September Issue 2025

What’s Inside:

THE

4 Meet assistant principal Loey

6/7 Burlingame’s

12 Senior sunrise

11 Play our

new stores

kicks off year

crossword!

URLINGAME B

September 22, 2025

Issue 1 Vol 136

Burlingame High School, 1 Mangini Way, Burlingame, CA 94010

Faculty protests flag flying at half-staff

GRAPHIC BY EMMA YU

PHOTO BY JOELLE HUYSMANS

PHOTO BY ABBY ZARAHN

The U.S. flag at Burlingame was flown at halfstaff from Friday, Sept. 12, until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14.

PHOTO BY JOELLE HUYSMANS

PHOTO BY ABBY ZARAHN

BY JOELLE HUYSMANS

Editor-in-Chief

BY INY LI

Managing Editor PHOTO BY OSCAR BILL

PHOTO BY EMMA YU

PHOTO BY EMMA YU

PHOTO BY OSCAR BILL

PHOTO BY OSCAR BILL

Ribbon-cutting marks gym opening

BY JOSIE WETTAN

Social Media Manager After a two-year process of demolition and construction, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, Aug. 27, to commemorate the opening of the new gym.

The district allocated $40 million from Measure L to build the gym, while the Parents Group raised funds for equipment, including the scorer’s table and weights.

The new facility, which has two floors and a multi-purpose room, is already in use. It accommodates the new dance class and team, physical education classes, and the volley-

ball team. After two years of practicing at Mills High School, senior volleyball player Ava Scatena said she is excited for the team to finally have a home court.

“When we didn’t have a gym, it kind of taught us how to be in survival mode because the other team had an advantage all the time. And so having it now, it feels like home again,” Scatena said.

During the ribbon-cutting, senior and student-athlete Nick Armstrong said in his speech that he looks forward to the sense of community the new gym will bring to the school.

“Not only does the gym allow me

to spend more time with my teammates, it builds a sense of community and pride for the entire student body. Although events out on the field are great, nothing compares to the roaring crowds of the indoor events,” Armstrong said during the speech.

Sophomore volleyball player Gabi Sanchez said the community aspect of the gym will manifest in more student support at home games.

“I’m really excited for home games because I’m trying to get a bunch of my friends to come

See “GYM”, page 2

Between 8 and 8:20 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, several teachers and staff members gathered at Washington Park to protest the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) decision to fly the American flag at half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk. Participants held signs reading “No Honors for Bigotry & Hate” and distributed flyers explaining their intention and citing statements Kirk made in the past.

“I want students to see their teachers as models of the value of civil disobedience,” English teacher and leadership advisor Bethany Li said. “That if you see something that you feel is out of bounds with your values, that you should speak up and say so and not be afraid to speak truth to power.”

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who co-founded student organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday, Sept. 10, during an event for Turning Point USA’s “Prove Me Wrong” tour at Utah Valley University.

President Donald Trump, who praised Kirk and credited him with mobilizing young conservative voters, issued a presidential proclamation on Sept. 10, ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at all federal, public buildings and grounds, until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14.

In an email to districtwide educators on Thursday, Sept. 11, SMUHSD Superintendent Randall Booker said the district will follow Trump’s presidential proclamation and fly all U.S. flags at half-staff for the time requested.

In a follow-up email on Friday, Sept. 12, Booker said the San Mateo County Office of Education directed the district to comply with the proclamation. He cited Board Policy 6115, which allows the flag to be flown at half-staff “by order of the President and in accordance with presidential instructions or orders.”

After staff received Booker’s initial email, biology teacher Michael Dunn said many were

See “SMUHSD”, page 3

2

September 22, 2025

News

City advances efforts for street safety Community calls for change after recent traffic-related death

Copy Editor

During a city council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Burlingame’s Vision Zero — a recently launched initiative that aims to reduce serious roadway injuries to zero — reported progress in identifying the city’s top safety concerns. The meeting took place three weeks after a 4-year-old boy was killed in a crash near Burlingame Avenue.

It was Burlingame’s third traffic-related death in the past 12 months.

In the past five years, there were an average of 112 traffic-related injuries per year: 96 minor, 6 resulting in complaints of pain, 9 serious, and 1 fatal.

Data from Vision Zero “You could argue that Burlingame has had as many pedestrian deaths proportionally as some of the most dangerous cities in the country, and for a city that prides itself on a walkable downtown and a very family-friendly community, I think a lot of people find that unacceptable,” Mike Swire, chair of San Mateo County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, said.

At the meeting, Vision Zero said they identified four areas with higher-than-average collision rates: arterial roadways, school zones, downtown com-

mercial areas, and signalized intersections. They also created a heatmap using community input, highlighting hotspots along streets such as El Camino Real and Carolan Avenue and intersections like the Broadway and California crossing.

“Sometimes it’s pretty hectic, especially Broadway, the intersection, and railroads,” senior Adrian Su said. “There’s a lot of people that don’t know that you’re supposed to just go, and that’s caused a lot of trouble.”

Vision Zero’s outreach efforts found widespread community involvement, with over 650 submissions from 250 residents, according to their presentation during the meeting.

Likewise, after the fatal crash in August, Swire set up an Action Network portal, where 464 community members have submitted messages to the city council pushing for change as of Thursday, Sept. 18.

One way the city is addressing street safety is through infrastructural change. In 2024, California passed daylighting laws that prohibit cars from parking within 20 feet of intersections to improve driver visibility. While the rule reduces street parking, daylighting has been shown to lower pedestrian accidents in places like San Francisco. According to Swire, a parking space along Donnelly Avenue was removed after the crash in August, potentially to improve driver visibility.

“The positive news is, I’ve heard that the city has removed that parking spot,” Swire said.

“I don’t know if they’ve officially claimed it was related to [the crash], but I think that’s a very positive step, because that’s, in my opinion, unsafe regardless

PHOTO BY ALEX BERTELLI

BY ALEX BERTELLI

A stream of cars moves through the Broadway intersection, with some turning left to cross the train tracks onto Carolan Avenue, which is a hotspot on a Vision Zero heatmap. of whether it contributed in this case.”

In the past, a lack of neighborhood-wide support has stalled pedestrian safety efforts, according to Councilmember Donna Colson.

“Sometimes neighbors do not want to see their neighborhood change,” Colson said.

“They don’t like seeing things like arrows get painted on, they may not like to lose parking in their neighborhood or their city if we’re trying to make something a little more safe.”

In April 2025, the city discussed implementing traffic-calming measures and a bike lane near Franklin Elementary School, about three weeks after a car struck and killed a 61-year-old woman crossing Trousdale Drive. The city ultimately decided not to install the Trousdale bike lane to maintain traffic flow and

space for emergency vehicles, but made improvements on Murchison Drive and Davis Drive.

“The fact that they ultimately refused to build the bike lane and slow the street on Trousdale, right in front of Franklin Elementary, was again prioritizing driver convenience over the safety of the kids that walk and bike to school,” Swire said.

According to Burlingame Police Department Traffic Sergeant Jason Orloff, changing road layout often involves trade-offs, making infrastructure projects a “balancing act.”

He cited the bike lane added along Carolan Avenue in 2023, which increased biker safety but led to unsafe driver behavior in some cases.

“It helps tremendously for its design purpose, which is bike safety, vulnerable roadway user safety. Now, because of

that, one lane traffic backs up… so people who are either unaware or don’t care drive into the bike lane and go around,” Orloff said. “Motorists will travel across the wheel line into oncoming traffic to get to where they need to go.”

As Vision Zero nears a finalized action plan — expected in winter 2025-26, according to the city’s timeline — Swire said Burlingame should prioritize street safety over driver convenience.

“We need our elected officials to do the right thing, to spend more money on safer streets, to approve projects when they come before them,” Swire said. “City of Helsinki — it’s probably a couple million people, zero traffic deaths, no pedestrians, no bikes, no cars.

That is a goal that is achievable.”

New gym opens, students return to their home court PHOTO BY JOELLE HUYSMANS PHOTO BY JOELLE HUYSMANS

Members of the Burlingame community gathered to tour the new gym during the opening event on Aug. 27.

because they never really got to see me play last year because of how many away games we had, and how far away practices were,” Sanchez said. “Especially as someone who’s not on varsity, I’m excited for the varsity home games because it’ll be a lot more of a school activity.”

In addition to its community benefits, Sanchez said she appreciates the convenience of having the gym on campus.

“One of the reasons why we live where we live is because I live super close to this high school,” Sanchez said. “So, having practices at Mills, it was definitely challenging. I had to get the rides from friends a lot because it’s on the other side of Burlingame.”

The lack of indoor space also created challenges for the physical education (PE) department. Department Head and junior varsity volleyball coach Stephanie Lee said

the weather was one of the biggest obstacles.

“Rainy days and really hot days were really difficult because we’d have to come inside, and that meant we were pushing a teacher out of their classroom on their prep,” Lee said. “Also, consistently raining days there would be like a week where a kid wouldn’t have any PE, which is a bummer.”

As a volleyball coach, Lee said she has already seen the new gym encourage more student interactions.

“After school, you can just see all the different athletes interacting in the hallways,” Lee said. “It just feels good to be back at a gym that says ‘the Panthers’ on it.”

Athletic Director John Philipopoulos, who also spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, said he is grateful to everyone who helped make the gym’s completion possible.

“Today is more than just the un-

veiling of a new building. It is the celebration of a vision and a new beginning that will serve generations of BHS students, athletes, and families for many years to come,” Philipopoulos said during the speech.

PHOTO BY JOELLE HUYSMANS

On Aug. 27, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new gym.

From pg. 1

Senior and student-athlete Nick Armstrong addresses the crowd at the ribbon-cutting.

September 22, 2025

3

News

Tariffs raise costs for small businesses PHOTO BY AKIRA NAKAMURA

BY AKIRA NAKAMURA

According to Steinsson, the tariffs have changed rapidly, making it especially difOn April 2, President Don- ficult for businesses to plan ald Trump announced a 10% ahead. He said businesses may baseline tariff on imports from eventually adjust their supply countries not already subject to chains to avoid purchasing forother penalties and sanctions. eign goods.

Some tariffs have been reduced “Goods can’t be crossing since then, but they continue borders very often when tarto create challenges for local iffs are high. busiSo that’s tariff on imports, nesses going to implemented by the and conbe a major Trump administration sumers thing where alike, according to John Kev- companies have to change the ranian, owner of the Nuts for way they do their supply chain Candy store on Broadway. management to avoid goods “It’s been terrible. We crossing borders,” Steinsson looked at our invoices and, said.

Nuts for Candy store owner John Kevranian stockpiled his products in anticipation of the tariffs. compared to last year, there Kevranian said these tariffs has been a tremendous in- are problematic because many crease in cost, and at the end of of his products are imported tory knowing that [Trump] of depend on where this all learn the effects of the tariffs would increase the tariffs. So goes before it expires,” Fong and also why these tariffs are the day, that cost the consumer from outside the country. ends up paying, because I can’t “In our toy business, the we’re in good shape, but when said. “I am happy with them on hurting people and hurting absorb that cost. I wouldn’t be majority of the toys are com- we need to buy things as a fill- consistency with their prod- business owners, hurting lowin business,” Kevranian said. ing from China. Over 80%, so in, we’re paying extra for gum- ucts that I am familiar with. er and middle class families, Tariffs are taxes that the we have toys from Indonesia, mies from Europe, toys from Having to source it elsewhere costing them more out of their government places on goods Vietnam, where tariffs [are] China, toys from Spain,” Kev- could also affect consistency in income, and they have less what we serve.” spendable income,” Kevranian imported into the country. Jon less, but the choices are lim- ranian said.

Senior Ron Veksler said he Derek Fong, owner of Lilsaid.

Steinsson, the Chancellor’s ited, and that is the issue we has not noticed substantial ikoi, a boba shop on Broadway, While tariffs already reach Professor of Economics at the face,” Kevranian said. price or inventory changes and said he has 50% for some countries, University of California, BerkeKevof toys in Nuts for believes the costs are not yet also noSteinsson said he believes they ley, said the tariffs will raise r a n i a n Candy store are being passed on to consumers. ticed price could rise even higher in the prices and have adverse effects s t o c k e d sourced from China i n c r e a s “Manufacturers and busifuture. on the overall economy. up on es even nesses are both absorbing the “[Trump] does seem to “Evidence suggests that products before the tariffs prices.

There is a lot of stuff though he purchases his prodwant to raise them more, and raising these tariffs will have took effect, and said his inventhat is also made in America ucts domestically.

Despite the that’s been the pattern that negative impacts on the econ- tory should last another six already that we don’t realize,” rising prices, Fong said he is there have been more and omy. It’ll raise prices domesti- months. After that, he expects Vexler said. reluctant to switch suppliers more tariffs, and he’s talked cally,” Steinsson said. “That’s to restock many of his toys at Kevranian said he believes because he is familiar with his about tariffs on pharmaceutiprobably the most important higher rates. it is important for customers current sources and satisfied cals and other industries.

So thing. It also makes the supply “From January to early to understand what tariffs are with their quality. probably we’ll see more tarchains less efficient. It’s going March, I did a lot of purchasing “I could see that being and how tariffs affect everyday iffs in the next few months,” to be harder to take advantage where tariffs were reasonable, something that I have to re- people.

Steinsson said. of low-cost sourcing of inputs.” and we bought a lot of inven“The consumer needs to search, that could really kind

Copy Editor

10%

80%

From pg. 1

SMUHSD complies with federal flag proclamation From pg. 1 upset that the school’s half-staff flag would be used to honor Kirk and his beliefs.

“A lot of teachers were very upset that we would have a flag at half-staff to honor a person who promoted ideas like school shootings as necessary and worthwhile in order to protect the Second Amendment,” Dunn said.

It seemed the epitome of hypocrisy that as educators in schools… we would honor a man who promotes such ideas.”

- Michael Dunn, biology teacher

History teacher Matthew McDermott referenced a conversation with one of his students, noting the flag is lowered for Kirk despite Kirk not be-

ing a public official.

“One of my students brought up to me the fact that Charlie Kirk is not a public official, has never been elected to office, has never served in a broad public interest. He was not a school teacher… he was not a public servant, which is usually who we honor,” McDermott said.

For McDermott, flying the flag at half-staff is usually meant to “bring the country together.” He said honoring Kirk while not recognizing the other shooting victims, including former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, is “divisive” and does not call “for the end of violence.”

“What is it about him that unites us?” McDermott said. “We unite in the fact that people should not die, right?

But what about the other deaths?”

Visit our website to read the latest version online

September 22, 2025

4

Features

Loey joins as new assistant principal PHOTO BY ALEX BERTELLI

Jordan Loey, Burlingame’s new assistant principal for the 2025-26 school year, spent the past decade working in various roles at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco.

BY ALEX BERTELLI

Copy Editor

After 10 years at Abraham Lincoln High School (ALHS) in San Francisco, Jordan Loey decided to take his own advice about growth and step outside his comfort zone. This year, he left his role as ALHS assistant principal to become Burlingame’s new assistant principal.

“One of the biggest things was professional growth,” Loey said. “I was always telling my staff and my students [that] in order for us to grow, we need to lean into our own discomfort. This was a really good opportunity for me to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, away from the school site and district that I’ve known my entire career.”

This wasn’t the first time Loey stepped out of his comfort zone. He

began at ALHS as a social studies teacher working predominantly with multilingual students, but quickly took on more responsibilities, such as fundraising, planning events, advocating for teachers’ contracts, designing curricula, and leading districtwide training. Eventually, Loey realized he wanted to make a bigger impact on the student body, which led him to transition to an administrative role.

“One of my mentors was like, ‘Hey, … do you want to continue to impact the 160 to 180 students that you were serving? Or do you want to have an impact with the 2100 students at your school site?’” Loey said. “Do you want to have an impact beyond your school site across the district? Because what you were able to do in your classroom role has already expanded outside of your class-

room.”

Loey earned educational administrative credentials from San Francisco State University and applied to become the assistant principal of ALHS after the previous one retired.

In that role, he was involved in everything from budgeting and facilities to athletics, student activities, and campus repairs.

“My connections with folks across the district [are] how I learned how to do all of these things. Anytime something came up, it was like, ‘Mr. Loey can take care of it. He’ll learn how to do it, and then it’ll get taken care of,’” Loey said. “So I just accumulated a lot of stuff to learn and do.

A lot of my primary responsibilities were to keep the school running.”

At Burlingame, Loey focuses mainly on discipline, athletics, and supervision. During lunch, he manages the lunch line and walks around the school grounds to meet students and familiarize himself with the campus.

Outside of school hours, Loey said he enjoys doing yoga, going bouldering at San Francisco rock gyms, walking while listening to podcasts, and caring for over 50 plants in his apartment. He started taking care of plants before the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown his collection ever since.

On his desk sits “Chief Leaf,” his first surviving plant, from which he frequently takes cuttings to give as gifts.

Loey’s goal for the year is to get to know the students and staff better.

“At my old school, I had 2100 students and 180 staff, so it took me a while to get acclimated,” Loey said.

“That’s the learning curve of all of the systems that we have here, as well as students and staff, but everyone’s been super welcoming, and I really enjoy being here.”

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Loey’s Fun Facts 1.

Loey is a sixth-generation Chinese-American San Franciscan, and tracked his family’s immigration history as part of his undergraduate work.

2. Loey cares for over 50 plants in his apartment and often gives cuttings as gifts.

3. Loey got into rock climbing in 2017 and started going more often after COVID-19 subsided.

Read the rest of the staff profiles online Burlingame is welcoming 19 new staff for the 2025-26 school year: assistant principal Loey, a counselor, and teachers across the science, math, world language, social science, english, CTE/VAPA, health, and special education departments.

September 22, 2025

5

House Music

BY OSCAR BILL

Staff Reporter

BY HENRY GARDNER Managing Editor

Echoes of 1980s genre reverberate with Generation Z

OT

TI NA O CO URTESY OF ALEX DO

ESY OF ALEX DO NATI

PH

own decks and began creating music, eventually landing an internship at Bay Area radio station Wild 94.9. From there, she picked up gigs at local bars, Pride events, and even opened for artists like Mac Miller — all while working as a first responder.

Donati said her favorite part of music is bringing people together, recalling a moment when she was DJing and the audience started singing with her.

“I don’t care where you’re from,” Donati said, “I don’t care how you voted, I don’t care what you’re thinking right now. Over the next three minutes and twelve seconds, you and I are going to be on the same page.”

PHOTO S COURT

For Alex Donati, a Burlingame alumna, house music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way to connect people and bring them together.

Donati, a firefighter and professional DJ based in Los Angeles, began her music journey at Burlingame, where she created mixes for school sporting events by downloading songs off of LimeWire. In college, she realized music could be a profession, rather than just a hobby.

“I graduated from BHS in ‘09 and went to Arizona State, and I went to my first frat party, and I was like, this music is absolutely trash. I can do better,” Donati said.

After that, she bought her

morning when I’m kind of tired, or at night when I do my homework and I want to be very productive,” Wang said.

For Leo Lipsztein, a former professional DJ, house music has been a part of his life for years. He grew up going to clubs, attending concerts, and visiting record stores in New York City.

“I really loved going to record stores and just listening to whatever was there. And that was sort of my introduction to it,” Lipsztein said. “Just, organically, learning about it from friends, and then seeking it out myself.”

While Lipsztein’s generation plays an important role in house music’s history, he said the future of house music will be pioneered by today’s youth.

“I’ll say it’s always been young people. You know, it’s a nightlife, going out. It’s dancing and that’s what you do in your 20s,” Lipsztein said.

GRAPHICS BY EMMA YU

Lately, house music seems unavoidable. Whenever a Burlingame student has control over the music, the genre’s signature high-energy beats are likely to echo through sports practices, car rides, and hangouts.

Gen Z’s love for house music isn’t exclusive to Burlingame.

Across social media, videos show college students listening to the genre at parties, athletes using it in the background of highlight reels, DJs catering to Gen Z, and advertisements for house music festivals and concerts across the country.

According to Product London, an audio company specializing in house music, 45% of the genre’s listeners in 2024 were between the ages of 18 and 24. Senior Garret Wang fits that trend, calling house music an integral part of his day. “[House music] is something that I listen to especially in the

Every day, “J.A.W.S”

by Lxury blares out of the speakers attached to senior Grayson Howard’s DJ deck.

For Howard, it’s more than a song — it’s the soundtrack to his latest hobby.

“I’ve played the same song like 100 times, just to figure out what everything does and how to mix and how to do all the stuff good DJs know how to do,” Howard said. “With that practice came a lot of the same song and same mixes, so my parents are probably pretty tired of it by now.”

While DJing may be new to Howard, house music certainly isn’t. Howard said he has been a fan for three years, ever since discovering

the genre while golfing. “[House music] helps me focus, it definitely helped me focus on the golf course, and I’ve listened ever since,” Howard said. “When I’m trying to lock in, or do a sport, or something like that, it just boosts the mood.”

Howard said that after he noticed people ignoring the music at parties, he saw an opportunity to play music more engagingly.

“I figured it would be a good idea to have the full setup of a DJ board, and have people come up and suggest songs,” Howard said. “It’s kind of more inclusive with people, especially at parties, it includes people in the music process.”

L PHOT O BY OSCAR BIL

6

7

Burlingame Avenue

Commercialization on the Avenue

BY PAIGE CORNELIUS

Business Manager

BY OLIVIA NEWMAN

Copy Editor

GRAPHICS BY EMMA YU

Community adjusts to new retail chains

Students share views on local changes

Burlingame Avenue, long considered a jewel of local culture for its assorted storefronts, is about to welcome new tenants.

This winter, chain stores like Alo Yoga are moving in, and Sweetgreen is already promoting a “coming soon” sign on its website.

In order to collect information about the student body’s opinions, The B sent out a survey and recieved 74 replies. This is what we found.

Burlingame Avenue’s variability marks it as the center of town life. Visitors can grab ice cream after dinner or shop for clothes.

For senior Mischa Fellner, this aspect is important because she said it can help accommodate a wide range of needs.

Abercrombie & Fitch

You [get] something from Abercrombie, and you want to return it. It’s convenient to have it on Burlingame Avenue.

But then it’s also really nice to look at other smaller businesses that aren’t chains, and kind of take advantage of the diverse variety of different stores.”

Barnes & Noble Lululemon Sidewalk Juice .Burlingame

- Mischa Fellner, senior Freshman Nico Bowen said the novelty and diversity of small businesses are important elements of Burlingame Avenue.

However, Bowen finds himself shopping at larger chain stores more often, which he attributes to the fact that commercialized stores attract shoppers through their popularity.

Sweetgreen

“The community is affected by larger chain stores. There are less strong relationships and bonds because the community changes,” Bowen said.

Meanwhile, Burlingame Barnes & Noble store manager Skylar Baker said local and chain businesses can coexist on Burlingame Avenue.

32% 16%

Alo Yoga

It’s not that black and white, people sometimes go someplace, sometimes go some other places... but also, look at how many restaurants we have, right?

With different kinds of food. So, they all coexist like that.”

many ways, one particular business can be a draw to the neighborhood, that brings more people to shop in the area, and that can be really positive,” Baker said.

Cohen is all too familiar with the additional struggles small business owners face to stay afloat. After running B Street Books in San Mateo for 16 years, Cohen moved his store to Burlingame Avenue to escape rising rent costs. Despite this, Cohen said he is hopeful that the community will continue to support and sustain local shops.

“Independent stores are what people really crave. And it’s hard to find because it’s hard to be in business these days, rent is expensive and help is expensive, insurance is a lot. There’s a lot of factors running against the small business person,” Cohen said.

Even as more chain stores are coming in, Burlingame Avenue continues to attract both local businesses and new ventures.

of students feel that it’s very important for Burlingame Avenue to keep its “local” feel of students shop on Burlingame Avenue once a week

Do you prefer shopping at small/local businesses or larger chain stores?

- Skylar Baker, manager of Burlingame’s Barnes & Noble store As a small business owner, Lew Cohen shares the same sentiment. He opened B Street Books, a used bookstore on Burlingame Avenue, on May 30.

Although other shops on Burlingame Avenue, like Barnes & Noble and Gigglemugs, also sell books, Cohen said he doesn’t view them as competition. Instead, he welcomes their presence, seeing them as a way to bring more readers and book buyers to the area.

“We’re completely different animals, and I welcome more bookstores on the avenue. More bookstores is better. It just brings more readers out,” Cohen said.

However, according to Baker, some impacts of large businesses still remain. He said they can have both a positive and competitive effect on community engagement with local stores.

“There are a few different ways that a larger business can impact [small businesses]. In

30%

of students feel concerned about more chain stores opening on Burlingame Avenue

30% 25% 20% 15%

Which stores are students most likely to visit?

13.5%

Larger .chain .stores

25.7%

No preference

25.7%

Small local businesses

13.5%

10%

8.1%

8.1%

La Corneta Taqueria

Deja Vu Juice Bar

5% 0%

Walgreens

Barnes & Noble

Starbucks

Other

6

7

Burlingame Avenue

Commercialization on the Avenue

BY PAIGE CORNELIUS

Business Manager

BY OLIVIA NEWMAN

Copy Editor

GRAPHICS BY EMMA YU

Community adjusts to new retail chains

Students share views on local changes

Burlingame Avenue, long considered a jewel of local culture for its assorted storefronts, is about to welcome new tenants.

This winter, chain stores like Alo Yoga are moving in, and Sweetgreen is already promoting a “coming soon” sign on its website.

In order to collect information about the student body’s opinions, The B sent out a survey and recieved 74 replies. This is what we found.

Burlingame Avenue’s variability marks it as the center of town life. Visitors can grab ice cream after dinner or shop for clothes.

For senior Mischa Fellner, this aspect is important because she said it can help accommodate a wide range of needs.

Abercrombie & Fitch

You [get] something from Abercrombie, and you want to return it. It’s convenient to have it on Burlingame Avenue.

But then it’s also really nice to look at other smaller businesses that aren’t chains, and kind of take advantage of the diverse variety of different stores.”

Barnes & Noble Lululemon Sidewalk Juice .Burlingame

- Mischa Fellner, senior Freshman Nico Bowen said the novelty and diversity of small businesses are important elements of Burlingame Avenue.

However, Bowen finds himself shopping at larger chain stores more often, which he attributes to the fact that commercialized stores attract shoppers through their popularity.

Sweetgreen

“The community is affected by larger chain stores. There are less strong relationships and bonds because the community changes,” Bowen said.

Meanwhile, Burlingame Barnes & Noble store manager Skylar Baker said local and chain businesses can coexist on Burlingame Avenue.

32% 16%

Alo Yoga

It’s not that black and white, people sometimes go someplace, sometimes go some other places... but also, look at how many restaurants we have, right?

With different kinds of food. So, they all coexist like that.”

many ways, one particular business can be a draw to the neighborhood, that brings more people to shop in the area, and that can be really positive,” Baker said.

Cohen is all too familiar with the additional struggles small business owners face to stay afloat. After running B Street Books in San Mateo for 16 years, Cohen moved his store to Burlingame Avenue to escape rising rent costs. Despite this, Cohen said he is hopeful that the community will continue to support and sustain local shops.

“Independent stores are what people really crave. And it’s hard to find because it’s hard to be in business these days, rent is expensive and help is expensive, insurance is a lot. There’s a lot of factors running against the small business person,” Cohen said.

Even as more chain stores are coming in, Burlingame Avenue continues to attract both local businesses and new ventures.

of students feel that it’s very important for Burlingame Avenue to keep its “local” feel of students shop on Burlingame Avenue once a week

Do you prefer shopping at small/local businesses or larger chain stores?

- Skylar Baker, manager of Burlingame’s Barnes & Noble store As a small business owner, Lew Cohen shares the same sentiment. He opened B Street Books, a used bookstore on Burlingame Avenue, on May 30.

Although other shops on Burlingame Avenue, like Barnes & Noble and Gigglemugs, also sell books, Cohen said he doesn’t view them as competition. Instead, he welcomes their presence, seeing them as a way to bring more readers and book buyers to the area.

“We’re completely different animals, and I welcome more bookstores on the avenue. More bookstores is better. It just brings more readers out,” Cohen said.

However, according to Baker, some impacts of large businesses still remain. He said they can have both a positive and competitive effect on community engagement with local stores.

“There are a few different ways that a larger business can impact [small businesses]. In

30%

of students feel concerned about more chain stores opening on Burlingame Avenue

30% 25% 20% 15%

Which stores are students most likely to visit?

13.5%

Larger .chain .stores

25.7%

No preference

25.7%

Small local businesses

13.5%

10%

8.1%

8.1%

La Corneta Taqueria

Deja Vu Juice Bar

5% 0%

Walgreens

Barnes & Noble

Starbucks

Other

8

September 22, 2025

Sports

Fall Sports Spotlights For junior Tad Folgner, running cross country is as much about the team as it is about running.

Folgner, who started running in eighth grade, said the sport is appealing because it’s a team sport and he can run with his friends. He’s now one of the team’s top runners, leading in both practice and competitions.

“My favorite thing about cross country is kind of just the mentality that people have in the races,” Folgner said. “Where people kind of support each other to get to the finish and to clap for each other because we’re all going through the same pain.”

For Folgner, cross country provides a break from challenging schoolwork. He said running in

BY AUDREY WEI

Social Coordinator

competitions helps him maintain balance in his life.

“An area in my life where I can just get a lot of my academic stress out and just an area where I could be a better person and just talk to people,” Folgner said.

Looking ahead, Folgner is aiming for a personal record on Hallmark Park, one of the ten toughest courses in the country. His goal: break 16 minutes, 50 seconds.

“I also definitely would like to maybe grow into a more of a leadership position, since we have such a young team this year,” Folgner said.

Lish sets eyes on CCS

PHOTO BY PAIGE CORNELIUS

PHOTO BY AUDREY WEI

Folgner flies to finish line

As Junior Cailyn Lish heads into her third year on varsity, she said she hopes to perform well in the team’s first official CCS run. With a roster full of underclassmen, Lish is stepping into a leadership role.

“I just do what I can. I let the seniors mostly take control, but if they need help with the new players, because they don’t know how to do stuff, obviously I’ll go and help them and just give it a lending hand,” Lish said.

As a slot receiver and defensive back who has played varsity her entire high school career, Lish has had the chance to connect with the upperclassmen before her. She said those connections have strengthened her leadership skills and left

BY PAIGE CORNELIUS

Business Manager

her feeling more prepared for the upcoming season.

“My inspirations are all the seniors that graduated last year. Every single one of them, we were all one big, real family and we all just grew together” Lish said.

As a relatively new team, Lish said the bonds the players form will be a key factor to their success this season.

“Our strengths are definitely our defense and our connection with the team. We’re really close, bonded and all that,” Lish said. “I think our weakness is just not being used to playing flag football because we have a bunch of new players who have never played, but over time, I think we’re going to improve.”

Hopkins stirs varsity waves Copy Editor Freshmen on varsity are not a common occurrence, typically only one or two joins each year.

However, freshman Henry Hopkins, who is playing on the boys’ varsity water polo team, said he’s looking forward to the season.

“I hope to get good reps, score some goals, and have a good time,” Hopkins said.

Despite being a freshman, Hopkins has played water polo for four years, which he said fueled his confidence during tryouts. Tryouts for water polo began during the summer, which helped Hopkins get to know the coaches and players before the school year.

“I was pretty confident. There are not many peo-

ple who play water polo out there, especially people going to the school, so I felt pretty confident,” Hopkins said.

Due to his younger age, Hopkins is physically smaller than many of his teammates. However, he said the perceived disadvantage could actually work in his favor when playing with older players.

“I am probably one of the slower and smaller players on this team so that goes to the weaknesses side, but I feel like I can pass decently,” Hopkins said. “… a lot of times people choose not to guard freshman so they can double team upperclassmen so I hope to get goals in those situations.”

Hollrah makes final hurrah

PHOTO BY OLIVIA NEWMAN

PHOTO BY AKIRA NAKAMURA

BY AKIRA NAKAMURA

Senior Sam Hollrah started playing volleyball at 12 years old and quickly discovered a passion for the sport, leading to a long and rewarding journey in the girls’ volleyball program. Hollrah has switched positions twice during her four years on the team, adjusting quickly with the help of her coach and teammates.

“I knew at first I wasn’t going to be perfect, but just telling myself and staying motivated is what helped me. And knowing that this is to benefit the whole team and not just myself,” Hollrah said.

As an upperclassman, Hollrah values being a supportive presence on the team, both on and off the court. She said she enjoys offering advice and being someone her teammates can talk to.

BY OLIVIA NEWMAN

Copy Editor

Throughout her time on the team, Hollrah said there have been ups and downs, but she has enjoyed watching both her own growth and the team’s development. She credits the sport’s collaborative nature for much of her improvement and believes her communication and leadership on the court set her apart.

“I feel like I’ve grown and learned so much just from the people around me,” Hollrah said. “... Just really collaborating with others is what’s helped me the most. I’d say, because it is such a team sport that being able to have such trust in each other, and also confidence and trust in myself, is something that’s really helped me succeed.”

September 22, 2025

9

Sports

Tennis team limited by worn-out courts surroundings to avoid injury.

“On multiple occasions, I’ve almost ran into the fence if I’ve When students arrive on tried to get a ball,” Vuong said. campus every day, they are With only six usable courts, greeted by a brand-new $40 the team can no longer host million gym. But just a short Peninsula Athletic League walk away, the tennis courts (PAL) or Central Coast Section are cracked, overgrown with (CCS) playoff matches, which weeds, and patched with fabric require seven courts. However, instead of paint. they are still able to host home “I guarantee you there’s no league matches. other facility in Burlingame Athletic Director John PhiliHigh School that looked as bad popoulos said the original plan as the tennis courts did on our was to resurface the courts afday one,” head girls’ and boys’ ter gym construction, once the tennis coach Doug Stone said, portables could be removed. describing his reaction on the However, the portables have first day of the season. stayed in place and been conAccording to junior and verted into classrooms to acplayer Ali Endicott, the tennis commodate increased enrollcourts needment. For Stone, ed resurfacing the portable I guarantee since gym reclassrooms not construction you there’s no only block his began in 2023, other facility in view of half the and their con- Burlingame High courts but have dition has also drawn only wors- School that looked c o m p l a i n t s ened. When as bad as the tenfrom opposing gym construc- nis courts did on coaches. tion began, “They are maintenance our day one.” challenged placed three — Doug Stone, head playing their portables on tennis coach teams here, bethe set of four cause not only tennis courts closest to the are the courts potentially danfootball field, which took one gerous with the way they are of the eight total courts out of currently, they cannot coach use. their teams to the ability that A second court is unplay- they would like to,” Stone said. able because a fence was added Stone added that the poor during the gym reconstruction court conditions are causing to separate the portable class- tennis balls to wear out by the rooms from the courts. Soph- end of the first set. Typicalomore and player Ella Vuong ly, the tennis balls last a full said the proximity of the fence match, but players must now made her more aware of her play with low-quality balls as

PHOTO BY KAI SHAH

BY KAI SHAH

Sports Editor

Cracks are visible on the courts near the football field, with weeds beginning to grow through them. their match progresses.

“By the end of the second set, there’s nothing left to them, and if they have to play a third set tie break, they’re playing balls that should have been tossed out,” Stone said.

Due to the ongoing issues with the courts, junior and player Shea Mulready said she thinks the school prioritizes more popular sports over tennis.

“A lot of people care about football and whatnot, but I think that tennis is really an amazing sport, and they should definitely give it more thought and attention and care,” Mulready said.

Despite differing opinions, Philipopoulos said he values the Burlingame tennis

program. According to Philipopoulos, he and others had initially recommended placing the portables on the softball field instead.

“I know for a fact that I don’t, and our administration, we don’t minimize the contributions and the importance of boys’ and girls’ tennis here at BHS,” Philipopoulos said.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Stone met with Principal Jen Fong and Philipopoulos to discuss future plans for the courts. According to Stone, the portables have a strong chance of removal after this school year. While the timing of the resurfacing and other court improvements is still undecided, he said that if the courts are resurfaced this year, the work

would be scheduled between the girls’ and boys’ seasons.

In addition, Stone hopes for a broader plan to upgrade the entire facility, including necessary changes to the nets, net posts, screens, and fences.

“We’re leaning towards getting the resurfacing done, because at least it’s a step in the right direction,” Stone said.

He and administrators aim to bring the facility up to standard within about a year, but he said neither he nor the administration is satisfied with the lack of a clear plan.

“We need to figure out what the plan is and try to drive it,” Stone said. “And as far as a greater plan is concerned, nothing is happening until these portables get removed.”

Women’s professional sports deserve more respect Diversity Coordinator When the score was tied at 75, with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, the game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries suddenly came to a stop. During their Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) matchup on July 29, a sex object thrown from the stands landed near the free-throw line, halting play.

But it didn’t stop there.

The stunt was repeated not once, but twice, three days later. First during a Valkyries game against the Chicago Sky, and again during a Washington Mystics game against the Atlanta Dream. Four days later, a sex object was thrown onto the court during an Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks game, landing near a player.

According to Reuters, the recent objects thrown onto WNBA courts have been linked to a cryptocurrency group promoting a meme-coin, which said that their goal was to combat the “toxic” environment in the cryptocurrency world.

These stunts highlight the ongoing lack of respect that women athletes face at the professional level. WNBA players have long spoken out about unequal treatment, low pay, and less media coverage compared to men’s leagues. For instance, during warmups for the July 19 All-Star Game, players wore “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts, demanding a more equitable share of the league’s grow-

From July 29 to Aug. 7, sex objects were thrown during WNBA games a total of seven times. ing revenue, according to ESPN. What makes the issue even worse is that these stunts happened repeatedly. Specifically, seven times from July 29 to Aug. 7. Some were on the court, and others were in the stands, nearly hitting some people, including a child.

Players and coaches have spoken out about these issues on social media and during

post-game press interviews. The following are a few of the statements they made.

According to Associated Press, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said on her “Show Me Something” podcast, “Everyone is trying to make sure the W is not a joke and it’s taken seriously, and then that happens. I’m like, ‘How are we ever going to get taken seriously?’”

On Aug. 1, Isabelle Harrison, a forward for the New York Liberty, posted on X, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”

Her X post gained 4.5 thousand likes and was reposted 485 times.

The truth is, these incidents aren’t new. According to USA Today, similar incidents have happened in men’s professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, Premier League, and professional hockey leagues.

Despite ongoing challenges, it’s important to note that women’s sports have made progress. For instance, on Aug. 23, Bay Football Club (Bay FC)

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

BY ABBY ZARAHN

Runners in the preliminary heats of the women’s 1500 meter race broke the record for the highest attended event in the history of U.S. women’s professional sports leagues, drawing 40,091 fans to Oracle Park to watch their match against the Washington Spirit.

While women’s sports have made important strides, challenges remain. For decades, women athletes have faced doubt and discrimination. They have been told they weren’t strong enough or capable like men. I believe the recent toy-throwing incidents in the WNBA are a wake-up call to the

sports world about the ongoing lack of respect and attention women’s professional sports receive.

Read the full version online

10

THE BURLINGAME B Editor-in-Chief Joelle Huysmans Managing Editors Evelyn Du Henry Gardner Iny Li Design Editor Kaylee Hwang Sports Editor Kai Shah Social Media Manager Josie Wettan Business Manager Paige Cornelius Arts Director Emma Yu Diversity Coordinator Abby Zarahn Social Coordinator Audrey Wei Copy Editors Alex Bertelli Akira Nakamura Oliva Newman Senior Reporters Chiara Wesley

Teacher Adviser Melissa Murphy Policy Statement: The Burlingame B is a student-run newspaper with the sole purpose of providing an open forum for student expression.

Anything printed represents the opinion of the writer, but not necessarily that of the Burlingame B staff, the administration, or the faculty of Burlingame High School, or anyone affiliated with the San Mateo Union High School District. The Burlingame B does not discriminate against race, political orientation, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Although The Burlingame B will never refuse to publish guest submission based on the aforementioned factors, we reserve the right to edit or not publish them.

Letters to the Editor Disagree with the writers? Bring your letters to the room A120 or email them to <theburlingameb@smuhsd.org>.

Letters may be considered for publication. The Burlingame B reserves the right to edit for clarity, length, and accuracy. We welcome all comments.

Website: www.theburlingameb.org Phone: (650) 558-2899 Email: theburlingameb@gmail.com Address: 1 Mangini Way, Burlingame, CA 94010

BY THE BURLINGAME B EDITORIAL BOARD The USA-themed football game is a staple of Friday night lights at Burlingame, but this year, the theme faced extra scrutiny. What made it so controversial?

According to a source in the leadership class, the answer lies in the re-election of President Donald Trump. His presidency — and the policies he has instituted in the first nine months of his administration — prompted the leadership Sports Commission to reconsider the theme. While the commission ultimately decided to allow it for the Sept. 12 football game, the controversy surrounding our nation’s flag and colors demonstrates how, in today’s political climate, a symbol of our country’s history has been distorted to mean something else.

Our flag is, by definition, a representation of the entire nation.

While its 50 stars and 13 stripes are intended to signify unity, they have increasingly been perceived as a symbol of division and political affinity.

In the wave of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” Republican movement, the flag has, at times,

Students dress up for USA-themed football game against Arroyo High School on Friday, Sept. 12. been appropriated by one political party. A CBS News poll found that 42% of respondents said they would assume someone displaying the flag is conservative, while only 10% would assume a person displaying the flag is liberal.

Flying the flag should not indicate a person’s political party; it should be a symbol of pride, unity, and a shared commitment to improve a nation. Our country is made up of a variety of groups, and the flag should represent all citizens equally, even those who may not support the current state of the

nation. Allowing one side of the political spectrum to “claim” the flag alienates the rest of the country and makes patriotic pride divisive.

We are not helpless in this matter. As Americans, we have the choice to reclaim the flag as a symbol of our unity rather than division. By flying the flag with pride, we can remind each other of its original purpose and what it continues to represent. Our country is not perfect, but our flag serves as a powerful reminder of how far we have come and will continue to go.

Influencers shouldn’t deceive viewers

BY PAIGE CORNELIUS

GRAPHIC BY EMMA YU

Staff Reporters Andrew Barrera Oscar Bill Peili Brown Leia Burlingham Abigail Chou Addison Chu Lea Von Hagen Claire Hwang Scarlett Ko Chantal Lay Faith Lee Jason Lu Jonah Moss Eddy Josue Ortiz Tehya Scholz-Moresco

Editorial It’s time to reclaim the flag as a symbol of unity PHOTO BY CHANTAL LAY

B

September 22, 2025

Opinion

Business Manager

Chances are, if you’re scrolling through TikTok or walking through a Sephora store, you’ll notice the impact of influencers. One of their most popular video styles, especially among beauty creators, is the “get ready with me” video. These videos are deceivingly simple, but their underlying messages can be harmful.

Oftentimes, influencers use “get ready with me” videos as advertisements in disguise, swindling audience opinion for their own gain.

For context, a “get ready with me” video typically lasts up to a minute and shows the influencer getting dressed or doing their makeup while talking candidly to the audience. The content feels casual and relatable, giving influencers a way to connect with viewers. But the setup also provides a natural way for creators to include product placements. Social media has always been a way to make money, but it’s now becoming one of the most effective marketing tools out there.

According to Pew Research, 54% of people aged 18-29 who use social media say that influencers have an impact on what they buy. Influencers are the new faces of our generation, and brands take advantage of that by including them in physical and digital marketing campaigns. Companies often pay influencers to review or promote products, leveraging the weight that their endorsements carry with their target audience. By turning these videos into hidden advertisements, brands make it harder for viewers to decipher which opinions are paid and which aren’t.

Some influencers use their platform to highlight products that genuinely matter to them, but others take a different approach. When your main source of income is the videos you produce, it can be tempting to take every sponsorship offered, even if that means stretching the truth.

For example, in 2023, popular influencer Mikayla Nogueira faced backlash for promoting L’Oréal’s “Telescopic Mascara” as a part of a paid partnership. Viewers were quick to notice that as Nogueira was promoting the mascara, she was also wearing a false lash, which she didn’t disclose. While it may seem small, this lie is part of a larger issue on social media. Popular brands like Tarte Cosmetics have invited influencers such as Jana Craig and Briana LaPaglia on trips to the United Arab Emirates, Turks and Caicos, and Bora Bora to generate market-

ing content. Unlike traditional advertisements that are run through the brand, these campaigns rely on content — such as “get ready with me” videos — made and posted by the influencers. Many influencers rely on their followers’ trust to sell products that aren’t what they claim to be, turning “get ready with me” videos from personal, relatable content into inauthentic lies.

Misleading partnerships can have real-world effects on social media followers. Consumers may be quick to buy products that don’t match what was advertised. While it’s easy to tell influencers to think before they post and engage in responsible content, the money behind sponsorships holds too much sway. Ultimately, it’s up to viewers to pay attention to the media they consume and avoid falling for hidden marketing.

September 22, 2025

11

Community

Dance class, team welcome all skill levels

The dance team meets for mandatory practice on Wednesday, Aug. 27, preparing for their performance at the “Welcome Back” rally.

BY ALEX BERTELLI

Copy Editor

ACROSS 1. Cool weather phenomenon 5. Opposite of Yin 9. Prepare, as pasta water 13. ___ Picasso 14. Train track component 15. ___thermic reaction 16. Children’s author Dahl 17. Japanese rice wine 18. ___ boy! (Good job!)

19. One-up in an auction

21. Acronym before someone’s nickname 22. Small discussion 23. Sheep’s wool covering 24. Shoots for the moon (literally, maybe!)

26. Jazz singer Fitzgerald 28. Scatters seeds through soil 29. Engrave, as on a hard surface 33. A sports coach may tell you there’s no “I” in it

35. Frustrated again and again 38. See 48-Down [Your reaction to figuring out this theme] 41. Runs around noisily 42. Repeatedly extract resources from, in video game speak 43. Grains used in whiskey and bread 44. Fencing sword 46. Like X, Y, and Z, but

launch.

“The show team is going to be audition-based, which is for your more experienced performers or dancers who have a little bit more technique training,” King said. “They’ll be performing at the rallies with ensemble, as well as at some of the football games and basketball games.”

Sophomore Holly Simson said the ensemble team fits with her busy theater schedule, which allows her to participate in both activities.

“I just want to be able to dance in some way at this

DOWN 1. Christine’s love interest in The Phantom of the Opera 2. Begin to lessen, as pain 3. “Well ___ damned!”

4. “Out of luck.”

5. Units of time equal to around 32 million seconds, abbr. not A, B, or C? 48. Like books or artifacts from Chad 51. Sausage typically served in thin slices 56. It may be followed by A or B, but hopefully not X, Y, or Z? 57. “Chandelier” singer 58. Quake in the cold 59. Not cool 60. The current one is a square number 62. “Remember the ____!” (historical chant) 63. Indigenous peoples who were the first residents of Colorado 64. Superfruit berry often used in smoothies 65. Kept going and going and going as a sentence, or perhaps this clue as well because there’s a chance its meta-referential nature has comedic effect and thus justifies its absurdity 66. People’s important 9-digit numbers, for short 67. Pant line 68. What many a Shakespeare work is split into

school during fall, especially because there’s no musical going on,” Simson said. “I’m hoping to get the spirit up at events and have a lot of fun all together.”

With a supportive class environment, inclusive team structure, and dedicated instructors, the new dance department at Burlingame has a bright future ahead of it.

“Even getting together in groups to remember the choreography, I just think that’s such a positive start to hopefully a long journey,” King said.

6. See 38-Across 7. Candidate Haley who ran during the 2024 presidential election 8. Shines reflectively 9. Like swim trunks or bikinis 10. “20 years ago exactly...” (used when memorializing a date) 11. Access granter, for an employee 12. Reluctant, unwilling 13. Uni. teacher 20. Δ 25. Futon, for example 27. You might turn a new one when you reinvent yourself 29. Unit of corn 30. The “natural way of the universe” in Asian philosophy 31. People who shoot others?

32. You have a right to pursue this emotion 34. Philosopher behind the Communist Manifesto 36. Country containing the tallest building, briefly 37. Faux ___ (embarrass-

YU

skill levels. The first, the Panthers’ Dance Team Ensemble, will be open to all students.

“It’s designed to have practices that are specific to upcoming events, so you don’t have to sign up for the whole year,” King said. “Ensemble’s intended for everyone from beginning to even advanced, because I know advanced dancers are really busy at the studio every night, so practicing, so sometimes they might not be able to do other commitments.”

Another addition to the dance program is the show team, which has yet to officially

BY EMMA

Starting this school year, students can now enroll in a dance class or participate in the newly formed dance team.

Open to all grade levels, these programs give students a chance to explore dance without needing prior experience.

New dance class instructor Michelle Shannon brings years of professional experience to the dance room.

“I’ve been dancing since I was really little. I danced professionally on stage for many years, and I taught and assisted through high school. In college, I was the assistant to the tap instructor,” Shannon said.

Although she has taught and choreographed kids independently, Shannon begins her official teaching career at Burlingame this year.

“One of the things I want to make sure of is that they have a great time in the class, and that everyone feels the love and nobody feels excluded,” Shannon said. “I really want them to feel confident moving their bodies and knowing what that body has for them — and making them sweat a little bit.”

Junior Savannah Carranza, with a lifelong background in

dance, said she especially appreciates the low-pressure environment of the class.

“Ms. Shannon’s a great teacher, and I just love how everyone has fun. No one really cares, we all just kind of branch out and dance,” Carranza said.

Sophomore Sanaiia Jackson echoes that sentiment.

Although she had not taken formal lessons before, Jackson said she is eager to join the class and develop her skills.

“My goal for this class is to get better at dancing and to make new things,” Jackson said. “My favorite part of the class is all of us dancing with nobody judging us.”

Along with the new class, students can also join an after-school dance team. While the class focuses on learning a variety of dance styles, the team functions as an extracurricular group that performs at school events in a high-energy setting. The team requires rehearsals outside of school and auditions for advanced roles.

Like Shannon, dance team coach Audrey King grew up dancing and majored in dance performance in college. King said she hopes to build a dance community on campus by creating two teams to accommodate different schedules and

GRAPHIC

Senior Reporter

PHOTO BY CHIARA WESLEY

BY CHIARA WESLEY

ing mistake) 39. “Gimmie ___” ( just a moment!)

40. Make ___ of (screw up) 45. GPA boosters... or how you could describe the 38-Across and 6-Down entries?

47. Largest desert 48. Excellent quality work... or how you could describe the thing formed by 38-Across and 6-Down?

49. Partner of sharps in music 50. Sibling’s daughter 52. Flowers called “exuberantly purple and perfumed” in the Bible 53. ___ Garde (experimental) 54. Office notes 55. Element of our school’s robotics team!

61. The basketball may hit this but still not go in :(

Scan the QR code for the answer key!

12

September 22, 2025

Student life PH OT O

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CHIARA WESLEY Senior Reporter

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AUDREY WEI Social Coordinator

Kyle Weitzman

Drew Gall

Anya Malhotra

Nicholas Khishigbat

Aidyn Eglington

Ivana Ma

“Senior sunrise is a great place where all of our class can get together and enjoy one of the last moments where we’re all as a group.”

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BY EM

“Over the past few years, I’ve actually gone to a few [senior sunrises] and I feel like our year was really organized, and a lot of seniors showed up.”

HICS

“My favorite thing was just being here with my friends and seeing everybody take all the pictures together.”

“It’s so important that we mark our last year of high school with going to the senior sunrise and just having a specific event to get it all started.”

GRAP

“My favorite part is just being able to play with everyone in our grade, everyone’s together.”

“Coming here with the entire class is just a great moment of community and then coming together for the school year.”