The Senior Issue

OUR TEAM

FACULTY ADVISER

Trish McHale

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Dionne Peterson

Lucy Wang

Sofia Ramirez

MANAGING EDITOR

Ada Green

OPINION EDITORS

Christiana Cino

Cierra Nervo

FEATURE EDITOR

Jinling Wang

BUSINESS MANAGER

Magdalena Amezaga

A&E EDITOR

Milla Hirsch

NEWS EDITORS

Lucia Camp

Niccolo D’Agruma

WEBSITE EDITOR

Owen Noble

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Milla Hirsch

COPY EDITOR

JJ Stone

SPORTS EDITOR

Davis Ohanian

PHOTO EDITOR

Jackson Baltes

MAGAZINE STAFF

Alexia Acosta

Lyla Bollag

Jules Leclercq

Daphne Shiebler

Mason Siegel

Elyse Weaver

GUEST WRITER

Grace Trautwein ‘24

A Letter from the Editors

It’s Lucy here; as the only departing senior co-editor-in-chief, please allow me to use this letter to say a few words to my fellow staff members and you.

I came into journalism as a junior, and just one year later, I arrived at this position; it was an unusual path to take, short but full of joy, and with this issue and this letter, my time at Laguna and The Fourth Estate come to an end.

There are so many more stories I want to tell, so many people I want to thank and so many memories that I want to hold onto; I wish I could spend another four years at this school and at this magazine, but I leave with no regrets.

In this issue, you will read about the TikTok Bill, trips to France and New York, “Spamalot”, Cum Laude, March Madness and much more. As usual, we covered a wide range of topics, but in the end, this issue is for our seniors; it is an issue about endings: last Instagram spread, last cover shoot and last time writing this letter.

You will see a spread about Lifers, a heartfelt farewell to the teachers, a map of where our seniors are going to college, quotes that we gave to our friends and a letter from Ms. Pointer; this issue is packed with memories. Saying goodbye to this publication is not easy, since I have come to love it so much, since it has become such an integral part of my life.

I am always talking about how much work we do and how tight the deadline is, but everyone who knows me knows how much I cling to these moments, and how much pride I hold in my heart when we present each issue to the school. My high school experience became defined by my time at The Fourth Estate, it gave me a purpose, something I look forward to every day.

I leave this publication knowing it will be in good hands: our junior editors, Sofia and Dionne, are two of the most dedicated and extraordinary human beings I know, and I know the team next year will take this magazine to the next level.

I want to thank our readers; you are the very reason we produce this magazine. I want to thank our senior editors for learning and growing with me as I figure things out, and I want to thank Trish, our faculty advisor, for none of this would be possible without her unwavering support, thank you for giving me the privilege to be a part of this team, it has been, the joy of my life.

Sincerely,

Dionne, Sofia and Lucy

• 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.

•

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.

•

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.

• 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 fourth issue and the 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, 139 in the Middle School, and 191 in the Upper School. The Fourth Estate is an 8.5 by 11 general magazine, created on MAC computers using Adobe InDesign CC2021, LTC Caslon, Meno Banner, and King Caslon Display font families and printed on glossy paper free for students and $30 for an annual subscription. The magazine is distributed to all Upper School students through the school’s advisory program and sent by mail to subscribers with 300 copies printed per issue. We are associated with NSPA, CSPA and JEA.

A Tale of Two Cities

After the near indefinite delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Humanities and French students embarked on a trip to New York City and France.

PAGE by ADA GREEN, LUCY WANG & GRACE TRAUTWEIN

As the culmination of months of urban studies and general humanities research, 12 Humanities Research Program (HRP) students and three teacher chaperones traveled to New York City over Spring Break, fully embracing the concrete jungle (where dreams are made).

The five-day packed trip involved three activities a day — including visiting museums such as the Met, the Brooklyn Museum and the 9/11 Memorial Museum; three college campus tours led by Laguna alumni; walking tours of Harlem and Chelsea; a Broadway musical; a professional basketball game; listening to buskers in the subway stations; and plenty of singing “Empire State of Mind” through the streets.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and thought that the itinerary was stacked with wonderful things. Obviously the music, the set, and the lighting were just all so amazing,” said sophomore Evie Comis.

The “Hadestown” performance on Broadway marked a highlight of the trip. Students and chaperones sat for the two and a half-hour show re imagining the mythological tale between Orpheus and Eurydice.

The return of the Urban Studies Trip was monumental for the Laguna community.

“The joy of these urban studies trips is truly the joy of community. It’s connection and collaboration – between and among the teachers and the students and the people we meet, and remeet. It’s meeting Neal Shoemaker in Harlem in the morning – `welcome to my Harlem’ is the guiding principle of his tours – and then seeing the new generation of Laguna Humanities kids meet Mia in a Columbia classroom in the afternoon. We do these things together, and we get our Laguna worlds a little bit exploded – in the best way,” said HRP coordinator Ashley Tidey.

This spring break, 13 students across each level of French studies embarked on a trip to France. They visited Collioure, a coastal town in Catalonia, and Paris.

“The trip has been a dream since 2012 when I first established an e-pal relationship with Elisabeth Miquel [an English teacher at Lycée Christian Bouquin in Collioure] and her classes,” said French Instructor Valerie Yoshimura.

In the months leading up to the trip, French students connected with pen pals at Lycée Christian Bourquin, whom they met in person and shadowed for two days.

“I really enjoyed seeing how they lived their daily lives at school. And it’s so different seeing the classes they take and the specialties of the school,” freshman Chloe Adrian-Giannetto said.

In French high school, students pick a track similar to a college major. Many of the pen pals were in a traditional track focusing on the natural sciences or the humanities and philosophy, but LCB also has programs specializing in hospitality, cuisine and tourism.

The high school’s culinary program aligned with a major focus of the trip - cultural immersion through food. Laguna students spent a morning in one of the school’s teaching kitchens, learning how to prepare, shape and bake authentic French baguettes.

In Paris, students embarked on walking food tours: one focused on the historic markets, and another on chocolates and desserts.

Led by a tour guide with a Master’s Degree in the Anthropology of Food, students explored different stores and stalls.

They learned about the history of ingredients and sampled dishes. English and Social Science Instructor, Charlie Aslesen’s favorite was the picnic lunch organized for Laguna students in the covered market.

“We got to have the charcuterie which was the most insane and, I feel, proper definition of what traditional charcuterie actually is,” Aslesen said.

In just one whirlwind of a week, students experienced a great range of French history and culture through food, art museums, famous landmarks and simply being in a French-speaking country.

“There is, of course, no classroom substitute for actually experiencing a culture firsthand; that’s why

people travel,” Yoshimura said.

The tradition of travel and experiential language learning at Laguna continues.

Awarding Academic Excellence

Laguna Blanca inducts nine new members into the prestigious Cum Laude Society.

WORDS by SOFIA RAMIREZ

PHOTO by TARA BROUCQSAULT

The Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence in academic achievement. Laguna Blanca is one of only 32 schools in the state of California authorized to admit new members

“It is an honor for our high school to be recognized as a chapter of the society. It displays the academic excellence of our students, not only the academic excellence but the phenomenal character that defines a Cum Laude scholar,” said Colleen Murray, Director of College Counseling.

The junior inductees are Katja Broomberg, Serena De Ponce, Ada Green and Natalie Schweitzer.

The senior inductees are Lucas Acosta, Dylan Charney, Andreas McClintock, Jayla Provance and Lucy Wang.

Although this is Katja’s first year at Laguna, she has played a major part in both school plays.

“Katja Broomberg is one of the most hardworking people I know and always strives to reach her best,” junior Dionne Peterson said.

Serena is in her second year of the STEM Research Program (SRP).

“Serena has always been a learning enthusiast. Combined with a strong work ethic. She is practically passionate about math and the sciences” her sister, junior Olivia De Ponce, said.

Also passionate about math and science, Natalie is a part of the Girls Tennis Team along with SRP.

“Natalie is hardworking, dedicated and always ready to expand her knowledge through all her classes,” junior Monica Paredes Villagas said.

“It is an honor for our high school to be recognized as a chapter of the society.”

-Colleen Murray

Ada has participated in all of Laguna’s theater productions since her freshman year. Outside of school, she works with Santa Barbara’s theater company, Lights Up.

Lucas is part of SRP and is a member of the All Voices Heard Club.

Dylan is a member of the Mock Trial team and a lead in Laguna’s theatrical performances.

Andreas is part of SRP, a dedicated soccer player and part of the Los Padres Club spring trip.

“From AP Biology to an Astrophysics summer program, Andreas can tackle any problem with a desire to learn, improve, and demonstrate his knowledge,” senior Jake Gidney said.

Jayla, a Laguna Lifer, she has tackled the most rigorous classes that Laguna offers. Outside of her academics, Jayla was one of the first members of the returning Girls Golf Team, making it all the way to CIFs.

Lucy’s entries in the Arts Club’s competitions won multiple awards. She earned a Gold Circle Award from Columbia for the Portfolio of her Work. She is a co-editor-in-chief of The Fourth Estate.

“Lucy has such incredible perspective and wisdom. I am so grateful to have gone through high school with her, and we are all so excited to see how her brilliant mind changes the world,” Grace Trautwein said.

Cum Laude inductees are recognized in a ceremony in Ruston Theater. (l to r) Lucas Acosta, Lucy Wang, Jayla Provance, Andreas McClintock, Natalie Schweitzer Serena De Ponce, Katja Broomberg, Ada Green and Dylan Charney.

The Digital SAT

A controversial and widely debated topic, the conversation around standardized testing has continued to grow into a more contentious argument over the past decade. However, the College Board looks to change that through the digitized SAT.

n Dec. 2, 2023, students took the last paper SAT, marking the end of an era for standardized tests.

The digital SAT now combines the English sections, testing reading and writing skills through shorter, more condensed passages and viewing students’ mathematical skills through an approved calculator

WORDS by DAVIS OHANIAN

ART by LUCY WANG

icies, many news outlets and tutoring websites cite the “briefer passages” and “getting your score more quickly” as two factors in revitalizing such a test.

However, such a positive perspective is certainly not the only outlook on the situation.

Junior Ada Green took the last paper SAT and the first digitalized test in March and found the second more adaptive “module of math significantly more difficult than what I had prepared for.”

Junior Milton Plascencia had a similar experience when he took the first digitized version of the SAT and found the math portion to be “way harder in terms of content.

“There was so much material that hadn’t been covered in any of my previous math classes.”

Such a perspective was ubiquitous, with test-takers across the country coming out and declaring the seemingly impossible nature of the second module of the math section, which is unequivocally dependent on the student’s success in the first module.

However, the adaptability/format of the test has still not been clearly communicated to students taking the SAT.

“I was confused when I first heard the SAT was becoming adaptive - the purpose of standardized testing has always been to measure how different students do on the same questions.

“I don’t understand how it all works, but I trust that the intention was to make it more equitable, reassuring that the previous inequality has been acknowledged,” Ada said.

Thus brings up another argument— that associated with the identifiable inequities in standardized testing over

the past few decades.

For example, the Desmos program is available for all students, whereas the paper SAT forced students to bring a calculator from home.

The College Board is also committed to “lending a dig ital device to any student test ing on the weekend who re quires one to complete one of the SAT Suite of Assessments,” according to the official College Board Website.

Such steps hope to address previous inequities in the stan dardized testing system, and the adaptability of the test hopes to capitalize on students’ strengths while not completely compromis ing their scores due to some flaws in the understanding of the mate rial.

Students still believe that this change will be positive in the long run.

“I believe it [the shift] was a necessary thing,” Milton said. “The digital world requires such a shift.”

The full implications of digitalization in standardized testing and the true motives behind such a move are yet to be seen.

The College Board has already stated that it will consider student feed back, hoping to address inequities.

This revolutionary digitized test will re quire prospective col lege applicants to fea ture top testing scores.

France’s New Abortion Law

President Macron passes Article 34 in the French Constitution, ensuring that women have the right to an abortion.

WORDS by CHRISTIANA CINO ART by LUCY WANG

France made history after being the first country in the world to add an article in their constitution ensuring a woman’s right to an abortion.

On International Women’s Day, both houses of France’s Parliament approved Article 34, granting “guaranteed freedom” to women if they choose to have an abortion, voting 780-72 in the Palace of Versailles.

“It’s definitely a power move against the U.S. amongst other countries, and it could almost symbolize a shift in power on the global stage,” senior Grace Trautwein said.

The decision to mandate a women’s right to choose, constitutionally is in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022 through the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling.

“The overturning of Roe v. Wade showed us that rights we thought were absolute were not. France is taking a stand against that and protecting these rights so that no one has to worry about them being taken away,” Grace said.

The Roe decision sparked conver sation about abortion in several coun tries, especially France, because a vast portion of French citizens are avid sup porters of women’s rights, including President Emmanuel Macron.

“France and the U.S. differ signifi cantly in their approaches to abortion and other controversial political topics. France’s abortion laws are more relaxed than those of the U.S.,” English and French Instructor Maud Maillard said. “In France, you can request an abortion during the first trimester, and in some cases, it’s allowed up to the second trimester. In

contrast, the U.S. has a patchwork of laws, where different states have varying levels of abortion restrictions and availability. Some states have strict laws, while others are more lenient.”

Abortion is viewed differently in French and American cultures; France looks at abortion as a human rights issue as opposed to a political one.

“You don’t see it as a partisan issue; you see it more as a human rights issue, or at least that’s how I think they view it. And here, it is considered a partisan party politics issue. It’s a very right and left is sue. In this

France’s government desires to be a leader in women’s rights, setting an example for countries globally.

“In many countries, even in Europe, there are currents of opinion that seek to hinder at any cost the freedom of women to terminate their pregnancy if they wish,” the introduction of the French Legislation said.

Even though abortion has been legal since 1975, French President Emmanuel Macron took it upon himself to counterattack the impositions on women’s rights in the U.K..

“Given the trend of increasing restrictions on individual rights in many countries, including in the US, where abortion is illegal in certain states, I can’t help but have doubts. Nonetheless, I take immense pride in the bold step taken by France to champion this crucial right for women. By inscribing it in the constitution, it is now a right that is irreversible,” Maillard said.

President Macron aims to implement the right to abortion within the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, which would be a significant step for women’s rights internationally.

“There are some member nations who have veto power that would never jump on board with that. They believe very different things on the abortion issue, let alone others. I think it might be a path for other European countries, but truthfully, I have no idea,” Shertzer said.

As the first country to ensure a right to abortion in its constitution, France aims to be a “role model” for other countries, and its goal is to spread this law throughout other European countries.

The Tik Tok Bill The Tik Tok Bill The Tik Tok Bill

Known as a global sensation and cultural phenomenon for Gen Z, the digital platform TikTok took the world by storm. However, the app is at risk of being banned due to a perceived national security risk.

WORDS by JINLING WANG ART by DIONNE PETERSON

The U.S. government passed legislation in April that will effectively ban TikTok unless ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, sells the platform to a buyer who is not “controlled by a foreign adversary.”

The ban has potential to devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million U.S. users.

If ByteDance chooses not to sell its stakes within six months of the bill’s enactment, Tiktok could be banned nationwide.

The vote comes after a pro longed battle between the U.S. and China because the app raised concerns given its con trol over computer chips and artificial intelligence.

The White House believes that ByteDance’s ownership of TikTok is a national security risk that threatens the safety of American citizens’ data.

The proposed bill received bi partisan support as the House voted to pass the bills 352 to 65.

In short, the legislation provides two options for ByteDance: sell TikTok or the app will be banned in America.

If TikTok chooses to sell its stakes, it will be allowed to continue operat ing “through an [U.S.] inter-agency process” to ensure that the app is “no longer being controlled by a foreign adversary,” President Biden said.

Awareness surrounding Chinese security laws that encourage Chinese organizations to gather intelligence for the government and the belief that ByteDance would share such data has concerned U.S. lawmakers.

The bill forces ByteDance to forfeit its “TikTok Algorithm,” popular for feeding users content based on their known preferences.

Lawmakers worry that the TikTok Bill could impose additional tension between the U.S. and China concerning control over high-tech developments.

TikTok has denied all of the impliand that they would not comply even if they asked.

Aside from the concerns lawmakers have concerning potential U.S. data being compromised through the app’s usage, the U.S. fears that TikTok has limited the amount of anti-Chinese content.

In response, TikTok released a statement stating that 60% of the company

is owned by global investors, including Susquehanna International Group and Blackrock, both of which continue to operate in America. They also reported three Americans on its board of five people who allocated a $1 billion plan to store U.S. user data in an American computer software company called Oracle.

While lawmakers are aware that TikTok would be an expensive purchase for another company given its popularity, there are still several American companies, such as Microsoft, Google and Meta (owner of Instagram and Facebook), who have the means to purchase

The Biden administration blocked companies from purchasing an app like TikTok by implementing an anti-trust law to prevent companies from building a monopoly. Even if there were buyers, China has long expressed strong dissatisfaction with the idea of Tik-

“TikTok has had a noticeable impact on my attention span in the three or four years I have had it,” said senior Elyse Weaver. “I honestly would just have to adjust to not having it because it’s a fall back for when I don’t have anything to do, but it also won’t affect me much since I don’t create content.”

While the fate of TikTok is undecided, TikTok has left a cultural impact on the U.S..

“I would not be too happy because in my SRP project, I am analyzing TikTok videos for patterns in code-switching between English and Spanish. Without these videos, I would have no data,” junior Milton Lopez said.

Additionally, I’ll engage in targeted community outreach efforts, providing diabetes screening technology and education to children residing in suburban areas of Mombasa.

Q: Why did you pick your senior project to be centered around this topic/ subject?

A: I chose to center my senior project around this topic because of my profound interest in medical outreach. Providing interventional healthcare treatments to underprivileged individuals who lack access to the standard of healthcare available in the United States deeply resonates with me.

As an aspiring physician, this aligns perfectly with my passions and goals to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.

Q: Does this project have anything to do with your college major or future plans?

SENIOR PROJECT

Senior Griffin Rick takes his senior project to the next level by traveling across seas to Mombasa, Kenya to pursue his medical interests.

INTERVIEW by

by

A: Yes, this project is closely tied to my college major and future plans. I plan to study Biology and Neuroscience at the University of St. Andrews, following a pre-med track aimed at preparing me for medical

Engaging in this project allows me to gain firsthand experience of life beyond university and medical school, while also fulfilling my passion for medical outreach.

It provides invaluable insights into the practical aspects of healthcare delivery in underserved communities, which will be beneficial for my future career as a physician.

Q: How does this project relate to your current experience as a Laguna Blanca student?

A: This project builds upon my current experience as a Laguna Blanca student, particularly my roles as a Clinical Research Intern at the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and in a urology lab.

These experiences have provided me with valuable exposure to healthcare and research, and my senior project reflects my ongoing interest in the field and allows me to continue making a positive impact while gaining further practical experience in healthcare outreach.

LYLA BOLLAG

SHANNON JAYNE

Q: What do you look forward to most for this project?

A: I’m most excited about the opportunity to immerse myself in the Swahili language during this project.

I’ve been taking classes and love acquiring new skills and knowledge, so having the chance to practice a new language in its native environment is incredibly appealing.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to meeting a diverse array of local professionals who have dedicated their careers to teaching medicine.

I’m eager to hear their experiences and glean any tips or tricks they may have for navigating my future years of study and beyond.

Their insights will undoubtedly be invaluable as I pursue my aspirations in the medical field.

Q: What do you hope to gain out of your senior project experience?

A: I look forward to expanding my cultural competency by immersing myself in the Swahili language and interacting with local professionals.

Ultimately, I hope this experience will not only enrich my academic and professional journey but also instill in me a greater sense of empathy, compassion, and commitment to serving others in the field of medicine.

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Dear Freshmen...

As we write this letter to you, we look back at the “Dear Freshmen” letter that was written to us by the class of 2021. And let’s face it: none of us read that letter then. But we really wish we had listened to them, because what they said was true: these four years go by fast, faster than we would like.

Our first year of high school happened during COVID. We were back on campus, but masks were required.

Mr. Savage would hold a stick just to keep everyone six feet apart, and we used to have a literal gallon of hand sanitizer in all the classrooms; that felt like centuries ago.

Look at the people around you, and whether you like them or not, you will spend a very special four years with them, so you might as well become friends with them, you might as well try to like them.

Many of us met our best friends during the pandemic because we all had to be at the same place during lunch, and on one ordinary day, a casual conversation turned into what would now be four years of friendship.

It took a global pandemic for us to become close, and as weird as this sounds, we are all grateful for it.

When we were freshmen, we used to look up to the upperclassmen; we were jealous of their independence, of the close relationships they formed with all the teachers, and of what seemed like a sense of ease that they carried with them.

Looking back now that we’re finally in their shoes, we wish we had more time and we wish we could go back.

Our journey is coming to an end. Oh, how we wish to go back, to do things differently, to talk to the people we don’t know, to get involved earlier.

This is why we encourage you to try new things, especially when you still have the liberty and time.

Use this time to make mistakes, join different clubs, take interesting classes, join sports teams, and once you discover a passion, be true to yourself, follow it, let it guide you, and go as far as you possibly can.

This will make your life so much easier and happier; you will then get to spend the next four years doing what you love most and immersing yourself in that experience.

Some of our biggest regrets are that we discovered what we love way too late, and by the time we finally had a grasp of what we desire most, we were out of time.

But would everything be perfect if you just do as you are told? The answer is, unfortunately, no. It feels irresponsible to just tell you that ‘things will work out for the best,’ that you will get into a college you like or love, that you will have straight As and that everything will be alright in the end.

The truth is, sometimes it does not work out, there will be plenty of disappointments, and some will hit harder than others, and the only thing you can do is simply accept it.

You might hate junior year, like- really hate it, life will feel impossible at times since none of you will listen to us and take those four APs, and when you are frustrated and stressed, you will want everything to be over.

But once you get through everything, you will hope for just one more day of school, one more class, and one more look at this place because, by that time, Laguna will feel like home.

Your journey is just beginning, and we wish you all the best of luck.

Love, The Class of 2024

A

journey through the production of “Spamalot,” showcasing and spotlighting key figures along the way.

WORDS by NICCOLO D’AGRUMA PHOTOS by BRAD ELLIOTT & ART by LUCY WANG

Filled with comedic and satirical devices, “Spamalot,” a parody of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” pushed the cast outside their comfort zones and kept the audience on the edge of their seats for all four shows in Spaulding Theatre.

“‘Spamalot’ is really all over the place. [In the story, the] King of England, Arthur, travels around Europe to gather the Knights of the Round Table. [Then] Arthur gets a message from God asking him to find the “Holy Grail.” Arthur and the Knights journey in search of said grail and run into ridiculous situations,” sophomore Evie Comis said.

Playing a character inside the sometimes absurd world of “Spamalot” is brought to life through an acting environment, where actors play off each other to create a convincing story.

and more compassionate individuals. Her constant compassion and empathy make her a role model as much as a director,” senior Dylan Charney said.

Directors bring the best out of their actors; in a show like “Spamalot,” it is essential to portray the characters correctly.

But luckily, they do not have to do this alone. Caldwell had the assistance of student assistant director senior Dylan Charney, a prominent figure

Flinn Brady comes into play.

“Flinn is our costume curator and tailor. She chooses each dress, pant, shirt, hat, accessory, and shoe for everyone in the cast. She personalizes everybody’s outfits and sews and re-sews them to ensure they fit everyone comfortably,” Evie said.

Behind the scenes, more key figures reveal themselves such as Richard Croy, known as RC.

“In my opinion, “Spamalot” was extremely engaging with its fast paced chaos and dry, witty humor. Quite the musical!” - Jack Grube.

in the theater throughout his Laguna Blanca career.

It’s not just memorizing lines that go into a successful production, but a strong cast, crew, costume, makeup, set, and lighting designers. And it all wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated director, Dana Caldwell.

“Mrs. Caldwell is truly the cornerstone of Laguna Theater. She cares about her students so genuinely and helps them grow to be better actors

“Dylan is incredibly passionate and helps bring us all together, strengthening the theater community. He is able to get everyone focused and participating while also bringing energy and fun to every rehearsal. He always gives it his all whether we are tap dancing or fighting with swords and baguettes,” senior Amelie Dalporto said.

There is no show without costumes, and that is where costume designer

“I think the real question is, what does he not do? RC is such a unique character. His humor brings so much fun and brightness into the theater. He cares so much about all of us, and it really shows through his creativity and constructive criticism during tech week,” junior Eleanor Crafton said.

Zack Lillie Liberto, commonly referred to as Deux-L, picked up an incredible amount of slack in the theater productions.

“Deux-L contributes tremendously to Laguna Theater. He is incredibly kind and is always ready to teach us. He mainly does projection and programming sound and projection cues,” freshman Cooper Green said.

The theater is a community full of talented and self-motivated students and mentors.

The “Spamalot” cast enjoys the audience’s praise at the end of their musical number.

Eleanor Crafton and Owen Noble dance.

(l to r) Amelie Dalporto, Ada Green, Lucas Acosta, Dylan Charney, Alex McClintock, Noah Olorin and Aaron Schweitzer.

Sloan Brookshire and the Laker girls dance on stage.

In the spotlight: Dylan Charney, Charlotte Carpenter and Ulla Dunbar

Noah Olorin, Asher Gottesdiener , Dylan Charney, Amelie Dalporto, Owen Noble and Lucas Acosta celebrate as Knights of the Round Table.

Laguna Lifers

A look back at Lifers’ 13 years at Laguna Blanca.

INTERVIEWS by ALEXIA ACOSTA PHOTOS by LIFERS, ELYSE WEAVER & BRAD ELLIOTT

Keanu Nakamura, Spencer Hlavaty, Lucas Acosta, Jayla Provance and Alexia Acosta take a break in the middle of 2014 Jog-a-thon.

Spencer Hlavaty and Gabriel Lea smiling after eating ice cream.

Alexia Acosta, Noah Olorin, Spencer Hlavaty and Lucas Acosta gather together for a photo after the 2015 Jog-a-thon.

Alexia Acosta, Lucas Acosta and Magdalena

Kendall Keshen, Magdalena Amezaga, Spencer Hlavaty and Gabriel Lea laugh after going to a bat mitzvah.

Keanu Nakamura and Noah Olorin met-up after one of Noah’s theater productions.

Spencer Hlavaty, Gabriel Lea, Magdalena Amezaga and Alexia Acosta gather for a group photo before a field trip.

Amezaga and Spencer Hlavaty preforming in a rainbow fish play.

Q: Who made the biggest impact on you?

A: Mr. Shertzer for his teaching style; how he has taught me to be a more open thinker; and, to always consider different perspectives. Also, Mr. Chiment for being a fun teacher who has inspired me to love economics. Lastly, Ms. Hill because she is an engaging teacher; I love her.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories at Laguna?

A: Playing coup in the 8th grade and also playing bonk in 6th grade with the same friend group as the people who played coup.

Q: If you could tell something to your kindergarten self, what would you say?

A: Not everything matters; but, start to pay attention to the things that might. What you think is a big deal when you are the ages of five to fifteen really does not impact your life past that. You got to move on and not let it impact the rest of it.

Q: Who made the biggest impact on you?

A: The person who made the biggest impact on me was Ms. Meredith Brace. She was my librarian from K through 4th. She taught me so many life lessons in terms of who I am and to stay true to myself.

Q: If you could tell something to your kindergarten self, what would you say?

A: Make sure you are keeping yourself busy with some sort of extracurricular, so you don’t focus all on school. You have time to enjoy doing a sport or other forms of art. Just do something like that to keep your creativity flowing.

Q: Who made the biggest impact on you?

A: Ms. Pointer because of her teaching style and how she could clearly explain her topics in chemistry.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories at Laguna?

A: I remember going on field trips with the entire class, and we still could fit in one of the small buses. We would sing the latest show songs that we were practicing with Ms. Rocca all the way to our destination.

Q: Who made the biggest impact on you?

A: Obviously, my twin sister, Alexia, has made the biggest impact on me. Outside of her, there are lots of teachers and students who all changed my life for the better. I couldn’t only choose one.

Q: Who made the biggest impact on you?

A: Ms. Steeber is one the most compassionate people that I have ever been around. She is so directly caring for every single student in a very special and different way, and she is not afraid to be abrasive and kinda mean in a way that’s very thoughtful and considerate. She encourages you to do better without making you feel lesser than or worse than.

Jayla Provance

Kendall Keshen

Spencer Hlavaty

Magdalena Amezaga

Alexia Acosta

Lucas Acosta

Noah Olorin

Gabriel Lea

Keanu Nakamura

’24 Senior Destinations

MONTANA

Montana State University - Buck Stoll

CALIFORNIA

UC Berkeley - Keanu Nakamura, Andreas McClintock, Lucia Camp, Lucy Wang, Charlie Shelton, John Mayfield

Claremont McKenna College - Spencer Hlavaty, Jayla Provance, Gabriel Lea

Scripps College - Sasha Drucker

Stanford University - Noah Olorin

Northeastern University (Oakland Campus)Jackson Baltes

University of San Diego - Paloma Lujan

Santa Clara University - Regina Lujan

Loyola Marymount University - Lyla Bollag

Santa Barbara City College - Phil Ittstein

Santa Monica City College - Jack Garcia

COLORADO

TEXAS

University of Colorado Boulder - Magdalena Amezaga

ILLINOIS

Loyola University

Southern Methodist University Bianchi, James Couvillion, Louis Sharpton, Ganden Walker WISCONSIN University

ABROAD: SCOTLAND

University of St. Andrews - Griffin Rick

MASSACHUSETTS

Harvard University - Jake Gidney

Northeastern University - Elyse Weaver, Aidan Cohen

Boston College - Drew Levinson

Clark University - Jesus Arriaga

NEW YORK

Pratt Institute - Alexia Acosta

Sarah Lawrence College - Grace Trautwein

University of Rochester - Eka Nayak

WISCONSIN

University of Wisconsin Madison - Cole Murphy

ILLINOIS

University Chicago - James Shiach

Fordham University - Cierra Nervo

MAINE

University - Natalie Louis Leclercq, Cole

Bates College - Kendall Keshen

PENNSYLVANIA

University of Pennsylvania - Lucas Acosta

Carnegie Mellon University - Owen Noble

Bucknell University - Mason Berg

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut College - Sarah Woodhouse

Wesleyan University - Amelie Dalporto

University of Connecticut - Nikki Mielcarek

VIRGINIA

University of Richmond - Christiana Cino

WASHINGTON, D.C.

American University - Dylan Charney

George Washington UniversityBrody McGonigle

GEORGIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

College of Charleston - Danica Damiani

Georgia Institute of Technology - Joshua Hansen

LOUISIANA

Tulane University - Tanner Murphy

FLORIDA

University of Miami - Lily Rice, Annika Firlik, Jordyn Garcia

Senior Quotes

Peers share special words for seniors in the graduating class of 2024.

PAGE by ADA GREEN

PHOTOS by SOFIA RAMIREZ, CHRISTIANA CINO & LUCY WANG

Alexia

Alexia is an amazing who blesses anyone she happens to come across. She is kind, honest, loyal, trustworthy, and so understanding, all characteristics which can be hard to find together in a single person. She is also an incredibly talented artist who is capable of anything. - Lyla

Lucas

Lucas is one of the most kind, caring, and compassionate people I know. He’s my favorite person to talk about everything and nothing with, or play stupid games during free periods with, and I am so grateful to be his friend. - Sasha

wonder how she did it all. I don’t know what I am going to do next year without her but I know she is going to thrive in college! - Mary

Jesus Jackson Mason Natalie

Jesus is objectively the best human being. He’s incredibly intelligent, constantly hilarious, wayyy too humble, and dashingly handsome to top it off. He always carries himself with kindness, both in his personal life and in his business dealings. I’m very glad to say he’s MY president (and my best friend.) - Owen

Jackson is an amazing person and brother. He brings humor, compassion and sometimes some good advice into my life. I am genuinely grateful to have him as a brother and enjoy the time we spend together.

- Bridger

Mason and his love for Blaze Pizza have fostered a great friendship, and I hope that he has a great time in college! - John

Natalie is the most bubbly and kind person I know. Her constant positivity and fun energy make her truly an amazing friend and great person. Beyond her outgoing attitude and sweet demeanor, she is a deeply caring person who I know will do great things. - Lily

Lyla

Lyla lives to explore and to experience. Lyla is kind, passionate, and loyal. They are thoughtful in every action and make me laugh at the smallest things. They are one of the constants I can count on and I’m so lucky to be their friend. And Lyla, it’s a raven. - Alexia

Lucia Dylan

Lucia has been my rock at Laguna since our very first day. She is one of the smartest and most dedicated people I know. She is truly an amazing person and I have so much love for her. Being the two new kids of junior year will forever have a place in my heart. - Christiana

Dylan is the only person I can talk to when, in the same conversation, we can move from listening to each other’s serious problems to debating ethics from completely different sides to laughing about something stupid and back again. I am always grateful for his dog Instagram reels and friendship that brighten my day. - Ada

Christiana James C.

The very first time I met Christiana, we hugged each other. Ever since then, she has always been there for me for advice, a laugh, or a spontaneous adventure. I am incredibly grateful for her, and anyone who gets to know her is blessed by her warmth, loyalty, and driven personality. - Milla

Amelie

Amelie’s gravitational pull and ability to draw people in lies in her compassionate and vivacious soul. Her magnetic presence and contagious laughter alone are enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. Whoever has the pleasure of meeting her in the future will be lucky to be in her orbit. -

Cierra

Aidan

When I first met Aidan he wore flip flops to school every day. Now, four years later, he wears real shoes and is one of the funniest, most genuine people I know. You never know what’s going to come out of his mouth and it makes every day 100 times more interesting. - Amelie

Danica and I started out as doubles partners for tennis, and ever since then, we have gotten closer every day. She is the type of friend who is always there for you no matter what and I know she will thrive wherever the future takes her!

- Caroline

James is the definition of a loyal friend. We’ve played football together since my freshman year and he has always been so welcoming and supportive. One thing I have always admired about James is how dedicated and devoted he is towards both the small and big things in life. - Mason

Noah is the most emotionally intelligent person I have ever known. His genuine academic and emotional curiosity makes him a beautiful actor, brilliant musician and poet, and the best friend to turn to when I need a smile, hug, or heartfelt advice. I can’t wait to see what he does at Stanford and beyond. - Ada

Sasha Jack

Everyone needs a Sasha in their lives: someone who is equally interesting and fun but also deeply passionate and thoughtful. Passing each other between class periods is easily the highlight of my day. Since freshman year, Sasha has been my person, and I can’t imagine it any other way.

- Cierra

Annika

Annika is such a sweet, kind, and caring friend. She never fails to make me laugh and can instantly brighten my day. Whether it’s a quick joke or a conversation, she always leaves a lasting impression.

- Jayla

As we fear for our lives, dive into the worlds of Roblox, share the fairways in a round of golf, and the scripts we’ve polished for auditions I see not just a friend, but a star destined to shine in the realm of acting. - Phil

Jordyn Jake Josh

Jordyn is quite easily one of the most genuine person I know. Her constant positive attitude never ceases to put a smile on my face. For as long as I’ve known Jordyn she has been someone I can go to for literally anything, ranging from advice, a good laugh or just somebody to talk to.

- James

Jake is one of those people who is so inherently smart, yet takes none of it for granted. He puts real time into his work and passions, and the results and insights associated with his explorations are always delightful and intriguing. Group projects with Jake are an rare delight. - Noah

Josh’s compassion and sincerity shine through in everything he does, from his words of encouragement to his acts of kindness. He creates a ripple of positivity, impacting the lives of everyone around him. I’m so grateful for his unwavering support and I know I can always count on him. - Jayla

Spencer Phil Kendall

Spencer is one of the most dedicated and loyal people I know. He has been my best friend since kindergarten and has always supported and encouraged me. His relentless work ethic and passion will ensure his success at Claremont McKenna, both on the field and in the classroom.

- Gabriel

Revving engines and offbeat humor, that’s Phil for you. In a world of straight roads, he takes the detours, racing cars and breaking norms. Here’s to burning rubber and swimming no hesi, because why blend in when you were born to stand out –preferably with a nice car. - Jack

Kendall is a passionate adventurer. As curious as George, she explores the world, seeking new experiences and embracing all opportunities to satisfy her adventurous spirit. Whether bushwhacking in Alaska or foraging fresh snow skiing, I can’t wait to see how this trailblazer takes on the world.

- Griffin

Gabriel

Gabriel is the definition of a day one friend. It’s safe to say we will always be close. Gabriel is such a hard working kid, always putting in the work in the classroom, the weight room, and the field. I can’t wait for our next chapter playing football together at Claremont, love you boy. - Spencer

Paloma

Paloma is someone who lights up a room no matter the situation. She is an amazing friend and one I know will always have my back. She puts her all into everything thing. I hope everyone gets to have a friend like Paloma to make them laugh and go on random adventures. - Natalie

Louis Drew

I want to start off by saying that Louis is a top tier brawl star player. Not only is he amazing himself, he pushes me every day to get more trophies. Overall Louis has an indescribable positive impact on the people he’s around, and there should now be a Louis day at Laguna Blanca. - Sam

I’ve known Drew for a very long time. The best way to describe him as a winner, not only in life. But sports betting and parlays he is anything but a beginner. Good luck with everything, thank you for all of the memories. - Tanner

Regina John

Regina is one of the most genuine people I know who never fails to put a smile on my face. Her positive, caring, outgoing, and overall optimistic outlook on life will undoubtedly lead her to a very bright

Though I may be lanky and lack skills in Rainbow Six Siege, I’ve mastered the art of dodging bullets and laughing at my own fails. Good luck in college. - Mason

Andreas Nikki

Andreas is an extremely intelligent, witty human being who brings a subtle sense of humor that is hard not to appreciate which, when coupled with his immense knowledge of a stereotypical STEM kid, makes him a great friend. He is indeed a big brain in a small package. - Dylan

moment. He’s smart, kind of funny and overall not a horrible person to spend time with. I’m looking forward to seeing where we end up next. - James

I have witnessed Nikki grow from a goofy middle schooler to a passionate soul. On the baseball court, painting for musicals, or a simple dive around town, she is one of the best people to have around. Thank you, Nikki, for being a part of my life. - Alexia

Cole M.

Cole is one of those guys you can always reach out to, always down to kick it, whether it late nights runs to get an Arnold Palmer jug, chilling in the jacuzzi listening to music, or watching shows late at night. Number 1 Tetris player in Santa Barbara, he is the goat ladies and gentlemen.

- Spencer

Eka

Eka is an outstanding student and friend.

Tanner Keanu

Tanner is one of the most out-of-pocket people I know and the type of friend you put the child lock on while driving. If you are ever in a sports game, you have heard him without a doubt. Tanner is loud, funny, and he is always there for you.

- Ganden

Owen

Owen, I’ve known you since fifth grade (gosh we’re old), and ever since you said “Hi.” I’ve never regretted a single moment of becoming your best friend. Your cool and relaxed demeanor is charming and influential, and your knowledge of games is intriguing. You’ve always been there for me. - Jesus

anywhere she goes! - Regina

Describing Griffin is a nigh-impossible task: the most flamboyantly dressed man at any dance, dedicated to medical research, and the bringer of banter with a bright, rainy Scottish future ahead of him. Griffin is a valuable member to both the academic and social community and I am fortunate to call him my friend! - Dylan

Without fail, I have played online chess with Keanu at lunch, every day of senior year. And, despite me losing 85% of our games with a Queen’s Pawn opening, these games are a break from the monotony of school schedules. Keanu makes me smile through his intellectuality and silliness.

- Noah

Jayla

Jayla is kindness in a bottle. She effortlessly brightens the days of those around her, whether it is through jokes or being a willing listener during hard times. I know that her combination of dedication, affection, and intelligence are sure to guide her to success through college and beyond.

- Josh

Cierra is my person, who I know will always understand me no matter what. I love all of our silent conversations and inside jokes, and she never fails to make me laugh. Simply being around Cierra is enough to brighten my day, and I love her so dearly. - Sasha

Charlie Cole S.

Cole is one of the kindest people I know and is always able to bring a smile to my face. I just know that he will have a bright future ahead of him wherever he ends up and I’m incredibly lucky to have him as a friend. - Jordyn

Charlie Sheldon is easily one of the funniest, smartest, and charismatic people without trying. He makes everyone around him smile no matter the circumstances and is a great all-around guy. His in-depth debates, drafts, and basketball talk are just one reason we all love Charlie. - Ganden

James S.

James is a close friend with infinite potential. I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish and do with is life. Bombocclat. - Brody

Buck Ganden

Buck is one of the funniest people I have ever met. He never fails to put a smile on others faces and I hope he has so much fun in Montana! - Daphne

Lucy

Lucy is the smartest person I know, in every way a person can be. She has such a strong sense of self, and bravery that inspires me every day. I love yapping away with her, or sitting silently on FaceTime as we parallel play. Lucy just gets it. - Grace

Grace

I don’t know how I would have survived high school without Grace. She is the brightest and yet the most humble person I know; her passion, intelligence, and mere presence bring out the best in those around her, and I am so lucky to have her as my best friend. - Lucy

Elyse

Elyse is not only an academic weapon, but she has been there for me through thick and thin. Don’t let her shyness fool you though, she is analyzing your every move. Be prepared her jokes might just pierce you in a way you can’t be ready for. She is my best friend. - Magz

Ganden is a very trustworthy person. You know at the end of the day that he is going to have your back and support you. - Drew

Sarah

Sarah is one of the funniest people I have met in my entire life. She is always the person I look toward when I crack a horrible joke just to see if I was able to make her laugh. She is an incredible person who I never fail to have fun with and has the sweetest heart. - Tallulah

Farewell to Our Teachers

As the year comes to a close, students and faculty alike say goodbye to three beloved teachers as they move onto their next chapters.

WORDS by ELYSE WEAVER & PHOTOS by JACKSON BALTES

Staci Richard

An integral part of the community for over two and a half decades, Staci Richard has had an immeasurable impact on students and faculty at Laguna. Richard’s work as the Science Department Chair and Science Research Program (SRP) Coordinator immensely contributed to Laguna’s STEM department.

“My time at Laguna has been incredibly rewarding. I could not have picked a better place to spend my teaching career. Laguna has given me the opportunity to grow as an educator and allowed me the freedom to try new things, develop new programs, and take on leadership roles,” Richard said.

Richard’s passion for SRP has provided numerous opportunities for her students to cultivate their areas of interest in meaningful ways.

“I believe Ms. Richard has had a positive impact on every one of her students’ lives. Her encouraging, helpful, and approachable nature makes her open to helping her students (or advisees) with any problems they are having,” junior Dylan Comis said, Richard’s advisee and second-year SRP student.

However, her influence extends far beyond SRP and her advisory.

“She’s not just a teacher; she’s a mentor, a guide, a beacon of inspiration, and most of all, a friend,” said senior and thirdyear SRP student Griffin Rick.

As well as an exemplar for her students, Richard has profoundly impacted her fellow STEM instructors.

“She has impacted the way I teach. She has made me a better person. She has been my confidante and she has been the person who I have trusted most in this community to give me advice on all portions of my life,” said chemistry instructor Katherine Pointer.

In the next chapter of her life, Richard will further pursue her current work with Santa Barbara Search and Rescue.

“I will continue being an active member of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue and will also explore some other opportunities in emergency response. I have deep respect for the work that Direct Relief does and would like to explore some potential opportunities there. I also know there are many opportunities in education and response work that are out there all over the world,” Richard said.

Her departure is emotional for many, but her colleagues and students wish her nothing but the best.

“I am excited for her and sad for me and sad for our community. She has been here for over 25 years providing wisdom and insight to the faculty and to her students, so–while I’m excited for this next chapter for her–I will miss her every day,” Pointer said.

Despite her absence on campus next year, Richard’s impact on Laguna will persist long after leaving.

“I’ve always been about ‘the people.’ I have had 24 years of meaningful relationships that have sustained me, motivated me, and made my work meaningful. I know that I will always be a part of the community,” Richard said.

Additional Appreciations

Staci, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the profound impact you’ve had on my life and the lives of so many others. Your unwavering support and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today.

- Griffin Rick ’24

Mr. Ellis, thank you for putting up all of us in Physics the last two years, and I hope you have fun and enjoy your future endeavors.

- Andreas McClintock ’24

Thank you, Ms. Steeber, for the light, care and thoughtfulness you’ve brought to Laguna and to your students. We appreciate you so very much! Gratias!

- Dylan Charney ’24

Bill Ellis

Although only in his second year at Laguna, Physics Instructor Bill Ellis’ effect on campus–whether that be his humorous conversation, passion for the sciences, or treats from out of the continent–is undeniable.

“Mr. Ellis was a great advisor--whether that be through keepings us motivated or feeding us candy. He is always invested in what we are talking about and makes conversations interesting,” senior Ganden Walker said.

Ellis’ next steps will allow him to pursue artistic passions he previously didn’t have the time to prioritize.

“I will take next year to follow forgotten interests, and to learn skills related to those. Initially, I will focus on digital art including cartoons, short animations and potentially video games. I have a long list of ideas kicking around that I want to make real and bring into existence,” Ellis said.

In his short time on campus, Ellis cultivated deep and meaningful relationships with both colleagues and students.

“What I will miss the most is the faculty, assorted lunchroom conversations unrelated to work, and the many talented, fun and creative students. I will also miss the beautiful campus layout, amazing landscaping and mountain views,” Ellis said.

His absence next year will be felt deeply within the Laguna community.

“Mr. Ellis has been a tremendous teacher, always being there to help me whenever needed, always putting his best foot forward, I know he will be successful in his future endeavors,” junior Davis Ohanian said.

Students and faculty give him well wishes as Ellis further develops his talents, even if they will miss his presence on campus.

“I had Mr. Ellis for both of the years he spent at Laguna. I really appreciated the care he put into his classes and the small snacks he would give us mid class. It’s really impressive to me that he has chosen to pursue his goals of becoming a digital artist. I wish Mr. Ellis the best of luck in his journey forward,” senior Aidan Cohen said.

Rose Steeber (and Tully)

Rose Steeber, 7-12 Academic Services Coordinator and Latin instructor, has cultivated close and supportive relationships with those taking her advanced Latin courses, colleagues and students in Academic Services.

“Ms. Steeber has been, more than anything, a constant source of positivity and compassion beyond the Latin classroom. She is extremely attentive to her students and knows how to support them, whether it be words of encouragement or postponing a homework assignment. Ms. Steeber’s care for her students has been emblematic of my experience at Laguna, as she is a constant reminder of how much thought the teachers here give, something I very much appreciate her for,” said senior Dylan Charney, who is currently taking Latin 5 Honors.

Known for her kindness and patience, Steeber’s guidance improves every aspect of her students’ lives.

“Every student that I’ve seen that comes and works with her always leaves knowing something–not just about whatever it is that she’s teaching them–whether it’s how to organize stuff, how to set your calendar, or how to translate this wacky line in Cicero, Riverdance, whatever it is they’re doing in Latin, but they always learn something more about who they are as people. That’s what makes a good teacher,” said Academic Services faculty Al Silva. Steeber, who is moving back to Long Island to her hometown, is excited to spend time with her family and sad to leave her beloved students and peers.

“I’m relieved to go back to family and be closer to my brother, and I have a niece and two nephews who I love dearly. But I’m also sad because I really, really love what I do, and I love who I do it with here,” Steeber said.

“I am sad to see Ms. Steeber leaving because she is so fundamental to the Laguna community. While I may be graduating this year, I wish my peers in the younger grades would have the opportunity, whether in Latin or not, to experience the compassion and humor Ms. Steeber brings to class and campus as a whole,” Dylan Charney said.  Steeber’s impact on the Language Department and Academic Services is immense, and her departure will affect many in the community. Despite their sadness, colleagues and students alike are excited for Steeber’s next chapter.

“I feel all the feels always. I feel sad, I feel happy, I feel happy that she’s going on to the next stage and that she’s going to have this opportunity to be with her family in a unique way back East.” Silva said.

#seniorinstagrams

PAGE by MAGDALENA AMEZAGA

Nikki snapping a selfie with her new shades.

Noah Olorin enjoying dinner with his family

James Shiach shows off his impressive catch.

Jayla Provance takes in the balcony views in China.

Grace Trautwein traveling in style on a Metro in Paris.

The Senior Epidemic

As they enter their second semester, seniors struggle to find the motivation to finish strong as AP tests and final grades approach.

Every year, an epidemic sweeps through the senior class and debilitates their desire to be in school. This epidemic is a disease known as “senioritis.”

“I would define senioritis as ‘an intense sense of urgency to get on with the rest of your life,’” senior Griffin Rick said.

At this point in the year, underclassmen and juniors still want to keep their grades up to appeal to colleges.

This is not the case for seniors who have already received college acceptance letters. After enduring four years of high school, second-semester seniors are more than ready to start a new life.

“Senioritis is definitely a real thing. The pressure of school gets to you after three and a half years of doing every thing you can to maintain your grades. It eventually gets to you because once you have been accepted into a college, the pressure to maintain your GPA seems to fade away,” senior Cole Mur phy said. “I am not saying that you should fully give up on school, but the pressure and need to have straight As are no longer there.”

Undoubtedly, grades are still import ant to maintain after college acceptanc es, but that does not spark incentive within burnt-out seniors.

“I don’t feel like I should be spending my time at high school anymore; I have been accepted to my top schools, and I have a few new projects outside of school that are, frankly, more interesting to me, so now, the majority of my workload is outside of school,” Griffin said.

Teachers tend to pile on assignments

WORDS by CHRISTIANA CINO ART by DIONNE PETERSON

during the second semester, especially in AP courses.

While it is understandable to prepare students for the AP exams, seniors lack the motivation to take the exams at the end of the year because they do not matter as much as they once did.

“I have no incentive at all to take final exams like the AP tests. I will likely be attending a school in the U.K., which doesn’t allow me to transfer any credits from the College Board, so I will already have to take general chemistry and biology again at university. There is no reason for me to study hard for a month and a half to take these tests,” Griffin said.

For the majority of students, getting good grades is only a priority because they want to get into a good college.

teenagers’ lives in terms of homework and class time.

It is challenging to navigate a life where one can maintain strong academics, participate in extracurricular activities, have a social life, and pursue hobbies.

Because of this, the “best years of your life” are devoted to school instead of one’s social life outside of school.

Once students achieve the goal of receiving a college acceptance letter that they have spent three and a half years working toward, seniors want to immerse themselves in the rest of their high school lives for the little time they have left.

“I was lucky to have gotten into University of St Andrews with an unconditional offer in early November, even though I am not going. This relieved the pressure to maintain my grades and allowed me to spend more time with my friends and family, enjoy my high school time and not freak out if I got a B in Spanish class or AP Statistics,”

“Senioritis is when seniors can finally take a break from the constant pressure of high school because they have been accepted into college.”

The Duping Dilemma

As “dupes” grow in popularity, questions emerge about the ethical implications behind some of the products.

PAGE

by DIONNE PETERSON & SOFIA RAMIREZ

For a fraction of the listed price, a nearly exact copy of the currently popular Dior Lip Glow Oil––a top wish list item–was discovered on platforms other than Sephora.

“Dupes,” short for duplicates, are circulating around social media platforms as products that function and appear similar to high-end brand items, yet cost significantly less.

In 2021, popular drug store cosmetic brand e.l.f. set social media on fire with their newest product, the Power Grip Primer. This primer was without a doubt a direct knockoff of the

The counterfeit goods market has been around for a while, growing alongside consumerist culture. Despite its illegality, you can spot counterfeits of revered designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel being sold in large cities such as Los Angeles and New York.

An influx of off-brand items boomed during the 1970s when denim brand Levi’s prices skyrocketed due to their growing popularity. Consumers began looking for a cheaper alternative and producers responded with counterfeits of the Levi jeans.

modern brands have taken up this practice and found a way to appeal to the public.

“When contemplating buying a dupe as opposed to the real thing you should definitely consider which products are being made with ethical practices and how that affects the price,” Tallulah said.

Similarly to e.l.f, clothing brand Shein rose to fame due to their low prices, offering a cheaper alternative to high-end designs. However, since their initial popularity, their reputation has been tarnished and their sales have

Electric Vehicles vs. Gas Cars

California’s commitment to switching to zero-emission by 2035 sparked debates about the pros and cons of EVs (electric vehicles) compared to traditional gas-powered cars.

WORDS by JULES LECLERCQ

Pros of Electric Vehicles:

Environmental Impact:

Unlike gas cars, which emit harmful pollutants, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions when powered by electricity that is generated from renewable sources like solar or wind energy.

Efficiency:

Electric motors are inherently more efficient than internal combustion engines since they convert a higher percentage of energy from the battery into forward motion. This translates into improved energy efficiency and lower operating costs for EV owners.

Especially with the outrageous gas prices, refueling electric vehicles can cost essentially nothing, whereas refueling gas-powered cars can take over $100 depending on the price, tank size, and model of the vehicle.

“I considered buying an EV car simply because I live far away from the school, and especially with gas prices right now it was a cheaper option,” junior Danica Rux said.

Driving Experience:

EVs are known for their smooth and quiet operation, providing a quiet driving experience with instant torque delivery and responsive acceleration.

“When I drove the Tesla for the first time, I found the car extremely easy to maneuver and corner,” junior Hayden Abeysekera said.

Lower Operating Costs

With gas prices skyrocketing in California, EVs tend to be cheaper to operate than gas cars due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses.

“With gas prices that have risen over $5 a gallon, I wanted something that would be fuel efficient, or in this case, electricity efficient,” Hayden said.

Cons of Electric Vehicles:

Cost:

While EV operating costs are cheaper in the long run, the initial purchase price of electric vehicles tends to be higher than that of gas cars, which is a big deterrent to people.

Carbon Emissions:

Contrary to popular belief, EVs actually produce more carbon emissions in the short term than gas-powered vehicles.

Carbon emissions from producing lithium batteries can emit up to five times more carbon dioxide than producing cars with gasoline engines, especially if the energy used in the process is not from clean sources.

Limited Range and Charging Infrastructure:

While modern EVs offer increasingly longer ranges, they still fall short of the convenience provided by gas-powered cars, especially for long-distance travel and road trips.

“One of the significant qualms with EVs is the all-electric range and the need for charging stations beyond the home. A traditional (internal combustion engine) checks the boxes I find essential—consistency and convenience,” Social Science Instructor Kevin Guay said.

Water Usage:

Extracting one ton of lithium requires about 500,000 liters of water, leading to water scarcity in the areas around the mines. The process can also result in pollution of local water sources, which may affect both human health and local ecosystems.

Waste:

The recycling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries raise environmental and logistical challenges; the current recycling infrastructure is not yet fully equipped to handle the growing volume of spent EV batteries.

Brain Chips: A Digital Dystopia

Elon Musk’s

unveiling

of

his implantable brain–chip

computer interface raised

speculation

on whether technological advancements are leading us to a future resembling the dystopian genre.

In our day in age, we are used to quick advancements in technology. Smartphones and TVs become more accommodating each year, and VR [virtual reality] spaces and AI developments are exceptionally more realistic.

Every technological development has both pros and cons. In many instances, the pros are greater, and we are left with an array of devices that benefit our society.

“When people imagine dystopian technologies, they may think of the flying car gone wrong, the murdering robot barista, and the detrimental VR universe,” senior Jake Gidney said. “But removing the qualifiers from this list, we get: flying car, robot barista, and VR universe.”

While technological progress comes with positive advancements in the sciences, such as more surgical robots and fast communication devices, there are also dangers to the speed of our progress.

Founded in 2016, Elon Musk

WORDS by CIERRA NERVO

ART by DIONNE PETERSON

signed to let you control a computer or mobile device anywhere you go.”

When put into perspective, a brain chip that connects a person’s mind to their computer possesses an eerily resemblance to dystopian technology that authors and directors warned their audiences about.

The dystopian and sci-fi TV series “The 100,” for example, presents a brain chip similar in appearance to Neuralink, which takes on the role of the dangerous device that warps the mind of its host.

In literature and film, dystopian societies are typically depicted as attempts to advance globally, yet they end up creating societal flaws due to irresponsible usage of technology.

Comparing Neuralink to fictional technologies may seem like a stretch, however, the dystopian genre acts as a cautionary tale of real-life possibilities.

“Many texts and shows such as Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One”, M.T. Anderson’s “Feed,”

Trek’s “Holodeck” all evoke [dystopian] concepts,” Head of Upper School and former English instructor Anna Alldredge said.

While Musk’s plans to wirelessly connect the human mind to computers reflects the human condition to explore and expand the scientific world, the implants’ dystopian similarities highlights the need to thoroughly address all pros and cons before further development in technology.

Musk’s implant is not the only new design that resembles dystopian technology. In early 2024, Disney publicly announced a kinetic floor mat that allows a person to walk in place at any direction and speed.

Apple then released a VR headset, allowing its users to “blend digital content with physical space,” according to Apple. Both technologies resemble similarities to “Ready Player One,” a dystopian novel and movie that emphasizes harmful futurism and virtual

The risks that follow futuristic technology could very well outweigh the benefits if we do not slow down our development process. The necessity to sit and think about the longterm effects of creating such technology could prevent us from overstepping the barrier that separates dystopian literature and the

“These cautionary tales give us a roadmap for how societal evolution, even with the best of intentions, can potentially go drastically wrong,” Alldredge said.

Do You Read the Label?

Artificial

additives and dyes in our food are a growing concern in America.

WORDS by MILLA HIRSCH

ART by MILLA HIRSCH & OWEN NOBLE

Red 40. Yellow 5. Yellow 6. These three petroleum-based artificial dyes account for 90% of the dyes used in foods in America. These dyes are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the coloring of processed foods and are found in nearly every store-bought snack.

What comes to mind when reading the ingredient Red 40?

“It evokes images of scientists in lab oratories with boiling beakers of manmade chemicals that have nothing to do with real-world organic ingredients,” said Math and Science of Food Instruc tor Grant Macnaughton.

The labels of almost every manufactured or processed food item in a grocery store is flooded with unnatural additives and ingredients such as Monosodium glutamate (MSG), high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and xanthan gum.

“Recently, I have been checking the labels on my food, just out of cu riosity. It’s definitely a little bit alarm ing when I come across ingredients I can’t pronounce, but, at the same time, almost every single food has weird pre servatives, flavorings, or dyes, and it’s hard to evade them all,” junior Sydney Fisher said.

Popular cereals like Fruity Pebbles and Apple Jacks don’t actually contain fruits, rather synthetic fruit flavorings.

Heinz ketchup contains high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, even though excess of high-fructose corn syrup is linked to obesity, type two diabetes, and health problems.

precautions of Yellow No. 5 in 1969 and red No. 40 in 1971 and do not require the pre-approved dyes to be reassessed, even though the approvals are far outdated.

In the U.K., Fanta orange soda is colored with pumpkin and carrot extracts, while the U.S. version uses Red 40 and Yellow 6. Some U.S. brands are adapting to use natural food colorings as opposed to lab-made dyes. For example, beets in replacement of red dyes; however it is cheaper and more accessible for corporations to opt for artificial additives

Should you be buying cereal, condiments, even chips, that have ingredients you can’t even pronounce?

“As a dad, I definitely want to be more conscious of what my kids are consuming.

“One of the things I try to make students more aware of is being able to look through an ingredient list for a product and to try to question why that ingredient is present. Macnaughton said.

“Is the unpronounceable ingredient an emulsifier, a preservative, a flavoring, or a coloring?”

In the 1970s, pediatrician Benjamin Feingold tested a theory that showed when hyperactive children were put on a diet free of artificial food additives and dyes, their hyperactive tendencies reduced.

In April 2021, a California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) human study found that synthetic food dye consumption can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children.

The FDA last reviewed the safety

“I remember arriving in America 16 years ago and being weirded out by how bright the processed food was, especially cereal. Clearly it is more soothing to think that coloring is coming from natural, organic sources rather than artificial. It makes me wonder what guidelines an international body like the U.N. have to say about this,” Macnaughton said.

Often, the brands that do opt for natural alternatives are sold at a much higher price than the junkfood classic, and they are only available at limited grocery stores.

“I definitely try to opt for snacks that are naturally flavored, but there are certain flavors that are hard to recreate naturally. There are a lot of healthier spin offs on popular snacks, but most of them aren’t able to capture the original snack’s flavor,” Sydney said.

The reality is, most people don’t read the label before buying food.

“I don’t really read the label. I kind of already know what is in the things I am buying before I buy them, but if it’s something new and artificial I’ll take a peek,” senior Griffin Rick said.

It up to the FDA to reassess the safety of synthetic additives so the research is up to date, and decide whether or not to regulate artificial additives.

ro perfume mists. Infused with fragrances like coconut, vanilla, and florals, these scents will bring memories of sandy beaches, sunny afternoons, and salt air.

Cooling Water Jelly Tint: Your summer glow essential! Chill and hydrate for effortless beauty.

Chill on the beach with Emily Henry’s “Happy Place”! Set in a Maine beach house, it’s the perfect summer read about a broken-up couple navigating

Stay cool this summer with Sun Bum sunscreen! It’s your go-to for ultimate sun protection and that perfect summer scent.

For beach days, grab your essential sunglasses! Ray Ban and Oakley offer unbeatable comfort and protection against the bright sun.

Capture memories with a vintage vibe using disposable cameras! Perfect for physical photo albums or wall displays, they offer a quick and easy way to shoot film.

BY DIONNE PETERSON &SOFIA RAMIREZ

SHOGUN

A deep dive into the cultural, religious and historical context present in FX’s reimagining of “Shogun.” “

Shōgun” is a literary classic and an internationally bestselling novel written in 1975 by James Clavell.

The book was adapted into a television series in 1980, where it became the most-watched show on NBC ever, with over 32.9% of television households watching the story.

“Shōgun,” set in the early 1600s, follows John Blackthorne, an English sailor left stranded in Japan after losing his ship. Japan is on the brink of war between a council of reagents appointed to rule until the young emperor is of age. And John must leverage his knowledge as the first Protestant outsider in Japan to make allies and enemies amid Catholic Portuguese domination,” sophomore Robie Polos said.

The remake of “Shōgun,” produced by FX, is not just told through an outsider’s perspective. Instead, it unveils the rich world and society of feudal Japan through immersion.

The cast includes Japanese actors and a few Western actors. “Shōgun” takes place in the Sengoku Period (warring states) in Japan’s history, far from the more Westernized perspective; because of this, some aspects of the story and culture can be judged too quickly.

“The strict hierarchy and importance placed on honor might be hard for some viewers to understand; for example, a character in the first episode almost kills himself to avoid drowning, and in a later episode, a man is killed simply because the protagonist said so (although he didn’t think he would be taken seriously)” Robie said.

Death was viewed differently in

WORDS by NICCOLO D’AGRUMA ART by LUCY WANG

feudal Japan, where practices such as Seppuku (ritual suicide) were common. The show is filled with it, which comes as a shock to viewers due to the difference between Western and Eastern views of death.

Most of the modern world has adopted a Western moral compass; this societal trend is viewed as superior and does not leave room for diverse perspectives.

“[Instead] morality, or what’s consid ered right or wrong, changes dramat ically when observed through diverse perspectives. In feudal Japan, a strict code of honor and pride extended far beyond personal preference or the individual. While it was not isolated to the samurai class of warriors, most envisioned a rigid system that shunned cowardice and emphasized character and bravery.

“Most Western Europeans and those of European descent look to Christianity to guide their moral compass, which differs significant ly from Japanese Shinto roots and Buddhist practices during the feudal era,” Social Science Instructor Kevin Guay said.

“Shōgun” challenges Westerners’ preconceived notions and biases, help ing individuals broaden their horizons and understanding of different places and cultures.

“In terms of culture, I learned about how Japanese politics worked at the time; I didn’t know how the system of provinces and lords worked. I also learned about religion and history. I knew that Christianity was brought to Japan around the 1500s, but I didn’t know that the Portuguese brought it

and that they kept Japan a secret from the rest of Europe to trade,” Robie said.

Another thing that sets Clavell’s book away from others is how he depicts language barriers between

Why Pick Chicks?

Chicken owners on campus share what makes their flocks so special.

WORDS & PHOTOS by LUCIA CAMP ART by DIONNE PETERSON

Why should you raise chickens? Chickens supply fresh eggs, are relatively low maintenance, and have quirky personalities, making them fun pets.

Most Santa Barbara chicken owners choose to purchase baby chicks in the spring. Chicks usually grow up in a box under the warmth of a heat lamp, which simulates the natural process and prevents them from freezing.

Once they have developed enough, one can introduce the chicks to their coop or the rest of their brood (slowly).

“It’s a spring ritual. Even once our daughters went to college, they still orchestrate us going to Island Seed and Feed and FaceTime to chose the chicks,” said English Instructor Ashley Tidey, who has had chickens for 11 years.

With tiny chicks, it is a gamble which will be hens and which will be roosters.

Hens are usually peace ful company and supply eggs. If you live in a residential area, a rooster will not be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

the at-home chicken farmer may be shocked when their hens stop laying for the winter.

“It depends on the weather; if it’s cold, they completely stop laying. When it’s warm, we get a lot of eggs,” said senior Sarah Woodhouse, a proud owner of three chickens.

A novice farmer might expect to reap an abundance of eggs immediately, but maximizing egg potential is a careful balance that takes time to perfect.

“We get a lot of eggs from our chickens. We probably have a bin of 50 eggs right now. I used to sell the eggs to our neighbors, and I would make over $70 a week when we had 20 chickens. Now we probably get 8-12 eggs a day,” said junior Jules Leclercq, who tends to 15 chickens.

The reasons why people choose to have chickens span beyond egg output. Chickens have unique personalities and make entertaining pets.

when they look the same,” Jules said. “I thought I would have a favorite chicken, but instead, there are just some that

I do like and some that I don’t like.”

Roosters can also cause chaos in the coop, attacking hens, disrupting the social hierarchy, and providing an uninvited early morning wake-up call.

“We have had one rooster out of 15 hens. The average is one in 10. We gave away our rooster, Duck, to someone with land in Santa Ynez,” Tidey said.

One common misconception among those eager to raise chickens is the promise of “year-round” eggs.

While industrial-grade egg production continues year-round, even in climates as even-keeled as Santa Barbara,

“They are funky little animals and fun to observe,” Sarah said.

Some families even enjoy picking out specific breeds of chickens because of their aesthetics or character traits.

“We like to get our chicks in pairs. The birds that look like each other stick together and behave like siblings.

“Chickens act differently depending on the breed. We love the Buff Orpingtons because they are so sweet, ” Tidey said.

The Buff Orpington is a golden orange chicken which tends to be larger in size and is known for its friendly disposition.

“Chickens have personalities. Some are mean and don’t like me. I have names for a few of the chickens, but it’s hard to maintain names

Having fewer chickens may make it easier to name them and appreciate each distinct personality.

“One of them is named Oorla because she has such a unique personality. The others are Big Red and John (Johnny as a nickname),” Sarah said.

While having fewer chickens will allow you to get to know them better and appreciate their individual personalities, having more chickens will give you more eggs and insurance against predators.

Chicken’s natural composting power and eco friendliness is another reason why they are a practical investment.

“We feed them our composted food. We have a big family, so we have a lot of scraps which keep them well fed,” Jules said.

Another way chickens

can contribute to the overall health of your backyard is by allowing them out of their coop to graze on bugs and other garden menaces while fertilizing the soil.

“The costs are building the coop and getting the chickens all situated. After

that, they are pretty self-sufficient,” Jules said.

A simple model for housing your birds is to purchase a wooden chicken house where they can be secure for the night and then constructing an outdoor enclosure around that from metal wire so the chickens can enjoy the daylight.

Besides their outdoor dwelling, chickens differ most from other pets in regards to their unpredictable life spans.

patterns, it may also significantly impact order in the coop; one must keep a careful eye on hens to ensure that they are safe and healthy.

This includes coop inspection to confirm that there are no openings in the sides or under your coop where pesky predators could enter.

“We started with six chickens, and now we have three because of attacks,” Sarah said.

One of the most challenging parts of maintaining chickens in Santa Barbara is protecting them from wild animals like coyotes, mountain lions, and bears.

“There’s a black bear that lives in the Toro Canyon area. It is infamous for eating chickens in the area,” Jules said. “Because of the bear and coyotes, we

have unpredictable life spans and chicken owners must prepare for their flock numbers to fluctuate.

“Chickens can live from two to 12 years, so there is a lot of life and death that one experiences,” Tidey said.

Some of Tidey’s older chickens have lived long enough to watch her daughters grow up.

“It’s a spring ritual. Even once our daughters went to college, they still orchestrate us going to Island Seed and Feed and FaceTime to chose the chicks.”

- Ashley Tidey

While it is common for chickens to die very young from factors like bird diseases and sudden changes in weather

reinforced our chicken coop, but the bear still broke through and fully decimated them.”

Because they live outside, chickens

“We have a family ritual for chicken funerals. We place each chicken in a casket and draw pictures of them on the top.”

The process of raising chickens has left such a deep impact on Tidey’s family that her daughter, Francis, wrote about the role of her chickens in her life for her college essay.

“It is a bonding experience to get the birds and track their life cycles. It teaches kids about the life cycle and how to deal with death.”

Chickens dig for snacks after a spring rain

Baby chicks stay warm by huddling together

A bantam Hamburg and Black Australorp hen

Fresh eggs ready to be gathered.

á la mode - packing for college

A minimalistic approach for students beginning to pack their bags for the fall.

WORDS and PHOTOS by MILLA HIRSCH

One concern flutters as the seniors prepare to graduate high school and embark on new adventures: packing for college. Each student will head to different regions and universities–to other cities, climates, and community atmospheres. They must pack their necessities into boxes and bags to be shipped off.

For some who have only known the warm, dependable weather and laid-back style of Santa Barba ra, a move to a new climate will be a tough adjustment, especially if it’s a switch from sun to snow.

“Connecticut is pretty cold in the winter; it gets a fair amount of snow, so I think I’ll for sure have to adjust, and I’ll probably buy some puffers or some thing,” senior Sarah Woodhouse said.

Many students choose to pack everything with them for college; however, bringing all your belongings, especially clothes, will quickly fill the confined, often shared, dorm space. So what is the solution?

bags to avoid de-cluttering your future dorm space that you’re lugging.

Using a mix of the famous Marie Kondo method, asking yourself, “Does it spark joy?” and a newer concept of a capsule wardrobe, packing, unpacking, and maintaining order will become much more manageable.

A capsule wardrobe is the concept of keeping a minimal collection of classic

be my Dior b23 high tops… then my brown worker Converse, lots of black, white, and gray shirts, and jeans. I plan to find outerwear in thrift stores or other resellers, so I don’t have to pack a lot of clothes with me. I also love to layer up since it adds a lot of depth to an outfit, but since the weather is both sunny and cold, it can be inconsistent,” senior Jack Garcia said.

The key to a minimal, or capsule, robe starts with basics that can be layered and worn throughout every season— all pieces that can be neutral and styled together—such as a reliable pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater.

It is imperative to narrow down the contents of your suitcases, boxes, and

Even with strict minimalistic packing practices, it is still important to pack personal essentials, whether a childhood teddy bear or a lucky football jersey.

“One of my essential pieces would

“Honestly, I just like the basic blue jeans and a white top with either a zip-up or a hoodie. I have an extensive hoodie collection. If it’s cold, I’ll definitely need them all,” Sarah said.

Once the basics are covered, there’s the element of finding fun pieces that spark joy. Here is a starter guide for a capsule wardrobe:

What’s in Season?

Insights into teachers’ experiences in farm-to-table.

Gardening is a popular recreational activity, and a way to be more environmentally conscious consumers. Academic Service proctor Vera Grigorian prides herself on her own flourishing garden.

“Last November, I decided I wanted a vegetable garden. I went to the nursery and I picked out all kinds of vegetables that would grow over the wintertime in Santa Barbara. I took my old tomato cages and turned them upside down, in order to grow snow peas, regular peas, and green beans. They climbed beautifully on the tomato cages.”

Grigorian loves her garden and she enjoys working with all types of plants. She values farming as a skill that needs to be learned through trial and error.

“The important part is you have to go get soil amendment, and you have to dig it in, to the regular dirt, so you can’t have pure soil amendment, and you can’t have pure dirt, you mix them. The other trick in the garden is you need to space the plants. The plants fool you because they are so tiny.”

On the other hand, Grant Macnaughton, Personal Finance and Food Science Instructor, is not as proficient in gardening as Grigorian.

“The garden was never going to be something that would make us self-sufficient in terms of fruits and vegetables. Two rea-

sons why it wasn’t crazy successful: one, I’m not particularly green-fingered, and the maintenance of it was not a top priority; and the second one, two dogs just ate them. It was more like a lesson for our kids about where food comes from. The lessons that we could give the kids in terms of growing our own vegetables and fruit were really worthwhile, and it was great for them to see how much effort really goes into it. One of the big takeaways, which is a big thing we look at in seventh grade, is water usage. The majority of the water usage in the U.S. goes to agriculture.”

Water usage and conservation is always a major concern in California because of the rampant drought the state had throughout the years.

California Department of Water Resources suggests installing more water-efficient appliances, planting drought-tolerant plants, and watering plants in the early morning.

The practice of gardening is a mindful process and learning experience.

Many people within the Santa Barbabra community, like Grigorian and Macnaughton, grow their own plants while others support local farmers’ crops.

“People truly want to eat local, they really do. They truly want to do the right thing in terms of carbon footprint. In terms of seasonality people seek it in their restaurant choices.

“I know in England it has been a huge trend and has been for a long time that the ingredients listed include their origin, down to the farm it came from. It’s a real badge of honor to say that it came from ‘X Farm,’ it came from ‘Y Farm.’

And people know those people. And it makes them feel like they’re contributing toward their local community and their local economy, Macnaughton said.

WORDS by LYLA BOLLAG & ALEXIA ACOSTA

PHOTO by ALEXIA ACOSTA

A story intertwined in the very fabric of America’s sports identity, the men’s and women’s March Madness Tournaments constitute extreme chaos, pride, and disappointment as improbable scenarios continue to occur and as stars emerge

tality of the season.

On the other side of the court, led by Zach Edey, a deep Boilermakers squad was looking to make noise and win a title just a year after being embarrassingly upset in the first round of the tournament. When the Huskies and Boilermakers stepped on the court, the competition had just begun. Purdue continued to connect shots, and their offense flawlessly ran through Edey, who dominated the floor with his 7’4” stature.

However, the Boilermakers’ offensive efficiency was no match for the scoring prowess of the Huskies. Featuring a dominant performance by projected lottery pick Stephon Castle, the Huskies continued to outscore the Boilermakers, attaining a dominant win de-

spite Edey’s thirty-seven points on over fifty percent shooting.

“After watching the tournament, I think UConn deserved to win,” girls basketball coach Charlie Aslesen said. “They were not overly reliant on one person, despite having some phenomenal players. Their game plan was predicated on team defense and team offense, which is becoming more and more rare in the US basketball realm.”

Although both teams featured some of the best 3-point shooters in the country, the traditional big man tandem of Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan dominated the tournament from both sides of the bracket, a rarity in the modernity of today’s game. Winning back-to-back championships, Hurley and his Huskies continue to pump out NBA first-round draft picks, cementing themselves as a perennial power in men’s basketball.

Landing the 7th best recruiting class in the country, the Huskies are looking to reload for the 24-25 season.

“It’s really been crazy to see the success of Connecticut this year, and I’m so happy to see another championship,” Michael Wang ‘23 said. “As a former basketball player, it’s really incredible to see high-level basketball being played all the way across the country.”

NC State’s Cinderella Run + Improbability Caitlin Clark’s Inspiration on Women’s Basketball

In accordance with the magic of March, North Carolina State’s run into the Final Four was unprecedented. However, it didn’t just start in March. Hitting a game-tying 3-point shot in the Atlantic Coastal Conference tournament semifinal, the Wolfpack survived, winning in overtime. The Wolfpack then went, to qualify for a bid into the tournament, winning their 4th straight elimination game. “Going into March Madness as an 11th seed, I didn’t see NC State as a threat,” junior Ethan Carrington said.

Finishing their regular season with a relatively disappointing record of 26-15 and expected to lose in the Round of 64 to a tough Texas Tech team, the Wolfpack managed to win, led by forward DJ Burns.

“DJ is a leader on and off the court. He has incredible footwork for his size.” Ethan said.

This “Cinderella run” continued, with the tandem of DJ Horne and DJ upsetting two-seed Marquette in the Sweet Sixteen. The Wolfpack took over social media, garnering millions of impressions. This win exploded all over social media and all eyes were on NC State.

“I think the run has given great exposure to the NC State athletics program as both the men’s and women’s teams made a final-four appearance,” Wang said.

After upsetting Duke in the Elite 8, the Wolfpack unfortunately fell to the Purdue Boilermakers. However, it is doubtful that such a run will ever leave the mind of college basketball fans.

The incredulous nature of March Madness can also be identified in “Cinderella runs,” through teams such as Oakland University. Stars such as Jack Golkhe, who single-handedly upset the Kentucky Wildcats in the first round of the tournament, received internet fame, and in conjunction with DJ Burns, capitalized on various marketing opportunities through the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness program.

Caitlin Clark, considered to be a generational talent, is a women’s college basketball player for the University of Iowa. Averaging more than thirty points per game, Clark is a lethal shooter who can spot-up anywhere on the floor. Clark’s greatness has not only allowed for widespread recognition of her complete game, but it has facilitated a tremendous surge in media coverage of women’s basketball around the country. In accordance with Clark, Connecticut star Paige Bueckers has steadily established herself as a household name.

“I’m really hopeful about the future of women’s basketball, especially with stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers soon to be playing in the WNBA,” said Nikki Mielcarek, the captain of the girls’ basketball team. “Their presence will keep making women’s basketball more popular.”

In accordance with the success of these collegiate players, sitting at six feet tall and 150 pounds, Clark is considered a “big guard” who features an incredibly diverse skill set. “Caitlin Clark is such an amazing inspiration, especially for young girls.

There wasn’t as much spotlight on standout women’s basketball players when I started playing,” Nikki said.

However, it’s not all positive. Media controversy surrounding the LSU basketball team created a media frenzy, especially around Coach Kim Mulkey and Angel Reese. Reese, famed for her physical style of play, receives tremendous criticism due to such a persona.

Although Reese and the LSU Tigers were defeated by Clark in the semifinals of the tournament this year, their dynastic tendencies will not be forgotten, as the Tigers are already an AP top fix preseason team. With the return of Paige Bueckers, the emerging stardom of Juju Watkins for the USC Trojans, and the ever present dominance of South Carolina, women’s collegiate basketball is in good hands for years to come.

The Masters Tournament is a 72-hole, four-day golf tournament held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

WORDS by MASON SIEGEL & JULES LECLERCQ

ART by OWEN NOBLE

The Masters golf tournament is one of the world’s most prestigious sports tournament because of its long history and distinguished past.

Beginning in 1934, golf legend Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts wanted to bring golf into a one-of-a-kind experience. The purpose of the tournament was not only for players to compete for prize money, but also to win a coveted green jacket, which was considered a symbol of prestige.

The first-ever Masters Tournament was conducted at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia in the month of April. Horton Smith took the first win in 1934, with a score of 284 over 72 holes, which is four shots lower than the number of strokes a skilled golfer would be expected to make. Since then, the acclaimed tournament remains an annual tradition in the first week of April.

The tradition of the green jacket, although beginning with the members at the Augusta National Club to identify themselves as patrons, became symbolic of the Masters through Sam Snead. Winning the Masters a total of three times, he became closely associated with the iconic green jacket.

Now, each victor of the Masters receives a green jacket, and they may hold onto it for a year before returning it to Augusta’s clubhouse. The jacket signifies membership in the elite group of Masters winners.

Throughout the years, the Masters contributed to some of the most iconic moments in golf, from Jack Nicklaus’ legendary comeback win in 1986 to 21-year-old Tiger Woods’ historic triumph in 1997.

“In 2005 I saw Tiger Woods make 7 birdies in a row over the course of two days. It was incredible,” said Physical Ed-

ucation Instructor, volleyball coach, and avid golfer Jason Donnelly.

Augusta National, the venue of the Masters, has a reputation for its exquisite greens and hard-to-get-by layout.

The Masters’ timeless traditions and thrilling moments connect its rich past to the excitement of the present Masters.

The 2024 Masters Tournament unfolded with all the drama and enthusiasm that fans come to expect from one of golf’s most prestigious events.

This year’s tournament was especially anticipated, as seasoned veterans such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson faced off against a new generation of rising stars, including Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa.

Each round brought its own share of thrills and surprises, like Bryson Dechambeau, formerly number four in the world, led his first Masters with a low score of 65 on the first day.

One of the defining moments of the tournament came during the final round, when Ludvig Aberg, a Masters newcomer from Sweden, made a double-bogey, meaning that Scotty Scheffler, who currently holds the number one ranking in the world, a four-shot lead going into the back nine holes.

This pivotal moment shifted the momentum of the tournament and set the stage for a suspenseful conclusion.

In the end, Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, as Scheffler made his four-foot putt on the last hole to secure his second green jacket which are levels not seen since the prime of Tiger Woods.

Sheffler’s win will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in his illustrious golf career, as he endeavors to win more and more major tournaments.

Senior Captains

The senior captains of spring sports share their goals for the rest of the season and beyond.

PAGE by CHRISTIANA CINO

Boys Tennis: Mason Berg

Q: How long have you been playing your sport?

A: “I’ve been playing tennis for six years.”

Q: What does being captain mean to you?

A: “Being a captain means that I can help the newer players in the sport be better so they can eventually be captains.”

Q: Is being a captain something you’ve worked towards throughout your high school career?

A: “No, but I got there because I was the only senior on the team.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about your sport?

A: “My favorite thing about tennis is I can play by myself and not have to have a team lift me up or drag me down.”

Q: What will you miss the most about your sport in college?

A: “I hope to play tennis in college, so I hope I won’t miss anything. But if I can’t then it would just be not being able to play the sport I’m good at, which would be disappointing.”

Girls Beach Volleyball: Sarah Woodhouse and Natalie Bianchi

Q: How long have you been playing your sport?

Sarah: “I’ve been playing beach volleyball since freshman year.”

Natalie: “I have been playing beach volleyball since sophomore year.”

Q: What does being captain mean to you?

Sarah: “It means supporting the team and just making sure everyone is happy with the sport, because I know what it feels like to not be.”

Natalie: “Being a captain means making sure everyone is in high spirits whether it is in practice or a game and making sure everyone works together and is ready to play.”

Q: Is being a captain something you’ve worked towards throughout your high school career?

Sarah: “I don’t think it was necessarily, ‘I need to be captain my senior year, but I wanted to work towards it, so it was more of an honor and accomplishment.”

Natalie: “Since I wasn’t expecting to play volleyball at first, no, but through the years and since I started playing, yes, I wanted to work towards being a captain.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about your sport, and what will you miss most about it in college?

Sarah: “I feel like I’ll miss winning and playing pick-up games for fun. It’s more of a happy sport than indoor, because indoor is more serious. So I will just kind of miss the atmosphere.”

Natalie: “What I love most about beach volleyball is the sport in general. You can never be unhappy when you’re playing beach volleyball. I like the chaos that is involved in the sport, and I just think ‘how could you be unhappy playing beach volleyball?’”

Seniors Natalie Bianchi and Sarah Woodhouse pose with a volleyball.

Senior Mason Berg holds his tennis racket.

Swimming: Kendall Keshen

Q: How long have you been playing your sport?

A: “I have been swimming since the 5th grade.”

Q: What does being captain mean to you?

A: “It means that I can be the leader or the role model for the team and be the person that the other athletes can come to when worried about events and that kind of stuff.”

Q: Is being a captain something you’ve worked towards for a while/throughout your high school career?

A: “Yes and no, it was kind of something that was kind of expected from me being the only girl and the only real swimmer at Laguna. But when I was swimming with Catie [Fristoe ’22] she kind of led the ropes. When she left it was passed down to me.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about your sport?

A: “The camaraderie. Yes, it is an individual sport, but it is so team oriented. Everyone cheers for everyone, we all hang out together, and there’s always good vibes and music.”

Q: What are you most excited about for swimming in college?

A: “Probably the team aspect and just being able to travel with the team. I never really got that here at Laguna; so I’m excited to see what it will be like to be on a real team and travel together and the experiences that will bring.”

Boys [indoor] Volleyball: Drew Levinson and Ganden Walker

Q: How long have you been playing your sport?

Drew: “I have been playing indoor volleyball for four years.”

Ganden: “I have been playing since 7th grade so six years.”

Q: What does being captain mean to you?

Drew: “I think it is always about success but less about winning and more about bringing the team together.”

Ganden: “Being a captain for me is leading my team and really trying to be a role model to the younger kids on the team.”

Q: Is being a captain something you’ve worked towards for a while/throughout your high school career?

Drew: “No.”

Ganden: “I mean yes, because I’ve been in the program for all four years and I have been playing as hard as I can to finally be able to be a captain. “

Q: What is your favorite thing about your sport?

Drew: “My favorite thing about volleyball is getting kills.”

Ganden: “Getting kills.”

Q: What will you miss the most about your sport in college?

Drew: “Being able to compete with rival schools and against kids that I know is really fun.”

Ganden: “I feel like I’ll just miss playing as a whole and just being able to compete in volleyball.”

Senior Kendall Keshen holds up her goggles.

Seniors Ganden Walker and Drew Levinson pose with a volleyball.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt