Investigative report: fUSD & FUDTA Negotiations
By Rajorshi Chatterjee, Novak Chen, Kaiwei Parks & Cham Yu Sta Writers
FUDTA and FUSD form negotiating teams and meet to settle on a successor agreement. FUDTA submits 15 proposals, and FUSD o ers two.
FUSD provides an update on the district budget situation with an analysis of FUDTA’s proposals. The presentation outlined a $7 million decrease in Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding for the 2024-25 school year.
FUSD and FUDTA agree to Article 16 - Temporary Unit Members. The agreement eliminated regulations on the rehire of certified employees hired for a specific time period.
FUSD and FUDTA agree to Article 21Working Conditions, mandating monthly paychecks to all certified employees.
FUDTA expresses that a proposed uniform 7-hour workday for all teachers may present hardship, as opposed to the current variance in workday length.
The PERB-appointed arbitrator is expected to have released their fact-finding report to the public. According to FUSD, both parties must meet and confer within 10 days after the report is issued FUDTA disputes the claim and contends that a strike may be initiated after FUSD imposes its final best o er. 1st 11th 30th 12th 18th 25th 7th 8th 8th 6th 26th Jan. Feb. March June Nov. Oct. April Jan. Feb.
FUSD Superintendent Larsen announces that schools are to remain open even if a strike is to occur. 15th 29th 2nd 12th
FUSD and FUDTA agree to Article 1Agreement, establishing that the proposed three-year contract, if passed, will last until 2027.
FUSD board approves a new budget for the 2024-25 academic year with a proposed $30 million spending cut.
The existing three-year contract expires. FUDTA teachers are still not under a contract as of April 2025.
FUSD and FUDTA agree to Article 30 - Public Complaints, shortening the complaint process to four steps after lobbying e orts from the Mission Possible Parent and Faculty Association (MPPFA).
The PERB-appointed arbitrator held a fact-finding hearing between FUSD and FUDTA, during which both sides presented arguments for their negotiation targets. The parties were unable to negotiate a compromise.
A record number of FUDTA members voted to authorize the executive board to call a strike if deemed necessary, by an overwhelming vote of 93%.
26th
FUSD Board of Education unanimously appoints Zach Larsen as the new FUSD superintendent, following the resignation of former Superintendent Erik Burmeister.
FUDTA and FUSD are engaged in the last mediation meeting as negotiations move to the fact-finding phase.
Proposed budget reduction is revised down from $30 million to $24.7 million.
FUSD and FUDTA agree to Article 9 - Transfers, Reassignments, and Surplussing, allowing long-term substitutes to be hired. Both parties jointly declared an impasse, and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) soon appointed a mediator that will begin facilitating mediation e orts. Mediation meetings are confidential.
Investigative report: fusd budget deficit updates
By Rajorshi Chatterjee, Novak Chen, Kaiwei Parks & Cham Yu
CA School Funding background
After months of speculation on possible budget cuts, FUSD released its new budget for the 2025-26 school year in a June 2024 board meeting. Since budget shortfall by outlining a $30 million spending cut for the 2025-26 ongoing contract negotiations with the Fremont Unified District Teachers Association (FUDTA) since January 2024. Following the Smoke Signal’s October 2024 publication investigating the proposed budget cuts, this article presents the latest developments since then.
A continuation of the Investigative Report: FUSD Budget Decifit Updates on Page 1.
In recent decades, the CA government made systemic changes to its funding system for local school districts, including adopting the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Grade Span Base Grant system statewide, which provides the majority of school district funding. The change created base funding for school districts, assigning school funding based on the amount of att endin g pupils. With absenteeism and declining enrollment on the rise, the district budget continues to decrease, and an estimate found that each student’s absence is a $35 daily loss for the average CA school district.
The school funding system operates on CA constitutional limits, namely the 1988 Proposition 98, which guarantees minimum funding for local school districts, combined with property tax funds from CA’s General Fund. In response to CA’s economic slowdown, Governor Gavin Newsom struck a compromise in May 2024 to delay a portion of the minimum funds to local schools until 2025-26, while promising to increase minimum funding in the future The funding deferrals guaranteed future state funding but forced many school districts to lower spending. According to the FUSD budget proposal presentations in 2024, Newsom’s IOUs are a major reason budget reductions are necessary for its 2025-26 school year. As a result, the district does not anticipate the need to borrow funds to cover budget shortfalls.
FUSD Budget Actions
“Teachers don't have so many minutes in every period and every day, and so you don't have as much time to give as much feedback or spend more one-on-one time with our kids. But on top of that too, with just the more students that you have, you are spending time on other things, rather than giving exactly what your kids need. And so the smaller that class sizes are, the better it is for our kids.” — FUDTA President Victoria Chon
Aside from CA government IOUs issued to FUSD, expiring $85.3 million one-time pandemic relief funds, declining enrollment, and a $27 million district deficit are crucial budgetary factors the district has identified. “It has looked over the years like Fremont Unified had a lot of money and we did — but it was one-time funds for COVID relief from both federal and state sources. Those funds are exhausted now,” FUSD Superintendent Zachary Larsen said. Aside from expiring one-time relief funds, the CA cost-of-living funding to school districts — originally intended to counteract
With CA and FUSD policy mandating a minimum of 3% of the budget retained as reserves, the district projects that expenditures must be reduced by at least $20 million in the 2025-26 school year, ideally adopting a larger $30 million cut to eliminate deficit spending and balance the budget District enrollment is projected to decline by more than 600 students in the 2026-27 school year compared to three years prior primarily due to the declining population in Fremont Since LCFF funding from the CA government is contingent on school enrollment FUSD funding is expected to decrease significantly
Currently, FUSD expenditures are primarily spent on salaries, which comprise 47% of the budget, while 21% are spent on employee benefits, and 12% on services and campus maintenance or construction. With district revenues estimated to decrease by $18.5 million in the current school year, the district proposed to reduce expenditures by $17.7 million and draw on fund reserves to cover the remaining cost. The proposed budget also
expenses have prompted FUDTA to propose salary increases in the new teacher contract, likely raising costs for the district.
FUDTA vs. FUSD negotiation
In January 2024, FUDTA and FUSD first met to negotiate a successor three-year contract agreement. But if the district proposes a one-year contract, both parties will have to face negotiations soon thereafter. FUDTA initially provided 15 written proposals and FUSD provided two, but later provided new proposals, such as the MPPFA-lobbied renegotiation of Article 30 By November 2024, 17 tentative agreements were made. While FUDTA has proposed contract changes that may increase district spending, such as wage increases, FUSD has largely demanded the preservation of current compensation levels and other organizational specifics in the contract.
In response to stalling negotiations in the fact-finding phase, a record number of 93% of participating union members voted on March 26 to enable the FUDTA executive board to authorize a strike at a legally appropriate time if necessary. According to FUDTA President Victoria Chon, a potential strike could occur after the fact-finding is finalized on April 7 if a settlement is not agreed to. The impasse stage will conclude if the final proposal does not lead to an agreement and FUSD can legally impose its last best
negotiation avenues, such as strikes, and a compromise usually occurs after the union leverages all its negotiating tools. “We are doing this for our students so that in the coming years FUSD [continues to be] a highly regarded school district,” FUDTA President Victoria Chon said.
As of the Second Interim Budget report, published to the FUSD school board on March 12, FUSD has outlined $15.1 million in reductions to the budget, leaving a remainder of $19.2 million to cut. The majority of the cuts have come through clever tactics to free up funds in the General Fund, accumulated mostly through state taxation, which allows more flexible use of funds and increases access to funds overall. To free up additional funds, the district has proposed to eliminate positions like librarians, noon duty supervisors, instructional paraeducators, and accountants. Besides eliminating positions, FUSD has also opted to reassign the cost of some positions from the General Fund to other funds like the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program and block grants, which are subject to CA grant requirements, but free up funds for other uses. $3.03 million of the budget is still set to be cut after current budget reductions, with proposals ranging from eliminating entire AP classes to removing all counselors and campus supervisors from middle schools and high schools. “It hurts our souls to see — we think teachers absolutely are deserving of more It’s not a lack of will, it’s just a lack of ability to pay We are faced with some real uncertainty moving forward,” Larsen said.
Like FUSD, all 18 Alameda County school districts are using their fund reserves amid fiscal distress. The causes of the deficits are largely similar to FUSD ranging from declining enrollment to expiring pandemic-era funds. This has become a statewide problem, with enrollment lowering by 400,000 students throughout CA and decline in state revenues, resulting in an overall decrease of $108.8 billion school funds allocated in the 2023-24 fiscal year
Impact on Students
Although the exact impact on students cannot be exactly quantified with negotiations still ongoing, the district has proposed multiple plans and scenarios for a slew of budget reductions at its regular board or wifi-enabled devices and phone lines will also be rescinded. Special Education class sizes and the number of employed paraeducators are to eliminate 22 elementary school library media technician positions, paraeducators, and one counselor from each high school. These actions will reduce approximately $24.7 million in annual spending and will help balance the budget and the cost of reducing human resources for schools.
Precise changes to the remaining contract articles with FUDTA cannot be known until later this month, when FUSD releases the fact-finding report and a final compromise is proposed. A strike could occur if it is not agreed to. Despite this, both parties remain committed to avoiding a strike as long as the two continue to act in good faith. “I don’t think that there will be a strike and they are truly a measure of last resort I know the FUDTA and the FUSD will do the best for you [students],” Mission Possible Parent Faculty Association President Jasmine Basrai said.
MSJ musicians shine at NCBA Large Ensemble Festival
MSJ Orchestra and Wind Ensemble take the stage at the Northern California Band Association’s (NCBA) Large Ensemble Festival
A record number of Californians are trading in their Teslas, with Edmunds reporting year-over-year increase in March 2025. Declining interest in Tesla is driven by political backlash against Elon Musk, now associated with the Trump administration, and overexposure of the brand. Some former fans now feel uncomfortable driving Teslas due to social perception. Edmunds noted Tesla trade-ins rose from 1.3% in March 2024 to 4.5% by March 2025. Interest from new buyers has also dropped to its lowest since 2022. Used Tesla prices are falling, with Cybertruck resale values down 58% and other models dropping over 16%.
The US Department of Education sent a letter to state leaders on April 3 that threatened to withhold funding from schools that use Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) programs. Both school and state leaders are required to sign and return the letter to the Department in the following 10 days. Letters of a similar nature have been sent over the past few months on topics such as COVID grants and student privacy. The American Federation of Teachers, the second largest teacher’s union in America, is currently in a lawsuit against the US Department of Education's recent actions, alleging unlawful conduct and misuse of power by the Department.
Supporters of Ex-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally at the Costitutional Court of Korea in Seoul, South Korea to oppose his impeachment.
Following months of turmoil in his presidency, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally impeached by the Constitutional Court of Korea on April 4. The court found that Yoon’s declaration of martial law last December was a “breach of the constitution and other laws” and that Yoon had “shocked the people and caused confusion in the society, economy, politics, diplomacy, and all other areas.” After the ruling was announced, anti-Yoon protesters erupted in jubilation, while his supporters cried for reconsideration. The deepening divide between Yoon’s critics and supporters has elicited concern from South Korea’s political experts, who worry whether the country will be able to face global conflicts in its current, polarized state.
for the Mar. 21, 2025 issue
News: P1: MSJ has no vice principal, should be assistant principal. News: P1: CA Mathematics Placement Act of 2015 did not afect 6th-grade students. News: P2: Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo should be written as such.
By Dhaeshna Booma & Jennifer Li Staf Writers
For many students, especially the MSJ Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, the Northern California Band Association’s (NCBA) Large Ensemble Festival was more than just a competition — it was a chance to showcase months of preparation and perform in front of experts.
Hosted at Del Mar High School in San Jose on April 5, the event brought together 15 high school ensembles from across the region, each evaluated by a panel of professional adjudicators.
Established in 1990, the NCBA supports the growth of school music programs across California, organizing events such as jazz festivals and drumline competitions. e Large Ensemble Festival marks the first event of NCBA’s 2025 Spring Festival season with groups judged on tone, technique, musical content, and accuracy — receiving ratings ranging from “Needs Improvement” to “Superior” in the sight reading and performance categories. An overall rating is then determined based on the judges’ combined evaluations. Beyond the scores and rankings, the festival highlights the dedication and artistry of the students themselves. “[ e performers] are really creative and powerful young people making some amazing artistic choices and doing hard work to create the kinds
of performances that we’re seeing today,” NCBA Performing Arts Chair William Burkhead said. e festival featured performances from MSJ’s Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, each playing three songs to showcase their musical skill. MSJ’s Wind Ensemble, conducted by Interim Band Director Monica Kraft, opened with “ e Hounds of Spring” by Alfred Reed, an energetic three-part overture painting a picture of young love in springtime. e piece began with an electric fanfare style sound, developed into a slower and more introspective section, and ended with an energetic finish. ey followed with “A Quiet Place to ink” composed by Timothy Mahr, an eerie and contemplative piece featuring high notes from the flute and piccolo as well as the triangle. e final piece, “Arabesque” by Samuel R. Hazo, began with a chilling solo from Flutist Junior
Daniel Bauer, incorporating Middle Eastern inspired sounds throughout with frenzied percussion and a suspenseful melody.
MSJ’s Orchestra also performed three pieces beginning with “Allegretto Grazioso” by Antonín Dvořák, a bright and upbeat movement marked by quick tempos and joyful phrasing. “It is really joyful and upbeat — kind of fast in both the beginning and end — so it gives off this really celebratory feeling,” Violinist Sophomore Gaurisha Gupta said. e group then shifted to a contrastingly serene tone with “Mare Tranquillitatis” by Roger Zare, an atmospheric, mellow piece with slow, flowing phrasing and rhythms that emphasized mellow tone and harmony. Finally, the orchestra performed “Finale” from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, a technically demanding and lengthy piece featuring intricate
melodic layering and dynamic contrasts that challenged the ensemble’s precision and stamina.
Both MSJ Wind Ensemble and Orchestra received “Superi-
“[“Allegretto Grazioso”] is really joyful and upbeat — kind of fast in both the beginning and end — so it gives of this really celebratory feeling.”
— violinist sophomore GAUrishA Gupta
or” ratings from all judges in both performance and sight reading, earning the highest overall rating of Honors. Performers reflected on the experience as both rewarding and challenging, emphasizing the growth that came with weeks of focused preparation. “We had a really nice tone, and we were on beat, even though there were probably some missed notes here and there, overall it sounded cohesive,” Percussionist Senior Vidyuth Sridhar said. From refining articulation to improving sight reading, the musicians worked hard to polish every detail leading up to the event. Looking ahead, the MSJ music program is preparing for two major endof-year performances: the Lincoln Concert and Jazz Festival in Stockton on May 10, and their spring concert in the amphitheater on May 22. “It’s going to be a big finish to the year,” said Interim Director Monica Kraft. ▪
Greenkeepers USA Clothing Swap: A creative way to end waste
Greenkeepers USA hold their first clothing swap event to combat the rise of fast fashion and its impact on the environment.
By Varun Madhavan & Aarav Vashisht Staf Writers
As the fast fashion industry continues to impede environmental sustainability, non-profit organization Greenkeepers USA, primarily run by MSJ students, hosted their annual clothing swap at Old Mission Park on March 30 from 3-6 p.m. The event welcomed attendees to exchange gently used clothing, promoting circular fashion and a sustainable future.
Founded in Beijing, China, Greenkeepers is an international non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. The US branch, Greenkeepers USA, was established in 2014 by Bay Area students primarily from MSJ and other schools like Irvington High School. The organization also works on technology-based projects, including a trash classifier app to help people dispose of waste properly. Aided by their community-oriented approach, Greenkeepers USA hosts a wide variety of events to promote sustainability and better the environment, such as tree plantings and park clean-ups, inspiring communities to partake in environmental practices.
True to their mission of greenkeeping, the clothing swap event aimed to reduce waste, one shirt at a time. Through its “Dress to Impress” theme, inspired by
Roblox’s online dress-up multiplayer video game, the event offered budget-friendly ways to refresh wardrobes for the upcoming spring season, bringing environmental consciousness to life through fashion. Upon entrance, attendees were greeted with park tables piled and lined with vivid and bright articles of clothing. Each unique garment was organized methodically, from knitted cardigans to striped T-shirts to cargo pants,
“I’ve noticed how fast fashion has afected me and my peers… [so] it’s great that they’re hosting this event. I know people who have an entire closet of cheap fast fashion clothing from Shein that eventually ends up being thrown out.”
sophomore AnshikA JAin
captivating several visitors. All clothing items brought by attendees could be exchanged for a ticket, which could then be traded for clothing that other people had brought. Following the clothing exchange, Greenkeepers USA President Senior Evelyn Zhao sorted attendees into groups and had each group create their most stylish outfit from the accessories and clothing provided at the clothing swap. Each group was given a specific theme, ranging from "A Day On the Beach" to "Business
Casual," encouraging creativity.
Continuing their creativity motif, headed by Engineering Lead Senior Rajorshi Chatterjee, the event later offered a dog toy-making activity. Chatterjee meticulously instructed attendees to cut and braid T-shirts into lanyards, creating refined, upcycled dog toys.
As the event wrapped up, attendees were given small, white, 3D printed tree-shaped tokens representing the Greenkeepers organization. The trees conveyed their appreciation for nature and their mission to preserve it. “[We aim] to build a greener future through fun community-based projects,” Zhao said.
Although the attendance was relatively low, the event succeeded in informing attendees about sustainable fashion, merging style, and accessibility. As the event highlighted the impor-
“[We aim] to build a greener future through fun community-based projects.”
Greenkeepers UsA president senior evelyn ZhAo
tance of reducing overconsumption, attendees left with upcycled clothing in arms and takeaways about the broader impact of sustainable fashion in our community. “I’ve noticed how fast fashion has affected me and my peers … [so] it’s great that they’re hosting this event. I know people who have an entire closet of cheap fast fashion clothing from SHEIN that eventually ends up being thrown out,” Attendee Sophomore Anshika Jain said. “This event is a great way to get new quality items for my closet and to make sure that clothing is never wasted. It’s a win-win.”
Aljazeera
Protestors ght against the funding cuts of DEI programs in front of the White House.
Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Tesla trade-ins surge 250% in California due to the controversy surrounding Elon Musk.
Heatmap Illustration/Tesla, Etsy
Attendees browse through and try on clothes at the clothing swap.
PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS DHAESHNA BOOMA AND JENNIFER LI
Compiled by Angelina Chen, Janet Guan & Michelle Qu Staf Writers
MSJ Orchestra performs their pieces in front of a panel of professionals.
THE SMOKE SIGN AL
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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 media.
SCHOOL POPULATION 1878 students
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Kaylee Liu, Callie Yuan
NEWS Shuhan Jin, Catherine Qin
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Keerti's Key Padma's Perspective
Tiny human moments
By Keerti Koya Opinion Editor
I recently found myself in a sea of lightsticks and pounding bass at a j-hope concert — a surreal, overwhelming, heart-thumping kind of night. But oddly enough, the part that stuck with me wasn’t just j-hope himself. It was the audience.
A few rows up, a group of strangers were laughing while taking pictures together because of their coincidentally matching ts. A young girl was walking throughout the crowd handing out purple necklaces, a small but heartfelt souvenir for the night. When the performance started, thousands of us sang as if we’d written the words ourselves.
None of us knew each other, and yet for those few hours, it felt like we did. It didn’t matter where we came from or what we looked like — for a few hours, we were on the same page. ere’s a simple beauty in nding comfort and community among a crowd of strangers. In a world where it’s so easy to feel alone — even when surrounded by people — moments of togetherness like at the concert remind us we aren’t.
Connection doesn’t always look like deep conversations or lifelong friendships. Sometimes, it’s the glance you exchange during your favorite lyric. e collective hush right before the lights dim in a theater. e unspoken understanding that people around you feel the exact same weight and meaning carried in a moment. In those moments, it’s not about who you are individually — it’s about who you become together. e things we love can bring
us closer to others because of what it stirs in us. Joy. Nostalgia. Belonging. Hope.
In the days that followed, I found myself replaying the concert over and over — not just the music, but the faces, the shared smiles, and the eeting but meaningful connections. It made me realize that moments like these aren’t just about a collective moment; they’re about humanity. We all crave belonging, understanding, the feeling that someone else gets it — even if it’s just for the length of a three-minute song. And sometimes, all it takes is a shared chorus or a gifted necklace to remind us that we’re part of something greater. at no matter where we come from or what we’re going through, we’re all capable of reaching each other — not necessarily in grand gestures, but in the quiet harmony of shared experience. e concert was a reminder that even in a crowd of thousands, you can nd pieces of yourself in others and the spaces between us aren’t as wide as they sometimes seem. at night, I didn’t just see jhope. I saw hundreds of tiny human moments of people crying, laughing, and singing their hearts out stitched together by a single voice on stage. Since then, I’ve started noticing those little moments of connection everywhere — on walks, in co ee shops, and even in passing smiles. And maybe that’s what makes shared experiences so powerful: they remind us we’re never really alone — not when someone else is singing, too. ▪
The Opinion of the Smoke Signal Editorial Board
To the district: the community needs transparency
Since the 2023-24 school year, FUSD has been facing a $30 million budget de cit, sparking anticipation from the public regarding their next steps to address the budget-balancing issues. However, throughout the budgeting process, members of the community still feel unacknowledged during a time of internal upheaval from de cits, budget cuts, and changes in sta ng and schedules, due to a lack of communication from the district. e Smoke Signal’s editorial board urges for greater transparency in communication, accountability, and reporting from the district o ce to properly inform the community about pivotal matters while listening to existing concerns.
Citing a combination of factors such as declining enrollment and expiring federal relief funds from the pandemic that led to a de cit, the district sta stated that at least $30 million in budget reductions were necessary to achieve a balanced budget by the 2025-26 school year at their regular board meeting on Sept. 11, 2024. e district previously anticipated their General Fund nal budget for 2023-24 expenditures would exceed revenues by about $31.8 million, though the actual results for the year showed that it was only exceeded by $7.4 million, according to a 2023-24 udit Report. Furthermore, the district earned $7.5 million more than initially anticipated in revenue and spent $16.9 million less in expenditures than budgeted. It’s clear the district has been underestimating their revenue and overestimating their expenditures, essentially leading to
them disproportionately in ate their nancial state and the potential for a scal crisis.
Teachers and library sta were frequently mentioned as top priorities for retention in polls from the district’s Balanced Budget Input Folder. According to the Budget Prioritization emes document, “teacher sta ng levels must be preserved.” However, since the Board of Education’s meeting on January 8, layo s have served as a part of reduction actions. e district anticipates $22 million in expenditures to be cut out of sta ng, which is equivalent to around 200 full-time employees. Yet, despite claiming that this stipulation does not mean the district will be laying o the equivalent number of many sta members, FUSD has begun dismissing employees and eliminating job positions such as librarian sta and social workers. Of these layo s, some teachers have received letters of non-renewal, which can be issued at any time without any reason. e student body rallied in support of teachers, demanding transparency for the reason behind dismissal. e embellishment of the district’s nancial state and expenditure-to-revenue ratio deviates from their supposed promise of prioritizing the community — especially when many members are in strong support of retaining teacher and sta jobs, whose livelihoods and means to survive are on the line when the district needs to cut expenditures. Furthermore, the MSJ administration is considering potential changes to schedules, which would
When I was eight, I went on a eld trip to the Oakland Zoo and immediately found myself enamored with the sun bear. While I watched these adorable creatures frolic in their habitat, I listened to the zookeepers give a presentation about how these beloved creatures were almost extinct. Hailing from Malaysia, most of their natural habitat had been demolished by deforestation for palm oil plantations, an ingredient found in virtually every packaged good in the US — everything from Lay's chips to my Head & Shoulders shampoo. It’s disheartening, our zookeeper said, but you can do something about it — you can choose not to buy these products.
I began my boycott of processed snacks that same day, spending the next few months scanning the ingredients section of every packaged product I saw for any mention of palm oil. Although my passion for forgoing palm oil waned over time — it was so common that avoiding it was nearly impossible — my passion for making a di erence never did.
When I rst learned about climate change in school, I immediately committed myself to recycling and carpooling and to going vegan, commited to making a di erence. Yet, I found that no matter how dutifully I sorted my waste into recycling and compost or timed my showers to be shorter, I couldn’t help but feel like my actions were somewhat futile. After all, did it really matter if I thrifted all my clothes if my peers bought Shein hauls every week? Did it matter if I biked to school if Taylor Swift
include reducing Read and Advisory time and extending the school day to 3:22 p.m. Based on a teacher vote, they will nalize the decision in early May. Dual enrollment courses require that each period must be at least 50 minutes long, which con icts with the 48-minute long periods on ursday, but further motives for the change have yet to be disclosed to students and parents. Frustrated with the lack of transparency and acceptance of student input, students created the @msjstudentrightsgroup Instagram account, which posted a Change.org petition to keep the bell schedule as is. According to the account, the four options given to teachers all shorten or remove entirely the Read and Advisory periods. “We want more student input, such as giving feedback on what we think is best, but ideally [we should] be able to vote on it, as it a ects us as much as the teachers,” Junior Ashwin Vaidyanathan, one of the students who created the account, said.
With recent signi cant changes to FUSD policy and a lack of transparency from the district administration, the MSJ community should make sure our voices are heard in order to hold them accountable. As the @ msjstudentrightsgroup account did, speaking up with a collective voice is a powerful way to express our opinions, and we. should strive to grow grassroots campaigns to spark real change and bring about more transparency. By taking these actions, we can do our best to preserve our own learning conditions and improve the MSJ community as a whole.
Change takes all of us
By Padma Balaji Opinion Editor
regularly took 15 minute ights on her private jet? Over time, what had once felt empowering — making a di erence with my own, individual actions — became exhausting. I felt like the burden to x climate change rested on my shoulders, and that no matter what I did, I was failing to live up to the task.
As I learned more about climate change, I realized that no matter how much we’d been taught about the importance of our own actions in ghting climate change, just recycling and going vegan was not going to save the planet. According to a report from Carbon Majors, just 100 companies were responsible for 71% of greenhouse gas emissions. e reason my individual action felt so futile was because in many ways, it was. I was carrying the burden of a crisis caused by the malice of oil companies that willingly ruined our planet for the sake of pro t — not by individual plastic consumption or meat eating — a crisis that necessitated collective, systemic action.
So this Earth Day, don’t forget that the only way we can face climate change is as a community. Support systemic, policy changes like the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, a bill that holds fossil fuel companies nancially responsible for the costs of climate change. Join environmental clubs, youth climate groups, and policy organizations to contribute through grassroots, collective action. Most importantly, remember that the ght against climate change is a long, di cult one, but it’s one we can ght together. ▪
By Naisha Koppurapu & Luna Venturo Centerspread Editor & Staf Writer
The Khalil Case: weaponizing immigration laws to suppress free speech
By Scarlett Huang, Vikram Mahajan, Rishab Shah & Cham Yu Sta Writers
Introduction
Federal immigraton ofcers entered Columbia University and detained Mahmoud Khalil on March 8 amid an increasing government backlash against former pro-Palestnian college protesters. Khalil, a graduate university student, had been a legal US resident. Khalil was a prominent fgure in the pro-Palestnian protests and encampment on Columbia’s campus, serving as a negotator and press mediator. The arrest was enforced “in support of President Trump’s executve orders prohibitng ant-Semitsm,” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement on March 9.
Background
While federal immigraton agents cannot detain legal US residents, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently wrote on X that the visas and green cards of Hamas supporters would be revoked, a move designed to target former pro-Palestnian college protesters. Federal ofcials can initate deportaton operatons on legal permanent residents, known as green card holders, if they are charged with serious crimes, including membership in a terrorist organizaton. However, Khalil's detenton is largely unprecedented. Ofcials invoked the Immigraton and Natu ralizaton Act of 1952 in support of his detenton, a Cold War-era law intended to bar immigrant com munist advocates from entering the US. The legislaton subjects noncitzens to deportaton if their actvites interfere with US foreign policy actons. Stll, the 30-yearold Palestnian protest leader had not yet been ofcially charged with a crime, and ofcials failed to of fer specifc evidence of Khalil’s al leged leadership of “actvites aligned with Hamas.”
With acceleratng migrant encounters on the southern border, immigraton policy remained at the forefront of Trump’s presidental campaign last year. Trump repeatedly pledged to initate mass deportaton operatons on all undocumented migrants using federal resources, although their implementaton has been limited at best. The Trump administraton’s border czar, Tom Homan, promised to reinstate the use of family detenton centers in a bid to deter migrants from crossing the southern border, a practce that has been denounced by legal organizatons like the American Civil Libertes Union (ACLU). The sporadic deployment of US Immigraton and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in signifcant US cites has already sparked anxiety in the undocumented immigrant community, pressuring migrant workers to skip work in fear of arrest — meaning that deportatons are especially consequental in CA, as 40% of farmworkers are undocumented.
since January, ofen accusing pro-Palestnian students of being “lunatcs” and “Hamas supporters.” The move was announced amidst a natonwide acceleraton of immigrant detentons by ICE, with 41% of new detainees have no criminal history.
Attack on all immigrants — not just illegal
Trump has also leveraged federal funding by threatening to discontnue grants to schools that permit pro-Palestnian protests, pressuring schools to disrupt politcal discourse. The administraton has also targeted university students with deportaton operatons, in retaliaton for their pro-Palestnian politcal actvism. In a shocking video circulated in March, a Tufs University student who wrote an artcle encouraging her university to divest from Israel was taken of the street by plainclothes ICE ofcers, an incident that eyewitnesses had characterized as kidnapping. The student had co-authored an op-ed critcizing Israel, an efectve critque of the government’s foreign policy stance. The American Associaton of University Professors fled a lawsuit in response to the Trump administraton’s recent crackdown on student actvism. It characterized the policy as fostering a climate of repression in universites. Ultmately, the systemic deportaton of dissentng groups is a fundamental shif in the role of deportaton. While the mechanism was originally meant to remove immigrants who commit felonies, deportatons have now become a means to suppress free expression. Instead of addressing popular grievances, the administraton has elected to physically remove uncomfortable perspectves, an inherently authoritarian tactc that only supports free speech within amiable discourse. “If you come to the US as a visitor and create a ruckus for us, we don’t want it,” Rubio said. In Bridges v. Wixon, the Supreme Court found that the First Amendment protected foreigners with legal status, including those with a student visa or green card. The ruling directly contradicts Trump’s deportatons, which target foreigners and legal residents for their politcal involvements and expressions of free speech. “Ripping someone from their home, stripping them of their immigraton status, and detaining them solely based on politcal viewpoint is a clear atempt by President Trump to silence dissent [and a violaton of the First Amendment],” the ACLU said in a statement.
A dangerous precedent
Khalil was a green card holder and legal US citzen, yet he was stll threatened with deportaton by the US government. His predicament has become widespread in recent weeks, with Trump’s new government majority implementng policies with unclear criteria, harsh enforcement, and high possibilites of afectng illegal migrants and legal immigrants alike. Unlike the prominent conservatve noton of deportaton for illegal immigrants and the promoton of legal immigrants, the administraton has targeted both simultaneously.
Beyond immigrant expression, the Trump administraton has revoked the refugee status of more than half a million migrants, actvely considering the cancellaton of legal status for Ukrainian refugees. With Trump’s immigraton policies leading to a signifcant fall in illegal border crossings, the merits and drawbacks of decreased migratons are stll largely subjectve. How the administraton achieves its policies, however, remains legally unsound. Combined with the federal government’s contnuous ignorance of court orders, these immigraton operatons violate the integrity of the US court system and weaken the strength of the judicial review on the executve branch of government, undermining the separaton of powers in the US government. Many tourists and others with legal entry status have been harassed by ICE without apparent reason and deprived of translators or lawyers as well. A 2024 Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Afairs Research report found that unilateral actons by presidents, such as Trump’s recent immigraton orders, are opposed by 48% of the public, with only 21% characterizing them as a good thing. Ultmately, these atacks are antthetcal to free speech and the security of even legal immigrants. “Those who would trade liberty for security deserve neither,” Benjamin Franklin wrote in a 1755 leter.
Conclusion
The Trump administraton’s ant-immigrant policy stance ultmately lacks a tangible legal basis for acton. Paintng migrants as criminals and terrorists to justfy harmful policy only subverts civil libertes and free expression, setng a dangerous precedent for the power of the administraton. With dubious legality and blatant disregard for federal court orders, these operatons echo Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on vulnerable immigrant communites and ultmately undermine legal authority in exchange for success in the ballot box.
Targeting free speech
While leaders of the pro-Palestnian college protests are ofen US legal permanent residents, the administraton has contnued to target them with deportaton operatons. The crackdown on student involvement almost exclusively occurs in response to politcal expression critcal of the government’s agenda. The administraton has revoked more than 300 student visas
The violaton of Bridges v. Wixon is one of many examples of the Trump administraton’s open defance of the federal government’s judicial branch, which has weakened the longstanding insttuton of power separaton. Brown University Professor Rasha Alawieh was deported by federal agents in March due to her alleged connectons with Hezbollah. The administraton’s swif deportaton of Alawieh defed a court order that mandated advanced notce to a federal judge.
The administraton has given the Department of Homeland Security much more power to remove those deemed “illegal” and increase border security. The administraton has drastcally changed current policies through executve orders not passed through Congress, making them much harsher than the immigraton policy under the Biden administraton. Trump has increased visa vetng procedures for foreign natons characterized as high risk, rescinded Biden-era ef forts to reunify migrant families, and initated eforts to limit birthright citzenship. District courts have struck down many of these orders for violatng separaton of government pow ers, the Consttuton, or case law. In response, Trump has threatened these judges with impeachment.
With the contentous legality of the administraton’s recent crackdowns on immigraton, the very core tenets of our naton — freedom of speech, expression, and judicial review — are violated as US residents are also impacted by these federal actons. Combined with the government’s propensity to disseminate divisive rhetoric, Trump’s executve actons ofen threaten to pull funding from dissentng groups, impeding alternatve discourse and eroding minority perspectves. The use of state suppression against unfriendly advocacy organizatons, by paintng them as supporters of terrorism, set a dangerous precedent of authoritarianism.
Although it is difcult for youth to infuence policy changes, students can express their perspectves by joining politcal groups and atending their events in person or online. Students can also pre-register to vote once they turn enabling them to vote in the consequental midterm electons next year. Numerous advocacy organizatons, such as the ACLU, accept tax-deductble donatons, while on-campus organizatons like MSJ Civics Club provide frequent presentatons and debates on pressing policy issues.
Dismantling of Education Department pushes both education and equity into the background
By Tushara Devapatla, Janet Guan & Jennifer Li Staf Writers
After hinting for months at a possible dismantlement of the Department of Education, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 12 that officially authorized Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities.” The executive order follows de- cades-long discontent with the Department of Education in the right wing, with conservatives accusing it of being a federal overreach of power, a waste of government funding, and a tool for pushing liberal ideals to the American youth. While a formal dismantlement of the Department of Education requires approval from Congress, the administration has already downsized the department’s workforce by more than half and plans to shift its key responsibilities to other departments. With the Department of Education playing a primary role in allocating federal funding to schools and protecting the civil rights of students, dismantling the Department of Education would mark a step backward in ensuring equity in education.
The Trump administration has promised that the dismantlement will not remove statutory funding programs, including the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) and Title I funding; however, eliminating the Department of Education as a whole would inhibit efficiency in funding allocation, increasing financial disparities between schools. In particular, the administration’s workforce
cuts have drastically impacted the functionality of federal research organizations that provide data on schools nationwide. The National Center for Educational Statistics had more than 100 employees before layoffs and was left with only three after. Federal school funding heavily relies on the data that educational research organizations supply to determine eligibility for programs such as REAP and Title I funding. By creating severe staffing shortages, the cuts prevent the organizations from conducting large-scale research, limiting the amount of information available when allocating funding. Without comprehensive data about the distribution of wealth across schools, funding programs are likely to struggle in ensuring equity. A complete dismantlement would also lead to a lack of rigorous oversight in the distribution of supplementary funds to schools. The administration fired all the federal attorneys responsible for educating schools on the appropriate use of supplementary funding and ensuring that their usage aligns with federal laws. By no means does cutting down on critical verification systems increase efficiency; rather, it creates more room for schools to abuse supplementary funding, sidelining institutions that genuinely need financial support. From a broader perspective, the existence of funding programs is only the first step in realizing equitable federal funding for schools the enforcement process itself determines whether the programs actually reach students. The administration’s move to downsize systems crucial to the functionality of funding allocation only decreases the likelihood that schools will receive the funding they need.
Te Bay Area has seen a recent rise in crimes against Teslas; Tesla car owners have faced vehicle attacks ranging from vandalism to arson, alongside hateful messages accusing them of supporting Elon Musk. Te wave of Tesla crimes can be linked to Musk’s connection to Trump’s administration, with many viewing the Tesla brand as an endorsement of Musk’s infuence on recent changes i n the federal government. While the crimes represent a section of anti-Musk sentiment that has received more media coverage in recent weeks, others have taken to Tesla storefronts and factories to stage civil protests. In response to the rise against the attacks, the FBI launched a task force to investigate "domestic terrorism," including arson, vandalism, and protests against Musk's companies.
Do you think the vandalism is a result of public frustration with Musk and his company? If so, is it at all justifed? Where should people channel their frustration and distress into instead? Do you think the federal government is right in calling the acts "domestic terrorism?" What implications do you think the task force will have on anti-Musk backlash, protests, and demonstrations in general?
"I think that it is justi ed for the public to provide backlash on the vandalism with Teslas. I think that this is a representation of the frustration people have with the current administration and how they feel betrayed or mistreated by Trump's o ce. I think that this should not be called 'domestic terrorism', but I also think that it is a right for the government to have some sort of policing or regulation against it because it is still an act of violence no matter which side the vandals are on. I think it would be better if the frustration was channeled through opposing Elon Musk and Trump in politics rather than through violence, which may help Elon Musk to antagonize those who oppose him."
Beyond impacting equitable education, a dissolution of the Department of Education risks a breakdown of civil rights protections in institutions throughout the country. The Department of Education is responsible for evaluating discrimination complaints through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), a sub-agency that enforces federal civil rights laws in educational institutions that receive federal funding. The OCR has been historically responsible for protecting students from discrimination on the basis of race, color, origin, sex, age, and disability status. The agency is crucial for addressing discrimination, thus safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting fairness. Eliminating the office would gut civil rights protections for students nationwide, risking increased racial discrimination and sexual violence, as well as weakened protections for students with dis- abilities. Dismantling the Department of Education would not empower schools, but rather make discrimination within academia easier, representing a step back in educational civil rights protections in the US.
Critics of the Department of Education claim that it is an overreach of federal power and education should be left to the states, an argument that dates back all the way to the Civil War. Additionally, conservatives have increasingly connected the Department of Education with liberal ideals after former President Joe Biden expanded Title IX a law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs to encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, a move that was later reversed by the Trump administra-
tion. Trump has built upon these criticisms, condemning the Department of Education for having a “radical woke agenda” and titling his January executive order as “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling.” However, from a legal perspective, the Department of Education has no jurisdiction over the curricula that schools adopt; in fact, the material that schools teach is primarily decided by states and local districts. The powers that the Department of Education does have upholding civil rights laws and overseeing equitable funding are necessary for addressing inequalities that states have historically failed to resolve. Between 2013 and 2015, a lack of a centralized procedure for handling sexual violence in schools across states prompted the OCR to conduct an investigation of Title IX violations in universities, during which it enforced reforms, drew significant national attention, and encouraged transparency on the investigation of sexual assault.
Disbanding the department would leave vulnerable students with weakened federal protections, reinforcing inequalities in the education system.
A complete dismantlement of the Department of Education is not just a matter of federal power or political ideology; it marks a major change in the way that education will be addressed at the federal level, pushing both education and equity into the background. At MSJ, students can exercise their own voice by joining organizations that focus on government policy and advocacy, including clubs on campus, such as MSJ Civics and MSJ Speech and Debate, as well as Bay Area Student Activists and the Municipal Journal ▪
"I think that the Tesla vandalism is de nitely a result of public frustration with Musk and his impacts on the government. I believe that protesting is de nitely justi ed in this case and should be used because drastic measures like boycotting are the only way to make a di erence with Elon and the Trump administration. I do not think this is domestic terrorism as protests against the government or anyone under the Presidents administration. It's a right for every citizen to channel their voice and needs. I think the Anti-Musk demonstrations will de nitely decrease in amount but not dramatically."
"I do believe that the vandalism is a public distrust and hate towards Elon Musk for all his crimes and actions against society and [against] people who do not deserve that extra hate, [so] I do believe that is justi ed. He has done some very bad things and should not be doing them. Lobb[ies] are paying o the government to do what he wants, and he has not been providing proper rights for people who deserve right, as everyone should have proper human rights ...and therefore, I believe that the vandalism is very justi ed. People should be hating on Musk, although I do believe that hating on all Tes- la users is slightly negative to people who bought Teslas before they realized Elon Musk would be such a horrible person I believe that the government is only partially correct in calling these acts of domestic terrorism, because it is terrorism and it is domestic but it is very much justi ed to the point that calling it a terrorist attack is almost not correct. It is just a less peaceful protest, and I believe that is how people should be directing their anger in. ey should be directing it in less vandalism and more protesting. Just vandalism won't send the message across and will hurt people who had no e ect in feeding Elon's point of view, they should be protesting peacefully."
"I do not think the vandalism is a result of public frustration with Musk and his company. Instead, I think it is more targeted at Musk himself and his own ideologies that he has spread in society that people know of, and I do not think that it is jused because by vandalizing Tesla cars, they are grouping people who simply want a transportation tool with someone who could be a politically disagreeable person, even when these users might not share the same ideas as he does."
Ant-Musk Tesla Atacks
DEAR DIARY: Whoopee Cushion
By Eleanor Chen Sta Writer
Celebrated annually on April 1, April Fools’ Day is a time for mischievous fun and dastardly pranks. Once a staple of the holiday, whoopee cushions have now faded into ob- scurity. For Wallace the grumpy Whoopee Cushion, the day’s festivities have become a sore, bitter thorn of sorrow. Grappling with memories long gone and aggravating younger prank items who don’t know any better, Wallace embarks on a path of re ection — learning, at last, to embrace the present.
I met up with some old buddies for brunch: Rubber Dog Poop, Banana Peel, and Squirting Flower (who is barely hanging on by a thread). For a bunch of aged fellers, we nearly busted a gut over all that hoo-ha-ing. Rubber Dog Poop was yammering on and on about that time he botched a prank and
had the cops on his tail — he just don’t know when to quit. And me, I just sat there, soaking it all in, how we’ll never get the golden days back. I used to be the big shot of April Fools’, but now, I’m just another old gag, waiting for someone to sit on me one last time.
I woke up this morning to unfortunate news of my good pal, Squirting Flower, who had nally sprung his last leak. As I was watering my own plants, I couldn’t help but think back to all the darn hootin’ times we shared together. We would spend weeks at a time, staking out the perfect location for chaotic hijinks. Suddenly, in the midst of my recounting, a gust of glittery, neon-pink water sprayed out of a hose, drenching me, masking my tears, and dyeing the lawn an obnoxious color. Spotting the delinquents practicing their pranks on my sidewalk, I chased them as far as I could before my knees gave out. If I ever nd them again, I’ll surely give them a lesson in respect — right after I catch my breath.
After I came home from the funeral, I opened the door and was doused in a gooey bucket of slime. ose little rascals couldn’t even gure out how to hide well; I could see them clear as day, peeking out of the bushes. ey started pestering me about how to come up with the best pranks, grinding my gears so much that I ripped out a harsh whoopee fart to get them to quit their dilly-dallying.
It’s been as quiet as a mouse, not a peep, and I’ve been relishing the stillness of it all. No stupid pranks, no young’uns buzzin’ around. With all their hollerin’, I haven’t had the time to properly mourn my friend. I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane, ipping through my cobweb-ridden photobook and seeing Squirting Flower when he was in his prime. I saw photos of myself, stars of ambition in my eyes, no wear or tears, in ated with ego. I know that the dust has settled far too much in my sagging body’s creases and fading maroon coat. It’s too late for me … but maybe it ain’t for the youngsters.
Motivated to inspire the new generation, I gathered up all the young pranksters in the neighborhood, knockin’ on their doors until everyone came. It felt awkward as heck, like a gira e on skates, but I tried to do what Squirting Flower always told me to do to calm down whenever I felt uncomfortable. I took a deep breath and apologized for how much I lashed out at them, nally accepting my retirement. When I o ered to show ‘em the ropes, they were over the moon, squealing more than a bunch of piggies at Sunday roast. Once I was nally able to get them
settled after shouting myself hoarse, it was time to get to work. I was gonna whip those rascals into proper pranksters.
@ 1 p.m.
e kiddos had picked up what I was putting down surprisingly fast. ey eagerly listened, awestruck, as I recounted my glorious past of playing the most devious of pranks. I demonstrated how to perfectly nd an e ective hiding spot — 32 degrees below the target’s eyeline, positioning perfectly using the gravitational force of Pluto for optimal laughs. I stood proud, watching as they wreaked havoc on our poor, unsuspecting community. “Perhaps the real pranks were the friends we made along the way, way, way,” whispered the voice of Squirting Flower in the wind. A single tear ran down my cushiony face as the streets lled with gleeful laughter and joy.
Club Spotlight: MSJ Electrical Engineering
By Gaurasundara Amarnani & Lucas Zhang Sta Writers
With an ambitious goal to bring handson hardware development to campus, Co-Presidents Juniors Aaroosh Balakrishnan and Rishabh Shah founded MSJ Electrical Engineering at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage in extensive research projects. MSJ Electrical Engineering lls the demand for a club with a speci c focus on hardware at MSJ, using collaborative e orts to develop systems to share with the school. ese systems include introductory projects such as experimenting with circuits, coding Arduino boards to make interactive electronic projects, and exploring real-life applications.
Along with Vice President Junior Himank Gangwal, Treasurer Junior Bhavya Babbellapati, and Publicity O cer Sophomore Pradyun Kanuparthi, Balakrishnan and Shah began to outline the club’s road to providing members with an immersive hardware engineering experience shortly after its founding. e club takes seemingly complicated tasks such as building functional electronic hardware units from scratch and makes them accessible to members of all levels of experience through its use of Arduino electronics kits, which consist of directly programmable circuit boards that run on code transmitted from a computer. “All of us have had di erent experiences in a way, and I think that we all came together under the impression that we currently do not have
a club designed to teach the basics of Arduino-based programming,” Babbellapati said.
e club hosted its rst meeting on January 28, in which they introduced the basics of circuits, including capacitors, resistors, and Ohm’s law. e o cers struggled to draw students’ engagement and attention to these informational lectures, identifying it as an obstacle in the organization’s development. “[At] the rst meetings, a lot of students did not seem to be engaged in what was happening, so we had to set up a lab in which we brought Arduino kits for members to play around with,” Balakrishnan said.
e club provided physical hardware to its attendees during their meeting on March 18 in hopes of increasing engagement. is introduction to hands-on programming
allowed members to begin experimentation and explore the practical applications of the principles that they had learned using Arduino kits. e o cers observed a drastic increase in the members’ participation, which is a key focus they aim to maintain in future meetings. e students enjoyed learning the basics of the Arduino programming language and seeing how the code translates to hardware components in their rst interaction with the kits.
After persevering through initial di culties, the o cers have also considered collaborating with other clubs and guests in the future. Since the hardware engineering experience, a de ning aspect of the club that di erentiates it from other clubs by o ering a more welcoming environment without the stress of competition like FIRST Tech
Challenge (FTC) Robotics, closely aligns with the topics of arti cial intelligence and computer science, the o cers also plan to host joint meetings or projects with MSJ Computer Science Club and MSJ Arti cial Intelligence Club. ese collaborations would combine the elds of informational science with hardware and software engineering. Additionally, guest lectures would highlight the importance of electrical engineering in today’s world and add relevance to members’ contributions to the club. “Some teachers here have prior knowledge in electrical engineering, and I think [the o cers] can gather many outside contacts from local colleges and the industry,” Ballebapati said.
“Some teachers have prior knowledge in electical engineering, and I think [the ofcers] can gather many outside contacts from local colleges and the industry.”
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T REASURER J UNIOR B HAVYA B A BB ELLAPA T I
Looking ahead, MSJ Electrical Engineering hopes to continue growing their platform as a distinct hardware and project-based organization. “In the future, we hope it’s less tension and a more collaborative place where the members of the club, as well as the o cers, can brainstorm on to project ideas,” Babbellapati said. With the help of Adviser Science Teacher Karrie Ware, the ocers plan to continue running meetings every two weeks on Tuesdays in C-10.
Left to right: Rishabh Shah, Aaroosh Balakrishnan, Himank Gangwal, Bhavya Babbellapati
By Ariel Duong, Michelle Qu & Ariana Yi Sta Writers
MSJ is home to dozens of vibrant student-created murals, all of which brighten the campus that students see every day. e Smoke Signal has compiled a selection of some of the most beloved murals at MSJ.
iii As students wait in the crowded lunch line outside of the C-Cafeteria, they are greeted by a vibrant explosion of color and comedic food items painted upon the wall. “Comical Lunch,” a mural painted by Art 2 & Art 3 students during the 2023-24 school year, features iconic lunch items in a playful style, including a yogurt parfait over owing with berries, the toppings of the pepperoni pizza tumbling o , and minions playfully hiding behind a banana. e mural’s creation began in April 2024 based on a design created by Junior Luna Ren. e mural was able to be completed by the end of the school year, taking around two months. Now, “Comical Lunch” stands as a focal point in the C-Wing, brightening the mundane lunch line with its lively and colorful graphics.
“Unity in Diversity,” located to the left of the Snack Bar, is a mural that combines symbolism with art through cultural representation. Designed by Class of 2018 alumna Toshali Goel, and created by alumnae Sydney Kao, Riya Modi, Roma Modi, Hannah Scherer, Sahana Vemula, and Jasmine Yung, the mural features seven individuals standing on cracked ice against a bright blue background. Each gure is wearing a unique piece of patterned cultural clothing to symbolize individuality and the diversity that exists within the MSJ community. ough each gure stands on their respective continents, the gures still reach across the divides, depicting the unity and collaboration of the gures. is mural stands as a constant reminder to students that shared experiences are truly what bring them together.
As one of the MSJ campus’s most notable performance locations and a cornerstone of events such as Green and White, Kicko assemblies, or Homecoming Week. e amphitheater's mural was designed by Class of 2007 alumnae Julia Chang and Jessica Lin from the as a way to showcase the diverse events that MSJ o ers. e mural represents diverse passions and interests in drawings, from showcasing common subjects with english papers, math textbooks, and science molecules to di erent electives and recreational activities, such as art, digital photography, music, theater, and journalism. Additionally, the mural depicts integral sports students pursue, including badminton, tennis, softball, soccer, and basketball. Painted nearly 18 years ago, the Amphitheater still remains one of the most prominent pieces of architecture on campus, even as one of the rst murals, serving the MSJ community as one of the oldest outlets of expression.
Whether students stop by N7 to submit activity permits or to visit MSJ’s Leadership 2 (L2) class, they are always greeted by the 173 mosaics that the L2 Classes of 2010-18 and previous alumni have skillfully painted, displaying meaningful expressions that students put thought and e ort into. Tasked with the single prompt of teamwork and leadership, the students went above and beyond, delivering impactful messages written on the mosaics, such as “It’s not the load that breaks you, it’s the way you carry it” or “ e true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do absolutely no good.” ese proverbs express what a true leader embodies, uplifting the students into a positive atmosphere embodying kindness and diligence.
“I
“Everyone at our school is so academically focused, and so ii the murals around campus add an artistic and abstract kind of way to brighten the school, as well as give students a creative outlet. ey’re also just nice to look at sometimes.” – MSJ Beauti cation Secretary Sophomore Danny Lou
“Comical Lunch” (2024)
“Down the Rabbit Hole” (2025)
“Nature Off the Page” (2025)
“Unity in Diversity” (2017)
Amphitheater (2006 - 07)
Leadership 2 Mosaics (2010 - 2018)
Words of the Wise
By Kanupriya Goyal, Michelle Qu, Emily Zhang & Matthew Zhang Staff Writers
“I've learned to quit perfection at every step of the way and instead embrace the idea of “good enough.” Striving for perfection is an admirable goal, but when it gets to a point where it overwhelms you, it does more harm than good. The idea of ‘good enough’ doesn't have to mean subpar; it can just be learning when to let go and move on.” — Sanya Mamidi
In celebration of the graduating seniors and the lasting impact they’ve left on MSJ, the Smoke Signal has compiled Class of 2025’s words of wisdom, re ecting on their experiences and lessons learned through their highschool journey.
“Breathe! Don’t feel guilty about balancing your life. If there’s one thing could tell myself, it’s that you are only harming yourself if you avoid balance and happiness. Take it one day at a time, and you’ll be just ne.” — Ashwika Jani
“Don’t spend time dwelling on your mistakes; we only live once, [so] live the way you want to.” —
Ankith Srinivas
“A good reminder to always think of is, ‘The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.’ Keep growing at your pace, and don't worry about anyone else.” — Anya Faria
“Work hard enough so that you don't feel regret, but don't work so hard that you regret the hard work.” — Ray Zhao
“I know it sounds generic, but no matter what challenges you experience, you're going to end up wherever you're meant to be. I'm a really strong believer that everything happens for a reason, and having that mindset has helped me combat a lot of the struggles I've had throughout high school. Other than that, nd friends who you can rely on and don't forget to have fun while still doing well in school!” — Aanya
Bachamada
“Live life like it's your last: Be kind, enjoy every moment, and appreciate others before it's too late.” — Maven Lam
“Don't worry so much about impressing everyone; the real people will stay, and the fake people will disappear in a heartbeat.” — Nathan Yang
“Most things in life are what you make of it. don't think would've had half the opportunities I've experienced if didn't take the initiative to sign up for something or talk to someone and make those connections. You can't expect opportunities to just fall into your lap.” — Sarah Liang
“I know it sounds cliché, but seriously — don’t stress too much about your grades and extracurriculars. I get it, MSJ can feel like a pressure cooker, but if you’re pulling all-nighters and burning yourself out just to keep up, it’s really not worth it. Your mental health matters way more than a few points on a test. Focus on doing your best, not being the best. Ask for help when you need it, take breaks when you’re overwhelmed, and remember—it’s okay to slow down. You’ll gure things out, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. ‘Whether it's rain or shine, know I'm ne for now’ - Tyler, The Creator.” — Arya Sharma
“Try new things, learn to have bits of fun here and there, and most importantly, be yourself. It will all work out!” — Audrey Tong-Nomoto
“Take some time for yourself; if you devote all the time you have to schoolwork, you'll miss out [on] a lot of good high school memories. Also, try your hardest not to procrastinate too much.” — Tuheen Sen
“You may never feel satis ed about end results, but re ecting on your journey can be truly rewarding.” —
Sathvik Malla
“When life throws you a curveball, just try to hit it with everything you've got. If you miss, you will learn from that and be better, but if you make contact, who knows what will happen next?” — Mikhail Varghese
“High school is an opportunity to push yourself past your usual boundaries. Do things outside your comfort zone because the feeling of regret from a missed opportunity is always greater than the feeling of embarrassment from the opportunity going wrong.” — Arnav Lingannagari
“This is going to come off as cliché and obvious, but one thing that I’ve taken away from Mission is that comparing yourself to others does you no favors. You are your own person. Do what you enjoy and be the best you that you can be and you’ll be much happier!” — Lia Le-Nguyen
“Personally, high school is a blend of sports, studies, and chasing your dreams. There will be days when you're exhausted, doubting yourself, and questioning if it's all worth it, but keep pushing yourself. The late nights studying, the early morning practices, [and] the sacri ces you make now will shape the person you become. I also recommend getting involved with school activities and creating lifelong memories. Stay disciplined, trust the process, and don’t let setbacks de ne you. If you truly love something, ght for it because you never know when you might lose it. Everything truly happens for a reason.”— Esha Patel
“Practice makes perfect. If you keep on practicing the basics and relearning, it helps you tremendously in the long run; even though it requires a lot of work, it's worth it in the end.” — Asra Kakar
“Look ahead! Don't dwell too much on the past. Also, learn [how] to cook.” — Fiona Hsu
j-hope’s electrifying stage brought to the Bay Area
By Keerti Koya & Ashley Pang Opinion Editor & Centerspread Editor
In support of his debut studio album, Jack in the Box, and EP Hope on the Street Vol. 1, South Korean rapper j-hope announced his worldwide concert tour, “HOPE ON THE STAGE,” in January. As a member of the global South Korean K-pop group BTS, j-hope made history in 2022 by becoming the first
member of the group to release an independent solo album. Trav- elling to major cities in Asia and North America, j-hope started his tour in his home city of Seoul and will end the tour in Osaka. On Tuesday, April 1, j-hope performed his 13th show at the Oakland Coliseum.
udes con dence, charisma, and an undeniable stage presence. From the very rst song, it’s clear that j-hope has crafted a setlist that perfectly balances high-energy performances with deeply emotional moments.
Tracks from Jack in the Box, such as “Arson” and “MORE,” highlight his raw passion and powerful moves, while tracks like “= (Equal Sign)” and “Safety Zone” showcase his vulnerability and artistic depth.
Shifting from his initial grungy out t, j-hope returns to the stage in a more relaxed look — a custom tie-hat beanie and a letterman jacket. Alongside dancer Neal Junho, j-hope delivers an intricate locking routine, e ortlessly capturing the carefree essence of “on the street (solo ver.).” Mid-performance, j-hope shares personal re ections on the process of creating this song prior to his military journey, garnering
e lights dim, and yet the arena becomes even more vibrant. J-hope fans bring their ARMY Bombs — BTS’s iconic lightsticks — which immediately sync up with the music, creating a mesmerizing ocean of colors pulsing to the beat. e moment j-hope rises to the stage, the crowd of nearly 30,000 erupts in a deafening roar. Dressed in striking red leather attire, he ex-
ence. As the mood softens for “Sweet Dreams,” the energy surg es again with his newly re leased track, “Mona Lisa.” Adorned in a glittering Mona Lisa belt, j-hope awlessly executes the viral dance choreography. Meanwhile, on-screen CGI e ects transform audi ence members’ faces into eerie Mona Lisa-like portraits, adding a slightly unsettling twist to the performance. While visual e ects, including scenes of city skylines and blur lters enhanced the more subdued performances, the schools sh projected during “Out ro: Ego (BTS song)” served as an unnecessary distraction from j-hope’s dynamic danc ing. roughout the night, j-hope kept the audi ence engaged, frequently calling out to di erent sections of the crowd, stepping o stage to interact with fans in the front row, and even handing the mic to them during
After performing his nal song, “Hope World,” j-hope announces to the crowd in Korean, “I promise I will come back,” before exiting the stage. As the stadium lights dimmed, anticipation buzzed through the audience. Just as some believed the concert had ended, the large screen suddenly pans to fans waving custom posters, dressed in Mona Lisa costumes, and proudly holding up ags of their home countries with j-hope’s face plastered across them. Laughter and cheers erupt through the stadium in response to these heartfelt tributes. en, just as promised, j-hope returns to the stage, sending the audience into a frenzy of excitement. Alongside his backup dancers, he delivers a groovy encore performance to “Future” and “NEORON (with Gaoeko & YOON MIRAE),” ending the un-
The newest Hunger Games is a tragedy with a heaping spoonful of nostalgia
By Felicity He Sta Writer
Haymitch Abernathy makes a terrible rst impression in Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games series as District 12’s constantly drunk, lone surviving victor. e fth installment of the series, Sunrise on the Reaping, focuses on how he won his games and the aftermath of his victory, showing that there’s much more to him than meets the eye. Sunrise on the Reaping feels the most grown up of Collins’s work by far. While oth- er books in the series are mature because of the nature of the content, Sunrise on the Reap- ing takes it to a whole new lev - el of graphic and gory catered more toward grown audiences. With themes of propaganda, censorship, and questioning reality, Collins delivers a story relevant to our current political landscape. However, Collins rarely relies on ornate language. Even though she is a seasoned
author, there isn’t much beauty to her prose. It’s not poetic or owery, and it even feels repetitive and dull at times. Despite this, her simple and direct writing style is a testament to her ability to sucker punch her readers emotionally with an overarching story, tragic beyond comparison. Typically, readers are made to care for death in a story based on other characters’ reactions to it; however, in Sunrise on the Reaping, Haymitch
barely processes the grotesque events due to how
quickly they happen, so the reader doesn’t have time to process either. Collins’s almost journalistic tone lays out the occur- rences in detail as they happen, not using many words on de-
scribing the mental repercussions on the characters. As such, Sunrise on the Reaping is a story that requires empathy, demands attention, and needs digesting.
On the positive side, Collins is unparalleled when it comes to crafting a story. Her ability shines through as Sunrise on the Reaping adds new depth to almost every moment of the original trilogy, with heartbreaking small connections and parallels masterfully weaved into the narrative. New characters are introduced, and familiar names make cameos. While some of these reappearances feel as though they are being done for fan service, the majority of them add backstory for side characters and context for Haymitch’s perception of them in later books. is book is the perfect bridge between e Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the Hunger Games trilogy, lling in all the gaps of knowledge. Even the cover of the novel and one of the main motifs depict this connection, with Haymitch’s int striker necklace, having a snake representing Lucy
Gray at one end and a bird for Katniss at the other. Other books that are extensions of series, like prequels, sequels, and remakes similar to this one sometimes feel like cash grabs preying on fans’ nostalgia, adding nothing to the source material. In contrast, although Sunrise on the Reaping is not necessary because the original trilogy stands strong without it, it is still an appreciated addition due to all the extra dimension it gives to the original story, without any glaring continuity issues but still leaving readers with curiosities about other aspects of the story.
While Sunrise on the Reaping brings Haymitch’s story to an end, it simultaneously opens up new pathways to explore the franchise. When Collins wants to speak up again, fans will be ready. ▪
Grade: B+
A24’s Death of a Unicorn Plagued by Predictability and Flawed Execution
By Rishab Shah Staf Writer
Despite its captivating name and high anticipation, Death of a Unicorn is a staggering disappointment. Re- leased on March 28, Alex Scharfman’s directorial debut stars big names like Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega and was produced through A24. e studio is known for captivating lms like Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All at Once. Father Elliot (Paul Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) accidentally hit a unicorn on the way to meet Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), the CEO of a biomedical company where Elliot hoped to secure a high-level job. As chaos ensues, their plans veer astray. e billionaire boss, miraculously cured of cancer, becomes determined to use his company to exploit the healing potential of unicorns at all costs for pro t. Scharfman, with this movie, was trying to depict a more violent side to unicorns to explore themes of latestage capitalism and the exploitation of nature.
e lm takes place in a remote mansion in a serene northern forest and o ers captivating visuals. e movie relies heavily on scenery, and the overall cinematography is stunning. e lighting within the mansion creates a sense of magni cence in the house, making the lm more immersive and showcasing the preten- tiousness of the biomedical C-suite. roughout the set, the Unicorn Tapestries, real pieces of art hosted at the Met Cloisters museum in New York City, are featured. is addition promotes an otherwise hidden jewel of art and makes the lm feel rooted in reality despite its mystical and other- wise absurdist nature.
Despite the immersive experience of the lm, the most critical issue lies with its disjointed script. From the
UNDER THE RADAR
By Ariel Duong Staf Writer
In the vast sea of indie-pop rock media-spotlighted artists, the United Kingdom duo Idlework. has garnered attention for their lyrics, inspired by the bittersweet beauty of emotional fragility. Crafting lyrics and unique melodies together since early childhood, singer-songwriter pair Daisy Laura Kane and Ivo Winkley explore profound and sentimental topics such as impermanence and introspection with authenticity through their discography. As childhood friends, Kane and Winkley share a lifelong bond through their journey as musicians, from learning instruments to selling CDs around their elementary schoolyard. In their youth, they performed at cafes to support local nonpro ts in London, where they showcased their own renditions of songs and styles that inspire them to this day — from Billie Eilish to Haley Heynderickx. Kane and Winkley both pursued music as independent artists as early as age 15. Kane released her songs under the name Daisy K Music, while Winkley produced short music videos of his own. He often created either covers of songs with his sister, Tabs Winkley, or his own tracks. In 2020, Kane and Winkley o cially released their rst single, “Plastic Flowers,” paving their way for success ve years later, garnering nearly 25,000 monthly listeners. e band regularly shares anecdotes with their listeners across social media, o ering glimpses of future projects and their journey of growth by sharing their creations with the world as students and pursuing music devotedly as young adults. From releasing their debut during a school lockdown in 2020 to now amassing tens to hundreds of thousands of streams per song, they are devoted to performing across the United Kingdom and creating more indie-pop works for fans.
discovering the unicorn, Leopold being healed, and the subsequent exploitation expected. Despite the lm’s absurd premise, it follows such a familiar narrative arc that the plot feels evident. Even twists meant to shock the viewer are signposted miles in advance with obvious clues sprinkled throughout, detracting from their intended impact. e lm delves too deep into the familiar trope of a corporate gure’s downfall driven by greed and disregard for nature. e lack of originality makes the lm seem like an incoherent rehash of anti-greed parables.
Aside from a lackluster script, many plot holes poison the viewing experience. A unicorn kills a researcher who disagrees with the exploitation of mythical creatures, despite the lm establishing that unicorns only kill those with evil intentions. is contradiction undermines the movie’s logic and confuses the audience about the unicorn’s moral compass. Another example is when Leopold, who previously delegated dangerous tasks to his employees, suddenly gears up with an automatic ri e to hunt unicorns. e shift in his intentions lacks any justi cation in the narrative. ese plot holes throughout the movie result in a mess where every character feels as if they were thrown in without much
falls at. Big-name talents, such as Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, fail to deliver consistently good performances they are capable of. Ortega’s performance as a teenager who strongly opposes the exploitation of unicorns lacks the conviction to impact the viewer, let alone as a call to action, which is essential to a symbolic movie against greed and animal cruelty. e use of CGI, critical to this live-action lm, is another fatal blow. e unicorns often land in an uncanny valley, ruining the suspenseful moments as the poorly rendered unicorns become objects of ridicule. e lm is meant to be a mix of horror, comedy, and drama, but fails to master even one genre. e horror parts are not built up like A24 has done in the past with psychological tension and an eerie pacing and rely on gore to scare; the comedic jokes lack depth, and the dramatic parts are easily predictable from the start of the movie. is amalgamation of genres creates a confusing mess, making it di cult for the lm to reach its goal of a critique of corporate greed and environmental exploitation. Death of a Unicorn had all the right ingredients, yet fails as an entertaining and symbolic lm. It falls short thanks to a predictable script, a lack of depth, poor execution, and CGI aws.
Grade: C-
April 2025 Student Faves
Forever Is A Feeling will Forever be a Masterpiece
By Navya Chitlur Staf Writer
With alluring lyrics, captivat ing beats, and stunning complexity, singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and boygenius member Lucy Dacus’s Forever Is A Feeling is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. With its unique drum beats, intuitive lyrics, and powerful vocals and production, she creates an enchanting and immer sive listening experience. Released on March 28, Forever Is A Feeling marks her fourth studio album, and her rst album since boygenius’ Gram my-winning the record in 2023. Her signature bass instrumentals and complex, heartfelt, and intuitive lyricism shines through her new work, encompassing the heart of indie music and embracing the craft of storytelling through song.
ed song beats with the overarching theme of recklessness and emotional turmoil, Dacus crafts her lyrics to perfection — a awless mixture of personal anecdotes and speci city to general commentary and relatability.
Beginning the album with the soft, instrumental violin “Calliope Prelude,” Dacus instills a greater tilt towards emotional lyricism than her previous records, which centered more around formulaic drumbeats and intuitive lines. With a awless transition into “Big Deal,” the artist showcases her continued talent with production and seamlessly stitches together her tracks, following a similar style as the record in terms of transitions. Forever Is A Feeling por- trays Dacus’ musical growth through boygenius’ collaborations, with songs like “Forever Is A Feeling” featuring the other two members of the band. e song features similar styles as songs like “True Blue,” with upbeat tracks following themes of freedom and young love.
Spliced between more light-hearted tracks, Dacus sings soft ballads with guitar and violin-based instrumentals with songs like “For Keeps.” While the album makes a shift into more mainstream lyric styles with an increase of repeating lines, creating more catchy tunes, and less personal anecdotes, “For Keeps,” and other ballads maintain her lyrical excellence and pro ciency as she sings, “If the
On the other hand, songs like “Ankles” feature upbeat tunes with repeating lines like “So bite me on the shoulder / Pull my hair / And let me touch you where I want to / ere, there, there, there, there.” Letting go of the ever-resounding tragedies buried into her other songs, Dacus sings purely of love without restraint, propelling the theme of youth and creating a feeling of freedom that lingers through the rest of the songs in the album, juxtaposing recklessness and desire.
roughout the album, Dacus connects tracks with her unique production style of low guitar strums and heavy bass beats, paired with her low and echoing voice, making for a distinct indie and underlying rock sound that has a resounding feel. Her vocal power shines throughout the album, especially with songs like “Limerence,” with her slower and longer lines, tying back to the violin in her prelude. With musical and lyrical excellence, unique style, and songs that immerse listeners into a reckless, joyful, and tragic feeling of forever, Dacus’s sensational Forever Is A Feeling provides a unique and mind whirling listening experience that shines and lingers.
In the canon of contemporary indie music, few artists have entwined personal grief with sonic experimentation as deftly as the band Japanese Breakfast. Yet with For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), their fourth album, lead vocalist Michelle Zauner reframes sadness by shedding her autobiographical origins. From the opening shimmer of strings to the closing ghost-trails of steel guitar, Zauner presents melancholy not as an emotional collapse, but as artistic construction — deliberate, decadent, and disarmingly self-aware. e album explores stylization of production to mediate intimacy, as it alternately emphasizes and mu es Zauner’s striking lyricism, with the record ultimately serving as a turning point toward a more composed, conceptual catharsis of sadness.
It would be tempting to le this as another quintessential sad girl album and call it a day — the title practically begs for it. But Zauner preempts that attening generaliza-
tion with a wink. is is a record that takes luxury in arti ce. From the candlelit, self-directed video for “Orlando in Love” where Zauner plays a lovestruck Renaissance poet while making references to Leda, Icarus, and Venus, the album is steeped in mythos. Yet it’s not so much about the myths as it is about the performance of emotional states — the way people create narratives of pain, costume it, romanticize it. e best example is “Picture Window,” a stunning track in which Zauner sings, “All of my ghosts are real,” a line as campy as it is chilling, buoyed by a minor-key guitar thrum.
Musically, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), pivots away from the e ervescent pop of the band’s preceding album Jubilee and the lo- landscape of their debut album Psychopomp leaning toward a warmer, dustier sound. With producer Blake Mills at the helm, this is Zauner’s rst album to be recorded in a proper studio, and it clearly shines through. e steel guitars twang on the rock song “Honey
Water,” lending to a gothic interpretation of Americana embroiled in the perspective of an enraged wife of a serial cheater. Yet beneath the rustic tones, there’s sharpness. “Mega Circuit,” a snarling critique of the manosphere of masculinity, comes with a woozy slide guitar and a menacing shu e that partly feels like a fever dream. e song stands out not only because of its bite, but because it demonstrates Zauner’s gift for surreal detail, with the line “incel eunuchs” riding “ATVs” adding a hysterical touch to the album’s country-gothic aesthetic. is blending of the mythic and mundane remains Zauner’s specialty. Her lyrics often pivot from literary grandeur to hotel room grime in the space of a verse. For example, the brilliant “Little Girl” has a surreal image of someone “p*ssing in the corner of a hotel suite.” It’s this very juxtaposition that gives the album its emotional punch: the realization that even the most operatic emotions can unfold in unglamorous rooms. For all its lyrical ambition — its
meditation on the muse, aging, artistic insecurity — the album occasionally su ers from its own sonic beauty. Tracks like “Men in Bars,” a pleasant-enough duet with actor Je Bridges, waft by without leaving much of a mark. Where Jubilee offered emotional heft through exuberance, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) sometimes veils its emotional core in ornate ourishes, cheapening lyrical meanings. Even in its brevity, clocking in at just over 30 minutes, the album lingers. Zauner bottles a version of melancholy that is both glamorous and grotesque, yet precise. For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) asks what sadness becomes when it’s staged, rehearsed, adorned. Zauner, evolving beyond autobiography, turns outward, weaving a complex narrative of loss. is vision may not always connect on a visceral level, but its ambition is unmistakable. Melancholy has never looked — or sounded — so composed.
Grade: A
ALICE: “About You” by e 1975 | ASHLEY: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem | BRITTANY: “no tears left to cry” by Ariana Grande | CALLIE: “I THINK” by Tyler,
e Creator | CATHERINE: “Young And Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey | ETHAN: “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran | GOONJA: ““mirrorball” by Taylor Swift | HANNAH: “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer | HOWARD: “A Milli” by Lil Wayne | IVY: “Forever Young” by Alphaville | KAYLEE: “WILDFLOWER” by Billie Eilish |
KEERTI: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA | NAISHA: “City Of Stars” by Ryan Gosling | PADMA: “Casual” by Chappell Roan | SARAH: “Heavy” by e Marías | SHUHAN: “One Dance” by Drake, Wizkid, Kyla | TANVI: “Sativa” by Jhené Aiko, Swae Lee | TRISHA: “Love Story” by Taylor Swift | TR.LOW: “Blinding Lights” by e Weeknd
ROTTENTOMATOS COM
MSJ Swim cruises ahead of Moreau
By Ekasha Sikka & Ariana Yi Staf Writers
MSJ Swim secured a clean sweep against the Moreau Catholic High School Mariners at their home meet on March 28. Persevering through the chilly, 55-degree weather, the Warriors dominated across almost all events, defeating the Mariners with an overall score of 434 -130.
The JV Girls kicked of the meet to a strong start, taking frst place in their 200-yard medley relay by almost 17 seconds. The other divisions also followed with impressive performances, with the JV Boys winning frst, second, and third in the event, and Varsity Girls and Boys fnding similar success. Although they accumulated many points, the teams struggled with disqualifcations in this event. The Varsity and JV Girls each had a relay team disqualifcation due to swimmers leaving the diving block before the previous swimmer returned completely. “[The athletes] know better than to make those small mistakes ... because [that swimmer] is not [the only one] afected, it’s the entire relay team,” Varsity Coach Felice Tran said.
Despite the challenges with relays, the Warriors remained composed and achieved outstanding results in the subsequent events. The
Varsity Boys, JV Boys, and JV Girls found great success in the 200-yard freestyle events, each winning frst place. However, the Mariners defeated MSJ by a margin of six points in the Varsity Girls heat, bringing the frst loss of the meet. The Warriors rebounded from this and continued to reinforce their lead in the following events, sweeping the 100 and 200-yard individual medleys and winning almost every heat of the 50-yard freestyle.
“Everybody didn’t necessarily get their best times, but everybody did push through. And to be honest, I’ll take their efort. I’ll take their best efort over anything else.”
— VARSITY COACH FELICE TRAN
In particular, JV delivered impressive performances in both 500-yard freestyle events. For JV Boys, Freshman Balark Sen secured frst place with a 23-second lead over the runner-up,
THE SMOKIE CROSSWORD
earning recognition from both the JV Coach Lawrence Lee and JV Boys Captain Sophomore Michael Gu as the JV Boys’ standout athlete with the strongest performance this meet. In the girls’ race, Freshman Erika Liu dominated the event with a 48-second lead, despite her lane counter breaking mid-event. The equipment malfunction left her with inaccurate lap counting, a major setback in an endurance event where pacing is crucial. However, she remained focused and ultimately lapped her competitors, securing frst place by a signifcant margin.
The team closed the meet by securing wins in all 100-yard backstroke and breaststroke events, as well as all 200 and 400-yard freestyle relays, allowing the team to solidify their overall victory against the Mariners. Though the meet was not ideal for individual performances, the combined win brought a morale boost and opportunities to practice new race strategies, bringing the team one step closer to qualifying for the NCS
Championships. “Everybody didn’t necessarily get their best times, but everybody did push through. And to be honest, I’ll take their efort. I’ll take their best efort over anything else,” Tran said.
e Smokie Crosswrod features clues from articles throughout the April issue. Answers to this crossword and past puzzles can be found on the Smoke Signal’s website.
DOWN
1. Abbreviation of sub-agency under the Department of Education that evaluates discrimination complaints
2. In Sunrise on the Repeaing, author Suzanne Collins’ writing seems to have this type of tone
3. e Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1952 is a law from this era that was intended to bar immigrant communist advocates from entering the US
ACROSS
4. Mural in front of the MSJ C-Cafeteria
5. A Lucy Dacus song with soft ballads and guitar and violin-based instrumentals
6. Made from two cups connected by an axle and spun on a string attached between two sticks
7. MSJ Electrical Engineering Club uses these kits to make learning accessible for students of all skill levels
8. Introduced Katelynn Tran to water polo
9. e number of individuals “Unity in Diversity” mural features standing on cracked ice
10. is arcade is home to more than 170 di erent games and also serves as a museum
11. is college announced the complete closure of their Division 1 swim teams
Check your answers here!
MSJ Swim gathers together for group discussion.
Sophomore Joseph Miao goes for a butter y stroke.
Junior Varsity Boys Captain Sophomore Michael Gu ies through the freestyle event.
Sophomore Katelynn Tran goes for a dive.
WHO WE ARE
2025
www.asdrp.org
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private research institution in Fremont, California.
ASDRP is the Bay Area's premier precollegiate research & development institution, run by a consortium of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers with years of academic and industry experience who collectively seek to push forward the current frontiers in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, psychology, medicine, engineering, and more.
We mentor high school students - budding scientists in 9th through 12th grade - who come from every corner of the greater Bay Area, California, and across the United States. We seek student researchers who are passionate, who are unafraid of a steep learning curve, and who want to be involved in real science that has real impact on society.
WHAT WE DO
Quite simply, we do research. Our investigators and student researchers strive to make impact in fields ranging from cancer biology, drug discovery, environmental science, and computer-guided drug design to radioastronomy, machine learning, and urban sustainability.
As in any other R&D establishment, we publish papers, present work at conferences, and generate intellectual property. Check out some of our latest preprints, publications, and conference proceedings online.
MISSION & VISION
ASDRP is not a class, not a tutoring center, and not a summer camp. We are scientists and engineers who aim to push the frontiers of scientific discovery through rigorous and cutting edge basic & applied research across the life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering, while bringing out the best in the aspiring scientists we mentor.
External queries: admissions@asdrp.org
Administrative services: asdrp.admin@asdrp.org
Application Details
Spring 2025
Early Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Final Applications Due: December 30, 2024 @ 11:59 PM PST
Summer 2025
Early Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Final Applications Due: April 15, 2025 @ 11:59 PM PST
Applications are competitive, and each term, ASDRP receives far more applicants than there are open research positions. Apply online at www.asdrp.org/apply.
Interested in finding out more? RSVP for an informational webinar at www.asdrp.org/rsvp.
E-mail: admissions@asdrp.org 46309 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539
Sports Science
By Roshan Annamalai, Rajorshi Chatterjee & Kaylin Teo Staf Writers
Physics plays a major role in a multitude of sports. In baseball, pitchers can curve their throws in the air for various effects due to aerodynamics, such as the Venturi effect where the spinning of the baseball pushes air to one side of the ball, creating a difference in air pressure that exerts a de ecting force on the ball. A good hit must mean there is a minimum of recoil on the baseball to maximize the energy transferred to it. Therefore, a baseball must come into contact with the bat at a speci c point where the least amount of torque is exerted on the hands. Physics also applies more directly to the human body, as seen from ice skating. A common move and an even more common physics demonstration is of a spinning ice skater moving their arms in, increasing their speed through principles of angular momentum conservation. By drawing their arms in, the skater can decrease the distances at which their overall mass is distributed with respect to its center of mass, trading it for an increase in speed resulting in the breathtaking moves one might see at an ice show.
Physics Medicine Neuroscience Nutrition
In a community where the pressure to excel in sports is strongly connected to body weight, composition, and shape, many struggle with negative physical self-image prompting unhealthy eating habits that later develop into disorders. Food fuels the body and nurtures a healthy and enduring athletic career. Fueling accordingly and timely is key to optimizing athlete performance, muscle recovery and repair, reducing the risk of injury, and preventing burnout. Foods high in protein such as lean meats and eggs help repair and rebuild muscle tissue, while carbs replenish depleted muscle glycogen stores post-workout. US Food and Drug Administration recommends 2,000 calories daily as a general nutrition guide. In comparison, 3,000-5,000 calories daily are generally suf cient for elite endurance athletes such as marathon runners or triathletes. “A good diet won’t make an average athlete elite, but a poor diet will make an elite athlete average,” University of Stirling Sports Nutrition Professor Ron Maughan said.
Sports medicine specializes in injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehab and particularly emphasizes the importance of building good habits. Stretching often will improve muscle and tendon exibility resulting in an increased range of motion, reducing the risk of strains and sprains from sudden muscle overstretching. Stretching works by reducing the area of overlap of thick and thin myo laments that make up the sarcomere, the basic unit of contraction in the muscle ber. When all sarcomeres are fully stretched at their maximum resting length, the excess force is placed on the surrounding connective tissue. Guided by the line of tension created by the force, collagenbers of the connective tissue align themselves, helping to realign disorganized bers, relax the muscle, and rehabilitate scarred tissue. Alignment created by stretching ensures that the forces during training are evenly distributed on the body to reduce stress and prevent injury. Speci cally for injured athletes, icing after a good stretch ensures that the scar tissue will cement correctly aligned, which is crucial to avoid recurring injuries. Combining a habit of stretching and icing can bring athlete performance to the next level.
Neuroscience is important to sports as well. Hormones such as dopamine and endorphins directly affect how a player responds to the stress of the game and are released during physical activity as a response to demanding exercise and an increase in beta-endorphin brain chemicals. Dopamine and endorphin hormones act to relieve pain and improve mood as a major part of the brain’s reward system, which explains why sports are highly enjoyable. Neuroscience is fundamental to general care for sports: athletes who sleep better perform at higher levels. This coincides with body temperature drops, meaning that athletes can improve both their performance and general well-being by being in a cooler environment when they sleep. Sleep-deprived athletes experience heightened levels of perceived exertion from decreased muscle glycogen stores. Adequate sleep restores tissue, repairs micro-damage from a day’s activity and helps with muscle memory, resulting in quicker reaction times, improved coordination, and higher-quality split-second decision-making. “Sleeping well could mean the difference between putting up 30 points and living with 15,” Basketball Hall-of-Famer Steve Nash said.
Physiology Technology
Exercise physiology is the study of how the body responds to physical activity, and it plays a crucial role in optimizing athlete performance and tness. A key indicator of tness is the lactate threshold, which measures exercise intensity at which lactate (a waste product of metabolism) accumulates faster than it is removed, and marks the limit to an athlete’s metabolic capabilities. This threshold can be improved by alternating low-intensity and high-intensity runs, known as Fartlek training. Exercise physiology also provides insight into the process of muscle growth. During weight training, muscles use energy to generate forces — as energy runs out and waste products accumulate, fatigue occurs and causes microtears and muscle soreness. However, this process enhances muscle repair and growth, stimulating the creation of new muscle bers in a process called muscle hypertrophy. Another major indicator of athletic performance is VO2 max, the maximal rate at which one can consume oxygen during intense exercise. Regular cardiovascular exercise improves lung ef ciency and increases stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat), thereby increasing VO2 max.
Advanced tools, devices, software, and systems designed to improve athletic performance, training, and analysis dominate the modern sports scene. One of the leading industries in the eld is wearable technology. Fitness trackers like smartwatches allow athletes to collect data on heart rate, steps, calories burned, sleep patterns, and more. They employ devices such as gyroscopes to track orientation, barometers to track altitude, accelerometers to track movement, and heart rate sensors that use light to measure blood volume in tissues and monitor heart rate. Furthermore, wearable motion sensors that track body movement, muscle activation, and joint stress can help the athlete improve technique and reduce injuries. Analytic tools are also a signi cant aspect of modern sports technology. High-de nition cameras and software tools allow coaches and athletes to break down video footage of practices and games to identify areas of improvement and strategies. GPS tags also allow coaches to easily track athletes’ position, speed, and movement. Technology can also be used to assist umpires and referees. Instant replay systems are widely used to check referees’ calls and are also employed to ensure basketball players shoot within the shot clock.
By Abigaile Lei & Aaqib Zishan Staf Writers
Athlete Spotlight: Katelynn Tran
Varsity Girls Water Polo Goalie and MSJ Swim Captain Sophomore Katelynn Tran trialed with pure determination to stand out on both sports teams. Tran has since competed in countless swim meets, such as the Junior Olympics and CIF NCS Championship, while consistently qualifying for MVALs since her freshman year. With an outstanding 180 blocks as a water polo goalie, Tran earned an MVAL All-League Honorable Mention in her second season.
First introduced to competitive swimming when she was six, Tran started swimming at Flying Fish Swim School, where she quickly developed her passion for the sport. At 10 years old, she joined the Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics swim club, giving her a glimpse into the harsh training of an athlete. “My time on [the team] allowed me to really think and experience what it means to be a competitive swimmer, with intense training and putting the work outside of the pool,” Tran said. When she frst joined the MSJ swim team, Tran quickly warmed to the coaches and her
teammates. With the help of MSJ Varsity Swim Coach Felice Tran, Tran stayed persistent and focused on her goals, becoming one of the most valuable members of the swim team.
“My time on the team allowed me to experience what it means to be a competitive swimmer.”
— SOPHOMORE KATELYNN TRAN
Although her interest was swimming, her older brother introduced her to water polo, sparking a new passion. With the departure of key water polo starters in her freshman year, Tran looked to fll the spot the former varsity goalie left. Shifting from a feld player to a frstyear goalie, Tran trained and honed her skills, becoming a valuable member of the team with the help of her coach and past alumni. She was a freshman with little to no experience in being a goalie, yet she faced some of the best competition of MVALs. No team could have expected the growth she made in one season. “I think
that [the other teams] weren’t expecting something out of me, and I showed them up,” Tran said. At her frst varsity game, Tran proved her worth by playing incredible defense against one of the top MVAL players of the season as a substitute goalie while connecting two assists and two goals to ensure victory for her team. This remarkable performance gained the attention of The Mercury News, where the organization wrote an article highlighting Tran’s talent and potential for greatness.
Despite all of her growth, Tran’s progression wasn’t always easy. She faced various mental and personal problems, causing her to take a
two-year hiatus from swimming in 2021-23. During this time, Tran lost her sense of direction and purpose in life, bringing her mental state to an all-time low. “At that point, I just didn’t know what to do with myself,” Tran said. However, she soon realized what was holding her back from success—the importance of taking breaks. “I was overworking myself day to day with rigorous training, and I hadn’t learned how to take a break,” Tran said. This discovery allowed her to reduce stress levels, maintain productivity for academics, and prevent burnout, improving her overall well-being. Tran also found support in her brother, friends, and coaches, allowing her to
clear her head and resume swimming in 2024 as a freshman.
No matter the setbacks, Tran stays motivated and holds herself accountable with ambitious goals for the future. “I want to continue my career in water polo, it’s really set sail for me. I want to do it in college,” Tran said. For her goals in high school, Tran hopes to place at NCS and compete at the state level for the 50 and 100-meter freestyle events. Additionally, she wants to lead her water polo team to NCS next year, cementing her impact and leadership across MSJ’s aquatic sports teams. ▪
Colleges must provide sports funding amidst budget cuts
By Alex Duan & Vikram Mahajan
On March 7, California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) announced the complete closure of their Division 1 swim teams. In addition, many other California State University (CSU) campuses are considering or already have cut sports. The closure of these programs may be the frst symptoms of shifting priorities for CSU money and may signal the cutting of other programs. Beyond just CSUs, these cuts refect a broader change in the outlook of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Amidst fnancial strains, there has been a growing trend of universities turning to cuts in sports departments — programs that appear as unessential and discretionary — as a source to squeeze money out of. To the contrary, however, athletics is a core component of true education, and the impact of these closures go beyond just killing athletic programs — they’re a detriment for the school experience to all students.
The NCAA is the governing organization for the vast majority of American collegiate sports, regulating how much and for what college athletes can be paid for. The ongoing case of House v. NCAA has fundamentally changed the dynamics of collegiate athletics. The plaintifs, student athletes Grant House and Sedona Prince, received a multi billion dollar settlement from the NCAA after suing the organization for the use of their name, likeness and image. This set a new precedent in collegiate sports by introducing the concept of direct athlete compensation and even bringing attention to such proposals as revenue-sharing models. Although CSUs are not as prominent or famous as fagship University of California (UC), these colleges combined still serve more than 450,000 students as of the 2024-25 school year. Any decisions regarding budgets and fnancial aid will impact not only just students attending on fnancial scholarships,
but every attending student at a CSU.
Many CSU students rely on some form of fnancial scholarship. More than 60% of attending students reported that they cannot aford full pay tuition, which amounts to under $13,000 a year, and more than 80% of students receive some form of fnancial aid. If college athletics teams are shut down and fnancial incentives are cancelled, coupled with the costs of personal training and equipment, both of which are often not covered, college athletes could face signifcant additional fnancial strain. It wasn’t until 2023 when the NCAA allowed for any sort of fnancial compensation outside of the scholarship for tuition. Even after the NCAA agreed to pay athletes for their name, image, and likeness, only the top prospects in sports like basketball and football earn signifcant contracts. However, for other less commercial sports like Volleyball or gymnastics, even signed athletes receive very little money. For the vast majority of college athletes who aren’t household names, removal of their athletic scholarship can make it difcult for underprivileged athletes to aford and stay in school Furthermore, sports are a necessary tenet of any true education. It should not be regarded as a hobby that simply supplements education, but as an integral part of education itself. Sports instills such skills as concentration, stronger memory and problem-solving. These abilities build onto knowledge taught in the classroom to create stronger and more well-rounded individuals. A study by the National Library of Medicine studied 271 students in Mid-Atlantic states to conclude that sports participation predicted improved academic achievement in English and mathematics. Indeed, it explained nearly 7% of the additional variance in academic outcomes, even after accounting for other variables.
The life experience gained on the playing pitch cannot be taught in any classroom; indeed, its efects go well beyond just strictly academic, as student athletes inculcate such traits as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Resarcher Brendon Stubbs of King’s College
London found in a study that regular exercise — facilitated often by participation in sports — helps reduce anxiety levels by 43%, and improve problem solving abilities, short-term memory, and concentration, by 9%, 12%, and 33%, respectively.
The closure of athletic departments at colleges does not come entirely without cause, however — the CSU system is currently facing signifcant budget shortfalls. The state legislature has already confrmed $400 million for cuts and further potential budget cuts may exceed a $800 million dollar shortfall, representing almost 8% of the CSU system’s whole budget. Enrollment is not declining, and a large portion of spending such as teacher salaries and development contracts cannot be cut. Schools can start laying of staf, cut academic programs, and cut of optional support resources like career centers, but sports tend to be an easy area to cut since maintaining a team is extremely expensive. For instance, San Diego State University’s men’s basketball coach is the highest paid employee in the whole CSU system, making 2.3 million dollars a year with no end to his contract in sight. Facilities, other coaches and support staf, and sports scholarships that may be going to students who can aford tuition also take up a signifcant portion of school budgets. Finding $400 million dollars to cut outside of athletics may have an irreparable impact to the educational quality at these institutions
However, there are viable alternative solutions to budget cuts and defcits, meaning cutting collegiate sports is not only untenable, but entirely unnecessary. A potential solution is sequestra-
tion, a technique typically used in the context of the federal budget in times of defcit. Sequestration involves across-the-board proportional budgetary cutbacks; although seemingly unfathomable, it would force all aspects of college life to shoulder some of the burden and provide improved impetus for more viable long-term fxes, fxes that are often given less importance when sports is viewed as discretionary and ready for the chopping block for an easy short-term fx. Outside sources to subsidize school funding is a general tactic already implemented in some schools and districts. An example of this is LA Promise Fund, which is used to provide additional support and resources to public schools in the area. Although cutting funding from sports departments may appear to be a straightforward solution to fnancial strains, it raises fnancial and for students and aspiring athletes without addressing the root causes of the budget shortfall. In the long-term, the drastic cuts to athletic departments will hamper potential for athletic growth, cutting of future athletes from meeting their full potential. Indeed, in spite of strong athletic performances, entire sports teams are being shuttered as a result of these cuts, representing a closure to opportunities for success. It is critical not to view sports as discretionary, but to instead recognize it as a vital part of education and of college life. With other viable methods to address budget cuts, such as sequestration, athletic department closures end up being an unnecessary evil. Ultimately, it is clear that abandoning sports means abandoning potential — and that, with adequate alternative solutions, neither sports nor potential need be abandoned. ▪
On March 7, Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo announced the closure of their mens’ and womens’ swim teams.
Staf Writers
Katelynn Tran stretches out to make a crucial save.
Katelynn Tran leaps to block an incoming shot.
Katelynn Tran lines up a powerful shot on goal.
Katelynn Tran poses for a headshot.
GUIDE TO ARCADES
Intro
By Eleanor Chen, Navya Chitlur & Kaiwei Parks Sta Writers
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With their signature blazing neon lights and engaging games, arcades are a staple place of entertainment, enjoyment, and escape for people of all ages. New and retro, arcades — with a range of games from games of luck and gambling to competitive games to claw machines — create a perfect environment for low stakes and guaranteed fun. Places like Dave and Busters draw in great numbers of customers, while other smaller venues like Claw Meee, Bowlero, High Scores Arcade, Round1, and more, focus on speci c eras or genres of arcade games, highlighting their value and cra
Located on a bustling street on 1414 Park St. Alameda, High Scores Arcade is a treasure trove of games from the 1980s, the golden age of arcades. Serving not only as an arcade, but also as a museum, High Scores Arcade is home to more than 170 di erent games. Compared to the fast-paced and overwhelming arcades of today with their bright neon lights and sound e ects, High Scores Arcade is a gem of nostalgia with its walls lined with retro game posters and their old games. It is laid-back and relaxed, similar to coming to a friend’s house to play some games. ey have no ticket system that modern arcades have. Instead, customers pay hourly, allowing for them to fully immerse themselves in the game without feeling the need to win tickets for prizes.
Claw Meee
In a hazy, dimly-lit, purple venue, Claw Meee located on 532 Barber Lane, Milpitas entrances visitors with their assortment of claw machines lined along the walls. rough the neon arcade lights, the venue generates intensity while maintaining their aesthetic qualities. Visitors are able to play arcade games in exchange for coins, mostly consisting of claw machines that o er stu ed animals of di erent brands like Beanie Boos and Sanrio, making it cheap and rewarding. With the arcade’s wall of stu ed animals and a glowing sign creating a perfect visual to match the dark purple and lavender theme, visitors are able to take aesthetically pleasing and naturally tinted pictures throughout their experience.
Part of a chain of bowling alleys and arcades across the US, with more than 50 locations in California alone, Bowlero in 1287 S Park Victoria Drive, Milpitas provides customers with an immersive entertainment experience. Packed with 40 bowling lanes, Bowlero primarily serves as a bowling alley, with its arcade operating under a third-party. However, for what this location lacks in its number of games, it makes up for in its variety of choices. With four Mario Kart racing games, a big-screen Pac-Man game, and a huge claw machine, Bowlero is stacked with a number of classic and new games. A dedicated technician is ready to x games at any given moment, and cheap ticket deals make visits to the arcade even more special. “Everything is nice to be mobile, but nothing beats the in-person, in real life, experience and that kind of interaction you get with people,” Manager Justin Kimoto said.
High Scores Arcade LET’S PLAY
Round1 Bowling & Arcade
Featuring dozens of unique claw machines lled with all-sorts of plushies, coin pusher games packed with enticing awards, and a large assortment of Japanese dance games, shooter games, driving games, and more, Round1 Bowling & Arcade o ers a wide variety of ventures for all ages. Located in San Jose at Eastridge Center, the Round1 Bowling & Arcade is part of a larger franchise with locations across the world. Originally founded by Masahiko Sugino in Japan, Round1 began to branch out to the US in the early 2010s, with stores continuing to be built today. Although Round1 hosts a number of commonly found games, such as e Fast and the Furious car racing games, its imported Japanese games are what truly sets it apart from other arcades. e Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR game, Gold Railroad coin pusher game, and Pump It Up dance game are customer favorites, and are o en occupied by children and adults alike. “[I enjoy] almost every single game that has anime in it … [or] collectibles. … I would totally recommend other people to come here,” customer Christopher Daniel James said.
Multicultural W k by region
By Kaylin Teo, Emily Zhang & Aaqib Zishan Staff Writers
Celebrating the diversity of cultures worldwide, MSJ’s annual Multicultural (MC) Week, taking place from May 31 to April 4, encompasses a collection of cultural foods, vibrant decorations and ags, and stunning regional performances. Scan the QR code below to continue reading on our website.
East Asia Latin Europe
