The Union - Milpitas High School - November 2024

POLITICAL SPREAD (8-9)

VSA WINS COMPETITION (6)

KAMALA’S VS. TRUMP’S POLICIES (3-4)

DRESS TO IMPRESS TAKEOVER (10)

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November 2024 VOLUME XXXIX ISSUE I

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE CHAMPS (15)

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STUDENT VOICE OF MILPITAS HIGH SCHOOL

Gittlen Shares New Vision for Library Parcel Tax Proposed on and technology at Foothill Colwent to wait in the library where Nov. 5 ballot, Funds MUSD lege and was teaching in San Jose she met Gittlen, and the two have

By Javier Antonio Alfaro

By Akshaj Kashyap

Measure Q is an initiative on the Nov. 5 ballot and is projected to create about $2.2 million for the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD), an alternative to the proposed budget cuts across the district earlier this spring, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said.

Milpitas property owners will pay a $119 parcel tax if Measure Q passes in the upcoming Nov. 5 ballot, according to Jordan. This move is aimed at addressing the school district’s budget deficit of almost $3 million dollars, Jordan said. Senior citizens would qualify for an exemption from the parcel tax, Jordan added.

With Measure Q “we (MUSD) will maintain health clerks full time at their school sites, the two health clerks at Milpitas High School, and maintain the (additional) counselor position,” Jordan said. “We will be able to continue to maintain our mental health support that we have already, and we’ll also be able to provide some support for athletics that isn’t there now.”

The original funding that allowed for positions like additional health clerks and mental support professionals came from

the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER I) Fund which provided $637,462 in 2020 and had to be expended by 2022, Jordan said. The district began looking at alternative funding sources, including bonds and grants, in the aftermath of the pandemic, Jordan added.

“Schools can get their regular state funding,” Jordan said. “We also get grants if we write for them (...) and we’ve already done all that, so it leaves the parcel tax.

We’ve also sought donations, but donations aren’t going to come in at the amount that you need in order to maintain those positions.”

The parcel tax would help retain teachers and staff while preventing the shutdown of key STEM programs, Jordan said.

The tech elective at Rancho is one of the STEM programs that is at risk of being cut down if Measure Q doesn’t pass, Jordan added.

“If we want our graduates to be the ones who are leading and designing and creating the work of the future, if they don’t have a basic understanding of computer science concepts, and aren’t using AI, then they’re going to be left behind, and it becomes a big equity issue,” Jordan said. “And at the SEE PAGE 2

Courtesy of Brett Webber

School staff promote Measure Q to parents before school on Oct. 19.

This past summer, administration hired Mia Gittlen as the new teacher-librarian. Gittlen is ready to make the library an integral part of the school community, she said.

“My grandmother was a librarian, and she worked at Detroit Public Library, and so she was the one that took me to the bookstore, took me to the library, gifted a lot of books to me and read to me,” Gittlen said. “And I’ve been in education a long time and been drawn to librarianship, so when I finally took this path around five years ago, it was a real natural place to go.”

Gittlen started her education career in Massachusetts, teaching high school history for four years before transitioning to teaching middle school education for a few years, she said. “​​When I first started teaching in Massachusetts, I was so fortunate to have a really thriving library program at my school.” Gittlen said “It was a school smaller than this one (MHS), and they had a full library department of maybe five teacher-librarians, and they were all available to co-create curriculum with teachers.

So from there, I just have always had this connection with library and librarians as a resource, and it was interesting when I moved into the role as a school librarian that that wasn’t every teacher’s experience because in California, there have been such shortages and cuts that it’s really rare that teachers have experienced that throughout their career.”

She ended up working in Berkeley Unified School District, with a teacher nonprofit called Q, Gittlen said. She has enjoyed her time in various parts of the Bay Area, she said. She grew up in Berkeley and currently lives in Oakland, she said. She also studied coding

Swimming Unit Removed for Freshmen

By Marie De Vre

The swimming unit has been removed as a requirement for freshmen starting this year but remains an option for upperclassmen P.E. students, P.E. department lead Kristina Edwards said in an email interview.

Principal and Chief Innovator Greg Wohlman approved the decision made by the P.E. department, Edwards said. The parent complaints the department received over the freshmen swimming unit were exhausting to deal with and often not medically related, she said.

“Last year we received 47 parent emails, over 100 letters from parents stating that they did not want their 9th grade student to take swimming as well as a few parents who went straight to the superintendent with complaints,” Edwards said.

As a result, the swimming unit is no longer offered to freshmen, Edwards said. But it is still a course that upperclassmen can

choose to take, she added.

“The PE department feels that ALL students should be water safe, especially living where we do,” Edwards said. “However, the PE department as well as administration decided that it was best for everyone and their mental health to have swimming be an option and a class that students choose.”

Junior Vivian Ngo took the swimming unit as a freshman when it was still required, she said. Ngo believes that swimming is an important skill to learn and that the swimming unit covers the fundamental skills needed to swim, she added.

“It’s a really good basic because it teaches you how to float and how to swim,” Ngo said. “Because you’re doing treading, you’re doing freestyle, you’re learning how to float on your back and on your stomach.”

The swimming unit also allowed her to review her swimming knowledge from past lessons while allowing her to bond

with classmates, Ngo said.

“I think it really helped me build new relationships with people around me,” Ngo said. “Because I feel swimming, if you’re doing it for the first time, you struggle a lot, and having experience in swimming before, I can apply my learning in helping others.”

However, if given the opportunity, freshman Eva Miguelino would not take the swimming unit, she said. Miguelino was worried about taking the unit because she had never received proper swimming lessons, she said.

“I don’t know if I’ll get an okay grade because I’ve never actually learned,” Miguelino said. “I don’t think I’d need to know (how to swim).”

If given the option, freshman Olivia Jamin would also choose not to take the swimming unit, she said. However, she believes that swimming is still an important life skill, she said.

SEE PAGE 16

at the start of Covid, she said.

“I was teaching in San Jose, and the pandemic happened, and a really close friend of mine shared with me that she was enrolling in grad school again, in the library program at San Jose State,” Gittlen said. “And not only is she a close friend, but I had thought about enrolling in that program, so it was like the perfect opportunity to switch gears again. Once I enrolled in the program, I was hired as a teacher-librarian at a private school.”

Senior Kaiya Smith is Gittlen’s first TA, Smith said. Smith met Gittlen on the first day of school when she had no TA class and

been working on projects together ever since, Smith added.

“She’s just very sweet, very open,” Smith said. “You can have a conversation with her about anything, and she just has input.

She’s easy to talk to,” Smith said.

“She helps me with a lot of experience with working with library stuff or a lot of books. She’s just made me more comfortable with talking to people older than me.

She’s very nice. And I guess over the past six or eight weeks, I felt more comfortable at school because the library just gives me something fun to do.”

SEE PAGE 16

Courtesy of mia gittlen

Gittlen’s first day as the new librarian in August, preparing the books.

Students, Teachers Face Phishing Attacks from Hacked Emails

By Vasista Ramachandruni

Students and teachers across the District received fake job offers from compromised teacher email accounts this October, senior Annanya Bhardwaj said.

These emails represent just a few of many fraudulent emails sent to students since the summer, she said.

The first phishing incident occurred in July, the district’s Network Systems Administrator Sean LaRussa said. Google alerts the district within 30 minutes of an incident occurring, he said.

“We partner with our different software teams (like) Google and Microsoft and other software vendors to prevent this from happening again,” LaRussa said.

In theory, security could be continuously added but doing so would be at a detriment to students’ and teachers’ access to external services, Director of Technology Chin Song said. Se-

curity in relation to the phishing emails is all about the balance between blocking and freedom to access these external services, said Song.

“One way accounts could be (compromised is) because a student or a staff member that provided information that they should not,” Song said. “And then from there, they (email hackers) can get access to other pieces, posing as someone else. So, as long as there are humans, there will be some vulnerabilities in the system,” he added.

As of Oct. 10, there have been several instances of individuals submitting information through the Google forms in the scam emails, LaRussa said.

“At that point, we’d refer to the police department or the FBI,” LaRussa said.

These occurrences are not a surprise, science teacher Huy Pham said. The district sends SEE PAGE 16

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NOVEMBER 2024

NEWS

Freshmen Receive Upgraded ASUS Chromebooks, Propelled into Future

By Connor Long

Freshmen were to exchange their older Dell and Acer Chromebooks for the newer ASUS Chromebook Plus units on Sept 19, Vice Principal Casey McMurray said in a ParentSquare post on Sept 13. The exchange was mandatory and took place during each English 1/1A class.

All freshmen were directed to bring their old Chromebooks, chargers, and ID cards or numbers to make the exchange, McMurray continued in the post.

The freshmen have had their computers for longer in comparison to other students, who had their computers assigned in middle or high school.

“Tech Services informed me that they received new Chromebooks and they wanted to switch out the 9th graders’ Chromebooks since many or most have had them since 5th grade,” McMurray said in an email.

Starting in 2024, the district began carrying out a plan to begin getting these new Chromebooks to students, calling it the refresh plan, Director of Technology Chin Song said. As part of this plan, new Chromebooks would be distributed at certain grade levels, allowing students to make long term use of them. as each year passes.

“The district plan says that we will provide Chromebooks to first grade, to fifth grade, and then to ninth graders,” Song added.

“Then the plan is to keep them for four years. You guys (juniors and seniors) all are part of the COVID anomaly group, which you have your Chromebooks, and you’ll just kind of phase them out.”

The cost of the new computers was higher than the ones purchased from Dell and Acer, Technology Secretary Monique Steger said. It was $545 each for Chromebooks to give to first and fifth graders at multiple schools, and ninth grade at the high school.

“The Acer spins, those were $405 when we bought them.

The Dell 3100s, we got a special deal on those, so those are only $287,”she added.

The specifications and features of the new computers are more advanced in comparison to the two which are currently in use throughout the district, Song said The newer technology will give students more educational applications for projects or day to day work.

Rather than if they were to just have older Chromebooks coming in from eighth grade, the specs on those (older) Chromebooks

The newer technology will give students more educational applications for projects or day to day work.

“Rather than if they were to just have older Chromebooks coming in from eighth grade, the specs on those (older) Chromebooks aren’t as robust,” Song added. “As we have some of the artificial intelligence stuff that’s coming up, these Chromebook Pluses will allow some of the searches and other graphic applications that you’re not able to do with some of the older Chromebooks.”

The old Chromebooks will remain in use, becoming available within classrooms the last of the old Chromebooks are returned and new ones are fully in use, there will be options for former students to purchase them for use after graduation. That way, they still see usage instead of being discarded permanently.

“So we’re always kind of pucking (moving up) into the future,” he added. “The keynote here is to take care of these devices that you get (as a) freshman, and if they (students) take care of it by the fourth year, they may be able to keep it (since they won’t break down).”

AP Exam FRQs Lost in Transit, Scores Delayed

By Yunxi Fang

All free-response question (FRQ) sections from the May 2024 AP Computer Science A, AP Microeconomics, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics, and some of the AP United States Government and Politics exams were lost during transit from MHS to CollegeBoard, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchison said.

137 AP Computer Science A, 62 AP Microeconomics, 36 AP Environmental Science FRQs, 169 AP Statistics, and 48 AP United States Government and Politics FRQs were lost, Hutchison said.

“364 students (were affected),” Hutchison said. “That is important because some of those students were missing two or three exams.”

A contact from CollegeBoard said that MHS could give students who were affected the option to either retake the FRQ(s) that were lost, take a projected AP score based on their scores on the multiple-choice section, or cancel the exam and get a refund, Hutchinson said. Students were given their projected scores before they decided to retake the FRQ portion, she added.

“I said that wasn’t okay with me,” Hutchinson said. “I started an investigation with the United Parcel Service (UPS). They (CollegeBoard) also filed a claim with UPS, but from the very beginning, they were clear they were under a timeline to make sure students were given options in a timely manner ” At one point, UPS told her that the FRQs were found, only to find later that it was not MHS’ FRQs, Hutchison said. CollegeBoard and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) were still contacting UPS, she added.

“However, I believe the CollegeBoard and ETS have dropped their claim at this point and settled with UPS,” Hutchison said.

Hutchison’s contact from CollegeBoard has been extremely helpful and responsive, Hutchison said.

“But they’re a business,” Hutchison said. “To them, it was, ‘We’ll do an investigation, but at a certain point, we just have to move forward.’ And so that’s what we did.”

CollegeBoard claimed the FRQs were never picked up, Hutchison said. However, Hutchison has a receipt and also checked to make sure they were picked up, she added.

Regarding what happened to the FRQs, “UPS said they did not know,” Hutchison said. “I had to fight to get them to look at their hubs, where it (the FRQs) would have gone.”

UPS has an overgoods department, where any package lost in transit is sent, Hutchison said.

UPS told Hutchison that the FRQs likely went into their local overgoods department and that when it was not inquired about, it would have been disposed of, she added.

“When I asked what they meant – disposed of – whether that meant disposed of or destroyed, they said ‘disposed of’ again,” Hutchison said. “When I asked for further details, they said they were not able to disclose details of what that means or how it’s done.”

Hutchison does not think that CollegeBoard will do anything differently regarding the AP exams in the future, she said. The exams becoming digital isn’t because the FRQs were lost, she added.

“I don’t believe UPS is doing anything differently,” Hutchison said. “We have a claim with UPS, but in all honesty, they’re not returning calls anymore.”

After the make-up exams from Sept. 20-21, Hutchison took pictures of the wrapped-up boxes with the FRQ sections when it was in the office for UPS pickup, Hutchison said.

“I emailed them (College Board) last week and was told they try to get it done three to four weeks after it is received,” Hutchison said in an email. “Four weeks will be the middle of this week (Oct. 14 to Oct. 20). I am hopeful that it will

be sooner but cannot guarantee (it).”

The FRQ section of his AP Computer Science A exam was lost, Senior Darren Lam said.

“I chose to take the projected score because it’s really hard to retake the FRQ section for something that you have not been thinking about for a summer,” Lam said. “It’s just a bit annoying because a lot of schools don’t take projected scores.”

Lam was satisfied with the school’s response, he said. He got a five on his projected score, he added.

“But I know a bunch of people that got fours (on the projected score),” Lam said. “And they knew they could’ve gotten a five because they did perfectly fine on the FRQ exam. If they didn’t lose the FRQ, they would have gotten a five.”

The seniors last year were the ones most affected by the lost AP FRQs, Lam said.

“Some of their college acceptances depended on what (score) they got,” Lam said. “It also messes up their planning for their college classes.”

The FRQ section of his AP Computer Science A exam was lost, Senior Shawn Lee said. He took the option to receive a projected score, he added.

“I did not know exactly how the projected score would affect me,” Lee said. “I now know the consequences of taking a projected score because some colleges will not take that score.”

Accepting the projected score will definitely affect some parts of his college admission, and he might have to change what classes to take in college, like redoing Computer Science A, Lee said.

“For now, there are no changes in my future plans,” Lee said.

Hutchison is proud of MHS’s students and teachers within the AP programs, Hutchison said.

“Students, their families, and the teachers had every right to feel all the feelings they did,” Hutchison said. “But they pushed forward and figured out what was going to work for them.”

THE UNION

Innovation Campus Funding Provides Unique Advantages

By Jerry Yong

The Innovation Campus has cost around $115 million to construct and start-up, with millions of dollars more projected, according to a quarterly Citizens Bond Oversight Committee report.

This cost includes two release phases for new Innovation Campus buildings.

Of the over $100 million spent so far, around $98 million of that has come from the Measure AA Bond, a Santa Clara County voter-approved measure from 2018 that allocated over a quarter billion dollars to the school district for improving education in Milpitas, according to the MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign page.

The entire Innovation Campus project is estimated to cost $139 million after all phases are completed, according to the website.

Phase Two of the Innovation Campus construction included “reconfiguring a portion of the building to create an Advanced Manufacturing Lab, (and) a new Post Secondary Classroom” said the CBOC report from this October.

This new location stands to give students an innovative new learning experience, Principal and Chief Innovator of Milpitas High School Greg Wohlman said.

Students don’t have to be looking to enter engineering to enroll in the extension, he said.

“There’s scores of opportunities available at this campus (In-

novation) that that (main) campus can’t offer,” Wohlman said. “I just think that people here have a really unique opportunity to have a choice of multiple campuses that are all different and are offering either a different program or a different way to do school,” he added.

The new education style will better prepare students for college, said engineering teacher Kristin Berbawe, who teaches at Innovation Campus. The large budget allocated to the MHS extension also allows for much more freedom in obtaining supplies and materials for students, she said.

“I want my students to understand that they are the masters of their own destiny,” said Berbawe. “I want them to learn about themselves. and what their interests are, career-wise. And that may or may not involve engineering, but whatever they want to do in life, I want them to be able to explore that,” she added.

The different environment also appeals to students who moved from the main campus, said Sophomore Logeshwara Singh “So far, everything seems like it’s going to be exciting because of all the things that she (our engineering teacher) says that we’ll be doing”, Singh said. “That’s (The small enrollment size is) actually much better than the larger classes in here (main campus) because the teachers will actually be able to focus more on each student instead of dividing their attention”.

Students Enjoy Homecoming Dance, Foster School Spirit

By Ian Choi

The 2024 Homecoming (HOCO) dance took place on Oct. 5. The theme of the HOCO was video games with the dance being about Kirby.

The music was one of the reasons that made her HOCO dance experience better, senior Emma Ulloa said.

“I like how they added better music this year because the music last year was not very good.”

Ulloa said.

The Homecoming dance was split into four main areas: the food court, mosh pit, gym, and arcade room. Students were encouraged to visit every area and have fun wherever they could.

Junior Johnathan Nguyen enjoyed the food, he said.

“I bought two churros, a three piece quesadilla, crystal birria, i-Tea chicken, i-Tea drink,” Nguyen said.

The dance offered a few activities for students to do, with each activity being synonymous with each of the four main areas.

There is a very limited selection of activities to do, Senior Neal Teoh said.

“I think we should have had games, more things to do,” Teoh said. “Like at the Hoco festival they had cornhole and some basketball thing, or let us play tennis or something.”

One rule that the HOCO dance had was that students were restricted from leaving the dance until 10pm. They could have made the time more flexible, Freshman Jonas De Vre said.

“So it’s kind of long, and especially since you can’t leave early,” De Vre said. “ You’ll have everyone leaving at the same time, everyone coming at the same time. ” Social studies teacher Kathryn Peterson was interviewed about her opinion of the dance while she was chaperoning the big gym.

The dance seemed to be successful in fostering school spirit, social studies teacher Kathryn Peterson said.

“Everybody seems to be in a good mood and having good energy here today.” Peterson said.

Courtesy of Lauryn Agleham

Students pose for a group photo at homecoming dance on Oct. 5.

NOVEMBER 2024

OPINIONS

Kamala Harris: The Brighter Side of the 2024 Election Within a week of Biden’s exit from the race and Kamala Harris’ subsequent announcement that she was going to run for President, the Democratic party went from hopelessness to cautious optimism. Harris’ quick entrance into the race raises questions about who she really is and what she stands for. According to PEW Research Center, a poll showed that 60% and 70% of voters believe that her racial identity and gender will play a factor in the race, respectively.

Even so, the focus of the election should not be about the candidate’s identity, but on their policies. To help identify what kind of a candidate Harris is, here’s an overview of some of her plans.

Harris claims her economic policies target the middle class. According to her campaign website, she plans to give over 100 million Americans a tax cut by restoring two policies: the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.

According to Forbes, the Child Tax Credit provides a $6000 tax credit to families with newborns for the first year of their life, and the Earned Income Tax Credit allows for Americans to keep more of their income.

To offset the costs of her tax cuts, Harris plans to increase the corporate income tax from 21% to 28%. However, these tax raises on corporations may cause harm to the overall economy. According to Forbes, a corporate tax increase means that private sectors have less money to invest, halting innovation. Additionally, companies may relocate to other countries to evade tax, which results in less job opportunities.

Despite these potential harms, Harris’ policies have a much lesser impact on the

On the Russia-Ukraine war, federal deficit than Trump’s. the Council of Foreign RelaEssentially, a federal deficit tions (CFR) explains that the occurs when the amount of Biden-Harris administration promoney that the government vided Ukraine with about $175 spends is more than what it billion total in financial, humanimakes in revenue. Accordtarian, and military aid. According to the Committee for a ing to the Washington Post, Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), their central estimate Harris has said that she will continue to support and stand on the effects on the federal

by Ukraine, but deficit for Harris’ camhas not specified paign plans is around what assistance $3.5 trillion, while to Ukraine should Trump’s central estibe like. In spite of mate is around $7.5 her vagueness, it trillion, from 2026 to is clear that she is 2035. on Ukraine’s side.

While Harris’ polOn the conicies may ultimately trary, Harris has harm higher-income expressed support Americans, compared for both Israel and to Trump, it is clear ALICE Palestine. She that Harris cares NGUYEN has claimed that more for the majority Israel has a right of Americans and the to defend itself and that she middle class. It is refreshing for typical Americans to bene- will continue to enable them to fit from economic policies that defend themselves. According to the CFR, the Biden-Harris Trump’s campaign does not administration has sent $12 biloffer. lion in military aid to Israel and Abortion is a paramount Harris says she will continue to issue in the current election send aid. and a focal point of Harris’ However, she also has said campaign. Unquestionably, Harris stands for reproductive that Palestinans have a right to “security, self-determination, rights. According to her camand dignity” in her first prespaign website, as President, idential debate with Donald Harris will never allow a national abortion ban to become Trump. Ultimately, Harris supports an immediate ceasefire law. Whether voters support along with a hostage release abortion or not, one thing is and a two-state solution accordclear: Harris knows what she stands for and is not afraid to ing to the CFR. Her lack of firmness on the voice it. issue is disturbing. HypocritIn the past, Harris has always been outspoken about ically, she claims to support Palestine, but at the same time her view of climate change she is allowing aid to be sent to as a crucial issue. about her Israel. views on climate change and Although Harris has a few how it is crucial to address stances that are vague and it. As Vice President, she questionable, she is also a has enabled investment into hope in the Democratic party for greenhouse gas emission a future and better America. reductions and aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions

COMIC BY ANGELRAIN BACUNGAN

THE UNION

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Restroom Monitors are Beneficial I’ve seen students throwSince the beginning of the ing rolls of toilet paper over school year, campus safestalls, and shoving it into ty supervisors have begun sinks and toilets. standing outside many, but A similar situation not all, restrooms during break occurs when all stalls in a and lunch to control the flow restroom are in-use, and so of students entering. This students start lining up to change prevents group gathenter. These lines can easerings and long lines at the stalls. Restroom monitors are ily become disorderly with more students walking into a necessity for all restrooms the restroom. Since it’s not across campus during break certain that every student and lunch. will line up to use In previous years the stalls; they may when restrooms cut in line. weren’t supervised, In some instancgroups of students es, lines can block would often congrepeople from exiting gate near stalls to their stalls while chat or vape. Unformaking the person tunately, these inside feel rushed large gatherings to finish their stay. still occur, mainly Long lines also conduring passing HAROLD tribute to the probHONG periods, when lem of loud sounds restrooms are used in restrooms, as the the most and monimore students, the more tors aren’t near the restrooms. conversations go on.

There are often many people Likewise, overcrowded chatting and walking around restrooms tend to be loud aimlessly in the restrooms. and chaotic. In my personal These large group gatherings experience, I’ve seen people can quickly cause discomfort shake entire stalls and to those trying to use the disrupt the peace of people restroom. When I’m using the using those stalls. Restroom toilet, I don’t want to worry monitors are a solution for about other students peeking all these issues, since they into my stall or slipping somecan put more priority on thing underneath the door. monitoring the usual perpeThese groups also reduce trators. the amount of space in reOverall, the addition strooms. They may block of restroom monitors is access to stalls, sinks, and a positive change for all hand-drying stations. Somerestrooms across campus. times, rowdy students may It’s great that students now even damage sinks, toilets, have more accessibility and and other restroom facilities.

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THE UNION

MrBeast’s Hypocrisy: Candy Made for Children By Children The MrBeast YouTube channel marketed Feastables as child has recently become the most and slave-free on their website, subscribed channel on You- but the webpage, along with all Tube, The MrBeast team cre- mention of child labor on the ates many videos ranging from website, has recently been rechallenges to philanthropy, moved.

Some may think but has also recently that his website’s rebeen at the center of moval of child labor controversy. According to videos made by information could be former MrBeast ema mistake, as MrBeast ployee DogPack 404, specifically partnered with Rainforest Althe MrBeast channel liance, a company employs many unethical practices, inknown not to use cluding illegal lotterchild labor in any of ies targeted towards their products. However, he never used children, marketing RONAK the Rainforest Alliunhealthy food prodSRIVASTAV ucts, and exploiting ance logo on any of his users for profit. products and doesn’t While some argue mention where he that some of these issues may outsources ingredients from, have been accidental, MrBeast’s defeating the purpose of partoverall brand targets naive chil- nering with them. dren who are fooled into buying Since he never used this Rainhis unsatisfactory products forest Alliance logo, it is very without knowing what happens possible that he intended to albehind the scenes. ways upscale using child labor, What are the actions hidden as a logo suddenly disappearing behind the MrBeast brand? Mr- from a product would raise susBeast hid information about his picions. chocolate company Feastables, It is also important to note which he launched on Jan. 29th, that many chocolate competi2022. MrBeast ’s team first tors such as Hershey’s or Ghi-

UC Protest Regulations Necessary for Peaceful, Civil Discussions Chaos descended upon Cal- overwork campus security, ifornia campuses as many and make areas on campus Pro-Palestinian protesters harder to access. Not allowwere arrested for setting ing people to block others up camps last spring. Some from accessing areas is comcounter-protesters attacked mon sense; denying access to a UCLA encampment, and anyone because of their genpolice met resistance from der, race, religion, sexuality, the protesters when they or identity is unacceptable. took down the encampment What happened to the Jewaccording to the CalMatters ish students denied of their news article “Hundreds ar- right to move freely on camrested and suspended: How pus shouldn’t happen again.

California colleges are disci- People should be able to walk plining faculty and students freely around campus withover protests.” Some of the out encampments or strucprotesters had blocked Jew- tures blocking their way.

However, the regulation on ish students from accessing areas on the UCLA campus masking is unnecessary. The according to the campuses already EdSource news arrequire people to reveal their identiticle “Federal judge orders UCLA to enty when asked by an sure equal access official, so banning to Jewish students masks is redunfollowing pro-Paldant. If an official needs the identity estinian protests.” of someone who viIn response to the chaotic protests olated policy, they on California colcan simply ask for it instead of penallege campuses last MISHEEL spring, UC camizing mask wearENKHTUR puses are enforcing ers. This penalty of masking after encampment bans violating policy is and protest regulations. People on campus ar- also discriminatory towards en’t allowed to set up camps certain people. People with or structures, block access worse immune systems or to areas on campus, refuse other health concerns are in to identify themselves, and more need of masks. Some use masks to hide their religions require face coveridentities according to the ings as well. If someone with Berkeleyside article, “Uni- these certain health condiversity of California Bans tions and/or religions wants Enca mpments, Imposes to participate in civil disProtest Rules.” These reg- obedience, they will be peulations don’t violate the nalized more severely than First Amendment. Universi- those without those health ties can enforce reasonable conditions and/or religions. restrictions on when, where, Free speech and assembly and how people protest with- rights are fundamental freeout any bias for or against doms everyone should have. certain opinions, according However, this right should to the Fire article “Campus not infringe upon the rights Encampment Bans Rarely of others. This is especially Violate the First Amend- important in college camment.” All of these regula- puses, places for learning tions, except for the masking and understanding. People regulation, are fair and nec- should be able to have diffiessary to maintain a safe and cult and diverse discussions, inclusive campus. but they should not disrupt Unauthorized encamp- the freedom, wellbeing, and ments or structures can education of others.

OPINIONS rardelli are known to use child labor according to slavefreechocolate.org, a website that lists slave-free chocolate companies. Since having slave-free chocolate production is a large marketing advantage over competitors, it doesn’t make sense for MrBeast not to mention their slave-free practices.

As confirmation of the child labor a llegations, slavefreechocolate.org removed Feastables from their slave-free companies list.

MrBeast ’s a lleged use of child labor ref lects his greedy endeavors; he has run the company before without child labor, but now

NOVEMBER 2024 uses child labor to benefit monetarily. Although many chocolate brands employ children in factories, Feastables’ alleged employment of child labor is especially repulsive because MrBeast’s brand is built on philanthropy. In almost all of his videos, he has given away money, painting himself as a generous man.

MrBeast even runs and funds many charities such as TeamSeas or TeamTrees to further his image of a giving individual, so shamelessly hiding his slavery policies while broadcasting this image is truly despicable.

I think that if MrBeast is selfish enough to use defenseless children for more money, he

certainly doesn’t care about his viewers, and just sees them as another way to expand his YouTube empire. Ultimately, MrBeast’s use of child labor while running a YouTube channel promoted towards children is very disingenuous and should discourage any fan from buying Feastables or engaging with MrBeast content.

Overall, I cannot agree with MrBeast’s alleged use of child labor because it reflects a disregard for children – the most vulnerable population. Since MrBeast has yet to respond to many of these allegations, time will tell to see how he defends his actions and how he plans to right his wrongs.

Bringing Back NFL’s Pink October: Breast Cancer Awareness Remains Very Crucial The National Football cancer types including colon League’s (NFL) “Crucial cancer, breast cancer, cervical Catch” is a year-round part- cancer, prostate cancer, etc. nership with the American These colors – navy, lavender, Cancer Society to educate teal, blue, gold, pink, and othfans on the importance of ers – are coordinated to reptaking their health into resent awareness for different their own hands. While the cancers, with each team raising NFL’s broadened Crucial awareness for various causes Catch initiative has its mer- throughout the season. its, bringing back While this inclusive the Pink October approach ensures campaign would that many different restore a powertypes of cancer reful tradition that ceive attention, it raised awarecan also dilute the ness and providimpact of any sined much-needed gular message. By funds for breast spreading awareness cancer research. across many forms The iconic camof cancer, the focus paign could coexbecomes less clear to ist alongside the fans, potentially recurrent efforts, ducing the effectiveATTICUS ensuring breast DANIEL-ROBERTS ness of any one cause. cancer remains a That’s why there are visible and vital compelling reasons cause. for the NFL to conFor years, October in the sider reviving Pink October for NFL was synonymous with that month’s focus to be solely pink – pink cleats, pink on breast cancer, as it was begloves, and pink ribbons. fore.

The league’s Pink October Breast cancer awareness recampaign generated over mains crucial. One in eight $18 million for breast cancer women in the U.S. is diagnosed research since 2009. How- with breast cancer during their ever, in recent years, the lifetime, according to BreastNFL transitioned to its Cru- cancer.org. The visibility of the cial Catch campaign, broad- pink campaign helped educate ening its focus to include all millions on early detection cancers and donating over and prevention through the $27 million to the American live broadcasting of American Cancer Society with money football supporting a cause for raised from “Crucial Catch,” breast cancer. The sea of pink resulting in less visible pink every October served as a reon the field. minder of the importance of This inclusive approach screening, a message that resbrings attention to multiple onates strongly with the NFL’s

diverse fan base and particularly women.

The campaign was iconic.

Pink on the football field was a bold, visual statement that stood out in the world of sports.

It brought fans, players, and communities together in a united cause. The visible uniform changes created a strong emotional connection between the NFL and breast cancer awareness, something that has been diluted with the broader array of colors representing different cancer types in the Crucial Catch campaign.

Fundraising efforts were directly tied to the pink merchandise. NFL fans purchased game-worn gear and pink accessories, knowing their money went toward a cause close to millions of hearts. Bringing back “Pink October” would revive that highly successful model, creating a specific, annual event fans could rally around. Pink October would be a successful marketing tactic and a huge limelight for raising breast cancer awareness.

Sports all around the country have followed the same practices of wearing pink and bringing pink to the games to express their support and make a statement. Communities united under one cause during a sporting event to show the emotional connection they may have for breast cancer awareness while playing or watching the sports they love and enjoy. The iconic Pink October had raised awareness and skyrocketed supportive and fundraising efforts like never before.

Trump’s Policies Vague, Ineffective There are few politicians in America more polarizing than Donald Trump, but are Americans’ feelings about him justified? Trump’s plans to “Make America Great Again” include key changes in areas like the economy, immigration, foreign policy, health care, and climate change. In his short video series called “Agenda 47,” he describes his plans for America if he wins the presidential election.

On the economy, Trump’s plan focuses on tariffs and tax cuts.

According to his campaign website, it includes implementing a 10% worldwide tariff and a 60% tariff on China. These tariffs would decrease imports by $5.5 trillion and would reduce after-tax household incomes by $1,800, according to a study by the Tax Policy Center.

According to his campaign website, Trump

also advocates for reduc- were at an all-time low ing the corporate income due to his closed-border tax from 21% to 15%. The policies. The facts, howevWharton Budget Model er, show the opposite, as estimates that these eco- data from the Centers for Disease Control nomic policies and Prevention will decrease (CDC) shows overall tax revthat annual enue by $5.8 drug overdose trillion, which deaths from Brookings finds opioids actualwill have the effect of reducing ly increased by welfare, social 192%. Trump’s security, and immigration infrastructure policy is inherspending. ently flawed beTrump’s most cause it doesn’t contested and account for the REBA polarizing issue economic and PRABHAKHAR relates to the political motives southern border, that drive miwhich he claims grants to Ameris allowing “illegal aliens” ica. Instead of solving the and drug-smuggling car- problem, he just tries to tels into our country. On keep the migrants out.

The Wharton Budget his campaign website, he promises to carry out the Model also explains that largest deportation mis- Trump’s economic polision (over 15 million mi- cies are highly facilitative grants) in American histo- of corporate profit, and ry. He references his past will grow the overall econpresidency, claiming that omy. However, as a study drug deaths from opioids from Yahoo Finance exsmuggled in by migrants

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NOVEMBER 2024 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

plains, it will also worsen economic inequality by increasing corporate profit at the expense of middle and working-class salaries, meaning these benefits won’t be felt by the average American.

On the issue of abortions, Trump has adopted a soft stance, saying that he will oppose late-term abortion but protect birth control, prenatal care, and IVF, according to his official platform. Although he still claims he will leave the issue of abortion to the states, his stance is much less extreme than expected, as in 2022, his running mate JD Vance said he supported a national abortion ban, according to The New York

Times.

According to AP News, Trump has said he has no regrets about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a result of his conservative Supreme Court nominations. This has resulted in over 22 million women losing complete or significant access to abortion care, according to the Center for American Progress.

Finally, in terms of foreign policy, Trump does not specifically mention any alliances except for stating that he will stand with Israel, and that he plans to build an Iron Dome missile defense shield for the United States, according to his platform. In 2017, he formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and

EDITORIAL cut over $500 million in foreign aid to Palestine, according to the New York Times and NPR. However, he left military aid to Israel untouched, sending $3.3 billion each year, according to The Times of Israel. His aid cuts to Palestine had the effect of eliminating access to life-saving healthcare and education for Palestinian refugees, according to Brookings. He has also proposed aid cuts to Ukraine, according to an article by Politico.

The 2025 presidential election will be a close one, but one thing is clear: voters should be wary before believing many of Trump’s claims. Many of his ideas seem effective, but in practice, they are far from it.

E D I TO R I A L : The Opinion of The Union

New, Improved Back to School Night Proven Success Every year Back to School Night gives parents the opportunity to meet teachers and learn more about the school.

However, attendance has historically been low with only a few hundred people attending, according to Principal Wohlman.

This year’s makeover of Back to School Night into Block Party was a huge success with close to 1850 people in attendance according to Principal Wohlman, and we commend Principal Wohlman’s leadership as well as the rest of the staff and students who made this event such a hit. School administrators’ drive to increase engagement with the school and promote a greater sense of community and school pride is evident in the decision to reinvent Back To School Night with this year’s Block Party.

The Block Party was much more lively than previous Back-

to-School-Night events due to a variety of performances, food trucks, and a display competition among academic departments. Student organizations also had the opportunity to promote their clubs and to fundraise.

The performances on the green allowed students to showcase their skills and talents outside of the classroom.

Among the many groups who performed were the choir, the orchestra, the cheerleaders, Mrs. Cottengim’s dance classes, the Misfits, PUSO, KDT, VSA, and NJROTC. These groups entertained the crowd and put the school’s many talents on full display.

These performances along with the student organization booths will lead more students to become active in student organizations, and they gave parents a glimpse of campus life that would not have been pos-

sible at previous iterations of Back To School Night.

Administration took the added step of hiring professional performers that represented a variety of cultures and genres.

Mariachi Estelar, Moondough, and Hella Doubtful all put on memorable shows.

The interdepartmental competition between teachers encouraged staff to create inviting displays to attract parents and other community members.

Parents had the chance to meet their children’s teachers and, in some cases, to see what’s happening in the classroom. For example, at the science department’s table, people could see a mirror and lens game, exemplifying concepts of the optics unit in AP Physics 2.

We congratulate the administration, staff, and students for putting on such a wonderful display of school community spirit, and we should all be proud.

E D I TO R I A L : The Opinion of The Union School Spirit Vital to Support Student Interests, Needs School Spirit, the sense of identity and community shared by members of a school, is essential to creating a positive campus culture and supporting student achievement, according to the article “Why Is School Spirit Important?” on the Spirit Gear website. To promote school spirit, students must show more support and participation in school events, even when these events do not complement their own interests.

Students who show school spirit by being involved in school events are more likely to enjoy and feel more connected to their school and classmates. An online Harris Polls survey found that 90% of students with higher than average levels of school spirit (which was self-evaluated) felt very connected to their school and classmates, according to the article “Got Spirit?” on the National Association of Secondary School Principals website.

Beyond feeling connected, students with higher levels of school spirit also show greater emotional well-being and levels of confidence. Students with higher levels of school spirit are more likely to have a “normal self-esteem” than those with lower school spirit (94% vs.

77%), according to the same Harris Poll survey. Compared to students with lower levels of school spirit, students with more school spirit are more confident, happi-

er, and more fulfilled, according to the same Harris Poll survey.

Students can demonstrate school spirit by attending sports games and participating in school events and celebrations; participation does not mean having to be directly involved. This can be in the form of cheering at games or rallies, talking to those involved, like student vendors at festivals, or just paying attention and listening instead of being on one’s phone.

While some students do attend some events that they feel directly connected to, they often do not notice the work of students in other events. For example, some students may only cheer at rallies when their friends are part of a performance, go to a cultural event only if it’s about their own culture, or go to a sporting event to watch a friend compete.

When students only pay attention to the works and accomplishments of others in their social groups or similar academic interests, there becomes a disconnect between those with different interests and students are less inclined to explore outside what they are familiar with. Students can mutually uplift each other by showing more interest in those with different interests.

Often, the social aspect is what makes an event enjoyable. Students do not have to be interested in art, sports, or different cultures to enjoy any event. These

events create opportunities for people to hang out, talk, and generally have fun together. Many people watching a football game do not know all the rules, but they can still have fun with their peers and cheer on the team.

Simply showing up would show support for those who organize or participate in an event, like ASB, athletes, or artists. Even if students are not at an event for the work of other specific students, being present shows that other students’ works are noticed and matter. Events that students should pay more attention to include sports games, cultural festivals, and school rallies.

W hile some events during school hours, like school rallies and spirit weeks, may not seem as exciting as the ones after school, a major part of why these events are not as enjoyable is because not as many students participate in them. The more students participate together in events like Spirit Week, the more energy and festivity the events will have.

In order to foster a positive campus environment and celebrate the achievements and works of students, students need to participate more in school events, celebrations, and festivals outside their interests.

Aside from creating a sense of community, it is also just a good way to make or have fun with friends.

5

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FEATURES

NOVEMBER 2024

Vietnamese Student Association Glides into First Place at Moon Festival Dance

By Namana Balakrishna

The Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) won 1st place at the Moon Festival Dance Competition on Saturday, Sept.

24, 2024, at Andrew Hill High School, according to VSA’s Instagram.

The dance competition was between many different Viet-

namese Student Associations across a variety of schools, VSA treasurer and dancer Vy Pham said.

It was open to people of all ages, packed with food, and had different vendors selling an assortment of things, she adds.

“People were celebrating the Moon Festival that week, and f-

amilies all came together to have fun,” Pham said. “It’s kind of like a night market and they witness our performances.”

VSA started preparing the choreography for this competition before the school year began, VSA dance lead Jenny Le said.

“We started preparing in late

Courtesy of Jodi Sobejana

VSA dancers taking a group photo with their trophy after winning first place. This was their first ever victory.

Students Average 6.4 Hours of Sleep, Providing Insight into Routines

By Jayden Hernandez

Sleep is a necessity and important in containing energy throughout the day and each student should be getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, according to the article, “Sleep and Health” written by CDC Healthy Schools. Student’s sleep schedules are very diverse within MHS, with different reasons for bedtimes, such as homework, sports, and other personal causes, according to a survey conducted by The Union.

416 students out of 538 get less than eight hours of sleep according to the student survey. Out of these students, 57% say they stay up because of school work, 20% stay up because of screen time, while the other 23% stay up for personal reasons.

Junior Sophia Nguyen has a busy school schedule and a large amount of homework and studying to do when she gets home, forcing her bedtime to be late at night, she said.

“It (my sleep schedule) ranges from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m,” Nguyen said.

Senior Marissa Agraz has a busy school schedule, a job, and sports, she said. She gets about six hours of sleep, she said.

“I go to bed around 11:30,” Agraz said. “School work is the reason I go to bed at that time.”

Senior Kayli Wong, an athlete on the flag football team, is able to go to bed early and get a full eight hours of sleep, she said.

“I usually go to bed around 10:30 or 11,” Wong said. “I usually get tired around that time and it’s also better if I go to sleep earlier than stay up.”

Without a good night’s sleep, neurons in our brains can’t organize or recall information properly, according to IvyWise, a college admissions website.

“Sleep is crucial,” said Caroline Kee, writer of a sleep wellness article. “Getting enough of it keeps our bodies and brains running and allows us to function throughout the day.”

July,” Jenny Le said. “And I think we started practices around the beginning of August.”

There were three different acts in the VSA performance, Jenny Le added.

“Dance would go first, and then lotus would be next, the boy’s act would go last,” Jenny Le said.

“The boys danced on their own.”

During their performance, VSA encountered unexpected audio issues, Pham said.

“In the beginning the music glitched,” Pham said. “We were dancing and we stopped, and then the music played again and we kept going.”

VSA advisor Kent Mitchell was invited as a last-minute judge for the competition, he said. He tried to be as conservative and fair as possible when judging his own club, and was more cautious when awarding points to his own club, Mitchell added.

“I was trying to find an area to be critical,” Mitchell said. “In the wow-factor of the category… I gave them a three out of four.”

Rubrics were sent to all the participating schools, which outlined the various categories

the dancers would be judged on, Mitchell said.

“There’s a whole choreographyphy category,” Mitchell said. “Props and costumes were another category.”

VSA used the rubrics to improve their performance, VSA co-dance lead Scarlett Le said.

“The other schools had a lot of stuff going on stage,” Scarlett Le said. “Ours was more simplified, so you could see what was happening.”

Two days before the competition, VSA had completely changed their choreography, Pham said. They stayed longer on Thursdays and Fridays to have everybody nail down the new choreography, she adds.

“On show day, we were still rehearsing,” Pham said. “And I was nervous because we changed the parts and stuff, and ‘what if we forget something?,’ but it ended really well.”

Seeing all the other performances, VSA only expected to only win third place, Jenny Le said.

“None of us expected that we would win first,” Jenny Le said.

“I don’t know, we won somehow.”

Shah Leverages Real World Experiences as New Principles of Finance Teacher

By Andy Nguyen

Dhruvi Shah was recently hired as the new teacher for the principles of finance class, a course for students to learn real-world financial issues, according to school officials. Ms. Shah wants students to have a sense of financial literacy, she said.

Principles of finance, a semester-long Career and Technical Education (CTE) course, provides students with education about the essential knowledge and skills needed for real-world financial situations like investments, credit cards, and loans, according to the course catalog.

Before coming to MHS, Shah taught math at Calaveras Hills High School, she said. Before teaching, she worked in the business world and previously taught accounting, she said.

Shah has been interested in financial literacy since a young age, she said. She always wanted others to have the opportunity that she never had, she said.

“I was always interested in lea-

rning how to invest and manage my money,” Shah said. “When I was in high school, I really wish they taught us about taxes and investing, and I feel like there wasn’t an opportunity to learn or access people, so I decided that when I grew up, that’s what I’ll do instead.”

Freshman Jason Nguyen, a student in Shah’s class, says that he recommends the class. “(I would) one hundred percent (recommend this class),” Nguyen said. “You actually learn some stuff and can use it.”

Shah’s teaching style is great, freshman Savir Dillikar said.

“I like the way how she uses interactive games to help us learn,” Dillikar said.

This class has positively influenced his perception of finance, Savir said.

“It influenced it (the perception of finance) in a positive way, and I feel like it’s not a mystery or a black box, and I can approach it,” he said.

Shah has some financial advice to give to the readers, she said.

“Start young,” Shah said.

“Don’t be afraid, jump in and do your research. Take a leap of faith.”

Shah has had a great experience at MHS so far, she said.

“It’s been really good. It’s great to see that the student body is so motivated and very welcoming,” she said. “It’s a really nice place to be.”

Andy Nguyen | THE UNION

Ms. Shah teaches her students the ways of paying for college.

Meiyi Chung Represents Student Voice as School Board Representative

By Ilana Ramzan

Junior Meiyi Chung was elected as student school board representative on May 1, 2024, by the student population, Chung said.

She began her role at the start of the 24-25 school year and aims to bring a stronger sense of community to MHS as a whole, Chung said.

“I hope that I can make a really big difference in this school, one that is quantifiable and that I can connect people to each other, even if I don’t plan those things myself,” Chung said.

Chung was first introduced to the role of being a school board representative by Satvika Iyer, the previous school board representative, and from her own work in leadership and other activities, Chung said. As a school board representative, Chung can contribute to discussions at school board meetings and ask questions regarding different issues involving MHS, she added.

“The main part of my job is tracking down events that are going to happen at our school and

already happened, and compiling them into a report for me to give every two weeks at the school board meeting,” Chung said.

An inspirational figure for Chung is history teacher and junior class advisor, Rylie Zea, Chung said. Chung works closely with Zea and the junior class officers to create activities on campus as part of her role as a leadership student and as school board representative, she said.

“She spends a lot of time with us and she has a lot of ideas,” Chung said. “She’s not afraid to get in there and get her hands dirty and help us out with the work.”

Chung is very dedicated to her role as school board representative and exceeds expectations for every job that she is given, Zea said.

“I expect that our student school board reps are essentially bringing the perspective of all the students,” Zea said. “School board reps should definitely represent the issues students are seeing on campus.”

An important aspect of Chung as a person is her ambition and a-

Courtesy of Nia Gupte

Meiyi Chung delivers her speech at the Candidate Showcase in the theater for the 2024-25 MHS Elections.

bility to communicate, Zea said.

“When she wants something done, she’s clear about it,” Zea said. “Having clarity and communication and having a clear understanding of what you want to say about an issue is really, important. Meiyi does a great job

of doing that.”

Chung wants to support all MHS officers, Junior class secretary Bowen Xu said.

“She’s a very open person who’s not really afraid or shy to speak up,” Xu said. She has done a lot for our class,” Xu said. “I do

believe that she’s very qualified for this position.”

Chung hopes that more students learn that she is able to make changes in MHS, she said.

“I’ll go through leaps and bounds to make sure their voice is heard,“ Chung said.

FEATURES

NOVEMBER 2024

7

THE UNION

New California Legislation to Prohibit Phone Usage in Schools, Students Share Opinions

By Harold Hong

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 3216, the PhoneFree School Act, which requires school districts to limit or prohibit phone usage during school hours by Jul. 1, 2026, according to the governor’s website. Mental health issues, cyberbullying, interference with education, and low-achieving students are cited as reasons for the bill, which was approved on Sept. 24, 2024.

According to the 24-25 MHS Student Handbook, “Electronic communication devices may not be used in class without express permission from a teacher or other staff member.”

In a survey conducted by The Union, out of 545 students, 73% of students disagreed with the act, and 69% believe that phones never cause them to lose focus during class.

Junior Aaron Chiah disagrees with the new law and often uses his phone during school to look at social media and videos, he said.

“I’m forced to use my phone when I think the teacher is boring,” Chiah said. “I pull out (my phone), then okay, ‘Let me check what’s on Instagram,’ and I start

scrolling through reels. I’ve become such an Instagram ‘fiend’ lately.”

Phones are only needed in school if students have academic games to play or school forms to fill out, Chiah said.

“Phones might be crucial during school hours if we have to do a survey,” Chiah said.

Junior Ryan Truong believes that students should be committed to studying instead of being on their phones, he said.

“I use it (my phone) a few minutes per class,” Truong said.

“Other students I’ve seen are using them most of the class. You’ll see kids sitting around, using their phones while the teacher’s lecturing, which adds to the problem.”

Truong adds that students should be more open to socializing and learning than focusing on their phones, he said.

“If you’re at school to learn, and just end up using your phone, does that sound really productive?” Truong said.”

English teacher Sheldon Hentschke acknowledges how phones can be implemented into lessons, but can be distractions as well, he said.

“I don’t mind phones being used

before school, at break, during passing period, and lunch,” Hentschke said. “Phones should not be used when class is in session.”

Chinese teacher Kristina Tao, doesn’t find phones to be much of a problem in her class, she said.

“It’s fine (the ban),” Tao said.

“It (would) make the class easier to be managed.”

Tao only collects phones before a quiz or test, she said.

“There are teachers that will collect phones before the class, but I think that’s wasting people’s time,” Tao said. “Because for a lot of students, they don’t have (any) issues with using their phone.”

Junior Minh Lam has a neutral stance on the ban, and believes that students use phones as a distraction instead of a utility that benefits them, he said.

“I mainly use it (my phone) for my ‘To-Do’ lists and my agendas,” Lam said.

There have been a few instances when his phone has distracted him, Lam said.

“The solution is to turn on silent mode or ‘Do not disturb,’” Lam said. “Phones can be distracting, but they can also be your greatest tool.”

Harold Hong | THE UNION

Nathan Do checks his phone outside classroom L-46 during lunch.

Eunice Lee Jumps into Fifth National Title, Plans to Start Jump-Roping Club

By Alice Nguyen

Courtesy of Eunice Lee

Eunice performing at the American Jump Rope National Championship.

Freshman Eunice Lee won her fifth national jump-roping champion title this past June at the 2024 American Jump Rope National Championship at Salt Lake City in Utah, according to Eunice Lee. She completed her fourth national championship run with a gold medal in Single Rope Speed Endurance, the title of U.S. Junior Individual AllAround Champion, and the title of Grand National Jump Rope Champion, according to Eunice Lee. Eunice Lee competed in four events: Single Rope Individual Freestyle (SRIF), Single Rope Speed Sprint (SRSS), Single Rope Double Under Relay (SRDUR), and Single Rope Speed Endurance (SRSE), according to Eunice Lee. Eunice Lee, heading into her fourth national tournament, only practiced jump-roping for about two to three hours a day, as she doesn’t want to practice harder

in fear of an injury right before a competition, she said. Additionally, she is very particular about her diet, not eating much before competitions to be light on her feet, she said.

“I would literally eat maybe one slice of watermelon for breakfast, and for lunch one granola bar,” Eunice Lee said.

“Especially in Salt Lake City, that I did this year, (there’s) really high elevation, (that’s) really bad for metabolism. Even though I eat one banana and milk for breakfast, it wouldn’t go down. It would still stay there, and it will hurt my belly while I practice.”

Being a jump-roping national champion was never the plan for Eunice Lee and her parents, according to Eunice Lee’s mother, Celine Lee. After Eunice Lee won two consecutive gold medals in the Milpitas Elementary Olympics, her family agreed that Eunice Lee may have a talent for jump-roping, Celine Lee said.

“We were searching if there was any club, not specifically a

competitive club,” Celine Lee said. “​​There was a (test) to join the club, and she passed.”

Eunice Lee started to train with Sol Jumpers, a competitive jump-roping team, in January 2020, according to her father and coach, Sean Lee. The team was disbanded after the coach left the team a few months after the pandemic started, which led to Eunice Lee competing as a one-person team since April 2022, according to Sean Lee. “In 2022 we contacted some of the well-known jump rope coaches, but they were not local,” said Sean Lee. “She (Eunice Lee) got some online classes or lessons, one hour each session.”

Eunice Lee says she wishes to spread the sport in Milpitas. She plans to start her own jump-roping club next semester, Eunice Lee said.

“I want to teach teens outside of school as well,” Eunice Lee said. “Jump rope is endangered in the Bay Area, that’s why I really want to spread it.”

School Plan for Student Achievement Outlines English Learners Goals, Plans for School Year

By Prisha Jain

Milpitas High School aims to improve college and career readiness as well as graduation rates for English Learner (EL) students this school year, according to the 24-25 School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) document.

This document outlines the school’s goals for students for a given school year and is updated annually, according to the California Department of Education’s (CDE) website. The 24-25 SPSA states that only 16.7 students out of 168 total EL students were classified as “Prepared” on the CDE’s college/career indicator for the 23-24 school year.

“One of my goals moving forward is to graduate students on time and provide the right support for them,” EL counselor Yolanda Rodriguez said.

The EL program functions by having EL-specific classes split up through the regular departments, English teacher Dena Chavez said. She gets students that have little to no knowledge of the language, she said.

“I have the newcomers, and so my goal is that they are able to function, be conversational, and understand what’s going on in all of their classes,” Chavez said.

Rodriguez believes the best way to help EL students with completing necessary credits is by encouraging parents to obtain previous transcripts, she said.

“When I came in last year, there was a lot of kids without transcripts, and I was like, ‘This is not good,’” Rodriguez said.

“This year I’ve brought (it up) to parents, reinforced that we need their transcripts, and so far, I’ve gotten all but one.”

Exposure to alternative pathways and careers after high school through career-oriented field trips and messaging is also important, Principal and Chief Innovator Greg Wohlman said.

Getting students and families to accept the possibilities of pathways different from a four-year university has been a challenge, he said.

“This generation is the first generation that can really make that push away from college and be just as successful, if not more

successful, in their future,” Wohlman said. “And that’s hard for students to accept at times, and that’s hard for our parents to accept because it’s brand new.”

The school will be conducting targeted EL tutoring led by Norma Morales as additional support in meeting credit requirements, Wohlman said.

This will help students envision life after high school by ensuring they pass classes every six-week grading period, he said.

Rodriguez would like to have a college and career center for EL students, a EL mentoring program, and a school club for different demographics, she said.

“It could (have) various topics,

presentations, guest speakers, (and) activities,” Rodriguez said.

School staff is committed to helping students despite the obstacles, Wolhman said.

“When we can’t solve (obstacles), it makes us work harder,” Wohlman said. “It makes us question our systems and process, and that’s a good thing.”

Prisha Jain | THE UNION

Dena Chavez begins a lecture for her students in classroom F-10. The students had just finished a test.

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NOVEMBER 2024

California State Propositions Reflect Resident Priorities

By Akshaj Kashyap

One of the most unique aspects of California’s political system is how every single California citizen can participate in a direct democracy. Through California State Propositions, citizens can directly influence laws and regulations, bypassing the need to rely solely on their representatives to vote in their favor.

Ten different propositions are on the Nov. 5 ballot, an increase from the 2022 ballot which only had 7 measures — the fewest in over a century according to Cal Matters.

Here are 5 of the most contentious propositions on this year’s ballot.

Prop 2: This proposition calls for $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and another $1.5 billion for community colleges for “repair, upgrade, and construction of facilities”, according to the California Voter Information Guide.

Supporters of the proposition find the proposition necessary

since funding for school repairs comes entirely from state and local bonds, rather than a constant inflow of funding like most other states. Furthermore, 38% of students don’t attend schools that meet California’s minimum safety standards, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Opponents of the proposition point out how an increase of $10 billion in bond obligations means an estimated $18 billion increase for taxpayers to repay with the inclusion of interest.

Prop 5: Proposition 5 would lower the voter approval threshold from ⅔ to 55% needed for new housing and public infrastructure to begin construction. Proponents of Prop 5 believe that

this law will empower local voters to address specific issues in their communities.

Opponents believe that it will only increase property taxes and shift the financial burden from the state to local communities.

Prop 6: This proposition wants to eliminate forced labor from California’s state constitution.

Supporters of the proposition believe that subjecting prisoners to work long hours for minimal pay is inhumane. Those who oppose the proposition believe that recovering the severe budget deficit is a greater priority, and the increased pay for prisoners would go against decreasing the budget.

Prop 32: Proposition 32 would raise the minimum wage statewide to $17 an hour for the rest of 2024 and then to $18 an hour starting in January 2025 — an increase from the current $16 an hour. From 2027 onwards, the wage would be adjusted with inflation, similar to how the wage currently changes.

Supporters believe that the increase in the minimum wage is necessary to help workers reach a livable wage, which is currently estimated to be an average of $27.32 according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. Opponents to the proposition

argue that employers and businesses will suffer from the increase making it harder for them to stay afloat.

Prop 36: Considered by experts to be one of the most contentious propositions, Proposition 36 will allow theft under $950 and possession of some drugs to be charged as a felony if the defendant has two prior convictions of a similar nature. Supporters believe that the proposition will help decrease crime.

Opponents believe that Prop 36 will only lead to increased prison spending while cutting down on funding for prevention, treatments, and rehabilitation.

The Nov. 5 ballot presents Californians with critical choices on issues like education funding, affordable housing, minimum wage, and criminal justice. California voters have the unique opportunity to shape the state’s future.

Source: California Voter Guide

STUDENTS (411)

COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE ARCHIVES

A Guide to the Milpitas Mayoral Candidates

By Angelrain Bacungan

On Nov. 5, 2024, Milpitas will elect On Nov. 5, 2024, Milpitas will elect a new mayor. However, some citizens may still not know much about the candidates.

The Union sat down with the three of the mayor candidates.

Hon Lien, a current council member, was a business owner who managed four companies from 1987 to 2007. She worked as a food importer and delivered foods to countries such as France and Thailand before her political career, Lien said.

Lien wants to ensure that Milpitas collaborates with neighboring cities and to hold agencies, such as VTA and Homekey, accountable for their actions, she said. If elected, she also plans to secure funds and repair streets, she said.

Regarding accountability for agencies, Lien mentioned Homekey, a state program addressing homelessness.

Specifically, their Hillview Court apartments in Milpitas, which houses homeless individuals, has a high-crime site, Lien said.

“That has created a lot of problems, and we have a lot of police calls,” Lien said. “You would hear that people there (are) using drugs, overdose, and die.”

Companies and the state government should fix their own challenges and honor responsibilities shared with Milpitas to slow problems in the community, Lien says.

Lien said she supports Measure J, a bill that would continue the one-fourth of a cent tax on sales, according to the City of Milpitas’ website.

“I would like community members to support the city of Milpitas,” Lien said. “Because that (Measure J) will create $7 million per year for us to support police, fire, fixing the streets, and everything else.”

Carmen Montano, the current mayor of Milpitas, is an alumnus from Milpitas High School who graduated in 1973 and is the co-founder of Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association (SNA), Montano said. She has served on the school board, on the city council, and then as mayor, she said. She is currently seeking a second mayoral term, according to Montano.

Montano has goals to beautify Milpitas while in office. She claims that she wants to focus on revitalizing Main Street and attracting high-tech businesses, Montano said. Main Street has been neglected for the past thirty to forty years, she added.

“I want to make it a destination place, like an entertainment center – an entertainment district,” Montano said.

“There are certain areas that need to be spruced up, (...) especially the entrance areas into our city. Because when people come into our city, you want them to see a nice, clean city. Because that’s first impressions; that also attracts businesses, too.”

With a cleaner city environment and an entertainment district, many high tech companies would take an interest in Milpitas, according to Montano. This would open up more job opportunities and will help strengthen our economy, she said.

Voltaire Montemayor, a retired geologist and engineer, is an avid attendee at Saint John the Baptist Church, according to him during the 2024 mayoral forum.

Montemayor aims to apply his past knowledge as a geologist to help the community by watching out for threats – such as fires, water shortages, flooding, crime and earthquakes – and support the students and faculty at Milpitas High School (MHS) so that they can thrive and succeed, according to him in an interview.

He wants to ensure that noth-

ing harmful will happen to anyone while in office, Montemayor said. In addition, he wants wellness checks for the citizens so that everyone can live a good lifestyle, he said.

“We need psychology provided for children, also even the parents,” Montemayor said. “We don’t want any rebellious thinking of anybody; we should always love, love your neighbor, love everybody. No discrimination.”

The Union contacted Anthony Phan on multiple occasions, but we were unable to interview him.

COURTESY OF THE MILPITAS BEAT and Paul Ellis

Carmen Montano, Hon Lien, Anthony Phan, and Voltaire Montemayor at the mayoral forum taken place inside of Milpitas Library. (Each candidate is ordered from left to right.)

NOVEMBER 2024

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Political Views of Teachers Around Campus

By Reba Prabhakhar

With the increase of political polarization among American citizens, it’s no surprise that political opinions are becoming louder within educational institutions.

Social studies teacher Ana M. Pardo describes herself as a moderate with liberal leanings, especially on the issue of wealth redistribution.

“We all owe each other something as members of the same society,” Pardo said . “We should do something to make sure most people, if not everybody, have a minimum, especially when we are talking about children.”

Social studies teacher Frank Castro describes himself as a moderate conservative.

“I’ve been a registered Republican up until six years ago, and I really haven’t voted for a Republican for president since Bush in 2000,” he said. “I have a business degree, so I always tend to go pro-business.”

Physics teacher Charles Schletzbaum calls himself a progressive, with some exceptions for science and foreign poli-

cy, explaining that his views align most closely with democratic socialists like Bernie Sanders.

“I think Democrats are conservative,” Schletzbaum said. “Biden’s way too conservative. So is Kamala Harris,” he added.

Social Studies teacher Clarence Wrencher says he identifies as an independent with very moderate views.

All four teachers said they would be voting for Kamala Harris this election cycle, which aligns with the teacher population at the school, according to a survey conducted by The Union. 86.8% out of 53 teachers said they would be voting Kamala Harris, according to the survey.

Wrencher said Harris is the better candidate for president because she has broad appeal with a good record, specifically in criminal justice.

“She was senator from the largest state in the country, so she knows about governing a large amount of people,” Wrencher said.

He disagreed with Harris on her immigration policies, stating that he didn’t like how the Biden-Harris administration handled the crisis at the border.

“You are supposed to process people and either send them back or grant them asylum,” said Wrencher. “There’s a big backlog and migrants aren’t getting one or the other in a timely manner.”

However, here was an attempt to pass a bi-partisan border bill during Biden’s presidency, Wrencher said.

“It did not get the support it needed from the Republicans,” Wrencher said.

Donald Trump is a threat to the right to American suffrage, Schletzbaum said.

“I want to be able to vote in four years,” Scheltzbaum said in reference to a speech Trump made on July 26, 2024.

“I love you Christians. I’m a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again, we’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote,” Trump said, according to a Reuters article.

However, he has his reserva-

tions about Harris because she is too much of a “cop” and is afraid of standing up to the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Schletzbaum said.

“She needs to stop sending weapons to the war, especially if there’s war crimes being committed by both sides,” Schletzbaum said. “A lot of people are too chicken to actually stand up to AIPAC,” he said.

Trump’s presidency is undemocratic because of how the insurrection on January 6th prevented the peaceful transition of power between the presidents, Pardo said.

“People with different political leanings agreeing to give up power is very rare in human history,” Pardo said.

“It’s a very important reason not to vote for the former president.”

Trump’s volatility and his actions during the insurrection on January 6th are the primary reasons why he is not fit to be president, Castro said.

“It just became four years of every day: What crazy thing did he say?

What dumb thing did he do this time?”

Castro said.

Teachers (53)

Who would you vote for in the 2024 presidential election ?

Students (411)

How Politically Engaged are the Students at MHS?

By Ian Choi

All students will grow to be adults with responsibilities and will be affected by the government. Political awareness is an important life skill because it informs people about future policies, and events. So, how much do students know about politics currently?

Students around campus were asked about their general knowledge and opinions on relevant political topics and events. These questions included their opinions of gun legislation, drugs, abortion, and more.

A good percentage of students in the school believe that they are moderately informed about politics. According to The Union survey, 210 out of 530 students (40%) answered that they considered themselves somewhat informed.

Deadly drugs in the USA are a serious problem with over 107,941 deaths in 2022 being attributed to drugs that are smuggled into the USA, according to the DEA. “The surveillance in America right now is terrible and the underground thing that Mexico does to get drugs under,” Deshmukh said. “No one’s doing anything about it; like it’s just there and everyone knows about it, too.”

The total number of school shootings have been on a steady rise

from 2008 to the present according to CNN(us). From 2008 to 2012 there were a total of 81 school shootings but in just 2023, there were 82.

The Union survey also asked about views on gun control, and 71.6% of respondents (373 out of 521 students) said they believed gun laws should be stricter.

“I think it should be more strict because you have more school shootings than ever before,” junior Mokshit KidambiSeshaSai said “And, it takes a very dangerous toll on all the kids that go to school, every single student in America, no matter where they are, have imagined themselves in a school shooting either once or twice.”

Looking at their engagement in political topics like gun laws, drugs, and abortion, most students, as seen in The Union survey. Every American should pay attention to politics because of how it can affect our livelihoods and future. It is for this reason that political awareness is a crucial skill to have and cultivate.

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LIFESTYLE

THE UNION

NOVEMBER 2024

How to Dress: The Bare Basics

By Angelrain Bacungan

Fashion–it’s an art form; it’s a way for people to express themselves without words, and it’s been an everyday thing since the beginning of time. Despite it being considered an art by many people throughout the world, there are some people out there who don’t know which kind of clothes match well with each other – in turn, they look silly.

If you find yourself having this problem, here are some ways to improve your style.

Color Schemes An outfit can be as basic as a person wants; what ties it together is the colors of the clothes themselves. Most people often don’t know which colors work well together. Imagine a person going to school wearing an orange sweater and bright neon green sweatshorts; they’d look silly, right?

A way to prevent this problem is to understand the color wheel—a spectrum with every color in the rainbow. The color wheel follows a rule known as the color theory.

It explores which colors complement each other the best to create visually appealing and compatible outfits.

Half of the color spectrum consists of warm-toned colors – like cherry red, tangerine orange, amber (yellow), or anything that has a bright, bold hue – and cooltoned colors – like navy blue, violet, sage green, or anything else that has a desaturated hue. If you are still confused, you can search up an example of the color wheel.

Cool colors work well with itself; this also applies to warm tones, too. When pairing clothing, matching a darker piece of clothing for bottoms and a lighter piece for your top creates a put-together look. An example of this kind of pairing is wearing dark blue jeans with a light blue top.

There are also neutral colors on the spectrum. These colors include black, gray, and white; they pair well with any clothing.

Neutral colors go well with either tone – it doesn’t matter.

To find out what kind of colored clothing and jewelry will look better on you, take a look at your wrists. What color are your veins? If your veins are green, you are a warm-toned person. If your veins are blue or purple, you are a

cool-toned person. Gold jewelry looks better on warm-toned people while silver jewelry looks better on cool tones.

The colors of an outfit can determine what sort of vibe or personality a person will give off.

Any outfit that has any warmtoned colors will make a person seem very outgoing and energetic, while an outfit that has any cooltoned colors will make someone seem very laid back and mature in a sense. Be wise and careful while choosing what to wear!

Proportions Every human has a unique body type, and each body type is beautiful in its own way. Clothing can either flatter a person’s features, or muddy them altogether and make them look silly.

Proportionality can help create a more mature look for the average person. It helps create symmetry and balances elements. A person needs to know what body type that they have.

There’s a property called the “rule of thirds.” Picture your body split into three parts – from your head to your waist, from your waist to your knees, and your knees to your feet. You need to choose which part of your body you want to draw attention to.

Whether it be your waist, neck, or legs, it doesn’t matter. Emphasizing a certain part of your body will make you look either taller, your neck look longer, or your shoulders more broad, etc. Accessories also can help emphasize and give a certain element that you want to display to your overall appearance.

Those who have a fitter and leaner body type should wear looser clothing for the bottom and a tighter top. This type of styling will help flatter their features.

For individuals with a more bulky body type, their outfits should include a loose top and a loose fit for their pants. This will help draw attention away from certain body parts.

Conclusion Always remember that fashion is just another way of self-expression. You don’t have to fit in with society; dress the way you want.

You should feel happy in whatever you wear. Don’t let anyone hold you back on what you want to do.

Everyone is unique and different in their own ways. Have fun dressing!

Uyen Vu | THE UNION

Uyen Vu’s game avatar struts down the runway in freeplay mode in Magica, one of many featured poses.

Dress to Impress Unleashes Inner Fashionista

By Uyen Vu

Boasting over 3 billion visits, Dress to Impress (DTI) is one of the hottest Roblox games among gamers of all ages this past season. From niche, game-specific video essays to big-name content creators, one is bound to stumble upon the sparkly pink runway if they spend their fair share of time on social media.

DTI is one of the many featured online games on Roblox, a virtual game platform that allows users to create and play games made by themselves or other developers.

Each round lasts five minutes, where one of over 300 themes is randomly selected for players to create the best outfit. Once the time is up, judging starts. Each user gets a chance to walk down the runway in poses of their choosing while the rest rate their outfit on a scale of 5 stars. The top three get a place on the podium.

The selection of bottoms, tops, accessories, and make-up is seemingly endless as constant updates are released relating to holidays, seasons, or emerging pop trends.

These events have a limited runtime that creates a sense of urgency for players to complete them before they are gone.

Personally, I found the overall experience playing slightly overwhelming as a newcomer. The amount of clothing options, short timer, and judging process gave

me more anxiety than enjoyment.

The fun starts when you get the hang of it. The game has a freeplay option for those who want to practice without the loom of a ticking timer, but the new updates were slow to come in.

Users have the option to pay for items with real money, or more popularly, the VIP pass, which gives access to certain items, servers, and an overall easier time with themes.

Criticisms regarding the VIP paywall come from both sides.

Some who purchased the pass think the perks do not live up to the $10 price tag, which is on the pricier side compared to other Roblox games. VIPs also often face unfairness in voting from bitter nonusers. Conversely, those without the pass complain that VIP users pay their way into winning.

Another common critique is the lack of body diversity. DTI’s avatar is much different from the default Roblox block model, displaying a hyper-exaggerated depiction of the conventionally ideal female figure. However, the developers have been working on new plus size models.

Making a new model requires the creation of a brand-new wardrobe, but many players, including myself, would like to see the expansion of the existing male wardrobe. Most items are designed for the female avatar and can not be

worn by the male model, even if it is as simple as a pair of gloves.

Some players have circumvented the small wardrobe by finding game bugs to wear female assets.

Despite its faults, the game features its own extensive background story. If you explore the nail boutique, you can find traces of Lana, a non-playable character who haunts the background of the main game through pictures and diary entries. The player may investigate her disappearance by visiting miniature games outside of the main game containing cryptic codes, videos, and messages.

The horror aspect and visuals contrast the lightheartedness of the game and gives it a unique allure. Curious about Lana? Play it for yourself!

DTI’s appeal to a wide audience is its biggest strength, but it has caused fans from differing bubbles to clash. Teens and young adults complain that the experience is ruined by hateful messages, unfair voting, and outfits copied by young users. As crude as the kids may be, I have seen messages just as unfriendly, if not worse, come from grown adults. While conflicts don’t always occur, it certainly spoils the fun.

However many downsides there may be, DTI remains a game for people of all ages to express their inner fashionista. Even if you’re not one on the outside, you can surely be one in Dress to Impress.

New Apple Watch Series 10 for an ‘Ultimate’, Healthy Life

By Jerry Yong

Courtesy of Yasmin Gomez

Freshman Emily Ha displays a good example of balance in her outfit.

Earlier this fall, Apple released the Series 10 version of their Apple Watch during their annual release event. This upgraded wearable adds several critical health features, a new wide-angle Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a 10% thinner build, and a 20% weight reduction in the titanium edition compared to previous models.

The Series 10 joins the “Ultra series” of watches by featuring an exclusive titanium construction edition; thus, replacing the old stainless steel variants. The starting prices for the Series 10 are $399 for the aluminum case and $699 for the titanium version.

I picked up my 46mm edition of the Series 10 in a Jet Black polished aluminum finish on the second release day. After unboxing the device, I could immediately feel the difference from my older Series 6 Apple Watch, which felt thicker and heavier and had a smaller screen. These changes made the Series 10 much more comfortable to use daily.

The improved screen really

caught my attention from the start. Apple’s new display technology, a wide-angle Low-Temperature Polysilicone Oxide 3 (LTPO3) screen, allows for greater power efficiency, improved viewing angles, and higher refresh rates.

The improved display especially helps when running outside in the sun, where the movement and light typically make it hard to read a watch. I was also able to install the Strava app for the Apple Watch, which allows users to sync their workouts online to track metrics and share routes.

The new health features are also notable for the upgraded device. In combination with the WatchOS 11 software update, the new vitals app and sleep apnea detection ensure that users are informed about their health.

Due to the faster wireless charging, the watch can reach 80% in just half an hour, according to Apple. This is useful for wearing the watch while sleeping, as most users tend to leave their watch charging overnight for the next day. I tracked my sleep across a week and saw that my best sleep occurred during the weekends, with an average of 9 hours and 30

minutes per night.

With all of these benefits in mind, the new Apple watch also has a few negatives. Other devices on the market feature blood oxygen sensing, which is useful to understand your overall health. The lack of the sensors is due to an ongoing legal case between health technology company Masimo and Apple for alleged patent infringement of the blood oxygen sensors on the Apple Watch.

Additionally, the Apple Watch requires someone in your family to have an iPhone to set the device up. This causes some difficulty for certain users who do not have easy access to a family or friend’s iPhone. Also, Android phones do not support the Apple Health app and therefore cannot sync the health metrics from the Apple watch to their device. Text message functionality is also limited, as the Apple watch only syncs iMessages to the device so Android users also are out of luck when it comes to compatibility.

All in all, the Apple Watch Series 10 truly is the “ultimate device for a healthy life”, according to Apple, and I would highly recommend students check it out as Black Friday and the holiday season approaches.

NOVEMBER 2024

LIFESTYLE

From Pumpkin Spice to Pumpkin Muffins

By Marie De Vre

Ingredients Batter 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice* ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup canola or vegetable oil ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree 2 large eggs, room temperature ¼ cup milk, room temperature Crumb Topping ¾ cup all purpose flour ¼ granulated sugar ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Maple Icing 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons milk Instructions Preheat the oven to 425°F Spray a muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners Whisk all the d r y ingredients for the muffins together in a large bowl Mix all the wet ingredients for the muffins together in a medium bowl Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling them almost to the top To make the crumb topping, mix all the ingredients for the crumb topping together with a fork until small clumps form

Spread the crumbs evenly over the muffins, gently pressing them into the batter so they stay in place Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then for an additional 16-17 minutes at 350°F (or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center) Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan To make the icing, mix all icing ingredients together before drizzling it over the muffins Review: Pumpkin-themed recipes are a quintessential part of Fall, and with Halloween looming around the corner, I wanted to try a new recipe. I found a recipe for pumpkin muffins with crumble and maple icing on the website Sally’s Baking Addiction and knew I had to try it.

The muffins are like mini pumpkin bread loaves, making a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. This recipe is ideal for those who love fall flavors but aren’t over the moon about

pumpkin spice since it focuses more on actual pumpkin flavor and is less heavy-handed on pumpkin spice than traditional fall reci-

pes.

The pumpkin puree provided a rich pumpkin flavor and kept the muffins moist. I love pumpkin but can’t stand the overpowering flavor of pumpkin spice, so these muffins were amazing. It tasted like pumpkin with just a hint of the classic fall spices.

While I wasn’t a big fan of the crumble, it did add texture and uniqueness to the recipe. The maple icing was super easy to make and is customizable to one’s preferences; you can add your own spices or change the ratio of syrup to sugar. It added depth to the flavor, and I enjoyed the combination of maple syrup and pumpkin.

Plus, the muffins were easy to make and used ingredients commonly found in people’s kitchens. Anyone would be able to make this, regardless of their baking skills. Overall, I’d rate this recipe a 7/10.

I followed the recipe as written and was able to make 16 muffins.

The baking directions were accurate, so none of the muffins were dry or underbaked.

However, I was left with a disproportionate amount of crumble after all the baking had been completed.

In the future, I would cut down the flour and sugar a mou nt s by at least 25% to reduce the amount made. I recommend reducing the amount of sugar used in the maple icing as well; I only used 100 g of powdered sugar because I felt like the icing would be too sweet otherwise. But, it did mean that the icing was runnier than it originally would have been.

This recipe is a great introduction to the world of fall baking, and I hope everyone gives it a try. It’s perfect for making and sharing with friends.

Somi Somi’s Soft Serve Leaves ‘So-So’ Impression

By Namana Balakrishna

While on the hunt for new snack spots to try, a friend recommended I go to Somi-Somi, a soft serve shop. The franchise just recently opened a location in Milpitas, on Aug. 23, 2024, so I decided to pay a visit on a Thursday afternoon, right after school.

When I went inside, the shop felt really big and empty. I was the only customer in the store, and the minimalistic design added to the sense of emptiness. There wasn’t any furniture either. I personally found the bright, white lights to be nice. However, the store felt pretty intimidating with the lack of people and decor.

The menu didn’t have a lot of options. I thought there were nine flavors, but in reality there were only six flavors. The remaining three flavors are just a combination of the original six. I felt like they could have widened their range of flavors as repeat customers may get bored and want to try something new.

You have the option to buy the soft serve with an ah-boong, a waffle fish that has a filling of your choice. There were about six different fillings to choose from. Filling includes black sesame, Nutella, red bean, matcha custard, and regular custard. If you didn’t want

the ah-boong, you would get your ice cream in a regular cup. I personally think it’s worth paying the extra dollar for the ah-boong.

The servers were really nice. I got my ice cream right after I had ordered. Again, I was the only customer.

Now, my favorite part of the whole experience: the taste test.

The soft serve was creamy and cold. The Ube flavor was pretty strong and noticeable. On the other end of the spectrum, the milk and Ube swirl had almost no flavor. The milk was stronger, and I barely tasted the Ube. With the cookies-and-cream and milk tea swirl, the milk tea was the more dominant flavor, while the cookies and cream had a subtle after-taste.

After your soft serve is made, you have the option to add toppings. I opted for the biscoff crumbles on the ice cream. As the topping only coated the outside, I barely had any extra flavor. Given a choice between adding a macron and a strawberry, I chose the macaroon. Rather than an actual macaron as I expected, I was presented with half of a macaron cookie. It was perfect: soft and chewy.

The ah-boong, or waffle, was golden brown on the outside.

When I bit into it, the waffle was

perfectly soft. It had the texture of a fluffy pancake and wasn’t sweet.

I ordered this with a Nutella filling. The Nutella was smeared over the insides of the waffle, rather than filling the waffle-cone.

I enjoyed the soft serve, but I didn’t think it was worth the price. The flavors are plain and simple, maybe even too simple for the price of $7. I did enjoy the soft serve and ah-boong, but the price and location of the shop reduced from the overall experience.

While I enjoyed Somi-Somi, I doubt I’ll be going back anytime soon. A solid 3.5/5.

THE UNION

11

New York Times Offers Variety of Word Games for Puzzle-Solvers

By Ved Vyas

In the digital age, people are constantly consuming short-form content and endlessly scrolling.

Attention spans and meaningful connections are diminishing.

However, many are turning to the New York Times Games as a form of entertainment.

Not only do these games provide a lot of stimulation, they also foster connections between players and help combat these dwindling attention spans.

Take Connections, for example.

Gregory Campeau, English teacher and frequent player, highlights “Connections” as one of his favorite New York Times games. “I enjoy the conceptual part of it,” said Campeau“It’s a word game, but it’s also a categorization game.”

Players have to group words based on their meaning into specific categories, and connection often plays on the double meaning of certain words to trick you into putting them in the wrong category. The game has four categories, all ranging from easy to hard based on the colors of the category.

The nuance behind the game requires sustained thought, something that is increasingly rare in the age of TikTok and short-form social media.

Following “Connections,” Campeau adds that “Spelling Bee” is his next favorite. “It’s very stimulating to brainstorm as many words as I can from those letters,” said Campeau. He said he finds the game a relaxing but mentally engaging exercise, and he often plays it throughout the day because he cannot think

of all the words at once. His experience shows how these games can lead people to have bursts of mindful concentration throughout the day and can thus provide an antidote to mindless scrolling.

Interestingly, Campeau says he integrates some of these games into his classroom as warm-ups. “I started playing Spelling Bee as a way to engage students before diving into lessons,” he said. This is a clever strategy that pulls students away from their phones and encourages them to engage with language.

People also play New York Times games with their friends at school and bond over playing the game.

Campeau says he finds himself playing these games throughout the day and with his friends, seeing which words they have found. These types of interactions with others can help prevent people from being lonely and scrolling on their phones alone, as New York Times games inherently promote collaboration.

In a time when mindless scrolling is rampant, Campeau believes that games like these offer a better alternative. “Getting a mobile app with word games is a nice alternative to doom-scrolling,” he said, emphasizing that these games can keep students engaged and may be a productive distraction.

As New York Times games’ popularity increases, both teachers and students find playing them to be a meaningful pastime. If you’re looking to enhance your vocabulary or challenge your mind, these games may give you the means to do so.

Staff Soundtracks: Teachers Tune into Their Favorite Song Artists

By Kiara Cassandra

Music has always been a way to connect people across generations and backgrounds. By sharing their favorite genres, songs, and artists, MHS staff invites students to explore new sounds and enhance their own musical journeys.

Describing his music taste in three words as “mixed, eclectic, and random,” English teacher Tonichi Lorenzana has a diverse taste in music.

“Generally, I like to listen to a broad mix of stuff depending on my mood, but Spotify Wrapped always tells me that Pop, R&B, and musicals are my top three.” Lorenzana said.

He suggests Filipino artists December Avenue and Moira Dela Torre for their beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

“Every person, ever, just like ever born, should listen to the full “Thriller” album at least once in their lives,” Lorenzana said. “Michael Jackson is the king of Pop for a reason.”

Science teacher Charles Schletzbaum has a class playlist with over 7,000 songs. Schletzbaum previously played drums in a garage band called Five Dead Republicans as well as trombone in a marching band. Favoring 80’s and new wave punk, he recommends self-titled records from The Clash, The Ramones, and The Sex Pistols.

“There are just too many songs and types of music for me to list; they are literally endless,” Schletzbaum said. His perspective on music as a constant in students’ lives is equally profound, calling it “the soundtrack of their lives.”

Biology teacher Kelly Ho describes her music taste as upbeat

and catchy, gravitating towards more mainstream artists like Frank Ocean, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber. Special education teacher Jennifer Garcia expresses her love for music through her personal experiences, memories with her kids and friends. She deeply connects with island music, ’90s R&B, and hip-hop.

“Music sometimes defines our students’ lives or moments in life that they may be experiencing,” Garcia said.

“It can be sad, motivating, fun, energizing, etcetera.”

Whether it’s through the beats of pop, soulful melodies of R&B, or timeless classics of rock, music is a bridge that brings our school community together.

As Mr. Lorenzana reminds us, “Life is too short to not try new things. Listen to new things, and if you don’t like them, it isn’t the end of the world. You never know what artists might speak to you.”

Kiara Cassandra | THE UNION

Scan the code on Spotify for the full MHS Staff Soundtrack!

12

THE UNION

ENTERTAINMENT

NOVEMBER 2024

Students Showcase Diverse Dance Styles

By Akshata Bhuskat

From the footwork to the graceful arm movements, dance is a form of art filled with culture and creativity. It has been practiced for centuries and continues to evolve.

Students at our school perform various dance styles such as hip-hop, ballet, k-pop, tap, jazz, Indian classical, as well as much more. Dancing is an art form of creative expression through physical movement.

Derived from street dancing, Hip-hop is a creative dance style and most commonly performed with hip-hop music.

This style of dance is usually a variety of freestyle movements to create a composition. Our students embrace this culture with enthusiasm. We have several hip-hop groups at our school such as the Milpitas Misfits and KDT. Best known as a theatrical dance form, ballet originated around the 1500s in Italy. Ballet uses movements to express a mood or tell a story, typically performed to classical music.

The art of ballet was developed as court entertainment in the Italian Renaissance. Ballet has a specific type of footwear called pointe shoes. The flat, stiff fronts help ballerinas stay on their toes while dancing.

Many students at our school enjoy learning this classic art form. Students can learn ballet in the elective dance classes that are taught at our school.

K-pop, a combination of hiphop and jazz, is choreographed to Korean pop music; it started around 1980. K-pop also incorporates contemporary dance.

It is conveyed through various fluent gestures and facial expressions. Korean Dance Team (KDT) is a student-led dance team at our school that performs at events such as rallies.

Tap dancing is performed using the tap of the shoes to create beats. It doesn’t necessarily have to be performed with music, but mainly is. Tap dancing teaches rhythmic skills and musicality. It has evolved throughout around 300 years, originating from an indigenous American dance genre. Students taking the dance elective learn and perform tap dancing.

Jazz dance is composed of European-influenced movements and African rhythmic footwork. Jazz was born around the early 20th century with the musical roots of African and European music. This is another style of dance that is available at our school through our dance elective.

Indian classical dancing has many different styles within

itself. Milpitas Masti is a group at our school that performs a fusion dance of Bollywood and hip hop. They perform at several events at our school such as rallies and orientations.

Other dance styles within Indian classical include Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Garba, and many more.

All of these dance styles are focused on hand gestures and footwork. They represent different stories through the movements of arms and legs.

Many creative and cultural stories have been told through the classical genre of dance.

Another popular form of dance at our school is cheerleading. Cheerleading is a mix of dance and acrobatics. You can see our school’s cheer team energize the crowds and support sports teams at events such as football games, rallies, and many more after school events. Cheerleading will also be a competitive sport this year as well as performing during events.

Dance is a passion for plenty of students and adults. While they may not be doing the same style of dancing, it brings the community together at events to watch these graceful dances.

Overall, dance unites us and creates unforgettable memories for all involved.

Courtesy of Universal Studios(2024)

The Wild Robot Movie Poster Showcasing Stunning Nature and Technology

The Wild Robot: Dreamworks’

Tear-Jerking Last Hurrah RATING: 5 out of 5

Coutesy of Nia Gupte

The dance elective showcasing a dynamic coreography and impressive teamwork at the indoor rally

Dìdi: A Thoughtful and Insightful Teenage Film lieve this to be true because the characters are quite relatable RATING: 5 out of 5 and realistic; they face new challenges while navigating their relationships with their families and friends.

“Dídi”, a film about growStructurally, the plot of the ing up as a teenager in the film is set up very well, but Bay Area, follows the story of some aspects, like plot deChris “Dídi” Wang, a 13-year- velopment and pacing, could old Taiwanese-American boy, be better. Certain plot ideas and his relationships with his seemed to not be thought out family, friends, and himself. completely or explored enThe main character learns tirely. For example, much how to skateboard, make of Chris’ relationship with friends, lose friends, and himself has to do with him how to stay true to himself feeling alienated from his MOVIE along the way. new friend group. However, Released in July of 2024, REVIEW Chris’ self-image isn’t a ma“Didi” was written and dijor focus of the film and his rected by Sean Wang, a filmthoughts and feelings aren’t maker from Fremont. The film explored thoroughly. is Wang’s directorial debut and There are only three main was filmed in the areas of Fre- points where his feelings are mont, Milpitas, and San Jose. brought up during some scenes Set in 2008, the film is a com- where he feels angry and coning-of-age story that explores fused, but the story doesn’t exwhat it's like to be a child plore these ideas completely. entering the most awkward Rather than focusing on how phase of life: becoming a teen- Chris feels and how this affects ager. The movie poster says him, the movie introduces his that the film is for “anyone who emotions and moves on very has ever been a teenager.” I be- quickly.

By Ilana Ramzan

The film involves a handful of main events that build on each other to keep the audience engaged and the plot moving.

These events take up much of the film. If more time was spent on showing what Chris is going through, the audience would be able to see how he grows as a person.

I believe that if more time was spent developing these specific parts of the film, the entire story would feel more cohesive and complete.

I enjoyed the portrayal of character relationships on screen, as well as the authenticity of the film. The film doesn’t feel like a copy-andpaste story about becoming a teenager; it has a true star quality that makes it different from any other typical comingof-age movie.

Overall, “Dídi” is an interesting and highly accurate story that portrays what life is like growing up as a teenager and how different experiences shape who individuals are as people.

The animation in this movie follows the modern trend of flashy 3D animation remiBy Javier Antonio Alfaro niscent of 2D artwork set by popular movies like “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (2022), Roz joins Wall-E and the and “Spider-Man: Across the Iron Giant in the growing list Spider-Verse” (2023) but puts of animated robots that show its own spin on this unique us what it means to be human. animation style with a whim“The Wild Robot” is a beautiful sical aura throughout every and heartbreaking animated frame. Most of the movie takes film from Dreamworks, based place during golden hour, leavon Peter Brown’s novel series of ing every scene with beautiful the same name. Despite some lighting. Although Roz looks differences from the novel, the similar to Eve from Wall-E or movie’s complete commitment the Iron Giant from “The Iron to the themes, characters, and Giant”, her change from being message gifts audiences with robotic to something natural one of the best animated films is a stroke of visual genius of this decade, and possibly that physically shows her even Dreamwork’s best. transformation.

Written and directed The score by Kris

by Chris Sanders, “The Bowers is as beautiful and Wild Robot” stars Lupita Nyong'o as Roz the robot. MOVIE moving as the animation Set on an island by San Fran- REVIEW and story. Every moment cisco, which has now been is elevated by the futuristic submerged under water due percussion that uses drums to climate change, the film foland water bottles to achieve a lows Roz as she raises a gosling unique sound. Bowers’s score named Brightbill, voiced by Kit is just another example of how Conner. every aspect of this film is perfectly executed.

The relationship between Lastly, the voice acting is Roz and her now-adopted impeccable. Nyong’o gives the child becomes the overarchperformance of a lifetime, and ing narrative of the movie, and the supporting cast also gives it is executed nearly perfectly. The movie fits the stories excellent portrayals. Overall, of the first two novels into its the movie is a beautiful film hour-forty-minute run time, a from Dreamworks and a nearly perfect adaption for lovers decision which seems good unof Peter Brown’s novels. “The til the third act, where the pacWild Robot” feels like a classic ing can get a little sloppy; some Pixar movie and will give auparts feel too fast and others diences of all ages an awe-inparts are too drawn out. One of spiring viewing experience. If the things this movie does best you’re looking for a movie to is making Roz and Brightbill’s pull on the heartstrings and relationship a compelling and maybe make you cry then look realistic evolution of a mother no further. and her child as we see them grow together.

RATING KEY

Hot Chocolate

Coffee Tea Cider Milk

NOVEMBER 2024

ENTERTAINMENT

THE UNION

13

Food For Thought: Four Thought-Provoking Stories To Relish

By Prisha Jain

What truly defines a good book? To me, a book is good if it inspires me to reflect upon my life and worldview. Here are a few of my favorite stories that inspired me to do just that.

Courtesy of Phillipe Dumas Book cover of The Scarlet Ibis, showcasing vibrant imagery

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid This novel chronicles the story of an up-and-coming journalist, Monique, who has been granted the opportunity to interview the mysterious Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo about her rise to fame and her numerous marriages in order to write a high-stakes biography.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is that there is no “good guy” -- each character is complex and takes morally questionable actions. It also explores difficult topics like sexuality, the commodification of women’s bodies, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The complexity and realness of the characters are very thought-provoking and invite the reader to reevaluate their outlooks on life.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov In this classic, Humbert Humbert, a man waiting in

prison for trial, pens an autobiographical retelling of his obsession with the 12-year-old title character, Lolita At its core, this is a story told by an unreliable narrator. Contrary to what most may think, however, it’s not difficult to get through despite the subject matter because Humbert employs elegant and flowery language while talking about his reprehensible actions. You may want to put down the book every once in a while to clear your head -- the narrator manipulates the reader so well that it’s easy to find yourself excusing his actions.

This novel has vast layers of meaning, particularly evidenced by how the narrator manipulates the reader through his control of language. It’s worth reading due to these complex meanings, and the effect on the reader also illustrates how it's remarkably easy to mask ill intentions.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri This coming-of-age novel focuses on the story of Gogol, an Indian-American growing up in Massachusetts in the late 1900s, and his journey into adulthood as grows into his identity.

One reason to appreciate this novel is its expression of the immigrant experience. It does an excellent job of exploring the difficulties many immigrant children face as they grow older.

Furthermore, my favorite theme in this novel was the significance of a name (Gogol’s name -- read the book to find out!). This book inspires readers to wonder about who they really are and how their heritage shapes them.

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst This short story chronicles the life of the narrator and the story of his disabled brother.

I have never read a story that has impacted me as emotionally as this one- it brought me to tears. The narrator’s raw honesty makes this story all the more devastating. His identity as a young child at the time of the story is evident all through his retelling, and his brother’s character captures readers’ hearts. Hurst’s use of detail and foreshadowing truly makes this a masterpiece.

I hope you appreciate these books as much as I did and that they inspire you to reflect on your worldview and opinions too!

Uglies: Dystopian Reflection on Beauty Tally's journey more than real: it is poignant.

Visually, Uglies is a masterpiece-dazzling array of stunBy Shrihan Sham ning cinematography cap"Uglies," the movie Netflix turing the sterile perfection release adapted from Scott of the world it depicts. From Westerfeld's best-selling sleek, futuristic cityscapes to young adult dystopian novel, the jarring contrast between hit screens on September 13. the "Pretty" world and the raw, This film will most definitely untouched environment of spur discussions about societal the "Uglies," the aesthetic of beauty requirements, a theme the movie acts as a chilling rethat certainly strikes home minder of the price we pay for in today's image-conscious the standards of beauty that world. Its relevance cannot be society enforces on us.

Beyond the surface levoverstated, given how social media and other platforms el, however, the movie offers continuously reinforce unat- some salient but very subtle tainable beauty standards, par- comments on societal judgment based upon appearticularly for young people. ance and how said judgHelmed by McGinty ments build a person's Nichol, whose credits inperception of their selfclude "The Babysitter" and worth. The #UgliesMovie "Terminator Salvation," MOVIE the film gives a new, inter- REVIEW hashtag is already gaining esting spin. The protagonist, traction on social media, Tally Youngblood, is played with viewers sharing personal stories and joining in

by Joey King, best known for her work in "The Kissing much-needed discussions on identity, beauty, and self-acBooth" and "The Act." It's set in a future where all ceptance.

Set amidst the nearly unteens have to undergo surgery to become ‘pretty’ at age 16. avoidable definition of beauty, While this perfected physical “Uglies” is a movie the world change will supposedly allow needs. It doesn't just enterfor societal acceptance, there tain; it challenges us to really is a huge trade-off involved in rethink how we define beauty individuality and self-expres- and reminds us that self-worth is not something one should sion.

This story's root is Tally's measure by sight. I really do personal struggle between her think that “Uglies: will strike need to be like everybody else a deep chord with audiences, and her need to be unique. The particularly those who have movie does make one reflect so far borne the weight of soupon his or her perception of cietal expectations. With its beauty and societal expecta- reflective tone, combined with tion since such great pressure striking visuals and outstandis onto this transformation as ing performances, this film part of the "Pretties." The jour- is timely and necessary in a ney Tally embarks upon sym- world of pressures to fit in. Ulbolizes a universal battle many timately, it encourages viewers face in trying to belong while to explore their identities and to embrace their uniqueness, retaining a distinctive identity.

The film has an outstand- fostering a deeper understanding ensemble cast, including ing of what it means to be tru"Outer Banks" Chase Stokes ly beautiful. In a time when and "Orange Is the New Black" the influence of social media Laverne Cox. Stokes brings nu- is pervasive, “Uglies” inspires ance to Tally's inner turmoil, us to look beyond external apand Cox really deepens things pearances and celebrate the diand brings gravitas, rounding verse qualities that make each out this very dystopian atmo- person remarkable, showing sphere. Together, they raise the importance of originality. the emotional stakes and make RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Courtesy of Justin Higuchi

Chappell Roan performing at the Brixton Academy in London, England during her 'Midwest Princess Tour'

Chappell Roan Embraces Queer Persona

By Sowmya Sundar

If you’ve been streaming music over the past few months, you’ve probably heard Chappell Roan, a rising star whose unapologetically queer music and persona have shaken up the mainstream music scene in 2024. . With her four concurrent hot 100 hits and Video Music Award (VMA) for Best New Artist, her rise has been meteoritic. However, what truly sets her apart is the authenticity of her journey and message in an industry often more focused on commercial appeal than genuine self-expression.

Her celebration of lesbian romance in her songs has been a breath of fresh air in an otherwise heteronormative music landscape. Chappell’s 2000s-inspired synth-pop sound, paired with drag-infused performances and powerful live vocals, showcases her as an artist who refuses to conform.

Chappell’s breakout hit, “Good Luck, Babe!,” is a perfect example of Chappell’s bold approach to songwriting. The upbeat baroque-pop track is themed around compulsory

heterosexuality, a topic rarely touched in mainstream music. With lyrics like, "When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night / With your head in your hands, you’re nothing more than his wife,” forcing listeners to confront the uncomfortable reality of women conforming to societal expectations rather than following their true desires. In a world that declares heteronormativity as the default, Chappell’s song stands out in bold protest.

Chappell’s explosive success is made even more remarkable by her personal journey.

Growing up in a small town in Willard, Missouri, she regularly attended church three times a week. When asked about her childhood, she explained in a Vanity Fair interview, “I just wanted to feel like a good person, but I had this part of me that wanted to escape so bad.”

Her move to Los Angeles in 2018 marked not only a change in her location but also a transformation in her perspective.

Chappell told NME, “I was told this city is demonic and Satanists live here, but when I got

to West Hollywood, it opened my eyes [to the fact] that everything I was afraid of wasn’t always true — especially about the queer community. Going to gay clubs for the first time – it felt spiritual.” Chappell’s decision to break away from her conservative roots empowered her to make bold statements for women and the LGBTQ+ community.

The evolution of Chappell Roan’s music and persona shows how she has found a way to showcase her authentic self despite the obstacles in her path. Through her bold performances and unmistakably LGBTQ+-focused songs, she has broken boundaries in an industry that shies away from these narratives.

She has been and will continue to be an inspiration for those who want to embody their true selves. When she won the VMA for Best New Artist, she proclaimed, “And for all the queer kids in the midwest watching right now: I see you. I understand you because I’m one of you. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be.”

14

THE UNION

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 2024

Girl’s Golf Team Drives for Improvement

By Uyen Vu

Coming off an undefeated season last year in El Camino League Championship and a 2nd-place finish in the Los Altos Tournament in the same season, the girl’s golf team has moved into a more competitive division this season, girl’s golf coach Joanna Butcher said. The team has been working on rebuilding after five seniors graduated, and one player did not return this year, she added.

“When I say ‘rebuilding,’ it’s more like our expectations are being a little bit more realistic and looking at what we can do successfully with each individual,” Butcher said.

The year before last was the first year with a girl’s team separate from the boy’s, Butcher said.

Previous seasons are not very comparable since they are different individuals and are going up against stronger players overall, she added.

“We’re going to be kind of in between,” Butcher said. “We’re not totally starting – starting over from the very, very beginning, but there are some aspects to that.

We’ve got aspects of the successful season and aspects of the first year trying to build a team.”

The current record is 2-7-1, according to the girl’s golf website.

The team is starting to improve after their first league win against Los Altos, Butcher said.

“Our ultimate goal is trying to make sure we can get at least three of our golfers to qualify for the league tournament,” Butcher said. “They can qualify as an individual, and then how they do at the league tournament can determine whether or not they can qualify for CCS.” One way the team works towards individual improvement is by creating mini-goals and seeing how each person improves over time, Butcher said.

Junior Courtney Phan, one of the only two juniors on the team, stressed the importance of focusing on one mini-goal at a time.

“As long as you have one thing that you can be happy about at the end of the match, then it was a good match,” Phan said.

The team is less worried about overall team scores and more about what each player is able to do, Butcher said.

“It’s like that light-bulb moment when somebody figures out how to do something,” Butcher said.

For instance, freshman Anya Agarwal met her mini goal of getting a single par, the standard number of strokes a hole takes to complete, Butcher said.

“They all congratulated me and everything on the spot and that was basically our celebration, us being together as a team,” Agarwal said.

The team members talk to each

other through things and help each other with their swings, Phan said.

“We make up nicknames for things,” Phan said. “We fart in fairways, we burp in bunkers, and we gas up the greens. It’s just silly little things like that; it helps.”

It helps to have a good relationship with the girls to make them more comfortable to reach out, Phan said. As one of the more experienced players on the team, she is open to her teammates like how her graduated seniors were to her, she added.

“And every time I take a little break, I always try to look at what they’re doing and then see how I can help them and their performance,” Phan said.

Along with her teammates, Butcher cares and dedicates a lot of time to supporting them by enforcing fun and development, Phan added.

“Every match she does her creepy little smile, and it makes everybody uncomfortable and break out in laughter,” Phan said.

Game losses are nothing to be upset over, and she mainly wants to see her teammates have a good time and meet their goals, Phan said.

“Have fun, create memories and friendships, but in the end, once we’re actually practicing, then it’s focus on you and focus on what you’re doing.” Phan said.

Courtesy of Uyen Vu

Gabrielle Tong doing chipping practice on the Hole 7 green at the Bayview Golf Course on October 16th

New JV Tennis Coaches Energize Team

Courtesy of Amanda Lai

Amanda Lai fences Liora Profis at the Atlantic City Convention Center

Amanda Lai Places 6th at American Fencing Cup

By Ronak Srivastav

Junior Amanda Lai placed 6th in Division 2 Women’s “Epee” Fencing Nationals in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Oct. 4th, 2024, per USAFencing. Lai has fenced for 3 years and currently trains at the Academy of Fencing Masters, she said.

Lai got to the national level by practicing consistently and progressively improving with experience through local tournaments, she said.

“The more you do it (fencing), I feel like the more you expect to win because when you expect to win, you want to try better,” Lai said. “Like if you’re looking down on yourself, you’ll be like, oh, it’s because I suck. I have to give up.”

Lai explained general details about fencing, like how fencing has 3 disciplines: Epee, saber, and foil. Lai said that she chose Epee because it was the closest club near her. Lai trained with one coach for two years before switching and training with her current coach for the last year, she said. The switch in coach was due to the first coach getting too old, so he was unable to move well enough in practice and she didn’t have the best relationship with him, Lai said.

“My new coach, he’s like 30, so younger,” Lai said. “And we’re friends; we just talk a lot. It’s a way better dynamic.”

Vivien Maya, Lai’s current coach who trained in France before moving to America, started fencing when he was 8 years old and started coaching around 10 years ago, he said. When asked about Lai’s result, Maya said he wasn’t surprised.

“In the last four months, she, in all competitions, gets great

results all the time,” Maya said.

“The week before, she won first place in junior. In international, she got place #3 in division 3 women. So, I’m not surprised.

She’s good.”

Maya wants Lai to focus on her conditioning to improve further because, in his experience with local French events, there was typically a week between fencing competitions, but this is not the case in America, he said.

“We need to be focused on conditioning and endurance, not technical,” Maya said. “Because the main difference between a win or loss is your conditioning.

To repeat the same action and to be ready for 3 long days, we need good conditioning.”

Even local tournaments usually lasted around 6 hours, Lai said, so she recommended that fencing beginners do a ton of physical training, especially for the lower body.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to keep up with the training, so you have to do extra work outside,” Lai said. “You have to make sure not to overtrain; taking breaks is important. It also helps to reset, because it’s [fencing] is more of a mental sport.”

Maya wants Lai and his other students to like training and be able to keep up with fencing in general, as he believes that passion is the key to success in fencing, he said.

“You need to believe you can win,” Maya said. “The students need to believe that what they do is good. If the students don’t have passion for fencing, they can’t get very far. Maybe win one tournament or two, but nothing after that.”

By Ved Vyas

The JV tennis team has seen a change in leadership this season with new coaches to guide the players. John Nguyen is committed to helping the players grow, emphasizing the importance of motivation and positivity John Nguyen said. Quang Nguyen also wants the players to build from the ground up, so that they are ready for varsity Quang Nguyen said.

The JV tennis team struggled to find a coach and risked getting cut, so it was important that he volunteered to be a coach, John Nguyen, JV girls’ assistant tennis coach, said.

John Nguyen admits his tennis background is limited.

“I only have a recreational tennis background,” he said. “But I knew it would have been unfortunate if JV got cut, so I stepped in to help make sure the team could continue.”

John Nguyen says he focuses his energy on building a positive team environment.

“At the JV level, everyone is just starting, so my goal is to make sure they have fun and learn the sport at their own pace,” he said.

Nguyen’s coaching philosophy

is rooted in motivation and participation rather than pure technical mastery John Nguyen said.

Nguyen said his communication style reflects his focus on getting the players to enjoy playing.

“Players see that they can communicate say, transparency,” Nguyen said. “I also like to approach it as a team leader. So for instance, I’m not going to dictate.

What are we going to do in practice? It’s more like, ‘All right team.

What do you think as a group?’”.

Sophomore Surbhi Jain, who has been playing for two and a half years, praised the coaches’ supportive attitude.

“The JV coaches are really fun and amazing,” she said. “They help us as best as they can and keep a really positive attitude, which makes a big difference when we’re under pressure.”

The players have responded positively to the new leadership, Jain said.

John Nguyen emphasizes the importance of applying lessons you learn in sports later in life.

“The nervousness you feel in competition—that’s something you’ll face later on, whether it’s a job interview or another challenge,” Nguyen said. “Learning

how to handle that early is valuable.”

Quang Nguyen, the JV tennis head coach, has played tennis since eighth grade and played for the MHS High School varsity team.

Quang Nguyen’s main goal is to “build the team in the JV level, and create good habits and good technique so they learn how to play – not just learn how to hit, but learn how to play,” Quang Nguyen said.

Quang emphasizes the importance of fundamental skills, particularly footwork, which he considers crucial for tennis success Quang said.

“Tennis is about repetition,” he notes. “If you can get into position, you have a chance to hit the ball right.”

His primary goal is to instill good habits and techniques and prepare the JV players for a future on varsity.

With their combined efforts, Coach Quang and Coach John hope to make a lasting impact on the JV tennis team.

“We’re working hard – even on the hot days – and we appreciate all the support from our coaches,” Jain said.

Andy Nguyen | THE UNION

NOVEMBER 2024

SPORTS

15

THE UNION

Football Team Remains Resilient Through Tough Season While Balancing Academics

By Shrihan Sham

As of October 22, the boys varsity football team is 3-4 with a league record of 0-3; they are currently in 6th place in the Peninsula Ocean-Valley League, according to MaxPreps.

The team has faced a challenging season, but they remain focused on growth and improvement, head coach Kelly King said.

The Trojans continue to work hard and prepare diligently for each opponent, King said.

“Some games did not go their way, but they have taken advantage of opportunities and continued to push forward,” King said.

The team is improving, even if the results haven’t always reflected their progress, King said.

“We haven’t always gotten the result we’re looking for, but we have had our chances. We just need to go finish it,” King said.

Senior quarterback Adrian Chavez stepped into the varsity quarterback role after playing junior varsity.

“The game happens much quicker on varsity than it does on JV,” he explained.

“He mentioned that practices are harder and there’s a larger audience during games, which adds to the pressure,” stated Chavez during the interview.

Courtesy of Adrian Chavez

Adrian Chavez’s pre game warmup before the Half Moon Bay match.

Preparation plays a key role in the Trojans’ weekly performance, King said.... King develops detailed game plans, which are then implemented by the coaching staff during practices, he said.

Schoolwork and football have been a balancing act, but he always manages to put his academics first, Chavez said.

“I can usually do my schoolwork first and whatever I can to prepare for football during the week,” Chavez said. In the Peninsula Ocean League, the Trojans continue to stress their program’s traditions and the execution of their game plan, according to King.

“We don’t have one main competitor,” King said. “It’s about sticking to our tradition as a program and executing the game plan.”

Chavez has become a leader both on and off the field. “I know I come across as a team player,” he said. “Whenever someone’s down, I try my best to get everybody good.”

“I just trust what Coach King has called and try to forget about the bad things that happened,” Adrian said.

The team is nurtured with the spirit of accountability and leadership within the team, according to Coach King. Everyone is expected to be a leader, according to Coach King.

“We don’t just have one leader; we’re all leaders,” King said Chavez also makes time to assist younger, less experienced players during practice.

“We give them extra help and make sure they ask questions,” Chavez said.

Coach King’s philosophy and Adrian’s leadership, combined with the team’s chemistry give the Trojans reason to hope for continued success this season, King said.

ergize Team Coaches EnTennis New JV

Courtesy of Naomi Lacuzong

Kylie Dang approaches for a spike against two blockers.

Girls Varsity Volleyball Spikes to League Champs

By Akshata Bhuskat

The girl’s varsity volleyball are El Camino Real league champions with an overall record of 25-7 and a league record of 13-0. according to MaxPreps. The team had an impressive 18-game winning streak that was ended by the Palo Alto Vikings on Oct. 12, according to MaxPreps.

“A memorable moment for us was when we won the Los Altos Invitations Tournament, and we beat Los Altos in a championship match,” co-captain Varadha Biju said.

After winning plus celebrating Hoco in the following few hours, bringing home a medal was an unforgettable day for them, Biju added.

“Milpitas High School has never, ever won that tournament, and they’ve never, ever beaten Los Altos High School,” Canez said.

“So we made history twice in one day.”

Their goal this season is to get

the league title and go to CCS since they haven’t had a title since 2002, according to Canez.

“I think that gave them the drive and motivation to want to win yesterday against Saratoga,” said Canez.

Wilcox is a rival school that puts up tough competition with fast past matches, said Biju. With a score of 3-0, Milpitas won against Wilcox on Oct.17, said MaxPreps.

“My most memorable moment was our win against Saratoga,” Dang said. “I think that match was a very tough match and the fact that we were able to push through it was very memorable for me,” Dang said.

On the court, being able to communicate with the team and help guide them is one of my favorite things about being captain, said co-captain Kylie Dang.

With an 11-0 league record score, the team is aiming for a league title and a chance to compete in CCS.

NOVEMBER 2024

NEWS

THE UNION

16

Swimming unit removed for freshmen, remains an option FROM PAGE 1

Jerry Yong | The Union *course and exam not offered at MHS. Certain exam scores are projected/pending. Data Courtesy of Jennifer Hutchison.

Tax Parcel FROM PAGE 1 same time, if we (educators) don’t have those tools, then it impairs our ability to do our best work so that we can serve our kids to the best of our ability.”

The second NJROTC position is also at risk of being cut down if Measure Q doesn’t pass, Jordan said.

“Before the board took action to reduce those positions, we had in the boardroom that night (Feb. 13 school board meeting) some students speak about not reducing the NJROTC program,” Jordan said. “ We had coaches and other staff members talk about the need for athletic funding (...) we had about 40 people in the boardroom, and we had a number of people online, plus about 50 written comments about why we should keep the health clerks and not reduce them.”

The district will create an independent citizens’ oversight committee to help ensure that the funding gained from the parcel tax is used appropriately and responsibly by the district if Measure Q passes, Jordan said.

The district will recruit invested members of the community to then build the oversight commit-

tee, she added.

“It’s a legal requirement from when you have a parcel tax or a bond and the government sets parameters of types of people who should be on there (the committee),” Jordan said. “So, for example, there needs to be a senior citizen, there needs to be a person who’s a taxpayer, needs to be a certain number who are parents in the district.”

As first vice president of the Milpitas Teachers Association (MTA), a high school teacher, and a Milpitas resident, Brett Webber plans on voting yes for Measure Q, he said. The MTA, representing 98% of MUSD teachers, voted unanimously in mid-September to endorse Measure Q, Webber said.

“We (MTA) believe that a good community is based upon educating our youth, and a parcel tax of $119 is a good investment for our future,” Webber said. “So I would encourage people to investigate it, look at it, and decide whether they support it.”

A Measure Q committee was established this past spring, which includes Principal and Chief Innovator Greg Wohlman as well as Superintendent Jordan, to create promotional material to help explain the importance of Measure Q in minimal words to fit signs and flyers, Wohlman said. He re-

mains optimistic that Measure Q will pass due to his belief that Milpitas residents will value their schools, Wohlman added.

“I know we have successful schools in Milpitas and there’s a lot of positive chatter in our community about our schools, and it’s talked about from our alumni, our graduates that come back (...) and they’re proud of our students here,” Wohlman said. “I think it is a positive thing that instead of the norm which is to add and to build, which our community needs to keep doing too (...), but maintaining what is here and that’s our ask for right now.”

Beyond Measure Q specifically, Jordan thinks that it is important for high schoolers and young adults to research different ballot measures and then make informed decisions on matters that impact their future, both on local and national levels.

“We have to have people who are voting and considering all the different angles and opinions and the pros and cons of any kind of ballot measure, any kind of candidate, whatever it is,” Jordan said. “We need you, your generation, we need you to lead in our democracy. So, we need you to vote and if you haven’t registered for voting yet, you can start registering at age 16.”

I think it’s best for them to have more freedom and less on security”.

The impression of the systems right now is that they are very secure with lockdown browsers and blocked websites adding to this impression, Bhardwaj said.

The incidents are especially surprising since many students are dependent on the school network and system which makes them

especially vulnerable to phishing attacks like these, Bhardwaj said.

“Phishing scams, and scams in general, are becoming so much more deceptive and easier to fall for than before”, Bhardwaj said. “We’re such a tech-dependent society, everyone should have some awareness on where to put in their personal information.”

The eSports lab will introduce students to career paths related to streaming, video production, event production, and technical fields, like game design, animation, and coding, Song said.

“This helps a lot with some people’s mental health,” Song said.

“So this could be considered a mental health lab, if people want to see it that way, but it depends on who steps into that room and how they approach, what that environment would be.”

Students who go to the main campus have been accounted for and will not be excluded from future plans for the team, Song added.

“The plan is to have that (the Innovation Campus location) as our test bed, but also to have one

here (MHS’s main campus), so then they can have an integrated team,” Song said.

There was a good turnout for the eSports team informational meeting, held on Sept. 10 at the Innovation Campus, Song added.

“We had 40 students come over in the initial meeting,” Song said.

“More than half of them were from the main campus,” he said.

Sophomore Logeshswara Singh, who attended the meeting, is extremely interested in joining the team, he said.

“The highlight of the eSports meeting would be just the aspect of playing games with friends,” Singh said. “I guess the eSports isn’t for the school itself, but just a place for students to get to know each other better and hang out.”

Staff, Students Face Phishing Attacks FROM PAGE 1 out emails with resources on account security to prevent hackers from accessing school accounts, but teachers do not tend to look at those resources, he continued.

“I think I prefer to have more security and less freedom (on school accounts),” Pham said. “I feel like a lot of teachers do use technology more. So for them,

“Yeah, because if there’s an emergency or something, or hanging out with friends, right?”

Jamin said. “They want to swim, but you don’t know how to swim so you can’t do anything. It’s kind of sad.”

Junior Uliana Kononenko took the swimming unit when it was offered as an option to upperclassmen, and it helped her join the swim team and prepared her to be a swim instructor during the summer, she said. She felt comfortable throughout the entire unit because she already knew how to swim, and she felt safe with the level of supervision, she said.

“But then we also had a lifeguard every single day, and if

there wasn’t a lifeguard, we were not allowed to get into the water,” Kononenko said. “They’re trained and they teach people to swim and stuff.”

The class was geared toward intermediate-level swimmers, Kononenko said. Most students who took the course already had some level of swimming experience, she added.

“But it would be good to have an option or have a separate part of the same class that is structured more for completely new learners,” Kononenko said.

Swimming is a skill that everyone should know, Kononenko said.

“It can save your life, and it can help you save someone’s life,” Kononenko said.

Courtesy of Milpitas Aquatics Club

The Milpitas Aquatics Club shares the school swimming pool with the PE department. The pool is also used for the PE swimming unit.

New librarian’s vision FROM PAGE 1 Sophomore Marques Cooper spends a lot of time at the library, Cooper said. He has been coming in to study over the past two years, and really enjoys the library as a work space, he added.

“I remember my freshman year, the library was pretty boring, other than just being a nice place to have peace and quiet, but as I walked in my sophomore year, I really noticed that the whole vibe had changed,” Cooper said. “With the decorations and everything, it made me feel more at peace. It made me feel like I was in a place where I could relax and just actually enjoy being in there. It’s really fun and there is a lot of great energy at the library.”

Gittlen has already started her

plans to help the library program thrive by starting a library Instagram account, launching the “Tournament of Books”, and hosting National Novel Writing Month in the library during November, she said. She hopes to get local authors and illustrators to visit our campus and also get more teachers to bring their students to the library for scavenger hunts, book tastings, and more, she added.

“A teacher-librarian collaborates with the school community to cultivate an inviting and welcoming space for students to engage in the pursuit of information, learning, and knowledge,” Gittlen said. “​​I’m very excited to be here, and it’s been a real honor to reopen this space. So please come. Please visit the library.”

The eSports meetings will help students connect and bond over shared interests, said junior Anusha Ranade, who attends the main campus.

“I think that it will bring the community together because everyone will be excited about the competitions. And it’s something new,” Ranade said.

However, she isn’t sure that many students who are nongamers will take the step to join a team, Ranade said. In her opinion, a larger variety of games may appeal to a wider range of students, she said. This project also makes her excited for the future of MHS, whether related to gaming or other interest areas, she added.

“Esports is probably one of the

first really new things I’ve heard in a long time, and I’m very excited for what’s going to be initiated on other interests,” Ranade said.

The computers in the eSports lab can be used for more than just running games, Song said. They can be used to run bioinformatics and compile 3D modeling, which opens up many possibilities for what can be done in the lab, he said. The eSports lab will be a unique experience for each student depending on their individual goals, Song added.

“I see students using it to its full potential, both in the academic sense and also in the gaming sense,” Song said. “And then we would love to see students move on through the pathways that way to fulfill whatever they like.”

Upcoming eSports Lab at Innovation Campus Paves New Pathways

By Sowmya Sundar

Plans are in motion to create an eSports Lab on the Innovation Campus, Tech Director Chin Song said.

The lab will be 600 square feet and will feature 24 high-spec (14th generation Intel i9, Alienware monitors) computers, with 4 mobile computers for 4-person teams during tournaments, Song said. The eSports team will be a novel addition to the school’s extracurricular offerings and will hold many benefits for the participants, he added.

“You have the typical teamwork collaboration, but also at the same time, you have the ability for students who play – they can get into the industry,” Song said.