Spring Edition by The Broadview

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8 mental health

12 concerts

The reading race

Charlotte Morris, Natasha Charas Managing Editor, Reporter

The Convent & Stuart Hall High School library team has introduced the ‘Break to Break’ reading challenge, which is an opportunity for students to earn points and prizes by reading. e challenge was introduced a er the return from February break and will continue until the start of spring break.

e reading challenge is run by library assistant Nathaniel Crowe. Student participants will keep a log of their reading over the next few weeks leading up to spring break, earning points for each book they read. e challenge is a fun way to promote reading amongst high school students, according to Crowe.

“ is is the rst year I have started up

this challenge,” Crowe said. “I believe similar challenges may have taken place here in the past, but not since I have started working with C&SH Libraries,”

Students received instructions and information about signing up for the challenge in their emails. Attached to the email is a Google form to o cially sign up for the challenge, along with a spreadsheet to keep a reading log.

While the challenge is set to promote reading, there are a few regulations. All books read must be extracurricular, which means they are not assigned in class. Books must also be in prose format, with 100+ pages, and must be new to the reader, meaning no re-reads.

“ e reading challenge sounds very interesting,” sophomore Sydney Meier said.

“It is also a really good incentive to make students read more, which would help a

lot of students because nding time to read during the week can be very hard,”

Points are awarded for each page and minute read: one point for one page and 1 % points for each minute read. 100 bonus points are awarded if students read a C&SH library book, and 200 bonus points are awarded if a student reads a new C&SH library book.

Reading is shown to have many bene ts for the human mind. e average person reads four books a year, with the average reading speed being 200 words per minute. It is also proven to reduce stress levels by 68%, and an estimated 50% of people who read before bed are seen to have better sleep than those who do not, according to Cross River erapy.

“I think reading books is such a great way to build vocabulary and learn advanced grammar structures,” junior Pip-

Presidents and policies

Varying approaches to the Russo-Ukranian War

Sophia CupersteinInternational Editor

With each president comes di erent policies. Even prior to the o cial start of the Russo-Ukrainian War on Feb. 24, 2022, the United States of America (USA) has been a key player in tensions between the two countries. By enforcing economic sanctions and giving over $180 million in immediate military aid, the US has been a vital third party throughout the buildup to the conict, and during it, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. $is means that the stance of the president in power has a serious impact on the outcome of the con ict.

“As an American, the di erences between the two administrations are easily noticeable,” junior Noella Tae said. “In conjunction with my IB Global Politics class, it is interesting to see the di erent theories that are used by the respective administrations,”

Characteristics of policy during the Biden administration consisted of rejecting negotiation talks with Putin and cooperating heav-

ily with the European Union. Although this approach was more stable, the pitfall of this strategy was that it would not bring an end to the con ict, according to Foreign Policy.

“ $ere have been many aspects of these respective approaches that vary,” junior Charlotte Gesell said.

“What stood out the most to me is the reactions of the general public to each policy change,”

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s approach is radically different to the Biden administration. $e Trump administration is pulling funding from Ukraine, calling for ownership of certain mineral resources and deferring to Vladimir Putin for critical decisions. By speaking with President Zelensky in a recent conference and alienating European allies, this strategy isolates the US and is more likely to get the con ict resolved in a violent manner, according to Foreign Policy.

“Overall, I’ve noticed many differences between the two various sets of policies, and so have the people around me,” Gesell said. “What is most important is that

such a drastic change in policy does not cause civil unrest,”

By looking at Trump’s few months in o ce, it is clear that he is approaching this con ict by prioritizing the bene%ts to the USA. Meanwhile, Biden’s policies were greatly in uenced by maintaining diplomatic relations between ally nations and coming to the

aid of others. Regardless, the students of Convent of the Sacred Heart high school hope for a swi and safe conclusion of violence, according to Tae.

“Ultimately, regardless of the approach, what is most important is the safety of everyone involved,” Tae said. “At the end of the day, administrations will vary approaches but should have the same end goal.”

Foreign aid has been trumped

The Trump administration makes efforts to cut costs

Caroline Kontrabecki Reporter

Since mid-February, the Trump administration has taken actions to attempt to close the United States Agency for International Development, also known as USAID. Since 1961, USAID has focused on providing and facilitating disaster relief, war relief, peace-build-

ing and many necessities such as food, clean water and shelter to people around the world.

“I think it’s great that USAID is committed to helping people in need worldwide,” junior Pitzi Fichtner said. “I love how organizations like USAID bring people together and support humanitarian work,”

$e Department of Government E ciency—also known as

DOGE—is a newly founded federal agency headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk with the purpose of trying to reduce federal spending. According to the Pew Research Center, 1.2% of the US’ $6.1 trillion federal budget is spent on foreign aid, and DOGE aims to close the agency in an e ort to cut costs.

Recently, followers of President Trump have criticized USAID and have questioned whether the agency’s foreign aid programs are valuable. While these programs may not directly impact Americans, USAID is still an incredibly important source of so power, according to Global Politics teacher Martin Jorgensen.

“Closing USAID will cause America’s so power to diminish while increasing that of our competitors,” Jorgensen said.

“It seems that DOGE is using the hatchet method to cut costs

without really understanding what the consequences are,”

As of March 7, the top countries receiving USAID assistance include Ukraine, Ethiopia and Jordan, according to Foreign Assistance. Both Ukraine and Jordan are important regional allies of the US that rely mostly on aid in terms of economic development. Halting such funding could potentially impact the US’ relationship with its allies, according to junior Franchesqa Landicho.

“I think the US should maintain strong diplomatic relations with Ukraine and Jordan,” Landicho said. “In IB Global Politics we learned that it is in a country’s interest to have good relations with allies around the world,”

Legally it is unclear whether Trump and his administration will succeed in closing the USAID. However, if the agency were to be closed, the e ects of not receiving billions of dollars in humanitarian aid would be felt around the world.

“I think it would be morally incorrect for Trump to shut down the agency,” Fichtner said. “A lot of people rely on the support provided by USAID.”

Creative Commons | WITH PERMISSION

ALTHOUGH Trump has spent only a few months in office, he has already demonstrated drastic differences in his approach to the Russo-Ukrainian War. These differences are manifesting through public opinion diplomatic relations.

2025 Prom fashion trends

The expected fashion trends for this year's prom.

PSloane Ginocchio Reporter

rom season is just around the corner, meaning dress and suit shopping is about to begin. Each year, new fashion trends emerge for prom, so what will this year's trends be?

"is prom season, dresses are expected to bring lots of bright colors, sparkles and cool textures. "ink glamorous accents, sleek silhouettes and metallic colors, according to Jovani.

‘I think the prom trend for this year is going to be strapless a line dress,” junior Azalea Scavullo says. “ "e dresses will be short, formal and very cute,”

Standing out is one of the main themes of this year's styles: striking colors, cutouts and

statement backs, according to alltherage. Fashion serves as a way for individuals to embrace their individuality and provides a platform for expressing unique personalities.

“If I were to go to prom, I would want a blue or red dress,” freshman Avery Spolin said. “I would also want it to be long with a corset, a slip and made out of satin material,”

"roughout the decades, prom dress trends changed; in the 1980s, big sleeves, tulle skirts, bows, ru es, sheer gloves and layered dresses were most popular. In the 1990s, o -theshoulder dresses, big sleeves, pinks and purples, slip dresses, beaded bodices and spaghetti strap dresses were all the rage.

"en in the 2000s, prom dresses were most known for shawls, cowl necks, beaded details, oneshoulder, strapless, especially strapless mini dresses and animal print dresses, according to Cosmopolitan.

“I love to see the comeback of more vintage dresses,” Spolin says, “seeing how we can take

Seeing how we can take modern trends and blend them with the past makes for cool looks and great ways to preserve old fashion trends.

— Avery Spolin

modern trends and blend them with the past makes for cool looks and great ways to preserve old fashion trends,”

"ese vintage prom dresses are making their comeback with a new modern twist. "ese dresses o en include vintage-inspired details like beaded fringe, ru es or owing tulle skirts. "is creates a perfect blend of the past and the present.

"I think there will be lots of bold colors that are statements,

or I have seen a lot of heavily embroidered dresses and patterns.”

Art Teacher Julie Martin says, “I also love that your generation is wearing sneakers to prom, so I want to see more of that,”

"e suits for this year are also expected to bring some bold colors as well as classic blacks and blues. In addition to vibrant shades, tailored cuts will remain a key feature, ensuring a sophisticated silhouette for every occasion, according to nationaltuxedorentals

When it comes to tuxedos or suits, tuxedos are recommended for a more formal look, but suits tend to be more popular with more customization. Tuxedos are traditionally associated with formal occasions, with their more elegant details, but suits

Artifcial Art

AI is continually becoming a source of art

AHope Wong Art Editor

s is consistent with the 21st century, the recent wave of AI (arti cial intelligence) has overtaken online platforms, now in the form of visuals, especially images and artworks. "ere are AI art generators all over the internet, available to conjure anything from fantastical monsters to realistic-looking portraits. Apart from visual art, arti cial intelligence has begun working on other art forms, including writing, animation, music and more. With the coming of this allpowerful machine comes the typical debate - should art generated by AI be considered ‘real art’? Is AI going to

take over the art industry?

Visual artists, writers, journalists and so many others have brought ideas from all sides to this debate. Out of these, one of the more prominent responses to AI art has been the idea that AI art simply does not reach the same caliber as human artists, whether it be through creativity, depth or style. While there are many different opinions on whether AI art is inherently ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ there is a popular agreement that AI-generated art - at least, where it is right now - is very prone to small errors. "is is because AI essentially compiles images of art it collects online posted by other human artists, according to "e Los

Angeles Loyolan. It cannot understand what each image means, causing mistakes especially when it comes to human faces, hands and accidentally leaving out or deleting certain parts of images.

While there may be slight agreement in AI’s small errors, there are many more opinions when it comes to the signi cance of AI art in the art industry. On one hand, many artists may believe that AI art does not constitute ‘real art’ because of its shortcomings - thus making it not matter as much when it comes to AI’s potential in replacing human artists.

American photographer Craig Boehman writes in his blog regarding this topic, saying that this pattern

of AI art is not too di erent from when photography rst started, and people were worried that photographs would overtake drawings. Boehman argues that considering how much success physical drawings continue to have over photographs, AI art will likely turn up similarly, being as easily accessible and unquali ed as it is. Meanwhile, there are still other artists concerned for their careers, as AI still has the potential to advance. People who utilize AI as art generators still have their own creative visions– some worry that this may be what causes AI to overtake the art industry. However, while this manufactured art does have the ability to create seeming-

provide more versatility and modern appeal, allowing for more customization with accessories like ties and pocket squares.

“I hope that students feel free to express themselves.” Martin says, “I think that personal style is most interesting to see when it comes to fashion,”

Prom 2025 fashion features a blend of vibrant colors, vintageinspired designs and personalized styles. "is season includes bold hues and sleek silhouettes as well as timeless charm, o ering options that cater to a lot of preferences.

“ "e dresses are going to be pastel and pink." Scavullo says, “I think the dresses will be very spring and formal. But all the fashion will be beautiful.”

ly impressive pieces, AI art that is drawn from already existing ideas can never really create anything absolutely original. In addition, the very idea of artists drawing from their own minds appeals much more to an audience compared to the concept of a reproduction that is extracted from those other artists. Overall, when it comes to the AI art debate as a whole, it seems that while AI does have large capacity to produce a range of images, it seems it never can really catch up to the level of imagination, uniqueness, experience and individual details that comes from the vast minds of creators including visual, literary and performative artists.

National Tuxedo Rental | WITH PERMISSION COLORFUL suits are becoming increasingly popular each year. Like the suits above, they come in various colors, and some are paired

Jovani | WITH PERMISSION

THIS year's dresses are expected to be fun and colorful. Like the dresses above, they feature eye-catching embellishments, cool cutouts, and cold colors.

Coffee culture

Addiction to caffeinated drinks takes the world by storm

Rachael Gee, Masha Kushner Feature Editor, Reporter

Ca einated drinks are found all throughout history and all over the world, spreading into many various forms. Today, ca einated beverages are represented most popular as coffee, matcha, boba, tea and a vast array of energy drinks.

“I really like Red Bull and drink around four every week,” sophomore Sophia Lum said. “It’s energizing and nice to have next to me to drink and hold on to throughout the day,”

Ca eine-containing beverages date back to the 6th century, according to NCBI. Co ee and tea were a popular choice, but the emergence of other drinks arose, causing a great interest in energy drinks that provide a substitute for those who don’t like co ee but want the same ca eine kick. Ca einated drinks also come in many appealing avors and

in many di erent brands, intriguing for teens who want a “sweet treat” with energy for their mornings.

Energy drinks contain excessive amounts of ca eine, added sugars and other unnatural additives, leading to heart problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, energy drink companies refuse to advertise this, but do the opposite and advertise energy drinks for the young generation, as a fun alternative to co ee.

“At work I drink co ee every day, a little bit out of habit, a little bit out of addiction, a little bit for energy,” math teacher Eddie Freeman said. “For me personally I think I like co ee because it’s a routine; I always go to the machine, and while the co ee is made, I get my water, and I bring both drinks to my classroom to work,”

Co ee has become a habit, an addiction. To some, it has become a way to follow their everyday routine and get their daily dose of ca eine. Drinking co ee

RACHAEL'S REVIEW

Matcha Meter

Oregularly can lead you to crave it, wanting and needing it everyday, according to sophomore Amy Gonzalez.

“I think there is a psychological need for me to have a drink especially when I’m tired,” Gonzalez said. “I condition myself to believe that I have more energy during the day because of my energy drinks even though they may not even have a true effect,”

Ca eine raises a human’s dopamine levels as well as increasing their energy levels. is could cause a person to want that spike of energy and crave it every

Every

morning I make a coffee to keep me awake for class.

— Phoebe Brockway

ur vibrant city of San Francisco hosts a diverse variety of foods and beverages, one of which is coffee’s up-and-coming underdog sister: matcha. As matcha steps into its well-deserved spotlight, here are the best matcha spots in the city.

Komeya No Bento hosts, hands-down, the best matcha in the city. It’s rich, deep and smooth avor rivals even the best matchas I’ve tried in Japan. e shop’s matchas boast the Isuzu blend from the TikTok-trending matcha supplier Marukyu Koyamaen, so if you are eager to try a Marukyu Koyamaen blend but haven’t been able to get your hands on it, trying Komeya No Bento is an easy way to get that exposure. Komeya No Bento also has a fresh seasonal array of matcha fruit drinks, all of which are worth trying. So, if you are willing to drop $8 on a beautifully cra$ed matcha that may just change your life, Komeya No Bento is the place to explore.

Kiss of Matcha is a small shop nestled in the Inner Richmond that serves a large variety of matcha avored drinks and snacks. eir matchas are made with their house matcha blend that tastes more earthy, gritty and astringent. Compared to other matchas, the taste of the matcha itself is very powerful and is less obstructed by sweeteners or milk. While this place is not my go-to spot, it’s de nitely a great option if you are looking for a strong matcha that gives you

Lastly, Matcha Cafe Maiko is a chain tea shop all around the country with three locations in San Francisco. If you overlook the fact that their matcha is prewhisked and just focus on the taste, it’s nice, sweet and a very easy pick-meup. I especially like that Matcha Cafe Maiko serves a consistently standard matcha that I can enjoy wherever, whenever. ey also have very interesting and decadent desserts, some of which vary by season and location, so their constantly updated menu adds a layer of excitement to your visit every time you go.

day. Even if they do not feel that much of a rush a$er drinking ca eine, their mind psychologically associates ca eine with an energy boost and a way to wake up their body.

“Every morning I make a co ee to keep me awake for class,” senior Phoebe Brockway said. “I love vanilla lattes and highly recommend using the Chobani creamers for any drinks,”

Many students enjoy di erent kinds of drinks throughout the day to give them that energy they need. For some it's coffee, energy drinks, boba, tea, but the most popular for Convent students was matcha. Matcha has turned into a healthier alternative to still get the ca eine one needs, but with less ca eine and di culty on the body.

“Of all ca einated drinks, I love Red Bull because it has so many avors so I never get tired of drinking it,” Lum said. “It’s just a really good drink and gives me such a boost.”

Which drink do you prefer?

Hope Wong | THE BROADVIEW

Can SNL Keep Up with Gen Z?

SNL is adapting

Sofa Kozlova, Juliette Wu Editor-in-Chief, Reporter

For ve decades, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a lasting pillar of the culture that blends political satire, celebrity cameos and a rotating cast of comedians.

But as entertainment shi s toward streaming and social media which o en focuses on short-form content, the long-running sketch comedy show faces the challenge of how to keep younger audiences engaged without losing their viewership from older generations.

While SNL has historically adapted to changing times, recent seasons have highlighted the growing gap between its core viewership and Gen Z, according to Parrot Analytics. e show’s traditional television format competes with the immediacy of digi-

tal content, where short clips and personalized algorithms dictate what audiences consume. However, its ability to remain relevant rests on its evolving approach to comedy and the talent it is able to bring to the stage.

“I think in some cases the show does align with current senses of humor, and in some aspects it doesn’t, especially when older references are used,” senior Sophie Levy said. “However, it’s meant to be that way as having a wide array of comedy allows for more people to enjoy it because then it’s not targeted at only one generation: allowing me, my family, my grandparents and whoever else to all have something to laugh at,”

One way SNL is adapting is by mixing di erent styles of comedy. e show has brought in younger cast members and started using

more pre-recorded sketches with a style that feels closer to internet humor, according to Vulture. Social media has also helped keep SNL relevant, as certain clips go viral and reach people who might not watch the show live.

“I usually nd new comedy content through friends or through social media,” junior Winnie Chun said. “Every now and then, I'll nd some funny TV show or new standup comedian more naturally though,”

Beyond format, guest hosts and musical acts in uence the show's reach. Some hosts cater to longtime fans, while others—particularly musicians—appeal to a younger demographic. is balance helps maintain a broad audience. For example, SNL50 included appearances from Steve Martin and John Mulaney as well as musical perfor-

mances from Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter which re ects the show’s e orts to bridge the generational divide, according to NPR.

Ultimately, the future of SNL hinges on its ability to capture younger audiences without leaving behind its legacy. As comedy changes, the program must keep innovating to be a tradition for both old and new fans alike.

“Online platforms allow for comedy to become more accessible to younger generations, similarly to how television was at one point a means of also making the genre more accessible,” Levy said. “Due to length, content on TikTok is formatted di erently than it would be on TV, but at heart, it allows for di erent styles of comedy to be compiled into one place.”

Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death

Well-known actress dies suddenly, leaving many surprised

Kate Lundgren Reporter

On Feb. 26, 2025, Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment by her mother. Trachtenberg was a well-known American actress, producer and writer.

She began to star in commercials at the age of three. Soon she began to act in some movies, her rst few being, “Harriet the Spy,” where she starred as Harriet, and “ e Adventures of Pete and Pete.” She also played Dawn Summers in “Bu y the Vampire Slayer,” amassing a large fan following. ese allowed her to gain more recognition and in 2005 she starred in Walt Disney’s “Ice Princess.”

“Michelle Trachtenberg was a great addition to ‘Gossip Girl,’” Freshman Yosan Yosef said. “I really liked how she brought her character to life and added a lot of drama to the show.”

ree years later, she took on the role of Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl.” “Gossip Girl” is about a blogger who writes about

the lives of privileged teenagers on Manhattan's Upper East Side. She appeared in every season and had signicant roles in the season three and four nales. Later in 2022, she played Georgina Sparks again in HBO’s version of “Gossip Girl.”

In early 2024, Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant, and before that, fans had commented that they saw signs of illness such as weight loss. A few months later, she

was found motionless in her apartment. Now fans across the globe are wondering what happened. Many believe that it may have been due to a rejection of her recent liver transplant, according to Jackson Health System. However, her death has been ruled undetermined since her family objected to an autopsy for religious reasons.

Many of her fans are now mourning the loss of this beloved actress by sharing heartfelt messages online. Not just fans, but also co-workers, former cast members and celebrities have also expressed their condolences. Tributes have ooded social media, with many highlighting her impact on the entertainment industry and the roles that made her a household name. Meanwhile, fans continue to honor her legacy by revisiting her most iconic performances and celebrating her contributions.

“I was really sad and surprised when I heard about her death,” Yosef said. “She was an amazing actress and brought so much into every show she was a part of.”

MICHELLE Trachtenberg walks the red carpet. Known for her roles in film and television, she made a lasting impact on the industry.

Sofa Kozlova | THE BROADVIEW

MICHELLE Trachtenberg at the launch party for the BlackBerry Torch. She was best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl.

Kicking off the IB seniors prepare

the exam season

Should schools have mental health days?

THIS graphic depicts the results from a poll taken of Convent students asking what practices they used when having a stressful or anxious

The most popular activity appears to be exercising, and not many students seem to routinely utilize breathing exercises.

Mental health matters

Designated mental health days could offer much-needed relief

Eliza Burger Copy Editor

Mental health, research shows, is just as important as physical health, according to the University of Utah. At school, we have athletic trainers to help athletes physically, and our wellness counselors to help students mentally. At some schools and institutions, there has been a recent push for ‘mental health days’, similar to sick days, where people can take the day o to reset and take a break. Mayo Health Clinic says that these

have been e ective in some spaces, as people feeling overwhelmed or stressed can give themselves a break that is sometimes hard to nd in a busy school or work environment.

Of course, one has a two day weekend, but many nd that a ve day work week leaves them still with copious amounts of work to do on weekends. Students have to keep up with their school work even on days o . Non academically, most students are involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, clubs or volunteering that take up their

free time as well. Compared to that of past generations, high school students today have much more work, stress and responsibilities than ever before, according to the American Institute of Stress. Giving students the option of a mental health day could serve as an important way to reset and destress from one’s busy life. By taking the time one needs to focus on their mental health, students and faculty can come back better and in a more e ective headspace to thrive at school, rather than being tired and overworked that

they cannot e ectively learn. Incorporating mental health days as a resource might only be the start of helping students in their well being journeys, but it is still a starting point. If more than simply a wellness day is needed for a student, that day could help them realize that and let them get the help they need. A mental health day as well as a follow up with a therapist or guidance counselor could be what is required for a student to get back on track, but that can not happen until there are mental health days in the rst place.

Breaks prevent breaking

The benefts of structured mental health resources and short breaks

Cate Spalding Copy Editor

Everyone’s mental health journeys are di erent. Individual experiences, family life and social dynamics can all lead to varying experiences, even within one school community. e problem with mental health days scheduled and mandated by the school is that their timing might be bene cial for some, but for most people, they would not occur when a day like that is most needed. If the school were to schedule these days, not only would that time need to be made up in classes, potentially making classes even more stressful, but they would also take up time that is being paid for by tuition. Students might even use this time to do

things for school they were procrastinating like homework or studying, instead of actually taking muchneeded breaks.

Another reason mental health days would not be the best way to address mental health issues is that days that are just time o from school don’t actually handle the underlying issues that have to do with students’ well-being. Days o could provide temporary relief, but they do not replace proper mental health support, such as counseling or therapy. Currently, our school has spiritled activities where students are able to decompress in a school environment all while not worrying about school. For example, we recently had an advisory on Friday, March 14 where students gathered in col-

lective groups to watch informational videos and discuss di erent ways to manage anxiety and stress. ese smaller group meetings along with other community events provide built in, monitored breaks, so that students are able to have a time when they’re less likely to stress about schoolwork.

Professionals such as guidance counselor Roberto Parris think that students should be able to function on a daily basis without the need for entire days o . If someone needs a mental health day because they are in a “state of emotional crisis” where they cannot be at school, they should also seek professional support. However, it may be more bene cial to take shorter breaks throughout the day to promote

mental well-being. However, more could be done to actively engage students on mental health topics. Seeking student feedback on what would help them manage their mental health better in school is crucial for making our school a healthier environment. Students are encouraged to suggest topics for wellness newsletters or classes concerning topics they are curious about or are struggling with. Once a year, there is a wellness class o ered to freshmen, this year it was Mental Health 101, which could be made more frequent and expanded to other grade levels. More could be done to implement practical, easy-to-access mental health strategies beyond just o ering mental health days.

Cate Spalding | THE BROADVIEW

moment.

March Madness takes over Collegiate basketball attracts nationwide attention for March Madness

Andrea Scott, Cece Aliabadi Sports Editor, Senior Reporter

As spring arrives, basketball fans across the country eagerly anticipate one of the biggest tournaments in sports—March Madness. !e National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s basketball tournaments feature 68 college teams from across the United States, all competing for the national championship.

!e tournament kicks o" on March 16, known as Selection Sunday, when teams are o cially placed into the bracket. !e competition then progresses through multiple rounds, including the Sweet 16 on March 27-28, when the nal 16 teams battle for a spot in the Elite Eight. !e Final Four takes place on April 5, with the tournament culminating in the national championship game on April 7, according to NCAA.

Cece Aliabadi Senior Reporter

T“I am very excited that March Madness is starting up,” freshman Tessa Green said. “I love following basketball, and I can’t wait to watch the games with my family,”

!is year’s tournament predictions have Auburn University projected as the No. 1 seed. Meanwhile, experts predict Boise State will be the rst team eliminated, and Xavier University has the potential to make it to the championship, according to ESPN.

A long-standing March Madness tradition is for fans to create brackets predicting the outcomes of each game. While some fans base their picks on team statistics, others choose winners based on school colors, mascots or pure luck, according to Peer Insight.

“I’ve heard of people making bracelets in support of the team they want

to win,” sophomore Kokobe Foust said. “It sounds super fun and such a creative way for fans to engage in the sport,”

Every year, the tournament features an underdog team known as the Cinderella team—one that isn’t widely recognized but makes an unexpected and thrilling run through the competition.

“I just learned what a Cinderella team was, and I think it’s so interesting that there’s an o cial name for it,” chemistry teacher Jessica Whitney said. “I will de nitely be tuning in to March Madness this year!”

Some of the most legendary Cinderella stories in March Madness history include the 1985 Villanova Wildcats, who entered the tournament as a No. 8 seed with a 19-10 record. !ey pulled o" a stunning 66-64 vic-

tory over top-seeded Georgetown to win the championship, making head coach Rollie Massimino a beloved gure in college basketball. In 1986, the LSU Tigers became the rst and only No. 11 seed to defeat the No. 3, 2 and 1 seeds in a single tournament, ultimately reaching the Final Four—a feat that remains unmatched, according to NCAA.

“I love a good comeback in any sport,” Green said. “I also think this season has outstanding players, so I can’t wait to watch them,"

March Madness is more than just a tournament for basketball fans—it’s a stage for college players to showcase their skills in one of the most competitive and widely watched events in sports, according to College Insider.

Lacrosse battles Bentley Varsity lacrosse has a close game

he Convent varsity lacrosse team faced o" against Bentley High School yesterday, earning an early dismissal to travel for the game. Having only played a few matches this season— including ones against Lick-Wilmerding and Athenian—the game allowed the team to gain more experience on the eld. Each match serves as a valuable learning opportunity, helping players re ne their techniques and strengthen their teamwork under real-game pressure. “I love being on this team,” freshman Lara Jadallah said.

“ !ere’s such a positive mindset surrounding sportsmanship, and people al-

ways try their best,”

Although the team ultimately fell to Bentley with a close 9-8 loss, they continued to work hard throughout the match, according to Jadallah. !e game remained competitive until the nal moments, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination. Additionally, freshman Claire Woodard scored the team’s nal goal, bringing them within one point of a tie.

“It’s so fun to score goals, especially in lacrosse,” said Woodard. “I can’t wait to score even more and help us win games.”

!e team has been practicing every day a er school, focusing on skill develop-

ment and teamwork. Each game provides an opportunity to re ne their coordination and strategies. Regular practices are helpful for skillwork, but also for communication, which is crucial for success on the eld, according to Premier Sport Psychology. As the season progresses, they continue to adapt and gain experience on the eld, according to Woodard.

“I love the lacrosse team and getting to watch all my friends play,” junior Eugenia Jackson said. “I can’t wait for the next game!”

!eir next matchup is against Athenian High School this Friday at 6 p.m.—a rematch since their previous game against

them more than two weeks ago. Student support on the sidelines is heavily encouraged, as cheering from the crowd can boost an athlete’s performance, according to Powerhaus Cheer. A strong turnout could help energize the team and create an electric game atmosphere, motivating them to perform at their best, according to Jadallah.

“I think we would love some support from the student body,” Jadallah said. “I’m excited to play Athenian again because I have con dence in our team!”

Hope Wong | THE BROADVIEW

A walk through the Tenderloin

Refection on the retreat

for the disadvantaged populations in the district.

Heidi Yeung | THE BROADVIEW

GLIDE Memorial Church, Faithful Fools and SF Marin Food Bank were the organizations that junior students volunteered at during the day of the overnight junior retreat. Following the retreat, students are encouraged to return to these places to commit more time to provide valuable service work to these institutions.

Heidi Yeung Web Editor

The junior retreat was a time for re ection among the soon to be seniors in the school community, where students ventured out into various areas in San Francisco to o er volunteer work as a direct means of service to the city and larger community. Among one

of these volunteer areas was GLIDE Memorial Church, located in the heart of the Tenderloin district. Students were tasked with preparing food for the organization’s free meal service, which operates for three meal times a day, every day throughout the year. Some students also walked through the Tenderloin with the Faithful Fools organization, which aims to promote advocacy and solidarity

Working in a hands-on environment, face to face with people living in the Tenderloin community can be an eyeopening experience for many, as the Tenderloin area is notorious for being a high crime neighborhood as well as a center for drug use in the city. e area’s situation remains dire, where the city’s government policies have pushed individuals facing homelessness, drug use and crime into the area. e city’s strategy of centralizing shelters and aid programs in the area can seem useful and e cient on paper, but in reality, it has created a concentrated location for poverty in San Francisco.

City o cials have also repeatedly failed to provide stable resources and housing alternatives. For example, the recent closure of a city-funded RV parking site for homeless individuals has le many back in a similar situation than before, with limited resources and stranded without a place to settle in. While its residents have been o ered other housing options, their eviction ultimately puts them in a disadvantage, where they had to either vacate the center or leave their vehicles to be towed, according to KALW.

In addition, Daniel Lurie’s new initiative

Broadview Connections

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of converting various tourist hotels in the Tenderloin into homeless shelters can be more harmful than e ective. is would continue to centralize the homeless population in the Tenderloin, maintaining its unappealing nature to tourists and locals, decreasing business opportunities, which also harms small businesses in the area. is has created the sentiment that the Tenderloin is a containment zone meant to keep the rest of San Francisco more palatable to its residents and visitors. e Tenderloin is a neighborhood local to us that houses deep history and culture, much like the rest of San Francisco. Evidently, its reputation has been overshadowed by the current activity that occurs there, but it can be mitigated through more e ective policies, rather than treating it as an area designated to harbor the unappealing parts of the city from the rest.

If true change is to occur, San Francisco must recognize the area and its residents as deserving of investment and opportunities. And as the rising youth of the city, it is crucial to upli the organizations working to provide aid and access to resources to those who can bene t most from it— volunteer for meaningful causes like GLIDE and Faithful Fools and make a visible di erence to the community.

SOFIA'S SPOTLIGHT

Mind the gap

Sofa Kozlova Editor-in-Chief

March is Women’s History Month, which means four weeks of social media reposts and acknowledgments about equality. But for all the praise women receive this month, one thing remains certain: the paycheck at the end of it. Women are still paid less than men, and while some argue otherwise, the numbers are di cult to argue. Many common excuses include that women choose lower-paying careers, take time o for family, or don’t negotiate for higher wages. is makes the message clear that the gap is somehow the fault of women. However, these reasons ignore the structural issues that make it easier for men to succeed. Even in the same jobs with the same quali cations, women earn less. Full-time female workers in the U.S. still earn about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to Pew Research Center. ese statistics

are even more disproportionate for women of color. Career choices alone don’t explain the problem. When women enter male-dominated elds, wages don’t rise to match their participation. Instead, the pay o en declines as a profession becomes femaledominated, according to Science Direct. “motherhood penalty” also has an e ect, indicating that women with children are o en seen as less committed employees, while men with children are more likely to be promoted.

Some progress has been made, particularly in states that have enacted transparency laws that force companies to disclose salaries. But change is slow, and enforcement o en remains inconsistent. Until companies and policymakers treat the pay gap as a systemic issue rather than an individual choice, women will consistently continue to earn less for the same work, the same experiences and the same competence.

Heidi Yeung

Heidi Yeung Web Editor

Fiona Kenny Web Editor

EWomen's History Month: Yay or nay?

very March, we celebrate Women’s History Month—a time to recognize the achievements, struggles and contributions of women throughout history. But in today’s fast-paced world, where young people are bombarded with information at every turn, the importance of this month goes beyond just honoring the past. Women’s History Month reminds us of the historical signi cance of those who fought for the rights we o en take for granted. From the su ragists who secured women’s right to vote to the scientists, artists and activists like Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, and Rosa Parks, these gures paved the way for the opportunities we have today.

However, there is a concern that overexposure to these messages can create a sense of complacency among young peo-

ple. When students repeatedly hear about gender equality and women’s accomplishments, some may assume that the ght is over—that justice has been fully achieved. "is hyper-awareness, while necessary for everyone to acknowledge their own role in this movement, can sometimes lead to passive acceptance rather than action. If we treat progress as a completed story rather than an ongoing journey, we risk ignoring the need for further change. Are we truly listening to the voices of women today, or are we content with simply recalling past victories?

Additionally, some women might feel like they are being placed in a separate category rather than being fully integrated into history as a whole. While having a dedicated month can be empowering, it can also unintentionally send the message

Convent of the Sacred Heart High School 2222 Broadway St. | San Francisco, California 94115 broadview@sacredsf.org | broadview.sacredsf.org

Amrita Rajpal Editor-in-Chief

Sofa Kozlova Editor-in-Chief

Heidi Yeung Web Editor

Fiona Kenny Web Editor

Charlotte Morris Managing Editor

Eliza Burger Copy Editor

Cate Spalding Copy Editor

Andrea Scott Sports Editor

Elsie Scott City Life Editor

Rachael Gee Features Editor

Sophie Cuperstein International Editor

Reporters

that women’s contributions are exceptions rather than part of the norm. If equality is the goal, some may question why women need a separate recognition rather than full acknowledgment alongside men yearround. "ere is a risk that Women’s History Month could become overly sentimental or even oversensitive, creating a sense of separation rather than integration. Does Women’s History Month celebrate the progress we’ve made, or does it highlight how far we still have to go? Does it inspire women to act, or further separate us from the broader historical narrative?

Yet, when we look at modern-day trailblazers like Kamala Harris, we are reminded that women’s contributions are not con ned to knowledge of the past. Her achievements demonstrate that progress is ongoing and that representation

matters. As Harris stated in her concession speech, "Sometimes the ght takes a while—that doesn't mean we won't win." "at is why Women’s History Month should not just be about learning facts—it should inspire action. It should encourage students to challenge stereotypes, advocate for fairness and recognize the inequalities that still exist. Rather than just memorizing names and dates, we should ask: How can we continue the legacy of those who came before us? Women’s History Month should be more about inspiring collaborative action than simply being a history lesson we can learn in other ways. One way to do this is by having conversations, reading books on the topic and participating in community initiatives that promote gender equality.

Connections Answers

Caroline Kontrabecki, Cece Aliabadi, Juliette Wu, Kate Lundgren, Lela Nachury-Reif, Masha Kushner, Michaela Dalisay, Natasha Charas, Pilar Ponce de Leon, Sloane Ginocchio

Hope Wong Art Editor

Madelon Podell Cartoonist

Mia Pisacane Cartoonist

Jeanne Whatmore Adviser

Press Freedom Award 2019 CSPA Gold Crown, Hybrid 2018 CSPA Silver Crown, Hybrid 2018 NSPA Print Best of Show, 3rd place 2018 NSPA Pacemaker Finalist

NSPA Online Pacemaker 2016 Print NSPA Pacemaker

2016 Online NSPA Pacemaker

NSPA Hall of Fame | Inducted 2016

“Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom,” (Goal 5), therefore The Broadview operates as an open forum for free speech and student expression without prior review.

Unsigned pieces are the opinion of the editorial board. Reviews and personal columns are the opinions of the individual author and are not necessarily those of Convent of the Sacred Heart High School or Schools of the Sacred Heart.

We encourage letters to the editor. The Broadview may publish independent opinion pieces 300 words or fewer. The editors may work with writers for clarity and to meet space limitations. All letters must have a means for verifying authorship before publication. Corrections and letters may be addressed to the editors at broadview@sacredsf.org STAFF

AMRITA'S ANGLE

Amrita Rajpal Editor-in-Chief

EFeminism for all

very March, Women’s History Month rolls around, bringing a wave of celebration and support for the trailblazing women of our world. But very o en, these celebrations focus on a narrow slice of feminism. "is is where intersectionality comes in. Coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality is the idea that di erent forms of oppression – sexism, racism, classism, ableism – don’t exist separately in society but overlap. Kimberlé Crenshaw is an American civil rights advocate, a scholar of critical race theory and a professor at the UCLA School of Law and Columbia Law School, where she specializes in race and gender issues, according to Columbia Law. Take the wage gap, for example. "e commonly cited statistic is that women earn about 82 cents for every dollar a man makes. "at’s only true for white women. Black women earn about

69 cents, Indigenous women 57 cents and Latina women 54 cents, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. Yet, conversations about pay equity rarely center on the women at the bottom of the wage scale. Mainstream feminism has a history of exclusion, from early su ragists leaving out Black women to modern conversations that center on wealthy, white voices while sidelining others. We still see it today in pay gap statistics that fail to mention how much worse it is for women of color and in climate activism that ignores how environmental issues disproportionately a ect Indigenous communities. Feminism must be intersectional. "at means listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalized women, making space for the issues that a ect them and acknowledging that gender inequality doesn’t look the same for everyone. Women’s rights don’t exist in a vacuum, and neither should feminism.

Fiona Kenny

Bay Area concerts Upcoming music festivals and concerts soon arrive

Kendrick Lamar & SZA

May 29, 2025 Oracle Park

KBottleRock

May 23-25, 2025 Napa Valley Expo

This Memorial Day weekend, thousands of people will visit Napa Valley for Bottle Rock, which is an annual music festival that celebrates a diverse selection of artistic, food, drinks and art. e headliners are Green Day, Noah Kahn and Justin Timberlake, who will perform across three days along with many other artists, according to bottlerocknapavalley. While Bottle Rock is more recognized for its performing artists, it also showcases a plethora of food options from world-class cuisines, including a William Sonoma stage hosted by famous chefs and celebrities. Many people look forward to Bottle Rock each year as a way to socialize and celebrate diverse music, culture and food.

endrick Lamar is a 37-year-old rapper from Compton, California. According to e New York Post, he is said to be one of the greatest rappers because of the wide variety of his music and his experience as an artist since 2005. Kendrick Lamar met his now long-time friend SZA, a 35-yearold singer-songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri. Kendrick and SZA have been known to have many songs together, so people were excited to know that they would be touring because of all the buzz in the media. Kendrick Lamar and SZA will be coming to San Francisco's Oracle Park on May 29th for their tour. Oracle Park is a big part of San Francisco since it is the home of the San Francisco Giants. Oracle Park is a ballpark built in 2000 in the SoMa district. It is mostly known for its baseball games but is also used for many other events like concerts and other special occasions. Since Oracle Park has been built, it has helped the community by supporting local nonpro ts, promoting diversity, and encouraging environmental sustainability.

Zach Bryan

August 15, 2025 Golden Gate Park

LOutside Lands

August 8-10, 2025 Golden Gate Park

ocated in the heart of Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is a three-day music festival that takes place at the beginning of August each year. is festival hosts over 90 musical artists each year who perform in seven stages across the park, according to sfoutsidelands. Last year, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler the Creator and e Killers were some of the most popular headliners for this festival. e line up for this event is expected to be released in May 2025, yet, presale tickets, which were released on March 5, 2025, are now sold out online. Due to its close proximity, many students within the Convent and Stuart Hall community attend this event and become immersed in the beauty of San Francisco’s culture through music.

Zach Bryan is a 28-year-old country singer-songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma. He is known for some of his hit songs like “Pink Skies”, as well as winning a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. On August 15, 2025, Zach Bryan will be performing in San Francisco in Golden Gate Park, a 1,017-acre urban park that sits between the Richmond and Sunset districts of San Francisco. While Zach Bryan's ticket prices are not very high in most cities, they are pretty high in San Francisco. One regular general admission ticket for this concert would cost you an average of 200 dollars, while in Utah, a ticket to his concert would cost an average of 108 dollars. is shows how ticket prices have gotten higher, not only in general but mostly in the San Francisco area.

What’s pumping in the City

Elsie Scott

City Life Editor

Yerba Mate, Celsius and Red Bull are the common energy staples seen throughout Convent and Stuart Hall, especially among student athletes. ese energy drinks don’t only come in many di erent avors, but also contain copious amounts of ca eine, ranging from 100 - 200 milligrams. ese drinks can be bought in most grocery stores, however, many students at Convent and Stuart Hall pur-

chase them at May ower Market on Fillmore St, a popular corner store near the Flood Mansion. While Yerba Mate, Celsius and Red Bull are some of the most popular energy drinks, students also enjoy C4, Monster, Vitamin water, and Gatorade. is survey shows of Convent High School students' ratings on these three energy drinks between one and ve stars.