High Tide: Feb. 23, 2024

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February 23, 2024 Vol. CIV Edition 7 Redondo Union High School Redondo Beach, CA

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OBSCURED OBSCURED OBSCURED OBSCURED Teenagers hide aspects of their academics, identity and relationships from their parents for fear of judgement or lack of support

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Redondo Union administration adds AP African American Studies to course catalog PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK

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Senior Alex Yin and sophomore Keijiro Hattori represent Japan in the U18 division of an international baseball tournament

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PRO / CON: Editors debate the appropriate age for children to gain access to social media www.ruhsmedia.com

@ruhshightide

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Paving Pathways

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Redondo adds AP African American Studies to history curriculum

by Malina Young and Safi Hamilton-Torres

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ext school year, Redondo will be at the forefront of taking a vital step in not only recognizing the importance of diversity but also strengthening and supporting the bond of academia and culture. On Jan. 22, the Redondo Union School Board unanimously voted 4-0 to approve the addition of Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies to the course catalog, allowing students to evaluate key concepts of the broader African diaspora in the past and present, and develop an understanding of the strengths and complexities of African American societies, while exploring the effects of inequality and systemic marginalization.

After two pilot years, the College Board will officially launch the course for all schools nationwide during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Black Student Union (BSU) President Sidney Cherry, senior, and junior Ezekiel Johnson were two student speakers who attended the Jan. 22 school board meeting to advocate for the addition of the course. ​​​​ “I think [the course] will change how people perceive race and Black people in our history. Education is probably the most important part of how we will change the trajectory of people's perspectives and progress,” Cherry said. “Incorporating AP African American studies will be super important because people often aren't able to get the opportunity to learn about their culture or learn about Black people's culture until they're in college.

We have AP US History and AP European History. So I think there's no reason why we can't have AP African American

“

Adding an African American History course shows the preogression that we've made in our society today. RUHS is positively representing the BSU. I think it'll be great NOAH ELHARDOUZI JUNIOR

Studies.”

Cherry began serving as BSU president this year and believes she’s “always had this gear towards social justice and advocacy and needed an outlet for it.”

Besides working the BSU Instagram, @ruhs_bsu, she hosts meetings in room 216 every Thursday at lunch, inviting guest speakers, presenting research slideshows and opening the floor to dynamic conversations.

“I think Redondo is very open to trying new things. Even though I believe it should have been incorporated in the curriculum much earlier, I think it's just a step in the right direction that Redondo is consistently trying to take. There's a small Black population in Redondo, so I think incorporating this course will be not a reflection of the population of Redondo Beach but a reflection of its mindset,” Cherry said. “I’m excited for people to have the opportunity to learn about things that have been seen as taboo by people, like critical race theory, or that learning the truth about our history and the nuances of it will make people feel

staff editors-in-chief Lucy Davis Ethan Lerner Romi Riss online managers Cristina Couch Stavyah Naveen sports manager Ethan Chi news editors Summer Puterbaugh Victor Simoes features editors Ethan Chi Daniella Gross Marley Van Pelt

Dr. Wesley addresses the importance of the new curriculum at an open BSU meeting. PHOTO BY MIA CELIAK

guilty. You can't have US history without African American history and how those influences have affected our current state.”

Although the course received support from the administration and the community, Cara Johnson, a Redondo parent and longtime advocate for the course, mentions the importance of ensuring the success of the course and overcoming the institutionalized challenges.

“It is [opposition] so subtle that when it's brought up, [people] don't even realize what they're saying; the people that offer challenges don't even understand that they're offering opposition sometimes.

Comments like, ‘Is that going to replace a real history class?’ Those are ingrained ways of thinking,” Cara Johnson said. “It takes just constant dialogue and explanation as to why this is important for them.

To understand, it's really not about indoctrination, but it's about understanding.”

Redondo Beach Unified School District demographics display a 3% population of African American students. Cara Johnson commends Redondo Union for placing themselves in the position of being a “trailblazer.” She advises the school and community to “keep that conversation going and be brave and bold in our pursuit of inclusion.”

“I think the exposure to truth will open the minds and perspectives of everyone.

I think there's a hidden history in African American history that a lot of people have no idea about when you think about African American history,” Cara Johnson said.

“You get the big three. You get slavery, civil rights, and Barack Obama now. You essentially get Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks. That's pretty much the circumference of what you learn.”

Historically, curriculum development in the United States has been shaped by biases that have marginalized the experiences and contributions of African Americans. The addition of AP African American Studies is a stepping stone in incorporating culture and diversity into the academic curriculum, recognizing the importance of opening perspectives, and exposing students to the impactful voices of our history.

“There's such a huge spectrum of African American history, going back to the diaspora that's not even touched, and much more that needs to be talked about, and it needs to be contextually explained so that people have a better understanding of themselves and why we operate with impunity. We would go so far as a community to understand each other better and ourselves, just by offering this class. It will open up the minds and the hearts, and it's important to begin a dialogue about what was and what's to come,” Cara Johnson

said. “I see it as a stepping stone to a promise of tomorrow because if you don't know the worth of the people, what they've been through, what they've contributed to, who they are as a people, how can you understand them?”

Ezekiel Johnson, another student speaker, emphasized the importance of the class

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I hope students gain from this class a unique lens into a culture and a history of a culture about those who have suffered, who have contributed, and that they leave with a greater sense of self. I hope they learn about themselves on this journey DR. NICOLE WESLEY RBUSD SUPERINTENDENT

to the campus community.

“In American history, I feel like [African American Studies is] not talked about, and it's a really important subject. Especially nowadays, in these communities [the South Bay], people deny that racism isn't as clear.

It's essential for people to know the history of what African Americans have been through to understand some of the feelings African Americans endure,” Ezekiel Johnson said. “Students after me will learn a lot. They'll have a different perspective and be more understanding. So when they say racist remarks or insensitive things, they'll have a better understanding.”

The course will not limit the number of students who can sign up and students can receive college credit if they meet College Board requirements. Cherry, Cara and Ezekiel Johnson encourage students to take the course and build on this stepping stone for inclusion, diversity, and truth in education.

“This is just the first hurdle. We need this class. We need Native American history. We need ethnic studies. This is the precursor, but we really need all of those voices,” Cara Johnson said. “As you know, it's not a melting pot, but it is a salad.

We're all part of the salad bowl, and we all contribute something. I don't believe that we all melt because we all are not the same; we deserve to have our differences recognized.”

opinion editors Ariya Anvari Meara Fay entertainment editors Scarlett Mische Claudia Turner sports editors Ava Anzivino Malina Young writing & copy editors Calvin Bonn Scarlett Kindt Isabella Kohler CaraMia Leal Kat Otey Aaliyah Roberson online editors Lauren Choy Rena Felde Yasmeen Ford Valentina Masoni Kat Otey Deeksha Prasad Amina Raïss Priya Ramcharan Sam Schwartz Simra Zargar staff writers Delilah Aguilar Sanaya Bhatt Jameson Boddy Kate Brucia London Carbone Veda Celestial Carson Chi Jayla Dorbor Celeste Ernau Leyla Evenson Safi Hamilton-Torres

Kate Jacoby Marlena Lipan Kayli Mai Mia Nishimura Leah Rodriguez Payton Rothluebbers Athena Saadzoi Katarina Sapina Emily Steckler Nathaniel Wellen

photographers Dalilah Almeida Abi Bierwiler Karis Bruno Mia Cielak Caitlyn Cisneros Price Currier Cate Hempstead

photographers Percy McGuinn Jai McKinney Dylan Moore Kayla Ongun Talia Pattishall Sascha Perdue Catherine Wong

adviser Kerri Eastham distribution manager Nicolas Tomsio illustrators Lola Diehl Scarlett Mische Cristina Couch

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high tide feb. 23, 2024

Year of the Dragon Roars in

AROUND Redondo Students share their experiences with parental involvement

by Mia Nishimura Q: How do your parents help you when you are going through a mental or physical block in your academic and social life?

A: Sometimes it can be hard for me to find what I want to do or to find my true self so my parents will recommend some school activities or outside activities that I’ll enjoy.

Sometimes there are things Lex Sasaki, 11 that they [parents] know I’ll enjoy that I wouldn't know myself.

Q: How do your parents involve themselves in your academic and social life and how are they different from your friends?

A: I think my parents take a backseat approach to these aspects of my life and I have a really good situation. I see that some of my friends are kind of controlled by [their parents] and that Avery Stroderd, 10 shouldn’t really happen, but it’s kind of what happens with parents wanting better lives for their kids but not seeing that they’re also harming them.

Q: How do you feel about parents who don’t involve themselves in their students’ academic and or social life?

A: When parents aren’t so involved in their children’s academic or social life, it’s not good because that means they aren’t interested in their kids. They should at least be kind of interested in who they’re hanging out with or just looking at their grades, like checking if they’re on the right track because they might be struggling or to know if their child Miyu Shinji, 12 is doing good.

They don’t have Q : How do your parents involve themselves in your social or academic life?

A: My parents push me to study hard and always look at my grades, and they help me improve so I know what to do and how to get my grades up so I can get into a good college. My parents help me by letting me know they are there for me.

Even if they don’t know the subject, they try to Franchesca help me understand whatevAbbott, 9 er I need help PHOTOS BY MIA CIELAK

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by Kayli Mai

D

ifferent names, cultures and traditions shape the shared spirit of celebration. Lunar New Year usually falls between January and February on the Gregorian calendar, and the traditions among Asian cultures and countries are diverse and unique.

TẾT Junior Kimberly Nguyen’s family celebrates Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, as part of their Vietnamese background. To make sure a “good” year follows the holiday, Nguyen keeps her superstitions in the front of her mind.

“I do really believe in all of the Lunar New Year superstitions. Whatever you do on that day translates to the rest of your year, so don't be stressed, don't talk of death, don’t cry, don't lash out at people.

That one day, it really reflects what’s gonna happen for the entire year. It's got to be a perfect day, no matter what,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen shares that being born in 2007, the year of the golden pig, foreshadows prosperity and luck in one’s future, which is why she follows a yearly personal tradition.

“On the morning of Lunar New Year's Day, I go up to our family's nail salon. I walk in and chant [for] things like good fortune and lots of customers for this upcoming year. After that, [staff] storms in, and it's a sign that we'll get good customers,” Nguyen said.

Later in the day, Nguyen visits temples together with her family, lighting incense and praying to Buddha. During a tradition known as chúc, the Vietnamese word meaning “to wish,” Nguyen manifests “[good] health, academics and athletics,” followed by receiving red envelopes known as lì xì. Usually gifted from adults to children, lì xì hold various amounts of money and serve as a token of prosperity throughout the year.

“Personally, I think [Lunar New Year is] better than Christmas. It's even better than waiting for Santa for me, because you're manifesting this amazing day, and you just know in your head it's gonna be an amazing day no matter what,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen “doesn’t see much [Vietnamese] cultural expression, especially around Redondo Beach,” so Lunar New Year is an opportunity for her to appreciate the full extent of her heritage.

"I take pride in being Vietnamese,” said Nguyen. “It makes me 3 proud when I see people celebrating Lunar New Year, and [knowing] that’s a part of me and who I am."

SEOLLAL Senior Annette Je, who celebrates Seollal (Korean New Year) with her extended family, grew up bowing to her elders in a tradition known as “Sae Bae Don” or “Sae Bae” before receiving money.

“Usually, the older you are, the more money [you] get. My family doesn't really use the traditional white Korean envelopes, so we use regular letter envelopes, or they give us the money straight from the wallet.

My older cousins also aren’t able to come a lot of times since they’re young adults, so my brother and I get the most money because we’re the oldest compared to our younger cousins,” Je said.

It is also custom to commemorate the

Students celebrate Lunar New Year tures, the same beliefs, in diverse ways even if they're a half a new year with traditional dress: during Seollal Je’s family encourages donning hanboks for girls and jeogoris for boys. “[The adults] don't really make the older kids wear the clothing anymore, but they definitely still make the young kids. In hanboks, there are three total layers, and it was always very hot at my grandma's house. I didn’t like wearing mine when I was a kid.

Now, I appreciate being forced to wear it when I was young because for me, now

Annette Je and her brother Chris Je are taught by their grandmother how to do sae bae. PHOTO COURTESY ANNETTE JE

there's no chance to wear it,” Je said.

Even though Je wasn’t allowed to take off her hanbok, she recalls that she was allowed to change for lunch. With her family, Je then eats a feast of tteokguk, japchae, odeng, kimchi, cucumber kimchi, tteok galbi, and lots of oranges prepared by the older aunts, uncles or grandmas the night before.

“New year is the one time where everyone comes together, so when you look around, everyone has grown up and changed a bit,” Je said. "I don't spend that much time with my family because I'm a teen, but, Lunar New Year is one of the few times [where I’m] able to spend time with my family because it's really fun to catch up and hear each other's stories."

CHINESE NEW YEAR While Je and her family ate a plentiful meal here in Los Angeles, junior Micah McFadden traveled to China to celebrate Chinese New Year, where celebrations began with tables “crammed” with different dishes.

“We prepared dumplings at half past 11 to eat at midnight as a tradition. We filled some up with a normal meat filling, but we also put other items [in the dumplings] to symbolize different things: coins to be prosperous and lucky, and peanuts and dates are a play on the words [for newness and fortune] in Chinese,” McFadden said.

McFadden finds “joy” in visiting family: with each visit, the language barrier between him and his international family becomesis even “less of a barrier.”

“I feel more connected to a family that shares the same traditions, the same cul-

world away, and speak an entirely different language,” McFadden said.

Chinese teacher Cathy Wang celebrates Chinese New Year in a similar fashion, and incorporates the holiday into her lesson plans. To partake in Lunar New Year traditions on campus, Wang advised and checked over all the National Chinese Honors Society’s (NCHS) activities and event planning for their Chinese New Year celebration hosted in the library.

Senior Rebecca Fung, president of the NCHS Club, recalls her initial goal to bring the Chinese New Year celebration to campus.

“Our Chinese program usually does a very small Lunar New Year celebration in our own classes, as we did last year, but this year, all of us really wanted to step it up and bring it more to a school wide celebration,” Fung said.

Through countless hours of the NCHS Club helping to gather supplies, cut out papers, 2 gather volunteers, plan activities and get food to the school through parent volunteers, Fung describes

Members of the National Chinese Honors Society hold bags for Chinese New Year. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY WANG

the preparation to be a “very time consuming process" for everyone involved.

“I'm very grateful for how [the celebration] came out. I felt really happy and very proud of what our club has been able to accomplish, and all that our members are dedicated to it,” Fung said. “I felt proud that we put on a celebration that everyone could enjoy, no matter what background that anyone came from. It was just a celebration of fun and education.”

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A dragon puppet in Chichen Lu's classroom.

2. A Firecracker decoration in Cathy Wang's classroom, meant to scare away the man-eating beast Nian in Chinese folklore and evil spirits in Vietnamese culture, as well as broadly being an object of celebration and mirth.

3. Kimberly Nguyen and her family dress up for Tet. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIMBERLY NGUYEN. 4. A sign in Cathy Wang's classroom with the character for happiness written upside down, as "upside down" and "arrive" sound similar in Chinese.

PHOTOS 1, 2, AND 4 BY VICTOR SIMOES

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Micah McFadden poses in front of a large dragon made of lanterns at Zhongyang Street in Haerbin.

PHOTO COURTESY Micah McFadden

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features

Crossing

by Isabella Kohler

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etween language barriers and cultural differences, moving to a new country can be a stressful process that takes courage and an open mind, traits that sophomore Caroline Mosconi had to possess in order to adjust to her new environment. In December of 2022, Mosconi moved from São Paulo, Brazil to Florida and then to Los Angeles in May of 2023.

Upon her arrival, Mosconi enrolled in the English Learners program at RUHS, through which she furthered her knowledge of the English language and American culture, as well as make friends with similar experiences as her.

“Most of my friends when I first came for the first two or three months, they were all non-English speakers. Most of them were my friends from the program to learn English because our teacher made us do a lot of icebreakers. She really didn't want us to be friends only in our first language because she wanted us to learn English,” Mosconi said. “Those ice breakers are what made me make friends because I wouldn't be embarrassed of speaking bad English with them because none of us knew English very well.”

As she walked through the halls, scrambling to make friends and adjust, it occurred to Mosconi the differences in American societal norms when compared to

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those of Brazil.

“In Brazil, you don’t have to try hard to befriend people, you can just be a loner, and you will still make friends. So in Brazil, I used to study all day and all night,” Mosconi said. “But when I came here, I started thinking that if I studied all day and all night, I'd be a loner, and I don't want to hide and not have good memories of high school. So I started paying more attention to my friendships and trying to make them better.”

According to Mosconi, once she started attending RUHS, she had to navigate educational differences, but what she didn’t expect was to go home each night and revert back to elementary and middle school topics.

“The biggest thing that shocked me was how easy the classes are here. I’m a sophomore, and I'm relearning things that I learned in seventh grade. In Brazil, we would have tests all the time and everything was much more strict,” Mosconi said.

“Now I’ll have homework that's measuring something in centimeters with a ruler and I'm like, ‘Am I in high school?’”

Despite the difference in academic rigor, being surrounded by individuals who pursue their own paths has influenced Mosconi to shift her thinking to a growth mindset.

“There’s so many opportunities to do what you love. In Brazil, we don't have programs that make students really engaged in their career before they graduate,” Mosconi said.

“In Brazil, they don't have things that engage people to go on their own path. You just have to learn things like biology, chemistry and physics.”

Sophomores Mosconi and Ueda moved to RUHS from other countries and found a friendship through the English Learners program The friendships that Mosconi 2 formed through the English Language Learner program were a “tremendous help” when it came to navigating her schedule, classes entirely in English, and a multitude of personalities. Her first friend at the school, sophomore Cocono Ueda moved to Los Angeles in August of 2023 from Tokyo, Japan, and the two immediately hit it off the first time they met.

“We met on orientation day.

We both love K-pop, so we really bonded over that right away.

I was sitting in the gym waiting for the presentation to start, and Caroline and her cousin came over and asked me if I wanted to be their friend. I said yes, so we started hanging out. We went to the beach a few times, and that's 1. Students attended a special outside class where instructors gave them an introduction on future courses available to them. where our friendship really start2. In Mosconi's art class, students paint panels to decorate the ed,” Ueda said. school. ALL PHOTOS COURTSEY OF CAROLINE MOSCONI According to Ueda, moving to a new place can be terrifying, especially how when you first meet people, they're when the culture differs so greatly, but she already so open to you. I miss this festival and Mosconi found something in each oth- called Carnival where everyone dances and er that got them through their most difficult dresses in costumes,” Mosconi said. “Sometimes I crave that social environment and times when adjusting to their new lives.

“It’s really great having a friend that I miss my family. People here don’t really went through the English Language Learn- know about those kinds of things because er program with me because we got to they aren’t taught very much about Brazilexperience it all together, and we helped ian culture.”

Mosconi, however, does not let this each other adjust,” Mosconi said. “Caroline helped me to improve my English, but sense of homesickness limit her; she has she also taught me a little Portuguese, and dreams and aspirations and hopes to go I think that's really cool because we can “wherever the wind takes her in life.”

“Usually in Brazil, where you go to collearn each other’s home language,” Ueda lege is where you stay for the rest of your said.

Despite the abundant opportunities life, but I don’t want that. I want to expethat American schools have brought her, rience a lot of different parts of the world Mosconi does sometimes find herself miss- and make a lot of memories,” Mosconi said. ing the traditions that she used to partic- “I don’t really want to stay in America my ipate in when she lived in Brazil, as well whole life, but the college in Brazil is really as the friendly and social demeanor of the hard to enter, so maybe I’ll end up somepeople she used to be surrounded by every- where totally different, like Australia. We have the whole world. I don’t see why we day.

“I miss some things, like birthdays and have to choose one country or another.”

Freshman Emery Min volunteers for as a teen advisor for the Teen Talk App

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by London Carbone itting down, not knowing what to do, or who to turn to, teens can feel isolated. Freshman Emery Min understands how big an issue this is for teens in our society, pushing her to join Teen Talk App, a platform that gives struggling teens a safe place.

Teen Talk App is a program where teens can anonymously create posts as a way to reach out for help, no matter the intensity of the issue. Since joining as a volunteer to help work the app a few weeks ago, Min is still in her beginning stages of working towards being a teen advisor. She completed 40 hours of training over the course of 10 weeks of four hour meetings each week.

Min originally joined in hopes of finding community service.

“Nowa-

days it is nice for teens to be able to talk to other teens about what they're dealing with. Mental health is a really important struggle and is becoming more prevalent today. This program is a great opportunity and if you want to help out and you get to do this remotely [in a supportive community],” Min said.

Her advisor, Lauren Veillete, joined the program in 2021 and sees Min’s growth and desire to help others and improve the app. “[This app] is a really unique way for people to get help, especially in this day and age when it seems like everyone is strapped for cash and resources are tight. Also, typically there are a lot of students per counselor in schools who also have a hard time going to guardians, family members, teachers and other adults for help,” Veillete said. “Overall, it’s a great space for teens because they can talk to people their own age and get support when they need, all while remaining anonymous.”

According to Min, hearing about these stressful issues puts teen advisers, such as herself, in an important position. “[Being so relied on] definitely puts pressure and stress on you, knowing that you’re speaking with real people and that you might be the only person they have to turn to or that they feel comfortable turning to,” Min said.

It’s such an important issue because of the state of the mental health of our youth in this country and in the world right now.”

Min acknowledges that currently, people have a lot “weighing on their minds” and hopes to be a part of the solution.

“I think it's definitely important, and I am really glad to be able to positively impact somebody's day or try to help them through a rough patch or just be someone there to listen if they don't have anybody else,” Min said.

Volunteering on this app allowed Min to become more experienced in dealing with these issues and hearing about mental health. According to Min, from this program she’ll learn how to help others with higher risk issues relating to things such as sex, drugs and LGBTQ+.

“It's difficult to deal with subjects that you don't know about, but instead of trying to know every single detail they teach us, it's more important how you respond to them and how you show empathy, despite not knowing exactly how that situation might feel. It's more important to imagine yourself in that person's shoes and go from there,” Min said.

To start in this program, Min had to be willing to put in the hours of training and later work four hour shifts. During Min’s introduction to the program, Veillete saw that she had an empathic view on mental health and saw her as “the perfect fit."

“I was able to tell right away from day one, when we had our interview that Emery was well spoken, mature, compassionate and very wise beyond her years. She is a great listener and doesn’t listen to

take in information, but you can tell in her eyes and how she responds in conversations and discussions in training, that she really tries to understand what people say and see where they're coming from,” Veillete said. “She tries to tell who they are and what they bring to the table, which I appreciate, and I think that that's really going to go far not just in this role, but in whatever her goals are beyond the Teen Talk App.” Both photos are of Emery Min. PHOTOS BY DEEKSHA PRASAD

high tide feb. 23, 2023

features 5

A spotlight on niche clubs

by Jameson Boddy

Yurt Club is a unique club centered around community and sustainability

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ince their trip to St. James Youth Ministry Y2 Retreat last year, which focuses on self-reflection through prayer, the leaders of Yurt Club have grown more interested in the idea of yurts. At the retreat, they were surrounded by forests that had yurts, a structure much like a tent, that they explored. When they got back, they realized how much they enjoyed spending time not only in the yurt but also in nature.

Club president junior Linnaea Rasmussen uses this club as “an opportuni-

ty to connect with nature and stay off our phones.”

While there are club meetings during school, members of the club also participate in activities outside of school to benefit the environment and to spend time with nature.

“We go on hikes in Palos Verdes and down by the beach. We have done beach cleanups,” Rasmussen said. “Yurt all day, everyday.”

According to the club’s Co-vice President, junior Sloane Graham, Yurt Club goes beyond helping the planet. It's “a friendship thing, too. When you say ‘Yurt’, and people hear you, they know you are a part of the [club].”

The club's co-vice president, junior Kyle Rasmussen, echoes Graham’s idea as he explains how the club is “not necessarily [about] the yurt itself, but more of the people that you’re with.” “[We] learn more about the environment and how our actions can affect the environment,” Kyle Rasmussen said. “You can be sustainable and help the earth and nature and even have fun still. It doesn’t have to be a difficult task.”

The club uses an app called “Treecard,” which tracks your steps and with every 10,000 steps, a tree is planted. There are also rewards for planting trees that consist of sustainable skincare and jewelry as well as At the Confirmation retreat camp, the Yurt Club saw their

discounts from numerous stores and websites.

“We don’t have to meet often because of what we do with [TreeCard]. You can just walk, so you don’t have to go to the meetings, but you can still be a part of [the club],” Kyle Rasmussen said. “I’ve planted 26 trees, so that's equivalent to 26 tons of carbon absorbed.”

Whether on campus or in one of the member’s backyards, the club has hopes to one day build a yurt to promote learning more about the Earth.

“The Yurt will be made through sustainable resources, so we aren’t hurting the environment,” Linnaea Rasmussen said.

“We are having fun while also preserving our home. Knowing we have such busy lives, [Yurt Club] is a place where we can get together and hang out.”

With sustainability and community at its core, junior Evan Tipton, the club’s secretary, attests that the Yurt Club serves to not only provide a space for leisure but also to foster a sense of environmental consciousness and motivate people toward meaningful change.

“We try to get [the club members] inspired by nature, trying to get them to push forward for activism,” Tipton said.

Yurt signs frequent trails the club hikes.

PHOTO COURTSEY OF SLOANE GRAHAM

first yurt while hiking the The Salvation Army trail at Camp Daley. PHOTO COURTSEY OF LINNAEA RASMUSSEN

The Tiddlywinks Club, as the name suggests, is full of humor and fun

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ith its humorous name, the Tiddlywinks Club may not be taken seriously by others, and sometimes not even by the club’s president, senior Lucian Ashcraft. Ashcraft admits that, when trying to describe the game and how to play it to others, “people think [he’s] messing with them.” The idea of the game is to squidge the wink into the cup, meaning the player has to push (squidge) the disc, also known as the wink, into the cup to earn points.

On Fridays at lunch, the members of this club meet in room 706 to play this fun, yet competitive, game. According to Ashcraft, though this game has simple-to-understand rules and may look easy to play on the outside, once it gets competitive, one must carefully plan their turn.

“There is a bit of strategy to [Tiddlywinks],” Ashcraft said. “A lot of it is calculating how hard you need to press and where you need it to go to get into the cup.”

The game itself isn't the only lure for Ashcraft, who appreciates the club members, as well.

“By itself, [Tiddlywinks] is probably just a stupid little game, but I feel what really makes it is being surrounded by friends who are also having fun,” Ashcraft said.

Senior Boden Allen has been a member of Tiddlywinks for the past two years and continues to go every Friday while also balancing his other, more academic clubs.

“I saw a feature about [Tiddlywinks] in RUTV,” Allen said. “It's a fun and casual dynamic. It's a game not a lot of people have heard of and that brings us together.”

Currently, seniors make up the majority of the club, creating a lot of empty spots and “nerve-wracking” emotions for the future of the club.

“We don’t really have any juniors that come to the club, which is kind of disheartening because I don’t think there's really anyone to take over next year,” Ashcraft said. “If we can't find anyone [to take over], this might be the last year of Tiddlywinks.”

When it’s cold and windy out, according to Ashcraft, there is really no better way to spend one day a week at lunch. Especially since the club is a mix of hanging out with friends and playing a game that has very low stakes, everyone is “bound to have a good time.” “[The game] sounds more complicated than it really is because of the weird names each game piece has and the names of moves,” Ashcraft said. “Sometimes we get frustrated with ourselves that we aren’t getting the pieces in so we just start grabbing the pieces and putting them in.”

Ashcraft’s interest in the game started

his sophomore year when he saw a poster advertising this club. He then found the Tiddlywinks club at Club Rush, and realized it’s based on an old game with “silly names” and “awesome people.”

“Starting my junior year I went to every single club meeting, and eventually I was crowned the king of Tiddlywinks at our last meeting,” Ashcraft said. “[The presidents from last year] did a little coronation speech, and then they put the cup on my head as my crown and draped me in the felt mat that we use to cover the table as my cloak. I felt very special.”

2

3

1

1. Club members playing Tiddlywinks 2. A finished game of Tiddlywinks 3. Ashcraft (left) gets crowned king of Tiddlywinks by Taylor Holmes (right)

ALL PHOTOS COURTSEY OF THE TIDDLYWINKS INSTAGRAM AT RUHSTIDDLYWINKS

features 6

high tide feb. 23, 2024

The Cherry ON TOP

by Payton Rothluebbers

Freshman Sophia Galimi connects her community through her love of baking and small cupcake business

P

art-time jobs are common among students, but freshman Sophia Galimi found a unique twist by making her own business. She created her own baking business, SoCal Sweets.

“When I was little, my dad and I would bake together on Christmas Eve for

2 Santa and his reindeer, little things like that.

So I’ve been baking for a long time, but I picked it up in 2020 around COVID. I started making random recipes I saw online, and from there my love and passion for creating new things grew,” Galimi said.

Galimi realized that she wanted to start a business when people she knew offered to buy her sweets. While initially hesitant, she stepped into the world of small businesses after gaining confidence from social media.

“Seeing successful businesses boost their stuff on the Internet inspired me. I thought that it was cool and impressive for them to put themselves out there,” Galimi said. “I’m so young that if there is something that I’m passionate about and can

make money off of, I might as well pursue it because it can’t hurt.”

Baking helped Galimi connect with a hobby that reminded her of her childhood and allowed her to explore her creativity, but extending her talent to others through SoCal Sweets gave her an even bigger reason to keep baking.

“The best part about having a business is selling what you’ve created and seeing the feedback that you receive. I love to make things that people enjoy.

It keeps me going.

When people come to me and say that their friends or their family loved [what 1 I made for them], it makes me happy because I was able to bring people together,” Galimi said.

Galimi’s friend, freshman Lia Willis, has helped advertise Galimi’s business through social media reviews and word of mouth.

Willis’ grandmother purchased cupcakes

from SoCal Sweets, and Willis watched as people gathered through Galimi’s food.

“I like to advertise [Sophia’s] business because it helps her get more customers, but I also know how hard she works and how much effort she puts in,” Willis said.

“I have first-hand experience. When my grandma bought her cupcakes, I saw her enjoy something that my friend spent a lot of time on. [Sophia’s cupcakes] were able to connect people, and I want more people to experience that.”

However, with the start of the school year and the peak of sports, Galimi’s priorities started to shift. As a student-athlete playing lacrosse for both RUHS and club, she noticed that baking was taking up too much of her time. On top of that, the pressure that she felt to bake made it feel like a chore instead of a hobby.

“I love baking, and the reason I started the business was because I loved it. When I started making the same thing over and

over again, I noticed that I was losing my passion for it. Part of the reason that I stopped and took a break [from selling the things that I bake] was because I just wanted to bake for fun again, not only for money,” Galimi said.

Despite the temporary closing of SoCal Sweets, Galimi plans to reopen during summer when she will have more time to focus on baking. No matter the status of her business, she is grateful for the experience of being a business owner.

“I’m not entirely sure [what I want to do after high school]. I think that having a business is such a good opportunity for me to explore [what owning a business is like], and I’ve enjoyed it,” Galimi said. “[I’ve been able] to experience the obstacles that surround being a business owner, too. I have no clear plans for the future, but having this experience is cool because it will help me to decide what I want to do whenever that time comes.”

1. Galimi mixing cupcake batter at her kitchen counter. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHIA GALIMI 2. Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream by SoCal Sweets PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHIA GALIMI

2

Weisler creates intricate dioramas influenced by her creative upbringing

by Delilah Aguilar

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osted at a kitchen table, she cuts and shreds foam board until a landscape emerges. Senior Jessie Weiser was raised in an artistic household and took up the medium of dioramas (miniature building) at a very young age. Weiser’s first diorama was built for a first-grade project with the help of her father. Her father has encouraged this passion as an engineer, teaching her how to build intricate sets. “[My dad] is good with tools and taught me how to do most of [building dioramas]. We did it together a lot when I was younger, but eventually, I gained enough skill to start building on my own,” Weiser said. “ Both of us are very quiet people who don’t talk much, but I can tell how much he loves doing things with me. He’s a creator, and I've always admired that characteristic of his. We generally have an amazing relationship because our brains function in the same way.”

Weiser sets time aside to make a diorama at least once every year, finding moments to devote to her projects at random. They take weeks of effort and a large amount of funding.

Despite money occasionally coming out of her wallet, Weiser’s dad is an avid supporter of her talent and takes care of a majority of the expenses. The passion for art she formed at a young age was nurtured by her parents' artistic lifestyle.

“My parents are both artsy people who are big on creating. For a long time, our whole house was covered with their art, regardless of the medium. My dad would

make miniature planes and boats, while my mom would make mosaics and similar projects,” Weiser said.

Her talent comes in handy when given creative liberty for school projects. Amber Keller, AP U.S. History (APUSH) and Avid 12 teacher recalls a diorama Weiser completed for one of her final APUSH projects.

The project allowed students to create anything as long as it reflected U.S. history.

mas is the design aspect of it, whereas a majority of this niche community prioritizes function and model type above its artis-

“

[Create] the way you want to, and don't feel like you need to follow social rules.

JESSIE WEISLER SENIOR

“[Weiser] made this huge, beautifully amazing diorama of a train crash, and she had it down to every little detail including cows, fish in the water, people, everything. It was really impressive,” Keller said.

Weiser’s favorite part of making diora-

tic counterparts.

“I’ve gone to those miniature train meet-

ups but it's all 30-year-old men. I never liked going into the stores accustomed to the hobby for that reason, I’d always be the only girl there, which felt off-putting.

Rather than feeling encouraged by the community, as a woman, I would often feel questioned, like, ‘You don’t know anything about that’ or ‘You don’t even know all the models’ which is very disappointing,” Weiser said.

She tends to avoid discussing it with peers under the assumption most people wouldn’t understand what she’s talking about. But despite the negative reaction to her art received by the diorama community, Weiser maintains support from the few individuals who’ve seen her crafts.

“I always knew she was a creative person based on her writing alone, but I had no clue she had the talent to pull together a large-scale diorama in a week. She’s an extremely brilliant, beautiful student, with a bright future ahead of her,” Keller said.

Weiser is currently considering a career in architecture, so she can continue to apply the skills she has gained from miniature building. When making her dioramas, she feels “relaxed” because it comes naturally to her and simply “makes sense.” She hopes to continue her hobby as she ages and encourages women to look past the intimidation of joining a male-dominated field, making a point to do the activities they find interest in.

“Do it [creating] for yourself. Do it the way you want to, and don't feel like you need to follow social rules. There is no way to satisfy everyone, so make art that satisfies you. There will always be someone doubting your knowledge, but you have nothing to prove and don’t need to know everything,” Weiser said. “If you want to create something solely because it looks pretty, do it, and don’t feel bad about it.”

Weisler's diorama for APUSH inspired by one of America's most famous train crashes, the Angola Horror Crash of 1867 PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTOR SIMOES

features 7

high tide feb. 23, 2024

TAKE A BOW

Through intense ambition and hard work, freshman Valerie Martinez excels in competitive figure skating

Representing Japan in the 18U division for a tournament, senior Alex Yin and sophomore Keijiro Hattori’s team camaraderie led the team to place 4th overall

by Marlena Lipan

by Marlena Lipan

T

he world turns quiet when she steps on the ice. As freshman Valerie Martinez twists and glides in her skates, her thoughts melt away.

Through the hours upon hours she has trained, she works toward progressing in her skill level and gaining titles and experience.

At the age of six, Martinez’s mother introduced her to figure skating.

“My whole family is very athletic. My dad was an international soccer player. My brother currently does figure skating and hockey. My mother was a gymnast, and my grandmother was a dancer. I’ve done almost every sport humanly possible,” she said.

The intense amount of practice that Martinez does to make progress in skating has impacted her extracurriculars and academics. However, spending approximately 18 hours a week training has its own set of difficulties that Martinez must navigate.

“When you’re having a bad practice, it can sometimes feel like I want to quit, but in the end, I have learned to never make a decision based on emotion. I try to make [decisions] while I’m calm and get pieces figured out,” she said.

She has learned lessons through skating, which have helped her navigate the challenges presented to her throughout life.

“Skating has made me have a different perspective about life. I now know that one minor mistake can change a lot. If you decide to not do something right the first time, it will have an effect later on. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons, like sometimes the people you think should be supporting you won’t support you,” she said.

Martinez imagines the possibility of one-day joining team Peru. She has visited Peru previously and skated with members of Team Peru.

“It would be such a nice privilege to get because it is an up-and-coming sport in [Peru]. I would get access to the Junior Grand Prix, Grand Prix Series, Skate America, Skate Canada, Skate Asia, Skate Latin America and Skate South America. I could possibly even go to Worlds,” she said.

Being a fierce competitor has presented Martinez with many opportunities surrounding figure skating. She was invited to be a spectator of USA Nationals for the past two years, where she talked to technical specialists.

“I’m currently about to get an intermission to go get trained by technical and component specialists to be part of the judging system. It’s very beneficial as a skater to know the components of how we’re judged,” she said.

Through her skating account on Instagram, Martinez has been contacted by big-name skaters and coaches asking her to work with them, and this April, she will be training with Disney on Ice. Her family watches as she continues pursuing ice skating and forms big plans for her future.

“It will help her in college, where she will possibly join a college team. Knowing how determined she is, she will most definitely continue it. It has helped her to work under pressure, carry poise and precision, have a strong mind and will, and long-lasting friends,” her mother said.

Being immersed in figure skating from such a young age, Martinez has had a wide variety of experiences and opportunities surrounding it. As she continues to grow in her skating ability, she grows her life philosophy beside it. “Life is not just a one-shot thing," she said. "It is more of a learning experience. We’re all living it for the first time, and that’s really beautiful.”

1

O

nce senior Alex Yin and his teammate sophomore Keijiro Hattori set foot in Puerto Rico to compete for the DRD International Baseball Academies Tournament title, both knew they were about to give the athletic performance of a lifetime, according to the two Redondo teammates.

For 10 days, Hattori and Yin competed against nine visiting countries, playing for Japan's 18U division. Both on the RUHS varsity baseball team, the two have additionally known each other for around five years, and when Yin was invited to play as a catcher for the tournament, he asked Hattori to fill in an empty slot.

“I see [Hatorri] play, and he is really good. He works hard outside of school as well, so I thought he should be able to represent and play for the team,” Yin said.

“He was a third baseman shortstop, one of the most important positions in the infield. So him being a sophomore and leading our team was very crucial for the game, he brought everyone together. He isn’t a talkative person, but he would get on base every time and get our team going. He probably stuck out, maybe once the entire tournament, which is impressive.”

While Hattori brought the team together through his actions, Yin led Team Japan through his words and unexpected methods of encouraging his crowd.

“I learned salsa the day before one of our first games, and I was dancing and getting the crowd all riled up. [The audience] loved me, all the kids and parents started taking pictures with me and came to all of my games. They loved seeing me play.” Yin said.

Not only was Yin personable with his sudden fans and following, but was also able to connect with a multitude of kids from other countries. Through making new friends, Yin had the opportunity to gain something from each player.

2 “I learned to bring a lot of energy in each game. Team Puerto Rico played before us, so I got to see how they operated, and I kind of mimicked how they [encouraged each other] and put my own twist to it.” Yin said.

Similarly, Hatorri felt a heightened sense of camaraderie among his teammates as a result of the close quarters during their hotel stay.

“We had more chemistry because we got to know each other fast, but also built that bond over our trip. I knew we had to compete at a higher level, and I think that is what contributed to our success,” Hattori said.

For Hattori, their first game played in the tournament against Puerto Rico, the eventual 1st place winner of the tournament overall, was a moment where their team showcased that harmony which led them to place 4th.

“That first game was a really big moment in my eyes. We were the only team to beat them, and I personally played very well.

When I got that first hit, everything felt so exaggerated, and I was so excited to be there,” Hattori said. “The overall outcome of winning that game was really big for us.

It showed how much we came together as a team and how strong we were even though we might not have been as talented as the others. How we were able to show our devotion to the tournament.”

Constructing a bond within the team took time, but Hattori and Yin’s connection was equally as important to the accomplishments that they were aiming for.

“[Yin] is really like a balance to me. We care a lot for each other, and even though we are two years apart, we have a good connection, player to player,” Hattori said. “I feel that my actions show what I’m made of and how I inspire others to do the same.”

Though the tournament was physically and mentally demanding, Hattori’s passion for the sport carried him through, which has also driven him throughout his nine years of playing. Lessons learned in the home have transferred onto the field for Hattori, especially in times of adrenaline and perspiration.

“Going pro [professionals] has been a dream all my life. My father is also really inspirational, and he drives me because he knows I am devoted to the sport. There is a goal of mine to someday make it in the Hall of Fame, and he keeps that idea in mind. He teaches me how to not only be a respectful player but also a respectful person.” Hattori said.

The combination of hard work and strong unity within Team Japan guided them towards winning fourth place overall in the baseball tournament, something Hattori feels can be attributed to representation.

“Even though our team wasn’t as good or strong [as some of our competitors], we still managed to win [in a way], and that came as a success in our eyes,” Hattori said. “We showed that our country’s baseball is skilled and that we can compete with strong teams from other nations. Representing a country is really hard to do, but to overcome that is to create success.”

1. Celebrating a comeback run 2. Getting ready for the next play 3. Thanking the fans in attendance after the game ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEIJIRO HATTORI

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8 high tide feb. 23, 2024

in-

Behind closed doors

Cultural, religious and generational divides all contribute to teenagers concealing their identities from parents

by Claudia Turner and Cristina Couch

N

o one wants to play emotional was trans, they'd be fine with it. But they hide and seek with their par- still see it as something ‘other,’ and because ents, but for some teens, being they’ve seen me grow up and have this idea “found” could lead to more than just losing of who I am, they can’t accept it when I tell the game; it could leave them without a them they’re wrong,” Charlie said. “I think house or exposure to the outside world or if they had more queer friends growing stuck in judgmental environments. “The up, then it probably wouldn't be as big of end game,” or the promised freedom of be- a deal. Maybe they would still be worried ing an adult, is not close enough for many, about me putting myself in a box, but exkeeping them playing until the time runs ploring gender would be seen as something out. to support instead of something that causes The need for a teen to hide can be at- more [worry].” tributed to the values their parent imparts For queer kids in more traditional to them, often through religion, culture homes, coming out was often met with and personal expectations. For immigrant punishment, dismissiveness and denial. parents raising their children in an envi- Charlie received a similar reaction when ronment fundamentally different from the opening up to their parents. one they grew up in, it can be challenging to “I’ve had to come out to my mom a toembrace cultural differences. tal of five times. Each time she tells me she “The way my parents want me to dress doesn’t want me to ‘put myself in a box,’ and act doesn't take into account the sur- there's a lot of crying, and then she refuses roundings that I've grown up with,” anon- to talk about it again,” Charlie said. “I think ymous junior Sophie said, a second-gen- they're just worried that I’m restricting myeration immigrant whose parents came self, and they're worried because transphoto America from a predominantly Muslim bia is becoming harder and harder to avoid. country before she was born.

So, my parents deal with that by just not “Since I’m living in an American beach talking about my gender at all. town and in the American public school Not only accepting but adapting to this system, my surroundings growing up were harsh reality has forced these kids to live very different from the ideals that matched within facades to function in their family up with the Muslim setting.

Anonymous faith,” Sophie said. And junior John, who is a as parents, they didn't trans man, has been build me much of a living a lie at home religious foundation ever since he began themselves. So religion The version of them his transition, presentgrowing up has always I know is very loving ing male at school and been just the justificareturning to the clostion for their punish- and outgoing, and she et around his family, ments, rather than a making him feel like wants to take care of thing that I understood a “weird discount suon my own.” perhero.” The need to everybody. She's full To anonymous jucreate personas conof laughter and hapnior Alex, the integratributes to the stress tion of her family's reli- piness, and she's not of living up to parental gious and homophobic expectations. beliefs has been appar- afraid of the world.

“Sometimes, it ent throughout her dai- Around her parents, can be more mentally ly life. Just as her famidraining. Throughout ly attends weekly Zoom that gets muted. the day, I'm allowed to meetings with their lobe more energetic, but cal church and adheres by the time classes are JULIA to Christian ideals, they done, I have to remind ANONYMOUS JUNIOR also stand by their prejmyself to [turn all that udices against the comoff],” Alex said. “It’s a munity when the subject arises. Despite its list of I can't do this, I can't do that; it's like prevalence, Alex feels conflicted about ac- school personality is off, and now I have to cepting her family’s religious affinity. be my home personality.”

“Sometimes they'll be teachings that will Anonymous junior Julia has seen this catch my interest, and I’ll be listening to it, switch firsthand when spending time with and it's just very confusing because if you her girlfriend, whose Catholic parents’ hobelieve in that–my family is the type that mophobia has forced secrecy upon their would be like, ‘You need to love and forgive relationship. everyone,’ but at the same time be com“The version of them I know is very lovpletely rude and everything to the LGBTQ ing and outgoing, and she wants to take community,” Alex said. care of everybody. She's full of laughter The rejection that awaits Alex if she re- and happiness, and she's not afraid of the veals her pansexuality, or attraction to all world. Around her parents, that gets mutgenders, furthers her separation from her ed. She mostly is just making sure she's not parents–a consequence not uncommon for gonna get in trouble. She wants to avoid children part of the LGBTQ+ community. family conflict, so she kind of goes into a About 66% of LGBTQ youth choose not to fight or flight mood,” Julia said. come out or receive parental rejection by This awareness is necessary for some, as disclosing their LGBTQ affiliations to their revealing their true self jeopardizes having parents, according to a 2013 study by Ox- a roof over their head. This is not an unford scholars. The likelihood of rejection common fate, as 40% of American homeis even higher among families with tradi- less youth identify as part of the LGBTQ+ tional values pertaining to religion, marital community, according to the True Colors status and childbearing.

Fund. In an effort to stay safe at home, Alex Even for students whose parents aren’t utilizes discrete forms of expression, such religiously devoted, differing generational as pansexual flag-colored nails that are renorms retaining the LGBTQ+ communi- arranged, artistic endeavors and TV show ty make it harder for older generations to choices. In an attempt to maneuver around accept that not everyone is heterosexual. restrictions, many additionally turn to the Anonymous junior Charlie, who identifies internet to find mutual communities and as agender, thinks that if their parents grew discover themselves. up in today's age, being LGBTQ+ wouldn’t “My Instagram account is secret to my be seen as “something strange.” family because when I asked my mom she “I wouldn’t say my parents are con- told me that I would have to share with her sciously transphobic. If I had a friend who the password, which I didn't feel comfort-

“

Parenting Styles Authoritarian caretakers have high expectectations for children but are less nurturing.

Permissive caretakers are nurturing but expect little from the child.

Uninvolved caretakers lack warmth but give their children a lot of freedom.

Authoritative

caretakers are warm, nurturing, and maintain clear expectations for the child.

Helicopter

caretakers are overattentive and overly fearful of a child's experiences and problems.

DEFINITONS VIA NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE

224

Of LGB adults, those who reported high rates of parential rejection in their teens were

8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide and

5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression

INFORMATION VIA AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

able doing. Now my account is like a safe place for me to be LGBTQ,” Alex said. “For me, it's just me throwing all my opinions and thoughts on there and having friends [online].”

Building relationships outside the household provides additional opportunities for self-expression and support beyond the digital realm. “[My parents] made me feel closer to [my friends] in a way because I’m able to do whatever, and I can go and act [how] ever [around my friends], and they won't really care, or they won't be surprised by it, or they're laugh, and they’ll respond in a positive way, whereas my family might respond negativity. So, in a way, it's made me feel seen,” Alex said.

When strict parents find out about their child's relationships, however, not even romance is safe from their interference.

Sophie can attest to this, saying her parents forcing her to break up with her first boyfriend to adhere to cultural ideals felt "twice as harsh" as any other punishment they could have given her.

"It was absolutely heartbreaking because we were forced to stop seeing each other despite our relationship being just fine before [her parents found out about it]. I was feeling the normal teenage emotions after losing my first boyfriend, but I was also feeling shamed at home,” Sophie said. They not only punished me by breaking us up, I also was not allowed to see my friends or have my phone. This made me feel guilty as if I had just turned my back on my religion and my culture by wanting a boyfriend."

Julia agrees, noting that seeing other teens not concerned about keeping their partner a secret creates additional internal struggle.

“When we got together, there was a mutual understanding that we would not be able to have what straight people have, and that was just something that we had to work through together,” Julia said. “But both of us still have those moments where we're like, ‘Why did this have to happen to us? Why do her parents have to be this way?’”

In the face of rejection, many look to the future for better realities. However, as much as they are looking forward to college or moving out, the affectionate aspects of their parental relationships conflict with their rationale to leave them behind.

“My dad, [a Reborn Christian] has a vitriolic hate for transgender people and loathes my whole community. But if you look past this, he’s pretty much the perfect parent,” John said. “My mom wasn't around a lot when I was growing up, so he stepped up. He always makes sure that I'm fed and that I'm always taken care of, even though we don’t live together anymore.

And both my parents are great about trusting me, giving me independence that has allowed me to [transition in secret].”

Alex understands the emotional turmoil due to her family’s nature of being “normal” 75% of the time, while their prejudice remains “dormant until they see someone like that.” An overall consensus among the students, regardless of their specific situation, is that they must accept their unacceptance and hold onto their beliefs elsewhere.

“I am my parent’s most prized possession, but I'm also their greatest disappointment. Despite being parent and child, we come from two cultures that completely conflict with each other. And there will never be a compromise,” Sophie said. “I've written letters, essays, made slideshows, anything to get my point of view across to them, but even though they speak perfect English, it feels like there is still a language barrier. And I’ve come to terms with that.”

feb. 23, 2024 high tide 9

-focus

PowerSchool allows parents to keep a closer watch on students' academic lives, often placing more stress and pressure on their children to perform well and leading students to hide their grades

by Scarlett Mische and Ethan Chi

T

he phone buzzes: another test grade is in. Whether the student’s heart sinks or they move on, they know that they aren’t the only one with access to the portal. Modern academic softwares like PowerSchool give parents the ability to watch over students' academics and extracurriculars closer than ever.

For anonymous junior, Dave, this is a common experience. He struggles with ADHD and often falls behind on his academic work causing a disconnect between him and his parents, who do not struggle with ADHD themselves. He feels a constant pressure and “wishes [he] could just resort to hiding” at times.

Although Dave is “always trying” to stay on top of his work, the fact that he still falls behind can upset his parents, who “just want [him] to succeed.” Although his parents are often attempting to help him with his academic load, it can be ”overbearing” for him at times.

“My parents don’t trust me enough with my own grades, and it’s hard. It can get overwhelming sometimes when they are constantly trying to remind me of things which they don’t think I’m capable of remembering,” Dave said. “I just want to be able to hide my PowerSchool from them sometimes.”

Dave notes that his parents are “just doing what they think is best;” however, his parents' goals do not always align with his own. Dave often feels that in not succeeding academically, he is in some way lesser than his friends and peers, so being reminded of this at home can be “even more detrimental to [his] mental health.”

“I know that my parents just don’t want me to fail, but I still am. So, I feel like I’m trying for nothing and that my work never amounts to anything. My parents just don’t get that struggle and how it leads to me feeling constantly less motivated,” Dave said.

The same lack of understanding exhibited by Dave’s parents can extend into the extracurriculars of students as well. Anonymous junior Susan has experienced these restrictions first hand when she was accepted into a prestigious academic summer program.

“The initial day I told her, she didn't seem like it was that awesome, or that great. That hurt because I knew that it was a big opportunity, and she wasn't taking it seriously, so she said no,” Susan said.

Susan noted her mom puts a heavy emphasis on athletics and Susan’s involvement in track. Devoting all attention to her sport, Susan feels like her mom places pressure on her to earn a track scholarship as a means of getting into school.

“Not having my mom to support me when I got into the summer program really hurt because I felt like I finally had a breakthrough for a future because I want to go into business and finance. It just sucked because it felt like she didn't care as much.

She was prioritizing something that I didn't feel was my priority, like track. I don't prioritize sports as much as education because I know I don't want to do track as an actual profession when I'm older. I know she has good intentions and wants to help, but sometimes it just feels like she doesn't really hear me out for my priorities,” Susan said.

This extends to Susan’s interest in SCROC’s courses in fashion design and business, but it conflicted with her track

PRESSURE

CONSEQUENCES -

Obsession with grades Anxiety -

Extreme

competitiveness Changes in appetite Working constantly Stimulant abuse (e.g., caffeine) Sleep difficulties Inability to relax Social isolation -

Loss of interest

in previously enjoyed pastimes

EXCESSIVE LEVELS OF ACADEMIC STRESS CAUSES....

“

Increased prevalence of psychological and physical problems like depression, anxiety, nervousness, and stress-related disorders.

CONSEQUENCES VIA STANFORD UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH VIA NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE

schedule, which her mom would’ve prior- than strength,” Mason said. “Parents need itized. Even though Susan notes she en- to focus on cultivating honest relationships joys being a leader on the track team, her with their kids. Obviously, relationships mom’s “somewhat controlling” tendencies are never going to be perfect, but creating have led to Susan feeling like it would be an environment where their kid feels safe enough to be honest is essential.” easier to keep things from her mom.

Junior Matthew Vitt grew up in Hondu“I have thought of not telling my mom certain opportunities, or thought about not ras until age seven, where he learned how asking her necessarily right away when I to handle struggle and watched his parents went to do something outside of school work through the education system despite that doesn’t involve track. Also for certain growing up in poverty– his experiences situations I have to prioritize what plans have developed his value of education, but with friends I made. For example, if there's still feels pressure to succeed.

“I want to live up to my parents' expectaa birthday going on, and then at the same time my friend wants to hang out, I have tions, because at the end of the day, I don't to pick one friend over the other because want to let them down. I also don't want to let myself down in that I can't have multiple fun events situation, bein one weekend. cause they've This is mostcome from ly because of a really track and my hard life. mom just My dad saying no. would alSo it sucks. ways tell I had to me, we pick friends didn't get like that.” you guys L i f e out of horand health rible sitc o a c h , uations Tynan Majust for son, runs a you not counseling to approgram, preciate H i g h e r it. With Grounds t h a t Mgmt, in mindset, the South my edBay to help ucation foster betis someter relat h i n g tions withthat my in families. parents Mason is have al“seeing w a y s first hand” pushed,” the ways Vitt said. in which When “distrust Vitt deand prescided to sure” can drop AP lead stuChemdents down istry it unhealthy felt like paths. a nerve “It’s a wracking very comdeviation petitive from his town beparents' tween RePHONE IMAGE BY ROMI RISS set path and dondo and felt like he “didn’t [Mira] Costa, and parents are pushing their kids in a million meet [his] parents’ expectations.”

“I did think that it would have been easdifferent directions. They’re pushing their kids to get a 4.2 GPA and play lacrosse and ier to hide dropping the class from them, try to get into UCLA or USC. These parents because I was scared that they were gonna are sometimes doing it at all costs,” Mason be mad, or just angry at me and disappointsaid. “They’re willing to sacrifice the pil- ed for giving up. Sometimes I think it'll be lars and foundation of a child being able to better at the moment if I lie or hide somehave emotional intelligence, trust, honesty thing from my parents because I don't want and respect. The parents are willing to put my parents to be on top of me about school those things in the backseat as long as their if I’m messing up,” Vitt said.

However, when Vitt told his parents kid is achieving academically.”

Mason notes that the “helicopter par- about dropping the class, he felt supported ents” tend to “nitpick” everything their and cared for.

“Their reaction showed me that the children do, and so “their kids start lying because they just don't want to hear it any- emphasis on education didn't mean everything,” Vitt said. “It meant a lot to them, more.”

“It’s easier for the kids to start lying and and it meant it was really important to being sneaky and not being honest and them, but it also showed me that my well transparent. These types of adults are par- being was like the most important thing for enting from a place of fear and worry rather them.”

10

opinion

Should children be allowed to have acess to social media?

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by Meara Fay

YES:

ithout social media, I wouldn’t have most of my friends. And I know, for older people—especially parents—that can be hard to imagine. If most people I know over the age of 40 were to hear I met a friend online, they would immediately imagine the typical, uncommon scenario portrayed in the media: My “friend” is secretly a 60-year-old man who wants to kill me and my family. But the reality is, my access to social media throughout adolescence has given me the tools to broaden my horizons by making (real) friends and exposing myself to different perspectives and knowledge.

My mom allowed me to have social media as soon as I got my own iPod Touch 6 at 10 years old. In the seven years I’ve had social media, not once have I been catfished, abducted, stalked or abused. Maintaining online safety is all about digital literacy and knowledge of rights and wrongs. Under appropriate guidance and supervision from parents, kids can be empowered to navigate the digital landscape safely and with confidence.

Social media has served me as a gateway to endless learning opportunities. According to a 2018 study by Pew Research Center, 97% of cellphone users ages 13-17 say that when they use their phones they learn new things. As a curious kid, platforms like YouTube became my go-to for answering my many questions and having access to those sources allowed me to become informed on the world and injustices around me, empowering me to become politically aware, form my own opinions and advocate for causes I believe in.

Additionally, according to a 2018 Pew Research report, 81% of teens ages 13 to 17 say social media makes them feel more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives, while around two-thirds say these platforms make them feel as if they have people who will support them through

by Priya Ramcharan

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tough times. Kids not allowed social media are often left out as they are forcibly disconnected from their peers and pop culture.

Without social media, I wouldn’t have discovered my favorite music artists or found the online communities that make me feel seen.

Despite its complexities and challenges, social media has enriched my childhood in countless ways, shaping me into a more informed, empathetic and creative person overall.

Of course, like many teens, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges from dealing ALL PHOTOS AND with the standard ILLUSTRATIONS BY amount of online ARIYA ANVARI harassment from other middle schoolers to grappling with the pressures of maintaining a curated online persona. However, these experiences also served as valuable learning opportunities, teaching me important lessons in digital literacy, online safety and self-care.

NO:

ife felt different before I downloaded social media. I bet I watched the sunrise, solved the crossword in seconds and read all the great books. At least, that’s what I bet. I don’t really remember how I was before social media, because since downloading Instagram, I have been waterboarded by a constant stream of information: the latest slang and trends, an infinite supply of videos and life updates from vague acquaintances. Teenagers on social media know what their friend from elementary school ate for breakfast, but they don’t even know who they are. Social media is not meant for young minds.

I got my first phone freshman year of high school and downloaded Instagram soon after for school news. I knew how harmful social media could be, and delayed getting the app until I was 15.

Despite that theoretical understanding, I still saw myself fall into the trap of comparison and addiction. Even my will power was no match for the algorithm, and I could feel my brain changing. According to a study by New York University, Instagram and Tik Tok users have seen

an average attention span drop from 12 seconds (in 2000) to 8 seconds (in 2020).

Students in high school are finding it harder to focus, which impacts their academics and future.

Overflowing young minds with superficiality and insane popularity contests can distort many teens' capacity to see what is important. Through likes and comments, the apps morph into battlegrounds and flatten reality, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Sitting kids in front of Tik Tok at ten is a detriment, especially for teenagers who need time to develop their identities and passions before throwing them into social media. According to the University of Rochester, in teens' brains, the connections between the emotional part of the brain and the decision-making center are still developing. Teenagers cannot decipher between appropriate content, and they shouldn’t have to. Though we may feel mature, the science is correct in concluding we are not. Social media can actually stunt brain development in adolescents. Researchers at the American Psychological Association found that kids who habitually check social media had changes in parts of the brain that control social rewards and punishment. They found that young people are more vulnerable than adults to the negative effects of social media. Our minds are still impressionable and the damage might be permanent, meaning parents who give their kids social media early can be taking a huge risk.

I am so grateful for the time I had before getting social media. I can attribute it to the emotional security I have now. I am sure my pre-social media life was not a paradise, but whatever troubles I had, it was due to chaos that 13-year-old me caused. That is the right of being young, making mistakes and building individuality. It should never be interfered with, especially not by the disease of social media.

Editorial: Spreading the word by the High Tide Editorial Board

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very morning around 7 a.m., Redondo students receive an email with the subject “RUHS Morning Announcements” and the date. Our inboxes are populated with scheduling updates, scholarship opportunities and sports event notifications. With this information, we build our calendar lives and—more importantly—stay aware of the inner workings of our school community. Though we constantly receive emails from administration, not all critical information is made directly accessible to us.

Despite being integral members of the school community, students often find themselves excluded from administrative communiqué. Many statements and releases about sensitive or critical information are on Parent Square and addressed as “Dear Families” or “Dear RUHS Community,” leaving students under the umbrella of families and communities without direct access to such information. It creates a disconnect between students and administration, separating us from information, discussions and decisions that affect us directly.

Only last week, widespread internet and phone outages disrupted classrooms, leaving us without arguably the most critical tool of our education. We can assume that the IT department is working to resolve

the issue, but the lack of any direct announcement leaves students in the dark. Instead of a simple announcement, which could have reassured us, a vague post was made available to parents on Parent Square about the status of the internet. It promised updates as more information became available, but follow-ups never came in any form.

Paramount to education is student safety. Most of the student body may be minors, but we still need access to information about our well-being. Just this past December, the presence of two separate firearms on campus prompted lockdowns, and it was only after the second of the two incidents that we received emails about what happened and only about the second incident. Ironically, while our parents were safe in their homes or workplaces, they received notification of the situation before we did. Some students only learned about the potential danger from concerned parent texts. If our safety is at risk, we should be informed first, not last.

There is a common theme: the administration assumes our parents or teachers will disperse relevant information to us. That's nonsensical. On a campus where we are required to abstain from phone use during class, how are we supposed to be informed by

our parents? It's also impossible to assume every one of the 100+ teachers will disperse timely and relevant information to us.

We acknowledge that specific information buffers exist for students to prevent excess stress or overwhelm. Hearing about a gun on campus isn't likely to produce a focused learning environment. But just because that qualification exists doesn't invalidate that students are entitled to information vital to us, especially for 18-year-old students. These students are legal adults and can join the military, take out student loans, or open a credit card, but they still receive vital school information from their parents. It isn't a blanket solution, but an option should exist for of-age students or those with consenting parents to receive information that may be deemed sensitive.

Our system of information is incomplete. Students feel disconnected and uninformed about critically important things. Expanding access to this information directly to students, especially about our safety, is essential to our overall well-being. Administration should reevaluate its communication protocols to ensure transparency and create a more informed student body.

opinion 11

high tide feb. 23, 2024

[ CLOSED CAPTIONED ] IMAGE VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Closed captioning benefits hearing communities, as well as the hearing impaired

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by Marley Van Pelt

Poignant music plays,” “thrilling background instrumentals,” and the best of all, “machine-gun-firelike laughter” (in regards to the character Janice from “FRIENDS”). Closed captioning plays an important role in accessibility, but it always cracks me up when I see them add their own flair to the watching experience of a movie or TV show.

Closed captioning is an important, albeit sometimes humorous, part of film today–at least in my life. Every day at home, I turn on my TV to see closed captions on the screen, and when I go to the movie theaters, I go out of my way to get the closed captioning devices from Guest Services.

The reason I find closed captioning a vital part of my life is because it provides accessibility for me, which I probably appreciate more so than others because of my background.

At the age of two, doctors diagnosed me with profound hearing loss. Because of this, I underwent two subsequent surgeries to get cochlear implants. For someone who is not familiar, these implants are analogous to glasses, but for hearing. I can take my implants on and off and they “fix” my hearing, but it’s never to a degree of perfection. Closed captioning allows me to capture all the missing parts that my hearing peers hear, and it’s very apparent to me how much I truly miss when closed cap-

tioning isn’t provided.

Even though I am in a minority group with my hearing disability, I also think closed captioning can seriously help those who are hearing, especially in noisy environments where the audio may be hard to hear. In essence, closed captioning limits the “listen loud, speak louder” cycle.

Closed captioning can also help those who aren’t native speakers of a particular language become more comfortable with the words. Closed captions become a written representation of that language and can even help adolescents have better reading abilities and comprehension. The National Library of Medicine states, “Children who watch captioned videos are better able to define content words that were heard in the videos, pronounce novel words, recognize vocabulary items (which may or may not have been heard in the videos) and draw inferences about what happened in the videos.” This source also showcased studies proving that “captions benefit hearing persons learning a second language, regardless of genre.” Whether hearing or deaf, native speaker or foreign speaker, young or old, closed captioning benefits all.

I understand that everyone has their personal preferences. My family and friends are typically well-adjusted to close captioning because of my need for it, but I do know of some households that don’t

prefer closed captioning because of its “distracting nature.” I’m used to taking in the visuals and captions simultaneously, but I know that some feel that the captions can “take away” from the film’s overall effect.

For example, the closed captionings can sometimes spoil what a character will say before the character says it, detracting from the surprise of that event. Another issue is that closed captioning can become more of a hindrance when not transcribed accurately. I’ve had first hand experience with this, typically in YouTube videos or in-theater movies where the captions didn’t reflect the actual words in the dialogue. This is even more confusing and frustrating for me, because I do rely on the captions for understanding. It honestly sucks when the captions don’t do their job.

Even though they can have their faults, closed captioning, according to the Federal Communications Commission, should have a 99% accuracy rate. This high standard for closed captioning and their benefits is why, in the end, I have more positive experiences with closed captioning and will continue to use them for the rest of my life.

Even though sometimes I feel as if I’m the only one who uses closed captioning, statistics reveal that there has been an increase in the use of this tool with younger generations. BBC analyzed research from a study conducted by Stagetext, a deaf-led

charity that works to bring accessibility to the arts through closed captioning. The study showed that “four out of five viewers aged 18-25 said they use subtitles all or part of the time,” but that “less than a quarter of those aged between 56 and 75 said they do [the same even though] people in that age bracket were almost twice as likely to say they are deaf or hard of hearing.” With the recent increase in technology and inclusivity, closed captioning has taken a larger role in today’s society than in the past. This expansion of technology, I expect, will only make closed captioning more accurate and more prevalent in an effort to counteract the lack of awareness about the benefits of this great tool.

Closed captions have the power to increase reading comprehension in minors, help individuals on their path to learning a new language, and give the deaf and hardof-hearing community (as well as hearing individuals) a stronger understanding of films when watching with noisy surroundings.

Sometimes closed captions just make me smile. So, next time you see “dramatic music flourishing” or “spirited orchestral music” on your TV, embrace it for what it is: a tool for education and the hearing impaired, a way to help foreign language speakers and learners, or a way to enjoy entertainment on a new level.

Attempts to destigmatize neurodivergence have been mostly unsuccessful, alienating and misrepresenting neurodivergent people

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by Kat Otey

or something that has been treated as a trend for the past few years, neurodivergence isn’t being de-stigmatized as fast as it should be. “Everyone has anxiety nowadays,” you might hear, or “All the kids have ADHD now,” or “Five signs you might be autistic,” or “If you do these 7 things, you might have bipolar disorder.”

Is it true that everyone is really neurodivergent these days? The answer, without getting into the politics of self-diagnosis and pop-psychology, is no. In fact, the majority of people are neurotypical. But there is truth to the fact that neurodivergence is becoming more widely recognized and diagnosed in people who are functioning in a world that simply isn’t built to inherently accommodate them. Obviously, we neurodivergent people (myself included) have it better than we have historically, but the reality is that while accommodations are slowly emerging, our daily lives have struggled to catch up—especially at school.

It’s well-known that the U.S. public school system, in general, follows a onesize-fits-all model. But hopefully, it is equally well-known that one size does not, in fact, fit all. In the past, having severe Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) while attempting to keep up with my workload from classes was insurmountably difficult for me, even when I was passionate about the subject. The content matter wasn’t the issue, it was the format. And now, having a medical diagnosis and other support such

as my 504 plan–a list of accommodations that can include later due dates, extended timed tests, all approved by the school administration–I can say that I am extremely lucky.

Medication, therapy and getting diagnosed are all expensive and difficult to achieve on their own, and getting a 504 or Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) can be just as difficult or even harder. The process of getting said plan takes months, requiring input from all of your teachers and an in-person meeting that feels more like an interrogation than an accommodation– even though neurodivergent people have been legally entitled to accommodations since the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Getting a 504 plan is difficult, especially without a prior diagnosis or the free time and support required to complete the process. Although it’s beneficial academically, beyond that the struggle of being neurodivergent, frankly, doesn’t get much easier.

For one, the way that neurodivergent people are treated within the school system creates an expectation of conformity while simultaneously alienating anyone who struggles to do so. The medications many neurodivergent people take, although the exact effects depend on the drug and the disorder it treats, can dull creativity and suppress deviation from the “normal” way of thinking, sacrificing individuality for the ability to “keep up” with our classmates.

Additionally, academic accommodations do little to change anything beyond

just that. We’re surrounded by a culture that thinks asking, “Is he bipolar?” is the best way to respond to someone making a “bad” decision, and that believes calling someone “restarted” is peak humor. Don’t even get me started on the term “acoustic,” the newest derogatory slang for autistic people. Personally, I would almost rather someone call me a slur than acoustic, because, in my eyes, the slur is less demeaning. When you say those things, everyone knows what you mean. You’re not funny or original.

The common ‘invisibility’ of neurodivergence makes it easy for someone to use a condition that applies to you as an insult directly in front of you. It’s like holiday dinner with your mildly conservative relatives who make passive aggressive comments about the “libs” and “gays.”

And no matter how well-intentioned, many people and places that claim to be ‘accepting’ are infested with the same alienating attitude–one of pity, not empathy. Organized attempts at integration are no doubt created without malicious intent, but still devolve into the opposite of inclusion. Because of this, people aren’t educated on what neurodivergence actually is or what neurodivergent people experience.

Instead, at its best, the current savior-complex based idea of “integration” and acceptance prompts pity where there should be a simple basis of respect for people’s differences and an ability to move beyond them.

Overall, I doubt many overtly disagree

with the goal of equity for neurodivergent people. And yet that’s the problem: It still has to be said. Neurodivergent people need to be not only accommodated, but valued, and not defined by what we can’t do, but by what we can.

letters to the

editor

The High Tide encourages greater input of perspectives from both students and staff. If you have an opinion about one of the articles, letters can be sent to the editor at hightideonline@gmail.com We reserve the right to edit for content, grammar and space constraints.

Letters must be signed and are not guaranteed to be printed. Please keep letters to a maximum of 250 words. Longer guest opinions are also accepted.

voice column

The High Tide aims to share the voices of a wider swath of the RUHS student population, beyond just our staff members.

If you have a story to share, a unique outlook on something, or a personal opinion, fill out the form linked at the QR code.

12

entertainment

The Return of Reggae

by Valentina Masoni

"Bob Marley: One Love" beautifully retells the life of reggae's most legendary musician, while remaining faithful to his message of unity

I

don’t know whether this is an unpop- six bullet wounds.

This scene with its tense music and ular opinion or if most movie-goers agree, but my personal favorite part sudden shift to darker coloring showcases the severity of the civil war in Jamaica, of going to AMC is watching the previews. and how Marley was When I was sitting in risking his life by the theater waiting to watch committing to neu“Mean Girls,” and I saw the Critics Score: 43% trality and attempttrailer for “Bob Marley: ing to bring peace.

One Love,” I knew instant- Audience Score: 93% I was on the edge ly that I wanted to watch Valentina's Score: 87% of my seat, wonderit. The trailer presented an ing if we had just emotional, heartfelt story INFORMATION FROM ROTTEN watched Rita die. about the most recogniz- TOMATOES Luckily, all three able reggae singer in the world and his rise to stardom, so my expec- of the wounded go on to make a full recovery, and the concert is still on, and it’s intations were high, and were exceeded.

“One Love” opens with a message from credible to watch. From pulsating concert Ziggy Marley, Bob’s son and one of the pro- scenes layered with Marley’s powerful lyrducers of the movie, who ensures us that ics and signs waving through the crowd, to he was on set almost every day making sure scenes depicting the breathtaking nature the portrayal of his father was accurate, and lush greenery in Jamaica, the movie does an amazing job of paying homage to adding a layer of authenticity to the film.

The movie begins in 1976, with Bob the beauty of the island and its people even Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) announcing to during times of such turmoil.

Before leaving the stage, Marley bares the press he would be holding a peace concert to bring together the people of Jamai- his wounds to the audience in an impactful ca during a time rife with political conflict, parting message. Backstage, he tells Rita with two warring political parties dividing she must go to America with the children for their safety, and he departs for London the island.

Immediately, we see Marley’s impact with the band. He will not be returning to and power over his people. This is to be Jamaica for over a year.

In London, Marley can relax a little, and expected with celebrity status, but what’s more interesting is his willingness to help. begins working on his album “Exodus,” In these beginning scenes and throughout which would later be pronounced by Time the rest of the movie, Marley promotes “the best album of the 20th century,” and peace in Jamaica and is told he’s the only go on to be a massive hit. We see a lot of scenes showcasing the community and one who can bring it back.

While preparing for the concert and brotherhood within the band, and Marrunning through songs, an assassination ley’s creative process in the studio. Unforattempt on Marley is carried out, leaving tunately for Rita, we see the toll this newMarley with an arm and torso wound, his found level of fame takes on their marriage, wife, Rita (Lashana Lynch) with a head in- as Rita’s own musical career has to take a jury, and another member of his band with backseat as she takes care of the children

and sees Bob less and less.

Marley’s spirituality also plays a massive role in the movie and in his message.

Marley and his family embrace Rastafarianism, which emphasizes freedom and redemption. A great number of his songs are infused with spirituality and throughout the movie Marley, his family, and the band reference and praise Jah (their God).

Although Kingsley Ben-Adir did an amazing job acting out the wide range of emotions Marley goes through and looks strikingly similar to the singer, I felt the real star of the movie, acting-wise, was Lashana Lynch. Her portrayal of Rita Marley was incredible, representing Rita’s role as a pillar of strength and Bob’s most valued critic, and bringing such raw emotion and pain to the more intense scenes that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen.

Her performance absolutely blew me away.

During difficult and emotional moments for Marley, we see flashbacks of his earlier life. These flashbacks are almost dreamlike, with softer lighting and colors, and provide insight to Marley’s earlier life and make the audience step into his shoes for a moment.

Marley finally decides to return to Jamaica in 1978 and is welcomed back as a legend, with hordes of people reaching out to the car he’s in, and Marley lowering the window to touch their hands. Later, the gunman who tried to kill Marley and his loved ones approaches him for forgiveness, and Bob Marley tells him “he keeps no vengeance.” These two scenes stood out and showed the person Marley was at his core, despite his insane level of fame.

From the colorful, lively opening scenes in Kingston, to the tear jerking ending when Marley returns home, “Bob Marley: One Love,” was moving and authentic. I

walked into the movie theater not knowing anything about Bob Marley, save his biggest hits, and walked out touched by the message of love, unity and forgiveness he dedicated his life to spreading, and the legacy he left behind.

Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) raises his fist to the sky PHOTO VIA PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Through the muck of uninteresting celebrity cameos and cheap writing, these six Super Bowl commercials made the touchdown by Rena Felde

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grandfather wasn’t able to see her ice skatnamused. Bored. Asleep. The ing routine, so her and her father drive up Super Bowl LVIII commercials a n d she performs for him on a rink in were overall a letdown. Most his front yard. The string of the ads were filled with celebrities I lights and speakers couldn’t give two Schitt’s about (I’m were powered by looking at you Dan Levy), and I didn’t the car, and it even understand the point of half of made a pleasant the ads until I rewatched them. That image and was might be on me, though. This year, sweet because the Super Bowl had 123.7 million her grandpa fiviewers, its largest audience in hisnally got to see tory, which you think would be rethe performance. flected by quality ads. Unfortunately, Does it make me having celebrities in advertisements wish the Kia EV9 was has become the new normal and my family car? Meh. quality writing is sacrificed.

Not so much. But I "It's not just showing do appreciate the up at the Super Bowl that winter wondergenerates value for the land visuals and brand,” Derek Ruckheartfelt plot. er, a Kellogg School of Ice Spice sipping on a Starry PHOTO VIA STARRY Another memManagement professor, orably sentimental ad was the NFL’s own, told CBS. "There are some brands that “Born to Play,” which took place in Africa showed up, but you and I will forget about and follows a young Ghanaian boy named them the next day."

Kwesi. Throughout the ad he runs through Celebrity-use is acceptable when they the town of Accra, weaving through fruit are fundamental for the commercial’s stands and vendor stalls, presumably headpunchline, like BMW’s "Talkin’ Like Walking for an endzone. There are cameos from en'' featuring Chistopher Walken and his famous NFL players who help him on his recognizable voice used as the premise way, and eventually he ends up at an NFL of his playfully mocking interactions. But camp and gets introduced to the league. when celebrities are obviously just in a A coach he meets says, “It doesn’t matter commercial to generate attention from where you’re born, as long as you’re born the audience, I can’t help but roll my eyes. to play,” promoting the NFL International Did I really need to see Ice Spice in a lemPlayer Pathway Program and its attempts on-lime soda ad? No. to find players and talent internationally.

Attempting to review all 59 ads is ineffiI wouldn’t say the NFL takes the cake for cient, so I’ll stick with my top six. I wouldn’t the most sentimental commercial, but they say Kia’s “Perfect 10” commercial wholly did a swell job at merging a meaningful lives up to its name, but I’d say it comes to message with fun and creative visuals and a close 8. The promotion of their new EV9 player features. had a wholesome storyline, where a girl’s

and utter cacophony made it truly enjoyThough the sentimental ads were sweet, able.

I liked the goofy commercials most. I defiWhat I liked most were the ads that nitely wasn’t expecting a Hellman’s maybroke the fourth wall and engaged their onnaise promotion, but it was one of the audience beyond the TV screen. Verizon’s first commercials to make my friends and I "Can’t B Broken," featuring Beyoncé, intelaugh out loud. A cat’s meow sounding like grated thoughtful and diverse scenes with “mayo” is an offbeat idea, but Kate McKconcepts such as BeyoncAI, BarBey and a innon was a good casting choice because performance from space, all to prove that she’s got that crazy cat lady demeanor. I Beyoncé can break the internet, but not think this ad perfectly merged pop culture Verizon. The various styles of video and the with a likable story to revitalize the classic exciting end announcement for the release condiment. of her new music proved its creativity, yet Speaking of classics, the notable chocofunctionality. late-peanut butter brand Reese’s advertised Additionally, Bud Light’s "Easy Night their new product, the Caramel Big Cup. It Out," which featured a beer genie, was enwas funny, chaotic nonsense, and I loved it. joyable with its sound effects, playful stoThe chaos begins right away, when a narraryline and flashy visuals. What really made tor announces to a living room full of peoit top tier though was the ending when they ple that a big change will be coming to the asked their Bud Light genie to bring them traditional candy. A man proceeds to dunk to the Super Bowl and after the break endhis head in chili, a woman jumps through ed, the actors were panned to in the audia window and a dog barks angrily. ence of the game. I recognize that a genie The narrator then reassures found in a Bud Light cannot grant me wishthem that the change will es, but the breakdown of the wall between be the addition of a carathe ad world and reality was close enough mel layer and they clean to magic for me. the mess. This pattern of For a second consecutive year, the avwild antics woven in with erage cost of a 30-second ad spot announcements during the Super Bowl was $7 continues, and the million, and although not all of drama made for a the commercials were a hit in silly experience. my book, their influence is This ad was simundeniable. And as much ple, maintaining as I hate to admit it, it the same set will be a while before and actors, I stop hearing Arnold but their Schwarznegger’s use of the voice saying “Like space, a good neighbaaa” props, when I see State Farm intense ads. emotion The "Bud Light Genie" PHOTO VIA BUD LIGHT

entertainment 13

high tide feb. 23, 2024

Legacy through literature

by Yasmeen Ford

Online News Editor Yasmeen Ford reviews some of her favorite pieces of literature by Black authors, both fiction and non-fiction

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ifted to me on my 16th birthday, I received a hardcopy of “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin. Unsettling yet essential, direct and explicit, this account of simply being a Black man delves into the often internalized and generational inferiority that is pushed on to African Americans. Only on the sixth page of the book, I came across the quote that made me take out my highlighter and place a Post-it note at the top of the page: “You were born where you were born and faced the future that you faced because you were black and for no other reason. The limits of your ambition were, thus, expected to be set forever. You were born in a society which spelled out with brutal clarity, and in as many ways as possible, that you were a worthless human being. You were not expected to aspire to excellence: you were expected to make peace with mediocrity.”

Utilizing the freedom achieved through the power of writing, Black authors create a space to express their innermost thoughts. These stories aren't merely narratives; they are testaments to the resilience, creativity and unwavering spirit of people who have refused to be silenced even when seen as less than human. Black writers have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, shaping our understanding of history, identity and the still ongoing struggle and pursuit of justice.

“Long Way Down”

by Jason Reynolds "Guns have an uncanny way of turning boys into men."

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hat if I told you this book was set in the span of sixty seconds? One whole minute. Taking place in an elevator to the ground department of his apartment complex, 15-year-old Will embarks on the journey to seek retribution against the person he believes is responsible for his brother’s murder. As Will travels down the elevator, he is visited by a series of ghosts from his past, each of whom has been affected by gun violence in some way. Through their stories and interactions with Will, the novel expands on the themes of grief, trauma and the cycle of violence that plagues so many Black, inner-city communities. As Will confronts his own emotions and the choices that led him to this elevator, he is forced to reckon with the repercussions of his actions and answer the question that torments his mind: Is revenge truly the answer?

Gun violence is an increasingly relevant issue and a significant topic throughout the book. However, despite its sensitivity Reynolds doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of this issue. Throughout the book, Reynolds precisely captures the fear, anger and grief that reverberate through Will’s world, as well as the complex web of emotions that accompany his decision to seek revenge for his brother's death. Reynolds, thus, is able to convey Will’s emotional weight of gun violence without resorting to sensationalism or graphic depictions. Instead, he focuses on the more human side of the issue, delving into the psychological and emotional toll it takes on Will and his family.

“The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo “A young girl in love with words. They move like music, make her dance like no one is watching, and never disappoint her.

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cevedo's first novel tells the story of Xiomara, an Afro-Latina high school student navigating the struggle against cultural expectations and stereotypes through the liberating power of poetry. Reading this book in middle school, I connected with her, also being a multi-racial girl consumed by the expectations that others set upon me. In a series of short poems, Elizabeth Acevedo writes as if she's Xiomara, a passionate 15-year-old slam poet. Struggling to find her place due to the restraints of her conservative Dominican immigrant parents and the limitations placed upon her as a young woman, Xiomara finds solace and empowerment in writing poetry. With rich imagery, compelling characters and powerful themes touching on religion, family and sexuality, “The Poet X” still lingers in both my heart and mind long after turning the final page.

2. (From left to right) The covers of "Long Way Down," "The Poet X," and "And Still I Rise."

PHOTO #2 BY CATE HEMPSTEAD PHOTOS #1&3 VIA GOODREADS.COM

“The Fire Next Time”

by James Baldwin “Color is not a human or a personal reality; it is a political reality.”

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n this series of essays addressed to his nephew, Baldwin's urgency leapt off the page, confronting the undeniable yet often deemed “uncomfortable” truths regarding race and identity in America. When reading, it was difficult not to feel an immense sense of empathy and solidarity with Baldwin's struggle to reconcile his love for his country despite its history of racial oppression. A mirror held up to society, “The Fire Next Time” demands that we confront our collective conscience and the often denied prejudice that resides in us. Baldwin clearly emphasizes that the finish line of achieving total equity, as defined by today's standards, is 1 unattainable; constantly moving and just out of reach.

“And Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou “You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

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hrough this collection of poetry, Maya Angelou celebrates the resilience of African American people throughout history, from the commercialized and racialized trials of slavery to the challenges of contemporary society. Despite this, she weaves the message that African Americans as a community will always prevail and succeed. Melancholic and genuine, Angelou’s verses resonate with a profound sense of sorrow yet are buoyed by a firm spirit of hope and determination. One of the writer’s distinctive techniques is her use of repetition and rhythm, which along with her masterful use of metaphor and symbolism, creates a sense of musicality. Each line exemplifies the enduring spirit of people who were continuously knocked down, yet continue to rise with dignity and perseverance. “And Still I Rise” serves as a rallying cry for defiance and triumph in the face of oppression.

“Queenie”

by Candice Carty-Williams “I’m a woman scorned, I’m 2 the bloody moon on a full moon, I’m a violent storm.”

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hrough the lens of the titular character, Queenie, Carty-Williams illustrates the day to day life of a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London. Carty-Williams skillfully crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and relatable, drawing readers into the humorous yet personal world of Queenie’s relationships and own sense of self-worth living in a predominantly white society, struggling with mental health and intergenerational trauma. Queenie’s life takes a turn for the worse when she goes on a break from her long term boyfriend, Tom. To cope and grapple with the end of this relationship and her o v e r whelming feelings of loneliness, Queenie seeks solace in a series of casual sexual encounters that leave her feelings worse; empty and disconnected. Meanw h i l e , Queenie simultaneously faces challenges at her job as a journalist and struggles to balance her professional ambitions with her personal life. To me, what sets “Queenie” apart is its nuanced portrayal on intersectional identity and how societal expectations and stereotypes directly correlate with personal experiences. At its core, “Queenie” is a story about unwavering resilience, and despite the challenges Queenie faces, she remains a fiercely independent and deter3 mined protagonist. Complex and compelling, Carty-Williams invites readers to connect with Queenie on a more personal level, celebrating Black women's strength, humanity and endurance.

Taking inspiration from their own lives, these Black authors write with profound purpose and poise. Through the power their words hold, they have challenged stereotypes, confronted systemic injustices and illuminated the complexities of the Black experience with courage and grace in hope for change. So while this February serves as a month of remembrance, celebration and history, let's keep in mind that this celebration should not be limited to a single month, but a continuous recognition and appreciation of the struggles, contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history.

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sports

FINAL SHOT CIF-SS ROUND 2 VS. FOOTHILL Hudson Mayes: 19 pts, 7 rebs, 3 steals SJ Madison: 12 pts, 5 rebs Chris Sanders: 12 pts, 5 rebs Joey Albala: 6 pts, 2 steals

Hudson Mayes: 26 pts Devin Ringer: 18 pts

tion for offense and defense, so I think that contributed to pulling out the wins against both teams,” Neubauer said.

After Redondo’s victory in round three, they were off to the semi-finals. Redondo and Notre Dame had already clashed in the preseason, where Redondo emerged victorious.

“We knew who they were coming into it [the game], we knew their tendencies.

2.

SJ Madison: 19 pts Devin Ringer: 16 pts, 3 three-pointers Hudson Mayes: 14 pts Chris Sanders: 11 pts

10-0 STATI S S -S

2-1

1.

lineups announced while the lights are going crazy. But we just stayed in our huddle, trying to keep our minds right,” Smith said “It was back and forth. Mercy Miller came out [and] hit a couple of big threes. But we just kept at him.”

However, in the second quarter, Redondo had given up eight more unanswered points, the scoreboard flashing 37-28 Notre Dame. Some might look at this as the beginning of the end; however, our boys held their heads high in the locker room because, according to Smith and Neubauer, the second half is always Redondo’s part of the game.

“It was the second quarter. They pulled away a little bit. They started making shots.

We started missing some, so going into halftime, we were down nine. But I mean, I felt like we played well enough to make a comeback for sure because I feel like we're more of a second-half team,” Neubauer said.

Coming out of halftime, Redondo’s game plan was to “sacrifice their bodies to

kept trading baskets with them. We never got to a big lead or big run, but they didn't either, so I'm glad that we kept our cool for most of the game and stayed in it,” Neubauer said.

While Redondo’s CIF-SS road has come to a stop, the boys still are to compete in CIF State.

There, Notre Dame and Redondo could face off a third time, and according to Smith, making this CIF matchup even more valuable.

“Everybody had the same goal in mind in the sense that we knew our assignments, what we had to do, and the kind of game we were going to be in for. Even though it didn’t play out the way we would have liked, I think this will bode well for us going into state and potentially seeing Notre Dame again,” Smith said.

3.

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T 'S N E A X H CIF-STATE BRACKET RELEASE

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CIF-SS ROUND 4 VS. NOTRE DAME

CIF-SS ROUND 3 VS. ETIWANDA

make plays,” according to Smith.

“In the third quarter, we came out, and the rest of the game, we just kept pace with them, but we couldn't cut the lead. They kept their foot on the gas and it didn't help that they shot so many more free throws than us. From that point on, I knew we would be in for a fight, so we tried to keep hitting them until they would break, but they’re a good team, so they stood their ground,” Smith said.

Although Redondo suffered a loss, s a lot went well for the Sea Hawks, according to Neubauer.

“I think that we kept our composure.

We

CS TI

In round four, Redondo was set to square off against the number 17 team in the nation, Notre Dame High School. Redondo kept the game close and nearly pulled away in the fourth quarter; however, the boys still fell short, losing 67-60 ending their CIF-SS run.

Since Redondo won the Bay League, the boys had secured a first-round bye. According to senior guard Luke Neubauer, the team could use this extra time to prepare better for round two.

“We came together as a team with that bye and during the extra couple of days of practice. We got to hone in on our execu-

Our focus going into the game was that we weren’t going to let one or two people beat us. Their star, Mercy Miller, is extremely talented. So we felt that if we made this a team versus team game, we would have our best shot at the win,” senior forward Liam Smith said.

The game started in pregame, as Notre Dame came out with flashy rituals. However, Redondo kept their minds on their goal to win as the game started back and forth between the two teams. Both were continuously knocking down tough shots. By the end of quarter one, Redondo trailed by just one point 16-15.

“We see them come out, we have our player introductions, and then they dim their lights and have their handshakes and

CI F

A

fter basketball’s first-round bye, the boys proceeded through two more rounds of D1 CIF-SS, defeating Foothill 76-67 and Etiwanda 65-58.

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AGUE RE E L C D OR

Boys basketball CIF-SS run ended in the semifinals against Notre Dame 67-60.

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by Sam Schwartz

FEB. 25

1. Hudson Mayes goes up for a shot. PHOTO BY ABI BIERWILER 2. SJ Madison goes up for a lay up. PHOTO BY KAYLA ONGUN 3. Devivn Wright and Chris Sanders perform their pregame ritual. PHOTO BY CATHERINE WONG

high tide feb. 23, 2024

Girls Basketball 2024

Win Rate 80%

1st in Bay League 10-0

Overall Season Record 24-6

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sports 15

Balled OUT

Girls basketball ends their season in the third round of CIF with a close loss to Harvard Westlake

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oming off their previous win against long-time rival Mira Costa, the Redondo Union Varsity Girls Basketball team was able to clutch the Bay League, advancing them to the first round of CIF games. The girls played three rounds of games during CIF-SS, their first game against Sonora, second against Portola, and their third and final game to Harvard Westlake. Redondo's last game ended 50-47, leaving them trailing by three points, ending their season and CIF-SS run. The girls’ held an overall record of 246, and an undefeated record in Bay League.

During the first round of CIF-SS, the Redondo girls came head to head against Sonora High School, a team that had just come off of a 14-point win. With that in mind, the team managed to start their game off strong, senior power forward and center Ella Zimmerman quickly winning the tip-off. Junior shooting guard Coco Funakoshi emphasizes Zimmerman's presence on the court during the beginning of the game.

“I think we came out really strong; Ella, Ella [Zimmerman] is always a key player that helps us get going in the beginning,” Funakoshi said.

As the game progressed into the first half, the team continued to push their efforts, going shot for shot against their opponent. Ella Zimmerman made the first free throw of the game, putting up early points. With constant shots from their opponents, Redondo still managed to keep their defense strong during the first half, the score at halftime 15-9 Redondo. With a solid six-point lead coming into the second half, Redondo stayed on the offensive and fell back on defense when necessary.

Even with strong defensive tactics coming from both teams, during the third quar-

ter of the game, Redondo left Sonora trailing by 20 points. During the last and final quarter of the game, Redondo was able to keep possession, blocking Sonora from any further shots. As the buzzer winded down, the team made a few last shots to wrap up the game, leaving the final score 5530, helping Redondo advance.

Senior shooting guard Elyse Cho believes the team's chemistry, along with their ability to know each other’s strengths.

“We have a lot of talent on our team, even people that don’t start making a big impact, so everyone had a key role during this game. We knew what each other’s strengths were and utilized that, so we could bring it out on the court,” Cho said.

Having scouted out their competition prior to the game, Redondo had a plan to help them ensure another win. Differing from their strategies in prior games, the first half was a mix of intense defensive efforts alongside their standard shot for shot. Once again, key players Abby and Ella Zimmerman exhibited their natural talent, helping secure needed points early on.

With Redondo’s choice to give up layups in order to ensure their defense against three pointers, it proved to be an effective tactic, with the half’s progression to a 31-22 score.

“During halftime our coach was telling us to stay disciplined on defense. Staying out on the shooters rather

by Celeste Ernau than preventing layups, we wanted to pre- but I think we did well not getting rattled vent their three-point shots,” Daley said. by it,” Daley said.

Even with a nine point lead after finWith the third round of CIF in front ishing the first half, of them, the team the girls came out and once again headed successfully defended up the coast, this against any outside time to battle it out Everyone had a key shots from Portola. against Harvard Portola’s specialty Westlake. Like their role during this game. threes were no match previous game, the We knew what each for the Redondo girls. girls had been able In the third quarter to figure out Harother’s strengths were of the game, Redondo vard Westlake’s and utilized that, so we center focus, which headed up their lead by two points, with could bring it out on the was their ability a 43-32 score. Point to drive the ball court." guards senior Elyse during the game.

Cho, sophomore Chloe “We knew that Choy, and sophomore their transitional ELYSE CHO Abby defense wasn’t as SENIOR good, so we were trying to push the Z i m m e r m a n ball as much as we could on offense, just were notable moving the ball around us, driving and atfigures in the tacking the lanes,” Choy said. second half, With a half-time score of 35-20, Redonh e l p i n g do led comfortably, hoping to hold their keep the lead as they progressed into the second pace of half of the game. Within the third quart h e ter of the game, Redondo still managed to keep a steadfast lead, the score 46-36. Choy herself was able to show up on the court, a noteworthy player as the team was able to put up a few points.

Even with the girls' efforts to control their tempo and find open shots, keeping a steady lead in the fourth quarter proved to be difficult. With Redondo only managing to put up one point in contrast to Harvard Westlake’s 14 points in the 4th quarter, the game was not looking good for the Sea Hawks. With the game's end, Redondo was left trailing by three points, a shortage that would inevitably end their season. Even with their loss to Harvard Westlake, Choy emphasizes her team's overall performance and how they still played as one even with a challenging game.

“Everyone showed up for that game. We had a lot of good energy. We all did our best to stay locked in and focused,” Choy said.

“

1

Ella Zimmerman State Rank: #22 2022-23 MVP All Bay League 1 game strong.

As the g a m e came to a close in the fourth quarter, the girls pushed to the very end, the final score 66-50. With their triumphant efforts, the team moved on to the third round of CIF play-offs.

“Often away games are harder to win because we don’t have as much support from our school and you are fighting against not just the opponents but their school spirit as well,

1. Senior power forward Ella Zimmerman dribbles while accessing who to pass to.

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL BIERWILER 2. Ella Zimmerman shoots a layup.

PHOTO CATHERINE WONG

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high tide feb. 23, 2024

allcove Beach Cities now open!

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allcove is a place for young people (ages 12-25) to take a moment of pause and access a range of services that include: • • • • • •

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