2024-25 Issue 4

Absolutely Apathetic

The Lancer analyzes the causes and effects of teens’ limits on caring

PAGE 10:

• The immorality of cheating

• Student interaction reality

• The science of apathy

• What teachers think

• Political indifference

STAFF LIST

ALYSSA KISZCZAK

Editor-in-Chief

ABIGAIL TRIPP-BULLOUGH

Editor-in-Chief

JOSEPH GOODNIGHT

Managing Editor

RILEY KEELER

Managing Editor

COOPER LESTER

Business Manager

ALAN KO

Digital Editor

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ

News Editor

GEMMA SPRAGGINS

Opinions Editor

REBECCA GLAUBKE

Features Editor

JACOB BRADLEY

Sports Editor

KAILAH SPENCER

Assistant News Editor

ADDISON ANELLO

Assistant Features Editor

LILAH SWAVING

Assistant Sports Editor

STAFF

DORATHEA BURTON

SADAYA KEAYS

HAROUT KILEJIAN

TYLER LAPIN

DORAN LAWRENCE

EMILY LIRA

MYA MESSERVY

SOPHIA MUNHALL

TARIK NOORZAI

JAXSON RECTOR

LAILAH SERNA

LIAM SMITH

Advisors

JOANNA OTEY

JON GOLD

The Lancer is the official school publication of Thousand Oaks High School, created and produced by students in Journalism.

The Lancer reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication. Guest editorials and “Letters to the Editor” are welcome, but must be signed and are subject to editing for length, libel, obscenity, and grammar. They can be sent to thelancer.tohs@gmail.com.

The Lancer is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NPSA) and NPSA All-American Hall of Fame. The Oct. 31, 2024 issue of The Lancer won 9th place in NPSA’s Best of Show contest in Philadelphia. Email: thelancer.tohs@gmail.com Instagram: @thelancermedia www.tohsthelancer.org

Lancers make history

ETHOS team Sports Reach finishes eighth in state, prepares to compete in New York

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ News Editor

KAILAH

SPENCER Assistant News Editor

Years, months, weeks, days and many cans of Dr. Pepper later, they were ready. All the time spent researching, learning and improving was about to be put to the test as a group of six Thousand Oaks seniors got ready for the one thing they’d been waiting for all year.

The Virtual Enterprise State Business Competition is an entrepreneurship competition that encourages students from around the country to showcase their understanding, collaborative skills and inventiveness in the business industry through written business plans and oral presentations. The goal: To influence people to invest in their business.

This seems like any other meaningless and exhausting school activity. But for Alyssa Kiszczak, Samantha Horiuchi, Jonathan Oestergren, Massimiliano Senel, Presley Diep and Peter Escovedo, this was everything they’d been preparing for since joining the ETHOS Entrepreneurship Academy two years ago.

ETHOS a three-year program available to sophomore’s focuses on developing business, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing and creative skills. The program specifically works to provide skills to students looking for a career in business, helping them gain insight into this path and preparing them for what’s next after high school.

“Through ETHOS, I’ve learned how to build my resume, giving me leadership opportunities as the CEO of the program to help run the leadership academy,” Horiuchi said. “It’s helped me be more businessminded, and, [I’m] pursuing business as a possible career, giving me the insights on budgets and tax forms.”

Round one of the Virtual Enterprise State Business Competition occurred on Dec. 11, 2024, at Rio Hondo College, where students competed for a spot in the top 42. Those teams would progress to compete for the top 20, top 10 and, finally, top nine in California from Jan. 21-23 at the Bakersfield Convention Center. The top nine companies would get a chance to advance to the Youth Business Summit (YBS) on April 7-8 in New York City.

In Bakersfield, this group of Lancers would make TOHS ETHOS history by earning the eighth place spot and becoming the first ETHOS Business Plan team to make it to YBS in New York City.

The team, representing the company Sports Reach stood in front of a panel of judges whose only job was to either make or break them. Remembering the sleepless nights and countless hours they spent running on Dr. Pepper, presenting in front of their class, participating in mock competitions, studying questions and learning skills, these Lancers knew they had to give this competition everything.

Sports Reach began with Kiszczak during her sophomore year, as she worked on a recruiting app designed to help high school student-athletes and college recruiters connect,

offering a solution to the often fragmented recruiting process. Through the Sports Reach app, athletes can directly message coaches, upload highlight videos, publish their official transcripts and promote products.

While she had this idea in mind for years, she needed a team to bring it to life.

Kiszczak shared the struggles she faced when trying to get recruited as a competitive diver with her group, who understood the issues she faced as almost everyone else on her team played a sport. This is where Horiuchi, Oestergren, Senel, Diep and Escovedo came together to push Kiszczak’s idea forward.

“It’s helped me be more businessminded, and [I’m] pursuing business as a possible career.”

SAMANTHA HORIUCHI

“Sports Reach is all about helping the underrepresented sports.” Horiuchi said. “It’s just trying to help those athletes get the recognition they deserve to get to college.”

Last August, the ETHOS seniors began brainstorming business ideas to enter into the Virtual Enterprise State Business Competition. These ideas included Bullet Blinds (bulletproof blinds to be installed in schools), Rad Cases (phone cases that protect their users from radiation) and more.

Differently from last year, the ETHOS program decided to only enter two teams of around 17 students instead of four small groups, because of organizational and work issues.

This new way of entering the competition allowed all students to participate in a section of their choice, whether that be business planning, sales, marketing, technology, human resources or financing. Each department had its own tasks to complete each week adding to the value of the overall team.

After days of pitching, Sports Reach and Tufwax, a biodegradable surf wax company, would be the two teams heading to the many Virtual Enterprise Business Competitions throughout the year.

Off Campus Pass

L.A. Protest

Since President Donald Trump’s immigration act, many people have resorted to protests with the fear of losing their homes and families. On Feb. 2, 2025, hundreds of people took to the streets in Los Angeles to protest. A common sign read “Don’t bite the hands that feed you.” Trump’s promise to increase deportation has caused LA to take a stand. Protesters are demanding an end to the harsh policies, calling for an unbiased approach that protects families and preserves their right to stay in the country they call home.

Album of the year

With Beyoncé winning Album of the Year at this year’s Grammys, many people believed that Billie Eilish was robbed of the award. With the conspiracy theory of Beyoncé and Jay-Z being involved in Aaliyah’s death, Beyoncé’s fall has been rising. With her album barely being considered country by some people, it makes the situation even more controversial. Many fans argue that the Grammy’s decision not to recognize Billie Eilish reflects deeper issues within the music industry, where biases and favoritism may overshadow genuine talent.

With what seemed like the hardest part done, it was then time for Chief Officer applications to roll in. Students in the ETHOS program would apply for a position that interested them and later have an interview with teachers Sabrina Chase and Kellie Chiapuzio.

Eventually, Sports Reach was formed with Kiszczak as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Horiuchi as Chief Operations Officer (COO), Oestergren as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Senel as Chief Sales Officer (CSO), Diep as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Escovedo as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The officers worked together to develop their team, strategies and goals. The shared bond and experience in the program brought them even closer to achieving their goal.

“I’ve grown to be closer and closer with this team than ever before,” Senel said. “Never had I felt so comfortable with my team than I ever perceived years ago.”

Since the preparation process, the Sports Reach team has strived and worked for each other’s success, building each other from the ground up.

“[They] drove me to work harder in order to feel at place among such great people and peers,” Diep said.

Their determination, passion and encouragement are what brought them to where they are now.

On Jan. 23, time almost stopped as they held each other’s hands, waiting for the judges to announce which teams would be moving on, first presenting the 10th place winner, or Wild Card, who would compete again to try to secure a spot to New York.

“The top nine are the ones that have a guaranteed spot to get to New York,” Oestergren said. “The 10th place is like a wild card. So you sort of hope not to hear your name.”

Holding their breaths, they waited to hear if they would have to compete again or move on. Then a name was spoken; a name that wasn’t theirs.

“We were extremely happy about it,” Oestergren said. “Getting the news was unreal.”

Plane Crash in DC

Jan. 30, 2025, a passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. With 67 people on board, all were killed in the crash. The military-operated helicopter was on routine training aiming to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Wichita, Kan..The tragic accident has sparked investigations into the causes of the collision, with officials pledging to review air traffic protocols and safety measures to prevent future disasters.

Courtesy - Creative Commons

NEW YORK CITY BOUND - ETHOS seniors Peter Escovedo, Samantha Horiuchi, Alyssa Kiszczak, Jonathan Ostergren and Presley Diep pose at the awards ceremony after getting their eighth place medals.

Kellie Chiapuzio - with permission

Devastation hits home for TO teacher

English teacher Heather Austin and her family told The Lancer about what was lost during fire, their steps towards rebuilding

It’s 11:30 AM on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and Thousand Oaks High School teacher Heather Austin is teaching her ninth grade English class. She gets a seemingly normal text notification from her friend. Normal, that is, until she opens it.

“[It] said, ‘Call your parents, because it looks like there’s a fire in the Palisades,’” Austin said.

Upon receiving the news about the fire, she called her mother and suggested that she and her father evacuate before the streets became too busy. With the fire conditions worsening by the second, the streets were crowded as hundreds of families packed up their belongings, grabbing anything they could fit in their car.

“It took them about four hours to get to Moorpark.” Austin said.

They would never know that this would be the last time they’d be able to see their beloved neighborhood in one piece.

The next day, at about 1:30 AM, Austin was awoken by the fierce Santa Ana winds. Worried about the state of her childhood home, she turned on the news on her phone, as the damaging weather conditions left her without cable.

“The first chance I got where I felt ‘this isn’t good’ is when I noticed

they were doing their news reporting off-site,” Austin said. “I thought, ‘Why aren’t they going up? They should be able to just go up to Sunset [Boulevard] and tell the story from there.’”

Noticing this, she contacted her long-time friend who was a firefighter working in the Palisades.

“I said, ‘On the off chance that this fire gets down into the town, into the village, will you text me?,’” Austin said. “‘There’s no way it’s coming, but in the event, just make sure you let me know.’”

Hours later, the one thing she saw as an impossibility happened: The fire made its way into the neighborhood where she spent every day of her childhood.

“The next thing I knew, there was a picture of my house burned down to the ground,” Austin said. “All you saw, like everyone else’s home, is the chimney and the number on the curb…I had to tell my parents, and that started a very long couple of weeks.”

Austin’s parents bought their home in 1975, when she was a newborn. She recalled a “snowglobe childhood,” where she would attend Corpus Christi School from

kindergarten to eighth grade, run in the annual Fourth of July 10k with her family and attend endless sleepovers at her neighbors’ houses.

“It was a really special, safe kind of treasure of childhood,” Austin said. “I always felt, as a young girl,

a profound sense of community.”

Despite the overwhelming pain she and her family experienced from this tragic event, that familiar sense of community remained even after the 800 block of Galloway Street was reduced to rubble.

“Every single one of my mom and dad’s friends, 50 years worth, all of them lost their homes,” Austin said.

“So it’s not just my mom and my dad. We’re in no way special, and there’s kind of a community in that, and like the sorrow of that, because they’re not alone in this.”

The Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres of land and displaced thousands of communities, stripping them of the place they for years called home.

For Austin’s parents, the fire took close to all of their possessions, including the wedding dresses of both Austin and her mother, love letters written by Austin’s great-great-grandfather during World War II and hundreds of family photos. Despite this, there was still one thing the fire could

never take: The memories created in that home.

“I’m not sad about all the memories the fire took, because they’re always going to be my memories,” Austin said. “I don’t have to touch them for them to be memories or see them for them to be memories.”

While visiting the ruins of their home on Jan. 10, Austin and her mother were reminded of the hope that remains when they were visited by a familiar bird.

“As we were standing in what was their kitchen and bathroom, we look up, and on the chimney, we see a dove.” Austin said. “A second dove came and perched next to it, and I realized that doves stay together for life, and my mom says, ‘Those are my doves,’”

Before the fire, Austin’s mother spent almost every day in her garden; a place that became the home of generations of doves for years. The birds would come into her garden and lay eggs, then they would hatch and fly off, new doves returning the next year.

“[We saw] those two doves, in the bleakest of bleak, and it was an overcast day,” Austin said. “All you smelled was ash, and all you saw was rubble. You saw these beautiful two doves perched on top of their chimney. I’ll just never forget it. And it was the beginning of finding magic in something pretty horrific.”

Finding a path towards rebuilding L.A.

Devastating fires, consuming everything in their path, leave lasting impact on citizens in Los Angeles and Ventura County

Anxiously waiting by the phone, sophomore Marley Due waited for a call from their father, Brian Due, who on Jan. 7, 2025, decided to volunteer his time and labor to help those responding to the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

“It’s definitely scary, especially when he sometimes doesn’t have service for hours and we can’t contact him,” Marley Due said. “But I’m also glad that he does it because I know that he’s helping a lot of people and doing something that he loves to do.” Days after the start of the New Year, on Jan. 7, a wildfire broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains, burning Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Malibu. This would later be named the Palisades Fire, eventually burning more than 23,000 acres of land.

During the span of three weeks, more wildfires occurred, ranging from more than 1,000 to 45,000 acres of land being burnt.

“I’ve worked many fires but [the Palisades Fire] was by far the highest density damage I have personally seen,” Brian Due said. “Many fires are large, but this fire in particular has leveled entire communities. It was shocking driving through town and witnessing the devastation in person.”

More than 17,000 structures were burned down and more than 10,000 individuals were left without a home, according to NBC News. While devastating, enough, it is found that at least 29 individuals lost their lives.

Considering this, many ask the question: What’s next?

Long-term health effects of fires range severity, with cancer, bronchitis, reduced lung function, heart failure and asthma attacks being the most

common because of smoke and debris traveling hundreds of miles.

Thousands losing their home and prized possessions have left them emotionally damaged as they are forced to rebuild and recover what they have lost, even if they do not have the resources to do so.

“It was shocking, driving through town and witnessing the devastation in person.”

BRIAN DUE

Rebuilding the impacted communities will cost more than $250 billion, becoming the most expensive natural disaster rebuilding efforts since Hurricane Katrina. The restoration will be a lengthy process,

as there are thousands of acres of land to cover, leaving its survivors with a large financial burden.

Despite the negative health, emotional and economic damage this fire has caused to L.A. and Ventura County citizens, communities have come together and persevered to help survivors with what they are given.

“I’ve seen humankind come together repeatedly to support each other,” Brian Due said. “From countless people donating food and drinks to first responders, volunteer organizations assisting displaced people, to neighbors helping neighbors. Our community has really rallied around those affected by this disaster.”

At this moment, communities are working to clean their streets and neighborhoods of debris with the help of Governor Gavin Newsom, who in this event launched a new recovery

Off Campus Pass

Trump’s plan for TikTok

Since becoming President, Donald Trump signed an order on Jan. 20 for the Tik Tok ban to have a 75 day postponement, hours after being shut down the day before his inauguration, giving the owners a chance to sell it or close it. The United States is waiting for a new American owner to take over the app. If a last minute buyer were to purchase the app, they would likely spend tens of billions of dollars for its U.S. operations.

Trump cancels border appointments

People are now being stranded at the border after President Donald Trump shut down the United States immigration processing app known as CBP One. With shelters 10 miles from the border, migrants who are stranded are receiving food and psychological help. Following the law, migrants were left with nothing at the border, and are now becoming persistent about being able to proceed with the appointments that were scheduled before Trump’s Inauguration.

The fires in Southern California that broke out on Jan. 7 have burned over 50,000 acres, 16,000 homes and killed 28 people. The lack of rain for 9 months caused the fire season to come late but stronger than usual. Making it the costliest natural disaster in United States history with an economic loss of up to $275 billion. Over 300 wildfires occurred, with the Palisades and Eaton Fire being fully contained 24 days later on Jan. 31, and the Hughes Fire six days later on Jan. 28.

and rebuilding plan.

Requirements for the California Coastal Act and the California Environmental Quality Act were renounced to quickly allow citizens to rebuild, Newsom issued a streamline of construction and occupancy of accessory dwelling units to increase the availability of temporary housing, ordered expert federal Hazmat crews to clean properties, delayed the individual tax filing deadline, deferred the annual licensing fees and other requirements for small businesses and workers to recover, all since Jan. 12, 2025.

Working together they plan to make the best out of a bad situation, creating fundraisers and drop off stations for those affected.

“Many people have lost everything and have a long road to recovery…,” Brian Due said. “Some people will never rebuild.”

Southern California Fires

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ News Editor

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ News Editor

Courtesy - Creative Commons

KAILAH SPENCER Assistant News Editor

SHOCKING REALITY - Only a chimney remains of English teacher Heather Austin’s childhood home of 50 years after L.A. fire.

Heather Austin - with permission

Heather Austin - with permission

McEnroe leaves TO after questions arise

After successful two-year stint, former TO football head coach leaves for Heritage Christian with controversy in his wake

It was a quiet Monday morning before school on Feb. 10, deep in the football offseason. It was unusual, then, when Thousand Oaks High School head coach Ben McEnroe summoned his players for a mandatory meeting.

The team gathered in silence, expecting an announcement about the 2025 team schedule or maybe a guest speaker. Instead, they found themselves at the center of a shift no one had anticipated.

Despite the graduation of his son, Cory McEnroe—who is committed to playing football at the University of California, Davis—players assumed McEnroe would remain with the program. He’d even told them such. His leadership had been marked by major investments, including the renovation of the field house and the addition of standout Division-I athletes including Jackson Taylor, Hayden Vercher and Kaden Glover.

Behind the scenes, tensions had been building. Approval of McEnroe’s coaching methods had declined among players and parents, with concerns about his leadership growing louder, according to current and former players, parents of the program and administration interviewed by The Lancer

McEnroe entered the room flanked by Principal Eric Bergmann and drastically changed the projection of the Lancer football program.

“I’ve resigned as the head football coach here,” McEnroe said to his players in a relatively brief statement. “I’m doing this to protect my family from lies.”

McEnroe wished the Lancers luck and exited. And just like that it was over. His historically successful tenure was over in a flash.

Following his resignation, McEnroe addressed the situation in an interview with The Lancer sports editor Jake Bradley.

“It is unfortunate, the circumstances that surrounded the reason for the decision. There comes a point in time [when] you’ve got to stand up and protect your family, and that’s what I’m doing.”

McEnroe and Troy Taylor for the 2024-25 season.

The booster club held elections following the 2023-24 season after former long-time booster club president Donna Lovretovich’s exit. The outgoing board oversees the election process.

Kami McEnroe and Taylor ran unopposed for booster president. During the meeting, numerous parents spoke up to discuss the conflict of interest.

The parents said they were “nervous about retaliation,” and said they didn’t speak out about McEnroe and his staff’s behaviors at board meetings because McEnroe’s wife was in attendance.

On Aug. 14, 2024, the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) initiated a full audit of the football booster club’s finances, citing concerns over financial management and personnel involvement.

“A personnel matter has come up that requires us to look further into one of the booster clubs… look into their finances,” Deputy Superintendent of Business Services Victor Hayek said in the board meeting.

After his announcement to resign, McEnroe immediately walked off campus as a contracted physical education teacher. Two hours after, news broke that he’d accepted a new head coaching position at Heritage Christian High School in Northridge.

Months before McEnroe’s sudden resignation, Lancer junior varsity football parents requested a town hall meeting with the administration to discuss what they described as a “pattern of abusive behavior” by McEnroe and his staff. Mishandling of injuries was questioned, as was nepotism that had been brought to the program.

Parents accused the head varsity coach of verbally berating players, using phrases such as “absolute f**king frauds,” “losers” and “going nowhere in life,” while also ordering players to “get the f**k off [his] field.”

When contacted by The Lancer for further comment, McEnroe declined to comment.

The administration did not grant a town hall meeting, instead stating that parents could voice their concerns during booster club meetings.

Principal Eric Bergmann told The Lancer that he does not do town halls because of fears of them becoming a “witch hunt.” He emphasized he welcomes individual meetings from parents with concerns.

The Lancer “Family”

Under McEnroe, TO football became deeply intertwined with his family. His wife, Kami McEnroe, served as co-president of the football booster club, while his daughter, Kylie McEnroe, served as the strength and conditioning coach. McEnroe also hired former CLU coaches onto the staff.

Following the 2023-24 season, the booster club held elections, but many positions, including president, were unopposed. During the meeting, some parents voiced concerns that the program had become a “family affair,” raising questions about financial oversight and decisionmaking.

The booster club was run by Kami

“Practices just weren’t fun anymore,” said a former player who played under both McEnroe and Yabu. “We would show up and get yelled at. I just didn’t enjoy the sport. My friends and I didn’t have fun anymore.”

Following the 2024-25 season, McEnroe sent an email to parents and players reinforcing strict training expectations, stating that participation in TOHS’s strength and conditioning program took precedence over outside training. He discouraged players from seeking additional coaching or gym access.

“If you will be playing football for Thousand Oaks HS, you are expected to lift and train exclusively with Thousand Oaks HS,” McEnroe said in an email to the program.

“Our Strength & Conditioning program takes precedence over private coaching/training, and you should not be going to Gold’s or any other gym on top of what we will be doing without consultation… Lancer Football DOES NOT support our student-athletes participating in outside 7-on-7 teams, with very limited exceptions that have been cleared with the head coach in advance.”

plan and provide this. EAT 3,0005,000 calories per day.”

McEnroe vowed to model his program after a college football system, implementing upgraded strength and nutrition as well as attempting to make the best out of the disheveled Lancer facilities—an approach he had developed during his time as head coach at California Lutheran University.

While McEnroe successfully elevated TOHS’s on-field performance, his attempt to instill a college-style program at the high school level alienated some players, contributing to the drop in player retention and growing tensions within the football community.

Growing Religious Influence

For most of his career, McEnroe coached primarily at private Christian institutions. His religious influence was prominent at TOHS despite its status as a public high school.

According to multiple varsity and junior varsity players, McEnroe created an environment in which participation in religious activities felt expected rather than voluntary.

The audit returned no issues with team financials. But McEnroe remained deeply involved in booster leadership, endorsing specific candidates in emails about the 2025-26 season election.

He also discouraged outside challengers while creating new booster positions, such as “Green and White Day Coordinator,” “Sideline Equipment Manager” and “Hydration Coordinator.”

Some parents and players viewed these policies as overly restrictive, arguing that they limited athletic growth opportunities and

“Early on in Coach McEnroe’s tenure, he would be a part of [prayers]. He and I had conversations where I let him know that [prayers] could not be coach-led. He and I went back and forth about exactly how much involvement he could have in the huddle.”

“A high school football booster club is no place for politics or drama,” McEnroe wrote in emails to the program. “There is a unique opportunity to maintain continuity and build off the positive momentum that has been created and tested by fire.”

“Booster clubs are a completely separate entity from the school,” Assistant Principal of Athletics Ken Nishiya told The Lancer. “We have nothing to do with them other than allowing them to operate under CVUSD. They elect who they elect—we cannot tell them what to do. However, we can give them our personal opinions, and they can make their decisions from there.”

Nishiya was not at TOHS when the Lancer football program hired its coaches under McEnroe, nor when it formed the first booster club board with him at the helm.

Player Retention Problems

After a long-time successful stint as head coach of the nearby Kingsmen, McEnroe left the position in 2021. He coached briefly in Florida and Texas before he was hired to lead the TO football program in February 2023, replacing former head coach Evan Yabu. Yabu, a former Lancer standout wide receiver, coached the Lancers from 2021 to 2023 before accepting the head coaching role at Notre Dame High School. Yabu helped turn the Lancers football program around after a 25-game losing streak, leading them to a 10-0 regular season in 2023.

The 2024 Lancer varsity football team had just four four-year seniors on its roster, a stark decline from previous years when the program typically retained more than 15.

ERIC BERGMANN

discouraged independent decisionmaking regarding training. Yet, they said they were afraid to speak up at booster board meetings because of fears of retaliation toward their children.

The TOHS football strength program highly suggested athletes take creatine, eat 3,000-5,000 calories every day at a minimum and required athletes to pick up school breakfast or they would have to run after practice. Preseason meetings with players and parents included presentations stating:

“PROTEIN IS KING! 30-40g within 30 minutes post-workouts. We often provide that. 30-45g at meals every 3-4 hours. You need to

Under federal law, public school officials—including coaches— cannot lead, encourage nor pressure students into participating in religious activities. The U.S. Department of Education guidance on constitutionally protected prayer in schools states: “Teachers, school administrators, and other school employees may not encourage or discourage private prayer or other religious activity…teachers, coaches and other public school officials acting in their official capacities may not lead students in prayer, devotional readings or other religious activities, nor may they attempt to persuade or compel students to participate in prayer or other religious activities or to refrain from doing so.”

During McEnroe’s two seasons at TO, “Jesus Over Everything” t-shirts were provided at team meals, as well as Fellowship of Christian Athletes bibles and bracelets, he prayed with players and fans after games, invited players to bible study, arranged for a pastor to visit during practice and brought the team to Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield for a team

Continued on page 5

ALAN KO Digital Editor

CHEWED OUT - Former Lancer head coach Ben McEnroe lays into a referee during a game.

QUICK CHAT - Former coach Ben McEnroe chats with Jackson Taylor during a game.

Alan Ko - The Lancer

Alan Ko - The Lancer

Once again, TOHS rings in change

Schedule provides additional scholastic support for students within regular school day

KAILAH SPENCER Assistant News Editor

For the second time in three years, students and teachers alike must adjust to a change on campus. The new schedule, which will go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year, eliminates anchor days and becomes a full-block schedule.

In October 2024, a poll was sent out to gauge teacher opinions on adopting a new bell schedule. The results of the poll showed that 57.8 percent were in favor of the change, while 42.2 percent preferred to keep the current schedule. Later, in December 2024, another poll was sent out for teachers to vote whether or not they wanted to adopt a full block schedule similar to Newbury Park High School, but with office hours and CPT time in the mornings. The proposed schedule required 80 percent teachers’ approval and 82.5 percent approved adopting the new schedule.

“There are two things that our current bell schedule presents problems with,” Principal Eric Bergmann said. “Number one, it doesn’t allow for much in the way of meeting time and collaboration

time for our teachers. Second, and probably more importantly, is that we have been working very, very hard to try to figure out a way to build time into the structure of the day for kids to get extra help and support from any teacher.”

Instead of having students come before school, after school or during lunch, the new schedule will have built-in “office hours” every Thursday for students to get help and support.

Another motivating factor for the proposal was the ineffectiveness of anchor days. With 45 minutes during anchor day class periods and the number of Mondays with no school, anchor days have proven pointless.

“I think a lot of teachers were beginning to realize that maybe anchor days aren’t so great.” Bergmann said. “We looked at the Newbury Park schedule beginning last spring, and we liked the ideas and concepts behind it. So [the teacher-led committee] made some adjustments, and that’s really what led to our current bell schedule.”

Bergmann hopes that the schedule change will be beneficial to both students and teachers, while increasing productivity.

Continued from page 4

McEnroe: Big on-field success comes with off-field questions

meal prior to the Lancers’ 2023 Garces Memorial game.

“He pushed [religion] too much on non-Christians,” said a former player who quit the team after playing under McEnroe in the ‘23 season. “It played a big role in the Jewish players stepping away from the team. At a team meal, he forced the team to pray and listen to a pastor speak.”

Other former players shared similar concerns, saying that despite McEnroe announcing players did not have to participate, they felt uncomfortable with the imposed religion on the team. They feared speaking out due to potential reprisal. Many of those players quit the team citing religion and treatment by McEnroe as their reasons.

Administration Response

The Lancer sat down with Principal Eric Bergmann to address allegations regarding the previous coaching staff. Bergmann said he was limited in his ability to provide details or to answer certain questions citing confidentiality surrounding personnel matters.

One of the most prominent concerns raised by players following McEnroe’s resignation was discomfort with what they perceived as religious indoctrination within the program.

“Early on in Coach McEnroe’s tenure, he would be a part of [prayers],”

Bergmann said. “He and I had conversations where I let him know that [prayers] could not be coach-led. He and I went back and forth about exactly how much involvement he could have in the huddle, as long as he wasn’t leading it.”

Bergmann stated that while team dinners at churches were permitted, he was unaware of any scheduled pastor visits, the distribution of FCA “Athlete’s Bibles” and wristbands.

Parents raised concerns about a conflict of interest within the booster club, citing McEnroe’s direct influence and his wife’s leadership role. Some felt this dynamic discouraged open criticism of the program.

“In this particular instance, there was very clearly a conflict of interest,” Bergmann said regarding active persuasion by the booster club. “We believed that we had taken the correct course to make sure that those conflicts of interest were mitigated. Whether or not that rose to the level of satisfaction of everybody is debatable.”

Bergmann acknowledged the existence of general nutritional guidelines within athletic programs but was unaware of specific mandates.

“It is not uncommon for students to be given guidelines in terms of what they should

be eating,” Bergmann said. “I think it is a part of the strength and conditioning program— requiring kids to eat certain things. I can’t comment on that because I didn’t know it was happening, nor do I have proof that it was happening, but I can tell you that it’s not uncommon.”

Historic Team Success

In arguably the most important football game in recent TOHS history, the Lancers faced rival Newbury Park to fight for a berth in the 2023 CIF-Southern Section Div. 5 championship game.

Rain poured throughout the whole game, the Green Hole drenched but fighting the cheers of the home team Panthers.

The rain had cleared, but the moment remained. With time winding down, sophomore transfer quarterback Jackson Taylor led the Lancers on a potential game-winning drive.

The Lancers drove down the field, but two costly penalties derailed their momentum, backing them into a 4th-and-5.

One play to decide their fate.

In McEnroe’s first year as head coach, he brought the Lancers to the sectional semifinals, a feat that hadn’t been done since 2016.

Despite key departures of Silas Kemp, Dean Harrington, Brolin Harrah and Blake

New electives give students more options

LAILAH SERNA Staff Writer

As students prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, they consider the classes they want to take and the electives that pique their interest. Thousand Oaks High School recently hosted an electives fair to show off all the excellent electives to provide students with additional information.

There was an elective fair held in the quad, displaying many of the available electives for students. Students and advisors were present in the quad, ready to provide helpful information for students who might be interested. The fair was originally scheduled for Feb. 6 but had to be postponed to Feb. 11 because of inclement weather.

Some of the electives that had a space to present were AP Environmental Science, Dance, theater, journalism, contemporary world issues, AP Art History, choir, woodworking, construction technology, orchestra, life drawing, AP Psychology, AP Biology, honors physiology, AVID and the world language department. Other available electives chose not to participate, so students will have to discuss any additional information about said electives with their counselors.

Assistant Principal of Activities, Jeniffer Modolo thinks this event was the perfect opportunity for students to learn more about the finer components that go into any of the various electives.

“Sometimes [by] just looking at the title [of an elective, students] can’t tell what the class is about,” Modolo said.

“So by having the elective fair, it allows students to connect with current students who are taking the elective, to get information from students as well as the advisor.”

Since students have begun meeting with their counselors regarding their schedules for next year, this fair could not have come at a better time.

Club Corner

Lauritzen, the Lancers achieved an 8-5 record in the 2024 season, returning once again to the CIF-SS semifinals before falling to the eventual champions, Pacifica High. In any other program, such backto-back success would have been celebrated as a turning point for the program.

But for many, the story of the Lancers was about more than wins and losses.

On that rainy night at Newbury Park in 2023, Taylor took the snap, the pocket collapsing around him. He scrambled right, looking for an open target. He fired a pass toward Lauritzen. Incomplete.

Newbury Park took over on downs, sealing a 22-19 victory and ending the Lancers’ season just shy of a CIF-SS championship appearance.

The Lancers stood in stunned silence, in awe that it was all over.

As Newbury Park celebrated, the Lancers gathered one last time at midfield. They had been through more than just a season together. They had weathered intense scrutiny, divided leadership and an uncertain future. But in this moment, none of that mattered.

They took a knee, as they had done countless times before. With arms wrapped around each other, heads bowed, they prayed. McEnroe started the prayer.

TARIK NOORZAI Staff

Writer

Orchestra Club

President: Audrey Li

Advisor: Benjamin Roberts

Meetings: Every Tuesday in C7

The Orchestra Club is a great way for students to explore their passion for music, develop their instrument skills, is a great place to make friends and have fun while learning something new. Upcoming performances and social events are the main discussions of meetings, and the club is open to anyone and everyone; whether or not you are a beginner or an experienced musician.

Leukemia Lymphoma Society

President: Grant Stillerman

Advisor: Tasha Beaudoin

Meetings: Every Tuesday in I2

The Leukemia Lymphoma Society club is dedicated to spreading awarness on leukemia, lymphoma, and other diseases. The club is currently working to support first responders in the recent L.A. fires, and improving the social environment of the club for it’s members.

Project Hope

President: Valerie Hernandez

Advisor: Eileen Moore

Meetings: Every Thursday in J7

Project Hope, the reborn club from the previously named, “Project Concern.” Members work to create fundraising opportunities to help those in need or on positive initiatives such as helping the elderly in our community; they reach out to nursing homes and memory care centers to see if there is something to do that can brighten the day for elderly people that live there.

STAFF ED: Journalism under attack

Politics create hostile environments for journalists, making their job more tedious as media industry continues to grow

LGBTQ+ fears real

Recent bills repeal rights, affect LGBTQ+ community

Recent legislative actions and prevailing social pressures under the new presidential administration have increasingly marginalized the LGBTQ+ community, reversing decades of progress toward equality and inclusion. According to TheTrevorProject.org, over 510 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in U.S. state legislatures in 2023, many specifically targeting transgender individuals.

These bills seek to restrict access to genderaffirming healthcare and censor education on topics deemed “unsafe” by government bodies. Such legislative measures not only infringe upon the fundamental rights of queer Americans but also contribute to worsening mental health challenges within the community. Studies show that 86 percent of transgender youth report negative mental health impacts due to debates surrounding these restrictive laws and their identities as a whole, according to TheTrevorProject.org.

Beyond legislation, discriminatory social perceptions further exacerbate the challenges faced by queer individuals. Experiences of family rejection, bullying, and violence are significantly more prevalent among queer youth compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, according to mhanational.org. These adversities lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and, in many cases, suicide.

To counteract the devastating harm caused by these bigoted ideologies, we must foster a society that embraces inclusion and diversity. Creating a supportive environment will significantly improve the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. By promoting acceptance and understanding, we cultivate empathy and social cohesion, ultimately enriching society as a whole.

Many of today’s most powerful individuals; from those controlling social media to those in the highest offices of government, have realized that hate generates profit, engagement, and fear. The ultra-wealthy seek to divide us along arbitrary lines, such as the “left” and the “right.” However, both historically and today, the largest divide is not between political ideologies but between the working class and the bourgeoisie.

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) meets every Tuesday in I-3. Everyone is welcome.

GEMMA SPRAGGINS Opinions Editor

2023 was the deadliest year for journalists in United States history. In 2022, 86 journalists were killed, mainly outside the war zone, some were even at home with their family, according to the United Nations.

At a time when journalists were needed the most, they were the most threatened. Although killings are rare, they have a chilling effect on the media community.

“Around the world, journalists are intimidated and harassed,” former Ambassador to the U.S. Linda ThomasGreenfield said at an event in New York City on press freedoms.

The 2024 election was a dangerous time for journalists. With threats, online harassment and legal challenges, the idea of covering the truth scared people. People were hoping that the Biden administration would turn things around for journalists,

when in reality, the dangers have stayed the same. Voice of America data from September 2024 shows that assaults on journalists in the United States rose by more than 50 percent compared to 2023. Causing concern, the attacks related to their work rose from 45 to 68, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.

The beginning of the hostile environment was driven by President Donald Trump’s loss in 2020, with him referring to journalists as “corrupt,” “dishonest” and “enemies of the people.” People now have personal issues with journalism and the press, with Trump’s treatment of the media rubbing off on his supporters. Over the past four years with former President Joe Biden in office, Biden’s administration had been friendlier to the press and media environment around the country.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), more than 360 journalists were behind bars on Dec. 1,

2024. The global record of journalists imprisoned was set in 2022, with at least 370 imprisoned because of their work. The fear for journalists is not only in the U.S. but also includes China, Israel, Tunisia and Azerbaijan. With those countries also setting records for the amount of journalists imprisoned, this should be a time of clarity. CPJ also reports that more than 60 percent of the imprisoned journalists had anti-state charges, including charges of terrorism and extremism.

CPJ focuses on protecting journalists, helping prepare for threats and also makes efforts to advocate for the release of journalists who face criminal charges. All these efforts shouldn’t be needed. Journalists are people who pass along information that is necessary to the public; they do not make an effort to destroy lives. Being personally punished for the spread of true information is extreme and needs to be stopped.

After SoCal fires, colleges extend apps, extend grace

Colleges show empathy in providing extensions for fire-plagued potential students

2, for students and their families within the L.A. and Ventura County area who have suffered losses as a result of the fires.

Record-breaking wildfires have recently occurred, starting in the Pacific Palisades and spreading across Los Angeles and Ventura County since Jan. 7. Thousands of people have lost their homes and have experienced financial troubles. In response to this disaster, colleges and universities have granted extensions for application and financial aid due dates for students whose families were directly impacted by the fires.

Thousand Oaks High School seniors should feel lucky to have an extended opportunity to receive the help they may need despite the fires.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has issued an extension for the financial aid deadline from Mar. 3, to Apr.

Located in room K0, Thousand Oaks High School’s College and Career Readiness counselor Kelsey Daigneault has been informed about these changes and is available to answer questions that seniors might have. She said individual schools have made changes to their dates too.

“Saint Mary’s College of California extended their deadline to Mar. 15 and Harvey Mudd College has informed students and families to reach out if they have been affected and they can support students who need the assistance,” Daigneault said.

The majority of the institutions making these changes are colleges and universities in California, but so far it is known that the University of Delaware has also extended its

application deadline to Mar. 1 as of now.

Unfortunately, most college applications’ due dates have passed, and it is unlikely that there will be any changes for those campuses.

Many schools have been working with students, asking them to inform their admissions offices about any problems that they are experiencing because of the fires so they can assist them in any way they can.

“Some of the Cal States have given updates on financial aid applications,” Daigneault said. “And some universities have provided more resources if you are somebody that has been affected by the wildfires.”

The fires have caused serious damage and left a lot of uncertainty for students and their families. The assistance of these Cal State and out-of-state colleges, thousands of high school seniors can receive the help they need to make their college dreams a reality.

Social media causes negligence

GEMMA SPRAGGINS Opinions Editor

Apathy is a topic that has consumed many teenagers and young adults. The idea that some people seem less interested in engaging with certain issues has somehow become a personality trait. Whether it is politics, global issues, drinking or drugs teens especially are losing emotional concern. With all the negative information circling the media, people are unmotivated to attempt to make a difference.

Social media is a way for the world to connect, but it also amplifies feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Each issue seems so out of control for everyone that the idea to personally make a change is lost. This is the main concern, and at the same time it isn’t. The political weights on these issues make every individual feel that small personal efforts are insignificant.

The new way to cope is to not care.

As social media continues to become the main source of communication, it’s also contributing to our lack of concern for everything. Social media negatively impacts our mind, through our identity, body image and selfesteem. It creates a society that will never live up to its standards.

Karis Cho’s article

“Is Social Media

us hyper-aware of the faults of others as well as our own. And it is harmful when we fail to develop empathy for others or look at another perspective.”

Social media focuses on how you should only care and be concerned about your appearance to others, rather than real issues in the world.

“When constantly told of the ‘doom and gloom’ of the world and the fact it will all go downhill, it shouldn’t be considered a shock that teenagers and you adults would feel a sense of carelessness towards a world that would regard their future as damned.”

JOCELYN LAWSON

Creating a Culture of Apathy?” highlights how social media is driving people to only focus and care about ourselves and how “social media has made

People become too reliant on superficial images that they lose a sense of the real world. This is most affecting teenagers, as they are the ones who have developed in the age of social media, and heavily rely on it to be socially acceptable.

Younger generations are

especially having to have significantly harder lives, whether it’s the outcome from COVID-19 or the difficulties of college, it can be a reason for the popularity of apathy. As older generations have other issues, the unique experiences of the 21st century have taken a toll on young people’s lives.

An article titled “Generational apathy, is there an increase?” by Jocelyn Lawson suggests that “when constantly told of the ‘doom and gloom’ of the world and the fact it will all go downhill, it shouldn’t be considered a shock that teenagers and young adults would feel a sense of carelessness towards a world that would regard their future as damned.”

Being told constantly about our doomed futures provides the feeling of helplessness that gives no motivation. Older generations have had a less complicated transition into adulthood, leading to the gap of understanding.

With current state of world, apathy is a popular attitude among students and in society

WILLIAM STEPHANS Guest Writer

LAILAH SERNA Staff Writer

CASHTON DAVIS Guest Writer

THE THE JOUST JOUST through MY EYES

Are global issues too complex or distant for individuals to address?

Global issues such as global warming and war are often seen as too complex or distant for individuals to address, with control perceived to lie in the hands of leaders. Activists for global warming warn of shrinking shorelines and seek more funding, yet figures like Barack Obama buy coastal properties that, according to their claims, should be at risk. Cities like Plymouth Rock haven’t recorded major shoreline loss, raising questions about the credibility of such warnings. Similarly, most individuals don’t want war, as it rarely benefits them, yet wars continue, funded by billions of untraced dollars sent overseas.

Hunger, another global issue, is weaponized by leaders who withhold food even when stockpiles exist in abundance.

The key lies in understanding the interests behind these problems. Many wars are fought for profit, with clear winners and losers. Hunger, too, is often used as a tool of control. When people begin to question the motives of leaders and refuse to conform to arbitrary rules and boundaries, they may realize their collective power to address these issues.

The real question is: Why are these issues still prevalent? Solving that problem requires looking past surface-level narratives and identifying the true beneficiaries of global crises. Only by challenging the systems in place can people reclaim control over issues that affect everyone. What happens when everybody wakes up one morning and decides not to conform and not to listen to made-up rules and boundaries? Only then would people have the power to deal with global issues.

So the real question is: Why are these even issues in the first place and why do we place so much trust in our leaders to do what we want?

Why

Global issues may seem complex and distant, but individuals are far more capable of addressing them than often believed. In fact, people hold the power to influence global change, particularly by shaping the decisions of leaders and policymakers.

While the scale of issues like climate change, inequality, or human rights violations may feel daunting, individuals can make a meaningful difference by advocating for change. For instance, voting is a direct way for people to influence leaders who are responsible for making decisions on these global matters. By supporting candidates who prioritize sustainable policies or human rights, individuals help steer the direction of national and international agendas. Additionally, public pressure can compel leaders to take action. History is filled with examples where grassroots movements and public outcry have pushed governments to change their policies. For example, the civil rights movement, environmental protests, and campaigns for gender equality have all shown how individuals, when united, can demand that leaders act in the best interests of the global community.

Moreover, individuals can use their voices to raise awareness, whether through social media, community engagement, or advocacy groups. This not only keeps global issues in the public eye but also encourages leaders to act in response to an informed and motivated electorate. In this way, individuals aren’t just passive observers—they are active participants in driving decisions of those in power.

In conclusion, global issues are not too distant for individuals to address. Through collective action, voting, and advocacy, people can influence leaders to make decisions that address the world’s most pressing challenges.

During President Donald Trump’s first week back in office, he has tried to give the United States a different meaning.

So far, he has promised mass deportation, resigned a Biden administration provision Biden signed during his presidency that allowed transgender people to serve in the military, ended birthright citizenship and withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement. Trump has placed a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico to stop illegal immigration and fentanyl trade. The additional 10 percent tariff on imports from China is also to prevent the production of fentanyl.

“My point is the harm that Trump is causing by attempting to create diverse policies will only separate the U.S. more than it already is.”

world and to end birthright citizenship would be to end diversity in the U.S. The Washington Post says that “more than 150,000 children born in the United States each year would no longer qualify for citizenship.” Trump is attempting to prevent pregnant women or parents from entering the U.S.. People who qualify for birthright citizenship will have to go through a waiting period while the government verifies their eligibility, causing them to have delays in accessing Medicaid.

GEMMA SPRAGGINS

Trump has pardoned his “supporters” who were arrested at the riot storming the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Referred to as “hostages”, there were at least 600 people charged with assaulting or impeding federal officers. Some of these changes go against our amendments and were shut down immediately.

Birthright citizenship affects the people around you. We are all surrounded by people from around the

should I be okay with this?

Diversity and equity have felt like privileges that I have rarely been afforded as a student

ABIGAIL TRIPP-BULLOUGH Editor-in-Chief

I remember it as if I had just experienced it all over again, 30 seconds ago.

It was my first day as a freshman, and I wasn’t sure if I’d have to dress out. I was walking to the Green Wall to grab my P.E. bag. Most people were already in their classes, and the surrounding area was nearly desolate, save for myself and the tall blonde boy in my path. I didn’t think much of him until he brushed past me and loudly said it. The n-word. I slowed my walk and I looked around. There is no way he could be talking to me. But no one else was around…and I’m Black.

“There’s no way,” I thought to myself, and I kept walking. I had to keep walking, because if he was willing to say that to me, who knows what else he would do if I said something back?

Though this happened more than three years ago, it’s always in the back of my mind.

How is it that somebody could just not care about other people? What do they gain from it? And how is it that I brushed it off, kept walking and told myself I couldn’t care less? Is apathy a defense mechanism for some and a weapon for others?

Throughout my high school experience, there have been

numerous incidents in which I had to not care – the person on the offensive obviously didn’t care – because that’s the only possible way I could fathom someone saying such ignorant, racist things. Some people know that the people they hang around are saying slurs and are just on the border of supremacists, but they stay there, hanging around those people. Those people who–and it would never be admitted out loud–don’t actually care or respect the ones who won’t say anything.

To those people: Do you think that just because they say racist things about other people, they don’t think those things about you? That’s not the case, speaking from experience. I’ve been called dramatic for cutting whole groups of people off because they said something more than disagreeable. I don’t think it’s fair for me to be called dramatic because I want to go throughout my day without feeling threatened. I always do, though. Feel threatened.

person has felt compelled to say something out of pocket. And they do it so casually, too. Casual racism is subtle and indirect and is often hidden in small offhanded remarks such as “your hair actually looks really pretty today,” or jokes like “I bet you want to sit at the front of the bus.”

“Though this happened more than three years ago, it’s always in the back of my mind.”

ABIGAIL TRIPP-BULLOUGH

There have been several situations throughout my 18 years of life in which a non-Black

In the small farm town my parents and I frequent, where people don’t look too kindly at me but don’t say anything; it’s in stores when I can feel the eyes of an employee following me as I put things in my cart. Then there are some less casual situations like the time my 8th-grade history teacher said that Black History Month shouldn’t be a thing because “history is for everybody,” but she had no problem with the numerous patriotic holidays that occurred throughout the year. This same teacher said that slaves were not as miserable as depicted in our textbooks because they were housed on plantation grounds, had clothes and food. History classes are a whole other conversation that would probably be another long story if I were to go in-depth on my thoughts. However, I will say that while,

yes, it is important to study slavery and the Civil War, what I’ve learned in school has often been misleading. The bad side of some white American heroes and idols is conveniently ignored. Tip-toeing around America’s long history of mistreatment and the nearly unspeakable is miseducating and harmful to the memory of those who suffered before us. How can we learn from history, if it isn’t taught correctly?

So what? After hundreds of years of rebellions, riots and protests, it seems hopeless to keep fighting. Hate crimes, lynchings, murders and unjust incarceration will not stop. I’m scared that one day I’m going to end up as the wrong statistic. Writing this article is an effort to put the experience that so many people of color have into perspective for people my age who are maybe on the offensive side. I hope I can humanize myself to the people who ask me how I could be a competitive swimmer if “black people can’t swim” or if my favorite foods are fried chicken and watermelon.

While I fear that the damage of systemic racism in this country might be too far gone, there always remains a flicker of hope for those of us who suffer and experience it first-hand.

The Pew Research Center estimates that 1.3 million U.S. born adults have parents without legal status, from 2022 data. No one should support the fear that Trump’s beliefs bring; his belief that most people in the U.S. who were rightfully born here, should be deported. My point is the harm that Trump is causing by attempting to create diverse policies will only separate the U.S. more than it already is. Trump is emphasizing the negative impact on diversity and vulnerable communities. Each action he takes undermines American values of equality and justice. The U.S. is changing from a safe space to one that immigrants will now try to avoid.

that time

your fun, but leave it outside of classroom

It’s never a question of when Water Assassins begins. Every senior classroom is abuzz with who’s on what team and who their target is.

And I am tired of hearing about it.

I appreciate the spirit of participation, the camaraderie. I appreciate seniors actually speaking to each other in my room instead of staring at their phones in silence until the bell rings. I appreciate that they need something to look forward to in their senior year, something that takes their minds off the stress of graduation and real life quickly approaching. But I don’t appreciate the repercussions of this “game” and the extreme competition that affects everything.

After the game commences, it takes over the first 10 minutes of ensuing class; students anxiously tell stories of waiting in the bushes of their target’s house since 4:30 in the morning or getting eliminated by a fellow student hiding in a garbage can. As it continues, the stories are more concerning. Unfortunately, I become privy to countless traffic violations, reports of trespassing and more.

And there is nothing more infuriating than a tardy student walking into class holding a Starbucks than a student who comes in a half-hour late because they “couldn’t get in their car” because they were being stalked by that week’s opponents.

I’ve heard every excuse for why seniors couldn’t do their class work from “my book was in my car and I couldn’t go to my car” to “I couldn’t study because I was waiting at my target’s work until midnight.”

The excuses are tired. I am tired of hearing about Water Assassins EVERY DAY.

CHAT GPT Guest AI

GEMMA SPRAGGINS Opinions Editor

JOANNA OTEY Journalism Advisor

YOU BELONG HERE.

Everyone has a problem...except me!

Phone usage is increasing with every generation, creating problems for pre-teens and teens, maybe its time for a change

JOSEPH GOODNIGHT Managing Editor

We’re all tired of hearing “you kids and your phones” from older generations, but to some degree, they have a point. And the results of the survey issued by The Lancer in January reflect this.

In a survey of 275 students on campus, 70 percent rated their concern for our generation’s social media and phone usage as a four out of five or higher, with students giving social media consumption more fives in this category than global warming or politics.

If this is the case, and everyone is so collectively concerned about this rising issue of social media and phone usage, why isn’t anything changing?

Through the results of the survey, The Lancer was also able to find the likely answer. In a separate question asking students to rate how affected they are by different issues on a personal level, only 29 percent of students rated social media usage as a four out of five or higher, a vastly smaller percentage than the 70 percent who were concerned with their generation’s usage of social media and their phones.

“Everyone else is a phone addict, but I’m obviously not.”

This belief is not a personal failing; our brains are wired to think this way, especially as young adults. There is only so much rationality to the way our brains think, and as animals, our brains are hardwired to be constantly working in our favor over anything else, including logic.

The belief that unlike everyone else, we are especially immune to a certain issue that everyone but us faces, is called a personal fable, a cognitive bias that young people are especially prone to having. You might even be able to identify this pattern of behavior in your younger self.

Looking back to middle school, do you remember feeling like no one else could ever understand you? Or like your problems were entirely unique and you were unlike everyone else? Middle school age is the peak time for falling into your cognitive personal fable, but it still affects people well into their high school and even college years. It’s a side effect of your brain attempting to develop a personal identity, something that is the main focus of your brain from early middle school and into your early 20s.

Just because it’s a normal way to feel, doesn’t mean it’s not something that all of us could benefit from addressing. Looking inward and

How Much I Am Concerned About My

How much am I concerned about my

identifying that maybe, I too, might be part of the problem can lead us to a better and happier state of being, both as individuals and as a whole. Too much social media usage leads to a lack of motivation, a dependency on instant gratification and a general feeling of depression and loneliness.

I noticed this exact issue in my own life back in November during Thanksgiving break, in which my screen time was regularly hitting

“I was finding myself being bored, but it was so strange; it was like I was happy to be bored.”

seven hours or more per day. I was really unhappy, feeling like I couldn’t get myself to do anything other than scroll on TikTok. With every break in my day I was scrolling on my phone; I couldn’t even sit through an episode of TV or I would get bored. I wasn’t participating in hobbies anymore, I wasn’t going out to see my friends, and I felt unbelievably stressed about everything from the state of the world to every microscopic

decision throughout my day. I needed a change, but I knew I could never just get rid of all my apps. I had friends who wanted to send me things, and I knew I would feel even more isolated than before if I was completely out of the loop. Instead, I wanted a way to limit my time on my apps that would actually work, unlike screen time limits, which I could never actually commit to, as I found myself just adding 15 minutes every time the timer would run out.

I found a free app that worked for both Android and Apple called ScreenZen, which forced me to wait for a specified amount of time before opening any of my problem apps such as TikTok or Instagram. Once I did get it open, I could only watch it for a small amount of time before it kicked me out again. I set my apps to only let me use them for 10-minute intervals. Once the timer was up, the app closed, and I had to wait again before opening it. What helped me out the most was that the number of opens I had a day was limited; I set mine to three 10-minute opens a day, which caused me to actually think about my app usage and treat my social media time like a limited resource, I wasn’t opening TikTok every time a class got boring because now I

wanted to make my screen time count.

At first, it felt awful. I wanted to look at my phone and distract myself every time I got mildly bored, but within a week or two, I almost didn’t notice it, and I wasn’t reaching for my phone at the first mild feeling of discomfort. I was actually happier than I had been in quite a while. I was finishing my schoolwork on time, and I was hanging out with friends in a way that felt meaningful. I was finding myself being bored, but it was so strange: It was like I was happy to be bored.

I became an advocate for ScreenZen pretty quickly, and so far, amongst my group of friends, everyone I’ve put on to the app has loved it and stuck with it. There are obviously other ways to approach getting off of your phone, but I wanted to highlight the way I was able to do it and that it doesn’t have to be immensely difficult. Whatever works for your relationship with your phone, or your way of getting motivated, is great. I implore everyone to at least try a couple of different things and see how it feels to get off of your phone, even if you’re still convinced that you have no part in the problem.

How Much Am I Personally Concerned About My Social Media and Phone Usage?

am I

Bored? Or high?

Addiction is a battle that students should not

For years, the dominant narrative around teen substance use has blamed apathy for young people turning to drugs out of boredom or a lack of motivation. But for current Lancers, the story is far more complex.

Instead of being the cause, apathy is often the consequence, a byproduct of the substances themselves.

“I didn’t start using because I didn’t care about life,” anonymous student said. “At first, it was just fun, an escape from stress. But soon, the highs became something I depended on. When I wasn’t using it, I felt empty, like nothing really mattered.”

This cycle is one that many students know all too well. It begins with curiosity or social use, but quickly turns into something deeper. Over time, the brain adapts, and that initial rush is harder to find. The result: An emotional numbness that looks like apathy from the outside.

An anonymous former drugusing student, who has since quit and joined a local recovery program, told The Lancer how the substances changed them.

“People thought I was just checked out, that I didn’t care about anything,” the anonymous senior

“I didn’t start using because I didn’t care about life. At first, it was just fun, an escape from stress. But soon, the highs became something I depended on.”

student said. “But in reality, the drugs made me that way. I wasn’t indifferent to life before I started using. I became that way because of the addiction.”

A recent Los Angeles Times study

shows a strong link between using weed vape cartridges and harmful, unregulated pesticides found in them. This issue has received a lot of attention in the news for further raising conversations discussing the impact substance use can have on young minds.

Despite these findings, many school and community programs still frame drug prevention as a battle against teenage disinterest rather than addiction itself. Some students believe that shifting the focus could lead to better support.

“Instead of just telling us to ‘care more’ or ‘stay motivated,’ we need real conversations about how drugs change our brains,” anonymous student said .

With youth substance use on the rise, understanding the true causes is more important than ever. If the real issue isn’t apathy but the impact of the substances themselves, then breaking the cycle starts with changing the way we approach prevention, education and support.

1 in 12 Lancer students admits to smoking

39% of which are not concerned with the consequences

Compiled by Joey Goodnight

Compiled by Joey Goodnight

Putting the pathetic

Ignoring

Classroom apathy

Juggling their social lives and extracurricular activities outside school many students struggle with finding joy in participating in their classes

Student Apathy is said to be one of the biggest challenges inside the classroom, but what’s behind the revulsion? Thousand Oaks High School math teacher, Michael Cowley has over a decade of experience in teaching, and he explains what student apathy means to him.

“Apathy means an unwillingness to try, students see one thing hard and they stop trying, they have to keep trying,” Cowley said.

Cowley also expresses his dismay with how apathetic and non-apathetic students receive the same reward.

“You had students who were in elementary school and failed, but they still went on to middle school,” Cowley said. “Then you had students in elementary with straight A’s, and who busted their butt to go to middle school. So where’s your incentive as a student to put in an effort?”

The ability to move further no matter your grades is often the cause of student apathy. However, student apathy can be caused by many other factors. It is a complex issue influenced by societal changes, technology, mental health and the education system itself.

Many teachers believe the source of student apathy is from the internet, specifically social media. Popular platforms such as TikTok and Youtube provide their audiences with constant access to entertainment, instant satisfaction and endless scrolling.

Beyond the internet and social media are other stress-increasing problems students might face. Many part-time jobs, family responsibilities and mental health struggles can make school just feel like another burden

instead of a place to learn. If a student is struggling mentally, their ability to engage at school naturally decreases.

Harold Hutton, a history teacher at TOHS, gives us his definition of student apathy.

“Sometimes students don’t care about the end result, but I think every student has it in them, and it is for us teachers to put it out towards them,” Hutton said.

Although student apathy is common, many teachers agree student apathy is not universal. Some classes are naturally more interesting to students than other classes. Classes that involve experiments, projects, activities, or debates may leave a student wanting to participate.

Often students do not get enough sleep due to late-night studying, extracurricular activities, and screen time. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts mental health, making it harder to concentrate in school. Being able to have enjoyable learning can help students become less apathetic.

“Apathy is to be disinterested, students might not see that what they are learning is going to apply later in life,” English teacher Kayla Spitsen said. “I think it’s very important that teachers communicate to their students so students can understand why learning is important and going to apply later in life.”

In her experience, Spitsen expresses how she has seen motivation at TOHS.

“As long as I’ve been working at TOHS, I feel the students here are pretty motivated compared to other high schools I’ve worked at,” Spitsen said.

Many students have felt that education has been a race rather than a journey, leading to burnout and disengagement. Student apathy isn’t just increasing, it’s becoming a persistent issue that schools struggle to reverse.

When COVID-19 put everyday interaction on pause, Gen-Z was thrust into a digital world controlled by social media, video games and Zoom. Months of social distancing and remote learning had an undeniable impact on the generation’s ability to interact face-to-face during such a developmental time in their lives. Gen-Z’s social and relationship building skills have since been questioned, becoming the subject of many studies. One of those studies, conducted by Monitoring the Future, found that from 2010 to 2022, the number of high school seniors who hung out with friends face-to-face dropped from an already low 44 percent to a staggering 32 percent.

With the availability of practically anything and everything on a cellphone, in-person interaction seems pointless to some. It’s almost

expected to still see teenagers glued to their phones.

But, five years after the pandemic began, Thousand Oaks High School students are breaking out of the mold and reviving their social lives.

“I definitely [prefer interacting] in person,” sophomore Kira Jones said. “There’s that physical connection. It’s way more real. And I think you get to actually see how they feel and react in time. And that is very impactful for how we communicate.”

The pandemic not only had an impact on teenagers’ social skills, but it also increased Gen-Z’s opportunities to relax and just do nothing.

“I feel like some people might prefer [staying in] because they don’t want to leave the comfort of their own home,” sophomore Camden Vann said. “Normally when I’m at home and I’m all in my comfy clothes…I’m just mostly just sitting

there not really doing anything. But when I’m out with [my friends] we’re more productive, and we are like to do stuff non-stop.”

With social media, FaceTime and other online platforms, teenagers have the opportunity to interact with each other during times when they can’t physically be in the same space, as seen during the pandemic.

Despite this, sophomore Nicholas Jellison still finds that he’s happier when he’s with his friends, doing things that they all enjoy, such as playing board games or video games.

“[Hanging out] in person can be nice because you actually get to see them face to face,” Jellison said. “And it’s not like you can’t just play video games in the same room, right?”

Like Jellison, junior Hilary Manalang is breaking the status quo. Manalang says she finds hanging out with her friends in person more fun than just talking over the phone or texting.

One of the most impactful and talked presidential elections occurred only months ago in November, raising different opinions and feelings among States citizens. After the results election, there has been a noticeable among active participants.

Recent studies show that Gen a low voter turnout and overall participation compared to older They simply don’t care about how the wrong candidate can negatively them.

The people who understand of this generation at this time do to give their thoughts or even try change. Gen Z is living through issues that are trying to be fixed and firsthand what changes must be made a better community. Yet, only a small of individuals are making efforts

Artificial Intelligence

A look at how AI is changing

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a tool that many students use daily for schoolwork, entertainment or problem-solving. While some see it as a helpful resource, others worry that reliance on AI could lead to a loss of motivation and critical thinking. As students have mixed feelings about how AI is shaping their education.

Sophomore Ailyn Chile admits she uses AI occasionally but prefers to learn from other sources. “I started using AI over a year ago because there were other resources I couldn’t use,” Chile said. “AI gives a lot of good information, but I feel like it’s plagiarized from other sources. It helps me understand more, but I don’t rely on it completely.” While AI has its advantages, Chile believes that too much dependence on it can negatively impact a student’s ability to fully engage with their learning.

While Chile tries to be cautious

“I prefer actually going out and like talking to people,” Manalang said. “I don’t like texting that much [and] I don’t like being on my phone that much either. I think it’s more fun to talk to people when you’re with them.”

When she’s with her friends, Manalang enjoys going to the mall, going out to eat and hiking. Even while living in a consistently online world, she makes sure to break away from technology and enjoy the presence of her friends and family.

Having spent most of their lives in a digital environment, it’s difficult for Gen-Z to avoid falling victim to technology addiction. Still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, Lancer students are demonstrating their ability to make up for lost time and get back into the groove of in-person interaction.

KAILAH SPENCER Assistant

TARIK NOORZAI Staff Writer

SADAYA KEAYS Staff

LAILAH SERNA Staff Writer

pathetic in apathetic

Ignoring political issues

have shown little care for outcomes or impacts of previous

election

Science of apathy

Is too much negativity making people indifferent?

hard to shake.

talked about only a few raising countless among United results of this noticeable pattern

Gen Z has had overall political generations. how voting for negatively affect the needs do not want try to make a these social and they see made to build small handful to see that change.

Students at Thousand Oaks High School are no exception to this political apathy. Even if eligible to vote soon; many feel that they either do not have a voice that matters or that their voices do not want to be heard.

Sophomore Trs’Ta Mitchell has her thoughts about not involving herself in the world of politics and the government’s reaction to the public's opinion.

“[The government] is going to do what they want anyway, they don’t care, why should I?,” Mitchell said.

From her perspective, it seems that even if you cast a vote or show any concern for the outcome of an election, the United States government will still end up doing what it sees fit.

This distrust in our democracy is causing future voters similar to Mitchell, to turn away from the whole process, which they believe does more harm than good.

As for students who are currently closer to the voting age, they share the same apathy

towards politics and all the chaos within.

“[Politics] has been stressing me out, so I haven’t been looking as much,” senior Sierra Updegraff said. “What’s looking at it going to do? I can’t vote yet.”

Uncertainty on the change they can make seems to be a common theme among teenagers. They do not feel even a little qualified to say they know what to do in an election or make their political decisions.

So much can change in politics and before they know it their lives could be changed drastically. The stigma in our society teaches teenagers that since they cannot yet vote, they should not involve themselves in anything political, even if it directly impacts them.

The amount of apathy from these teenagers is frankly disappointing. We may still be in high school, but familiarizing ourselves with the hectic world of politics can help prepare us for when the time comes for us to vote.

The ignorance that is spreading across our generation towards politics is doing much more harm than we think.

Intelligence changing student motivation

changing students relationship to their work, for better and for worse

with AI, another student, who wishes to remain anonymous, has completely different approach.

“I use AI for everything,” the anonymous student said.

“Homework, essays, even brainstorming ideas for projects, it just saves me time. I don’t see why I should struggle when AI can do the work faster.” This attitude reflects a growing mindset among students who prioritize efficiency over traditional learning methods.

The ease of access to AI-generated content has made it tempting for students to skip the more labor-intensive aspects of their assignments.

Some teachers worry that AI makes it too easy for students to take shortcuts. Chile agrees that AI could be lead to a lack of effort. “It depends on the kids,” Chile said.

“I feel like it’s better if we learn from other resources because if we don’t we’re just not gonna care about what we’re doing. AI can

make students lazy.” She believes that when students rely too much on AI, they lose the drive to find answers themselves, which can be detrimental to their learning process.

The anonymous student disagrees. “I don’t think AI is making students lazy, I think it’s making school more efficient,” the anonymous student said. “Not every assignment needs deep thinking. Sometimes, it’s just about getting through the work.

There’s also the question of whether

AI is affecting students’ ability to think critically. “It helps me understand things,” Chile said, “but if I rely on it too much, I won’t develop my own thinking skills. If students just copy and paste they’re not learning anything.”

The anonymous student believes AI is the future of education. “Schools are going to have to adapt,” the anonymous student said. “AI isn’t going away, so instead of fighting it, teachers should find ways to incorporate it into learning.”

LIAM SMITH Staff Writer

JOSEPH GOODNIGHT Managing Editor

Most people struggle with apathy at some point in their life, be it with their job, their relationships or simply the state of the world. Apathy can be attributed to myriad things. For some, it is a symptom of a deeper issue, commonly depression; for others, it’s a sign that something in life needs to change and for many, it’s a passing feeling associated with being in a “funk.”

Apathy is defined as “a lack of goaldirected activity and motivation compared to previous behavior. It can also look like a lack of spontaneity, interest or emotional expression“ the Cleveland Clinic said.

With so much going on in the world right now, it can feel like with every passing year apathy becomes a more and more insidious plague affecting everyone around the world. Many of us have gotten to a point where it feels like there’s absolutely nothing we can do, like there’s no point trying anymore.

This feeling is known as “Learned Helplessness” and has been a recorded mental phenomenon since the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, prisoners of war were forced to endure torture that they could do nothing to avoid. Good or bad behaviour from prisoners was still met with the same torture, and they found that prisoners put into these conditions almost immediately gave up all will to do anything. Instead of resisting or attempting to win over their captors, they laid on the floor of their cells and simply waited.

However, Learned Helplessness does not have to come from that extreme circumstance. Learned Helplessness can come from any loss of control over the outcomes in your life. It can come from a class you just can’t pass no matter how hard you try, or feeling like your vote and your voice doesn’t have any power in your community and Learned Helplessness is

Students who struggled in early elementary school and didn’t feel as though they could succeed could have Learned Helplessness haunt them for the rest of their academic career, especially if they don’t see any immediate improvement when they do try in school again.

Though there are ways to alleviate Learned Helplessness.

“People can push back against learned helplessness by practicing independence from a young age and by cultivating resilience, self-worth, and self-compassion. Engaging in activities that restore selfcontrol can also be valuable. For example, an elderly person who feels helpless in the aging process can engage in small exercises that they know will restore a sense of control,” Psychology Today said.

Learned helplessness, though a major culprit in the population’s lack of ability to care, isn’t the only reason why apathy seems so much more widespread. The ample access to technology is also partially to blame.

“Our brains are not designed to be aware of this much information all the time, and most of the information we are receiving is negative,” Thousand Oaks High Schools mental health associate Katherine Flynn said.

Social media has already been linked to an increase in apathy, and with a lot of negative posts being made online, it makes sense how some people can feel overwhelmed and start to feel apathetic about all of the different things they’re supposed to be concerned with.

Social media is built to make everything feel like a big deal, which can make it hard to discern what actually is worth caring about. From crises happening in countries across the world to keeping up with viral trends, social media is trying to convince you to act now on billions of different things, which is impossible for anyone to keep up with.

“I won’t say that it’s not that they don’t care,” Flynn said. “It’s not that there are more uncaring people, it’s more about how you can have the energy to care.”

Best

VALENTINE’S CHOCOLATE in T.O.

JOSEPH GOODNIGHT

Managing Editor

As Valentine’s Day came and went and thousands of partners across the country scrambled to get anything left on the shelves, leaving us to wonder, are any of these chocolates actually good? If so, which one is the best Valentine’s Day chocolate?

In a blind taste test, The Lancer staff dedicated themselves to figuring it out. Comparing chocolates from Trader Joe’s, Ghirardelli, Dove and Hershey’s to see which Valentine’s Day chocolate was the overall favorite, the first round resulted in a major upset with the king of the candy aisle. Hershey was the first to be eliminated, with many staffers thinking the classic chocolate had a penny-like aftertaste, too sweet and underwhelming.

The next elimination was the less arguable of the race. With Ghirardelli being generally considered fine at best, tasting plastic-like, and lacking the meltin-your-mouth goodness that you would hope for in a chocolate fitting comfortably into third place

I worried a riot would start during the deliberation for second place, with both Dove and Trader Joe’s fighting to take first place. But in the end, Trader Joe’s came in second with no real complaints, with some chocolate puritans feeling it was too sweet to be a true milk chocolate.

With even the Trader Joe’s lovers agreeing that it was rich, creamy, a perfect mix of cocoa and sweetness, Dove came on top. Ultimately, becoming the Lancer’s pick for best Valentine’s Day chocolate.

Journalism

An award winning publication that delivers breaking news, updates, and entertainment to TOHS and the community. With aspects of news, opinion, and creative writing, interviewing, design, photography, or sales, The Lancer is a perfect place for you!

Sports Medicine

An elective that explores sports injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Students gain skills to support athletes in enhancing preformace and recovering from injuries. If you are interested in a medical field with aspects of sports, then take sports medicine!

Construction Tech

An elective that introduces students to the fundamentals of building and contruction processes. Join this course to learn aboout tools, materials, safety practices, and project management, to prepare for carrers in construction.

Computer Graphics

An elective that dives into the creation and illusion of visual content using technology. Students learn about 2D and 3D design, developing skills in software tools. Join to prepare for careers in gaming, film, and digital media.

Art Media

An elective that introduces artistic techniques and materials. Students learn painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media, ecouraging creative growth. This course influences critical thinking and helps students appreciate diverse art forms.

ALYSSA KISZCZAK Editor-in-Chief

The melancholic but familiar sounds of Mac Miller return with the release of his second posthumous album, “Balloonerism.”

Miller, a talented aspiring rapper representing Pittsburgh, Penn., tragically passed away in 2016 a fatal drug overdose at just 26 years old. His untimely death left a major hole in the music industry, as fans mourned the loss of an artist who was just beginning to make a name for himself.

Miller often expressed a persistent dedication to music, often stating that he could release a song daily for the rest of his life if he chose to. “Balloonerism” arrives after his first posthumous mixtape “Faces,” with both projects coming from the same era and featuring very similar tracks. The album

opens with a collaboration with a young SZA on DJ’s Chord Organ, an opening track that serves as a stark reminder of Millers untimely death.

A more prominent highlight of the album and my personal favorite song is the track “Stoned,” where Miller reflects on a girl he often gets high with, who longs for something more. The song features a prominent guitar riff complemented by Miller’s signature production style. Heavy pianos and strong bass riffs complement and only enhance the album further on the track “Rick’s Piano,” where Miller which introduces a smoother feel to the album.The album serves as a reminder to music lovers all across the industry of what could have been.

What are you listening to?

Lancers listening to and why?

and speak of real world issues.

Visions for the future

As 2025 begins, high school senior Breanna McCoy is setting ambitious goals for personal and future success. With graduation on the horizon, McCoy is determined to make the most of their final months of high school while preparing for the transition to college.

“My main goal is to stop being such a procrastinator”, McCoy said. “I tend to do my assignments an hour before they are due, like 11 p.m., and I plan on stopping that and getting it done early to take off stress.” With college applications and final exams approaching, staying organized is more important than ever.

With a focus on self-improvement, college preparation, and new experiences, 2025 is set to be a transformation year for McCoy.

FRESHMAN - JACOB WEISBERG

For high school freshman Jacob Weisberg, 2025 is all about improvement, both on the field and in the classroom. As his first year of high school continues, he’s focused on setting strong foundations for the years ahead.

“I want to make the start on baseball,” Weisberg said.“I am on the frosh team this year and am working towards making it to a JV next year.” With daily practices and a commitment to improving his skills, Weisberg hopes his hard work will pay off when tryouts come around next season.

With determination to improve his game and sharpen his academic habits, Weisberg is setting himself up for a successful 2025. As he works toward his JV baseball goal, he’s proving that dedication and discipline can make all the difference.

BRENDAN ESCOVEDO senior

song: Paper Soldier by: Brent Faiyaz favorite artist and why: Brent Faiyaz because he has good music.

HELENA FIERROS freshman

ANDREA PACHECO senior CRAIG ROND teacher

AILYN CHILE sophomore

song: Come Back to Earth by: Mac Miller favorite artist and why: Mac Miller because his music has a lot of feelings and emotions.

song: Truffle Butter by: Drake favorite artist and why: Drake because his music is perfect for all locations.

song: Cast No Stones by: Cody Jinks favorite artist and why: Jamey Johnson because the songs are lyrical, really authentic,

song: Prisoner by: The Weekend (ft. Lana Del Rey) favorite artist and why:

CourtesyCreative Commons

SENIOR - BREANNA McCOY

So fresh

Freshman Alea Conner describes her style as both “chill but also exciting,” finding a balance between comfort and energy in her outfits. She enjoys creating looks that are laid-back but still have a little flair, allowing her to feel both relaxed and confident.

When it’s time to shop for clothes, Conner tends to go toward commonly known brands like Brandy Melville,

Lancer freshmen are hopping into spring with blooming fashion trends

ADDISON ANELLO Staff Writer

PacSun and Target, which offer a mix of casual and trendy pieces that go with her style.

“I like being able to find cute pieces that feel effortless, but also have something a little unique about them,” Conner said.

These stores provide her with the perfect combination of style and comfort to complement her aesthetic.

Looking back at Conner’s middle school years, she remembers her fashion choices being a bit different from her current style. She wore a lot of shorts with tights underneath, which she considers a thing of the past.

“That was a phase, but it’s definitely better now,” Conner said.

While her clothing choices in middle school were more experimental, Conner has now found a style that feels more mature, and reflective of her personality. The inspiration behind her fashion comes from the singer Billie Eilish, whose bold style has influenced her wardrobe choices.

“She has this cool, comfortable vibe that I love,” Conner said.

She admires how Eilish blends comfort with style, and she’s been able to incorporate similar elements into her own wardrobe, creating a look that compliments her personality and feels uniquely her own.

Freshman Jordyn Allen would describe her style as “alternative,” but she also thinks it’s a mix of various styles that come together to make something unique.

“I love combining different styles based on what I’m feeling, whether it’s something more grunge or vintage,” Allen said.

Instead of following trends, she focuses on what makes her feel good while

expressing her personality. When it comes to shopping for clothes, Allen likes to be more sustainable. She often gets clothes passed down from her family or friends, although she really enjoys thrift shopping. She loves the idea of finding second-hand clothes because of how different and unique they are.

“There’s something special about finding a vintage item that no one else has. It feels like it tells a story,” Allen said. This not only shows off her style but also reflects her ecofriendly mindset when it comes to fashion.

In middle school, Allen’s style was similar to what it is now, though it was not as styled then. She didn’t put as much effort into her outfits, but the alternative vibe was still there. As she got older, she started to understand fashion more, which allowed her to experiment with looks.

Over time, Allen’s style became more of a confident expression of who she is. Her style comes from her love of different aesthetics and her journey of finding what works best for her.

“I started to really identify what styles made me feel comfortable and confident,” Allen said.

By exploring different styles and what suits her taste, she created a wardrobe that represents who she is.

AROUND T.O.WN

Calabasas Earth Day Festival

Las Virgenes Road & Agoura Road, Calabasas , CA

Saturday, April 12

The Earth Day celebration is free of charge and includes candors, giveaways, kids’ events, and more. The expo is a day of education, celebration, and to take action for our world. Earth Day/ Green Expo sets an example for people and how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference.

77th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

Earl Warren Show Grounds, Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA

Friday March 7, Saturday March 8, Sunday March 9

General admission is $20 for one day; $30 for a 3-day pass. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. You can purchase your ticket in advance on the website. The non-profit show is to share and educate others on the orchid world.

Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk/Run 10K/5K

Westlake Village City hall, Westlake Village, CA

Saturday, March 22

The opening ceremony begins at 8:30 am, the 5K/10K starts at 8:45 am, and the kids’ fun run starts at 10:30 am. The family friendly expo includes food, drinks, live music, and a kids corner. 100% of the proceeds go directly to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

40th Annual Nature Made Great Race of Agoura Hills Half Marathon

5550 Medea Valley Dr, Agoura Hills, CA

Saturday, April 5

The family friendly events feature many race options including the Triple Stack Challenge, 15K Combo, Chesebro Half Marathon, Old Agoura 10K, Deena Kastor 5K, and a 1 Mile Fun Run.

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo

Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara, CA

April 24- May 4

The events will include carnical rides, farm animals, fair food, live entertainment and more. Information on time and ticket pricing can be found at the earlwarren. com website.

Mountains 2 Beach 5K and Kids 1K in ventura

Nordhoff High School, Ojai, CA

Saturday April 12, Sunday April 13

Starting in Ojai, the race ends near the Ventura Pier. The 13.1 mile course is a fast Half- Marathon with a beautiful view. A kids 1K will take place at 1pm, Sunday, April 13, is also a 10K run.

KICKING IN STYLE - Freshman Alea Conner shows off her style with a bright smile.

Jaxon Rector - The Lancer

EASY STYLE - Freshman Jordyn Allen’s casual and cool style embraces comfort.

Jaxon Rector - The Lancer

ALEA CONNER

JORDYN ALLEN

Conversation on conservation

Environmental Science teacher weighs in on climate change, factors contributing to it and apathy students showcase about it

KAILAH SPENCER

Assistant News Editor

The Lancer caught up with Environmental Science teacher Heather Farrell to discuss her thoughts on the climate change crisis and the future of the planet.

The Lancer: Where do you think the apathy towards climate change comes from?

Farrell: “Unfortunately, history has shown us that people don’t tend to act or take notice until something affects them personally. For many people, climate change may seem like someone else’s problem, and they may feel bad for them, but it isn’t them who is having to deal with the issue or the aftermath personally.”

The Lancer: Do you think our generation chooses to have apathy or were we just born in an apathetic era?

Farrell: “I think your generation is sometimes so engrossed in the “tech” aspect of our world that sometimes you lose perspective of the world around you. It is easy to jump on social media but it takes more of a focused effort to walk away from the tech and get into nature. Social media also tends to place you in an “echo chamber” where you are surrounded by ads and people who think the exact same as you do. The echo chamber effect on social media can exacerbate divisions on climate change, making it difficult to reach a consensus and make forward progress.”

The Lancer: What are small, everyday things that we do that may have an impact on climate change and we don’t realize?

Farrell: “Back to social media and the tech world, every time you log in you are using energy through the infrastructure behind social media. The platforms require significant energy to operate, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Lancer: What are small, everyday changes we can make to help the environment?

Farrell: “If we focus on everyday routines; making sure lights are turned off when we leave a room, unplug everything when not using it, only run full loads of dishes or laundry, and of course, turn off the water while you brush your teeth or wash dishes; every little bit can help. When you go out, carry your own reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic bottles. It is also a good idea to have your own reusable straw and your own utensils. If you have to use single-use plastics, don’t make them single-use. Take them home, wash the utensils and re-use them. Carpool, walk, or ride a bike whenever possible. If you have the means, buy a hybrid or electric car. Shop

second-hand stores rather than always buying new, and if something breaks, fix it rather than buying a new one.”

The Lancer: Have we gotten to the point of no return in regards to climate change?

Farrell: “I don’t think we are completely there yet, but I do think that we are very close. Humans around the world are not acting fast enough. There seems to be this feeling of “we will get it fixed eventually” and unfortunately, we don’t have that kind of time. The importance of solving this crisis should be a number one priority for all, and yet not enough people seem to understand the consequences of this crisis. It doesn’t matter what country you live in or your economic status, all humans will be and are being affected by climate change.”

The Lancer: What were the main causes of climate change, say, 30 years ago, vs. now?

Farrell: “The main causes of climate change haven’t really changed, but they have intensified. The main driver is the burning of fossil fuels. As the world’s population grows exponentially, more and more people need food, housing, cars, stuff, etc., and these days, that all mostly still takes fossil fuels to make. We are also seeing a rise in affluence which leads to more waste.”

The Lancer: Was there a moment when you spoke to a student about climate change and it made you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?

Farrell: My students bring me hope for a better future. They didn’t create the crisis we are all in, but they are the ones who will have to fix it and rise up to meet the challenge. I read something today that said FEAR has 2 meanings and I think it applies to our global battle against climate change. It can mean “Forget Everything and Run” or it can mean “Face Everything and Rise”. I have hopes that as the students of today are educated about the world around them and learn to think for themselves, to ask questions, to be critical thinkers, and to challenge everything, we can start heading in the right direction. When [my students] start to really open their eyes and truly see nature and the world around them, they give me hope.

The Lancer: What efforts are you making to educate your students about climate change, beyond what may already be in the textbooks?

Farrell: “I stick to the science, and I bring in current events and show real-world examples to give the students an idea about what changes are happening around the globe. I post volunteer opportunities to get out into nature such as trail work, beach cleanups, seed sorting for the national parks, and recycling events.”

Madison Cuellar makes some dough making dough

SOPHIA MUNHALL Staff Writer

Inspired by baking from a young age, senior Madison Cuellar pursued her passion through her bread business: Madison’s Boulangerie. Cuellar makes a variety of bread with the help of her mom. Popular favorites among her customers are her French baguettes and her sourdough loaves.

Cuellar started her bread business out of a love for baking and took the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic to turn it into a small business.

“I’ve always loved baking and cooking,” Cuellar said. “During COVID we had the time to start, so I just decided to start selling my bread to friends and family and, because of the positive outcome that came from it, I decided to continue in high school.”

While passionate about baking, she sees it as a side business, with plans to pursue nursing school. Cuellar’s boulangerie provides her with a way to pursue her dream in nursing by making a little extra money to pay off college.

Cuellar skillfully manages her schoolwork, homework and social life by structuring her bread-making schedule around her academic responsibilities, demonstrating strong time management and organization. She balances her responsibilities while maintaining the quality and consistency of her baking.

“The bread business is my job,”

Cuellar said. “Since there are a lot of resting periods, I squeeze my school and homework in between when the bread is resting before baking it in the oven.”

She works hard prioritizing the bread business, while managing time pursuing her other interests and still succeeds in school. Cuellar plansher days out ahead of time to multi-task and be productive. She knows that if she is working behind schedule, then she won’t get her requests in on time, so it all works hand in hand.

“I plan based on how long the bread takes,” Cuellar said. “My baguettes take three days, so right after school to do the dough, so then I can go and study with friends and hang out or do my homework. Then, in the morning I do the second phase before school and before I even start a batch of bread I make sure I have the time before I plan anything else, so it is my priority.”

Cuellar contributes to household expenses and uses her earnings to support her needs, as well as materials and equipment necessary to keep her business running.

“My oven broke in my house because of how much I was baking and over-using it and my mom doesn’t always like me baking because of all the gas and everything because it’s expensive,” Cuellar said. “So, when I bake a lot, I’ve started to put a little money towards the gas bill and I won’t take on too many orders at a time.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PREP - Madison Cuellar mixes ingredients thoroughly into her batter for a fresh loaf of bread, while ensuring every measurement of the recipe is correct and properly used.

Madison Cuellar - with permission

BEING THE CHANGE - Mrs. Farrell teaches students about the harm of climate change and how every student can make a difference by caring about their environment, cleaning up and planting.

Jaxson Rector - The Lancer

Lancer named Regeneron science scholar

on

cost-effective treatments for traumatic brain injuries

ALAN KO Digital Editor

Wind gushing outside E3 in November, leaving the science lab without power, senior Benjamin Chung poured a substrate into an enzyme, hoping it would change color. It turned pink. He screamed. Chung had just finished his research to submit for the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students.

In early January, the Society for Science — which serves as the managing body of the Regeneron competition — announced that Chung was named a top 300 scholar for 2025. Chung gives TO a Regeneron winner for the 2nd straight year; last year, Ramon Moreno Jr. was honored for his research for “The Influence of Isonicotinamide on the Chronological Lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains.” Moreno is now attending

Harvard University on a full academic scholarship.

Chung, who is a part of TO’s Center for Advanced Studies and Research, had an experience at Westminster Free Clinic that allowed him to find the “gap” that he believed could make an impact.

“Ramon was a pivotal factor in this; I still text him asking him questions,” Chung said. “He’s always willing to just help me. Upon getting the recognition, I don’t believe it. It’s just it’s kind of surreal. I don’t believe that I should have gotten it. I feel like there’s a lot more capable people in the Center.”

“I had a patient who struggled with a traumatic brain injury, and I saw that there were no cost-effective approaches for treating it, and the invasive approaches, like surgical interventions, [were] way too expensive,” said Chung, who began assisting at the clinic as a sophomore. “So I [thought], ‘How come there’s no feasible cure for

Malmquist’s dedication drums into future

Senior

drummer Winston Malmquist will still have a music-filled life post graduation

COOPER LESTER Business Manager

Senior Winston Malmquist is setting new standards for the Thousand Oaks High School band program as each day passes.

Malmquist’s passion for music ignited in fourth grade after spending his childhood surrounded by music.

That passion has transformed into an artistry as he has joined elite band ensembles, first with the Drum Core International Mandarins and now he stands as the highest level member of the Drum Core International Blue Devils—an organization with 22 world championships under their belt.

Malmquist compares the rigorous summer tours to the intensity of a club sports team. Whether that fire in you comes throwing a football, or beating a drum.

“You audition, and then you’re off competing across 13 states,” Malmquist said.

From the vibrant energy of local

high school fields to the grand stages of Drum Corps International competitions in Indianapolis, every performance is a testament to his dedication. Malmquist spent the past Summer traveling to compete and better his craft.

“I definitely come from a family of music, I have that craft within me naturally,”Malmquist said.

Yet, amid the accolades and national tours, Malmquist’s ambitions extend beyond the spotlight. With an eye on the future, he recently auditioned for one of the nation’s top music programs, California State University Northridge (CSUN), and job offers from local schools are already in the works.

In a world where many teenagers are still finding their voice, Malmquist shows us how music ultimately can become someone’s voice.

As Malmquist finishes his time at TO, his next chapter begins, sharing the common denominator of music.

En route to music finals, audition underway

Junior Saoirse Sipes named a semi-finalist for The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight

RILEY KEELER Managing Editor

Every year Los Angeles’ The Music Center chooses students from schools across Southern California for their nationally acclaimed performing arts competition scholarship. This year one of Thousand Oaks’ very own percussionist, junior Saoirse Sipes was chosen into the top 113 students that have advanced to become semifinalists in The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight program. This prestigious program received nearly two thousand auditions this year from amazing applicants throughout California.

Sipes had to go through two rounds of auditions to become a semifinalist, first a video audition and once he conquered that round, Sipes was invited to the Music Center to then go through auditions there. One more round of auditions will decide if Sipes will be winning the scholarship.

This is nothing new for Sipes as he was also a semifinalist in 2024 for the 36th Annual Spotlight Program.

Through Sipes’s journey to becoming a semi-finalist, someone might ask how he prepared for such an award, anyone else might be worrying about practicing and getting ready to audition for something so big, but not Sipes.

“I didn’t really prepare, I just did the requirements and practiced what they wanted me to play,” Sipes said. “What I’m really practicing for is my grand prize finalist audition.”

Sipes is also a national young arts winner for 2024 and 2025, and has been formerly recognized for his astonishing talent as a drummer.

“The special thing about it is getting to go to the music center to be judged by a panel in person,” Sipes said “A lot of auditions now are purely online and you send videos and they evaluate you there but having to play for real people, having to adjust your volume to the room, that’s challenging but also like you are playing real music for real people instead of video digital music for people you don’t know.”

traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)?’ And that’s what kind of started it.”

Chung looked for widely available and affordable solutions that would be able to help with the recovery process of a TBI. He was found to Omega-3 and Zinc and decided to research their effectiveness on phenol oxidase, an enzyme found in brain tissue. He settled on the title: The Synergistic Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) and Zinc Picolinate on Traumatic Brain Injury in Galleria mellonella.”

Dr. Nikki Malhotra, who manages the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) of The Center, worked closely with Chung to complete his research project.

Chung and TOHS were each awarded $2,000 to utilize in any way they see fit. After high school, Chung hopes to attend a four-year university and eventually enter a pre-med program to become a neurosurgeon, using the knowledge and skills he has gained from his time in The Center.

Crime scene

Majors program takes a trip to see Ventura County crime lab

In a brightly lit crime lab in Ventura, 21 students huddled around a forensic chemist as he applied a chemical reagent to small doses of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. Bringing the container around the room, the students were in awe as the drugs turned pink, blue and orange.

As the students moved around the lab from section to section, they could ask questions, observe, learn and have conversations with professionals, allowing them to openly talk to adults about their field of study and investigate their likes and dislikes about the career.

On Feb. 20, the majors program, a program only offered at Thousand Oaks High School, hosted a trip to the Ventura County Crime Lab. Allowing students to learn about different careers directly from the individuals in those careers.

At the crime lab students were met by forensic technicians (individuals who collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes), chemists (analyze unknown substances to determine what drugs they contain), firearm examiners (examine bullets, cartridges and guns from crime scenes), toxicologists (analyzes drug and alcohol levels) and scientists (identify substances on objects), learning what the career consisted of and their day to day life.

“[The trip] made me excited to pursue a career in forensics and I also learned what different scientists do,” Sophomore Zoe Sellers said. “It’s so amazing that we get to explore opportunities like this in high school.”

Though this trip was a perfect opportunity for those interested in forensics it was also a time for students who were hesitant to pursue a career in forensics to get a greater understanding; easing them in their final decision.

“I was interested in seeing if going into forensics was a good fit for me…after going to the lab, I realized that maybe forensics isn’t the best path for me,” sophomore Abigail Choi said. “I realized that being cooped up in a lab was not something for me and I needed a more active, hands-on job.”

With life after high school right around the corner, students of all ages are looking for opportunities to explore the outside world. The goal of the majors program is to organize events and trips that align with the interests of students. The trip was catered for students who don’t know where they’re going after high school, to hopefully make their path through life easier.

[The] trip did make it easier [for] what I would like to be when I grow up,” freshman Madison Camacho said. “The opportunity of going on this trip was so worth it.”

Benjamin Chung earns national recognition for his study

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ News Editor

A LOVE FOR SCIENCE - Benjamin Chung stands next to his project that placed in the top three at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

Benjamin Chung - wIth permission

ALL ON THE LINE - Senior Winston Malmquist perfects his art for TOHS drumline, and his future..

Jacob Bradley - The Lancer

FEELING THE BEAT - Saoirse Sipes is practices hard for his grand prize finalist audition.

Joseph Goodnight - The Lancer

Dusting off the diamond

Spring has sprung with baseball and softball seasons both under way

Cronenbold’s coaching style than the past coaches.

Writer

From base to base, pitch after pitch, softball and baseball teams at TOHS are ready for this year’s season to kick off.

Both programs enter 2025 under the fountain of youth. The softball program is led by second-year head coach

Heather Spohr and four seniors, while the baseball team is under new leadership with seven seniors, to pair with rookie head coach

Haden Cronenbold, a TOHS and Oklahoma State baseball alum.

“The program is a lot younger, the coaches from the years before were a lot older,” baseball, junior catcher Matthew Magruder said. “So new coaching style and different environment. It’s a little bit more open and not as strict, but we still focus when we need to focus.”

Having another new coach take over for the TOHS baseball team, the boys tend to lean more towards

“His coaching style lets us play freely, instead of being on our heels,” Magruder said. “Instead of stressing about making mistakes, everyone makes mistakes and has that support.”

With seniors such as Claire Kirby and Lauren Snyder looking to lead the way for the softball program in 2025, the team seems to have moved on from Tori Masters and Alyssa Beaver, who were seniors in 2024.

Masters is playing Division 1 softball at Texas A&M Commerce.

“We did great last year, but I think we will do better [this year] because of the positions the new freshmen play, they are very flexible,”

senior Claire Kirby said. The TOHS softball team has started pre-season off right, as all of the underclassmen have brought the right energy to bring the team together and look stronger after losing key players who were the main

contributors to the team. The remaining four seniors now take on the role that can bring this team far into their season and return the softball program to the playoffs.

“We are very determined and motivated, I feel like all of us want to go far,” freshman Olivia LePage said. “So if we want to, we can.”

Baseball and softball both have their differences and similarities, but for the Lancers they both have the determination and grit, upperclassmen or underclassmen, that can power the teams into the postseason and beyond.

The baseball team opened its season in the 2025 Easton Tournament where they would open up 2-0 after victories against Moorpark and Poly before falling to St. Francis in the quarterfinals.

Senior Jaden Kolkowski was able to shine bright over the season’s opening tournament, bringing in 2 RBIs while also leading the way for the team on the mound, leaving the tournament as the team’s leader in strikeouts.

The softball team opened

up the season on the road at El Camino Real earning a 9-3 victory over the Royals backed by senior Claire Kirby’s 5 RBIs, backed by the team’s 13 strikeouts on the mound.

The Lancers followed this up with their opener against Hueneme, which didn’t see a shortage of offense form the Lancers. Freshmen Olivia LePage and Madison Jauregui both had 5 RBIs and sophomore Samantha Case had 6 RBIs backed by two home runs in the eventual 25-0 victory that got called due to the mercy rule in the middle of the fifth inning. After two games the softball team is outscoring the opponent 34-3.

Both teams look to build off of their successful opening weeks to return the teams back to glory.

Baseball looks to make the CIF playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season which was one year removed from the 2021 CIF championship run from the Lancers. Softball looks for its first playoff berth since 2013.

Saint, Ross stuck in a pickle

Seniors lead Lancers on the volleyball court and in the pickleball club

LILAH SWAVING Assistant Sports Editor

The volleyball court has long seen seniors Jackson Ross and Bryson Saint perfecting their skills, dedicating hours of practice to their passion. But as their senior season approached, the dynamic duo embarked on an unexpected journey—one that would see their entire summer in 2024 centered around pickleball.

Known for their energy and humor, Ross and Saint co-founded the Pickleball Club alongside fellow senior Ethan Lee. After discovering a shared love for the sport.

“My friends and I spent a lot of time playing over the summer and just wanted a reason to keep it going,” Ross said.

However, running a club while balancing the demands of a promising volleyball season on the horizon, schoolwork as seniors and extracurricular activities is no easy task. But Ross and Saint have found a way to make it work.

“It’s not super difficult to balance time; we organize tournaments and

try to schedule them around our volleyball commitments, since that’s our priority,” Ross explained.

The support they’ve received from their volleyball teammates has been a major factor in making the pickleball experience even more enjoyable.

“Some of our friends meet up on weekends to play, and we just mess around. It’s the quality time spent between both sports that helps us connect and perform better on the court,” Ross said

“Two years ago, I was playing with Jack [Ross] and a couple of friends,” Bryson Saint said. “We

Jake's Journal

JACOB BRADLEY Sports Editor

The New York Giants have found themselves stuck in a familiar position once again: Quarterback Purgatory.

After 16 seasons of Eli Manning that ended in 2019 after featuring two Super Bowl victories over the Tom Brady-led Patriots at Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, Manning left the Giants in despair after being benched for Geno Smith and a rookie Daniel Jones in his last hoorah in 2019.

Jones entered the 2024-25 season coming off his second season-ending injury in three years, with more eyes on him than ever following the departure of elite running back Saquon Barkley. To say Jones would go on to disappoint is an understatement. He had more tackles than touchdowns heading into a week 11 bye before being benched for Drew Lock and later being moved to fourth string behind Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle, which ultimately led to his release.

pivotal draft, with the third overall pick in their hands, the question isn’t just who will be the next quarterback, but who has the potential to reshape the entire franchise? To me, that answer is clear: Cam Ward.

Their top-three draft position could be the key to turning the franchise around. This pick isn’t just a chance to add another player; it’s a potential solution to the biggest issue the team has faced since Manning retired. The Giants have a golden opportunity to secure a franchise quarterback—not only for star receiver Malik Nabers and the franchise itself but for the beloved fans.

In three of the last four seasons, the Giants started at least three different quarterbacks: Jones, Mike Glennon, Jake Fromm and Barkley in 2021; Jones, DeVito and Tyrod Taylor in 2023; then Jones, DeVito and Lock in 2024.

As the Giants come off a franchise worst 3-14 record in the 2024-25 season, they stand on the edge of a

The Giants have struggled with leadership at the quarterback position ever since Eli Manning’s departure. Jones, despite his talent, failed to show that same ability to galvanize the team and make the crucial plays when it matters. Ward, the Miami star who threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, has the mentality to step in as a leader from Day One. His calm confidence and poise under pressure will be essential as he navigates the ups and downs of a rookie season, especially in a city like New York.

Will the Giants use their opportunity with the third pick to alter their franchise forever by possibly matching a rare talent in Ward at quarterback with the already proven star of Malik Nabers? Will the Giants seize the day?

decided to play one-onone, going to 50 points, and it turned into an epic backand-forth battle.”

Their shared passion for both volleyball and pickleball keeps them motivated through long practices, meetings and the everyday grind of academics. The pickleball club has become more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a special community where they create lasting memories while pursuing their love for sports. Despite the challenges of managing their busy schedules, their commitment to both sports has strengthened their bond as teammates and friends, making every moment—on the court and off—worth the effort. Ultimately, it’s not just about building the club or perfecting their skills; it’s about cherishing these moments and creating memories that will stay with them long after high school graduation. Saint and Ross have an exciting few months ahead, as volleyball season has just begun and will be followed by summer, AKA pickleball season.

Columnist reflects on sports journey and adversity

Assistant Sports Editor

Losing the ability to play the sport that completes you isn’t something anybody should have to go through. The pain of not knowing that would be your last practice, competition or game is harder than anything. But feeling the pain of an injury is the hardest part.

Volleyball wasn’t always my top option when it came to athletics, gymnastics was. I started gymnastics when I was around 5 years old. I remember that day like it was yesterday when I saw Payton Springer, a former student at Thousand Oaks, who was also an athlete at Monarchs (Gymnastics Facility). She was obviously at a higher level than me, but I remember going home that day telling my parents to sign me up for another class.

After countless hours of practice, I placed third in the state for my level overall. I felt so accomplished because I’d spend 12 hours in the gym every single week.

Fast forward eight years and over thousands of hours of practice, sweat, tears, rips and competitions, my life took a twist. In the blink of an eye my doctors told me to give up the sport of my dreams after I endured a fracture to my lower lumbar from stress and pressure on my back. Years of gymnastics took over, and my body couldn’t handle it anymore. I was a scared 13-year-old, so physical therapy was my best bet. After going to many meetings and months of therapy I was finally starting to get better. After, I went back to the gym and tried doing everything the same as it was before the injury. Reality kicked in that I would never get back into the same shape that propelled me to the top of the state leader boards. I thought my life was over because my only passion, gymnastics, was stripped away. I entered high school cleared to try a different sport. I became reignited with a new passion: Volleyball. Just because something is taken away from you doesn’t mean your passion to be great is, taken away.

Columnist express hope amidst Giants recent failings

LILAH SWAVING

DORAN LAWRENCE Staff

FIELDER’S CHOICE - Senior Dane Holt fields a ground ball.

Desiree Holt - with permission

DEEP DIG - Seniors serve heat in volleyball and pickleball.

HEATING UP - Sophomore Samantha Case delivers a strike.

Jaxson Rector - The Lancer

Jaxson Rector - The Lancer

Finding my way: Using sports to continue my career

For many athletes, social media has been a must; for Lancer editor, it has given him a chance to continue in sports

ALAN KO Digital Editor

I may not be an athlete, but I’ve found my way into the world of sports. Growing up, I used to imagine myself playing football. I lived it when I got into high school.

By my sophomore year, I realized I had no chance of playing at the next level. But that didn’t mean I had to leave it behind. I picked up a camera and started to take photos of my friends. It quickly turned into something bigger. By junior year, I found myself at an offseason training facility with Alex Singleton, a linebacker for the Denver Broncos and a Thousand Oaks alum from the class of 2011. That opportunity changed everything.

Through sports photography, I began to understand that branding wasn’t just an asset for athletes—it was everything. In today’s sports landscape, social media is more than a tool; it’s a necessity. Athletes are no longer solely defined by their performance on the field but by how they curate their personal brands online. A single viral moment can change an athlete’s career and set them up for generational wealth.

Singleton, who has played six seasons in the NFL, has embraced this shift.

“Branding is important, but it’s not the most important thing,” Singleton said. “The priority is always being good at your sport.

That sometimes gets lost on younger athletes. But if you do build a social media presence, it can open doors to making money and securing partnerships outside of the game.”

During his early playing days, social media wasn’t nearly as

significant.

“When I got to college, Instagram didn’t even exist,” Singleton said. “Facebook was the only platform people really used. Back then, brand deals were just big-name athletes getting Nike or Adidas contracts, and that was it.”

But today, it’s a different game.

“Now, I have a sauna and a cold plunge in my backyard because of a company partnership,” Singleton said. “I train with True Movement, and social media helps showcase my off-season work. Everything has changed.”

As Singleton looks toward the future, he thinks about life after football. He has hosted youth camps and engaged in philanthropy, particularly with the Special Olympics and Down Syndrome Foundation. His focus isn’t necessarily on amassing millions of followers but on making an impact in the communities of which he’s a part.

“For me, it’s about giving back. I don’t need to have a million followers, but I do want the people in the cities I’ve played in to follow my journey,” Singleton said. “That’s how I spread awareness about what

Girl’s soccer fall in CIF finals after big run

After taking early lead, Lancers big first half isn’t enough, fall 2-1 against Warren

Two years removed from going 3-11-4, the TO girls soccer team — led by coach Clay Cameron and junior captain Morgan Humphrey — found itself playing in Long Beach for gold against the Warren Bears in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 championship. However, the Lancers came up short, falling to the Bears 2-1.

“At the end of the game today, everyone’s face saw tears, and I asked them to do the same thing I did last year,” coach Clay Cameron said. “I asked everyone to remember how they felt and to use that to drive us next year.”

This was the first time since the 2007-08 season that the program has made it to the CIF championship stage, with the Lancers winning that game, 2-1, over Moorpark. Since then, the program has struggled at times to find its footing.

After winning just three games just two seasons ago, the Lancers won four games this season in the CIF playoffs alone, including two overtime victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals. This season, their hard work and growth paid off in ways that no one could have predicted, with the Lancers making it all the way to the CIF championship game.

“The girls put so much effort into this season and last season,” Cameron said. “I’m really happy for them and hope they realize it wasn’t a mistake that they got here, they got to the championship because they put in the work, time and effort to deserve it.”

Senior Riley Pink, who had a remarkable comeback story after tearing her ACL, scored the team’s overtime goal in the semifinals against Alta Loma that punched the team into the CIF championship game. Her performance was one of the many highlights of this year’s playoff run.

Despite taking the early lead thanks to a goal by sophomore Madison Lineville in the 11th minute, the Lancers allowed the Bears to capitalize off of two memorable goals in the second half while pitching shutdown defense to secure the CIF title.

The game marked a bittersweet end to an incredible season for the team, one filled with unforgettable moments and resilience.

“Team captain Morgan Humphrey has done a great job leading the team this year, she’s a vocal leader but also leads by example,” coach Cameron said. “She is always giving

110 percent on the field and having that returning presence as a senior is going to be huge for next season. She’s going to continue

“I asked everyone to remember how they felt and to use that to drive us next year.”

CLAY CAMERON

to play really hard as that’s her mentality, and it’s rubbing off onto the rest of the team.”

Humphrey has been a key leader for the Lancers, playing an instrumental role in their success this season. Her leadership, both vocal and by example, helped guide the team to the CIF championship game.

“It meant a whole lot to me; it’s a lot of work, a high school season, there’s a lot of time and effort that goes into it,” Cameron said. “So seeing the time and effort the

coaching staff puts in come to fruition and seeing all your work pay off feels really good.”

“Team captain Morgan Humphrey has done a great job leading the team this year, she’s a vocal leader but also leads by example,” coach Cameron said. “She is always giving 110 percent on the field and having that returning presence as a senior is going to be huge for next season. She’s going to continue to play really hard as that’s her mentality, and it’s rubbing off onto the rest of the team.”

Humphrey has been a key leader for the Lancers, playing an instrumental role in their success this season. Her leadership, both vocal and by example, helped guide the team to the CIF championship game.

“It meant a whole lot to me; it’s a lot of work, a high school season, there’s a lot of time and effort that goes into it,” Cameron said. “So seeing the time and effort the coaching staff puts in come to fruition and seeing all your work pay off feels really good.”

I’m doing, whether it’s charity work or other projects.”

The role of an athlete doesn’t end with their playing career. Many transition into coaching, media or business, and having an established personal brand makes that transition smoother.

“If you’re a color commentator for an NFL team or working in sports media, having a strong brand and following matters,” Singleton said. “Even if you’re coaching at the high school level, the connections you build can help create more opportunities.”

While others competed on the field, I captured the moments that defined their journeys. Singleton allowed me to document his offseason, using my images to showcase his work ethic to brands.

Today, deals range from athletic gear to training equipment and even wellness products. Athletes no longer rely solely on their contracts, they use social media to create income streams and secure stability long after they step off the field. I may not wear a jersey, but I’ve found my place in sports, not on the field but behind the camera, helping athletes build their legacies online.

Unsuitable

What happens when you leave the sport you once loved most?

ABIGAIL TRIPP-BULLOUGH Editor-In-Chief

High school sports are perhaps the most exhilarating part of the high school experience, whether one is playing them or watching them.

For me, there was no comparison to the feeling of being in the water, ball in hand, a few meters out from the goalie. The way it felt when the ball left my hand, and I heard that gratifying thump on the back of the goal, it is a high I haven’t found an equal to.

But if I once loved water polo so much, then why don’t I even glance when I pass the deck on the way to the parking lot anymore?

Hanging up my game suit was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, even if it looked like I no longer cared and didn’t in the first place. I made my decision after months of panicked phone calls to my mom after practice, various conversations about my commitment to the team with my coach, and enough tears that I threw up after most games.

I started to hate the thing I loved most.

Shortly after quitting, all motivation to get in a pool and do some basic sets and drills disappeared. I now had no teammates to motivate me, no coach to spite, no reason to keep trying.

I was living vicariously through my friends who were still on the team every time they’d recap a swim meet or a polo practice. I laughed as if I was still there listening to my coach telling us that he could easily do a drill with his eyes closed and a couch anchoring him to the bottom of the pool. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but I missed the feeling of being a player so badly that it physically hurt every time I talked about it.

Going on to college in just a matter of months has me stressed about my athletic future much more than my academic future, to be honest. I don’t feel whole without a sport in my arsenal. I’m worried that I will go on with high hopes of joining a club or intramural team, but losing motivation to do so like I did this past year.

Sometimes, it seems as though I haven’t been able to keep my eye on a goal since when I was in the water last season.

I’m restarting slowly, though, two days a week. Thank goodness for the Samuelson Aquatic Center at Cal Lutheran and for my job which allows me to swim for free. While the water feels heavy, and I know that I’ve become so slow, I refuse to say that my sophomore year of high school was my peak. I’ll get back there eventually.

LIFT OFF- Senior goalkeeper Maria Sturges goes up for the contested ball against Warren on March 1.

LIFTING UP - Denver Broncos LB Alex Singleton shares a laugh while getting his work in.

Clay Cameron - with permission

Alan Ko - The Lancer

JACOB BRADLEY

Sports Editor

TO football hires familiar face

Lancer graduate Branden Anderson returns to team as head coach after successful three-year stint at Newbury Park

JAKE BRADLEY Sports Editor

On Monday, Feb. 24, Thousand Oaks announced that alumni Branden Anderson (Class of 2015) would be its next head football coach, pending CVUSD board approval.

Anderson is coming off a successful stint as Newbury Park’s offensive coordinator, where he helped lead the Panthers to the CIF championship this year. Anderson last coached for the Lancers in 2021 as junior varsity offensive coordinator and varsity quarterbacks coach before heading to Newbury Park.

The Lancer sports editor Jake Bradley spoke with Anderson about his new role and homecoming at TO.

The Lancer: How did your time at TO as a student and quarterback shape your coaching aspirations?

Branden Anderson: “Playing quarterback helped me understand the game better and being in a great QB room with guys like Case Cookus and Max Gilliam back-to-back years allowed me to see what great QB play looked like, which has helped me in my coaching career.”

The Lancer: After graduating TO, you made the move from player to coach, what motivated that transition?

Anderson: “My senior year coach Mike Leibin approached me about coaching the TO Titans senior team. I was the offensive coordinator and really enjoyed doing it. Coach Leibin and coach (A.J.) Burnham pushed me to become a coach and join the Lancer staff following graduation and I’m forever thankful for them.”

The Lancer: You’ve coached at TO, Westlake, and Newbury Park, three of the most competitive programs in the area. How has coaching at each of these schools contributed to your growth as a coach, and how do you plan to blend those experiences now with your first head coaching position?

Anderson: “Starting out at my alma mater was great and it was comfortable. When I had the chance to go to Westlake to coach it was something I had to do to step out of my comfort zone. While I was there I was able to form great relationships and even help within their youth program. Newbury Park really gave me a great opportunity to call my own offense and grow and break records. My time there was special and it gave me a different perspective of our respectful rivals.”

The Lancer: Winning the CIF championship at Newbury Park must have been a career highlight. Can you walk us through that season and what made it so special for you as an offensive coordinator?

Anderson: “The growth and maturity I saw in the offense was really special. Everyone thinks we (had) this passheavy offense and it’s all about Brady [Smigiel] but we were 53 percent run and 47 percent pass. He was still a star and Shane [Rosenthal] was a star but both were very patient and saw the bigger picture and wanted to just win. I’m super proud of what we accomplished and we are going to work on bringing that to Thousand

Oaks High School.”

The Lancer: Having been a player at TO and now a head coach, how has the culture of the program evolved since your playing days?

Anderson: “I’ve been meeting with the seniors and the biggest thing for me that hasn’t changed is they all have mentioned they love how close they are and that they all feel like family. That’s how it felt when I was a player here and I want to continue that feeling. I’m most excited to bring new schemes and tempo to our offense. We also brought in a great defensive coordinator and I’m excited to see how our defense evolves under coach (Ryan) Cooper.”

The Lancer: As a head coach, you’ll have a significant influence on shaping the next generation of athletes. What are some key values you want to instill in your players both on and off the field?

Anderson: “I want our athletes to do as much as they can while they are in sports. Whether that’s being a multiple sport athlete or in our offseason program. I want them to feel as if they worked their hardest each day. I

want to help raise great community members and leave the impact that was left on me by my coaches.”

The Lancer: Finally, now that you’re back at TO as the head coach, how does it feel to have come full circle returning to your alma mater?

Anderson: “I feel like I had to go and have those other experiences at the other places but this is home, and it’s been great being back on campus and seeing some familiar faces. I feel great that my dream has come true and I can’t wait to keep building the lancer legacy through the community and through football.”

PROWLERS - Anderson walks with NP star Shane Rosenthal.

COACHING UP - New TO head coach Branden Anderson talks with QB Brady Smigiel.

Branden Anderson - with permission

Branden Anderson - with permission

SPORTS ROUND-UP

Merrick Jacobus - with permission

BOYS GOLF

Coach: Robert Jacobus

2023-24 Record: 6-4

2024-25 Record: 0-1-1

Top Players: Junior Merrick Jacobus, junior Dash Springer, sophomore Tyler Malchow

Inside Story: Star junior Merrick Jacobus and the rest of the team have had a change of scenery heading into the 2025 season, as Jacobus’ father, Robert, became the new varsity head coach.

Quotable: “We have a solid top four for the varsity team this year,” junior Merrick Jacobus said. “If we all do well this season we all individually have a shot at CIF.”

Notable: Individually, the team has been getting stronger and advancing its game, but, it did lose numerous valuable seniors such as Matthew Bridges to graduation last June.

MYA MESERVY Staff Writer

BOYS TENNIS

Coach: David Dewing

2023-24 Record: 7-11

2024-25 Record: 3-0

Top Players: Sophomore Hudson Middleton, senior Trevor Overton, senior Adam Drori

Inside Story: The team is bringing in a lot of new players and is going to be more consistent this year. Last year they had a few good performers at the top, however, this year the team is bringing in an all-around consistency.

Quotable: “The last few years, we’ve all been close as a team but we all were kinda friends before,” senior Adam Drori said. “That is why we joined tennis, none of us played tennis before.”

Notable: The team is smaller than last year after losing a significant number of seniors. However, the team looks to thrive behind senior leadership despite its thin roster.

SWIM

Coach: Craig Rond

2023-24 Record: Boys won CIF Division championship

2024-25 Record: 1-0

Top Players: Senior Jillian Strong, senior Sean Henry, junior Zara Dragoi Inside Story: Sophomore Luca Bazerkanian was due as the second alternate at the last Springs CIF championships giving him very slim odds of actually swimming in that particular race. But after the other alternates fell through Bazerkanian was due, and he couldn’t be found, after a wild goose chase through the swim deck and locker room, the Lancers found Bazerkanain to give him the news he did not believe, before convincing him. After all that Bazerkanian would finish in the top half of the race contributing critical points to the Lancer’s eventual CIF championship, the first in Lancer’s aquatics history.

Quotable: “Our seniors are really really strong and we all have also gotten a lot of freshmen from Horizon Swim Club which is also really good for the team, we attracted a lot of people after our CIF title, I am confident in our team this year,” senior Boden Adema said.

Notable: Last year, coach Rond did a great job of bringing athletes across the aquatics program all together into the swim team which would ultimately contribute to a historic Lancer season.

Cherishing her opportunity

After falling short as a junior, Lancer senior Cherish Hall-Taoai wins CIF

JAKE BRADLEY Sports Editor

As a junior, wrestler Cherish Hall-Taoai had come within reach of her ultimate goal—winning a CIF championship—but fell just short. It was a bitter defeat that gnawed at her, fueling a fire to return stronger, to not only claim the title but to leave a legacy for those who followed in her footsteps.

Her senior year started with a heavy responsibility as she was expected to help a team in transition following the retirement of longtime coach Kerry Lyne. The previous year’s captains, James Rocha and Matthew Seigel, were tough acts to follow. Both had been role models, leaders who set the bar high. HallTaoai, usually reserved and humble, wasn’t sure if she could step into their shoes. The pressure of guiding the team and carrying the hopes of her school and community was overwhelming at first.

“When I got put into this role as a leader, especially now in my senior year, it was nerve-racking because I did not think I would be able to pull off what James and Matthew were able to pull off,” Hall-Taoai said. “But I proved myself wrong with how well I’ve done. Not only have I stepped up, but I have also been able to help out the new wrestlers and watch them grow during the season. It really made me happy, and I am so glad I was able to help them through the journey they started as I ended mine.”

It wasn’t just physical preparation that had got Hall-Taoai this far. She has honed her mental game, the ability to stay calm under pressure,

to keep pushing even when the odds seemed stacked against her. And when it mattered most, it all came together in that moment on the mat, Hall-Taoai pushed and shoved through the bracket to build off of her feats the year before pushing herself into the title match.

“The moment the ref called the pin and I got my hand raised, it was just...wow,” Cherish said. “This is all it took. Those nights after practice staying late, working on my technique, it was all worth it in the end.”

The state championship was a culmination of everything she had put into her wrestling career, but it was also a testament to the kind of leader she had become. The young wrestlers who had once looked up to her for technique now looked to her for inspiration, and she had delivered in the most powerful way. She faced failure before and pushed through, but this time, she was leading the way—not just for herself, but for an entire team that now knew what it meant to fight, to struggle, and ultimately, to succeed.

GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Coach: James Park

2023-24 Record: 11-3

2024-25 Record: 0-2

Top Players: Junior Leah Curtin, senior Madison Coleman, junior Lexi Miles

Inside Story: For one practice, coach Park surprised the whole team with a teen favorite: Starbucks drinks.

Quotable: “Everybody has been playing for multiple years so we are way more comfortable and the Chemistry way stronger this year because we all play indoors together too, at least most of us, so were together all year,”

Notable: Star junior Leah Curtin heads into the 2025 season with high expectations after a stand-out season in the Fall that led to her verbal commitment to San Jose State.

10 events, one dream: A decathlete’s journey

Junior Christopher Toppe trains for one—make that 10—events

SOPHIA MUNHALL Staff Writer

Junior Christopher Toppe has never been the type to fit neatly into a single category. Instead of specializing in one event, he embraces the challenge of mastering multiple disciplines, balancing speed, endurance, and technique. His journey through track and field is one of versatility—excelling not in one event but many, proving that being well-rounded is as valuable as being a specialist. Now he is testing his skills and training to be a decathlete.

Toppe discussed excelling in multiple events without mastering one, emphasizing the value of being a well-rounded athlete over a specialist.

“I have always done well at a bunch of things, but not good at one and I have a lot of base athleticism in general; I’m not particularly fast, but I can jump higher than a lot of sprinters,” Toppe said. “So, I am good at a bunch of different events, but not incredible at one.”

work with them for the spring season..

“Our coach is a former Olympian, and she’s outstanding,” Toppe said. “She understands the mental aspect and the physical training, pushing everyone to their best.”

Junior Taylour Falk, also a member of the track team, considers coach Wilcox, not only a mentor but also a key supporter.

“Marlene is a great coach,” Falk said. “She listens when you’re injured and can tell whether someone is truly hurt or just avoiding practice. She takes your input on what you want to do that day and how you’re feeling. She helps a lot mentally, especially with the 400.”

“That’s the one thing about track...you have to be fully focused during your event. There’s no room for failure.”

CHRISTOPHER TOPPE

Toppe’s extensive training regimen highlights the demanding nature of the decathlon, showcasing his dedication, intense preparation and unwavering commitment. Toppe must compete in the 100 meters, long jump, high jump, shot put, hurdles, 400 meters, discus, javelin, pole vault and the mile.

The team trains with former Olympian turned coach Marlene Wilcox, as she pushes her athletes to be their best. She continues to train and

Both athletes emphasize the value of having a coach who understands the balance between physical endurance and mental strength, making a lasting impact on their performance and mindset. Despite those challenges, Toppe remains determined, pushing himself daily to overcome adversity. He emphasizes the intense pressure of track and field, where unwavering focus is essential, and even the smallest mistake can have immediate consequences.

“With other sports, you can lock in a little bit less, and there’s room for failure,” Toppe said. “That’s the one thing about track that’s pretty different from anything else—you have to be fully focused during your event. If you mess up, you mess up. There’s no room for failure.”

TEEING OFF - Junior Merrick Jacobus practices his follow through on the Los Robles Golf Course.

ARM’S UP - TO wrestler Cherish Hall-Taoai gets her hand raised by an opponent.

Cherish Hall-Taoai - with permission

GAME. SET. MATCH. - Senior Gael Lara backhands a return in the Lancers’ season-opening home victory over Saugus on Feb. 18.

Jaxson Rector - The Lancer

LANCERS AT WORK

Students revisit their first, worst, or most hilarious work stories

Sponsored by:

ALYSSA KISZCZAK

Editor-in-Chief

On the first day of training, a group of friends were taken to a warehouse to put their poker skills to the test. They were tested on how well they could shuffle, deal and converse with the players around them.

Ultimately some made the cut and some did not.

When someone thinks of a typical job for a high schooler, a server or a lifeguard comes to mind. However TOHS Senior, Tin Phan, works in an irregular field that consists of bluffing, gambling and strategy.

Around the holiday season, one of Phan’s “friend’s dad”, Michael Kari, was desperate to find employees for his gambling catering company, which immediately caught Phan’s eye. A connection was almost

instantly established when Phan expressed his interest in the Navy, not knowing his new boss was a Navy Chief several years ago.

Phan has always been the one in the classroom to choose the lowest odds and test his luck, making him the perfect candidate for this job.

“It’s a gambling catering company, so we provide poker tackle, blackjack tables, and craps tables,” Phan said. “Basically, almost anything you can find at a casino we have, besides slot machines. I work as set up, dealer and take down as well.”

Phan is not just a dealer, but also plays poker with his closest friends as well, putting his real skills to the test.

There have been times when he will work a four-hour shift, starting the night off, then when he gets off, goes to a friend’s

house to play rather than deal. However, he often finds himself wanting to gamble less when he is surrounded by the fast-paced environment several nights in a row.

As implied by working in this field, Phan is constantly having to work with adults who would not necessarily pass the sobriety test.

“I was dealing in Ojai one night, and there were four or five people teaming up on this one blackjack stand, and the payout was annoying so I kicked out every single one of them,” Phan said. “They were all drunk, so they were frustrated at me.”

According to Phan, Kari actually dislikes the business himself and is trying to pass over or even sell the company over to Phan. But in just a few short months, when Phan graduates and starts trade school, he is leaving and calling off his bluff.

LUCKY TRIVIA

1. What’s the tagline for the breakfast cereal Lucky Charms?

2. According to Irish folklore, what will you find at the end of a rainbow?

3. According to legend, what animal did St. Patrick drive out of Ireland?

4. What is the capital of Ireland?

5. According to folklore, what’s a leprechaun’s occupation?

6. Which best-selling Irish band features Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, the Edge and Bono?

7. What cheerful Irish greeting is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day?

8. What do the three leaves of a shamrock represent according to Irish tradition? Located in Northern Ireland, what popular TV show used a beech-tree lined walkway known as “The Dark Hedges” as the road to King’s Landing?

9. What are the three colors of the Irish flag?

If you were famous, what would your stage name be and why?

“Dee because it’s my nickname and I really like it because people can’t pronounce my name.”

What is your guilty pleasure song that no one knows about and why?

“Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani because it’s really good, and I like to listen to it when I study.”

What is the best pickup line that you can think of?

“Are you a late paid parking ticket because you are so fine.”

What’s up and what’s down with The Lancer?

We list the hits and misses of

the month.

In the first month of 2025, Southern California had a total of 10.3 inches of rain which is 84% above the average rainfall. While Lake Thousand Oaks might be forming on campus, our dull mountains will finally have some color and life to them again.

Beyonce dominated the Grammy’s this year, winning several awards including “Album of the Year”, and “Song of the Year”, but “Country Album of the Year” too? What happened to the classic Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson? Stick to R&B and Pop, Beyonce.

Saturday Night Live hosted its 50th Anniversary Special bringing back many O.G. actors.The threeand-a-half-hour episode had some new familiar skits and some classic favorites. If you want a good laugh, the re-run is now streaming on Peacock.

Fans just wanted a good game of football, but the 59th annual Super Bowl was a blowout. Seeing the same teams over and over again gets boring as the Chiefs and the Eagles have both been to countless Super Bowls. Let’s go Browns or Lions! We believe in you!

LETS DEAL WITH IT - Senior Tin Phan deals at poker tournament for an off campus job with a local gambling catering company.

Tin Phan - with permission

DELILAH REPPERT

CARSTEN HAYS

RYAN BURTON

A pot of gold;

Snakes; 4. Dublin; 5. Shoemaker; 6. U2; 7. “Top of the morning to you”

The

Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit); 8. “Game of Thrones”

Compiled by Mya Messervy