Empowering students to think critically and creatively since 1913
SPEX ASSEMBLY
On Thursday, March 27, the SPEX Assembly will take place in the auditorium in two assemblies from 10:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
CAREER FAIR
SPHS will host
front of the counseling
from Tuesday, April 15 to Thursday, April 17.
CLASS OFFICER ELECTIONS
Class assemblies will be held for class officer elections on Friday, April 18 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
STORY OWEN HOU PHOTO KAITLYN LEE
T
he city of South Pasadena has embarked on an initiative to reimagine the public library, the senior center, and the library park, all located on Oxley Street. The project is currently being managed by the South Pasadena City Council, which had initially budgeted $150,000 to create a strategic plan for the space. The ad hoc committee, a group brought together to advise the site plan consisting of residents and staff from the library and community services, was created to aid the project through input and guidance.
“If we don’t involve the whole community, it would be hard to be successful,” library director Cathy Billing said. “We really need to know what they want.”
Community input is being gathered in the first phase of the process. The library sent out proposals to consultant groups beginning in December 2023, and, with the ad hoc committee’s guidance, a firm called Group 4 Architecture was hired a year later.
The consultant firm began the first round of community outreach on March 17, releasing an online survey for community input found on the official South Pasadena website.
In addition to the survey, community workshops at the library have been scheduled for April 9 at 6:30 p.m. and
April 10 at 11 a.m. to allow for interactive input from the community. Additional pop-up events will take place at the April 3 and May 8 farmers markets, the April 12 Spring Eggstravaganza, and the April 26 Eclectic Music Festival, to gather more of the community’s feedback.
After this initial outreach phase, they will take this information and continue to gather, incorporate, and implement
a blind eye to news is neither good nor bad
STORY RAFA ESTOLANOSRIDHARAN
ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ
In recent years, there has been a growing phenomenon of people purposely ignoring news that they find upsetting. Since 2015, the amount of people consuming online news daily has steadily decreased, especially among younger demographics, who were once the largest purveyors of online news.
A 2025 study from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford
researched online news consumption trends from across 17 countries and five age groups from 2015–2025. The study found that online news consumption decreased among all age groups, with the most significant decrease occurring in the 18–24 age group whose daily news consumption fell from a rate of 89 percent to 76 percent. This is a lower rate that marks a reversal from 2015, when this group consumed more online news than both the 25–34 and 35–44 age groups.
One of the primary reasons given for news avoidance was that the news was too negative and depressing. People reported feeling overwhelmed by the volume of negative news being covered, while others said that they no longer have the time or energy to read the news. The study concluded that increasing news avoidance can be attributed to both fatigue and lack of interest in the news.
This phenomenon of news avoidance has sparked heated debate. Opponents argue that it creates an ignorant society and is a deeply irresponsible habit.
OSTRICH POLITICS, see Page 7
NEWSPAPER INDEPENDENCE
Tiger discusses the perils of government interference and corporate censorship in journalism, warning of the importance that media remains an impartial watchdog of democracy.
community feedback before eventually presenting the results and finished site plan to the city council, who will make the final decision.
One key aspect of the current strategy is combining the library and senior center buildings to create a complex that fits the community of South Pasadena. On top of this, the city also plans to modernize the library’s layout.
“[We’ve] been using this library for a long time. It’s more than 40 years old; so is the senior center,” Billings said. “The world has changed so much [with] computers, and we don’t even have outlets for people to use their laptops. So it’s really time we think to re-look at this space and say, ‘What can we do here?’”
Due to the library staff’s involvement in other tasks, the process of securing a consultant took longer than planned. While the issue has now been resolved, a few anticipated challenges remain as the project moves forward. Some are logistical, such as costs and space constraints, while others are more cultural, such as working around the community room, which has gained historical significance since its construction in 1930. Another challenge will be gaining the community’s support for the project, given the lack of success in previous years.
“As the project progresses, community input will continue to be valued, as the library wants to make sure that the people are happy with the new renovations,” Billings said.
The library staff, outside groups, and other involved parties will continue working towards bringing the library and senior center site plan to completion by this fall.
“They’ve had this same space for [a] really long time,” Billings said. “It is old, and it doesn’t really meet [the city’s] needs. We want them to have the space that they deserve to have.”
STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME & OWEN HOU
ILLUSTRATION NATHAN FRIEZER
While the baseball field may have high fences, foul balls are still occasionally hit over them both during baseball practice and in games. Just beyond the baseball fences are the swim and track facilities, which are on the third base and first base sides, respectively. The issue of foul balls has seemingly become more common, and pole vault and swim athletes have mentioned an increase in baseballs falling into their practice area this year compared to previous years.
A high school batter can hit a ball with an average exit speed of 75–100 mph, so the rubber-and-cork ball can break 80 mph on its fall back down. It takes only 25 mph for a car collision to create serious injuries, so 80 mph by a baseball can lead to concussions or even broken bones.
Currently, there is not a lot that the baseball team can do, as the occasional overthrow or foul ball may just find itself
From Ukraine’s independence to the annexation of Crimea, Tiger analyzes the series of events that led to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, and what President Trump’s election means for it.
over the fences. As such, there also will be no likely solution for the issue anytime soon, as higher fences, nets, and other solutions would cost too much and not be worth the trouble to implement. Even so, the problem remains a hazard, and the two sports that are most affected, swim and pole vault, have had to live with the issue.
Members of the pole vault team, having to practice next to the baseball field’s fences, have mentioned their predicaments.
BASEBALLS, see Page 16
SPORTS BEYOND SPHS
A wide variety of sports exist outside of the 13 that SPHS offers. From surfing to mountain biking, here are some of the unique sports that nearby Los Angeles schools offer.
STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME
PHOTO HELENA EASTERBY
S PHS welcomed back the Regional Admissions Counselors of California (RACC) on the night of Wednesday, March 12 from 6–8 p.m. RACC, which SPHS has worked with for over 15 years, aims to make the transition from high school to college easier, inviting freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to plan their college life.
Freshmen and sophomores watched a presentation in the auditorium, juniors simulated a mock admission session in the 300s buildings, and different colleges presented for students to explore their potential paths in the gym. The event additionally helps students connect with out-ofstate college administrators and helps colleges keep note of students who show a strong interest in their school.
“It’s really about educating families about the variety of options, and helping students find the best fit, not necessarily just depending on rank or name recognition,” SPHS counselor Marcile Montoya said.
“ ”
It’s like you’re planting a seed that eventually might change the trajectory for somebody.
- MARCILE MONTOYA
The event began with a presentation for freshmen and sophomores that was held at the same time as the juniors’ mock practice. The presentation, a joint effort between SPHS Assistant Principal Vannessa
Blackwood and Revolution Prep, a company that offers test preparation classes for the ACT and SAT. Jean Stroud, a Revolution Prep Senior Academic Advisor, led the presentation, opening various points for participants to consider. Points included the difference between the ACT and SAT, which colleges are test blind, and the escalating competition students will face when applying.
Colleges have recently begun to allow applicants to not submit standardized test scores, which has led to more applications submitted every year. However, paired with higher GPAs and a limited number of spots available each year, competition for admission has grown more fierce, with many students still taking a standardized test to potentially help their chances. Revolution Prep provides practice classes for students who want to prepare for these standardized college tests.
Meanwhile, juniors, counselors, and RACC staff created a mock admissions test that examined several sample applications before deciding if they were admitted. When inspecting applications, students were asked to consider the student’s best qualifications not only
from a grade standpoint, but also through traits that fit the college.
“I can see connections happening in real time. It’s like you’re planting a seed that eventually might change the trajectory for somebody,” Montoya said.
After the presentations, students moved to the College Fair, an event gathering admissions counselors from 19 colleges from outside California to build connections with the student.
“For a lot of students, college can be overwhelming because there’s so many choices. So I think the best thing is to come to these types of fairs, talk to everybody, see what’s interesting,” a Bard College representative said.
The event had a greater turnout than last year’s RACC night. RACC hopes to make next year’s version more interactable and have an even greater turnover.
“The objective is not to push college, it’s to provide information so that students and families can make the best, informed decision for themselves,” Montoya said.
STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME
PHOTO MADELINE MADRIGAL
The Teen Poetry Exchange program held its fifth meeting from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 in the South Pasadena Public Library. The program, established by SPHS junior Ethan Kwak, hosts meetings for teens aged 12-17 who are passionate about learning, analyzing, and writing poetry. At each gathering, teens share their perspectives and explore poetry through analyses of form, language, and voice.
Kwak’s passion for creative writing led him to propose a teen poetry program to the city mayor in June 2024. Kwak, who leads the SPHS Literary Magazine, Voice Box, planned a program for all interested local teens to discuss poetry. After ironing out the details of the program with Children’s Librarian Bre Taylor and Head Librarian Maida Wong, the event was approved in November 2024.
SPHS senior and poetry exchange participant Michael Lee
developed a constructive mindset through poetry analysis during workshops.
“You can convey a thought so much more easily without the prerequisite of skill. Take illustration, for example; you can master perspective, line work, and whatever before you’re even able to start expressing thoughts on paper,” Lee said.
During the meeting, eight participants gathered to engage in discussions and readings. Together, they analyzed a group of poems prepared by Kwak and shared their interpretations openly.
“I come here for fun and I’m not really thinking about … the purpose. I’m just reading [and] consuming … I think it’s about having fun,” Lee said.
After handing out the poetry reader, the group dove in with “Park Bench” by Jack Jung. The conversation began with the discussion of an empty park bench, which is revisited throughout the poem. Kwak then opened up the
conversation for other members, guiding the conversation as participants shared their ideas to understand the thoughts conveyed by the poem. The discussion was followed by a 10-minute free write in which participants recorded any memorable lines for poems.
The group then read the final poem of the day — “history, juice, salami” by Milena Marković, translated by Steven and Maja Teref — before sharing their perspectives one last time. Participants contributed to the interpretation that one must not pity those who have passed on and instead pity what is left behind.
“There are times where [others] will realize something that I just genuinely missed. And there are other times where I’m very insistent on my interpretation,” Lee said.
As the meeting concluded, Kwak announced that the program would welcome South Pasadena Poet Laureate Ron Koertge to the final meeting of the program on Tuesday, April 22, just in time for National Poetry Month.
The group hopes to continue expanding in number through greater publicity. With more participants, the group believes that discussions will include more diverse perspectives.
“I’d honestly like to see it expand in size. We have more people now than we did in the beginning, but if there could be more participation from the high school or middle school, that’d be more interesting,” Lee said.
takes a closer look into Mayor Braun’s plans for South Pasadena in the near future.
STORY OWEN HOU
PHOTO MAC SHROPSHIRE
M ayor Janet Braun became the mayor of South Pasadena after her election in December 2024. Since the election, she has had various plans and ideas set for South Pasadena for her term in office.
Braun plans to fix financial report issues and improve infrastructure and housing. She has identified five main pillars that the city should prioritize: finance, infrastructure, housing, operational efficiencies, and governance. For each pillar, multiple solutions and initiatives are possible for the city.
South Pasadena has encountered financial reporting issues for the last 10 years, and as a result, the city is hiring consultants to help fix them, allowing the city to focus on other issues. Additionally, the city plans to gather a committee to oversee the financing of infrastructure projects.
“I’ve seen a lot of cities get a lot of other grants and funding, but we have not been able to do that because we have never put together the plan,” Braun said.
The city also hopes to rebuild and renovate individual places and landmarks.
The biggest issue for us is [related] to housing and increasing population.
- JANET BRAUN “ ”
For example, the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, which first opened in 1955, is in need of repairs and replacements. However, restorations are predicted to cost around $26 million total, with $12 million being budgeted for the first phase, as more efficient methods are needed to organize and finance the project.
The city additionally reimagines the South Pasadena Public Library and South Pasadena Senior Center as a combined and modernized facility. The project aims to
JANET BRAUN, South Pasadena’s new mayor, stands in front of the city council’s colorful mosaic art installation.
create a better experience for the community, conserve space and resources, and refresh the buildings’ designs.
Aside from community buildings, housing was another one of the mayor’s pillars of interest. The
STORY CHRISTIANNE DULEY
SPHS Drama is holding a ninth to tenth grade cabaret at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21 in the Little Theater. The single-act cabaret will showcase 16 songs and skits with masters of ceremonies conducting the show. Freshmen and sophomores will get the chance to showcase their singing and acting skills in the shows.
“A lot of talented kids get to show off their stuff,” Drama Instructor Nick Hoffa said. “It’s a nice, fun night where we get to revel in the talents of some of the younger Drama kids.”
The cabaret will feature 25 freshman and sophomore students singing and performing solos, duets, and ensembles, as well as potential improv and audience interaction. Songs include numbers from Mean Girls, Doki Doki Literature Club, and Tangled Preparations for the show began shortly after the fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in November 2024. The ninth and tenth grade performers have individually and independently prepared their pieces, making each musical number original.
“The show is very student-directed,” Hoffa said. “This allows them a lot of independence and ownership over pieces. It’s always a new creation.”
The cabaret, a recent production, was first launched during the 2024 spring semester. Due to the acts being mostly student-chosen, each show will have a unique touch to it from the freshmen and sophomores.
“It’s a chance for underclassmen to get to work on stage,” participating
sophomore Claire Heyler-Erickson said. “The spring musical and fall play are mainly for juniors and seniors, but for this show we learn skills to perform and we get to perform with our friends.”
Juniors and seniors usually partake in other Drama productions, like the fall play and spring musical. Holding a cabaret specifically for freshmen and sophomores gives these less-recognized actors a show where they are the focus. It is an opportunity for younger students to gain experience for future plays and musicals, as well as to let them express themself with their original ideas and performances.
“It can be harder for freshmen and sophomores to get some of the bigger parts because the juniors and seniors have more experience and have been working for a long time,” Hoffa said. “This will produce students who are more confident, more comfortable being on the stage, and more able to own their individual abilities.”
Drama hopes the cabaret can be a recurring show that keeps on promoting freshmen and sophomore actors in the years to come.
“In the middle of last year’s cabaret, the seniors who didn’t have the chance to do this turned to me, saying, ‘I wish, when I was a ninth grader, we had this,’” Hoffa said. “Last year was a success and I hope this year is as well, so we can continue the tradition.”
Cabaret tickets will be sold at the front door and are free for students with SAC cards and $10 for both parents and students without.
lack of available housing options combined with the growing population of South Pasadena creates a shortage of space.
“[South Pasadena is] a unique place because we’re eight miles from downtown, but we feel like a small town here. The biggest issue for us is [related] to housing and increasing population,” Braun said.
The city is working on a housing initiative to fix the infrastructure, plan for the future, and construct additional housing for the city.
Planning and zoning is close to finishing and a housing proposal will be submitted to the state near June, completing a majority of the work needed for the project.
We’re at an exciting time in South Pasadena. We’re looking ahead to the future ... how we want South Pasadena to develop over the next 30 years.
- JANET BRAUN “ ”
South Pasadena’s city council also made changes to ensure its success in operation efficiency by hiring a new city manager, Todd Hileman, who was previously the city manager of Palm Desert and has had 29 years of experience in municipal management.
Plans to re-empower commissions such as the Planning Commission, the Finance Commission, and the Public Works Commission are also on the rise, with the goal of increasing the efficiency of the city council.
“We’re at an exciting time in South Pasadena. We’re looking ahead to the future, and we’re bringing in a new team. We’re looking for a lot of community input on a lot of projects and sort of how we want South Pasadena to develop over the next 30 years,” Braun said.
For currently unfilled positions, runoff voting will take place on Friday, March 21.
STORY TRISHA CHAKRABORTY, EVELYN DIAZ, CLEMENTINE EVANS, & ISABELLA JONASEN PHOTOS MADELINE MADRIGAL & MAC SHROPSHIRE
Junior Maeve DeStefano will take on the position of Commissioner of Internal Affairs for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. The Commissioner of Internal Affairs serves as the student representative to the SPUSD Board of Education and represents the voice of the high school at all school board meetings. The Commissioner of Internal Affairs additionally shares what ASB and SPHS have achieved each month, along with planning the freshman orientation and the yearly ASB elections.
DeStefano has two years of experience in ASB, serving as Sophomore Class Treasurer for the class of 2026 and the Commissioner of Correspondence during her junior year.
Junior Zoe Bido will serve as the Commissioner of Finance for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. As Commissioner of Finance, Bido’s responsibilities will include reporting during business meetings within ASB, managing club and ASB finances, and running the student store. From managing Homecoming Picnic ticket expenses to requesting grants from the Booster Club, Bido will oversee all of the school’s financial transactions.
Bido currently serves as Junior Class Treasurer and previously served as the Freshman Class Treasurer. The learning experiences she had while serving in these positions have prepared her for the upcoming role of Commissioner of Finance.
Junior Adelaide Bertolina will be the new Commissioner General for the 2025–26 school year. As Commissioner General, Bertolina will lead the Associated Student Body class, or ASB, where she will oversee business meetings, collaborate with different committees, and help plan a variety of events aimed to boost school spirit.
Bertolina hopes to make students’ high school experience fun and enjoyable. One of the ways she plans to do this is by taking charge of the school’s PA announcements, where students will hear the latest campus updates and the promotion of school activities.
“I hope to boost school spirit and help plan some of the best events we’ve seen on campus, such as dances, more
Her main goal as Commissioner of Internal Affairs is to create a place where SPHS students can feel included and respected.
“Whether it’s with learning adjustments or simply bathroom accessib[ilty] … I want to make sure that students feel like our school is somewhere where they can feel comfortable and safe,” DeStefano said. “I know many people feel like school is something [to] dread, so I want to make it a more well-rounded environment where academics can be balanced with fun.”
The position of Commissioner of Internal Affairs has been a dream of hers since her freshman year.
“Being CIA has been a dream of mine, [and I] feel the position is really suited to me in general. I love organizing and leading events and I’m really excited to let these passions shine next year,” DeStefano said.
Junior Revelie Brick will step into the position of Commissioner of Correspondence for the 2025–26 school year. She served as Sophomore Class Vice President for the class of 2026 and holds the role of Commissioner of Spirit this year. As Commissioner of Correspondence, Brick will have the duty of taking notes during ASB classes and meetings as well as putting together the birthday and ASB board in the SAC room.
Brick has enjoyed participating in ASB for the past two years and is happy that she has another place to initiate change for the SPHS community.
“I didn’t know that I was going to meet my best friends and find the place where I most belong. I was fortunate
“I’ve [been in the ASB banking class] for two years, so I felt like I was really connected to the position already,” Bido said. “I had [the] experience and I wanted to keep going.”
The Commissioner of Finance largely operates behind the scenes. During her first year as treasurer, Bido said she realized just how much work the treasurers and Commissioner of Finance do during their banking period.
“I felt like it was a really important role that I didn’t think anyone else really would want to take over,” Bido said. “I learned a lot … [it’s] an important position.”
Bido enjoys collaborating and connecting with other student representatives in ASB to organize events and facilitate school programs.
“It’s like we have a little family,” Bido said. “It’s really fun seeing [all our work] come together … That’s definitely my favorite part.”
spirit days, and more. My main goal is to make sure everyone has opportunities to make lasting memories in high school,” Bertolina said.
The new Commissioner General has had three years of prior experience in ASB as the Class President of her grade for her freshman, sophomore, and junior years.
“I ran for Commissioner General because I want to use everything I’ve learned in my past years of leadership to better our school campus,” Bertolina said. “I’ve been interested in this position ever since freshman year and am beyond excited to take on the position next year. The most challenging part of running for office for me is speaking in front of the whole school ... but having my friends by my side helped me out a lot.”
With her school spirit and leadership experience, Bertolina is ready to take on the role of Commissioner General and help lead SPHS in the year ahead.
to find my place on this campus,” Brick said. “It’s always the people that make the experience and I have been so lucky with all of the people I’ve been surrounded with.” Brick plans to uphold the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Correspondence as well as continue to contribute to other jobs outside of her role.
Her future plans include participating in several ASB committees to plan school events, stepping in when needed to run ASB meetings if the Commissioner General and Commissioner of Internal Affairs are absent, and using her prior experience from ASB positions to provide more fun experiences for SPHS students.
“ASB is full of individuals who all seek the same thing, to be the voice of the student body, and with this common goal, it is so great that we can all work together as a class to accomplish it. SPHS truly wouldn’t be the same without ASB,” Brick said.
Commissioner of Academics: Belle Huang • Commissioner of Activities: Zoe Rusch • Commissioner of Assemblies: Baron Shroff • Commissioner of Athletics: Trey Freking vs. Sean Kang • Commissioner of Clubs: Leila Wahbe vs. Ava Dawson • Commissioner of Noontime: Riis Dickey vs. Cinbie Chang • Commissioner of Publicity: Jason Tsogtgerel vs. Chloe Moon vs. Emiko Essmiller • Commissioner of School and Community: Sam Allen vs. Alison Schrader • Commissioner of Spirit: Ellis Kim
ESTABLISHED 1913
NSPA FIRST CLASS 2025
CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2024
CSPA SILVER CROWN 2021
CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2019
CSPA SILVER CROWN 2018
CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017
CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016
CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015
CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014
CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2013
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LINDA YUN
MANAGING EDITORS
BENJAMIN REGAN, Print CLEMENTINE EVANS, Online
SONYA SHIMPOCK, Associate
NEWS
CLAIRE MAO, Editor OWEN HOU, Associate
OPINION
SONYA SHIMPOCK, Editor
RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN, Associate
FEATURE MORGAN SUN, Editor
RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN, Associate
SPORTS ZOE CHEN, Editor
GAVIN BARTOLOME, Associate
DESIGN
OLIVIA CHIN, Editor ISOLE KIM, Editor
LANAH KIM, Associate
PHOTOGRAPHY
EMIKO ESSMILLER, Editor
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COPY
ZOE CHEN, Editor
ETHAN KWAK, Editor
SOLANA SINGER, Editor
EVELYN DIAZ, Associate
BUSINESS AND ADS
CHLOE LUONG, Staff Ads Manager
STAFF WRITERS
TRISHA CHAKRABORTY
CHRISTIANNE DULEY RUBY FOUDY
ISABELLA JONASEN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
ZOE CHEN
SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI KAITLYN LEE
MADELINE MADRIGAL MAC SHROPSHIRE
ILLUSTRATORS
SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI NATHAN FRIEZER
DIANA LOPEZ
PAGE DESIGNERS
HANA OBERLANDER
VIDEOGRAPHER HELENA EASTERBY
FACULTY ADVISOR KAREN HAMES
VOL. 111 NO. 6 DISTRIBUTED ON MARCH 20, 2025.
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Government interference and corporate censorship are pushing journalism away from its role as a watchdog and into the hands of those it should be holding accountable.
Afree press is not a privilege. It is not a favor granted by those in power. It is a fundamental right, protected by the First Amendment, to ensure that no leader is above scrutiny. That independence is now under attack. The Trump administration is making it increasingly difficult for the press to cover it, and democracy will waver as a result.
The White House Correspondents’ Association has determined press pool access for over a century, ensuring that a diverse group of journalists could report on the presidency without government interference. Just over a month into Trump’s second term, that precedent has been broken. The Associated Press and Reuters, two of the world’s most wide-reaching wire services, have been excluded from the press pool, while television crew from Newsmax and correspondents from The Blaze — two conservative networks — have been granted access instead.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the administration wants to expand access to “news-related content creators,” including podcasters and social media influencers. The administration has since made it easier for partisan figures like Sage Steele and Brian Glenn of the Right Side Broadcasting Network to cover them. This is not broadening access. It is a move to manipulate the media for favorable coverage.
Tension between reporters and the president is nothing new.
Former President Richard Nixon illegally taped and wiretapped journalists. The Obama administration invasively investigated reporters over leaks. But as former Reagan press aide Mark Weinberg noted, “It would never have occurred to us to exclude The AP or any organization … We would never have excluded any legitimate news-gathering organization because we did not like or agree with their coverage. That seems un-American.”
Corporate influence, and its increasingly tight relation to the government, is further distorting journalism’s ability to operate independently. The LA Times and The Washington Post — both of
which have endorsed presidential candidates for decades — abruptly pulled their scheduled endorsements this election cycle.
Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos, the owners of the LA Times and The Post respectively, made these editorial decisions. As multibillionaires with business interests directly tied to the federal government, their reluctance to take a stance signaled a troubling shift. Ian Bassin, founder of Protect Democracy, warned this aligned with historian Timothy Synder’s concept of “anticipatory obedience,” where institutions preemptively weaken themselves to avoid government retaliation. The press should be holding power accountable, not stepping aside to appease it.
After Trump’s re-election, The Post underwent a dramatic editorial shift under Bezos, committing to be “in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets.” He told staff that “viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others.”
Newspaper op-ed sections are defined by their inclusion of opposing viewpoints — the term “op-ed” itself originates from the idea that pieces that challenge the editorial line should run “opposite the editorial page.” Bezos called the practice outdated.
A media owner with personal stakes in government decisions creates a dangerous conflict of interest. Bezos’ businesses, Amazon and Blue Origin, have billions of dollars in government contacts. His presence at Mar-a-Lago, his $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, and his increasingly close relationship with the administration blur the lines between journalistic, corporate, and political interests. The Washington Post’s independence falters under an owner whose financial future is tied to staying in the president’s good graces.
The press is not meant to serve power. It is meant to expose it. If journalism bends to government pressure and corporate interests, it fails. A democracy that allows its media to be controlled — whether it be by the White House or by business interests — is no democracy at all.
Tiger’s cheers and jeers for the month of March
BOO to Adrien Brody. I would absolutely not take that.
BOO to dull pencils. So pointless tbh.
BOO to Instagram Notes. I don’t care.
BOO to Mr. Eldred dropping the weekly announcements Fridays after school. Free me.
BOO to Carti. we waited five years for that????
BRAVO to the cat from Flow. You are officially the cutest Oscar winner.
BRAVO to redheads. It’s your month!
BRAVO to Cassie and Nick. you did it!
BRAVO to Madagascar. You made me realize I hate to move it move it.
BRAVO to Lady Gaga. Abracadabra indeed.
The excessive categorization of art diminishes the limitless and barrier-breaking potential of creativity.
STORY & ILLUSTRATION ISOLE KIM
O
scar Wilde famously wrote, “to define is to limit.” Yet, popular media often defines The Picture of Dorian Gray, the novel from which this quotation originates, as the “bible” of Dark Academia, a genre-aesthetic characterized by morally ambiguous scholars, candlelit pursuits of knowledge, and overall charcoal-gray solemnity. While DorianGrayarguably possesses some of these quintessential “vibes,” to define it as the blueprint for a popularized genreturned-subculture, and nothing more, is to limit it.
Whether literary labels like Dark Academia, Hopepunk, and Weird West, or art-aesthetics like anti-consumerist Vaporwave and neon-satanic Acid Pixie, over-genrefication does a disservice to creative expression by shortcutting the interaction between art, artist, and individual. While openended art embraces the reward of actively searching for and deriving meaning from works, aesthetics- and genredefined art necessarily comes pre-packaged with specific connotations and takeaways, which shoe-horn creativity into cramped, albeit digestible, boxes.
Human tendency is to categorize to cope with complexity. Although it is not inherently immoral to curate and consume within a niche, the limiting nature of over-genrefication most often contradicts the pushing- and breaking-barriers ethos of creative expression. Solely relying on mainstream genres and aesthetics to steer audiences through and away from artworks instead of contributing their diverse worldviews and experiences warrants a loss of perspective, creative experimentation, and critical thinking so necessary to a democratic art world.
Over-genrefication often cuts short conversations about artworks by diluting them into marketable onedimensional traits. Such is the case with Sad Girl Lit, a genre gaining traction for its lineup of dejected, often self-
destructive female protagonists, placing in the limelight Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation, and Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Virgin Suicides. It has since become the subculture-aesthetic Hot Sad Girl, associated with running mascara, disaffected cigarettes, and music artists like Mitski and Lana del Rey. The problem here is not just how audiences have come to make and name these associations — as the meaning of art is fluid and constantly revealing of society’s shifting values and prejudices (e.g., why “Sad Boy Lit,” on the other hand, is nonexistent) — but how such conclusions have become so overwhelming that they drown out all other possible interpretations of creative expressions that happen to contain a single, vaguely familiar trait.
Over-genrefication, in this way, becomes a limiting box. In the case of books labeled Sad Girl Lit, it makes it difficult to authentically experience and interpret a work featuring a somewhat dissatisfied female protagonist — that is, without
expecting melancholic prose and a certain mid-20s white woman in need of catharsis, with an aversion toward men and capitalism. It halts conversations involving diverse and much-needed considerations about intersections of class privilege, racism, and lookism by framing an artwork into something that israther than something that couldbe
Such limitations call for the broadening and pruning of über-specific genres. Involving underrepresented artistic voices and being economical in labeling (pre-packaging) creative expression can make for more rewarding, deliberate interactions with works of art, preserving the agency of consumers and creators alike. Definitions themselves are not necessarily the perpetual problem, but an overpowering excess of genres, labels, aesthetics, and the like can impede not just how people interact with art, but the modes of creative expression they let into their spheres in the first place. In this case, Wilde’s words ring true: to define may very well be to limit.
STORY RUBY FOUDY ILLUSTRATION NATHAN FRIEZER
The words “obnoxious American tourist” paint a vivid image that residents of popular travel destinations know well. The stereotype of a rude, loud, Hawaiian shirtwearing American, though exaggerated, is rooted in truth. Americans are infamous for their travel etiquette, or lack thereof, and a major contributor to this phenomenon are cruise ships. Cruise ships have devastating effects on not only travel culture but also the economy of popular travel destinations and the environment.
Although the majority of cruise ship companies are foreign, U.S. citizens make up nearly half of all cruise ship passengers. Because of this, many cruises cater to American audiences, providing entertainment and food popular with Americans. This almost entirely defeats the purpose of traveling. Traveling provides important opportunities to explore other cultures and understand different world views. Spending the majority of one’s
time on a giant boat that is specifically designed for one’s own culture makes truly understanding another culture nearly impossible. This further indulges the American stereotype of choosing convenience over all else.
Not only do cruises take away a location’s cultural impact from tourists, but also the said location’s economic value. Cruises create new job opportunities, but they damage pre-existing ones. In many busy travel destinations, the majority of revenue is made from tourist accommodations like hotels, restaurants, and touring companies. However, as passengers on cruise ships sleep on the ship and have most of their meals on it, there are fewer opportunities for local businesses to make money. In addition, money spent by tourists does not stay within the local community, as the cruise companies keep a portion of the revenue made from on-shore experiences.
Cruises are also greatly damaging to the environment. Cruise ships are the most harmful form of travel, with
a seven-day cruise emitting about 421 kg of carbon dioxide per day, compared to a land-based traveler at about 51 kg. On top of the atmosphere, cruises are also detrimental to ocean life. They discharge sewage and hazardous waste into the water, in addition to the disrupting noise of engines and sonar.
While cruise ships may offer convenience, they come with significant drawbacks extending beyond the individual experience. Catering to American tourists on cruises ruins the opportunity to truly immerse oneself in different cultures, reinforcing the stereotype of the “obnoxious American tourist.” Additionally, cruises negatively impact local economies by diverting revenue from businesses that rely on tourism. The consequences of cruises should not be ignored, as they contribute to both carbon emissions and the destruction of marine life. It is essential to reconsider the true cost of cruises and explore forms of more sustainable, culturally respectful, and economically helpful forms of travel.
Oh, the places I hope you’ll go!
When I came into high school, not a single part of me knew what I wanted to do. I only knew what I didn’t want to do — I didn’t want to do math, I didn’t want to do art, I didn’t want to do swimming, and I didn’t want to sit behind a desk typing away for nine hours a day the rest of my life. But though that narrows my options, it doesn’t necessarily lend itself to forming a strong idea of what I want to become; or better yet, what my college applications should be about.
Much of the advice I heard and received throughout the college application process was about creating a
“spike”: find what you are passionate about and curate your extracurriculars, your activities, and your application around this idea. And yet, seven months into the 10 months of senior year, and three months past college application deadlines, I still do not know what my “spike” is.
I enjoy psychology and have been interested in it since my first psychology summer class from SPEF before freshman year. But this school unfortunately doesn’t offer AP Psychology (though I think it is high time they fix that). And as for economics, it was only relatively recently, after taking AP Micro and now Macroeconomics (thank you, Ms. Huynh), that I realized my disdain for the subject was not as genuine as I thought. But considering this passion only began mid-senior year, incorporating it into my “spike” was nearly impossible.
Alas, I find the concept of this “spike” in and of itself unrealistic and limiting. Your activities should not be dictated by a curated passion that may or may not get you accepted into a certain college. Whether it be by joining a vast breadth of clubs and classes and narrowing it down from there, or coming in with your plan already in mind, you must be the arbiter of your own future.
With college decisions rolling in this month (good luck, seniors), it is hard to imagine that all we have undergone was worth it. Were the acceptances — or better yet, the rejections — worth the sleep-deprived nights, the AP classes, the programs, and the busy burnout? That answer is up to all of you. As for me: no. There is no acceptance worth sacrificing your life and health, both physical and mental. Granted, I still don’t know where I am going next year. But no matter where I get in, I have a sneaking suspicion that my opinion will still hold.
The academic obsession with passion projects and “spikes” exacerbate the toxic atmosphere that this school, and our entire generation, have regarding college. Will getting into an Ivy League help your connections in life? Yes. Will attending an Ivy League help you develop a fulfilling and happy life? I sincerely doubt it. If you are constantly living out of fear, if you are constantly working for the future, you will never be satisfied. I hope my fellow seniors — and the juniors and underclassmen facing the upcoming judgment day — remember that your worth is not contingent on the grades you get, or the college you attend. Read ExcellentSheep by William Deresiewicz.
The nation is obligated to align with Ukraine to prevent increasing Russian ambition, now more than ever.
STORY LINDA YUN ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ
As recently as January of 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphatically rejected the idea of a ceasefire. After a four-hour-long discussion in S audi’s Diriyah Palace, the Kremlin seems to have changed its mind. Despite the promises of peace and U.S. economic activity proposed by the yetunsigned Ukraine minerals deal, it remains clear as day that Putin’s ambitions will not be quelled by peacekeeping treaties. With the threat of Russia’s increasing ambitions, the United States must align its longstanding values of freedom and liberty by continuing to support an aggrieved Ukraine, regardless of whether a temporary ceasefire has been reached.
Beginning officially in 2022 with Russia invading the separatist region of Donbas, the official RussianUkrainian conflict is a combination of ethnic and military disputes. While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where ethnic differences between the Slavs of Ukraine and Russia arose, one thing is clear: from the days of the Russian Empire to the ruling of Ukraine under Soviet control to the human rights abuses incurred by Ukrainians at the cost of Putin’s plan for restoring his empire, the people of Ukraine have historically been subjugated and violated.
From a human rights perspective, the United States has a moral and diplomatic obligation to support Ukraine. It is undeniable that the Kremlin, with Putin at its helm, desires an empire. Corrupt at its core, the dictatorship of Putin cannot be contained by peace negotiations.
For example, in 2016, Germany attempted to broker a ceasefire in the Minsk agreement, which Russia directly violated. Following the 2014 annexation of Crimea, the Kremlin has made repeated attempts to prevent Ukraine from joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to prevent the sovereign country from receiving the direct military backing of NATO’s Article V obligations. Russia’s drastic actions towards Ukraine demonstrate the lengths to which Putin will go to restore Eastern Europe to his direct, proxy, or political control.
Throughout history, it is evident that trusting promises of temporary peace by dictators is a precarious undertaking. Notably, Adolf Hitler was notorious
for negotiating peace in bad faith and subsequently violating its terms. While it may seem like picking fruit off a low-hanging tree to liken Moscow to World War II Munich, Putin’s attempts to rebuild the Soviet Union through restoring Soviet emblems, reinstituting the national anthem, and invading Ukraine darkly echo Hitler’s quest to restore the Second Reich. While the Russian Federation has been significantly weakened by three years of fighting and economic sanctions, and may not have the resources to continue its quest of expansion, it remains dangerous for the U.S. to make any concessions against a powerful China-backed Russia that feels culturally and ethnically entitled to ownership over all of Eastern Europe.
Furthermore, withdrawing U.S. military assistance to Ukraine is likely to give a go-signal for China to take a more aggressive stance in the South China Sea at the cost of Taiwanese sovereignty. At the heart of the conflict lies the question: if Ukraine goes, what is next? The Russian-Ukraine conflict began as Russia’s attempts to reclaim “lost” territory, but has since evolved into an international conflict supported by the global behemoths of China and the U.S. on opposite sides.
If the U.S. withdraws support to Ukraine, it will signal to its biggest rival that not only is aid to Ukraine dispensable, but its support of Taiwan is also conditional. As China rampens its aggression across the South China Sea, support from the U.S., Taiwan’s biggest backer, is considered crucial for the island’s survival and the containment of China’s military aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. The Trump administration’s call to freeze aid, if fulfilled, would signal that the U.S. does not have the backs of its allies — a signal that can spark conflict in the South China Sea.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is complicated to navigate, let alone solve. 20 percent of Ukrainian territory has been occupied, and it will require a tremendous military effort to restore the 1991 borders today. Despite the challenges, it is imperative for the Trump administration to realign itself with the interests of Ukraine. By negotiating better security assurances in the minerals deal and holding Russia accountable if it does not live up to the agreed-upon conditions of negotiated ceasefire agreements, the U.S. can stay on the right side of history and prevent the dangerous expansion of Russian power.
STORY RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ
Opponents argue that it creates an ignorant society and is a deeply irresponsible habit. On the other hand, proponents of news avoidance argue that it is sometimes more important to prioritize one’s personal well-being by avoiding things that could be upsetting. Both views tend to be pretty black and white, but the
truth is that it is much more nuanced. Like anything, news avoidance has its upsides and downsides.
Critics of news avoidance argue that ignoring the news creates a society that is ignorant and even damages the foundations of American democracy. Their reasoning is straightforward: if the public is not informed, they have a lessened ability to make their voices heard in the governing process. Those in power will be able to operate completely unchecked.
This is a valid concern — after all, one of the first
moves of any authoritarian leader is to eliminate a free press. If nobody knows what the government is doing, they cannot oppose it.
People who practice news avoidance are not quick to deny these points, but instead, they argue that they are powerless to stop the world’s injustices. Facing this harsh truth, they decide that it is better to prioritize their well-being by ignoring a source of evil and living in a bubble where the world is not so grim. Again, there is some truth to be found in this perspective. In many cases, the reality is that individuals cannot alleviate trying circumstances, and following these events as closely as possible can damage one’s mental health.
The opposing sides of this debate can be very steadfast in their opinions, but in reality, the issue has more subtlety. It is important to be aware and up to date on what is going on in the world. It is much more difficult to move through the world when one does not have a full understanding of what is going on around them.
This does not mean that one should dedicate all of their time to studying every development — no matter how small — in every event across the world. Spending too much time consuming news, which is often very negative, can be very detrimental to one’s mental health. People often spiral over things that they have no control over. It can be draining.
Neither complete avoidance of the news nor overconsumption of the news are healthy or responsible things to do. Instead, people should find a fair middle ground. It could be helpful to consume news in a more regimented manner. By choosing specific times to check the news, people can stay informed, but they can avoid the news taking over their lives.
It is important that people stay informed so that they can combat the injustice that are abundant in the world, but people need energy to fight. Instead of agonizing over things they cannot change, or ignoring negative things completely, people should consume news more mindfully to conserve their energy to fight in areas where they can make real change.
STORY EMIKO ESSMILLER
I
STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME
The presence of music on SPHS’s campus has grown almost infectious, and for good reason. With Apple’s AirPods and other wireless earbuds becoming ubiquitous and free streaming services such as Spotify boasting over 100 million tracks, students are taking advantage of how readily available and easily accessible it is to listen to music.
Several studies in America and Japan have demonstrated that music not only can help retrieve old memories, but also create new ones. According to Harvard Health Publishing, by listening to music and singing along, the melody can slowly be removed until it is memorized by the person. This technique can be applied during studying to help students learn phrases or terms. In addition, certain beats can create a more opportune state of mind for students to begin learning. However, it has been shown that groovy instrumental music with strong rhythms and simple melodies typically works the best. In comparison, music that shifts beats or includes lyrics can drag the listener away from their task, making them less productive and distracting them. By using these helpful tunes, listeners can experience not only an improved mood, but also quicker problem-solving. This application has placed itself into the education system, with many students using it to study.
Music has found a role in helping set the mood for study sessions or collaborative environments for classes. Yet, its purpose differs from white noise because it offers a rhythm for the heart to follow while white noise is intended only to block out one’s surroundings. White noise also helps one enter a relaxed state of mind. While being relaxed seems ideal for studying over long periods, the effect of white noise can work too well. Often used to help children or adults fall asleep, white noise would deter students from having a meaningful study session by lulling them into a drowsy state. Not only will students be tired, but they will be impaired in problem solving, memory retention, and decision making. On the other hand, music offers the benefits of helping students block out their surroundings while simultaneously boosting their ability to study, making it a strong tool to have when learning.
The lurking possibility of distraction in music has sparked controversy across the education system. Students are often found listening to music while a teacher is talking. Added on with features such as noise cancellation and higher quality noise projection, some consider music to hinder the ability to learn and create an unnecessary dependency on it. Spotify has perfectly encapsulated this desire in its popular yearly program, Spotify Wrapped. Using data from its over 600 million users, Spotify generates a playlist telling listeners what their favorite song was for the year and how many minutes the users spent on the platform. By presenting the numbers as a reward, users are encouraged to continue to listen to as much music as possible. Although reflecting on the year is not harmful, it is crucial to consider the amount of music consumed daily and whether or not students should try to add to their yearly listening total during the school day.
The increased usage of music may also pose a risk to students’ hearing. Studies have shown that about one in five teenagers will experience some amount of hearing damage; 30 percent more than 20 years ago. Many teenagers listen to music at full blast for prolonged periods, which presents auditory dangers. To maintain healthy hearing, anything between 65–85 dB can be listened to for eight hours without risk of damage. However, beyond 85 dB, listening time is halved every time it gets three dB louder. With earbud users often choosing around 105 dB, the risks are apparent.
Although it can be tempting to wind up the volume, the danger music poses to the ears should not be neglected. For students who prefer music to accompany their study sessions, limiting its volume to around 60 percent, or 65-85 dB will help to protect their ears while providing the desired personal workspace. A final phenomenon in the student music culture is the dizzying and constant introduction to new music that social mediaactive people, especially students, are exposed to. Social media’s hype for constantly cycling through new music tracks has boosted the amount of music one listens to. This endless supply of music content, much like today’s media, cycles in quickly from one to another, creating a craving for the next song.
The widespread use of music in school continues to grow as both education systems and students begin incorporating it. With its ability to make studying sessions more productive or to put the listener in the right mindset, the complications within music can quickly be overshadowed. In an educational environment, it is vital to take care of students’ hearing before permanent damage is done.
t is not uncommon for a teacher to request that a student take out their earbuds during class. While there is a legitimate conversation about what specifically permits a student or teacher to play music during work time, students undoubtedly deserve the opportunity to use music as an education tool. Restricting some students from accessing music in the name of “enhancing their education” has the contradictory effect of inhibiting their ability to process information. It is widely known that some people with neurodivergence are extra sensitive to external stimuli, including sounds and textures. What is less frequently considered is that specific stimuli are extremely soothing, a process known as “stimming.” Especially for people with Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimming with other external stimuli like sound can play a large role in their ability to focus and retain information. Thus, music can provide an escape for the people who need it.
Marcile Montoya, an SPHS school counselor, said, “I think I’ve heard students over the years suggest that being able to listen to music of their choice provides a sense of calm and peace, especially if it’s hard for them to reset in the moment. It’s a good way to be able to stay in the classroom and not miss valuable instruction, but also kind of cultivate a few minutes of peace for themselves.”
Someone’s ability to learn is directly linked to their motivation in the classroom. Being unmotivated hinders one’s ultimate focus and output. If music encourages a sense of focus, school should not prevent students from accessing it, especially for those who rely on the melody to focus and calm themselves. Music does not just help those with neurodivergence. A study conducted by The National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that by listening to 15 Hertz of binaural beats, the response accuracy of those working on an active memory task increased by 3 percent over a five-minute time period. By definition, the term “binaural beats” is created by presenting slightly different tones to each ear. This has been shown to influence brain activity and induce relaxation by appealing to specific brainwave frequencies.
However, this is not to say that wearing earbuds or listening to music constantly is good. Listening to music on high volume can situationally hinder one’s ability to listen to lectures or engage in conversation. Having AirPods in while someone is speaking, or as a teacher explains educational content, often and understandably comes across as rude. Without providing context, it is disrespectful to be blatantly jamming out to The Neighborhood during a class lecture. Despite this, music does belong in the classroom in some capacity. During independent work periods, or possibly even as instrumental background noise during lectures, students should be able to rely on music to enhance their overall wellbeing and focus. Specifically for students with ADHD, having the background noise of an enjoyable song playing at a low volume can provide relief and quiet their mind enough to allow them to process what someone is saying more effectively. In some cases, it is even possible for students to request the ability to listen to music in class as part of their learning accommodation plan, including IEPs or 504s.
“I think there are general practices like breaks in the classroom that are good for everyone, and you don’t necessarily need an accommodation for that. So I do wonder, is music the next potential broad accommodation? Personally, I can understand how it’s very helpful to students,” Montoya said.
The primary goal of accommodated learning is to provide equity across the education of all students. Whether this involves a teacher playing instrumental music during silent work periods for the class or a student listening to a familiar song through their earbuds as they work, music has a distinct role in the education of many students at school.
T he argument that music holds a place in classrooms clings to the myth of multitasking, a skill that all humans, especially students, are statistically and scientifically unlikely to manage. In a classroom setting, focus and presence are ultimately what define a good educational experience. Music does not belong in education as it only distracts students from the primary objective to learn and retain information.
There is music education taught by specialized teachers, but there are also teachers who play ambient music during tests or work time in academic classes. Where the occasional wired headphone flagrantly hides in plain sight, there are also earbuds tucked beneath hoods or long hair. Students convince themselves that they can multitask with music in the background, but the brain is not equipped for juggling these behaviors.
Examples of multitasking in everyday life are as common as switching tabs on one’s computer. Multitasking is encouraged in a world of technologies that prioritize holding one’s attention for as long as possible. Just as students bury themselves in their phones as they walk to school, one might also find themself checking their email while on a Zoom call or texting while driving. Just as movie theaters ask attendees to silence their phones, it is a simple social expectation that one is not listening to music while engaged in an active conversation. An active classroom is like an active conversation, yet many students still hold the misconception that they are capable of paying attention and performing academically to their best ability while also listening to music.
We like to think we can multitask. We can’t.
‘‘ ’’
- Joshua Whitney, SPHS Spanish teacher
I think there are general practices like breaks in the classroom that are good for everyone, and you don't necessarily need an accommodation for that. So I do wonder, is music the next potential broad accommodation?
-
Marcile Montoya, SPHS counselor
About one in five teenagers will experience some amount of hearing loss — a rate about 30 percent higher than it was 20 years ago. ‘‘
’’
- Researchers from the University of Utah
The myth of successful multitasking has been normalized. Scientifically, it is extremely difficult for the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for making decisions, to focus on more than one complex task at once. According to the American Psychological Association, as one shifts attention from one task to another, the brain must reorient itself repeatedly, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in productivity.
The struggles of multitasking not only affect students with ADHD or other learning disabilities but all students in general. In a 2001 University of Michigan study, four experiments conducted by Dr. Joshua Rubenstein, Dr. Jeffrey Evans, and Dr. David Meyer defined two distinct stages of human cognitive control. The first stage, “goal shifting,” occurs when an individual decides to switch one’s attention from one task to another. The second stage, “rule activation,” occurs when the same individual decides, “I’m turning off the rules for that and turning on the rules for this,” as phrased by the American Psychological Association. These two stages result in “switch costs,” cognitive transitions between tasks that can be as brief as a few tenths of a second each time. However, these delays can increase as individuals switch between complex tasks such as paying attention to a teacher while listening to their favorite song. Teachers who play ambient soundtracks during tests, quizzes, or classwork are not simply setting the tone, but are also likely making it more difficult for students to complete the mental marathon.
It is statistically unlikely that students and teachers can expect themselves to retain educational information while listening to music. Still, educators like SPHS Spanish teacher Joshua Whitney find themselves asking students to remove their listening devices during class.
“We like to think we can multitask. We can’t,” Whitney said. “I prefer, to the highest degree possible, a media-free classroom.”
Whitney noted that while it is not a widespread problem in his classes, he has noticed that oftentimes a repeated handful of students continue to listen to music during instructional periods.
On whether or not students or teachers are responsible for eliminating this distraction, Whitney added, “The issue of ‘who’s going to do what and what is everyone’s responsibility’ ... is true not just for earbuds [in class] but in almost everything we do. It’s always the student’s responsibility, but if a student is not taking that responsibility, then what do we do? ... and if you sit in [my] classroom every day and not listen to what’s going on in your educational process … I’m not going to let you do it.”
Despite its energy demands, AI may potentially drive climate solutions.
STORY TRISHA CHAKRABORTY
ILLUSTRATION LANAH KIM
Artificial intelligence innovation is just in its infancy.
Yet the construction of massive data centers that power its industry has been increasingly growing in size, cost, and emissions.
At the beginning of 2025, Microsoft announced that it planned to spend approximately $80 billion in expanding its data center infrastructure in order to support the training of their AI models and the deployment of AI and cloud-based applications. This move reflects a widespread belief in the financial potential that AI holds for major tech companies. However, it also may be a step in the reverse direction for tech companies with lofty climate goals.
Microsoft, Google, and Meta are among the country’s biggest leaders in corporate efforts to combat global warming. In 2020, Microsoft promised to remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits. In 2021, Google promised to have net-zero emissions by 2030. Yet investments such as the one Microsoft made at the beginning of this year call into question whether major tech companies are still on the path to their pledged clean energy goals.
With the proliferation of generative AIs like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and DeepSeek comes a staggering demand for computational power. In reality, constructing data centers reliant on fossil fuels is a much faster alternative than establishing a clean energy source alongside them.
Training a single large language model requires as much power as 130 U.S. homes consume annually, and a single ChatGPT query consumes nearly 10 times the energy of a Google search.
By 2026, the global electricity demand is expected to double as a result of a significant uptick in data center construction; that surge being essentially equivalent to adding a country the size of Sweden to the world’s electricity consumption.
Yet, while AI is undeniably energy-intensive, it also presents a paradox: the very technology driving up electricity consumption and emissions is also being explored as a tool for mitigating climate change and its effects. AI-driven climate modeling is improving predictions of extreme weather patterns, helping scientists and policymakers better prepare for natural disasters. “Smart” power grids powered by AI are optimizing electricity distribution, reducing waste and helping integrate renewable energy sources in a more efficient way.
Technological innovation comes at the cost of rapid expansion before efficiency. When cloud computing picked up speed in the early 2000s, it came alongside a massive surge in energy consumption. At the time, there were similar concerns that its energy demands were on an unsustainable path. Despite this, studies have found that while data center output has jumped sixfold from 2010 to 2018, their energy consumption has risen only 6 percent.
If AI follows a similar path, its energy impact may also level out in the years ahead. Major tech companies are already investing in alternative energy sources and are working on ways to reduce the electricity consumption of their data centers by optimizing their software, hardware, and cooling systems.
Efficiency gains have indeed followed technological booms, but whether AI can follow the same path is yet to be seen. The challenge now is ensuring that AI’s growth aligns with sustainability efforts rather than working against them. On a consumer level, it is quite difficult to make substantial change through the advocacy of reduced AI consumption. Rather, consumers can demand increased transparency from companies about their energy efficiency.
AI’s growing role in the climate crisis will be defined not just by its energy demands but how the industry responds to them. Its future is no longer just about what it can create but whether it can do so without compromising the planet.
Linda LINDA YUN
No strings attached
When I ask people if they are going to a certain school event, whether it be a dance, a club meeting, or a fundraiser, I tend to get the same response: “I’ll go if you go.” We’ve all said it; we’ve all heard it.
At first glance, it seems like a simple phrase; a way to gauge interest before committing. But thinking about it, “I’ll go if you go” is more than just a throwaway line; it is a social safety net — a quiet admission that most of us are hesitant to do things alone.
It makes sense, logically. But why attach our decision to someone else? Why hinge our own future on another’s decision? Part of it comes down to the fear of standing out. Showing up alone, even to something as harmless as a school event, can feel like an unspoken breach of the social order.
Most people don’t want to be in a public space alone, hanging out on the sidelines unsure of who to talk to. We convince ourselves that if we’re the only one there who doesn’t already have a group, we’ll look awkward, out of place. But if someone else is with us, there is safety in numbers.
Then there’s the fear of regret. No one wants to be the person who drags people to an event that turns out to be awkward, boring, or just not worth it. But if people can blame it on mutual decision-making, then somehow it doesn’t feel as bad; we all thought it would be fun.
Despite this, I find the response grating. It is waffling, unsure, and doomed to fail. If every person responds as they do, then no one is certain to attend.
Everyone is waiting on someone else to take the first step, but no one is willing to do it themselves. When people are unwilling to commit, no one can. It is an infinite loop of hesitation.
The phrase is born out of a place of fear. But what if people stopped letting fear run their lives? As a senior, this habit may not hold up so well in the near future. In this 3.5 square mile town, with only around 400 people in our graduating body, it is easy to rely on a familiar group, to always have someone there to make new outings less intimidating.
But soon, we’ll be in an entirely different environment — whether it’s college, the workplace, or just the next stage of life — and there won’t always be someone next to us to take the first step.
At a certain point, we will have to be the ones to show up alone. To walk into a room without being able to scan for a familiar face. To try something new without waiting for a safety net. And the sooner we get comfortable with that, the easier it will be when the time comes.
In preparation for my future in college, where I will not have as many groups of friends readily close by, I have been trying to get out alone recently. Go on that excursion, attend that club meeting, even get some spontaneous snacks after school alone.
And the truth is, the action we are hesitant about is never nearly as scary as we imagine it to be. Sometimes, being the first to say “I’ll go” — without the conditions, without the backup — might just be the thing that inspires another to do the same.
The standards of success placed by society influence people’s dreams, whether or not they are aware of it.
STORY ISABELLA JONASEN
ILLUSTRATION LANAH KIM
There is a well-known narrative that in a person’s life, one will never experience an original thought. And while that idea may be flawed, there is some truth to it. People tend to have the idea that their expectations for themselves are entirely of their own making. In reality, people learn most things by observation, including their internal beliefs. Humans are simply bits and pieces of others that are likeable or unlikeable, inevitably adopting their traits and ideas.
Unrealistic standards of success are enforced by the expectations inflicted on an individual. No person wakes up and decides that in order to have lifetime success, they must attend an Ivy League. People were taught these beliefs, just like they were taught that these types of decisions will determine the rest of their lives — which prompts the question: what would happen if
these standards of success were removed completely? When teens were asked the question, “if there were no expectations for a career and money was not a factor, would you still go after the same career you are currently [pursuing]?” The most common response was along the lines of the all-around dream being unemployment.
This particular response came from older teens; most younger teens, given the option, would follow their dreams to different careers and passions if allowed to have any occupation whilst living comfortably. Though not a unique concept, money may be one of the few limitations for individuals going after their dream careers.
Humans tend to want to stay in “comfortable positions” as they are wired for safety. When in doubt, they would rather stay with the devil they know than change to the angel they do not. To some, this may seem like a haven of complete relaxation, but undoubtedly, this position would foster beliefs of helplessness and frustration
within people lacking purpose. By then, achievements and careers of any kind would lose meaning, and many of the humble jobs that are difficult and unrewarding would go unrecognized.
To detach from any societal expectations as a whole may not be possible. The healthiest expectations are those that come from reflection and understanding that something may or may not be best for you. Thus, it is beneficial to rethink what the definition of success means in one’s life. Individuals may throw away a career path after realizing they were pursuing goals that were not their own, setting themselves back from their passions out of fear of making less money.
The definition of success must extend far beyond traditional values, status, and wealth, now more than ever. Society must tone down its aggressive limitations on what true success looks like, and should delve deeper into how other forms of success are just as valuable.
STORY CHRISTIANNE DULEY
ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ
Faith in the American government has waned over the years as the number of social and economic issues grow, and the sci-fi comedy Mickey 17 tackles these difficulties head-on. Directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson, Mickey 17 is a film adaptation of the novel Mickey7 that takes audiences on a journey through space as humans expand to far-out planets. The movie has successfully entertained audiences since its release on Friday, March 7 while also commenting on differences in social class and the current political climate of America.
The film is narrated by Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), an unassuming worker who boards a spaceship heading to the planet Niflheim to escape his looming debt. The ship’s captain is the failed politician Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), a man hell-bent on fame and fortune at the expense of others, yet beloved by his blindingly loyal supporters who board his ship. Space travel is a rare and expensive opportunity that few have the chance to experience, so in order to afford it, Mickey must take the job of an “Expendable”: someone who serves as a human guinea pig, dies in the name of scientific progress, and gets cloned so they can repeat the cycle. On the way to Niflheim, he falls in love with the security agent Nasha Barridge (Naomie Ackie), who gives him a reason to continue living.
The crew arrive on Niflheim and Mickey, who is now on his 17th clone, is sent to explore the freezing tundra. Unfortunately he falls through a hidden cave entrance and is presumed to be dead. However, he survives the fall and is rescued by the planet’s indigenous species, creepers, who drag him out of the cave instead of eating 17 like he expected.
Upon returning to the spaceship, 17 runs into his 18th clone. The existence of two clones at the same time is strictly forbidden and punishable by death — as it is seen as an interference with natural order — and so the two Mickeys attempt to dispose of each other while trying to keep their secret from the rest of the crew. After 17 encounters Marshall and learns of his plans to drive out the creepers, as well as his complete lack of compassion for common people, 17 teams up with 18 to prevent a war between humans and creepers.
From the sickly makeup to the strange sounds of the creepers, it is clear the crew behind Mickey 17 went all
out to bring the story to life. The film is especially elevated by its captivating acting and witty writing. Pattinson’s portrayal of Mickey gives the character a relatable and tragic feel, and Ackie makes each scene with Nasha an exciting watch. Ruffalo perfectly captures the corrupt stupidity of controversial politicians in real life as seen in Marshall. Each character differs from the others, enlivening the plot in every scene.
Director Bong Joon-ho commonly creates films that delve into the struggles of low social classes — such as his critically acclaimed movie Parasite — and Mickey17 is no exception. Expendables are treated as materials rather than human beings, and it can be assumed, by looking at Mickey’s reason for taking the job, that Expendables are typically people of lower social classes. As the film progresses, Mickey begins to understand he has a right to live like everyone else, even as an Expendable. Even as a fantastical sci-fi, the movie’s messages remain strongly rooted in reality and tackle serious societal issues.
The film also condemns American politics through Marshall’s character. Marshall is a clear critical parody of President Trump: he acts like a celebrity, his followers wear red hats, he villainizes those who are different from him, and there is even a scene of him being grazed by a bullet on the side of his face. The plot is driven by Marshall’s attempts to gain glory by pushing out the creepers living in Niflheim, which is reminiscent of Trump’s current proposals to colonize countries such as Canada and Palestine. While these recent political events likely occurred after the film’s script was written, it goes to show the script could be considered “ahead of its time.”
Although the movie has profound themes and an innovative plot, Mickey 17 may not get the recognition it deserves. The film had a budget of $118 million and currently sits at 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, Mickey17 is directed by an Oscar-winner, stars a popular actor, and was distributed by the top-notch Warner Bros. But despite its high investment and success in satisfying audiences, the movie has only made around half of its budget as of its opening week in theaters. Mickey17may not turn a profit, but it is apparent this is not a result of being a bad movie.
Dissatisfaction with the wealthy and powerful is one of the most recurring themes in stories of all mediums. Mickey 17 adds a unique interpretation of this while also staying humorous, the perfect formula for making a popular film. The movie proves that enjoyable stories will always exist — even, and especially, during hard times.
Tiger explores the events of the Russo-Ukranian war as conflicts continue to escalate.
STORY RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN, RUBY FOUDY, SONYA SHIMPOCK, & LINDA YUN
ILLUSTRATION NATHAN FRIEZER
The Russo-Ukrainian conflict officially began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, years before its full-scale invasion in 2022. The origins of this conflict can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 2013 when political divisions within Ukraine ignited mass protests and set the stage for the turmoil that followed. In November 2013, Ukraine’s staunchly pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych abruptly refused to sign the European Union’s Association Agreement, halting all negotiations for closer economic and political ties with the EU. Instead, Yanukovych sought to strengthen Ukraine’s relationship with Russia, meeting with President Vladimir Putin to lay the groundwork for a new “strategic partnership.”
Yanukovych’s decision outraged much of the Ukrainian public. In response, mass protests erupted in Kyiv’s Independence Square — or Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Ukrainian —giving rise to what became known as the Euromaidan movement. Demonstrations quickly escalated, drawing hundreds and thousands of protestors and expanding beyond their initial economic concerns to demands for democratic reforms and an end to government corruption.
Yanukovych retaliated by signing into force a set of laws that banned virtually all forms of anti-government protests. This did not stop the protestors — instead,
Soviet Union dissolves, and Ukraine achieves independence
PAGE DESIGN SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI & ISOLE KIM
thousands flocked to Central Kyiv in defiance of the ban. As they attempted to push past a police cordon and into the Ukrainian Parliament, riot police responded with stun grenades. This marked the first violent developments of the protests, but the situation quickly escalated — three days later, two protesters were killed in clashes with the police.
This would not be the end of the fatalities. On Feb. 18, 2014, at least 22 protesters were killed in a confrontation with riot police, and more than 200 were seriously injured. The West responded quickly, threatening sanctions as the death toll rose to 26. Yanukovych rejected this threat, claiming that all the bloodshed was nothing more than an attempted coup.
However, two days later, dozens were killed in Kyiv, marking the city’s worst day of violence for 70 years.
As this crisis escalated, Yanukovych and opposition leaders signed an EU-mandated peace pact that included plans for an early presidential election that would occur before the end of 2014. This did not happen — Ukraine’s parliament soon voted to instead impeach Yanukovych and he fled the country, claiming a coup. Taking his place as interim president, Oleksandr Turchynov announced that Ukraine’s policies would shift to prioritize a closer integration with the EU.
Russia quickly moved to declare the situation in Ukraine a “real threat” to its interest, and the Russian prime minister accused Turchynov and other interim laders of taking power in Ukraine through an “armed mutiny.” Days later, Putin put the Russian military on high alert shortly before Russian personnel surrounded airports
in Crimea, a peninsula in Ukraine with a predominantly Russian population.
On Feb. 27, 2014, dozens of pro-Russian gunmen seized government buildings in Crimea and raised the Russian flag. The following day, armed men took control of two Crimean airports, prompting accusations of a Russian “military invasion and occupation.” Putin then requested authorization to deploy Russian forces into Ukraine, citing the need to protect Russian citizens from the “extraordinary situation.”
Western leaders issued a joint statement that reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s actions as a “clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” While Putin denied plans for a war, he refused to withdraw Russian troops from Crimea, and Russia maintained that the “selfdefense” forces were not under its command.
In response, Crimea’s pro-Russia regional government announced a referendum on joining Russia. Officials quickly announced that 95.5 percent of voters supported a union with Russia, sparking disbelief in the international community. The U.K. government refused to recognize the results. Regardless, Putin moved to sign a law on March 21, 2014, that formalized Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Russia also supported pro-Russian separatist forces under the overall control of the Russian Federation in seizing control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. This action directly violated the Minsk Agreement, which had called for “a ceasefire … [and] the withdrawal of all foreign armed groups.”
These actions set the stage for the full-scale invasion later in 2022, and the rest of the continuing conflict.
Ukraine gives up its arsenal for security assurances from U.S. and Russia
Russian forces annex the Crimean Peninsula
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is elected president of Ukraine
Ukraine’s association agreement with EU is ratified and in force
Republican congressional majority causes hesitations over aid
Russia begins full-scale invasion; U.S. and NATO pledge assistance
U.S., Russia, and Ukraine attempt peace negotiations
On the morning of Feb. 24, 2022, after nearly a decade of conflict, President Vladimir Putin of Russia announced what he called a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Over the next few hours, videos of Russian soldiers, helicopters, and other weapons of war crossing into Ukraine would emerge.
In response to Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a full military mobilisation and banned males aged 18–60 from leaving the country in case they were needed to fight the invasion.
At the same time, Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Russia would also be hit by a wave of sanctions from Western countries in an effort to weaken the country. Western businesses announced that they would no longer do business in Russia. Western countries also began sending military aid to Ukraine, with America being the largest benefactor.
On March 2, 2022, the United Nations (UN ) General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to condemn the invasion and demand its end, and the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that he had opened an investigation into Putin for war
crimes committed in Ukraine. The ICJ also ruled that Russia must end its invasion of Ukraine on the basis that there was no legal justification for invasion.
On March 17, 2023 the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and his presidential commissioner for children’s rights for the unlawful deportation and relocation of Ukrainian children from occupied parts of Ukraine to Russia which the court said constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Putin and the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong un, held a summit in Russia to discuss a weapons deal to supply Russia with North Korean arms in September. Since that meeting, North Korea has sent thousands of containers of weapons for Russia. Russia and China had a friendly, if tepid, relationship for most of the war. However, in May 2024, Russia and China announced a “new era of partnership” after President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Russia. This made what was previously a mostly inconsequential friendship into a much stronger alliance.
The Ukrainian military launched an offensive into Russia’s Kursk region in August 2024 in a bid to gain leverage in potential peace talks with Russia. In December, reports came out that North Korean soldiers
had been deployed to the region to help retake territory occupied by Ukraine.
Donald Trump won the American presidential election in November 2024, marking a coming change in American foreign policy and aid towards Ukraine. In February 2025, Russian and American delegates met in Saudi Arabia for talks on the war. Ukrainian delegates were notably not invited.
Trump and Zelenskyy got into a spat on X, formerly known as Twitter, after Trump claimed that Ukraine had started the war. The United States also sided with Russia two times at the UN Security Council. After a disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on Feb. 28, Trump briefly halted military aid to Ukraine and stopped intelligence sharing, but resumed it soon thereafter on Tuesday, March 11. On X, Zelenskyy expressed regret over the meeting and said he wanted to make things right. This stood in stark contrast to the animosity shown in the meeting.
The recent events in the war have been moving incredibly quickly and unpredictably. With the shift in American policy against Ukraine, it has become much more difficult to predict the war and when, or even if, it will end.
STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK
PHOTOS EMIKO ESSMILLER
Sliding sheepishly in front of the long line of clearly annoyed customers, Isole, Hana, and I join the rest of our group (who had been waiting for 10 minutes by that point) at the front of the line for Joy on York. The popular Taiwanese restaurant draws a large customer base, and it is not uncommon to see a line winding out the door and down the block.
Joy is a laid-back, counter-service Taiwanese restaurant in Highland Park that draws inspiration from Taiwan’s street food culture. Our dinner there was enjoyable, albeit expensive, and the atmosphere and decoration of the restaurant is comfortable and welcoming.
It’s around 7 p.m. when we arrive, and Joy is already bustling — waiters weave around the small tables shoved close together, carrying steaming plates of noodles and rice. As we wait to order at the register, our group stares at the light-up menu that hangs at the entrance to the kitchen. I’ve been here an embarrassing amount of times, and so has Trisha; we’re both big fans of the minced pork on rice and dan dan noodles, so we quickly agree to just order both and split them — the perfect compromise.
By the time we’re done ordering (a cold appetizer and the minced pork came out to about $21 plus tax and tip, which was on the high side for the food we received) we’re quickly ushered outside with our number so we don’t fill up the already packed dining space. Outside, Joy is just as cute as its painted interior — a large mural takes up one side of the wall, and huge windows spill warm yellow light onto the street. Isole pulls out a digicam and we take a quick picture.
Ten minutes later, a waitress sticks her head out the door and calls our number. They’ve pushed two tables together to fit our group, but the fit is still a little tight. Everyone settles in, and then we set off to fill up water cups and grab utensils. Joy’s chopsticks are skinny and metal, and we all fumble around with them for a few seconds before we get the hang of it.
Before long, our food started coming out. Morgan’s wonton soup arrives, then Linda’s Chiyaki chicken rice, Hana and Emi’s dan dan noodles, and Isole’s minced pork on rice. Trisha and I spoon parts of our dishes into separate bowls before we start to eat. But the camera always eats first, so we all pause diligently while Emi stages our food and snaps a few pictures.
At this point, Joy is beyond packed — the line has reached nearly one and a half storefronts past the restaurant’s entrance, and people outside have begun to stare as if they could manifest an open table through sheer willpower.
The minced pork on rice is delicious as always — the pork is tender and seasoned nicely, the soy-marinated egg is soft and salty, and the bamboo adds a nice crunch. I pause every so often to write something down for this article; Emi likes her noodles, Morgan thinks Linda’s chicken looks vaguely like tuna, and the questionably named “Thousand-layer pancake” is surprisingly good. I look a little crazy typing random food buzzwords into my notes app as I eat.
Once we’ve wrapped up the meal, we awkwardly wait for a server to pass by so we can grab some to-go boxes. I take the time to get everyone’s rating on the meal; Morgan, Emi, and Linda stand at a solid 8/10, while the rest of the group falls a little below them. Points are subtracted for various aspects: the food was a little too salty, the menu a little limited. I go with a 10/10 because I’m a Joy apologist.
After being robbed of our chance to exact some revenge on Mr. McGough via the sophomore class’ Pi Day fundraiser, we decide to get dessert at Magpies, a soft-serve and pie place to properly celebrate 3/14. I immediately get distracted by the soft-serve flavors, though, and ultimately end up with a swirl cup of the roasted strawberry and pandan (a leaf that tastes a little like coconut and vanilla). Both are creamy and flavorful, and I shell out an extra dollar to get some chunks of waffle cone to sprinkle in.
Magpies is well-lit and charming — behind the register, soft-serve machines are lined up in a row and the topping bar is full and varied. The front of the store is stocked with tables and metal yellow chairs; Trisha and I drag a few over to a table so we can fit our whole group. Morgan soon joins us at our corner table with a swirl of Vietnamese coffee and butterscotch, and Linda and
The conversation jumps between topics quickly — our current favorite song (Panama), then the ideal height (easy 6’5”), then a baffling round of beabadoobee hate (blasphemous). We finish eating around 9:10 and cede our table to the quickly growing crowd.
Despite Morgan thinking that Joy caters to white people, it was still an enjoyable meal (but I’m half white, so what do I know). It is on the expensive side, but the atmosphere and general experience make up for that. If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends and family, Joy is a great option for dinner — but make sure you get there early.
STORY TRISHA CHAKRABORTY
PHOTO KRISTY WHITMORE, Contributor
Junior Roman Whitmore-Vossler has climbed the ranks of youth hockey, now competing at the highest level of the sport for athletes his age. “Just from my experience with AA, I went from being one of the top players in California to middle-bottom of the pack,” Whitmore-Vossler said. “There is a huge difference
Hockey is not the first sport that comes to mind when thinking about California athletes, but for junior Roman Whitmore-Vossler, the ice has been a second home for as long as he can remember. Whitmore-Vossler plays with the Los Angeles Junior Kings in the extremely competitive 16U AAA division, which is one of the highest levels of youth hockey in the country.
Whitmore-Vossler has traveled to tournaments in Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Dallas, and countless other cities within the past year. Hockey has allowed him to compete against teams from Michigan, Arizona, Minnesota, and even Berlin.
Whitmore-Vossler was introduced to hockey at just three years old through his dad, who shared an intense passion for the sport. Whitmore-Vossler currently plays in 16U AAA division youth hockey, which means he plays at the highest level of hockey for athletes who are 16 and under. Youth hockey age divisions are subdivided by skill level: B-level hockey is the first kind of competitive hockey that most players are introduced to, and A-level hockey is more competitive and further subdivided into two tiers.
Tier II hockey consists of AA-level hockey, which Whitmore-Vossler competed in until his 9th grade. Tier I hockey consists of AAAlevel hockey, which is the most elite rank of hockey for athletes in his age division.
Balancing school and hockey is a difficult yet rewarding task for Whitmore-Vossler. Every day, he commutes for nearly an hour to and from after-school practice in El Segundo.
“Monday through Thursday, from the moment [school ends] to nine, [I’m] at the rink or in the car and [I] need to take advantage of every second [to do a few assignments],” Whitmore-Vossler said. “I’ve had to sit at the restaurant in the rink and just …do homework for an hour in between skates.”
Whitmore-Vossler moved through multiple teams and leagues before reaching AAA. He started out locally playing BB-level hockey for the Pasadena Maple Leafs before transitioning to stronger teams further away. At 13 years old, he and his teammate dominated the California AA circuit, finishing as the top two scorers in the state. That success gave him the confidence to push for the next level, though Whitmore-Vossler found that the transition from AA to AAA was a major leap.
… You need to learn how to get quicker. You need to learn how to take hits.”
Adjusting to the speed and intensity of AAA hockey forced him to become a more physical player. Unlike AA, where referees tended to be stricter with penalties, AAA games allowed for much more contact.
Whitmore-Vossler’s primary role as a left-wing forward is to create offensive opportunities, but his contributions extend beyond simply putting the puck in the net. His ability to read the ice allows him to anticipate plays and set up scoring chances for his teammates.
“I have a much better visual aspect of the ice,” WhitmoreVossler said. “I can see where my teammates are. I can see where the other team is. I can see paths to take.”
“In AAA, you can totally get punched in the face,” Whitmore-Vossler said. “And the refs will totally let that happen.”
commutes nearly an hour to and from practice. A current junior, he once finished as a top ice hockey scorer in California.
Mental preparation is just as important as physical training in hockey. With games often decided by split-second decisions, Whitmore-Vossler puts in just as much effort off the ice to ensure he’s mentally sharp.
“Sometimes I’ll get to the rink early and I’ll sit in the stands and just stare at the ice and picture myself out there doing what I need to do,” Whitemore-Vossler said. “I put my headphones on, listen to music, and visualize the game.”
Whitmore-Vossler’s season ended recently at district playoffs in Irvine, but he says that his training never really stops. He is already working hard on preparing to try out for the 18U AAA team, an even more competitive division than what he plays in right now.
Whitmore-Vossler’s ambitions do not stop at 18U AAA. He hopes to play at the collegiate level, with both Division I and III hockey offering strong scouting opportunities for professional level hockey. Becoming an athlete in the National Hockey League is a long shot for any player, especially considering that fewer than 2 percent of the league’s athletes are from California.
“If I can get the opportunity to go pro, I absolutely will,” Whitmore-Vossler said.
Regardless of where hockey takes him, the sport has already shaped the way he approaches challenges. Competing at such a high level has taught him discipline, perseverance, and the importance of pushing himself beyond his limits. Whether it’s in hockey or academics, he has learned that improvement comes from embracing challenges rather than avoiding them.
“Going from AA to AAA, I know that I can make massive jumps now,” he said. “I know I can compete with upper groups.”
The FIA Formula 1 World Championship is one of the biggest motorsport competitions in the world. Formula 1, which initially began after World War II, started as a European sport and became an international championship in 1950. The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, which in English is the International Automobile Federation) is a global governing body of motorsports that regulates safety and fairness. The FIA was founded in 1904, and it governs all motorsports. The governing body levels the playing field for all racers.
Formula 1 has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, especially in the United States. Many credit the Netflix series Drive to Survive, which shows the behind the scenes of how teams prepare for the race and brings the sport to a wider audience by focusing on the drama and rivalries on and off the track. Others point to increased sponsorships and investments, which have helped expand the sport’s global reach. This combination of media exposure and financial backing has led to a significant boost in F1’s fanbase.
At SPHS, students have participated in STEM Racing, a regional, national, and global competition that challenges high school teams to design, build, and race the fastest model Formula 1 car, about the size of a laptop. STEM Racing simulates the complexity of real-world F1 by requiring teams of three to six members to manage sponsorships, develop marketing strategies, and produce professional business portfolios.
Preparation began over the summer, culminating with the competition in December, where teams showcased their designs and technical skills. Formerly known as F1 in Schools, the competition rebranded to STEM Racing in December 2024, reinforcing its commitment to education while maintaining its deep connection to Formula 1.
Just like in professional F1, success in STEM Racing mirrors the way real F1 teams balance cutting-edge engineering with business to stay ahead on the track.
Formula 1 has a rich history filled with legendary drivers and dominant teams. Past champions such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna have left an unforgettable impact on the sport. In the constructors’ category, teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull Racing have been instrumental in shaping F1’s competitive landscape, with Ferrari holding the record for most Constructors’ Championship wins.
Currently, the F1 grid features top-tier talent, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, George Russell, and Carlos Sainz. Verstappen, the reigning champion, continues to dominate the sport with Red Bull Racing. Alongside him, powerhouse teams like Mercedes and Ferrari strive to reclaim their former dominance, making each season an intense battle for supremacy. The Championships are separated into two groups. The Constructors’ Championship is a team event, so the team out of the 10 that wins the most points by the end
of the season takes the title. A team can earn points when each individual driver places in the top 10.
Formula 1 seasons run from March to December, with around 22 races across different countries. Becoming an F1 driver usually starts with karting at a young age, with some drivers starting on the road from the age of four. Many drivers find their passion by deciding to follow the footsteps of their parents, such as Verstappen, whose father was an F1 driver, and Sainz, whose father was a rally driver. To reach F1, drivers need exceptional skill, consistency, and often financial backing to secure a spot with a team. It is a highly competitive journey with only a few spots available each season.
F1 races take place on some of the most iconic circuits worldwide, including Monaco, Silverstone, and Monza. Each track presents unique challenges, from tight corners to high-speed straights, testing drivers’ skills and teams’ strategies. These locations are more than just race tracks — they are the heart of motorsport history and innovation.
Beyond just racing, Formula 1 represents the pinnacle of motorsport technology, teamwork, and global entertainment. It continuously pushes the boundaries of engineering, aerodynamics, and strategy, making it one of the most thrilling and prestigious sports in the world. With millions of fans and a growing presence across continents, F1 remains the ultimate showcase of speed, precision, and competition.
STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME
The Archer School for Girls has an equestrian team that competes in several competitions. Equestrian riders are judged on a scale of 0–10 on control of their horse and execution of the course. Events include dressage, show jumping, and eventing that demonstrate a rider’s skill with their horse. Dressage requires the pair to execute coordinated movements. Show jumping tests agility, speed, and accuracy; in show jumping, the competitor must maneuver through a course with as few faults as possible. Eventing is a combination of both.
PUC Excel Charter Academy offers an after-school boxing club that is open to anyone. In boxing, two competitors face each other in an enclosed ring. Competitions are subdivided into a maximum of 12 rounds, and each lasts around three minutes. During each round, boxers can win by knocking down their opponent for 10 seconds, by technical knockout if the referee deems the opponent unable to fight, by the opponent’s disqualification for illegal moves, or by winning more points from a panel of three judges.
Santa Monica makes the most of their coastline, offering surfing to the students at Santa Monica High School. Swells in the waves can heavily dictate the athletes' practice time, shifting whenever there are better waves at a different time. The sport lasts for several months, starting in the middle of September and ending early June. When competing, athletes are scored based on how well they ride a wave. Given a certain time limit, each athlete is able to ride as many waves as they want, and a panel of judges scores each wave from 0.1–10. The surfer’s final score is the sum of their two best waves.
Harvard-Westlake hosts a lacrosse team. The game is a fast-paced sport with two teams of 10 players that try to shoot a ball into their opponent’s net. Although lacrosse shares many similarities with hockey, lacrosse players must move the ball by throwing it through the air with the lacrosse stick, instead of hitting it on the ground with a hockey stick. Each lacrosse player is equipped with a helmet and a rod with a webbed basket that is used to catch, carry, or throw the ball. The Harvard-Westlake lacrosse team is CIF sanctioned.
La Cañada High School, a neighboring rival to SPHS, offers mountain biking as an outside club. Mountain biking is a rigorous sport, having bikers go off-road on rough terrain. The bikers prepare for 12.5-km-long races. Races are highly weather dependent, as the dirt trails must dry completely before they can be raced on. Bikers receive recognition based on the time they cross the course’s designated finish line. Their season starts in October, and the first races are held in February under the National Interscholastic Cycling Association governing body.
Students at Loyola High School can play rugby thanks to an after-school club. Rugby is a physical contact sport, akin to American football, where two teams of 15 players aim to bring an oval-shaped ball across their opponent’s in-goal area and kick the ball between two posts. The ball can be moved down the field by running, by passing the ball to the side or backwards, or by kicking it while defenders attempt to tackle their opponents. The athletes compete in the Southern California Youth Rugby League, going against nearby schools and demonstrating their skill set.
Harvard-Westlake School is one of few that offers fencing among their extensive repertoire of athletics, which includes 28 sports and 95 teams. Fencing has two opponents fight down a narrow playing field using a foil, épée, or sabre sword. Competitors are not trying to stab each other, but merely to touch the tip of their sword to their opponent; swords are not sharp but flexible to reduce injury risk, and players wear mesh face coverings for further protection. The first competitor to touch their opponent with their sword 15 times wins the bout, or round.
Harvard-Westlake opens up the field for their field hockey team. Similar to ice hockey, field hockey has two teams attempting to guide a ball into their opponent’s net with flat rods. However, field hockey players wear cleats rather than ice skates, and they use a ball rather than a flat puck. Each team has 11 players: 10 field players and one goalkeeper. Players compete on a grass or artificial turf field. The ball is moved through hits, dribbles, and passes before players can make a shot to score within the D zone, an area around the goal where players can shoot.
flag football may become the next SPHS sport
STORY CHRISTIANNE DULEY
PHOTO MADELINE MADRIGAL
SPHS boasts a wide variety of sports, from volleyball and tennis to swim and golf. The most popular sport at the school is football, with multiple school events revolving around the games. SPHS currently has a boys’ and girls’ equivalent for every sport it offers except football, leading one to wonder why there is no girls’ football. This is a question that sophomore track and basketball player Kelsey West has asked herself throughout her time at SPHS, and her solution is to create a varsity girls’ flag football team.
“I’ve always really liked flag football,” West said. “I wanted to create a team here because we don’t have one.”
Flag football is not identical to tackle football. While tackle football typically has 11 players per team on the field at any given time, flag football only has seven. Football is often characterized by physical tackles, but flag football is a non-contact sport in which players wear flag belts that can be torn off by the opposing team. As a result, flag football is also considerably safer than tackle football because players are less likely to be injured.
Surrounding high schools such as La Cañada, San Marino, Westridge, and Rio Hondo Preparatory have all introduced girls’ varsity flag football teams in the past year. By potentially adding varsity flag football to its sports roster, SPHS will hopefully join these schools in giving girls more options athletically (and SPHS would have the chance to beat San Marino in another area).
“I have friends who are team captains for flag football, so I wanted to set up a league here so that we could play those teams,” West said.
West is currently the leader of the Girls Flag Football club. The club has 74 members in all grades, and West leads monthly club meetings. She originally wanted to play co-ed flag football in middle school, but the team was mostly boy players. This is why West, upon entering high school, created a girls-only flag football club. Girls Flag Football will remain a club next school year, but West plans to promote the club more and have scrimmages. She hopes it can become an official fall sport by her senior year, the 2026–27 school year.
“There would only be a varsity team for the first year or two,” West said. “If we have enough interest, we would probably make a JV team.”
Making girls’ flag football an official school sport is no easy feat. The most direct way to do this is to first make a club for the sport, which West has achieved. The next step is to prove to Athletic Director CB Richards the sport has garnered significant interest, which is measured in the number of club members and the frequency of games and meetings. Finally, club leadership must fundraise for proper equipment, as well as money to hire coaches. Once these steps are complete, girls’ flag football may become the newest SPHS varsity sport. When asked if the sport will be instated, Richards said he believes it will happen. Still, the hardest step in the process is advertising the club and generating interest in the sport.
“It’s hard to get a lot of people to be interested in coming to the meetings,” West said. “Next year, the sport is still going to be a club, but I’m going to push for more activities.”
If West’s plans come to fruition, then girls’ flag football may be another staple in the SPHS sports roster that hosts a competitively fun environment for students to enjoy.
A look into the intriguing case of how stray baseballs clear the fences and fall into the adjacent track and swimming pool.
STORY
W
hile the baseball field may have high fences, foul balls are still occasionally hit over them both during baseball practice and in games. Just beyond the baseball fences are the swim and track facilities, which are on the third base and first base sides, respectively.
The issue of foul balls has seemingly become more common, and pole vault and swim athletes have mentioned an increase in baseballs falling into their practice area this year compared to previous years.
A high school batter can hit a ball with an average exit velocity of 75–100 mph, so the rubber-and-cork ball can break 80 mph on its fall back down. It takes only 25 mph for a car collision to create serious injuries, so 80 mph by a baseball can lead to concussions or even broken bones.
Currently, there is not a lot that the baseball team can do, as the infrequent overthrow or foul ball may just find itself over the fences. As such, there also will be no likely solution for the issue anytime soon, as higher fences, nets, and other possibilites would cost too much and not be worth the trouble to implement.
Even so, the problem remains a hazard, and the two sports that are most affected, swim and pole vault, have had to live with the issue.
Within the pole vault team, members have mentioned their predicaments: having to practice next to the baseball field’s fences.
“We’re pole vaulting out there, and if we have baseballs flying in out of nowhere, someone can get hit and someone can get hurt,” SPHS pole vault coach Lucas Tallin said. “Everyone’s yelling ‘heads’ when it’s coming over [and as] you turn around, the sun’s in your eyes. You can’t see anything.”
The situation has become noticable enough for Athletic Director and Track Coach CB Richards to promise a free steak dinner to any athlete in the track program who manages to catch a foul ball.
Another side of the story is the perspective of the swim team, which also sees baseballs fly into their pool every so often.
“It’s definitely not super uncommon, but it’s not happening all the time,” senior swim captain Ana Mancera Rodriguez said. “I’ve never actually seen it hit somebody.”
The issue has always existed but has not been a very prevalent problem. Even so, there have been some instances of the baseballs causing a little chaos.
“I remember one time last year, we were having a home meet, and in between heats during the meet, a baseball just fell into the pool. So we had to pause the meets a little bit because someone had to get in the water,” Rodriguez said.
Even though the baseball problem may be a minor annoyance, swimmers still make the most out of the opportunity — whoever finds the fallen baseball first gets to keep it.
“We’re just keeping an eye out. You know, they’re not intentionally trying to hit the balls over to us,” Tallin said.
The White House has come down with a pair of restrictive policies against American media in the opening months of the Trump administration, dealing a significant blow to journalists across the country.
The first decision followed President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The Associated Press (AP) did not acknowledge this change, and in response, the White House barred an AP reporter from their news conference. Disagreement is not a legitimate justification for removing a reporter, and as the president starts hand-selecting which journalists can cover which events, ideally unbiased American news will be distributed to the people through a clearly tainted and pro-Trump lens.
Another threat to the First Amendment is the change in the press pool. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Trump administration would be choosing the group of journalists admitted into the White House. The non-partisan White House Correspondents’ Organization has historically been responsible for assembling the media team, and the shift to Trump’s administration signals an attack on the freedom of the press.
As this pool is controlled by the White House itself, the independence of the media becomes opaque. A separation between the federal government and the press is chiefly necessary but currently blurred in the United States. The fundamental right Americans have to criticize the government, a right upon which the country was founded, is under assault by Trump.
There is a specific number of journalists that are allowed into White House newsrooms, and they represent not only their own newspapers, but all the American media trying to deliver accurate and timely information. They represent the many writers reporting on a national scale, attempting to keep up with the dizzying and questionable constitutional decisions of the Trump administration.
Attacks on the freedom of the national press ripple down to the media at all levels. When Trump called the press the “enemy of the people,” his words threatened journalists nationwide. Small newspapers can be the heartbeat of communities, uniting people with news about the local schools, shops, and elections. Tiger Newspaper, alongside two South Pasadena publications, works to provide students and city residents with SPHS updates and information. With the presence of local journalism, people can be active citizens.
The many journalists of small-town publications throughout America are contributing valuable reporting in order to inform their people. They also stand for the First Amendment, which is now entering unpredictable territory. The freedom of the press is essential at the local level, and all the local writers and photographers of the country are behind the small group of journalists in the White House weathering Trump’s storm to give accurate news.
The power of journalism has been exercised numerous times, holding the government in check and keeping the American people posted. With this presidential administration, a firm American media is necessary to keep the executive branch under control. While the commander-in-chief serves four years, “Journalism governs forever and ever” (Oscar Wilde).
