result, we often don’t appreciate the weeks of work that goes
... we can start with acknowledging those around us who try to bring joy, comfort, and support. into planning these activities, instead of voicing out our criticisms and honing in on the negatives. These activities are important for having a high school experience that extends beyond academics — school spirit isn’t lame. Don’t take all of these events for granted because we only get one high school experience. Our four years at MSJ will fly by, and it doesn’t hurt to cheer on performers, lead the class chants, participate in games at the next school-wide assembly, or to rally your class on at the next friendly class competition. Instead of worrying about your next college application deadline or math test, cherish these moments with your peers while you still can. They’ll go by faster than you think. If we look back at this year, it’s apparent that the student body has missed so many events, from three classes missing one out of four homecomings to students unable to experience building relationships with teachers and their peers. It’s not surprising that students might not feel as strong of a connection to MSJ or feel
the need to outwardly show school spirit. But that’s why it’s especially important for the students now to set the precedent for the future student body — by getting involved, taking action, and appreciating the hard work of the students building these activities. Let’s pause for a minute to take in all that MSJ clubs and organizations are doing around us. Let’s start by paying attention to the Leadership 2 Read Meets and participating in activities, whether it be a Mental Health Committee Panel, Relay for Life event, or looking at Peer Resource's positive note flowers left on our lockers. We’re all MSJ students who are looking to better each other and our school community. At the end of the day, we all sincerely want to create a positive environment, and the little things like taking notice of and appreciating the hard work students do will only help the MSJ family grow. As the school year progresses, so will our stress levels and our workloads. But we can’t forget to appreciate our peers, our teachers, and the staff across the MSJ community. We can start with acknowledging those around us who try to bring joy, comfort, and support. It’s important for students to appreciate what they do, not to focus on their shortcomings or small mistakes. And most importantly, school spirit brings the MSJ community together by allowing us to make memories with the people around us. From animated assemblies to classes proudly shouting their class chant during Homecoming, it isn’t lame to be involved and dedicated to something greater than yourself. And maybe, in a way, if we’re spirited enough, we can reclaim some lost time taken away from us by the pandemic. ▪
By Kaylee Wei & Annie Xu Staff Writers
STAFF WRITER KAYLEE WEI
STAFF WRITER ANNIE XU
Friday, October 22, 2021 The Smoke Signal
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Opinion 5
Hold the media accountable: racial bias and missing people of color
By Shaily Desai, Esther Lau & Annika Singh Staff Writers 22-year-old travel influencer Gabby Petito was found dead in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (WY) on September 22 after she didn’t return home from a cross-country road trip with her fiance Brian Laundrie. Following her disappearance, millions of people around the nation flocked to newspaper front pages, social media posts, and news channels for updates on her case; in a one-week span, Petito was mentioned 844 times on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC combined. The amount of media exposure Petito’s case has received has raised concerns of whether missing people of color (POC) receive the same amount of media coverage as white Americans.
The media’s inclination towards painting white people, especially women, as victims reinforces systemic social biases while perpetuating harmful stereotypes. In July, Petito and Laundrie began their cross-country van road trip, documenting their journey on their shared YouTube channel and personal social media accounts. After being unable to contact Petito for 13 days, Petito’s family filed a missing persons report on September 11. The case gained national attention, and word reached family vloggers Kyle and Jenn Bethune, who were able to provide the FBI with crucial footage that helped locate Petito’s remains 11 days later. For millions of missing non-white Americans, media coverage and national attention has been nearly nonexistent. The media’s inclination towards painting white people, especially women, as victims reinforces systemic social biases while perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The coverage of such cases skews white in America,
illustrating the strong racial bias in the media. Racial bias is a form of implicit bias, prevalent in the media today, which involves stereotypes unconsciously affecting one’s understanding and decisions. “Missing White Woman Syndrome,” a term coined by former PBS Anchor Gwen Ifill, is a phenomenon in which white women are seen by society as “damsels in distress” while women of color are portrayed as “angry Black women” or “strong Hispanic women.” This pushes the narrative that these minority women do not require the same protection as white women. In 2003, Svetlana Aronov, a 44-year-old white woman, went missing in the Upper East Side of New York City. About a month and a half later, Romana Moore, a 21-year-old Black woman, disappeared in Brooklyn, NY. Moore's mother sued the city, claiming that law enforcement barely looked for her daughter, but launched an immediate search for Aronov, who appeared all over prominent news outlets. Although the jury observed racially motivated, differing treatment of the cases, Federal Judge Nina Gershon ruled that there was simply no evidence of racially motivated neglect of the case from the New York Police Department. According to the National Crime Information Center’s Missing Person and Unidentified Person Statistics, 41% of active missing persons cases in 2016 were POC, yet a study found that less than 20% of missing POC cases in 2016 received media attention. For example, in WY, where Petito’s body was recovered, more than 700 Indigenous people have been reported missing in the last decade. Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center Senior Research Scientist Emily Grant said, “White people were more likely to have an article out while they were still missing as compared to Indigeneous people who were more likely to have the first media article on their case only after they were found deceased.” Petito’s case garnered an incredible amount of media coverage from some of the most wellknown publications in the country. In less than
a week, The New York Post had three front-page articles and the New York Times followed, publishing a breaking news story, holding a live briefing, and sending a news alert to subscribers. “If the woman who is missing looks like your own daughter or granddaughter, and you’re a newsroom executive, you’re going to gravitate more toward it,” MSNBC Host Joy Reid said. Missing persons cases often receive variable levels of media attention and publicity based on race, reflecting the stories that big publications choose to cover. From 2008 to 2014, major news outlets such as CBS, NBC, ABC, and CNN dedicated an average of 87 seconds of coverage on Latinx per day. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford University Hakeem Jefferson was recently critical of a Washington Post article that described Petito as a “blue-eyed, blonde adventure-seeker,” racializing the missing person with unnecessary information, giving way to racial bias. Racial bias in the media perpetuates stereotypes by broadcasting a caricature of a person’s identity, skewing the way viewers understand and categorize people while exacerbating racial misconceptions. In our increasingly modernized world, the media plays a large role in missing persons cases by assisting with the collection of leads and tips. However, the chances of a person being found are substantially decreased when the case involves a POC. People can only unite to solve and assist in cases
It is crucial for everyone to spread awareness about missing people of color via their social networks and media platforms. types, news reports should depict all missing persons cases the same way. It is time to confront the decades-old crisis of racial bias in the media. It is crucial for everyone to spread awareness about missing people of color via their social networks and media platforms. Whether it be sharing a news report or retweeting information, spreading awareness about missing POC cases can provide pivotal leads to aid the development of a case, as seen in the Bethune family’s impact on locating Petito’s remains. Additionally, a substantial increase in public attention can force the media and law enforcement to dedicate more time, effort, and personnel to missing people of color. Families of all victims deserve to have the same effort put in to find and save their loved ones, regardless of race. ▪
41% of active missing persons cases in 2016 were POC, yet a study found that less than 20% of missing POC cases in 2016 received media attention. if they are aware of them in the first place. It is important for POC to receive the same amount of media coverage white people do in order for missing POC’s cases to be portrayed accurately. Instead of making people of color “complicit in their disappearance” because of racial stereo-
GRAPHICS BY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGH BASU & OPINION EDITOR ISABELLA HE.
6 Opinion
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The Smoke Signal
Friday, October 22, 2021
Nothing “cool” about crime in internet trend “Devious Licks”
By Selina Kao, Ayushi Kashyap & Waylon Li Staff Writers
From damaged school property to pulled fire alarms, students engaging in the recent TikTok trend “Devious Licks” face serious consequences and directly affect the staff and students around them as a result of conforming with “popular” challenges. The trend, which began in September 2021 after a video showing a student stealing a box of disposable masks, encourages students to vandalize school property, commit petty crimes, and steal school property ranging from soap dispensers to school buses. Participation in the “Devious Licks” trend does not come without consequences; students have a part to play in protecting other students, staff, and our campus. Students need to consider not only the consequences brought upon themselves, but also the unnecessary additional hours and burden on the custodial staff to clean up the messes. While incessantly pulling a fire alarm may seem comedic to some, according to The California Penal Code, transmitting a false alarm of fire is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to $1,000 in criminal fines. Additionally, these pranks and challenges come at the expense of teachers and staff; each “Devious Licks” video translates to the staff ’s greater involuntary workload. “The administrative team is going and checking bathrooms to make sure people aren’t doing destructive behavior. We were extra vigilant, especially in checking bathrooms and closing down things,” Assistant Principal Jeana Nightengale said. As a response to the recent increase in vandalism, administration has required that every student sign in and out with a hall pass when leaving the classroom. In addition, for two
weeks, students were not allowed to leave their third period classrooms during advisory. These were measures put in place to prevent unaccounted-for students. The rash actions of some students are unfairly affecting others: students were unable to take make-up tests, ask teachers for help on assignments, or look for additional assistance.
further expressing the severe consequences of participating in these trends. It doesn’t only harm students themselves — the consequences extend to monetary damages that the school has to pay for. In addition to individual charges, “Devious Licks” also impacts schools financially because of wasted resources and inconveniences. In Texas' Round Rock Independent School District, damages as a result of the “Devious Licks” challenge have cost the district nearly $15,000 as staff are forced to clean up stink bombs and replace missing paper towel dispensers. “The initial vandalism, which is a crime, damages schools financially, but there’s also the loss of educational hours when equipment is missing or destroyed and negatively impacts students,” spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Sergeant Rudy Perez said. Previous fire alarms that were pulled waste class time and the resources of the fire department who spend time responding to a false fire
as the “Benadryl Challenge” that encouraged users to take large amounts of the medication, as well as the Coronavirus Challenge that encouraged users to lick items in public are only a few of the many dangerous challenges that TikTok has perpetuated. By motivating thousands of students to engage in crime for a few seconds of social media fame, these challenges have perpetuated the narrative that it’s acceptable to disrupt safe spaces when the camera is on. As long as there is widespread participation across the platform, a norm is created for these types of challenges to be seemingly acceptable. The conformity of TikTok users has extended beyond pranks; “Devious Licks'' is the latest perpetrator, and students must think twice before forfeiting morals and livelihoods for meaningless views. “We’ve also had to close bathrooms to keep things safe for everybody. We’ve had to keep checking the C-Wing cafeteria or the B-Wing cafeteria. Last week, we kept some of those locations closed to prevent any vandalism or cold fire alarms,” Nightengale said. To avoid suffering consequences and burdening the hardworking staff with the unnecessary repair of school property, students should understand that this is not just a simple, harmless trend. Rather, it’s an illegal activity that hurts not only themselves, but also the custodial staff, faculty, and administration. By understanding the history of social media trends and the respective consequences, students can decide for themselves which trends are safe to partake in and which are harmful to both themselves and those around them. All students have the responsibility of preventing their classmates’ actions if they alarm, when they may be needed at a more ur- witness vandalism or other damaging behavior. gent location. It is up to the MSJ community to protect the TikTok has a history of normalizing danger- school and staff from any dangerous actions ous and problematic behavior. Challenges such brought about by these abhorrent challenges. ▪
Students must think twice before forfeiting morals and livelihoods for meaningless views. Likely the most prominent restriction that MSJ students are feeling is the shut down of almost half of the bathrooms in the school. Students are now inconvenienced as they walk across campus to use the restroom. The inconsiderate actions of a few, exemplified by the recent fire started in the B-Wing bathroom during Homecoming Week, demoralize school spirit and decrease the morality of a special week to many in the MSJ community. MSJ is not the only school nationwide that is affected by the trend. In Florida, officers arrested nine students on misdemeanor vandalism charges due to their “Devious Licks'' videos. Similarly, under CA state law, minors can be arrested under misdemeanor vandalism charges, which can include paying fines or serving community hours. On October 4, four students in Pennsylvania were arrested and fined more than $10,000 worth of damage for taking part in a “Devious Licks” video. A neighboring district to FUSD, New Haven Unified School District, released a newsletter on their Facebook page asking parents, “Please warn your student(s) that if they are participating in this activity, they will be disciplined to the fullest extent possible and subject to criminal prosecution as applicable,”
GRAPHIC BY OPINION EDITOR ISABELLA HE.
“I think FUSD’s decision is great! For people that are going through such a hard time, any help is amazing. ... I believe that FUSD should help spread even more awareness. We should be hosting fundraisers to help fund even more of the amazing resources we have been able to provide. We do have the capability to do more, and I think that everything we are doing is great, so let’s keep it going."
DO YOU SUPPORT FUSD'S DECISION TO DEDICATE RESOURCES TO PROVIDING ACADEMIC SUPPORT, FOOD, HOUSING, AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
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“I do support this decision because it’s critical that we support refugees who are coming from situations that are certainly not the best, especially when these situations often involve violence. So, maybe their mental health isn’t as good, so I feel that having these benefits would aid refugees who are fleeing from the Taliban.”
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“Yes, I support FUSD’s decision because the whole nation has witnessed the tragedy in Afghanistan and how desperately the people need help. We should always strive to help others who are struggling, especially if refugees are settling into Fremont and the Bay Area, putting them at a disadvantage. These disadvantages include no housing, no job, or poor English speaking skills.”
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“Yeah, I support that decision. I think it must have been very traumatic to move from Afghanistan to pretty much the greater Bay Area, especially when you don't really expect to and have to flee at the last minute without very many resources or just things from your home. ... I think FUSD should do their best to make sure the refugees feel at home and provide more support in the transition, whether that's assigning students as tour guides or just something to make sure they aren't really lost and know what's going on to make sure everything isn't too unfamiliar."
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“I mean, I definitely think it’s a good cause ... [but] to be honest, I don’t know how many resources FUSD even has for their own students, so I’m not sure if [supporting Afghan refugees] is necessarily the best use of resources when they can’t even ... rebuild Hopkins in a reasonable amount of time. FUSD should first and foremost be taking good care of their own students during a pandemic, which I don’t think they’re doing the best job at ... I don’t think they should be extending help out as much as they otherwise might like to because they need to fix their own stuff first, you know. Take care of yourself before you try to help others.”
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PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS ANANDITA DEVATA & JENNIE WANG.
Friday, October 22, 2021
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Feature 7
DieHard TryHards:
Pumpkin Pageant By Olivia Chen, Amy Luo, Jennie Wang & Elton Yu Staff Writers With fall in full swing and Halloween just around the corner, the pinnacle of harvest festivities — pumpkin patches — have finally emerged. The hunt for an extraordinary pumpkin is the true test of one’s autumnal abilities. In this pumpkin-spiced challenge, the Smoke Signal’s DieHard TryHards scavenged the fields in pursuit of the wackiest, most eye-catching pumpkins. Will they gourd big or gourd home?
OLIVIA
I have not seen a pumpkin in-person since pre-quarantine fall, but who’s to say that’ll stop me from winning this competition? I will spy with my beady little eyes the most deserving pumpkin out there. A round, unblemished pumpkin might look neat on someone’s porch, but would in no way draw any oohs or ahs from the crowd. On the other hand, a warty, misshapen pumpkin has personality and has an air of kingliness and demands all eyes with its powerful aura. My protege is destined for greater things than becoming a mere jack-o-lantern or pie filling. In this pumpkin pageant, my contestant and I will prove to the world that “ugly” is in. My successor, Chanel, (yes, the pumpkin has a name) is a 5.5-inch crookneck squash with a mottled yellow-green coat and graceful curves. She’s no wannabe Halloween pumpkin; her bumps and ridges contribute to her organic figure. Chanel exudes charisma, and I believe she will slay the competition.
1st
Place 7 votes
As it turns out, my efforts paid off; victory was worth squatting amongst grubby little children and wandering through endless haystacks. Chanel is officially the fairest pumpkin of all and has all eyes on her rockin’ bod. Soon, it will be a trend for everyone to own a dingleberry-shaped gourd!
AMY
As a self-proclaimed pumpkin connoisseur and lover of all things fall, this challenge is going to be as easy as (pumpkin) pie. Forget Cinderella and her magic carriage, the garden-fresh pumpkin is what it’s all about! This Halloween season, I vow to forage through every corner of the patch to find my wondrous winter squash. Whether it be a speckled heirloom or a smooth and shiny jack-o-lantern, my keen eye for texture, hue, and ripeness will hunt down the most promising gourd. Come rain or shine, the perfect prize-worthy pumpkin is destined to be mine.
I have this challenge in the bag. With radiant tiger-like stripes of blonde and orange and a proudly plump figure, my pumpkin has simply the most star potential. This squash doesn’t need a thick showy stalk protruding out its head — its slender serpentine stem is classy and elegant. Watch out fellow TryHards, my pumpkin is here to steal the show.
2nd
Place 5 votes
Tough luck. I was one place away from being crowned the Pumpkin Patching champion. I will admit, my competitors really stepped up to the plate with their squashes — it’s a pity my beloved pumpkin is an acquired taste. That being said, there is always the saying, “first is the worst, second is the best,” and children’s rhymes are never wrong, are they? I guess I’ll have to brush up on my pumpkin-selecting abilities and try again next year — so long!
ELTON
JENNIE
The stakes are high, but my chances of winning are low. I haven’t picked a pumpkin in years. The last time I remember hunting for pumpkins was in kindergarten, and the farm we went to barely resembled a pumpkin patch. It was merely a musty, fenced-in sandpit with tiny pumpkins scattered around. Finding the best pumpkin is already pretty difficult to begin with, but my bad eyesight will make it even harder. Even though all the odds are against me, I am hopeful that the pumpkin gods will give me the most lopsided, scarred, and fat pumpkin to win this Halloween competition.
I have quite an eye for aesthetics, including pumpkins. Obviously, the mismatched socks I wear to school every day are a fashion statement to promote casual streetwear (and not because I’m too forgetful to find paired socks). My bold sock statements are evident of my love for wacky appearances — I’ll relentlessly scour every pumpkin patch until I can find the strangest pumpkin that stands out from the rest. There can only be one winner in this epic battle, and the game is officially on.
With its long, slender shape and aesthetic dents, my glorious pumpkin towers over the other competition. Its tall, curvy structure is sure to keep the judges’ eyes glued to it. I am confident enough to say that I will place in the top four contestants (there are only four people, but that's beside the point).
Even after picking the longest pumpkin in the patch, I have to admit that my confidence level is bumpier than the surface of a pumpkin. Will my large, oval-shaped pumpkin be enough to secure me a spot in the top three? With its elliptical shape and gleaming butternut coat, I can only hope that my pumpkin’s originality will shine through.
3rd
4th
Place 1 vote
Place
Third place. Not too shabby if I say so myself. In the end, my precious, dented pumpkin was only average in the judges’ eyes, but it definitely put up a good fight. I take this loss as a learning experience and a chance to hone my pumpkin hunting skills. Better watch out, future DieHard TryHards; I’m taking first next time.
0 votes
You win some and you lose some, and sometimes you slip on a banana peel and slide right into last place. However, my disappointment is outmatched by my optimism and sportsmanship. Hey, I suppose my mismatching socks weren’t indicative of my unconventional taste, after all. Nonetheless, I congratulate my fellow DieHard TryHards, and I look forward to a fabulous fall season, pumpkins included.
PHOTOS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR MINGXIN WANG. GRAPHICS BY FEATURE EDITOR LILY OH
8 Feature
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Friday, October 22, 2021
Student Spotlight: Amanda Deng By Andria Luo & Nessa Tong Staff Writers
In the In summer the summer of 2020, of 2020, Sophomore Sophomore Amanda Amanda Deng kickstarted her Etsy store, nunchiCO, which features her handmade jewelry and stickers. She started the store as a way to express her love for art, and continues to use it as an outlet for her creativity. Deng’s journey began in the midst of quarantine. Using the extra free time to explore different crafts, she started off with sewing bucket hats and lanyards and gradually expanded to making jewelry and designing stickers. In the early stages of these hobbies, YouTube videos and online tutorials served as her main inspirations. “There’s a lot of really cool creators out there that really show you in detail on how to make stuff and their experience with it, so I think watching those tutorials really helped me branch out and learn a lot of new skills,” Deng said. She eventually launched her own shop on Etsy after her peers expressed interest in her products. Since starting her business, Deng has made almost 300 sales. However, Deng’s success did not come without challenges. As a new small business in a large marketplace, Deng initially struggled making a name for herself amongst the countless creators on Etsy. To gain a wider audience, Deng used social media, including Instagram and TikTok, to promote her products. “Even with just one viral video [on TikTok], I was able to get a lot more orders,” Deng said. Although returning to in-person schooling has reduced the amount of time she can devote to her business, Deng aims to grow her brand even further and remains dedicated to bringing her customers the very best despite the difficulties of balancing school and her shop. “I try to find time right after school,
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITER NESSA TONG, COURTESY AMANDA DENG
just after 30 minutes day to make up and catch school,every just 30 minutes every day to withup my orders, because obviously I want to make sure that everyone is receiving their products on time and in a timely manner,” Deng said. “I just think keeping a routine and keeping a schedule is what’s helping me balance.” Going forward, Deng also plans on reaching out and sending products to influencers as a way to expand her reach. Currently, Deng uses Etsy as her main platform for selling her products, though the site’s high fees and limits on customizing individual sites can be restrictive to creators with greater visions for their brands. As a result, one of Deng’s biggest goals is to create a website of her own, using her own art to revamp her brand. For other young entrepreneurs and aspiring small business owners, Deng advises making products aesthetically pleasing in order to make a good first impression. “Do research thoroughly beforehand, utilize social media to promote products, and don't be discouraged if your small business starts off slowly,” she said.
English Empowered: MSJ Students Make a Difference By Ruhani Chhabra & Anandita Devata Staff Writers
PHOTO BY STAFF WRITER ANANDITA DEVATA
Over the past year, MSJ students have educated underprivileged children in India through English Empowered, a student-led non-profit organization. Founded by Junior Samarth Tewari, the organization recruits high schoolers to teach English in disadvantaged communities. “Volunteers can tutor students through a curriculum prepared by us or our non-profit partners to essentially teach them English ... so they can succeed in a corporate environment and sort of get rid of that glass ceiling that a lot of people undergo,”
Tewari said. The idea of teaching kids in underprivileged areas came to him at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown. He discovered that One Prosper, a non-profit organization that focuses on increasing the accessibility of education in India, was seeking out American high school students to teach English to Indian children. Inspired by its mission, Tewari founded English Empowered and began recruiting MSJ students to tutor for One Prosper. Through fun activities that spark
children’s interest in the language, tutors teach grammar, sentence structure, and expand their vocabulary. They also work with kids verbally, enhancing their pronunciation and speaking skills. Students learn to efficiently communicate in English for their academic careers. With classes conducted through Zoom or Google Meet, tutors initially struggled to keep young children engaged through virtual meeting platforms. Co-Lead Tutor Manager Junior Tanvi Karkera explained how sustained an interactive learning environment. “The girls who are getting tutored read [stories] out [loud],” she said. “We help them with their pronunciation, or if they have any difficulty with words, we just help them with that.”
The organization, having started with a small group of MSJ students, has expanded to encompass 180 tutors across CA and Texas. English Empowered has also partnered with two other non-profit organizations — Milan Foundation and WeEducate Foundation — which focus on providing quality education to children in poverty. The leadership team of English Empowered continues to impact other communities by reaching out to high schools and finding dedicated teachers. “I love seeing how much of a change we can make just by doing basic things,” Karkera said.
love seeing how much “I “I love seeing how much of aof change we can make just by doing basic things.” — Junior Tanvi Karkera
Friday, October 22, 2021
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Alice in Wonderland Freshmen
"I enjoyed the passionate jumps and synchronized motions. It was nice seeing [the freshmen] work towards putting together a memorable performance. They did amazing considering it was their first time." — Zaid Vellani, 11
By Christy Huang & Steffi Zhou Staff Writers
Centerspread 9
"I think what they did best was showing their school spirit. I feel like the freshmen put in a lot of effort for their airbands and none of them slacked off, so I feel like that's something they did really well today." — Noah Francisco, 12
“I really liked all of their lyrical dances. I thought it was really cool that they had multiple airbands doing very similar yet different dances, and I liked how in-sync and clearly well-practiced they were.” — Ragalina Palaka, 12
Students arrived on Monday morning to see glossy blue and white balloons lining the walkways and hanging above the amphitheater. Combined with the colorful backdrop that captured the magical world of Wonderland, the decorations created a welcoming atmosphere as students eagerly awaited the start of the first in-person Homecoming in two years. Class of 2025’s band kicked off freshman Homecoming with “brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo, captivating the audience with electric guitar riffs and pulsating drum beats. The ensuing skit followed the story of Alice, who after chasing the White Rabbit of Village 2024, enters MSJ Wonderland and meets the Cheshire Cat of Province 2023 and the Queen of Hearts of Castle 2022. However, the guards drag Alice off to punish her after she insults the queen, prompting the Mad Hatter to present her a riddle in her attempt to escape. Alice realizes that only the power of friendship can save MSJ Wonderland, and the main characters thus put aside their differences to highlight the importance of unity. With relatable MSJ jokes and creative props such as the giant playing cards, the storyline filled the crowd with cheers as they rooted for their respective class characters. At the end of the skit, the freshmen cheered, “Come alive, 25!” to demonstrate their class spirit. Building off the stamina created by the opening acts, the singing airband presented a nostalgic rendition of Maroon 5’s “Memories” and Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” — the singers’ clear voices shone through with the help of encouraging cheers from the audience. Following the singing airband, dancers in the hip-hop airband wore clean white masks as they danced to “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots, executing their moves and footwork in unison. Afterwards, the audience erupted into cheers as the K-pop airband performed to the iconic “Butter” by the Bangtan Boys (BTS). Frequent outfit changes throughout the dance created a unique spin on the performance, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating the next unexpected move. The cheers grew especially loud again when “God’s Menu” by Stray Kids played — the dancers put on a thoughtful performance as they sported chef costumes with navy blue sash belts similar to those in the music video. The Bollywood airband also wowed the audience with their dazzling blue outfits and vibrant dance moves. The performers’ contagious energy rejuvenated the audience as they danced to Bajirao Mastani’s “Bangaari Pori,” and the performance radiated with brilliance when each dancer stealthily put on a pair of clout goggles. The dancing was a magical ending to the freshman class airbands, leaving the audience in high spirits and filling the amphitheater with lively cheers. Despite placing fourth, the freshmen easily exceeded everyone’s expectations with an unforgettable show. Their Homecoming performance was filled with captivating choreography, whimsical decorations, and eye-catching costumes, showing off all the hard work the Class of 2025 put into this special day.
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS VEDESH KODNANI & STEFFI ZHOU
10 Centerspread
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“The best part was probably lyrical. The song choice was really solid, and the dance synced super well and all the moves were really clean.” — Samuel Zhou, 11
Friday, l October 22, 2021
“I liked the K-pop airband, they were energetic and hype. The live airband had a nice song selection so it was really enjoyable to listen to. Also, the fight scene was very well choreographed and it was really thrilling and made me feel like I was in a James Bond movie.” — Kaushik Muthukrishnan, 12
“I think the most memorable part was the spirit. In the end everyone came together to chant “Can’t ignore 24.” It just felt really cool to have this big community.” — Candra Kou, 10 “I feel like their skit was really good. And also, when they were performing, they were really coordinated and just seemed like a whole instead of separated. I really liked the part where the sister realized her mistake and apologized to Charlie. I think that was really sweet.” — Eilan Tang, 11
Charlie brown sophomores By Shaily Desai & Jason Tang Staff Writers
A wave of yellow surged towards the amphitheater as students cheered for the Charlie Brown sophomores’ first ever Homecoming performance. Four lines of yellow and white balloons stretched over the field, leading to a clean, simple backdrop featuring the prominent members of the Peanuts cast in the Brown family backyard. Bright yellow caution tape wrapped around the sophomores’ wrists and lined the railings by the amphitheater. The sophomores treated MSJ to a skit based on the comic strip Peanuts, in which Charlie Brown learns to accept himself and his flaws. Starring Charlie, Linus, Sally, Snoopy, and other iconic characters, the group of friends learn about the importance of friendship and unity as Charlie Brown navigates through his own feelings of inadequacy. The skit was full of clever lines, lighthearted humor, and playful TikTok references that had the classes laughing and playfully booing. The airbands were carefully inserted throughout the skit during moments of suspense, with captivating performances by the first-timers that exceeded expectations. First up was Bollywood airband, which was filled to the brim with high-energy dances and song choices. The dancers hyped up the crowd with Pritam Chakraborty’s iconic Bollywood song “Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz.” Sprinkled with unexpected stunts and tricks, the performance displayed a subtle contemporary touch matched with graceful choreography and impressive turns. Not to be outdone, hiphop entered the stage to an adoring crowd. The sophomores were a well-oiled machine as they powered through seven different songs and smoothly transitioned between formations. The airband featured Nicki Minaj’s rendition of “Plain Jane” and DaBaby’s “BOP,” energizing the crowd with these fan favorites. The following “I liked the fight scene, with the girl who airbands brought slapped the guy in the back. That was the same talent really funny, and there was quirky music and fiery passion to going on, it was very cute. My favorite the stage. Although a stunt was when they first went across and lesser-known airband, jazz she did a roundoff, backhand spring, funk wowed the crowd with their backhand spring.” — Allyson Mendoza, undeniably sassy choreography and 12 demonstrations of flexibility and agility. Their upbeat music choices had every class cheering with joy at each new song. Fight scene showcased a wild back-and-forth brawl over Linus’s stolen blanket that impressed the crowd with its fluidity and acrobatics. The incorporation of the prop and connection to the skit left the audience in amazement, as the airband smoothly transitioned into the final scene. Charlie Brown and his friends finally make up their differences with apologies and hugs. In a surprising twist to a classic Charlie Brown gag, in which Lucy would pull the football away at the last second, Charlie Brown finally kicked the football to the delight of the audience. Though the crowd was initially quiet, the friendly competition between the classes and the lively performance itself made for plenty of excitement. This was perfectly offset with the skit’s touching conclusion. The Charlie Brown sophomores made every minute worthwhile with their impactful performances and spirited chanting of “Can’t ignore 24.”
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITER CHRISTY HUANG & COURTESY COSTANOAN
Friday, October 22, 2021
“The most memorable part of the junior class performance was the fight scene due to the well choreographed action.” — Sheldon Gong, 9
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N o m DeayeR l S IORS JUN
“I think the juniors were very energetic and very spirited. The whole class [was] hyping each other up throughout all the airbands, throughout the skit. They were just very energetic and pumped up.” — Saborni Kundu, 12
By Julia Peng & Aaryan Suri Staff Writers
Centerspread 11
“The Bollywood airband was the most memorable part of the junior performance for me; the song selections, roses, chairs, and outfits made their performance very engaging.” — Tushar Dalmia, 12
The lunch bell rang on October 6 as the Class of 2023 took the stage, cheering “Who are we? 23!” in unison. Voices clamored as students from each class filled the audience, all awaiting the performance. The juniors wore articles of black-colored clothing alongside black bandanas and black face paint to express their class spirit. Matte black balloons hung over the crowd, accompanied with iridescent flags that led to the stage of the amphitheater. A backdrop hung on the stage, painting a view that resembled Demon Slayer’s opening theme. A water dragon took up most of the backdrop, surrounding a black-and-white silhouette of Tanjiro. Set off by the dark colors, a golden rising sun on the backdrop mirrored the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. The juniors centered their skit around the main characters from Demon Slayer: Freshman Inosuke, Sophomore Zenitsu, Junior Tanjiro, and Senior Rengoku. The skit followed Muzan, the villain, putting the main characters to sleep in an attempt to sabotage the slayers’ Homecoming spirit. The juniors incorporated hints of witty humor in their skit: teasing each class and their Homecoming theme, which successfully enchanted the audience and evoked loud cheers within the crowd. Throughout the skit, the actors emphasized the importance of schoolwide unity as the four characters worked to defeat Muzan and revive Homecoming spirit.
The juniors incorporated several outstanding airbands within their skit, starting off with the singing airband. They performed songs such as "good 4 u" by Olivia Rodrigo, successfully building a lively atmosphere for the following performances. When the speakers blasted a remix of Billie Eilish’s "Therefore I Am" by Cloudkid, the audience erupted into cheers of anticipation. With shadow-like movements and an exceptional group dynamic, the hip-hop airband created compelling formations and visuals. Ending with "What's Up Danger" by Blackway and Black Caviar, the juniors incorporated more jagged movements into their choreography, enrapturing the audience up until the last beat. The juniors’ ballroom airband was one of their largest and grabbed the audience’s attention with a mix of spins, jumps, and dips. Their performance to "Marry Me" by Jason Derulo had the audience swooning and applauding those on stage. The romantic nature of the song allowed for a more playful angle on ballroom dancing, and provided a change from the more formal choreography that the airband started off with. With the high-spirited song, "Someone To You" by BANNERS, the participants ended their ballroom dance by leaning their heads on the shoulders of their peers in friendship. The juniors' fight scene provided a change of tempo from the earlier airbands. From butterfly twists to simple punches, the routine seemed to reflect upon Demon Slayer's own display of martial arts. As one of their last airbands, the Class of 2023's fight scene used intense remixes of the Demon Slayer theme to capture the audience's attention. As the last skit scene ended with the characters defeating Muzan, the juniors’ continuous chants of “Juniors!” echoed across the theater, bringing their performance to a close. With their phenomenal choreography, creative backdrop, and class spirit, the juniors earned second place and left a lasting impression on the audience.
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS SHAILY DESAI & STEFFI ZHOU
12 Centerspread
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l Friday, October 22, 2021
“Hoo-ha! You wish you were a senior!” The s e n i o r class’ signature cheer echoed across the school as the Class of 2022 surrounded the amphitheater. Radiant with energy and school spirit, the seniors donned red outfits, face paint, and bandanas as they roared for their final Homecoming performance. Inspired by the iconic Iron Man comic books, the seniors’ elaborate backdrops immediately gained admiration from the crowd. Complemented by the two comic-panel side tarps, the main backdrop displayed Iron Man soaring across a city skyline. The Class of 2022’s trademark cheer also made an appearance on the tarp in striking white paint: “Better than you!” Alongside the broad strings of red and white balloons, decorative streamers, and bold class numbers, the vibrant murals exuded class pride. As the four classes flooded into the amphitheater to show support for the seniors, they were greeted by the first of the performers — the live band. The jazz group drummed out renditions of popular songs, such as Buddy Rich’s “Caravan,” while students gathered to find seats. Although the senior skit was largely based on the plot of Iron Man, it diverged from the storyline with the help of personal touches and inside jokes from the senior class. The skit followed Senior Tony Stark and the robotics club — composed of a m e m b e r from each class — as they collaborated on an Iron Man suit. The villain, Obadiah Stane, stole it in an effort to ruin Homecoming. After uniting over their common passion for Homecoming, the protagonists confronted Obadiah Stane, retrieving the suit and revitalizing MSJ spirit. By the end, each character offered heartfelt advice to their respective class, which built a sense of camaraderie and unity for audience members.
Iron IronMan ManSeniors Seniors By Vedesh Kodnani & Jennie Wang Staff Writers
“I really, really liked their skit. I thought that it was super meta and reflective of Mission’s culture, but also really unifying, and I also liked the fact how they incorporated the merch from different classes and also incorporated different classes as characters.” — Vidyuth Sridhar, 9
With 10 airbands in total, the seniors gave an impressive array of performances. Preceding the dance performances was the singing airband, which had the audience in high spirits as they sang “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd and Britney Spears’ “Oops!...I Did It Again.” For their finale, the performers sang “22” by Taylor Swift as a tribute to their year of graduation. The rest of the performances followed suit, with each airband delivering an impassioned performance. The Bollywood airband, easily the largest of the airbands, incorporated intricate costume changes and formations into their thrilling dances. In contrast, the lyrical airband wove broad, expressive movements into their coordinated acrobatics, delivering an emotional performance to “Little League” by Conan Gray. As per senior tradition, the Haka airband performed the Haka routine in a celebration of Māori culture; their rhythmic movements and synchronized stomps captivated the audience. Afterwards, the amphitheater roared in support for the K-pop airband, which boasted sharp and coordinated movements as they energetically danced to a series of K-pop hits. The fight scene airband delivered an action-packed and exhilarating sequence of stunts, culminating into their last feat as two of the performers executed a suspenseful fireman’s carry. The Class of 2022’s final Homecoming delivered a satisfying conclusion to their high school years. As the performances came to an end, the traditional senior rollercoaster exemplified the seniors’ enthusiasm and spirit. With their striking decorations, passionate performances, and outstanding class spirit, the Class of 2022 has left their legacy on Homecoming that will be fondly remembered for years to come.
“The message that they gave at the end of their skit was so wholesome, I started crying, I was bawling my eyes out. But I think it was so relatable, especially as a sophomore, some of the stuff [that] they said really resonated [with me], and I think that it was really wholesome in general that they took the time to reflect on every class and it was really sweet how they ended it.” — Anushree Marimuthu, 10
“The best part was their energy. They were so in sync and everyone had so much energy … The audience was all screaming ‘Hoo-ha! You wish you were a senior’ after every performance, not only the seniors but also the juniors, [sophomores, and freshmen].” — Shivi Narang, 10
PHOTOS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR MINGXIN WANG & STAFF WRITER CHARLIZE CHIU
Friday, October 22, 2021
The Smoke Signal
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Arts & Entertainment 13
As Halloween creeps up on our doorsteps, many look forward to the timeless tradition of watching horror movies while binge-eating candy. The Smoke Signal has compiled a list of classic horror films to get everyone in the spooky Halloween spirit. The listed movies are only a few of the wide variety of horror classics, but they’re some of the best ones to begin with. So, get the blankets and candy ready because you’re definitely in for a treat.
Friday the 13th (2009)
By Sarina Li, Priyanka Shah & Annika Singh Staff Writers
The Addams Family (1991)
Directed by Marcus Nispel, Friday the 13th is billed as the remake of the original 1980 movie. After a young Jason Voorhees witnesses the death of his mother, he flees into the woods. He targets a group of friends, 30 years later, killing everyone and kidnapping a young girl who resembles his mother. When Clay Miller learns of his sister’s disappearance, he sets out to find her. Friday the 13th features suspense, gore, and one of the best slasher set pieces the franchise has to offer. The swoopy 2009 hairstyles, relatable and hateable characters, and endearing dialogue add to the film’s softer moments. But don’t be fooled — the movie has many frightening jump-scares.
Directed and produced by Tim Burton, Corpse Bride isn’t the terrifying horror story people make it out to be. Rather, it is a sweet love story featuring a ghoulish atmosphere, odd-looking characters, and an unconventional view of the afterlife. The plot centers around an awkward young man, Victor, who accidentally marries a corpse. With stunning stop-motion animations and an entertaining soundtrack, Corpse Bride represents the two sides of life — one overcast and one lively — adding sentiment to the story.
“I think Friday the 13th scared me the most [out of all of the movies]. The 1980s is probably my favorite in the franchise and Jason Voorhees still terrifies me to this day. Friday the 13th is the movie my sister showed me when my parents weren’t home so we wouldn’t get in trouble. It has a very classic horror movie feel since the plot is pretty generic now.” — Anya Sharma, 10
“Corpse Bride is a unique movie that I’ve had the privilege of watching. I remember it connected the living and dead realms through an accidental meeting of one of each kind. It plays a significant role in my childhood, as I learned that it was based on actual events and derived from a Jewish folktale.” — Anya Kapoor, 10
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Corpse Bride (2005)
Coraline (2009)
The Addams family is America’s legendary Pioneering the use of character replacement faces Set in Salem, Massachueccentric family with their kooky and Gothproduced by 3D printers, Henry Selick’s Coraline setts on Halloween ic style. The film depicts the ideal American remains a gateway for today’s horror genre. It is night, Hocus Pocus household in a graveyard setting, with the ina stunning stop-motion animated blockbuster detells the tale of Max version of typical family values. The Addams picting the story of a spunky young girl, Coraline Dennison and his unfortuFamily also satirises traditional gender roles, Jones, struggling to adjust to her new home at the nate run-ins with witchcraft. portraying Gomez, the father, to be the ideal paPink Palace. While exploring the estate, she comes across After doubting the town’s local legend of the Sanderson triarch — without a shred of toxic masculinity. The sisters, Max accidentally resurrects the evil witch trio: Sarah, a mysterious door, through which she discovers a fantastifamily lives in an ornate Victorian mansion next to a cal alternate reality. This alternate reality has the characters cemetery and swamp, adding to the movie’s eerie aesWinifred, and Mary. The sisters, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, thetics. Through their hilarious banter, viewers see a with buttons sewn on to their eye sockets as replacements Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy, steal the show with loving family with a spooky, competitive side as they for real eyes. The portrayals of the characters in this altertheir campy performance and wonderfully overconstantly try to kill each other. The Addams Family has nate reality are a key contributor to the scare factor in this the-top dialogue and mannerisms. As the earned its place in time using various degrees of humor, from movie. Coraline does an impressive job in adding odd twists three stick together through thick and thin, in-your-face slapstick fun to the subtle satire of “normalcy.” to further frighten the audience, making it an all-time classic. their unapologetically self-loving attitudes are the subject of the film’s feminist undertones and female empowerment. “The Addams Family holds a very special place in my “Coraline [is my favorite Halloween movie] because I love the heart. Growing up, people always told me that I reminded animation in it. It’s a different take on a scary movie which “My favorite movie is Hocus Pocus. It’s a really cult classic type them of Wednesday Addams. I love Wednesday’s spunk, makes it really special. I think that Coraline has contributed the passion of Morticia and Gomez, the innocence of Halloween movie so it feels a bit nostalgic to watch it every year, Pugsley, and the overall kookiness of the Addams. They and I think a lot of people feel that way too since it’s one of the to Halloween culture because the stop-motion animation was embrace what most people in our current society are a new way of animating movies. Also the way they made an only major Halloween movies. I think it turned Halloween movie afraid to show and they are proud of it.” — Ella Lym, 11 animation into a horror movie was so cool.” — Sanik Vivek, 12 culture into one of amusement and fun instead of just super scary horror movies all the time.” — Aditi Borra, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Scream (1996) 10 Directed by Wes Craven, Scream follows a series of mysterious murders A timeless Tim Burton stop-motion film released in 1993, The Nightmare Before Christmas follows committed by the elusive masked killer, Ghostface, that plague the fictional Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, and his pursuits of excitement. One town of Woodsboro, California. The film begins with Ghostface’s first victim, CaHalloween, Jack strays from his annual routine of scaring the sey Becker. After the news of Casey’s death spreads, her friends also fall victim to neighborhood and instead stumbles face-first into Christmas Ghostface, spiraling into a complicated web of connected killings and shockTown, a beautifully festive town filled with laughter and joy. ing revelations. In contrast to other horror flicks of its time, Scream Jack is enthralled with this brightness and makes it his mission to satirizes the genre’s tropes through the screenplay’s quippy dialogue hijack Christmas for his own excitement. The film’s popularity and self-awareness of its own tacky cliches. Scream’s comedy, genuoriginates from its appeal to goths, punks, and metalheads, as well inely thrilling mystery, and recognizable killer makes for a true classic. as the residents of Halloweentown. This makes the plot “I watched Scream about three years ago a few days before align more with Halloween than Halloween because a friend of mine was obsessed with horChristmas. The worldwide ror movies. It ended up being one of the first horror movlove for this movie comes ies I ever watched and it kind of kickstarted my love for the from its unique characters genre. I really liked how self-aware it was and also how and intricate animation. weirdly likeable the characters were.” — Jay Koo, 12 “I watched The Nightmare Before Christmas in elementary school for Beetlejuice is a gaudy supernatural comedy cena class movie night and tered around the Maitland couple who remember debating with haunt their country residence after my friends if it’s a Halloween dying in a road accident. When the movie or a Christmas movie (perDeetz family buys the house, the Maitlands ask the mischievous sonally, I believe it’s more of a Halghost Betelgeuse to aid them loween movie).” — Callie Yuan, 9 in scaring away the family. Betelgeuse is a bundle of manic energy, adding to the film’s stunning characterization. The film features eye-popping interiors and costumes, embracing Gothic sensibility. Beetlejuice’s entertaining plot, snarky lines, and oddly optimistic view on the afterlife make it a cult classic film.
Beetlejuice (1988)
“[Beetlejuice] was one [movie] my family always watched. I always vibed with Lydia. My family always got those two movies and a bunch of specific books when Halloween came around.” — Amelie Cowley, 12
14 Arts & Entertainment
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The Smoke Signal
Friday, October 22, 2021
C R I T I C S’ C O R N E R
Dear Evan Hansen: A M essage Lost i n T ranslat ion
Jeremy ZUcker’s CRUSHER Is a CRUSHING DISAPPOINTMENT
By Daphne Senecal Staff Writer
By Karina Han Staff Writer
Adapted from the award-winning musical by the same name, Dear Evan Hansen fails to leave the same lasting impression as its musical counterpart. Released on September 24, Dear Evan Hansen tries to depict the harsh reality of mental illnesses in teenagers but ultimately leaves those who had never seen the musical clueless of the events that would take place. The story follows socially anxious Evan Hansen (Ben Platt) as he tries to navigate through his senior year of high school but gets swept up in a downward spiral of his own lies following the suicide of his classmate, Connor Murphy (Colton Ryan). The story explores how mental illness affects the main characters and their families. Much of the film’s plot and dialogue stays true to the original storyline that follows the musical, the few changes made are significant. More focus is given to the film’s protagonist, Evan — a decision made by director Stephen Chbosky to immortalize Platt’s legendary Broadway performances. This, however, means less attention is given to the secondary characters, leading to the removal of four songs from the musical’s original soundtrack. With the omission of the musical’s opening number “Anybody Have a Map?” the struggles of Evan’s and Connor’s mothers from supporting their children go unnoticed. Another number taken out of the film, “Good For You,” highlights how Evan’s lies have hurt those closest
Inspired by quarantine introspection and loneliness, singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker’s sophomore album, CRUSHER, was met with high hopes from fans. However, weighed down by a stale and unimaginative tracklist, the album fell short of these expectations following its release on October 1. According to Zucker, CRUSHER is an angry album, a sharp contrast to his melancholy debut. Zucker’s first album love is not dying encompassed gentle vocals and lyrics that discussed loneliness and the turbulence of relationships — topics that listeners could relate to. A slow beat, electronic production effects, and quiet guitar backings let his vocals and melancholy lyrics take the lead. Although Zucker succeeded in establishing a signature style on love is not dying, many of his songs sounded similar and forgettable as a result. Zucker’s exploration of his newfound emotions in CRUSHER is intended to be a refreshing departure from his typical musical style; however, his lackluster lyrics fail to do these emotions justice. Although Zucker said he’s moved forward from love is not dying, he sings, “I let friends go, I made enemies / But never like this, now you’re dead to me” in “I can’t look at you,” carrying the topic of unhealthy relationships over from his previous album. “Deep end” and “Don’t come over, i’m an a**hole” repeat the self-deprecating lyrics that plague his earlier discography, resulting in repetitive and forgettable songs that blur together. Sometimes unique production can supplement weak lyrics. Unfortunately, with the exception of his previously released singles, such as “18” and “HONEST,” CRUSHER fails in that aspect too, falling victim to generic pop instrumentals and production. It replaces the simplicity of Zucker’s debut album with tracks that follow the same tired formula: generic guitar chords, heavy-handed drum beats, and synths that overshadow the vocals. Many tracks stay largely stag-
to him. Its absence in the film further alienates viewers from understanding the nuances of Evan’s relationships with his few newfound friends. Still, this altered storyline is not without its strengths. The addition of Alana Beck’s (Amandla Stenberg) original song, “The Anonymous Ones,” shines a spotlight on the fact that anyone can suffer from a mental illness, including those who seem to have it all figured out. This, combined with the changes made to Larry Murphy’s (Danny Pino) character, brings an unexpected and better understanding of Alana and Larry, two characters who never got much development in the musical. For what the movie lacks in terms of plot, it makes up for with its phenomenal acting and singing. Although Platt is 27 years old (10 years older than his character), he once again delivers a stunning performance. He pays attention to detail to
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displaying his character’s nervous tics such as playing with his shirt, stumbling over his words, and uneven breathing when he gets anxious. The Murphy family’s display of grief over their son’s death feels incredibly realistic with their rapid switches between anger and sadness. The vocals that made audiences cheer at the Broadway performances shine through with the same intense emotions of sorrow and misery. However, the film adaptation did not garner the same sympathy for Evan, failing to get its message across clearly. Dear Evan Hansen leaves much to be desired compared to its critically acclaimed musical counterpart. ▪
Acting: 8/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Plot: 5.5/10 Setting: 7/10 Overall: 6.9/10
October 2021 Student Faves
under the radar JENNY NUO
MOVIE: Venom: Let There Be Carnage — Jayden Kim, 9 TV SHOW: The Mandalorian — Samuel Zhou, 11 ALBUM: DIMENSION: DILEMNA by Enhypen — Colleen Yu, 10 BOOK: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald — Nikitha Karthikeyan, 12 GAME: Arknights — Celina Mao, 11
By Ayushi Kashyap Staff Writer Jenny Nuo is an undiscovered diamond in the rough — a Bay Area songwriter and musician who is currently breaking her way through the music industry with her unique tracks weaving together her love for computer science and music. Nuo draws inspiration for her songs from her high school experiences as her songs reminisce both the good and bad sides of adolescence. Released on May 28, her first EP, bound by expectations, talks about her high school memories, the transition to college, and her insecurities associated with it. Its standout track “print(“i’m so tired”)” focuses on her impostor syndrome as a woman pursuing computer science. Her euphonious voice is rife with emotion and provides the comfort of a good friend as she mulls over the difficulties of asking for help in a hard class. The topics of her tracks narrate her feelings about seemingly mundane things, such as learning how to drive. These are relatable to the average high schooler who may be trying to keep up with the expectations of society, which makes the EP an enjoyable listen for high schoolers. Her most recent single, “EXPIRED,” was released on September 16. She employs creative background vocals such as people cheering in the background to add to the reminiscent and comfortable feel of the song. While her EP focuses on her feelings about high school, her newest single takes more of a fresh outlook on her shift to adulthood. Combining raw emotion and storytelling with beautiful vocals, Nuo creates stunning works. Listeners to Taylor Swift, Conan Gray, mxmtoon, and Mitski would enjoy Nuo’s strong voice as it complements her indie feel to create a feeling similar to a warm hug. With her relatable, heart-wrenching lyrics, Nuo slides easily into the indie scene, sure to make waves with her catchy music. ▪
JEREMYZUCKERMUSIC.COM
nant throughout — “When i’m around” and “Sex & cigarettes” have no high points, and “I can’t look at you” builds up to an unsatisfying climax. Zucker’s attempt to mimic the laid-back musical style of his old releases fails to provide the simple but unique accompaniments he’s known for. Despite the negatives, Zucker’s vocals never cease to shine. Standout tracks like “Cry with you” and “Therapist” especially reveal his versatility and range. “Lie to my face, kiss me goodnight / I swear you know I can’t handle this / Maybe you should call your therapist,” Zucker belts in the powerful chorus of “Therapist.” His fierce delivery, a contrast to the slower verses, hammers his righteous anger home. On the other hand, the softly sung lyrics in “Cry with you,” which discusses supporting friends even from a distance, soothe Zucker’s audience as he returns to his roots in quiet but emotional tracks. Sadly, his vocals can’t make up for the blandness of the album’s other elements. Although a few songs demonstrate Zucker’s evolution as an artist, the lack of creativity in the lyricism, instrumentals, and production means Zucker still has a long way to go. Instead of a carefully crafted masterpiece from an established musician, CRUSHER sounds more like an amateur’s debut album. ▪
Vocals: 8/10 Lyrics: 4/10 Production: 5.5/10 Overall: 5.8/10
No time to Die: Daniel Craig’s satisfying sendoff
By Sanah Bhardwaj Staff Writer Dramatic and tear-jerking, Daniel Craig’s fifth and final James Bond movie No Time to Die is a fulfilling goodbye to one of the movie franchise’s most beloved icons. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film features classic James Bond action, witty dialogue, and a captivating soundtrack. Although slow at times, the picture is the emotional, dramatic sendoff James Bond fans have been longing for. Plotwise, No Time to Die is nothing out of the ordinary; James Bond (Daniel Craig) faces a bitter villain named Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek) who wants to use new technology to “purify” the world. Luckily, the banality of the plot is interrupted by a refreshing moment of self-growth for our charming hero. Though depicted as a cold straight-shooter, an emotional side to Bond is revealed through his complex love interest, Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux). Throughout the film, Bond frequently chooses his heart over his mind, indicating that he’s not just the
heartless killer he’s been depicted as in past films — he’s also a human being. Of course, James Bond wouldn’t be James Bond without exceptional acting. Five movies and 15 years later, one thing is for sure: Daniel Craig will not be forgotten. Since his first James Bond appearance in Casino Royale in 2006, Craig has revolutionized and deepened Bond’s character, accelerating him from a shallow, sardonic man to a man who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. Craig makes his last performance one to remember, bringing the suave agent to life like never before. Seydoux embraces the hardened yet sensitive Madeleine Swann, delving into her vulnerability rather than her unwavering strength. Often, Swann is seen crying or breaking down, a break in character from past films. Furthermore, Malek delivers a chilling performance as the movie’s main antagonist, the vengeful Safin, sending shivers down the viewer’s spine in every scene. In addition to acting, No Time to Die’s extraordinary soundtrack and cinematography propel the film to greatness. Released in Oct. 2020, Billie
Eilish’s Grammy-winning rendering of the title track “No Time to Die” is the perfect compliment to Hans Zimmer’s score; her coveted “whisper-sing” is haunting and mysterious, staying true to the movie’s ominous theme. Zimmer’s music is handcrafted for every scene — upbeat rhythms make viewers’ hearts race and melancholy tunes are sob-inducing. The music also counteracts dozens of monotonous scenes, adding excitement and character. Most importantly, the cast features actress Lashana Lynch as the first Black female 007 Nomi, a no-nonsense agent who isn’t afraid to look Bond in the eye. This representation is inspiring and necessary, making it clear that Bond’s world is not just for white men like him. Though stellar in most areas, No Time to Die does contain its fair share of weaknesses. At almost three hours of running time, the film is evidently misnamed — Bond has more than enough time to die. The action scenes drag on much too long, containing unnecessary information and an overwhelming amount of special effects. The length also convolutes the already complicat-
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ed plot, leaving viewers confused and counting down the minutes for the film to end. Still, the movie franchise is far from over. The end credits of the film read “James Bond will return,” begging the question of who will take over the role. Bond’s open slot creates opportunities for representation and progression, and Lynch’s performance connotes that a female Bond or Bond of color may not be out of reach. Three hours of action-packed moments and a heart-wrenching ending later, No Time to Die is a distinctive farewell to an unforgettable James Bond; it makes up for its bland plot and excruciating movie length with unforgettable acting, cinematography, and a memorable soundtrack. In the wake of Daniel Craig’s departure, the future for the James Bond franchise is bright. ▪
Acting: 8.8/10 Cinematography: 8.9/10 Plot: 8.1/10 Setting: 9.5/10 Overall: 8.8/10
SMOKIE PLAYLIST: MEGH: “Calling All the Monsters” by China Anne McClain | AMANDA: “Disturbia” by Rihanna | LARRY: “I’m Gonna Be” by Post Malone | ALINA: “Spooky
BO(O)PS!
Scary Skeletons” by Andrew Gold | ISABELLA: “Ghost Town” by Kanye West | SAKSHI: “Creep” by Radiohead | LILY: “Psycho” by Red Velvet | NITHIKA: “Ghost” by Justin Bieber | JACKIE: “bury a friend” by Billie Eilish | NAVEED: “Follow The White Rabbit” by Madison Beer | HELEN: “KINGDOM COME” by THE BOYZ | JOANNE: “Jack’s Lament” by Danny Elfman | ANVI: “Vampire” by Dominic Fike | JERRY: “Sherlock (Clue + Note)” by SHINee | MINGXIN: “The Monster” by Eminem, Rihanna | JESSICA: “say it first” by ROLE MODEL | TANISHA: “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift | MRS. COHEN: “Thiller” by Michael Jackson
Friday, October 22, 2021
The Smoke Signal
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Arts & Entertainment & Sports 15
S qu id Ga m e : W In nin g n u m b e r O n e F O R IT S O RIGiN A LIT Y By Amelie Wu Staff Writer From the uniquely twisted plot to the eerie music, Squid Game is not for the lighthearted. Directed and written by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, and filled with moral dilemmas, conflicted characters, and murder after murder, the South Korean thriller TV drama, Squid Game, is not your typical game show. Inspired by books such as Battle Royale, Liar Game, and Gambling Apocalypse: Kaiji, Squid Game follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) who is invited to play childhood games in hopes of winning money. Over 400 cash-strapped people, including Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), Kang Sae-byeok (Jung Hoyeon), Oh Il-nam (Oh Yeong-su), and Abdul Ali (Anapum Tripathi), are competing alongside Gi-hun for something worth much more than just money: their lives. Only one can survive and take home the final prize of ₩45.6 billion. For decades, thrillers have tried to encapsulate the ethical dilemma that comes with murder and survival. However, few give insight into the characters’ morals and motivations, preventing the audience from getting past the surface of the plot and truly understanding each character. Squid Game, luckily, takes the opposite route, immediately diving into the characters’ lives outside the games. Whether it is family problems or staggering debts, the diverse and in-depth backgrounds of the major characters pull the audience in to root for their survival. Aside from their backstories, each participant is given distinct qualities and thought processes, completing their characters. These elements are shown when the participants play a popular South Korean
game in which they must carve a perfect shape out of a dalgona candy or die. Han Mi-Nyeo (Kim Joo-Ryung) sneaks a lighter into the game, using it to heat the iron needle provided by the game hosts to easily melt the candy, which she then passes to Jang Deok-Soo (Heo Sung-tae). MiNyeo and Deok-soo pass the game through cheats not allowed by game hosts, implicating their deceptive natures. Meanwhile, Seong Gi-hun and Oh Il-nam use their tongues to
lick and dissolve the candy, allowing the thinner outline to break apart. Through their resourcefulness, the audience is easily able to discern their ingenuity. Such subtle details are integral to creating complex and varying characters. Throughout the series, Gi-hun is recognizably the most complex character. His kindness towards fellow competitors, despite acknowledging that only one may survive, shines in his treatment towards Il-nam, an
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easy target presented as an elderly man with a brain tumor. When given the choice between living or killing his friend, Gi-hun displays clear hesitation. The humanistic characteristics seen in characters serves as a reminder that these characters are not to be idolized and are not perfect. By directing attention to a character’s flaws, unique dynamics can be established between characters that shows rarely dwell on. Squid Game’s originality de-
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rives from the decision to reinvent children’s games in a cruel and grotesque way. Tied with the outfit that players are required to wear, a green tracksuit similar to school-designated sportswear in South Korea, the audience is constantly reminded that, despite the heavy topic of death and murder amongst a group of peers over money, the competitions they participate in are all innocent games. This manages to add to the overall fear factor, as it takes children’s games to the point of murder. Despite being a South Korean show, Squid Game has garnered many foreign audiences. The main factor to the show’s success lies in its commentary against capitalism and society’s treatment of the less fortunate. As the game hosts target destitute citizens willing to throw away their lives for the slim chance of earning a massive amount of money, the show provides subtle commentary on how capitalism exploits impoverished people. The motivation behind the games contributes additional critique on how extreme wealth can corrupt the mind, rationalizing the murder of everyday citizens for mere entertainment. These well-known conditions and societal issues pervading the real world today pull viewers in to empathize with the contestants. Through unique takes on survivalistic shows via the integration of childhood games, and in-depth character development, Donghyuk’s Squid Game is an entrance into the world of desperation and fear. Squid Game has elevated the genre of thriller TV dramas past mere mindless murder and gore. ▪
Acting: 8.5/10 Cinematography: 7.5/10 Plot: 9/10 Audience Engagement: 8.5/10 Overall: 8.4/10
Riding into the Spotlight: Celina Mao By Kaitlyn Wang & Kaylee Wei Staff Writers Junior Celina Mao first started horseback riding in 2017 after reading about horse-related books as a child. As her love for horses grew, she began advocating for humane horse treatment and for greater awareness about horseback riding. “When I ride with [my horses], we’re working together as partners, and I just want the best for all of them,” Mao said. Although she doesn’t typically ride competitively, Mao has won second place in two of the three Western, or cowboy-es-
que, horseback riding races she competed in. Mao has since switched to English riding, a style she compares to the form of knights on horseback. Unlike Western riding, English riding involves jumps and greater balance skills on the part of the rider, making English riding more advanced than Western riding; one of Mao’s proudest accomplishments is successfully jumping 2.5 feet with her horse in English riding. Mao shared that despite it being exhilarating, horseback riding requires a large time
commitment to clean stalls, maintain equipment, and feed horses. Before junior year, she would visit Crystal Image Farms, a nearby ranch, about two times every week, riding for one hour and preparing, cleaning up, and taking care of the animals for up to five hours. Dedicating such a large amount of time to caring for the horses is necessary to prevent rashes or any accidental harm to the animals during riding, a caution that has been challenging at times for Mao. “You have to be really careful about everything. If you don’t do something properly, the horses might suffer because of you, and that stresses me out,” she said. As her passion for horses and horse wellness grew, along with her participation in the sport, Mao decided to found her own nonprofit organization, Equine Friends, during the summer of 2019. Mao’s mission with her nonprofit is to introduce more youth to the unique sport and shine light on the mistreatment of horses, given their status as one of the most commonly abused animals in the US according to Karina Brez, a company that promotes equestrian style and awareness. Mao also aims to alleviate the gender gap in horseback riding, in which female riders largely outnumber males. In a span of one and a half years, Mao has led two one-week-long introductory horseback riding classes for more than 20 elementary school students.
With her love for animals extending beyond horses to other furry friends, Mao has also donated the money she earns from dog-sitting to Xenophon Therapeutic Riding, a center that uses horseback riding to rehabilitate physically injured patients. With this project, she hopes to create scholarships for patients at the center to allow them to continue attending therapy sessions without heavy financial burdens. Mao aspires to continue promoting horseback riding and horse wellness by expanding her nonprofit and completing her projects. In regards to her horseback riding career, she anticipates competing more often and, hopefully, owning a horse herself. She encourages everyone to try horseback riding and to remain open-minded about the sport. ▪
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS KAITLYN WANG & KAYLEE WEI, COURTESY CELINA MAO. GRAPHICS BY SPORTS EDITORS ANVI KALUCHA & JERRY YUAN
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Girls Volleyball Take a Tough 1-3 Loss to Washington By Aaryan Suri Staff Writer On October 7, Girls Volleyball faced off against the Washington High School Huskies after the MSJ Warrior’s previous 3-2 victory against them. In an action-packed match with impressive blocks, receives, and spikes from both teams, the Huskies set the tone for the game from set one, and despite their best efforts, the Warriors were unable to hang on. The Huskies took the series in four sets with a final score of 1-3. As the match began, the score remained neck and neck throughout the majority of the game; however, the Huskies slowly began to increase the distance towards the end of the first set. After a close exchange of points, the Huskies were able to tip over the ball in two consecutive plays and close out the game 18-
25. Following this, despite the Warriors’ slow start at the beginning of the second set, they were still able to hang on to the Huskies. Regardless, after a series of intense rallies, the Huskies took a narrow victory in set two, with a score of 20-25. The Warriors began the third set trailing 18-24; however, after winning several intense rallies against the Huskies, the Warriors sent the game into a deuce, when both teams are tied 24-all requiring one team to score two consecutive points to win the game. The Warriors came back from this deficit to win the third set in a close 28-26 game. One of the major factors in the Warriors’ victory in set three was Outside Hitter Senior Suma Vintha, whose encouragement kept up the team’s positive mo-
The Girls Volleyball Team poses for a picture. Front Row (left to right): Sophomore Karina Han, Senior Karen Gao, Senior Ira Sharma, Senior Suma Vintha, Senior Darlene Nguyen, Freshman Allie Tong, Sophomore Katelyn Huang Back Row (left to right): Junior Nessa Tong, Junior Julie Wu, Junior Aiswarya Aluru, Freshman Melissa Jin, Freshman Sarah Hu, Sophomore Michelle Huang, Senior Sriya Donepudi, Girls Volleyball Coach Thien Nguyen
rale. “We were able to pick up game three since we were able to recover our [team] energy,” Girls Volleyball Coach Thien Nguyen said. The Warriors entered the fourth set with their spirits high and ready to take on the Huskies. However, due to a few plays with miscommunication and false calls, the Huskies started the match with a large lead. The set ended in a 10-25 loss, with the Huskies walking away with the win. Going into the game, the Warriors had been trying out a more collaborative and traditional play style alongside a completely new lineup of starting players. Nguyen focused on the team’s core volleyball skills alongside their teamwork
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for past and upcoming games. Some things that pull the team together are their trust in one another and their camaraderie.
“I think the team is one big family … and we come together as one big group to play. We aren’t just playing to win, we’re playing to win and have fun together.” — CO-CAPTAIN LIBERO SENIOR IRA SHARMA
For future games, the Warriors want to focus on seizing every opportunity they get and taking every team as a serious opponent. “Going forward, the girls can learn that we can’t take any points for granted,” Nguyen said. ▪
Freshmen Melissa Jin (Left) and Allie Tong (Right) get ready to dig. PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITER AARYAN SURI
Girls Tennis Best Irvington to Continue Undefeated Streak By Annie Xu Staff Writer 6-0, 6-4, a Varsity 2 Doubles game played by Senior Erin Ta and Senior Melanie Sun. Sophomore Himani Ashok, playing against the Vikings’ first singles player, faced a difficult match filled with close saves and numerous rallies, but emerged with a decisive victory of 6-2, 6-0. “Irvington’s number one [is] a pretty solid player [and] played for [the] United States Tennis Association, so we had to bring out our best game,” Wen said. This win, however, came with extensive practice and hard work. In addition to training every week from Mondays through Thursdays, the captains have set up clinics every Friday, in hopes of giving younger players one-to-one advice and training to ease into in-person . According to Girls Tennis Coach Michael Jan, the extra practice has been helpful for the players, as it allows them to focus on small details with
technique and conditioning that are often otherwise overlooked. So far, the team has been focusing on training its younger players, with the lack of in-person interaction during the pandemic taking a toll. “We’re definitely top heavy, so we’re not as deep as we were before, but the strength is that because we’re top heavy, the players from the top have been mentoring the younger players” Jan said. The team has high expectations for their performance this season, and strive to maintain their undefeated streak. Despite already facing tough opponents at American High School, the Warriors are confident in their skills and ability to overcome challenges. Aside from winning the season, they hope to make NCS and go as far as possible there. ▪
Co-Captains Seniors Lindsey Wen (Left) and Ria Kolala (Right) defeat Irvington in doubles match.
On October 5, Girls Tennis competed against the Irvington High School Vikings at the Irvington Tennis Courts for their fifth game of the season, triumphing 7-0 and continuing their undefeated streak. Despite transitioning out of the pandemic only in the last months of the previous school year, the team was assured in their abilities and went into the game with high spirits. “We were pretty confident ... We have really good new players on the team, ... so we knew we stood a pretty good chance,” Girls Tennis Co-Captain Senior Lindsey Wen said. Though the MSJ Warriors emerged victorious, they faced some unexpected obstacles before the game. Due to an foreseen circumstance before the game, Junior Natasha Chang had to replace Senior Charlize Chiu who was previously set to play Varsity 3 doubles with Junior Harshita Bathina.The players still adapted
quickly to this last minute change, winning the match with 6-2, 6-2. During the meet, Sophomore Anushri Polamuri and Sophomore Siran Wang also both faced tough singles matches with the Vikings’ Varsity third and fourth singles players, respectively. Polamuri faced two close matches with a score of 6-4, 5-7. Wang, who had a rocky start, managed to prevail through her second match, her score tallying to 2-6, 7-5. In the end, the Warriors won, with both final sets coming down to a close tiebreak of 10-7.
“I’m glad they pulled through. Often in tennis, it’s about patience and the mental game. They’ve been very mentally strong.”
— GIRLS TENNIS COACH MICHAEL JAN The Warriors went on to dominate the remaining matches, with the closest score being Sophomore Anushri Polamuri reaches for the ball.
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITER ANNIE XU
Friday, October 22, 2021
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Sports 17
The Impact of Sports on Mental Health By Priyanka Shah & Bryan Xiong Staff Writers
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Olympic stars Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka recently withdrew from the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics, citing mental health concerns as the reason for their departures from the games. Although attacked by many for “quitting on their team,” these athletes were strong in putting their mental health before anything else. Due to the intense competition and pressure to perform well in competitive sports, athletes are constantly struggling to cope with the stress while keeping their mental health in check. Instead of sports being a stress-relieving activity, it has instead become harmful to the mind because of the importance that is placed on obtaining good results. Therefore, just like Biles and Osaka did, it is important to prioritize mental health over solely performance and results. For students in an environment as competitive as MSJ’s, mental health is a prominent issue that should be seen as a top priority. When student-athletes are pressured to consistently perform well in competitions while juggling academics and other extracurriculars, they can feel overwhelmed by their workload. In a survey conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2020 with more than 37,000 responses from student-athletes, a third
of respondents reported experiencing difficulties sleeping, and only 50% indicated feeling positive about their ability to keep up with their classes. When it becomes too much to handle, it is okay for students to come to compromises and sacrifice certain commitments for a less demanding workload. Missing one competition won’t devastate students’ lives, but having to constantly stress over it while dealing with other aspects of life at the same time might. In an era where information is widely available, athletes experience increased stress and unhealthy expectations due to societal pressures. This was one of the factors that led to Biles’ withdrawal from the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. “I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times,” Biles said in an Instagram post. For athletes at MSJ who are likely to use social media, public match results, performance statistics, and rankings give students the belief that they need to consistently be the best to not disappoint themselves and their peers. However, the need
PHOTO BY SBNATION.COM
US Olympian Simone Biles faced public criticism for her decision to withdraw from the 2021Summer Olympics due to mental health concerns.
By Charlize Chiu, Jiyun Guo, Karina Han, Annika Singh, Angela Xiong & Aaron Zhou Staff Writers
Boys Water Polo
Girls Golf
Girls Tennis
Record: 2-7 8/24 vs. Saint Patrick-Saint Vincent: 17-4 (W) 8/31 vs. Castro Valley: 12-10 (L) 9/4 vs. California: 17-5 (L) 9/10 vs. Lick Wilmerding: 10-9 (L) 9/15 vs. James Logan: 19-9 (L) 9/22 vs. Irvington: 8-7 (L) 10/4 vs. Alhambra: 20-16 (L) 10/6 vs. Moreau Catholic: 17-9 (W) 10/13 vs. American: 7-11 (L) Record: 5-5 8/24 vs. Amador Valley: 181-245 (W) 8/25 vs. Freedom: 253-258 (W) 9/1 vs. Valley Christian: 197-178 (L) 9/7 vs. American: 192-249 (W) 9/14 vs. Moreau Catholic & Irvington: 180-210 (W) 9/16 vs. Newark Memorial: 202-222 (W) 9/22 vs. Newark Memorial & Irvington: Default (L) 9/29 vs. American: 304-286 (L) 10/6 vs. Washington & Moreau Catholic: Default (L) 10/8 vs. Irvington & Washington: Default (L) Record: 8-0 as of Oct. 18 9/21 vs. American: 4-3 (W) 9/23 vs. James Logan: 7-0 (W) 9/28 vs. Washington: 7-0 (W) 9/30 vs. Newark Memorial: 7-0 (W) 10/5 vs. Irvington: 4-3 (W) 10/7 vs. Moreau Catholic: 7-0 (W) 10/12 vs. Kennedy: 7-0 (W) 10/18 vs. James Logan: 7-0 (W)
View the rest of the results at www.thesmokesignal.org! GRAPHICS BY STAFF WRITER JULIA PENG
for social media validation leads to unrealistic standards and in turn, unhealthy mindsets regarding the desire for success. Some might say that increased involvement in sports helps the mind and body. However, the constant push for athletes to play well regardless of the circumstances places a great deal of stress on them and can lead to depression and anxiety, especially at the highest levels of competition. Andrew Luck, a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, suffered several injuries in the NFL over the course of six years, having to attend weekly rehabilitation sessions while still competing every Sunday. This put a significant strain on his mental health as he was in a constant cycle of pain and competi-
tion-induced stress. Although the choice between his career and his physical and mental wellbeing was a hard one to make, Luck chose the right path. “The only way forward for me is to remove myself from football and this cycle I’ve been in,” Luck said during his retirement announcement in 2019. Students shouldn’t feel the need to perform well in competitive sports in exchange for their poor mental health and unstable quality of life. It is okay for students to prioritize non-sport commitments to preserve a better mental state overall — losing sleep over results isn’t worth it in the long run. ▪
Student-Athlete Mental Health Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic, National Collegiate Athletic Association 2020
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Animal Shelter By Chahak Gupta & Angela Xiong Staff Writers
Pandemic Pets Over the course of the pandemic, people experienced an unprecedented degree of isolation, which proved to be manageable for some but debilitating for others. The abrupt switch from pre-pandemic life to online communication severely impacted many people socially and mentally. As the pandemic progressed, people sought refuge and consolation in the form of furry companions, recently coined as “pandemic pets”. Across the nation, pet adoptions and sales surged in the initial stages of the pandemic. The number of Google searches for pet adoptions in April and May of 2020 was up by 250% from the 2019 average, according to a study published in Frontiers. With 10 to 13 adoptions per day, adoptions were carried out twice as usual in June at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, according to the Washington Post. Animal shelters experienced a 34% increase in pet adoption on National Pet Adoption Day in April of 2020. However, with pet owners recently returning to in-person offices and schools, animal shelters are filling back up with “pandemic pets.”
Adoption Procedure
Pandemic Response
Surrendering Pets
Lost and Found
After filling out the online adoption application form for their animal of interest, a member of the shelter staff will set up a virtual adoption counseling appointment with the potential owner. All animals are adopted based on a first come, first serve basis. While requirements and protocols differ between dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other pets, an adoption fee and a valid identification are always required. Prior to being adopted, all shelter dogs must meet with visit with all the other dogs that are already in the home. Adoption applications and descriptions of currently adoptable rescues are available on the Tri-City Animal Shelter’s website. Due to safety concerns, kennels remain closed to the public.
Owners looking to surrender their pets are encouraged to use Valley Humane Society’s (VHS) Home to Home program. By filling out the Rehome Your Pet form on VHS’s website, they can find new homes for their pets without having to drop them off at the shelter. Since space and resources at the shelter are limited, using this program allows owners to avoid long waiting lists. Those looking to rehome surrendered pets can also do so by filling out the corresponding Find a Pet form.
The Tri-City Animal Shelter, which is managed by Fremont Police Department's Animal Services Unit, houses rescued animals from Fremont, Union City, and Newark, and helps them reunite with their owners or find new homes. The shelter modified its usual services and procedures. Prior to the pandemic, the shelter allowed regular and scheduled visits to the shelter by any prospective animal owners. However, due to the pandemic, they are currently no longer offering this service and are electing to use zoom and other online services to communicate with individuals instead. Additional changes include adoption protocols, lost and found pets management, and rehoming measures in response to the pandemic.
The Tri-City Animal Shelter helps lost pets reunite with their owners. Owners who have lost their pet are advised to check the Found Pets Page, Mission Reunite, and Helping Lost Pets after filling out the Lost Pet Report. Finders can call the shelter to schedule a drop-off appointment after filling out the Found Pet Report, although the shelter recommends attempting to search for the animal’s owner before dropping it off at the shelter. If an animal is found injured, it should be immediately taken to a local emergency clinic.
Ways to Get Involved
Animal enthusiasts who are 18-years-old or above can volunteer at the shelter after filling out the application found on the Tri-City Animal Shelter’s official website. Volunteers assist in clerical work including answering phone calls, taking photos, and getting the shelter ready for opening every day, in addition to socializing with the animals. Applications for three positions — Vet Tech, Animal Care, and Customer Service — are currently open. For those who prefer a more direct role in the shelter animal’s lives, there is a separate application that can be filled out for fostering kittens that can be located on the Tri-City Animal Shelter website. Those under 18 can help the shelter by donating, adopting a rescue or simply liking and sharing the shelter’s Twitter (@TriCityAnimals), Facebook (TriCity Animal Shelter), and Instagram (@tricityanimals) posts.
GRAPHICS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR MINGXIN WANG, GOOGLE.COM
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tri-city animal shelter
Furry Companions Opal is a year-old female blue and white pit bull mix who was found four months ago as a stray left at the Central Park Dog Park in Fremont. The shelter staff attempted to contact Opal’s owner using the microchip found on her but received no response. Opal is fond of cuddles and treats, is quick to learn commands, and is ultra-energetic during walks. The shelter staff claim that Opal is the “best adventure buddy” because she is both enthusiastic enough to spend an entire day exploring, and huggable enough to snuggle with her human right after. She will need a home without any cats.
OPAL
An i mal I D: A172037 Historia is a female white lop Holland bunny of unknown age. She was brought into the shelter a month ago as a stray. The shelter staff encourages her future owners to be patient since she is not accustomed to being around humans. She is otherwise loving, handleable, friendly, and the “prettiest rabbit you’ve ever seen,” the shelter staff said.
HISTORIA
An i mal I D: A174128
Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions rescued Winter, a female white adult pigeon, and her flock of 18 healthy pigeons five months ago from Mission San José Park in Fremont. She was later brought to the Tri-City Animal Shelter as Palomacy lacked space. She, along with her flock, will be housed at the shelter until they get adopted.
WINTER
An i mal I D: A172044 George is a five-year-old male black and white domestic short-haired cat, who came into the shelter as a stray three months ago with a large ulcerated wound. Thanks to antibiotics, superficial wound care, and surgery, his condition improved, but the wound is yet to heal completely. Described by the shelter staff as a “friendly and goofy boy,” George loves attention and meowing for cuddles. The shelter staff advises his adopting family to continue caring for the wound under the direction of a veterinarian.
Those interested in adopting Tri-City Shelter rescue animals can find application forms and additional details at the Tri-City Animal Shelter’s official website: www.tricityanimalshelter.org.
GEORGE : A173613 An i mal I D
PHOTOS BY TRI-CITY ANIMAL SHELTER STAFF. GRAPHICS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR MINGXIN WANG, GOOGLE.COM