Senior Issue 2023

THE SENIOR ISSUE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING

OPINION

Jack Andrews

A Letter from the Editors-in-Chief

Dear Readers,

With summer beckoning, we present The Senior Issue: the conclusion of our year at the helm of The Fourth Estate. It’s been a whirlwind to get to this point—AP season, the play, and our senior projects–and for most of you, the stresses of high school will be out of your mind for the next few months. But for us, our time with this publication, and Laguna, has come to an end.

As we sit down to write this letter, our hearts are filled with a mix of bittersweet emotions. It is a moment of both reflection and farewell, as we bid adieu to a publication that has become an integral part of our lives, and humbly, we hope yours too.

Stepping into our roles this year, we treated the magazine as if it were our baby. We cared deeply about our staff and the process of creating the magazine, and we hope that our legacy will be felt not just this year, but those after.

We leave behind a staff much more prepared to tackle challenges of journalism than we were. Watching them develop into strong, independent writers capable of arguing with us and articulating why they thought we were wrong (we’re never wrong) was our greatest joy. The Fourth Estate became more than just a magazine; it became a vessel for our staff’s collective creativity, passion, and diversity. We are overwhelmed by the memories we made throughout the years. Late nights spent pouring over articles, debating the perfect headline, and meticulously designing each page—these moments have shaped us as individuals and as a team. We have laughed, cried, and celebrated together, weaving together the threads that formed the tapestry of our high school experience.

As we prepare to close this chapter, we cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our readers, who inspired us to push boundaries and reach new heights. We are grateful for our dedicated team of writers, photographers, artists, and website editors, who poured their hearts into every word and stroke, making this publication come alive. We are grateful for our fellow senior editors, Aden, Elli, and Abby, who have been the best collaborators and shared their love for this publication with us. We are grateful for our adviser, Trish, whose guidance and wisdom has been invaluable throughout this remarkable journey.

To the incoming staff and leaders, we pass the torch with great anticipation and hope. We trust that you will carry on the legacy of The Fourth Estate, infusing it with your own unique perspectives and aspirations. Embrace the power of your words, images, and ideas, for you have the ability to shape the world around you, just as we did.

Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary adventure. As we bid farewell, we carry with us the memories, friendships, and invaluable lessons that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Yours truly, Alexandra and Luca

• MISSION STATEMENT

The Fourth Estate is an open forum created for and by journalism students of Laguna Blanca Upper School. We hope to use this space to cover events, interviews and topics of interest in greater depth. Our staff seeks to be a platform for creative expression and to report on events and ideas of importance to our readers and to focus on topics of significance and interest to inform and entertain the school community.

• LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Fourth Estate welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and must be no longer than 400 words. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and/or taste. Anonymous letters will not be published. The Fourth Estate reserves the right to reject advertising. Opinions expressed in this publication reflect the perspectives of the staff whose goal is to inform our readers with reliable information from which to base decisions and opinions. Editorials represent the voice of the staff and are voted on by the entire staff. Columns and commentaries are labeled as such and represent the opinion of the author. The Fourth Estate publishes four issues per year with a senior insert in the last issue.

• BYLINE POLICY

When two or three people work on a story, all names will be listed. If an editor rewrites a majority of a story, the editor’s name will be listed.

•

CORRECTION POLICY

The staff strives for accuracy. When factual errors occur, mistakes are found or brought to the attention of the staff, corrections will be printed in a corrections box in the next issue.

• COLOPHON

This is the final issue of the 2022-23 school year and 29th volume of The Fourth Estate. Laguna Blanca School, 4125 Paloma Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Contacts are available at tmchale@lagunablanca.org, (805) 687-2461 x0317 or www.thefourthestate.net.

Laguna Blanca School has an EK through 12th grade student population of 430 with 100 in the Lower School, 151 in the Middle School and 178 in the Upper School. The Fourth Estate is an 8.5 by 11 general magazine, created on Apple computers using Adobe InDesign CC2022, Imperial URW and Mencken Standard font families and printed on glossy paper free for students and $30 for annual subscriptions. The magazine is distributed to all Upper School students through the school’s advisory program and posted in the Laguna Links a weekly communication to our community and sent by mail to subscribers with 300 copies printed per issue. We are associated with NSPA, CSPA and JEA.

Celebrating Scholarship

Laguna held its annual Cum Laude ceremony, welcoming students into the society.

WORDS by ADA GREEN

PHOTOS by TARA BROUCQSAULT and JACKSON BALTES

ademic achievement but for being a motivated, kind, and well-rounded learner.

“All chapters elect members who have demonstrated excellence, particularly academic excellence, in accordance with the philosophy and policies governing their school,” said Head of School Ron Cino, “Generally, chapters will elect to induct only students who have demonstrated character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of their school.”

One tradition at Laguna’s Cum Laude ceremony is for the previously-inducted members to write and present speeches for the new inductees. These introduction speeches highlight each inductee’s accomplishments and personal contributions to their community.

“This process speaks to something special about Laguna: the intersection between community and scholarship,” said College Counselor Colleen Murray.

Today we get to celebrate our school’s core value of scholarship,” said Head of Upper School Melissa Alkire, “Cum Laude reminds us of our adherence to this core value of scholarship each year, month, and day.”

Literally meaning “with distinction,” the Cum Laude Society is an international association founded in 1906 to recognize significant scholastic achievement in high schools.

The Laguna Blanca chapter selected eight of these students for its 2023 induction ceremony.

“The Cum Laude Society sets a limit to how many students can be selected and inducted each year, and their number is 20%. So that 20% can be divided up between your juniors and your seniors,” said registrar Liv Gonzalez, “What we have done is split it, and 10% of the juniors are inducted, and 10% of the seniors are inducted each year.”’

In 2023, 53 students comprise the junior class, and 33 are in the senior class, resulting in a total of eight inductees: juniors Grace Trautwein, Noah Olorin, Lucia Camp, Jake Gidney, and Josh Hansen and seniors Hudson Mayfield, Alexandra Siegel, and Emma Schubert.

According to Gonzalez, the five juniors “are the top five of their class,” and the total seniors—those inducted this year as seniors and those inducted last year as juniors—represent the top 20% of their class. In such an academically competitive school, how are these students chosen?

It is a common misconception that Cum Laude scholars are selected based on only GPA. The Society’s mission statement seeks to recognize scholars as a person and beyond their strictly academic performance, “promoting excellence (Areté), justice (Diké) and honor (Timé).”

A Cum Laude scholar is recognized for not only their ac-

Of writing her induction speeches, senior and Cum Laude member Molly Morouse said, “I felt like I truly knew who I was writing for and was genuinely proud of my friends for this achievement, which made it easy to praise and congratulate them.”

It is an honor for an institution to be recognized as a chapter of the Society: “It displays the academic excellence of our students at Laguna Blanca School,” said Murray, “And not only the academic excellence but the phenomenal character that defines a Cum Laude scholar—students that are social justice issues-related and oriented and exhibit the responsibility therein. These are students with a high degree of integrity and good judgment.”

Newly-inducted juniors Lucia Camp, Noah Olorin, Josh Hansen, Jake Gidney, and Grace Trautwein display their certificates.

Seniors Aden Meisel, Hudson Mayfield, Emma Schubert, Alexandra Siegel, Molly Morouse, Katherine Ball, and Abby Kim gather after the ceremony.

BREAKING BARRIERS and INSPRIRING NEW MINDS

Commentary on the AP African American Studies Course.

WORDS by MAGDALENA AMEZAGA

ART by LUCY WANG

Every year, students in high school are questioned perilously by their peers, parents, and teachers about which AP courses they want to take, while many do not even know what an AP course involves.

The Advanced Placement Program was created by a non-profit organization, the College Board, in 1955, and was soon implemented nationwide.

An Advanced Placement course provides a level of undergraduate college curriculum to high school students in order to better prepare students for college level courses. Not only can AP courses raise a student’s GPA, but colleges can also view AP exam scores, and studies have proven that students who score well on their exams have an overall higher GPA in their first year of college. Some colleges accept scores of 4-5 on AP exams for college credit.

There are thirty-eight AP courses offered covering the arts, math, science, English, world languages and culture, but not all schools offer all 38 courses. For the first time since 1952, the College Board is piloting a new course AP African American Studies. It will be offered worldwide by August 2024 and aims to further knowledge about African American experiences and contributions throughout history. The College Board collaborated with

which has sparked controversy and criticism from some who believe that students should learn about all facets of American history and society. The course is intended to give students a deeper grasp of how African Americans shaped American society, not to substitute more general education in American history and culture.

Supporters of the course claim

The Florida Department of Education forbade schools from offering an AP course in African American studies beginning in 2020.

of African American history and culture.

and complicated society.

Tuskegee University and the University of Notre Dame to pre-pilot AP African American Studies in 11 selected schools between 2017 and 2020.

According to Brandi Waters, the Director of the AP African American Studies course development, this course will provide students across the nation with a challenging and motivating introduction to African American studies.

Supporters predict that it will encourage African American students to enroll in AP programs at a higher rate and that their test results will improve.

The structure of the course and the exam have not yet been fully disclosed.

Some are worried that the new AP African American Studies course encourages segregation in education,

that it can assist close gaps in conventional curriculum that might ignore or undervalue African American experiences. The course can aid in challenging institutional racism and fostering greater understanding and empathy among students by offering a more thorough and nuanced view on American history. African American students, who may believe that their experiences and contributions to American society are not fully represented in typical history classrooms, can benefit from the course.

Civil rights organizations, educators, and students around the nation strongly condemned the action. The Florida Department of Education primarily argued that the course would be unnecessary because the state already mandated courses on African American history and culture.

Supporters of the course contend that an AP-level course would offer a more thorough and rigorous education on the subject and that it is crucial to give students the chance to go deeper into the subject.

In addition to worries about the course’s content and the possibility that it might promote a divisive and prejudiced curriculum, the Florida Department of Education listed a number of other grounds for prohibiting the course such as the course failing to adhere to Florida’s academic standards and providing a “biased and incomplete” understanding of American history.

These assertions, however, are biased and signify an effort to stop the teaching

The purpose of the AP African American Studies course is to give students a more thorough grasp of American history, with a focus on the contribution of Black Americans to the development of the country’s political, social, and cultural milieu.

It includes a wide range of subjects, such as the historical experiences of African Americans, their

The reintroduction of the AP African American Studies course in Florida has been demanded in response to the restriction by professors, students, and civil rights organizations.

They contend that the prohibition is unlawful and infringes on students’ and teachers’ First Amendment rights. The scarcity of qualified instructors who are willing to teach the course presents another obstacle.

As with any new course, there can be a dearth of certified instructors. Although the College Board announced that they will offer tools and training to help teachers get ready for the course, it is unclear whether this will be sufficient to meet the projected shortfall.

Despite these difficulties the AP African American Studies course is a significant and welcome advance. It will give students a deeper grasp of American history and culture, encourage diversity and inclusion in the classroom, and give students the skills necessary to be successful social justice advocates.

The College Board is demonstrating its dedication to advancing a more inclusive and fair educational system by taking this action.

The addition of the new AP African American studies subject to the high school curriculum is significant and required.

contributions to literature, music, and the arts, and the manner in which they have battled for their rights and resisted persecution.

The decision to outlaw the AP African American Studies course is a setback in the struggle for educational justice and equity.

It represents an effort to keep the status quo with a white-centered curriculum and an attempt to stifle and suppress the voices of the underprivileged and silenced communities.

This is not only unfair, but it also does little to help students become informed, involved citizens in a diverse

It will aid in addressing the historical marginalization of African American history and culture in mainstream education and give students the abilities and information necessary to be successful social justice advocates.

The advantages of the course much outweigh any potential negatives, despite the fact that there may be difficulties and criticisms along the road.

This course will motivate students to meaningfully connect with African American history and culture and contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society.

Selling Alaska: Climate vs. Economy

Environmental activists and federal judges battle over the administration’s decision to approve the Willow Project, the nation’s newest and largest drilling project located in Alaska.

WORDS by CIERRA NERVO ART by LUCY WANG

In the midst of both a climate and economic crisis, the U.S. government fights rising gas prices with planet-warming carbon pollution.

On March 13, the Biden administration approved ConocoPhillips’ oil drilling project on Alaska’s North Slope, deemed the Willow Project.

ConocoPhillips is a Houston-based energy company that has been exploring and drilling oil in Alaska for decades. They are Alaska’s largest crude oil producer, and its largest owner of exploration leases. It is currently the only industry that has oil drilling operations in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve.

ConocoPhillips proposed Willow, originally approved by the Trump administration in 2020, and reapproved by the Biden administration in 2023, which initially reduced the drilling to take 90% of the land’s oil, instead of 100%.

According to ConocoPhillips’ estimates for the next 30 years, the oil drilling project will create several new pipelines, a central processing plant, 200 oil wells, an airport, a gravel mine, and the extraction of 629 million barrels of oil. Since the project has yet to be fully constructed, the oil will take years to reach the market.

While waiting for construction to complete, ConocoPhillips faces both praise and criticism from the public.

According to Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, “The project is expected to produce at least $8 billion in

revenue for federal, state and local governments.”

A projected benefit of the project is that it will boost the economy, and will help ensure that the United States has a reliable supply of energy that is not reliant on oil suppliers under foreign authoritarian countries.

Over the past year, gas prices have spiked after Russia invaded Ukraine and as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), such as Saudi Arabia, decreased supply. “Making more U.S. oil could net a tidy profit for producers while lowering prices at the pump for drivers,” said CNN business writer Chris Isidore, commenting on massive price spikes in oil.

Producing more oil in the United States would help lower gas prices and prevent weaponized prices in global energy markets from affecting the nation.

Aside from boosting the economy, this project will produce billions of dollars of tax revenue and economic activity for Alaska, since Alaska has a guaranteed income program funded by oil taxes.

The project will also produce up to 2,500 jobs for native Alaskans during construction and 300 longterm jobs. AP Environmental Science student, junior Griffin Rick, agrees that there are both pros and cons to the project.

“I know that it is currently the best option economically, but I think oil has a long list of negative externalities that don’t necessarily outweigh the positive economic benefits.”

While the project comes with many benefits, it is also important to recognize the downside to oil harvesting.

The Willow Project will generate enough oil to release 9.2 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon pollution a year: the equivalent of 2 million gas-powered cars. This will create irreversible damage to the world’s climate, and ConocoPhillips will become one of the top American contributors to carbon emissions.

Being described as “the last frontier of the United States” by the National Park Service, Alaska is one of the most environmentally well-preserved parts of the country, exceeding landscape condition values compared to the rest of the states. Alaska’s ecosystems, Arctic wildlife, and the indigenous peoples who depend on the land for subsistence will all be put in harm’s way as the environment falters.

The caribou migrations–one of the most important food sources to certain Alas- kan tribes-and their ability to travel across once-frozen areas will be at risk as Alaska’s climate warms.

Some coalition of native Alaskan groups support the project, as it will be a new source of rev enue for the region.

“Willow presents an opportunity to continue that investment in the communities,” said Nagruk Harcharek, president of an Iñupiat advocacy group.

“Without that money and revenue stream, we’re reliant on the state and the feds.”

However, other Alaskan natives–who live closer to the planned project –are concerned about the environmental and health impacts that come with oil drilling.

While some defend the project as economically vital to the United States, the question is whether or not oil money can counter the damages caused by climate change.

The Biden administration is receiving backlash from environmentalists and the media for going against Biden’s preterm promise: “No more drilling on federal lands, period.”

According to CNN climate reporter Ella Nilsen, the Biden administration received “over 1 million letters” protesting the project and a petition on Change.org received more than 5 million signatures, and a surge of social media activism emerged on apps such as TikTok and Instagram.

ConocoPhillips and environmentalist law groups, such as Earthjustice, are racing to beat each other in lawsuits. Earthjustice is expected to file a complaint against the Biden administration, potentially claiming their authority to protect surface resources on Alaska’s public lands, which include taking steps to reduce planet-warming carbon pollution.

Environmentalists temporarily blocked ConocoPhillips from pursuing the project back in March. In April, however, a federal judge re-approved the project for continuation of the project’s construction.

Oil supplies energy for our daily life. However, its production significantly impacts our environment in terms of air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction. The battle will continue to play out in years to come, as environmentalists and energy companies argue during the project’s construction.

According to Steven Mufson, Washington Post reporter who covers the business of climate change and who spoke to Laguna students, “Willow marks the culmination of years of debate over the future of drilling in the Arctic.”

To Californians, the concept of oil drilling is not foreign and they are not strangers to the arguments over oil’s benefits and conflicts.

Offshore oil drilling began in California in 1896 when operators in Santa Barbara County drilled from piers built out over the ocean. Protests against oil drilling erupted when the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill occurred.

“I think this project is sad and disappointing, to be honest,” said senior Sadie Johnson. “We have come too far in scientific advancements to resort to old ways that negatively impact our environment.”

The Willow Project will generate enough oil to release 9.2 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon pollution a year: the equivalent of 2 million gas-powered cars.

startups had simply trusted in Silicon Valley Bank’s ability to maintain their funds, they wouldn’t have suffered the second-biggest bank failure in United States history. Nor would they have to loan money from their investors just to make payroll.

“In 2008,” Ohanian said, “people were worried that banks took on a lot of risk associated with mortgages that were likely to default.” Here is a case where a bank buys what is supposed to be the safest asset out there—that being U.S. Treasury Debt Obligations (bonds). “What worries people today is the reality that there are all sorts of risks to consider with the treasury bonds,” Ohanian said.

The bond is a safe asset from the standpoint that nobody believes that the United States will default on their debt obligations. “However, the bond is exposed to substantial interest rate changes,” Ohanian said.

With recent market turmoil pertaining to U.S. debt obligations and uncertainty in again raising the debt ceiling, it is becoming more difficult to refer to the treasury bond as an absolute solid investment.

“Looking forward,” Ohanian said, “banks may need to do a better job of assessing risk in times of economic uncertainty.”

Be Our Guest

Lose yourself in a mesmerizing rendition of “Beauty and The Beast.”

WORDS

and ART by NICCOLO

D’AGRUMA PHOTOS by BRAD ELLIOT

Atale as old as time played once again to three sold-out performances in Spaulding Theater April 21 to April 23. The cast and crew demonstrated incredible dedication in creating something meaningful for them and their audience.

“Musicals are an extraordinary amount of work for every person involved—it truly takes a village and every single person on the team showing up for each other, pushing themselves, and elevating the whole,” said Theater Instructor & Performing Arts Department Chair Dana Caldwell.

“Beauty and the Beast” is a metaphor for the transformative powers of love and the importance of first impressions. In this timeless fairy tale, Belle, played by senior Molly Morouse, sacrifices her freedom to free her imprisoned father.

The Beast, played by senior Luca D’Agruma, is a complex character who struggles to overcome his flaws and seeks redemption.

At its core, this classic tale teaches us about the power of love and true beauty no matter what is on the outside; whether they are young or old, male or female, rich or poor, true beauty lies in one’s heart.

“Love can overcome anything,” said freshman Brandon Fuladi.

Faculty advisors and directors dedicated months of personal time to the production, curating everything from seemingly insignificant to more essential details. The cast and crew brought lighting, costumes, music, dancing, singing, and acting together. For several weeks the crew met on Saturdays to set up lighting, sound, set, and props, as each crew member played a specific role in the preparation of the show.

The ensemble, organized by choreographer Kateri Ransom tackled big numbers methodically.

“Ms. Kat divides us into sections of dancers. For ‘Be Our Guest,’ there’s flatware, china, napkins, and Belle and Lumiere. Ms. Kat took each group one at a time to teach them their section of choreography. Then at the end, we ran the whole song multiple times, figuring out transitions, entrances, and exits,” said junior Grace Trautwein.

The orchestra is another crucial element of the play, which provides musical accompaniment behind the scenes. It sets the tone, immerses the audience in the production, and guides the ensemble in their singing.

However, the orchestra does more than show up and play; they spend months preparing, practicing, coordinating, and collaborating to bring musical ambiance to life.

Second-year orchestra member Kincade Avery explains the process: “You learn your part well, and then a couple of weeks before the play starts, we get together and start playing as a band.”

As the curtains closed on this year’s spring musical, seniors Luca D’Agruma, Molly Morouse, and Katherine Ball took their final bow on the Spaulding Stage, causing them to reflect on all their notable performances throughout their years in theater.

“I’m really grateful for this experience. Leaving Laguna and the Spaulding Stage will always be bittersweet. I care deeply about the cast, crew, and our department. It hurts to know I won’t ever have this moment again,” said senior Luca D’Agruma. “But at the same time, I’m so satisfied, and I’m going to treasure the memories I’ve made with these incredible people throughout my time at Laguna. I know that they’ll make me proud.”

Q: Are you ready for closing night?

A: “Yes, but not emotionally, it’s weird saying this. It’s Luca, Katherine, and Zola’s last show. We’re the seniors next year and I’m not sure I’m ready to process that, but I feel like the energy is high and I’m prepared for a great show,” said junior Lucas Acosta.

Q: What was your favorite moment in “Beauty and the Beast?”

A: “Kissing the stage, because theater has been so meaningful for me over the years. I will always love and cherish my time in Spaulding,“ said senior Luca D’Agruma.

Q: Is the musical something you would do again?

A: “Yeah, it’s really fun and even though it’s time consuming, you can make a lot of great connections, and learn skills, such as singing, dancing, acting, cooperating with a team, and you can learn time management skills,” said sophomore Opal Peltz.

Q: What was your favorite moment in “Beauty and the Beast?”

A: “My favorite part is tech week. It’s so chaotic, but you’re seeing things come together, and it’s just amazing to see your hard work pay off,” said sophomore Eleanor Crafton.

“The ultimate goal of the theater is to tell a story that must be told.”

- Dana Caldwell

Farewell to Melissa Alkire

Head of Upper School Melissa Alkire says goodbye to Laguna Blanca after three years of leadership.

WORDS by LUCIA CAMP

PHOTO by STEPHEN ZEIGLER

Ms. Alkire leads with her love for students, families, and colleagues,” said Head of School Ron Cino, “She understands that building community deepens the trust and belonging we need to foster an innovative, dynamic learning environment.”

After moving from Boston in 2020, Head of Upper School Melissa Alkire guided the Upper School through the COVID-19 pandemic with skilled leadership, comforting our community when it was tested. Her role in reopening Laguna was essential for a healthy school environment and encouraging adaptation in unprecedented times.

“Ms. Alkire is the type of person who can just brighten a room with her fabulous outfits and beautiful smile,” said junior Kendall Keshen.

Alkire’s warm personality is expressed in every facet of her work at Laguna through her positive attitude.

“I admire Ms. Alkire’s ability to see the best in every single person at Laguna,” said junior Paloma Lujan. “She is kind, funny, and someone I look up to.”

Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Alkire managed to navigate through new circumstances and a new school with grace and ease, becoming a role model for the community.

“One of my favorite memories is putting down all of the walking directions signs with Mr. Lopes during COVID. School had not started yet, and he was one of the only people I had met in person,” said Alkire, “He has since become one of my most cherished colleagues and truly a deep friend.”

thefourthestate.net

As she cultivated connections and collaborated with colleagues, Alkire formed deep friendships with community members, making the campus a kinder and more connected place.

“Always consistent and reliable, Ms. Alkire can be depended on for both support and truthfulness at all times.

help. I really appreciate everything she has done to help me and other students thrive as her advisees, and I will greatly miss her next year,“ said junior Spencer Hlavaty.

Leaving the Santa Barbara area, her home at Laguna will be one of the most challenging parts of this transition.

“I am going to miss my colleagues deeply, the students, the campus, and my weird little hut that is always so cold,” Alkire said. “I’m going to miss the beautiful food, incredible ocean, and the ability to watch concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl.”

After three successful years here, her leadership made a lasting impact. Her absence will be felt as she returns to Massachusetts.

“I am going to be focusing on my family next. I want to spend more time with my husband and with my children. I will be taking on the role of Lower School Director at Brimmer and May. I think this job will give me a little more of that balance.”

Alkire has two children attending Laguna, Henry, in third grade, and Owen, in first.

“Ms. Alkire has been with me since the beginning of my time at Laguna, and she has been the main support for me here,” said junior Christiana Cino, “I am really going to miss her.”

She is also fun and funny, and a great storyteller,” English instructor Bojana Hill said. “She is a friend whom you would want to have your back, to help you when things are tough.”

“Ever since I came into high school as a freshman, Alkire has been my advisor and has always been there for me when I am stressed or need any

Alkire has various talents, from playing the oboe to speaking Italian, and the community will miss her dynamic personality.

“I hope my impact has been that students can go to a division head and will be seen, cared for, and find a partner to work with,” Alkire said.

To Tip or Not To Tip

It’s the 21st century, and the turn of an iPad causes you to perspire like the condensation forming on your $5.35 iced matcha latte.

Three blue buttons pop up on the iPad screen, prodding you to press a tip percentage before you can un-awkwardly leave the coffee shop with your drink in hand.

Your options are 15%, 20%, or 25%. Initially you decide to choose the middlebox, 20%, rounding the total cost for one beverage to $6.42.

Soon after, you begin to see the same iPad prompt at every smoothie place and restaurant in place of the classic glass jar, full of crinkled bills and the tinkle of loose change sitting at the bottom.

“Tipping is difficult. I often battle between tipping a lot or being aware of how much I am already spending. I tip more when they go out of their way to make me feel special or just brighten my day,” a student shared.

It’s becoming more apparent that we’ve met a tipping point where the max capacity for gratu ities might be too gratuitous.

In his Atlantic article “Tipping Is Weird Now” journalist Charlie Warzel says that tipping has “gotten pretty weird.”

In the Collins Dictionary definition, the noun tipping refers to the act of leaving a gratuity (an amount of money), “to someone who has provided a service.”

In the hospitality industry in America, there’s a precedent to not only tip but to tip well, regardless of the service.

Statistics by PlayUSA suggest 1 in 3 Americans tip no matter if the service quality is good or bad, leaving people confused and frustrated over the service industry’s exemption from paying staff a sustainable minimum wage.

WORDS and ART by JINLING WANG

Corporations such as restaurants and hotels have built an assumption that employees are being compensated for their minimum wage by the tips received for their gratuity, which will inherently make up or exceed their base salary.

Across the counter, customers believe that the insurgence of tipping rates begs for fairer wages exposing the deeper-rooted issues in America’s tipping culture.

In light of the pandemic, businesses sought to provide extra support for employees at the height of COVID by adopting digital tipping methods that automatically suggest amounts for gratuity.

Experts say the amounts of gratuity rose significantly in support of businesses during COVID.

Based on Forbes’ 2023 Digital Tipping Survey reporting that “65% of people tip at least 10% more when they tip digitally versus with cash.”

With thousands of users across America in all business spaces, Square has become one of the leading operating digital payment companies alongside Clover and Toast.

Given such positive outcomes, even after businesses have transitioned back to normality, high tipping rates still remain.

In general, consumers take great pride in leaving gratuity for waiters at restaurants or salons. However, when asked to tip an automated kiosk at Starbucks, the idea of a customary tip might seem far-fetched.

al countries in Europe and Asia, tipping is not expected as it is deemed impolite, given that the origins of tipping derived from bribes.

However, in the early 1850s and 1860s, when wealthy Americans traveled to Europe and saw them reward their workers for their exceptional work, the Americans brought the concept of tipping back home to feel aristocratic.

Coining the moniker, “guilty-tipping” by the New York Post, the pressure to tip everywhere has gotten out of hand, becoming a social norm depleting the original intent and value behind giving gratuity for good service.

Yet you don’t want to seem like a cheapskate. Unlike traditional tip jars, which customers can disregard if they don’t have an extra change, iPads with digital requests are harder to bypass, creating social pressure.

On the other hand, the significance of a tip to hardworking employees who may rely on that income for their livelihood is essential.

After managers and owners have attempted to avoid providing their workers with adequate and sustainable wages for decades, employees are left on the back burner.

So just how much longer can America go, until it meets its tipping point?

As technology advances the meaning and purpose of gratuity changes.

Senior Destinations

University of Washington (Seattle) - Elli Westmacott

San Francisco State University - Jade Silva

Colorado School of MinesZea Boyle

Western Michigan UniversityPatrick Tanner

Santa Barbara City College - Franky Baron

Pepperdine University - Grace Hoffacker

University of California Los Angeles - Ashly Pryor

University of Southern California (3)

Molly Morouse, Fiona Hernandez, Hudson Mayfield

San Diego State University- Carson Bohnet

Southern Methodist University (3)

Thomas Couvillion, Robbie Dunn, Lola Hall

Congrats, Class of 2023!

Tulane University (2)

Alexandra Siegel, Emma Schubert

Senior Quotes

Peers share special words for seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

PAGE by LUCA D’AGRUMA, ADA GREEN, and ALEXANDRA SIEGEL PHOTOS by LUCA D’AGRUMA, ALEXANDRA SIEGEL, and ELLI WESTMACOTT

Cody is the life of our class. Cody’s upbeat personality, natural charisma, and light-hearted sense of humor are appreciated by everyone in our grade and have been a beacon of light throughout high school, reminding us to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.

- Jack

Jaleya always knows how to make me laugh. She is sweet and undeniably rel. Anytime I ever felt alone, Jaleya would be there to lean on and I will always cherish that.

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Elli

Victoria has this amazing talent to make you feel understood and heard by just being. She lives her life with overflowing amounts of love and happiness. I know that wherever she goes, she will make an impression on everyone around her, filling their life with happiness.

- Sadie

Jack is one of the most passionate and spirited people who I have had the fortune of meeting. He is driven by a unique kindness and desire to achieve that is impossible to replicate. Jack is a great friend and I am sure that he will do great things over the next four years and beyond!

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Hudson

I’ve known Kincade for the last 15 years, throughout that time he’s been one of the most genuine people I’ve known. He’s always been there for others and lifts up those around him. I’ll always miss those volleyball tournaments we played together and I’m excited for him to continue playing.

- Thomas

Katherine is a fiercely determined and loyal friend who never gives up on anything she sets her mind to. I know that she will thrive at Wesleyan and I wish her all the best.

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Cody

Thomas has been the greatest friend I could have ever asked for. He is incredibly reliable and one of the hardest workers I know. Most of all though, I am going too miss our unforgettable inside jokes as we part ways next year.

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Grant

Luca is a high achiever, a passionate actor, and also a radical Marxist. If there is one person I will miss arguing with in college, it is Luca. He is independent, opinionated, and never afraid to tell someone that they are wrong. Wesleyan won’t know what hit them.

- Aden

Kent is exemplary of what anyone would expect in a student athlete. Kent’s persistence is second to none, and playing football with him has inspired me to never give up. Kent has set an example for me, in the academic and athletic world, that is truly something I aspire to live up to.

- Carson

Franky is a very friendly person, he is friends with everyone. He was one of my first friends in America.

- Michael

From the treacherously long daily drive from Santa Ynez, to the countless hours he pours into each assignment, Carson finds a way to give his all in each and every aspect of his life. His corny humor, unwavering work ethic, and competitive spirit are sure to propel him far into whatever he chooses to pursue.

- Caden

Zea is a great friend and student. She is driven and I know she will do great things in life.

- Patrick

thefourthestate.net

Robbie is one of the kindest, hardestworking people I know. Whether on the soccer field or off it, he’s an amazing leader and friend to all who have the pleasure of knowing him.

- Andreas

Lola is one of the most talented, funniest, kindest people that I have gotten the chance to know.

- Fiona

Fiona always knows how to make me laugh, and lift up my spirits, she is like a sister to me.

- Sarah

You don’t know how much you needed a Grace until you have her in your life. She is the one that makes me laugh so hysterically that I start crying, and the one that I can talk to about everything. I don’t know what I will do without her in college, but I do know that I love her deeply and am very grateful for the friendship we have!

- Emma

Jenna is truly my closest friend. Her kind actions and optimistic outlook are definitely something to be admired. She’s an amazing friend that I wouldn’t trade the world for and is someone I always have the most fun with. I know she is a lifelong friend and a sister.

-

Victoria

Sadie never fails to brighten up my day and I know I can talk to her about anything. She is one of the most warm hearted people I know, and I will never forget our coffee runs and dinner dates. Even though I’ll miss her, I can’t wait to see how she grows over the next four years!

-

Abby

Jacqueline is the most sincere person I have ever met. She is pure kindness and has never failed to light up my day with a simple two-minute conversation or funny text. But above all my favorite thing about Jacqueline is the fact that she always has my back.

- Tallulah

Emma’s unwavering positivity, friendly demeanor, and inexplicable athletic talent (in legit every sport) continues to amaze us all and remind me of how she is the bestest friend I could ask for. In just a few months, I am so excited to embark on the next chapter of our lives together down in New Orleans. Roll Wave, my love.

- Alexandra

Alexandra is the Kevin to my Stuart, the chips to my guac. Her energy and drive are evident in all she does and her ability to connect with those around her is amazing. I’ll forever cherish our time spent together. Just like Alexander Hamilton, the world will definitely know Alexandra’s name.

- Molly

Since Abby came to Laguna, she has been my ride-or-die number-one supporter. Abby’s ability to carry a sincere, kind disposition while never failing to stand up for her friends and what she believes in amazes me. I am so excited to witness her wonderful accomplishments in college.

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Jenna

Hudson is one of those special humans who grace those around him with his presence by inspiring them to strive to be a better person. His generosity, kindness, and humbleness shine through in every interaction. I have no doubt he’s prepared to go out into the world and achieve anything he sets his mind to.

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Luca

Aden has a work ethic that is second to none, in more than just the classroom. Whether he is writing an essay or leading the soccer team, his determination to succeed is contagious, making everyone around him better. I know that Aden will be successful both in his time at Dartmouth and in his life after college.

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Robbie

Jade is a compassionate and loyal individual who is always there in times of need. With her humor, she can cheer anyone up instantly. Not only is Jade a kind person, but she also possesses creativity, and she uses this talent to spice up clothes. I can’t wait to see where you end up in the next few years!

- Jaqueline

Whether it’s his various facts about planes or stunning photographs, Patrick has always had something wonderful to talk about; I’m grateful that he’s been my friend during high school, and I can only look forward to seeing what Patrick pursues.

- Zea

Michael has always been there for me since I met him. In academics and sports, Mike is a hardworking person and will persevere through any challenges he faces. Through the bike rides during quarantine and the late night hangouts during the summer, I can’t wait to see the success he faces for the years to come.

- Spencer

Molly is one of a kind. She’s thoughtful, loving, caring, fun, outgoing and an amazing friend. She is a blessing to everyone she meets and is going to do incredible things in life.

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Grace

Zola’s depth, wisdom, and humor bring an honest presence to Laguna and make her a dependable friend and my favorite person. Her passion and way of navigating the world inspires me and I’m so grateful for our friendship. She’s a mentor and I’ll always look to her for good advice.

-

Katherine

Ashly is a ray of sunshine! She is smart, and kind and will always laugh at your jokes (even if they’re not funny).

- Jade

Caden is one of the smartest kids at this school. He also is a beast on the volleyball court; he is always trying to make the team better, along with those around him.

- Kincade

Elli has been my best friend since she took me out to get my nails done on my birthday without even knowing it was my birthday. She is the most beautiful person and never fails to make my day better. Elli is a treasure to any person’s life she touches and I am lucky to call her my best friend.

- Christiana

Grant Withee is a stellar student and a man of character. His charming personality and determined mindset will serve him well as he pursues a career in computer engineering. While he may often be on the receiving end of jokes, do not be surprised if he snaps back with a creative and witty response.

- Carson

Dear Freshmen...

SEASONAL

DELIGHTS, WHIMSICAL TREASURES

STYLE & EVENT SERVICES

A Salute to Our Seniors

Graduation gowns will soon be donned, tasseled black caps will be thrown, and seniors will bid their final farewells, embarking on a new chapter in their life and so it is time to salute our seniors.

It seems like yesterday that the soon-to-be graduates were stepping into their first year of high school, anxious, uncertain, and expectant for what the next four years would hold.

The students in the graduating class embody strength and courage. Entering high school in the first year of COVID was difficult, but the Class of 2023 stepped up and met the challenge.

They attended their first high school dance – dancing their hearts out to “Mamma Mia,” Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift. They cheered at the first football game—even if they didn’t know the rules. They laughed, frowned, and cried at test scores, eagerly anticipating for high school to be over.

And now, suddenly, it is. They completed their college applications and were accepted across the country at the nation’s top universities.

Although you’ll be gone, your mark on Laguna will live on.

While we have been preparing for the day, we will have to say goodbye. Anyone can tell you letting go takes work. It takes strength and courage: two things that have defined the Class of 2023.

Throughout your high school career, you adapted to challenges and blossomed along the way. You met with chaos and confusion and responded with resilience and determination. You emerged from a global pandemic stronger and closer to each other: proof of extraordinary character and tenacity. Your strength to go about life with an open mind inspires your underclassmen to follow in your footsteps.

The presence of the senior class filled the campus with joy and energy; your positivity and eagerness to learn have pushed your teachers and peers to be better versions of themselves.

Your adaptability to a global pandemic showed leadership. It connected the hearts of Laguna’s members, which made all the difference. You taught us how to adjust to change and face challenges with strength and courage, even in times of grief and despair, and we are so grateful for that. The Laguna community will continue to carry your presence with us through every lesson taught by the Class of 2023. Future generations will do their best to live up to the legacy set by their forebears.

And just like that, saying goodbye isn’t that scary anymore. Instead, we hope that you are excited by the future possibilities and adventures that await you; we hope that you continue to inspire the people and the communities around you, just like you did at Laguna.

So, see you later, Class of 2023, and know that you will always find a home in the Laguna community. We will miss you, and we wish you the best of luck as you embark on your journey to shape the future.

Senior editors Luca D’Arguma, Alexandra Siegel, Elli Westmacott, Abby Kim, Aden Meisel gather together at Butterfly Beach for the cover photoshoot.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Seniors Katherine Ball and Luca D’Agruma share words of wisdom from their experiences in the college admission process.

WORDS

College is an opportunity, a learning paradise, a cocoon of growth and development.

Still, the journey to this “paradise” is stricken by nightmare after nightmare. The college admissions process is grim. Every step brings new waves of anxiety, stress, uncertainty, and misunderstanding.

Overwhelmed by the multitude of options and the weight of each choice and decision, many bright students feel pressured by the process and forget who they are, thus not staying true to themselves.

“I was only able to apply early decision. When I accepted, I was never going to be able to be 100% certain that I would love a school,” said senior Katherine Ball.

The pressure of the commitment and the fast-paced timeline for submissions pushes many prospective “early decision” applicants away due to the legally binding nature of early decisions.

Another challenge that prevents applicants from not making an early decision is not knowing what would make the best fit and having multiple appealing options.

There are key lessons to learn about how to approach the process, ensuring students grasp what they truly want.

“Frontload, frontload, frontload,” said senior Luca D’Agruma, “If you don’t start building a solid, balanced list early, you’re just not going to be prepared when senior fall comes around.”

Students completing research early are richly rewarded and have a better college list and know better what they want for their future.

and ART by NICCOLO

D’AGRUMA

“I researched schools throughout junior year,” said Katherine. “There was one school that I consistently liked no matter how many new schools I looked at.”

Weighing every option and thinking through and evaluating your decision-making process early on is critical to reducing the second-guessing that plagues students who wait too late and procrastinate.

That data can be used to help facilitate understanding and provide a greater context for a student of a school.

As for the Common Application and the execution of actually applying, leading with who you are is essential.

When approaching applying, viewing the endless stream of essays as a way of putting yourself on display is much more effective than trying to become what you think the college’s ideal applicant is.

“I wish I had known how little space applicants are given to show their personality,” said Katherine, “It takes work to fit yourself into an essay or two and some descriptions of your extracurriculars.”

With only so many words, and only so many minutes an admissions officer has to read your application, it’s important to make every last word count. Be real, be you.

Success does not come from putting on a show, but from letting your true colors show, focus your application on accurately reflecting and advocating for yourself is essential.

“I recommend trusting your gut no matter what, but I also think you have to approach the process rationally with data,” said Luca. ”The Common Data Set is the single most useful tool you have. Using it alongside Laguna’s SCOIR data plots is invaluable in helping you understand your chances. I built a spreadsheet comparing relevant data from every college in my list.”

“I think being genuine is really important. Colleges read thousands upon thousands of applications. Everyone is exaggerating their accomplishments or playing up parts of themselves that they don’t actually care about. There are very few people who can be vulnerable in their application,” said Luca.

Developing an authentic narrative to showcase in an application is much stronger at differentiating yourself than anything else.

If you can do that, there’s no way you won’t end up in the right place.”

Seniors

in 10 years

LIVING IN LA LOLA HALL LIVING BACK IN ST. BARTHS

FIONA HERNANDEZ

GRACE HOFFACKER

MARRIED TO A WEALTHY RANCHER

JENNA JOHNSON ANTIQUE SHOP OWNER IN ROME

SADIE JOHNSON

GIRLBOSS IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY

JACK ANDREWS

PLAYING THE HARMONICA IN THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY

KINCADE AVERY A CONSTANT SUNBURN (THANKS TO VOLLEYBALL)

KATHERINE BALL DISNEY ADULT: BROADWAY VERSION

MODELING FOR GOLF LE FLEUR

MOLLY MOROUSE

WORKING THE CORPORATE RANKS AT HER DREAM COMPANY

ABBY KIM

TRAVELING FOR THE LPGA

HUDSON MAYFIELD

SAILING WITH HIS WIFE AND DOG

ADEN MEISEL MENS CLUB OWNER, PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED OF INSIDER TRADING

ZOLA PELTZ

STAGE DIRECTOR FOR AN OFF-BROADWAY SHOW

ASHLY PRYOR NEW YORK DANCE TEACHER

JACQUELINE RICHARDSON WESTCHESTER REAL ESTATE AGENT

CARSON BOHNET

FISHERMAN IN FLORIDA

ZEA BOYLE WORKING RESIDENCY IN A HOSPITAL

CODY BUSCH-WEISS SPORTS COMMENTATOR BY DAY, STAND-UP COMEDIAN BY NIGHT

VICTORIA GOLDMAN SEARCHING FOR HUSBAND MATERIAL IN EUROPE

ALEXANDRA SIEGEL

ENGAGED TO A GERMAN LAWYER

DIPLOMAT ATTENDING ANNUAL UNITED NATION SUMMITS.

JADE SILVA IN A MEXICAN TELENOVELA

PATRICK TANNER UFO HUNTER

THOMAS COUVILLION

CAT DAD IN SAN DIEGO

LUCA D’AGRUMA IN THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM

KENT DUNN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER / BODY BUILDER

ROBBIE DUNN TEXAS MCMANSION OWNER

MICHAEL WANG OPERATES A TURTLE EMPIRE

CADEN WEAVER GAME PROGRAMMER AND ANIME CON ATTENDEE

ELLI WESTMACOTT

WRITER IN SEATTLE GRANT WITHEE

ENGINEER FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE AGAINST TRAFFIC

PAGE by ALEXANDRA SIEGEL

ART by DIONNE PETERSON

“Club Drug” Therapy

Using communication to unlock the human mind and potential, otherwise known as talk therapy, is a practice that is a way for individuals who haven’t been diagnosed with a mental health condition to explore their feelings more deeply and develop helpful coping skills..

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization. This increase of anxiety and depression disorders developed into a pandemic within itself, and the need for different kinds of talk therapy developed.

Ketamine therapy, is an example of a new form of talk therapy, which involves patients taking small doses of Ketamine to help ease depressive thoughts, and then expressing their feelings openly with a therapist. Ketamine is a dissociative drug that provides the user with a hallucinogenic state of distorted sight and perception of time.

“Ketamine has been used for a long time as an anesthetic because it can cause dissociation. It can cause part of the brain to go unconscious,” AP Psychology instructor Megan Roarty said.

Ketamine is also known as a “club drug” because it is used as a fast acting antidepressant and is therefore popular in party scenes.

“People use ‘Special K,’ another name for Ketamine, because of it’s dissociative and euphoric properties,” Roarty added.

According to the Drug Enforcement

Association, “Ketamine can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia (no memory of events while under the influence of the drug). It is abused for its ability to produce dissociative sensations and hallucinations.”

people who have just suffered a depressive event, like a suicide attempt, when they are recovering.

This was the one of the first indications that Ketamine could offer some support as an antidepressant regularly for those who suffer from severe depression.

“Most people agree that Ketamine needs to be regulated, and when you’re looking at people who are severely suicidal, Ketamine can help within 40 minutes, but more research is needed,” Roarty said.

The practice is controversial because of the severity of the drug and the ways in which it can be abused, but there are patients who found that even one session of Ketamine Therapy, when monitored by a physician and accompanied with talk therapy, relieved symptoms for months.

People refer to the hallucinogenic effects of the drug as a trip, both when used as a street drug and in therapeutic sessions, which contributes to the apprehensive emotions around Ketamine Therapy.

People who can’t find enough support through normal talk therapy are now turning to Ketamine Therapy to boost their results.

Website was blocked by the school administration. Unable to access this source.” Students across the country are getting this message daily. As teachers incorporate more technology into their lesson plans, discussions about what and how much to filter for students is a pressing concern nationwide.

To “censor” means “to examine to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable.”

Websites that address and include sexuality, religion, race, and ethnicity are the most common and contentious topics blocked for students. An example of this could be the discussion of Darwin’s theory of evolution, as it may not be aligned with a school’s religious views.

According to the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), “Censorship demands require educators to balance First Amendment obligations and principles against other concerns.”

and methods.”

School administrators can choose what they think is inappropriate and censor websites they believe are harmful to students; however, this comes down to perspective and how much content is questionable.

While most censorship aims to prevent inappropriate content, it can have detrimental effects.

Schools shape students’ worldviews by altering what students can and cannot see.

Due to the prejudices that plague our society, censorship can lead to a sense of isolation for students who belong to minority groups.

“Censorship can limit children’s education and knowledge and hinder their freedom of thought and speech,” said junior Amelie Dalporto.

without benefits.

“While denying the dissemination of ideas is ultimately about control, restricting access to specific images or ideas (pornography, propaganda, misinformation, etc.) may benefit younger students that lack the maturity or processing capabilities to analyze and contextualize the material critically,” said Guay.

Ketamine is sometimes used as a recreational drug similar to LSD and cocaine in party settings. So how did it transform into a professionally distributed therapeutic drug?

Ketamine Therapy is often used with

“With a therapist, they give patients low doses and walk you through what’s going on. Just taking a drug and then feeling better causes dependency, but you’re not getting to the root of the problem. With therapy you can get to a state where you are not in a state of darkness and then you can start addressing the issues,” said Roarty.

Although teachers and administrators make decisions on what to include and exclude in the school’s curriculum, this is not, in fact, an act of censorship; however, it could become censorship if they decide to remove a book, a source, or material due to sensitive or contentious issues.

According to the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), “Whereas the goal of censorship is to remove, eliminate or bar particular materials and methods, the goal of [administrative selection] is to provide criteria for selection of materials

“Censorship could un doubtedly impact students negatively, especially in underrepresented commu nities that already experience curricular prejudice rooted in exclusionary pedagogy. Suppose a society, such as the United States, possesses a long history of privileging certain groups or individuals over others,” said his tory instructor Kevin Guay. “In that case, it is highly probable that their value systems would simultaneously influence what is viewed as “moral,” “correct,” or “pure” for students.”

While censorship has a long-stand ing negative history , it does not come

The development of Ketamine-assisted use in therapy creates questions over how the drug helps mental illnesses.

WORDS and ART by ELLI WESTMACOTT

Freedom of speech—one of America’s most upheld values. Yet, in a place designed to foster critical thinking skills and independent voices, schools are suppressing this essential expression of freedom.

WORDS by SOFIA RAMIREZ and DIONNE PETERSON GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON

To Protect...or Evoke Fear?

to five years of training, yet it takes less than half a year to become a police officer.

It takes under six months to be allowed to point a gun and legally shoot someone, whether justified or not.

WORDS by CHRISTIANA CINO ART by LUCY WANG

To protect and to serve.” When did the police motto “to protect and to serve” become a projection of fear amongst those who are considered minorities?

Today, Black children run and hide when they see a police vehicle out of fear of being harmed. In what way can police protect when they are a leading cause of panic amongst non-white communities?

Dating back to the 1800s, the ideology of Social Darwinism began to develop surrounding race. Social Darwinism is the concept of survival of the fittest, and it became twisted when white peo

the right to wield a gun and aim it at whomever they deem dangerous, while being protected by qualified immunity, even if the only danger is colored skin.

Qualified Immunity protects an officer’s individual liability unless they violate a constitutional right. The lack of consequence cops face when they fatally harm someone is a constant pattern.

Repercussions are either minimal or nonexistent because of laws like Qualified Immunity. That is, until the cop that unjustly harms someone is either a woman or a person of color.

On Jan. 23 in Seattle, Washington, Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Northeastern University student, was struck by a police car at 8 p.m., and her catastrophic injuries were the cause of her death.

While investigations have made it seem like there was no wrongdoing, the fact of the matter is this young woman’s life was taken away from her by a police officer, who is facing no repercussions, mainly because of Qualified Immunity. Thanks to this law and others similar, the only “justice” Kandula’s family received was the apologies of the police force for the “unfortunate incident.”

The root of police brutality is systemic, yet racism and lack of training are intertwined into the system in a way that makes changing it extremely complicated, therefore the effort put into systematic reform is minimal.

Black men and women are five times more likely to be stopped or harmed by a cop than white men or women because of their race alone.

Nothing can justify this, yet there is a widespread stigma that people of color are more “dangerous” than white people.

According to World Population Review, America has had more deaths by police brutality than any other developed country.

“For decades, the Black community has been considered violent, animal-like, deserving of any brutality that happens. That stereotype still holds strong,” said Montague.

Since police forces in America developed, police brutality has been present, including through organizations like slave patrols and instances where police worked alongside the Ku Klux Klan.

English Department Chair Victoria Dryden briefly describes the period after the Civil War and how it correlates to police brutality.

“After the Civil War and Reconstruction, people in power started the criminalization of the Black body in general intentionally. It was the beginning of the chain-gang and sharecropping - ways to create fear around the Black body, therefore leading to our problem of mass incarceration.”

With each passing year, the rates of death by police officers increase.

“I think the American population, outside of the Black community, hears about a few cases that make it to the mainstream media, but they don’t understand how it is deeply ingrained in American society, especially in the way

Black people are viewed. People don’t understand how consistently police brutality impacts people, families, and lives, unless it’s on the news,” said Montague. “It is essentially normal, unfortunately, for Black men to risk their lives every time they walk out of their house. It has happened to my brother - I can’t even tell you how many times.”

In the past couple of years, hate crimes motivated by race and ethnicity have been at their highest rates since 2007, with approximately 7,759 reports of criminal incidents that were racially motivated (Equal Justice Initiative).

African Americans are the most victimized and targeted racial group in America regarding police brutality. In 2023 alone, there have already been seven unjust beatings and attacks

throughout police violence.

“If you’re a police officer that has been trained by weapons, and you are set up to pull your gun when in danger, it becomes complicated,” said Dryden.

One of the most recent incidents of police brutality was the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, TN, on January 7.

Officers pulled Nichols over for supposedly “reckless driving,” yet he was forcefully removed from his car and beaten until he was begging for his mom and begging for safety.

Tyre Nichols did nothing to the police officers. He was of no significant threat. There were six officers, and one of him.

Dryden shares her thoughts on the driving factor behind the attack.

“Even those Black officers that attacked Tyre Nichols were, I think, driven from fear and internalization.

It goes back so far in our history, and our whole society has been built around it, that I think people in this nation have been conditioned to fear Black men,” said Dryden.

Tyre Nichols’ assault is simply one of the many incidents of police brutality, and it will certainly not be the last.

Yet, of those six police officers, five were Black, and one was white.

by police officers on unarmed citizens, at least four of whom were Black.

The month of January 2023 involved six reported police attacks causing a fatality.

Keenan Anderson was a 31-year-old Black man killed by LAPD officers on January 3 when he attempted to run away after being told to stay put on a sidewalk.

He was the one who flagged down the police officers for help, yet the officers chased him down, beat him, and tasered him, later causing him to have a fatal heart attack.

Anderson did nothing wrong other than portray so-called “erratic” behavior.

If he posed no harm to the officers, why did they harm him? Brutality without a cause is a repeated pattern shown

When this case went to court, the court charged the five Black officers with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.

Yet, the one white officer’s only repercussion was his discharge from the police force.

Yes, it is true that most police officers stay true to their motto of “to protect and to serve.”

And while the percentage of police officers who commit misconduct of excessive force is in the single digits, that small percentage has taken the lives of countless people.

It is unjust to be able to take away a life without a cause and without repercussions, regardless of whether or not a person wields power.

The once-revered police motto “to protect and to serve” is now a source of fear for many Black communities across America. The reason? Racially-targeted police brutality.

For decades, the Black community has been considered violent, animal-like, deserving of any brutality that happens. That stereotype still holds strong.

- Dena Montague

Trees or Transportation?

Plans to build a bike path on Modoc Road are met with community resistance.

WORDS by LUCIA CAMP

ART by ALEXIA ACOSTA

Do you consider yourself a tree hugger? The Santa Barbara planning commission’s proposed project to build a safer bike path on Modoc Road threatens the removal of 21 trees. The current bike path has 24 serious collision points, making it unsafe compared to the other bike paths that border this stretch of Modoc Road, which, as well as the pertinent environmental benefits of biking, is the reason for the necessity of a new and safer bike path along this region of the road.

“Every street should be safe for every user,” said Heather Deutsch, executive director of MOVE SB, an organization that advocates for more sustainable transportation opportunities.

The bike path is used heavily by students, including freshman Dakota Risley. “I think it is so important to have safe bike paths,” Dakota said.

Although the current plan does not remove the iconic Canary Island Palms as originally planned, Alignment B would endorse the removal of 21 trees, including the native Coast Live Oak and non-native lemon and blue gum eucalyptus, according to the Trees and Trails website.

“We don’t want to cut trees down just because they aren’t native. We feel that these trees are not dangerous and serve a purpose,” said Deb Thomas, leader of CAMP (Community Association for the Modoc Preserve), a grassroots organization that opposes the removal of these trees.

Alignment B, approved by the Country Board of Supervisors on Nov. 1, 2022, is a far more environmentally sound solution than the initially proposed path, Alignment A, which threatened over 48 trees.

However, the path will affect the Modoc Nature Preserve after Via Zorro.

There is no reason to degrade a green space used by pedestrians and equestrians in the name of sustainability just because the bikers feel left out.

“My group CAMP, the Land Trust of Santa Barbara, La Cumbre Water Company, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife all wrote concerning letters that the Board of Supervisors chose not to address at their meeting,” said Thomas.

before construction begins.

“The county doesn’t think they can extend the multi-use path all the way down to Via Senda because they say there is not enough room,” said Thomas.

If the proposed path was moved entirely on the road, removing the Class II bike lane on the north side, no trees would have to be removed, and the community would still have a safe and improved bike lane.

“Our argument is that they could get rid of the north side Class II bike lane to allow for a 10-foot bike lane on Modoc Road without having to take any trees,” said Thomas. Another controversial part of Alignment B is how it would affect the entrance to Hope Ranch, which borders the preserve.

“It would totally change the look of the entrance of Las Palmas for one; this is one sticking point for us,” said Thomas.

The city can afford new bike lanes due to state funding allotted to finance renewable transportation services. “This started back in 2018 when the county got an alternative transportation plan grant from Caltrans,” said Thomas.

The Active Transportation Program grant awarded $5.4 million; the estimated project cost is $8 million, with the County matching funds for its completion.

“The bike path is there now, the Class II lanes, haven’t been properly maintained or swept,” said Thomas.

This project highlights the differences between community concerns. While one group seeks to make positive environmental changes by implementing more bike paths to increase sustainable transportation options, others in our community see preserving our limited green space as the key to environmental sustainability.

“Separated facilities for bicycles are needed to make it safe,” said Deutsch. Adding a small stretch of a safer bike path on Modoc Road will not transform Santa Barbara into a mecca for alternative transportation. Still, it will provide safer transportation for students like Dakota who use it.

“The Land Trust has given the County a list of non-starters that they have to comply to in order to put the path in be -

Unloading the NRA

What are the actual positions of Republican NRA members?

WORDS and ART by JACKSON BALTES

The words “gun control” have come to represent a key policy proposal of the Democratic party. After a string of violent and deadly mass shootings, Democratic policymakers at both the federal and state levels continually advocate for measures aimed at not only curbing acts of gun violence but also (controversially) stopping the procurement of certain weapons and accessories such as assault rifles and bump stocks.

Students across the nation in grades 6-12 voiced their demand for action, with hundreds recently walking out of classes to demand legislative change. Measures such as tougher background checks and the banning of assault weapons have found broad support amongst the student body.

dreds of social media posts. Seldom do the actual positions of Republican vot ers, specifically those who are members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), get heard by those who reside on the opposite side of the political spectrum.

The group is legally classified as a “social welfare organization” according to Snopes, which makes it tax exempt.

The NRA’s mission, according to their legislative action branch’s website, is to remain “committed to preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”

The NRA has become controversial in recent years due to their leadership’s interpretation of their mission.

PAGE by ANNIKA FIRLIK

Victoria Goldman poses in front of the

Abby Kim enjoys a walk along the beach during spring break.

Luca D’Agruma takes a photo in front of his car.

Grace Hoffacker enjoys the view from her car.

Molly Morouse strikes a fun pose.

Sadie Johnson catches a moment at the beach.

Jenna Johnson poses before prom. Elli Westmacott and Kincade Avery enjoy the warm weather.

Cody Buch-Weiss’s favorite pizza is Rusty’s Hawaiin pizza. His perfect meal includes Rusty’s garlic bread.

á la mode

As summer rolls around, Southern Cali fornian teenagers are eager to pull out their shorts, swimsuits, and flip flops as soon as possible. From the VSCO girl trend that began in 2019, to the coconut girl aesthetic in the summer of 2022, summer brings a fresh set of trends.

This year, a lot of different “aesthetics” are circulating, many inspired by popular television series, such as Netflix’s “Outer Banks” along with vintage styles. Sophomore Zsa Zsa Zemeckis said, “I love vintage shopping around California.”

Casual dress around town includes surfer styles and athletic clothes. Sophomore Luz Schubert said, “I love wearing dresses in summer. My favorite is from Brandy Melville, and I also love my Lululemon skirts with cute tops.”

Students spend their summers in various regions, shifting their styles to fit the culture. Zsa Zsa visits Tuscany every year and has recently been styling “light colors, thinner materials like linen pants, crochet tops, and more colorful materials.”

Luz has noticed differences between teen styles in America and Europe, she said, “The daily attire is fancier [in Germany]than you would typically see in America. Boys in Europe wear khakis, pants, button downs, and polo sweaters. The girls there are always wearing nice sweaters, jeans, or skirts.”

Senior Victoria Goldman can’t wait for the warm embrace of summertime. “I love Matilda Djerf, the Swedish designer, so like her, I love flowery clothes, dresses, and skirts.” Returning to Sweden every year, Victoria added, “I feel like the Scandinavian style is very different from Santa Barbara. In Sweden we wear more linen pants and shirts, more button downs, and generally more fancy clothes. For the Midsummer holiday, the tradition is to wear a bunch of flowers in your hair, and everyone comes in flowery dresses with a lot of pastel colors and white themes.”

Katherine Ball enjoys Blaze’s pepperoni and “Meat Eater” pizza. She says, “I like Blaze because you can design your own pizza and watch it be made.”

Flipping from the West to the East, summer is just as rejuvenating. Along the East Coast, the preppy aesthetic thrives, as seen in the hit show “Gossip Girl.” A new style was coined in 2022 as “coastal grandmother” with implications of a summer spent in linens and sundresses, accentuating navy blues and cool tones.

“I’m very excited for summer because I just love dressing very light and airy! We always go to the East Coast over the summer and back to Germany, and the style changes a lot. I think that when I go to school my style is unlabeled, but definitely outside of school I have a more European style. East Coast vs. West Coast is so different, I think East Coast and European style are very similar and preppy,” Luz said.

PAGE by ABBY KIM GRAPHIC by OWEN NOBLE

Grant Withee savors Gino’s Sicilian Express cheese pizza because of the tasty spices. He also enjoys their barbecue chicken pizza.

Victoria Goldman

Luz Schubert

Zsa Zsa Zemeckis

Zsa Zsa Zemeckis

Victoria Goldman

Magic at Moxi

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

From hydrating serums to glowy lip balms– here are the top five essentials to add to your summer cosmetic bag.

PAGE by SOFIA RAMIREZ and DIONNE PETERSON

1 2

Innisfree Sunscreen:

This sunscreen created by Innisfree–a South Korean cosmetic company–is the perfect affordable sunscreen that is nourishing and protective. This product contains SPF 36, which safeguards against the sun without leaving a white cast. This sunscreen is jam-packed with nurturing ingredients such as green tea leaf extract (for hydration), sunflower seed oil (for its lightweight feel). While this product be haves wonderfully for all skin types, it works best for dry to combination skin.

L’Oréal proof Mascara:

The worst thing during swimming in the ocean is ap plying waterproof mascara— only to find runny streams of black under your eyes. Not to fear— the L’Oréal Waterproof mascara will volumize and lengthen eyelashes without clumping or flaking and claims to last up to 16 hours in water. Whether taking a quick dip in the ocean or swimming laps in the pool, L’Oréal Waterproof Mascara makes sure you look your best no matter where.

3 4 5

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid:

Tiktok’s favorite brand— is The Ordinary. Most wellknown for its minimalist aesthetic, this water-based serum will keep your skin hydrated during the hot summer months. It uses pro-vitamin B5 to enhance hydration and diminish texture irregularities, such as acne scars and blackheads. This smoothing serum is best used for oily to regular skin.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm:

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask has been a cult favorite for the past few years; however, the brand’s lip balm is often slept on. The Laneige glowy balm contains shea butter for intense everyday moisture. The balm comes in various flavors ranging from classic berry to gummy bear, grapefruit, and peach.

Versed Keep the Peace Cleanser:

Keep the Peace is a soothing gel cleanser perfect for teenage skin. The creamy cleanser contains ingredients such as apple extract, which doubles as a gentle exfoliator, renewing your skin post-wash. This Versed cleanser is packed with additional nurturing ingredients, such as salicylic acid, to prevent breakouts and blue tansy, a natural antioxidant.

Taking It

“ONE THING AT A TIME”

This new country album is making waves on campus, but what makes it so special?

WORDS and ART by HUDSON MAYFIELD

From a little-known contestant on “The Voice” to international country superstar, Morgan Wallen’s meteoric rise has remade the country genre in a manner not seen in over a decade.

Following the success of his 2018 debut album “If I Know Me,” which generated huge radio and streaming hits such as “Whiskey Glass” and “Chasing You,” Wallen released “Dangerous: The Double Album” in 2021.

However, Wallen’s rise was altered shortly after the album’s release, as he was engulfed in controversy following his use of a racial slur amid an intoxicated tirade outside of his home in Nashville. Following the incident, Wallen’s music was removed from a majority of radio stations as well as the playlists of several streaming services, including Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify.

After going through several months of counseling and several donations to Black Music Action Coalition and an appearance on Good Morning America “Dangerous” was reintroduced to streaming services.

The album went on to be the best-selling album of 2021 after spending 10 weeks atop the Billboard 200 and remaining on the chart for 118 consecutive weeks while setting the record for the longest duration in the number one spot on the Country Billboard after 98 weeks.

According to the New York Times, Wallen’s newest album, “One Thing At A Time,” released on March 3 to worldwide anticipation and acclaim has occupied the top spot of the Billboard 200 for nine weeks while racking up over 1.3 billion streams in the United States in the month following its release alone.

Its ripple effects have expanded to our campus, drawing new listeners to the genre while giving everybody something to talk about.

“One Thing At A Time” consists of a whopping 36 songs containing the staples of country music.

Love, heartbreak, drinking, and even college football are some of the classic country music tropes covered in the album, which seems to have something for everyone.

Wallen shows that he isn’t afraid of more introspective topics on the record too, with songs like “Thought You Should Know” and “Outlook.”

The album can be broken down into three general categories. First is Pop-Country which took over mainstream country radio around 2012 with the release of “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line. Then there is Traditional Country which is making a mainstream comeback thanks to artists such as Zach Bryan, Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton. There is also another category composed of Hip-hop inspired songs like “180 (Lifestyle)” which sampled “Rich Gang” by Young Thug, as well as the occasional rock song like “Last Drive Down Main.”

The variety of sound and style has been one of the drivers of Wallen’s popularity, especially for those who don’t regularly listen to Country Music. This change has drawn criticism, however, as it makes a departure from the Traditional Country sound of his debut album “If I Know Me” which sparked his rise in 2018.

To an impartial observer, it would be hard to deny Morgan Wallen’s effect on contemporary country music. His albums, including “One Thing At A Time,” have broken almost every record in the book related to country radio and streaming, while he has put country music on the map in a way that has not been seen since the popularity of Garth Brooks in the 90s. “One Thing At A Time” is well worth the listen, given the dramatic variety of sound and style, which offers something for everyone.

Athlete of the Issue

Sophomore Tyson Deveze talks about his personal and

Spring Sports Statistics

PAGE by DAVIS OHANIAN

n the midst of the spring season, second-year player Tyson Deveze continues to exemplify all-around excellence as a student-athlete competing as one of the stars on a star-studded volleyball team.

Volleyball is one of Laguna’s top sports, as Laguna plays in one of the toughest divisions in the CIF Southern Section, regularly facing large public schools in their playoff pursuits. Following an impressive 21-4 record, Tyson was selected as the Athlete of the Issue because of the tremendous skill he illustrates, and the regular enthusiasm and

: What are some areas in which your team can

Our attacking is pretty good, but we can improve our serving. We have a couple of good servers. We need

: What techniques and skills may your team need to work on

: Blocking. Occasionally, we leave a seam in the block, and it makes it harder to defend. Closing the seams will make it easier to improve our

: Which opposing school do you look forward to playing each year and We haven’t played Foothill Tech yet, and they are one of the better teams

: Who motivates you to continue to improve as a volleyball player? My teammates motivate me because they always push me to do better. Whether it is school or club, if everyone is improving around me, it

: What is your favorite part of competing on the volleyball team?

Volleyball practice is my favorite part of the day, especially if I have a hard school day and can focus on something else. Four-on-four scrimeveryone gets to participate.

: What are your team goals for

: Win CIF! We continue to get better team every year and are looking forward to the opportunity to bring home another championship for Laguna.

Throughout the spring season, Laguna’s sports teams continued to demonstrate athletic excellence as they shattered expectations.

FIFA Women’s World Cup

The United States enters the 2023 Women’s World Cup and attempts to win a third consecutive championship.

WORDS and ART by LUCY WANG

It feels like the World Cup just ended, and yet another one is just around the corner. New Zealand and Australia are the hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The competition will feature 32 teams instead of 24 from the 2019 tournament in France in the hope of gaining more popularity and new audi ence groups.

After a month of group competition and knock-out stages, the tournament will conclude on Aug. 20, and the championship will be awarded.

The U.S., reigning champions of the last two games, is in a group with the Netherlands, the runners-up, along side Portugal and Vietnam. All three U.S. group matches will take place in New Zealand.

The U.S. enters the competition as the co-favorites to win the trophy, along with England, who have just beaten Brazil in the final of the Women’s Fina lissima, an intercontinental super cup.

As the reigning champions, the U.S. women’s team carries pressure on their shoulders in this tournament to strive for a third consecutive championship. They have never finished lower than third place in the Women’s World Cup history and have dominated the game in the past two tournaments.

Many Americans are excited to see the performance of Alex Morgan, one of the many talents on the U.S. women’s team. Morgan is one of the 27 players, from men and women combined, to achieve 200 appearances on international stage.

As a mother and an athlete, Morgan brings her child to the camp to watch her work, and ”to just be around strong wom en,” Morgan said on FOX Sports.

The women’s team’s success is about much more than just the glory of winning the trophy; it also shows incredible resilience and strength in the group.

“The World Cup means women empowerment to me,” senior Jenna Johnson said. “This sport brings together a community of diverse women that support each other. It also broadcasts women’s achievements globally

The success of the women’s team shows a strong comparison with the men’s team, who failed to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup and were knocked out by the Netherlands of the Qatar 2022 World Cup in the round of 16. The U.S. Men’s team has struggled to perform in recent years, yet they receive much higher pay than the women’s team

According to the New York Times, in 2022, the House of Representatives passed a bill that ensures equal pay for U.S. Women competing in international events, ending the long and exhausting However, the U.S. is only one of the few countries that have achieved this goal. Canada’s Women’s team has set out on strike concerning equal payment in the sport. The Women’s team has sent an official statement, holding Canada’s Soccer federa-

“The Women’s World Cup has been very inspirational to me because female footballers are starting to get recognized for their talent.” senior Jacqueline Richardson said. “Having the opportunity to watch the Women’s World Cup also means that I will be able to see women all around the world compete in one of my