Author Randy Ribay visits school campus, holds assembly, student meet-and-greet
By Shivani Arun
Award-winning FilipinoAmerican author Randy Ribay visited MHS on Oct. 20 for an assembly and a meet-and-greet with students and staff. Numerous students and English classes attended the theater during third period to hear Ribay speak about his novels, his writing process, and how he became an author. After the assembly, Ribay attended a student meet-and-greet during fourth period in the library, where students and teachers had the chance to speak to Ribay and get their books signed.
Librarian Mia Gittlen introduced Ribay on stage at the assembly, and the crowd applauded as he walked onto the stage. Ribay addressed the crowd, as students snapped pictures of the author.
“Everywhere I go, my name gets mispronounced, but I figure if it’s going to be pronounced correctly, it’s going to be here in Milpitas, so
thank you for that,” Ribay said in the assembly.
Ribay went over his literary body of work, which includes “Patron Saints of Nothing”, “Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Reckoning of Roku”, and his latest novel, “Everything We Never Had.”
Growing up in a half-Filipino, half-American family, Ribay grew up loving stories, but was encouraged by his family to pursue engineering and join Air Force ROTC, he said during the assembly.
“I did the engineering thing for about a year, and I was pretty miserable,” Ribay said. “I was like, “This is not what I want to do with my life.’”
Later, in college, he switched his major to English, much to his parents’ horror, Ribay said.
Growing up in the Midwest, he was one of the few Filipino students in his community, he said. He was exposed to Filipino and Filipino-American writers in college, along with numerous other
writers who were people of color, including Chinua Achebe and Toni Morrison, he added.
“As I read these authors, these Filipino and Filipino-American authors, I saw that books could do so much more than just be entertaining,” Ribay said. “I saw that they could be beautiful.”
After college, he went on to be an English teacher for 16 years before choosing to become an author himself, Ribay said.
Some books that get banned include topics like grief and death, Ribay said. He added that “Patron Saints of Nothing” has been challenged in different parts of the U.S.
“These are the kinds of books that are getting disproportionately banned by these organizations, these individuals who are going to their school boards and complaining these books should be taken off shelves,” Ribay said.
Early special election results suggest Measure A will be passed with 57% approval, NBC says
By Uyen Vu
Results show that Measure A is on track to pass with 57% approval, according to NBC’s election results.
The MUSD Board of Education unanimously passed the resolution to support Measure A during a board meeting on Oct. 28, 2025.
Santa Clara County’s Measure A proposes a temporary, county-wide general sales tax increase of five-eighths of a cent, estimated to generate approximately $330 million annually in locally controlled revenue, according to the board’s resolution shown at the board meeting.
The purpose of Measure A is to fill the gap in funding for health
and mental health care, and keep Santa Clara County’s hospitals open, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said. While some people may think that some services that Measure A will support won’t affect them, the funding the county is losing comes from the federal government, which helps keep hospitals open, she added.
“Even if we have our own private insurance, if one of us has an accident on the highway, for example, like 280 or 680, the closest hospital, and also the closest hospital that many of our own families here in Milpitas go to in an emergency is Valley Medical,” Jordan said. “That has a potential of being closed without those funds.”
School boards can only endorse measures, so the MUSD school board takes its ability to endorse measures seriously and rarely supports any kind of measures, Jordan added. But in Measure A’s case, it is a measure that directly impacts the families in Milpitas because there are potential cuts to medical and healthcare support for those in need, she added.
“Because the business of the school district has to do with student learning and circumstances for learning, they wanted to make sure that our residents, who are voters, understand what Measure A is because, indirectly, it will support our students in Milpi-
Inclusive
P.E. Practices creates collaborative class for Community Based Instruction students
By Rain Bacungan
The new Inclusive P.E. Practices (IPP) class aims to give special education students the opportunity to interact with general education students while also enabling them to be physically active, Physical Education (P.E.) department lead Kristina Giles said. General education students have the opportunity to work with the Community Based Instruction (CBI) program by socializing and assisting the special education students in the class, she said.
Last year, the P.E. department had around thirty CBI students in one class period, Giles said. This situation caused an overall dangerous environment for neurotypical students, as the large number of CBI students was difficult for a single teacher to manage, she added.
“I called for a meeting and had several people involved from the district to our MHS site to talk about ways that we could have a better P.E. program that was safer, as well as giving the kids a better P.E. experience,” Giles said.
“One of the options I came up with was to have the CBI classes come separately – one class, third period; one, fourth; one, fifth; and then for us to recruit student helpers to assist in running the class.”
The IPP class does not focus on just physical education, Giles said.
“We work on socialization and we try to get our students to communicate,” Giles said. “(The IPP class) is about giving them time to work with students outside of their classroom. We want them to be physical, but it’s more important that they are interacting with students and just having a regular high school experience, since they don’t always get (to be) in their classroom five periods a day.”
The P.E. teachers are mainly looking for seniors and juniors to be volunteers, Giles said. Stu-
dents have to be at a certain level of maturity in order to be a part of the IPP class, she added.
“Most of the CBI students are autistic and nonverbal,” Giles said. “I feel that by junior-senior year, you’re a little bit older, you have a little bit more patience, you’re just more mature. You have to pay attention to your buddy 100% of the time...Your attention is on your buddy and making sure you’re helping them.”
Senior Elizabeth Ashley is a part of the IPP class, she said. The class features simpler versions of different sports, and there are some occasions where the class focuses on other activities instead, she added.
“We focus on P.E., so we do regular sports just like P.E., but we modify them so that it accommodates their needs,” Ashley said. “A lot of them (CBI students) can’t stay in the sun, or they can’t play regularly, so we just accommodate that. It’s just modified versions of P.E.; we also sometimes
SEE PAGE 16
Jack Emery will bring Talent Show and Winter Glow Dance
The talent show will take place on Dec. 5. First-place winner will get a grand prize of $300, and second place will get $150. The Winter Glow Dance will be on Dec. 12 at 7-10pm in the Gym.
Graphic Novelist duo Kiara Brinkman and Sean Chiki visit
The library will host Graphic Novelists Kiara Brinkman and Sean Chiki on Nov. 18 at 2:30 pm for National Novel Writing Month participants.
Community service: Christmas in the Park Volunteering begins Nov. 22 to Jan. 1 2026. You must be at least 16 years old to be a “Santa’s Helper”.
STUDENT VOICE OF MILPITAS HIGH SCHOOL
Randy Ribay signs his novel, “Patron Saints of Nothing,” for sophomore Amber Elacion at the student meet-and-greet.
Uyen Vu | THE UNION
The Inclusive P.E. Practices class has played softball, pickleball, and soccer this year.
Shivani Arun | THE UNION
PRO
AI usage in school is beneficial to students
When most people think of Artificial Intelligence (AI), their first instinct is to label it as a “shortcut” or a “cheating tool,” especially in a school setting. Almost 30% of all teachers do not support the usage of AI in K-12 schools, according to a Gallup-Walton Family Foundation poll conducted June of this year. However, I believe that there is a clear benefit to students accessing this rapidly advancing technology. Although some students may utilize AI in nefarious ways, such as generating entire assignments or fully revising essays in just one click, there are many ways AI can be used as a helpful tool, including helping students engage their understanding and connect lines of reasoning.
Generative language chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot, or Google’s Gemini are often the only AI services that people are familiar with. These chatbots are designed to provide textbased responses to any prompts a user requests; for example, asking one about a specific question will return a detailed answer to the prompt. However, these tools barely scratch the surface of the variety and focus of AI tools out there, designed specifically for education.
One service offered by Google Labs is NotebookLM. This free platform utilizes Google Gemini technology and is a powerful
research and thinking assistant to help users study and find cited answers to their questions. Unlike a regular chatbot, NotebookLM utilizes a variety of sources, such as videos and slideshows, to form customized flashcards, quizzes, reports, and audio and video overviews. Although there is still an option for utilizing Gemini, it pushes users to utilize its specific learning tools that avoid the issue of directly providing answers for queries.
Another AI tool designed specifically for education is Class Companion, which is owned by educational technology company Panorama Education.
Teachers can utilize this platform to create personalized writing assignments, which students can interact with to receive feedback and live rubric scoring on their completed writing. This service is useful, as teachers normally take multiple days to grade writing assignments and give feedback to students. Instead of pushing students away from educational AI tools, schools should be encouraging them to discover new ways of learning. AI as a learning tool goes beyond just generating essays and solving homework problems. Being able to access custom tailored feedback and visual representations of complex concepts is a vastly underrated ability of AI.
CON
AI use in school is damaging for students
Artificial intelligence (AI) in education was once intended to help students gather sources and information needed for assignments. However, students now use the tool to rush through assignments, not learning anything in the process.
AI is too tempting for most students so academic dishonesty, such as cheating and plagiarism, is rising. Over-reliance on AI prevents students from thinking for themselves and overall disrupts the critical thinking process. A study that was conducted by Trinity College found that “74% of teachers believe that AI misuse by students will forever be an ongoing problem, and one-third of teachers believing AI should be banned.”.
A study by Pew research found out that from all teachers that they surveyed from elementary school to high school, 25% of the teachers believed that AI does more harm than good, with 32% saying AI could be both harmful and beneficial. Another study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that students who used ChatGPT frequently scored 17% lower than students who did not. This shows that if you want to learn and score well, it is best to abstain from using AI. The consequences of overusing AI could have important consequences beyond school. For instance, when students are employed, they may not know how to do their jobs properly, leading to lower quality work
For decades, schools have evaluated students’ work using an A-F grading scale. However, this method of measuring a student’s capability causes students to focus on their grades, rather than comprehending the material. This obsession with grades leads to an underdeveloped understanding of concepts learned in school.
Rather than focusing on the grades students receive, schools should find other ways to measure their students’ abilities to ensure they truly understand the concepts presented to them, rather than simply doing what gets them the highest grade.
Teachers could grade based on participation, encouraging students to be more engaged with the material. Teachers could also provide more descriptive feedback to students rather than assigning them a grade and nothing more.
A widespread problem found in students’ schoolwork is academic dishonesty.
Although school districts impose regulations to combat this issue, many students still find a way to cheat regardless, whether it be asking others for test answers or using AI to complete assignments. The problem is not the students, but how they are taught to believe they must achieve good grades.
Our current system’s fixation on grades creates an environment in which students fear the possibility of failure rather than the possibility of learning, according to the article “Why Focusing on Grades Is a Barrier to Learning” by Gerald Knesek, EdD, senior lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint.
suring their children to achieve better grades, which leads to students having increased stress levels. A 2021 study by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 93% of parents thought their children always or usually had the social and emotional support they needed. In contrast, only 59% of teens felt the same. This shows that some parents may need to take a step back and reevaluate their effect on their child’s mental health.
and overall performance. Since they used AI to get past their assignments and ultimately not learning anything from the experience they were supposed to receive from their work.
According to the online article, ‘When AI gets it wrong’ published by the MIT magazine, AI models do not review nor fact-check their information, but rather project information from different sources that may contradict each other. In some cases, AI could make up data without sources. It is best for students not to resort to AI for research, and instead learn how to do authentic research on topics that they need to understand. Bullying may push victims to commit suicide, self harm, or become involved in other self-destructive tendencies. Deepfakes can be used for sextortion and this is evident in the case of seventeen year old Elijah Heacock, who committed suicide after he fell victim to a sextortion case in 2025. Scammers possessed an AI-generated nude photo of him and threatened to release the photos if they did not receive a sum of $3,000. Overall, some students may argue that AI helps them understand and complete their schoolwork. There are too many harmful side effects of AI usage to overlook. AI hinders the problem solving and creative thinking skills that schools aim to teach, and it can also be used to worsen cyberbullying in school environments.
Something that may contribute to this fear of failure is how students are often assigned grades without educators providing constructive feedback.
Some parents are also pres -
Grades don’t just affect students in school, but also outside of it. Many students base their self-worth on how academically competitive they are. One bad grade might ruin someone's day. School districts do not have to get rid of their grading system. However, when you emphasize grades, students focus on emotions and self-worth, causing worse academic performance.
White Christian nationalism rises, endangers democracy
White Christian Nationalism is a political movement with the core belief that America should become a theocracy—a nation built by white Christians, for white Christians.
This belief has had a strong revival with the Trump administration and the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
During his life, Kirk caught the attention of conservative Christians through his antisemitism and critiques against the separation of church and state, the L.G.B.T.Q. community, and civil rights activists and laws, according to “Where Charlie Kirk Stood on Key Political Issues” by Ashley Ahn and Maxine Joselow.
Nearly 100,000 Americans, along with the president himself, attended Kirk’s funeral. How can so many citizens pay homage to the life of a demagogue who used religion to justify and preach racist, homophobic, and xe -
nophobic sentiments? The posthumous honors Kirk received raises questions of what Americans who honor Kirk stand for.
Trump showed support for Kirk’s ideals, proclaiming, “In Charlie’s absence, we are now tasked with continuing his mission of giving voice to our cherished American ideals with confidence and clarity,” according to the White House.
missionaries.
Kirk did not give voice to “cherished American ideals” as he referred to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which gave non-whites equal opportunities in workplaces and education, as a “mistake” and “anti-white weapon”. Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a sermon about the prophesied return of Jesus Christ at Kirk’s funeral. People of high power should never publicly preach or politicize religion—they are not
It is alarming to hear top government officials use their platform to preach Christianity, because it directly goes against the 1971 ruling of Lemon v. Kurtzman, which states the government can only assist religion if “the primary purpose of the assistance is secular” according to “First Amendment and Religion” by uscourts.gov. A great nation does not need government-supported religion to be successful. For the longest time, America had been an example of this because of the separation of church and state. It is dangerous to see White Christian Nationalism contradict and defy laws that summarize what America stands for. After all, when the integrity of a structure is challenged, the whole building will come crumbling down.
Art forms are currently undervalued, deserve more respect
Many people do not seem to realize that art is more than just a painting on a canvas. Art comes in many other forms: books, video games, poetry, and even your favorite show.
Recently, advancements in artificial intelligence have led to artists’ efforts being stolen to regurgitate soulless matter, making it harder for artists to make a living.
The internet has made it easier for people to judge animation as “childish” and “unserious”; Disney plays a large role in this misconception thanks to the popularity of its children’s films, according to “The Under-Appreciation for Animation,” an article by Tunmise Adebowale on Whispers of Oizys, a blog website run by Adebowale. However, there are various popular animations that tackle heavy topics such as abuse, mental health, and the dangers of the world. Some examples are ‘Bojack Horseman’, ‘A Silent Voice’, and ‘Mary and Max’.
The stigma around art may somehow be even worse for artists who are paid to draw.
While people at least acknowledge animation takes time, they do not apply the same logic to artists because the artpiece is often a still image.
You have probably heard of the term, “starving artist.” Their commission prices are often low since they undervalue their work, but the costs of their supplies and necessities also leave them with little profit afterward.
Not everyone takes into account the money spent on art materials. The time, money, and effort spent makes the commission price extremely valuable to not just the customer, but the person who drew it.
and Ryan Arel. They also argue that learning the arts teach students important skills such as creative thinking and problem-solving.
This sense of entitlement to someone’s art stems from society’s lack of respect for the arts. The cuts in funding for art classes in schools have also contributed to the lack of appreciation for the effort and beauty art has, according to an article from The Suffolk Journal, Suffolk University’s school newspaper, written by Morgan Hume
Art carries the soul and personal experience of the artist, but people have still turned to AI generators to make “art” for them. For example, people have used ChatGPT, Fotor, OpenArt, and Ghibli AI to generate images in the stolen art style of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio known for its detailed visuals, smooth animation, and popular movies such as ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away’. Ultimately, it is unrealistic to believe that everyone in the world will realize the value of art. Nevertheless, it is important to clear misconceptions about the impact art has. Just like how Picasso’s “Guernica” opened our eyes to the cruelty of war, we must open our eyes to the effort artists put into their work and learn to appreciate artists instead of scorning them.
ADIT SINGH
JERRY YONG
JONAH WU
JOSEPH GRAHAM
REINA TAM
EDITORIAL: The Opinion of The Union
MHS provides helpful college, career guidance
MHS offers students college and career preparation through its extensive variety of classes, electives, resources, and academies. The range of opportunities that the school provides enables individuals to explore their interests and prepare for the future. We, The Union, commend the school for encouraging and assisting students in preparation for their lives after graduation.
A student who may be unsure about their future has the opportunity to visit either the College and Career Center or their counselors to receive the information and guidance that they need to graduate confidently.
Individuals at the College and Career Center (CCC) redirect students to a variety of sources, depending on what concern they have. A student can visit the center for the following reasons: help with job applications, career advice, dual enrollment, and scholarships. Meanwhile, school counselors specifically assist students with managing the academic aspects of school, working with students to
choose a four-year plan to meet graduation requirements and includes electives beneficial for their interests and future.
The CCC and school counselors have collaborated with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to host financial aid nights in the library. This event aims to provide information to students and families on how to apply for and receive financial aid for colleges.
Students can ask CSAC representatives questions they have regarding aid opportunities.
The counselors also host college application workshops in the library to prepare students for the tedious and time-consuming process of writing applications for college. The seniors attending the workshops receive constructive feedback on their essays, and learn crucial information about what colleges look for in applicants.
In addition, Career Technical Education (CTE) is a program that can immerse students in how certain professions work by giving them a hands-on, project-based learning experience.
If students are not interested in joining a CTE, students can instead enroll in the Career Technical Pathways (CTP). The two that are provided at the main campus are Travel and Tourism and the Digital Business Academy (DBA), while the Engineering Academy (E-Tech) is offered at the Innovation Campus. Academy students take classes specifically tailored for careers in certain interests, and are offered unique opportunities, including an addition of college courses, opportunities to apply for internships, interview practice, and field trips to career-related buildings and colleges.
College visits in particular allow for students to observe the environment, campus, and student body of the different campuses they may be applying to. The visits give students invaluable experiences which may help them shape a more informed final college choice. By offering a variety of resources, MHS exposes students to pathways and opportunities for their future, eliminating the fear of an uncertain future.
EDITORIAL: The Opinion of The Union
Campus infrastructure requires improvements
On a rainy day at MHS, you may find students huddled under the overhangs, trying to keep dry. However, the overhangs and other structures around the school don’t do much in terms of keeping students dry.
While strolling around campus, students may come to realize that the rain isn’t the only problem they face around campus. They’ll also notice the cracked ground and crooked tables. We, the Union, believe the school infrastructure is not in ideal condition and should be improved. Whenever students need to fill up their water bottles, oftentimes the water fountains around the campus are broken. Only two water fountains are in proper condition. The rest of the fountains are dirty and unusable. Students end up wasting more class time and walking all the way across campus just to drink water and fill up their water bottles.
In addition, during lunch, students fill up almost all the tables placed around campus.
WE.
In my second year at MHS, there is one thing that hasn’t changed: the male bathrooms are still broken. Most urinals don’t have dividers, and I have never seen a student use one without a divider except for a few brave souls. Only the urinal in the corner can be used without one, since a student can stand diagonally to avoid the awkward situation. As a result, students wait in line for stalls while the urinals sit empty.
On top of that, one handicap-accessible stall behind the theater building has a broken door, creating a lack of privacy for students who rely on it. This problem is not new. A 2014 opinion piece in the MHS Union described almost the exact same situation: “boys enter a bathroom and find a long line for the stalls…but an empty row
However, most of these tables are bent in weird angles or slanted, making them uncomfortable to use. Sometimes, the tables wobble depending on how many people are sitting there.
The school is also prone to flooded zones when it rains. Around the gym and in front of the theater, there are huge pools of water that don’t get drained, making it difficult to get to class, especially during passing periods when many students are trying to walk across the campus. All the excess water can also lead to mud trailing everywhere, which is then brought into classrooms and dirties the floors. By fixing the drainage system in flood-prone areas, the school can help minimize all of these water overflow related problems.
Our school needs more places to protect students from the sun and keep them dry during the rain. While our school is very open and outdoor, the downside to this is that it is almost impossible for students to stay dry when it rains, especially if they don’t have an umbrella. Over -
hangs could have more space for students to gather under to stay dry during break, lunch, and after school. Meanwhile sophomore overhang can be extended further down to help students stay dry during passing periods. Additionally, the overhangs are leaky, so if the school can't extend the overhangs, it could at least try to stop the leakage in these existing spaces.
As far as school grounds are concerned, there are many cracks and uneven pavement all around campus. This could be a tripping hazard for students, who have to walk quickly between classes. The rain doesn’t really help with this problem, as it only makes the cracks worse. The school could try to repave the ground to ensure that the cracking of the pavement is minimized.
Our school’s infrastructure could use some renovations.By offering working water fountains, stable tables, and better protection from the weather, the school can help students have an overall better experience at school.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
of urinals.” The article went on to explain that the lack of dividers makes most urinals unusable, and the result is inefficiency, crowding, and frustration. Nearly a decade later, the same issues remain.
Meanwhile, the school is investing in impressive new facilities, including a performing arts center, a possible second gym facility, and expanding the Innovation Campus. These are great and exciting developments, but basic bathroom needs are important too.
Some may argue that installing or repairing bathroom dividers is risky because of potential vandalism. But the solution cannot be to avoid privacy altogether. The better answer is to repair damage quickly when it happens and have effective monitoring.
In the scenario that budgets are tight, requesting PTSA
STUDENT VOICE OF MILPITAS HIGH The views in The Union are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the school, students, administration, or Milpitas Unified School District.
fundraising, seeking small donations from the community, or phasing in upgrades gradually by starting with the busiest bathrooms could work. These steps could still improve conditions without overwhelming costs.
Fixing these problems is one way to build a Culture of WE, MUSD’s commitment focused on creating a school environment where everyone’s needs are respected and included. Simple improvements such as adding urinal dividers and maintaining all stalls would be a meaningful difference for all bathroom users.
Building a true Culture of WE starts with the day-to-day spaces students use. It is past time to fix the bathrooms that have been missing basic privacy for a decade.
Jonathan Choi, Class of 2028
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STAFF
Marie de vré • Editor-In-Chief
Harold hong • Editor-In-Chief
Uyen vu • News Editor
Alice nguyen • Asst. News Editor
Sowmya sundar • Op-Ed Editor
Reuben thayil • Asst. Op-Ed Editor
Namana balakrishna • Features Editor
Kashvi agarwal • Asst. Features Editor
Shrihan sham • Sports Editor
Reina tam • A sst. Sports Editor
Natalie chen • Lifestyle Editor
Joseph graham • Asst. Lifestyle Editor
Jerry yong • Entertainment Editor
Ryan truong • Asst. Entertainment Editor
Rain bacungan • Spread Editor
Lauren dang • Asst. Spread Editor
Jonah wu • Graphics/Photo Editor
Satvika gidvani • Web/Social Media Editor
Aaron chiah • Business/Ad Manager
Adit singh • Reporter
Jacob huang • Reporter
Kamisha rodas • Reporter
Nia martin • Reporter
Shivani arun • Reporter
Tejus karadi • Reporter
Sanjit Roy
Journalism Advisor
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Male bathrooms should be fixed to build a Culture of
By Ryan Truong
Senior Henry Ping won second place at the Federation of International Robot-Soccer Association (FIRA)’s RoboWorld Cup competition in Daegu, South Korea, held Aug. 11-15, he said. This international robotics event featured students from around the globe, testing their skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, and drone flight, according to FIRA’s website.
The competition featured several categories of robotics, but the specific section in which Henry Ping competed challenged participants to program drones that could pass through gates and obstacles on their own, he said. He represented the U.S. while also working in tandem alongside a Canadian team, he added.
“I chose to take part mainly because of my passion,” Henry Ping said. “I also wanted to stand out because a lot of people in school here also do robotics. Most of the college applicants have that, but don’t have foreign competitions on their resume.”
Although the event lasted only a week, preparation for this competition took several months, Henry Ping said. He spent hours each day after school coding, testing simulations, and fine-tuning his drone to go through obstacles and judge proper distances while flying, he added.
“At first, I thought this competition was just another hassle,” Henry Ping said. “But in the end, I realized I learned a lot of new things and expanded my knowledge and skillset.”
Henry Ping spent more than half a year preparing for this event, his father John Ping said. Henry often stayed up late to work on his drone and to refine his code, he said. Despite training at home and having a smaller space to work with, Henry still made the most of what he had to test his drone’s mobility and avoid errors such as drifting, he said.
“He’s very dedicated, very hard
working, and also a team player as well,” John Ping said. “He has to persevere and be on his own while also facing challenges, even with the pressure.”
Henry Ping overcame several daunting obstacles during the competition as well, Henry Ping said. One of the main issues was troubleshooting, he said. Most notably, the drone’s camera had functioned differently than it did during testing back in the United States and needed fixing, Henry Ping added.
“We spent the first four days in bottom place,” Henry Ping said.
“On the night of the fourth day, we stayed overnight trying to fix it. In the end, we managed to rectify the issue and come back.”
Senior Gurmukh Minhas, a close friend of Henry Ping for years, wasn’t surprised by Henry’s success in the competition, Minhas said. Henry Ping is someone who dedicates himself to whatever he does, and as a result, inspires others to work harder, he added.
“He submerged himself a lot in his work,” Minhas said. “Sometimes I just sit down and think, ‘What would Henry Ping do today that I could do better?’ I see him as a role model.”
The experience gave Henry valuable life lessons about resilience and optimism that go far beyond the competition, John Ping said.
“If you have a passion, try hard to pursue it,” John Ping said. “Don’t be afraid of challenges. Be adaptive, be optimistic, and turn the knowledge into the things you want to create.”
Henry Ping hopes his own story will motivate other students to take risks and follow their passions or go after what excites them, even when it may feel difficult or unfamiliar, Ping said.
“Just go for it,” Henry Ping said. “Take yourself out of your comfort zone and also form connections because these are the people that in the future might help you land a job. Even if it turns out bad, you’ll learn something.”
Students shine light on battling chronic health conditions
By Kashvi Agarwal
Chronic health conditions affect the lives of millions, including many MHS students, but they don’t let their health limit them from living their lives to the fullest. Whether it is physical or mental, health conditions often make things more difficult, from school to sports to jobs. A few students who are fighting chronic health conditions spoke to The Union about their experiences.
Senior Allie Klaydman has faced chronic migraines since she was 8 years old but was only diagnosed with them when she was 14, she said.
Chronic migraines are classified as having 15 or more headaches within 30 days for over three months, with eight of those days having the additional symptoms of migraines, including nausea, brain fog, head throbbing, and sensitivity to light and sound, according to “What Is Chronic Migraine?” by the American Migraine Foundation.
“I’ve had migraines for the past nine years, and so I’ve experienced over 1,600 of them in my life,” Klaydman said. “But they really aren’t regular headaches. … I just wish more people understood the severity of them.”
Klaydman works 20 to 28 hours weekly for her part-time job, is the co-editor-in-chief of the MHS yearbook, and has been taking advanced classes during school, she said.
“Managing a schedule such as that with my health condition is often really hard,” Klaydman said. “As soon as I’m faced with my triggers, such as light, noise, or smells — which are my top three ones — I’m often not able to move. It makes simple things like
reading really difficult.”
To reduce the chances of having a migraine, Klaydman avoids her triggers, takes medications, and has safety procedures for when feeling faint, she said. However, since there is no cure for them yet, migraines aren’t something that she can escape from, she added.
“For me, I try to separate myself from my health condition,” Klaydman said. “Obviously, follow your doctor’s advice to the best of your abilities. … But overall, don’t let it limit you and make sure to value your health while still inching towards your goals. Every small step in the right direction is still a step in the right direction.”
Senior Krystal Nguyen has autism and the inattentive subtype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), she said. Before her ADHD diagnosis in middle school, her family was frequently frustrated with what they assumed was simply laziness, she said.
“It’s hard to focus, especially when it comes to things that you’re not particularly interested in,” Nguyen said. “But also, there’s something called hyper-fixation and hyper-focus where you get really engrossed in your activity.”
Nguyen also faces autism, she said. Autism spectrum disorder is “a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave,” as defined by the National Institute of Mental Health.
“I struggled a lot with it back in elementary school,” Nguyen wrote. “As with one of the symptoms that comes with autism, I was socially inept and didn’t
know how to make friends.”
Nguyen has been focusing on engaging in more social activities by joining new clubs and making new friends, she said. She is better able to manage her ADHD and autism now that she is a senior, and she is proud of how far she has come; now, she has clear aspirations and goals for the future, she said.
“I’m thinking of creating this entire, really ambitious web comic,” Nguyen said.
Freshman student-athlete Mileya Funches developed asthma around fifth grade, but only discovered it when she started to play sports in seventh grade, she said.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes shortness of breath and chest tightness due to the inflammation and narrowing of airways in the lungs, according to “What Is Asthma?” by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Funches currently plays flag football, basketball, and track and field, all of which require running, something that often triggers her asthma, she said.
“To prevent it, you have to take inhalers and build up your endurance while running,” Funches said. “In track, it gets bad because I also have allergies. The pollen and grass affect me, so I have to take other (additional) medications to counter my asthma.” When asked about her advice for students battling chronic health conditions, everyone has different conditions, it’s difficult to assess others’ physical capacities, Funches said.
“All I have to say is: don’t let it stop you from doing what you love and just keep on enduring it,” Funches said.
Teachers share experiences of riding motorcycles
By Tejus Karadi and Namana Balakrishna
School isn’t the only aspect of a teacher’s life. A few school teachers have other interesting hobbies outside of their job, such as riding motorcycles.
English teacher Sheldon Hentschke became interested in learning how to drive a manual transmission car with a clutch and gear shifting before he learned to drive a motorcycle, he said.
“Motorcycles were cheaper, and most of them are manual, so I figured I could still learn how to use a clutch that way,” Hentschke said. “I really started because I wanted to drive stick, but cars were too expensive.”
Social Studies teacher Benjamin Ravey has always liked loud engines and owned several classic Chevys in high school, he said. However, he started riding motorcycles at the age of 45, Ravey said.
“During COVID, I took up bik-
ing, like my pedal bike over here, and that was fun,” Ravey said. “I figured, let’s add an engine to a bike. And I got a gas bike, and I said, ‘You know what? Let’s just go for a motorcycle.’”
English teacher Kent Mitchell first started riding a motorcycle when he was 14, he said. His oldest brother taught him how to ride it, Mitchell added.
“We got up really early in the morning when there weren’t a lot of people around, and took her to a parking lot,” Mitchell said. “He was on the back and just instructing me.”
Mitchell ended up crashing into the curb in the parking lot, he said. He felt bad that he crashed his brother’s motorcycle, Mitchell added.
“I needed to decrease the let go of the throttle, but I kept it,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t decrease it, so we kept moving, and he was saying to slow down, but then I didn’t turn fast enough. We hit this curb and laid down the mo-
torcycle, and I scraped my side.” Hentschke’s first motorcycle crash was on the freeway when he was in college, and he ended up with an abrasion on his ankle, he said. The experience taught him to always wear protective gear, he added.
“The second crash was worse,” Hentschke said. “A car turned left in front of me without warning. I didn’t have time to react. I flew about 30 feet and landed on my back, breaking a bone. I was lucky— if I’d landed differently, I could’ve been paralyzed, or worse.
Whenever coworkers see Ravey ride a motorcycle, he gets many compliments and they think it’s cool, he said. He’s had students who’ve ridden motorcycles themselves, and like the fact that Ravey rides one too, he added.
“But I ride because it was my way of finding peace, not trying to get people to notice,” Ravey said. “It’s more about me just having peace and quiet.”
Henry Ping scores second in drone competition
Mileya Funches participates in her first MHS flag football tournament at the Wilcox Jamboree.
Courtesy of Mileya Funches
Courtesy of Henry Ping
Henry Ping (third from the left) with team after earning second place.
Sheldon Hentschke pulls up to the side of the road to fix his motorcycle.
Courtesy of Sheldon Hentschke
Student bands play music from wide ranges of influences
By Natalie Chen
Some people make music to foster human connection. Some people make music to share art with the world. And some people make music purely for the sake of making music. At MHS, these three student bands are pursuing music, each with different influences, ideas, and inspirations.
Senior Adrian Dale Dinapo is the bassist of Six Degrees, a band built on a foundation of close friendship, he said. Their main influences include shoegaze, math rock, Japanese culture, and the anime “Bocchi the Rock!”, he added.
“[Bocchi the Rock] is about guitar losers,” Dinapo said. “High school girls — one is really shy, and she gets peer pressured to join a band and she gets really nervous. I used to be socially anxious, so I thought ‘Wait, she’s kind of like me,’ so I should probably start music or something like that. I could get out of my own shell too.’”
The band features three guitarists, one bassist, one keyboardist, and one vocalist, Dinapo said. Dinapo is the only member of the band currently attending MHS, as the other members graduated in 2025, he added. Six Degrees isn’t just about music: it’s a way for six friends to stay connected despite the forces pushing them apart, Dinapo said.
The name of the band — Six Degrees — is derived from the saying
Teachers who have taught for decades reflect on changes around school campus
By Lauren Dang
Over the years, many teachers have come and gone since the school’s founding in 1969. While there are many new teachers in classrooms today, there are also teachers who have taught at MHS for decades and have witnessed many changes.
For instance, English teacher Skyler Draeger has taught at MHS since the 1997-1998 school year, he said. Draeger has seen a number of changes to his curriculum, including books that were published after he started teaching, he added.
“In my sophomore class, next semester, I’ll be teaching ‘The Kite Runner,’ which wasn’t even published until after I became a teacher,” Draeger said. “In my Read 180 class, we read ‘The Hate U Give,’ which is also a recent book. I’m teaching another book right now called ‘Akata Witch.’” Draeger has also taught classes that started after he began teaching, he said. In addition to his English classes, he has also taught non-departmental and history courses in the past, he said.
“So the Read 180 program didn’t exist when I started,” Draeger said. “I was one of the first teachers teaching it. AVID had only been around for a couple
of years when I started, and I became an AVID teacher for a long time. I taught Facing History and Ourselves. The course did exist when I first came, but it got a lot bigger when I was here.”
Social studies teacher Paul Harrison, who began teaching at MHS in the late 1980s, also talked about topics that weren’t taught in the curriculum until major world events occurred, he said.
“The attack on September 11th, that definitely had an impact, where we had to learn more about what is Al Qaeda, what’s their objective,” Harrison said. “The War on Terror, as they call it, that definitely has become a big thing that we’ve taught.”
Another significant change Harrison witnessed was the switch to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrison said. He began utilizing digital resources more, he said.
“That first experience of having to work remotely, and how suddenly we had to do everything electronically with Google Classroom and Zoom was a dramatic change, one of the biggest changes to how I teach,” Harrison said. “Before, I hardly ever used Google, and now I use it every day. I completely manage my classes through that.”
Another gradual change at
MHS throughout the years is the physical campus, as science teacher Letta Meyer said. Meyer has taught at MHS for 25 years, she said.
“I first got here when the L building had just opened, and then they were doing reconstruction on a lot of the buildings,” Meyer said. “I remember the fields getting put in, our turf getting put in.”
Meyer also shared her observations on how the use of technology has impacted students, including changes to certain traits of student behavior, such as attention span and diligence.
“A lot of it has been that your attention span is not nearly as long,” Meyer said. “Also, the want to have everything now and lack of patience and willing to work for something is not nearly as strong as it used to be.”
Despite the many changes to MHS, Draeger still enjoys teaching due to the endless possibilities, he said.
“One thing I’ve always enjoyed about teaching – it’s never boring,” Draeger said. “Even if I’m teaching the same class, I can do it in a different way. The students ask different questions, their personalities are different, so sometimes things are hard, but they’re always interesting.”
“six degrees of separation,” Dinapo said. The other members “all graduated, we’re all separated. Sometimes you come back to the band to be together.”
Junior Ryllie Dulay is the drummer for an indie pop rock band influenced by artists like Vacations, Beabadoobee, and Laufey, he said. They have four members, all of whom are MHS students: a keyboardist, a guitarist-slash-vocalist, a bassist, and a drummer, he added.
“We’re called Kaluluwa. It’s ‘soul’ or ‘ghost’ in Tagalog,” Dulay said.
Spontaneity is at the heart of Kaluluwa’s discography, Dulay said.
“We have a shared playlist that just spits out songs that we all listen to sometimes, and then I’d rather choose that if we’re going to cover something, or we just make up something on the spot,” Dulay said.
Dulay’s ultimate dream is to pursue something related to music as a career, he said.
Dulay has “a desire to play music and share music with people,” he said. “It’s fun — music connects us. It’s a worldwide thing. Music is everywhere. It’s part of our lives, and it’s something past a language barrier.”
Dulay fears that with the rise of generative AI, art and music will become even less profitable.
“Music is really hard to make money from,” Dulay said. “That’s the only problem with music. I
think my dream job would probably be something in music, but I’m not sure if that’s attainable in the current industry, especially with the rise of AI.”
Senior Anthony Villalobos is the guitarist and vocalist of Fleaball, a band with influences ranging from Alex Turner, frontman of the Pixies, to cultural music from the Caribbean and Mexico City, Villalobos said.
“We were just saying random phrases, and then I liked the sound of ‘fleaball,’” Villalobos said. “The way I like to think about it is a derogatory name for a dog.”
Villalobos’ dedication to music can be traced back to his childhood when his grandfather taught him a little bit of piano, he said.
“I was exposed to [Mexican] music a lot, and so that really influenced my taste in music, and what I like to make in the songs that I write,” Villalobos said. “I’ve written a few songs in Spanish. I haven’t played them yet, but [Spanish-speaking musicians] are definitely influences on me.” Currently, Fleaball has four members, including two drummers and a guitarist-vocalist. Five years from now, “I’m not too sure if I’ll still be with the band that I have now, but I know I will definitely still be doing music, if that’s by myself or with different people,” Villalobos said. “But hopefully, we’ll all still be together, still playing music.”
By Jonah Wu
Cosplaying has risen in popularity since the pandemic despite starting as a niche hobby from the 1990s, so with the popularity of anime and manga it’s no surprise that some of MHS’ students like to cosplay as well.
Sophomore Lara Kulkarni goes to panels and cosplay conventions to meet other cosplayers and take photos, Kulkarni said. Cosplaying is not just an extension of Halloween, but is more personal, she added.
“I’d say cosplay is like if you’re trying to immerse yourself into that character and show people, ‘I like this character. I want to represent them,’” Kulkarni said.
Senior Eron Escobar attends cosplay conventions with clothes that he already owns or buys from Amazon, Escobar said. He was inspired over the summer to get into cosplaying because his friend learned how to DIY his cosplay props using a 3D printer and foam, he added.
“He did a ‘Cloud’ cosplay, and he 3D printed all the parts for the Buster Sword,” Escobar said. “He also 3D-printed a magnet so that he can stick the sword onto his back.”
Senior Amy Phan was first inspired to cosplay by the various photos posted on social media, she said.
“With how prevalent it is online, if you’re in communities that involve gaming or anime or that type of stuff, you’re going to see it,” Phan said. “And honestly, it’s just so cool. It’s fun. I like to see how professionals do it.” Kulkarni buys her cosplay piec-
es online as long as it’s within her budget, she said.
“I always buy them off of Amazon,” Kulkarni said. “Everything’s kind of expensive, so I’m just safe with Amazon.”
Even if you’re not rich or experienced, you can still utilize what you have and learn the skills to make your own cosplay, Phan said.
“I lean more towards closet cosplays (cosplays that are created using clothes and accessories you already have) and making things myself, because I am a high school student, and I don’t have the money to purchase them,” Phan said. “So you learn skills like, ‘How can I turn cardboard into a potential weapon or a piece of armor?’”
Kulkarni also cautions about the dangers of being in cosplay in public, she said.
“If you’re cosplaying a character that is often known for having fan service, then beware of that, because there’s also a lot of creepy old men at cosplay conventions,” Kulkarni said.
It is important to ask for permission before getting close to cosplayers, regardless of who they are, Kulkarni said.
“If you see someone cosplaying a character, that does not give you the right to touch them, and always ask for photographs,” Kulkarni said.
Escobar believes that there are no guidelines for cosplaying besides being respectful, he said.
“There are no rules to cosplay, except for, of course, the usual: Don’t be weird and don’t be gross,” Escobar said. “You can be anyone.”
Student cosplayers provide advice for enthusiasts
Jonah Wu | THE UNION Student searches on Amazon for Ash Ketchum costumes for cosplay.
Lauren Dang | THE UNION
Lead singer Mazaria Aldrich (left) and drummer Toshan Gupta (right) performing as part of a band known as ‘Mazzy and the Sunflowers.’
Namana Balakrishna | THE UNION
Robotaxi v. Uber: Autonomous cab services
By Jerry Yong
Earlier this year, Tesla’s Robotaxi autonomous cab service was released for the San Francisco Bay Area, touting cheaper and on-demand rides for residents. Currently, driver-based platforms like Uber and Lyft dominate the ride-hailing industry, with Uber bringing in close to $44 billion in revenue just last year, according to Uber’s investor press release for 2024. Both of these services appear to be a quick and easy solution for those looking to make simple trips without access to a vehicle, and I tried both of them to compare the differences.
Uber:
Uber markets itself as a simple cab service, connecting drivers with passengers looking for transportation from one location to another. Their app lets customers select pick up and drop off points, with various options for type of vehicle and driver. Their fare pricing utilizes a dynamic system which accounts for factors such as peak surge hours and length of trip, according to Uber.
I was able to book several trips with various distances, with an average of $5 per mile. One thing with Uber is that you are not guaranteed the same driver every time, so your experience may vary from trip to trip. However, my rides were all relatively similar, with minor differences even across completely different drivers and vehicles.
When booking for myself, I found sedans to be the most common vehicle to be listed on the Uber app. I tested out both long and shorter distance trips, with a ride from our high school to my house pricing in at just under nine
dollars. During the actual ride experience, there was nothing exceptionally noteworthy about the end experience. There were small nitpicks, such as making several sharp turns and differing quality of interiors between vehicles, but overall the actual Uber rides got me from point A to B.
One drawback to an Uber was the lack of customization and entertainment. I was limited to scrolling on my phone and listening to my own music in my earbuds, without any options for carwide sound control. Additionally, adjusting the air conditioning or climate control varied depending on the make and model of vehicle selected.
Robotaxi:
On the other hand, Tesla’s Robotaxi service utilizes their Model Y line of SUVs, which have been modified for this specific program.
Potential riders, similar to Uber, use the Robotaxi app to book a ride, but there are no options for different vehicles. The time between ride ordering and pick-up was slightly longer than Uber, with my delay about fifteen minutes long. For a roughly 1 mile ride, I paid just above three dollars.
built into the vehicle.
One thing that stood out to me while riding in the Robotaxi was just how smooth the driving was. Even on difficult curves and situations with many cars, the computer was able to account for changes immediately. The Robotaxi also drove much like a “perfect” driver would, accelerating and slowing down at a very reasonable rate. I didn’t experience any FSD malfunctions, and the safety monitor did not have to take over at any point.
Contrary to a regular Uber experience, there is a significant amount of customization available for each Robotaxi ride. I was able to link my Apple Music and Spotify accounts for access to the vehicle’s speaker system and also try out some of the gaming options available for the roughly 8 inch passenger side digital screen. These additions helped immerse my experience throughout the ride.
However, where Uber has a wide range of service, the Robotaxi network is limited to a specific Bay Area section. However, I am currently able to reach all the way to Berkeley on a single trip with Robotaxi.
Due to California’s limitations on autonomous vehicles, there was a safety monitor in the driver’s seat, but he did not interact with the vehicle in any way. Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet utilizes their Full Self Driving (FSD) technology, which takes in video feeds from the onboard cameras and processes them live using the computers
Overall, these ride options were easy methods of transportation for all types of rides. Each service has inherent flaws and benefits, so it is ultimately up to the end user to decide which platform suits them the most when booking a ride. For a cost effective choice, Tesla Robotaxis take the definite lead, but Uber wins for a nearly unlimited service range.
Custom styling to create unique wardrobe
By Marie De Vré
One of the most accessible ways that teenagers have to express their personality is through their fashion style. However, it can be difficult to find clothing that matches your exact style. Luckily, with some adjustments, you can transform unique ex tension of your personality.
all great options.
A simple T-shirt may be one of the easiest clothing items to alter. A popular trend among young women is to cut the collars off their t-shirts. This gives t-shirts an off-the-shoulder look and can easily be achieved by cutting the hem of a shirt’s neckline.
The best tip is to start small; cut off the collar first before making small adjustments so that your shirt lies the way you want it. Remember to stretch out your shirt where you cut it and try it on be fore cutting further to get the best look possible.
The same principle goes for cutting off shirt sleeves or when transforming a ing t-shirt into a cute crop top.
A t-shirt with a cute graphic on the front can also be easily trans formed into a backless halter top.
These fabric patches can be added anywhere you want on your jackets, sweaters, They can on a jacket’s and make expatches if your ite jeans get a hole.
This trick does require some basic sewing knowledge, but with just a little bit of practice, anyone can master it. Luckily, for those of you who find sewing tedious, you can buy iron-on patches in many shapes and colors.
If you decide to sew on the shapes, keep in mind you must always cut more thread than you think you’ll need so you can tie knots at the beginning and end of the thread to keep the stitches in place. A simple running stitch is sufficient to keep the patches in place, but you can use more advanced stitches to elevate the look.
When it comes to customizing jackets and sweaters, you can create a patchwork vibe by cutting out pieces of fabric from old t-shirts, jeans, or any other source of fabric you have lying around. You can be as creative as you want with the shapes — stars, squares, or funky blobs are
with your results, just wash your clothes, and the paper will dissolve.
As you get more comfortable sewing, you can come up with more elaborate designs. Different thread weights (thicknesses) and stitches can create textured looks and is especially useful for floral details. Eventually, you can even begin beading some of your work.
The best benefit of embroidery is that you can easily remove your designs if you don’t like them or grow out of that style. Unlike painting, you can just use a seam ripper to remove the embroidery thread to produce a fresh canvas. Just keep in mind that if the needle or thread you used was too big, you may end up with holes left behind by your embroidery.
There are plenty of ways you can customize your wardrobe. Altering the clothes you already have is a fun and sustainable way to create pieces of clothing that truly show off your sense of fashion.
By Tejus Karadi
Pecan pie is a classic dessert that many people enjoy for its sweet syrup, buttery filling, and crunchy pecans. I tried this recipe I found on Allrecipes.com to see how it was.
I started by making the crust, which only needed a few ingredients: flour, butter, salt, and water. After mixing it, I rolled it out and placed it in the pie dish. It looked plain, but once it baked, it became flaky and golden.
The filling was the easiest part. I whisked together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until it was smooth. Then, I added the pecans, which gave the filling its crunchy texture. After pouring it into the crust, the pie went straight into the oven.
The top of the pie was slightly crispy, and underneath was a smooth and buttery filling. The bottom crust was flaky and held together well. The pecans on top were coated in sugary syrup, adding a nice crunch. The pie tasted very sweet, maybe a little too sweet for me.
While the textures were good, the sugar was strong enough that I wanted a bit of salt or a small savory bite to balance it out. If I
were to make it again, I would reduce the sugar slightly and toast the pecans a bit longer to bring out their flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top could also make it taste more unique.
Overall, I would give this pie an 8.5 out of 10. The textures are great, and it has the classic pecan pie flavor. This was my first time making a pecan pie, and surprisingly, it was much easier than I expected. The recipe had clear steps to follow, and as long as I measured everything correctly, it turned out great.
Ingredients:
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup white sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecan halves
Recipe:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Beat together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla.
3. Arrange pecans in the bottom of the pie crust and pour mixture over.
4. Bake for 1 hour or until knife inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before slicing.
High demand drives global matcha shortage, high prices
By Kashvi Agarwal
From lattes to soft serve to pastries, worldwide love for matcha — and agricultural changes in Japan — have led to a global matcha shortage.
On campus, students can of ten be seen walking with matcha drinks in hand. A few have even begun their own small business es, blending their creative ideas with classic matcha recipes.
For those who are unfamiliar with it, matcha is a powder made by grinding green tea “tencha” leaves from the “Camellia sin ensis” plant and is loved for its earthy, umami taste and rich green tone.
The sudden rise in matcha consumption over the past few years is partly driven by its popularity on social media. On TikTok, “#matcha” has over 15 billion views, according to the article “Why Matcha, Made From Green Tea, is the Drink of the Moment” in The Economist.
sizes in Japan. Furthermore, high-quality matcha is naturally short in supply because its production requires specific conditions, such as using tea leaves that are grown during spring, according to “Unpacking the Matcha Shortage: An Insightful Look” by the Global Japanese Tea Association. The entire process generally takes about five years from when the crop is planted to when the matcha powder is ready for use. Unable to produce matcha fast enough to keep up with the demand, Japanese tea brands like Ippodo Tea and Marukyu Koyamaen put out notices about supply shortages; they now restrict the amount of matcha that each customer can buy and have raised prices. In the U.S., the 15% tariff on products imported from Japan has further increased prices.
Another way to customize your wardrobe is by adding your own embroidery designs to jeans, jackets, and even shirts. This does require time and patience (as well as knowing the fundamentals of embroidery), but it will create a piece of clothing unique to you.
The easiest way to embroider your design is to first stencil it on a piece of embroidery transfer paper. Once you’re happy with your design, you can fasten the paper to your clothing and begin sewing right over the paper, using it as a guide. When you’re satisfied
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg; plenty more styles exist on the internet, just waiting for you to discover them. You can find tips for every possible aesthetic online so that you can truly feel comfortable in what your wear.
Apart from being all over the internet, matcha has attracted individuals looking for a caffeinated drink that can also be beneficial to their health. Matcha contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that is shown to help lower blood pressure and levels of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, according to “Green Tea Catechins and Blood Pressure,” a study published by the European Journal of Nutrition.
While consumer demand for matcha has undoubtedly increased, production supply has decreased as a result of rising temperatures reducing harvest
Matcha was not intended to be sold in bulk; there was never a huge amount of it in the first place, and there is even less after the recent changes in climate. Additionally, due to its cultural value, many have been advocating for more respect and awareness when it comes to matcha intake. Nonetheless, more companies and farmers in Japan have begun to put resources towards matcha production to keep up with the global popularity.
Supply is short. Prices are going up. But matcha has found its way into the hearts of millions, and it doesn’t seem as if the demand will be going down anytime soon.
Tejus Karadi | THE UNION
Pecan pie is a great dessert to make for any gathering this holiday season.
Why we should get moving: Hiking’s physical, mental benefits for all
By Ryan Truong
Hiking is a fun and engaging outdoor activity that is often overlooked by busy students. Think about it. When was the last time you took a long walk that wasn’t just around campus or around your neighborhood? Between homework, social media, and everything else going on in our lives, many students may not think twice about spending more of their free time outdoors.
Hiking, or even just stepping onto a nearby trail and going on a good walk, can do more than give you fresh air; it can also make you healthier and calmer. Hiking serves to boost cardiovascular health and fitness, along with toning your legs and core muscles, and it improves balance, according to the Harvard Health article “Hike Your Way To Better Health.”
The American Hiking Society reports that regular hiking can
lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, lift your mood, and even regulate hormone levels. Spending time outdoors and hiking can help clear mental fog and give you clarity, helping you to better focus on homework and academics. If you replace an hour of screen time with an hour going out hiking or using a trail, you may notice your energy and concentration improve.
Additionally, going on more advanced hikes and walking on uneven ground can burn more calories and engage different muscles throughout the body, a bonus over just walking on flat terrain. This makes hiking a practical and meaningful way to keep your body healthy and well-maintained if added to your weekly schedule. Luckily, you don’t need to travel far to find good hiking trails. There are several good options around Milpitas or in proximity to the South Bay. Some good trails for starters can be found at
local parks such as Alviso Marina County Park, Ed R. Levin County Park, and Alum Rock Park, all of which have an abundance of paths and trails for long fruitful walks.
If you want more of a challenge, some intermediate hikes include the hike up to the Mission Peak Summit, a summit hike of roughly six miles and taking four hours, according to AllTrails. This hike may be challenging for newcomers; but at the summit you’ll be greeted with rewarding views and a powerful sense of success after overcoming a hurdle.
Of course, to ensure your safety and the success of your hike, you should make sure to follow a few steps. Make sure to wear durable shoes with good grip, bring lots of water to stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, grab some extra snacks, and dress appropriately.
Furthermore, you should also start with shorter routes and get to know your pace. Also, choose trails that match your fitness level
Coping mechanisms help deal with stress
By Sowmya Sundar
Students constantly undergo extreme pressure due to having to manage extracurriculars, grades, relationships, and identities. Often, without healthy coping strategies, they find quick, unhealthy ways to relieve stress, such as binge eating or vaping, or bottling up their piling emotions. However, there are numerous healthy,effective ways to deal with stress that stu dents should try.
becomes cooler, it might already be tempt ing to have a hot drink. This is a temptation that you should give in to: hot drinks ac tually have many stress-relieving ef fects. Warm drinks activate the parasympa thetic nervous system, calm ing down both our body and mind, according to the Healing Springs Wellness Center. In addition, the physical sensation of holding a warm beverage creates a feeling of comfort.
I would specifically recommend herbal tea. Herbal teas only require hot water and a tea bag, and different kinds of teas contain a variety of compounds that effectively calm us down. Chamomile tea contains apigenin, which helps with anxiety by binding to receptors in the brain, and lavender tea contains the compound linalool, which stabilizes mood and alleviates symptoms of stress. So, as your anxiety sets in due to your big exam tomorrow, remember to prepare a mug of hot herbal tea to help reduce your anxious feelings.
In addition, listening to music can help you relax. John Hopkins Medicine has stat that “lis music anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.” Listening to upbeat music can help make you more alert; conversely, listening to soft and soothing music helps you become relaxed.
cal music, try lo-fi, acoustic guitar, or soft ambient music and sounds. You can even find instrumental covers of your favorite songs online, and pair them with thunderstorm and rain sounds for an enhanced relaxing experience. It may sometimes seem like a hassle to exercise daily, and exercising often is what individuals first skip out on when they have a stressful day. However, exercise does have well-established stress relief-related benefits that are independent of the intensity and type of
Even a quick ten-minute cardio workout before studying can significantly reduce stress, through releasing mood-boosting endorphins and reducing levels of stress-inducing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, according to Harvard Health.
In addition to chemical effects, working out provides a distraction from worrying thoughts and boosts self-esteem over time. If you’re in need of a quick exercise to relieve stress during a busy day, it may be best to try walking, jogging, stretching, yoga, or cardio.
In addition, it’s easy to fall victim to staying up until 3 a.m. the day before a test, cramming aggressively, or scrolling through social media to distract yourself. Although it sounds cliché, it’s important to realize that sleeping is incredibly important to both ensure your best performance the next day and help manage your stress.
During sleep, the body releases stress-causing hormones and improves cognitive function.
According to the American Psychological Association, teens who sleep fewer than eight hours per night report higher levels of stress.
Everyone gets stressed, and it’s often frustrating to feel overwhelming anxiety without a way to relieve it. Using these methods, you can relax and unwind on even your hardest days.
and slowly build more tolerance for long hikes, which require more endurance, according to Harvard Health.
If you want to build a habit of hiking and going on extended walks outdoors, you should aim for consistency rather than pursuing extremes. Hiking should become part of your routine since your health gains are compounded over time, as stated by the American Hiking Society. So, give it a try! Go out and pick a hike or trail that fits your energy level, and go outside to get mov-
ing. You might just discover that hiking could become a new regular hobby of yours and choose to pursue this weekly or even daily. You may even inspire some friends to come and join you out on the trail. Whether it’s going on a weekend hike with friends, or simply inviting people to come walk along with you on a new trail, hiking can be a fun and inspiring undertaking that can help to strengthen connections and allow you to bond with others through new memories and shared experiences.
Research through the NIH has shown that listening to slow music, around 60 beats per minute, leads to alpha brainwaves associated with relaxation. However, your chosen music should be music that you enjoy, or it will have no positive effects. If you’re not a huge fan of classi-
Ultraprocessed foods harbor dangers
By Reuben Thayil
Ultraprocessed foods, or UPFs, are everywhere. In fact, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that over 55% of the average American diet consists of UPFs.
Researchers at the Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University define UPFs as foods that are “bioengineered for maximum palatability.” As well as using refined ingredients made from extracting substances from a plethora of unhealthy ingredients including, but not limited to, sugars, salts, fats, artificial colors, starches, emulsifiers (ingredients that help mix two liquids that don’t usual ly mix), and sta bilizers (ingre dients used to maintain the food’s consis tency).
A study from the National Institutes of Health found that peo ple eat upwards of 500 ex tra calo ries a day by includ ing UPFs in their diet, which is roughly equivalent to an extra fourth meal. However, the extra calories are not the only problem.
health outcomes.”
With such potential negative health outcomes on the rise, people are starting to get worried. In 1986, California passed Proposition 65, which requires warning labels on all foods that may contain ingredients linked to cancer and other harms. Proponents of the law hoped that this law would help companies become more transparent with what ingredients they are including in their products.
A study of over 10 million people conducted by the British Medical Journal found that adverse health consequences were discovered from the consumption of UPFs.
According to the British Medical Journal’s study, “Ultra-Processed Food Exposure and Adverse Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Epidemiological Meta-Analyses,” “Overall, direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 health parameters spanning mortality, cancer, and mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic
However, the label of UPFs may be misleading. “Not all ultraprocessed foods are bad,” according to findings from Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, a nutritional epidemiologist at the Friedman School of Nutrition at Tufts University. Her findings show that certain whole grain breads which are high in fiber are considered a UPF because they are made in mass, even with minimal processing. The same goes with certain types of yogurt; some types may contain sugar which leads to their classification as UPFs.
Still, UPF consumption generally is detrimental to your health. It is the intention of food producers to make ultraprocessed foods taste as good as possible. “These are foods that are being designed to make people addicted,” according to the Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University. Overall, almost all nutrition experts agree that ultra-processed foods carry many inherent health risks. With the rising prevalence of UPFs being found in American diets, it is incredibly important to keep aware of what you are eating and to always be in control of your diet by moderating your UPF consumption.
Ryan Truong | THE UNION
A view of the Mission Peak Trail as it approaches the peak’s summit.
Jonah Wu | THE UNION
A spread of ultraprocessed foods, which are known to cause adverse health effects.
“Absolute Batman” unleashes bigger, grittier, better Batman for its audience
By Natalie Chen
Who is the Batman?
He’s Bruce Wayne. He’s vengeance. He’s the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, and the World’s Best Detective. He’s the one who puts the fear of God in Gotham City’s evildoers. And he’s…a 21-year-old construction worker who got into college on a football scholarship?
In Scott Snyder’s “Absolute Batman,” Batman is a blue-collar civil engineer with limited resources, not a millionaire CEO. He’s also the size of a house (though he’s allegedly not on steroids). Even Batman’s origin story, which has stayed much the same for nearly a century, has been reimagined: Bruce’s mother is alive, and his father was not a high-profile philanthropist, but a teacher who died protecting his students from an active shooter.
Moreover, Snyder doesn’t paint Batman as the vengeful guardian of Gotham, but as a quiet, introspective man guided by his intellect and compassion for others. While past writers have portrayed Batman as an impenetrable fortress, Snyder does the opposite, presenting Batman’s vulnerability and emotional sensitivity as strengths rather than weaknesses.
“Absolute Batman” reimagines every Batverse character you know and love — and does it well. In fact, it was the bestselling American comic in 2024, according to a poll conducted by geek culture magazine ICv2.
To understand how Snyder successfully preserves the heart of Batman despite completely recontextualizing the character, we must ask ourselves: behind the cape and cowl, what traits make Batman “Batman”?
Let’s go back in time to 1939, when Batman debuted in the 27th issue of “Detective Comics.” From the start, Batman was different from other heroes. He couldn’t fly unassisted nor lift aircraft carriers with his bare hands, and he definitely wasn’t bulletproof.
Snyder understands that Batman’s humanity is what allows readers to relate to and be
inspired by him. In almost every iteration of the story prior to this one, Bruce Wayne is incredibly wealthy. But Absolute Batman doesn’t have the privilege of throwing money at problems; instead, he uses his intelligence, his interpersonal connections, and his massive muscly body to solve them. Snyder makes it clear that, despite his freakishly hefty physique, Bruce Wayne is just a guy. He has to pay his bills. He falls in love with hot ladies (Catwoman). And he retreats from battles he knows he can’t win.
In the early 1940s, Batman’s initial portrayal as a pulp fiction detective-slash-vigilante who killed indiscriminately was overturned. At this point in the Bat-evolution, Batman became more of a hero than a vigilante. His lust for vengeance was tempered by a strict no-kill policy.
Batman’s willpower and idealism are evident in almost every version of the character. Even in the “Absolute” universe, Batman’s idea of justice is just as black-and-white as always: no killing, ever. Snyder’s world — featuring a mutant Joker wearing a suit made of human babies, a 16-foot-tall Bane, and a version of Poison Ivy who’s less “sexy redhead” and more “Slenderman with tree bark” — challenges Batman’s convictions at every turn. Yet he always prevails without taking a single life, revealing the only thing stronger than Batman’s physical form: his resolve.
Though “Absolute Batman” completely subverts both the character and the backstory, the hero we all know and love is not only preserved — he’s improved.
He’s still Bruce Wayne, vengeance,the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, and the World’s Best Detective. He’s still the one who puts the fear of God in Gotham City’s evildoers. But he’s bigger, realer, and more determined than ever. He’s… Absolute Batman.
The development and identity of East Asian comics is interlinked with each country’s history. The names of comic books vary by country: comic books from China, Japan, and Korea are called “manhua,” “manga,” and “manhwa,” respectively. A particular aspect of East Asian comic books are the story elements implemented in their comics, with many stories having individual genres and settings.
Manga Manga was created in the 12th century with woodblock-printed pictures called “ukiyo-e,” according to the article “The History of Manga in Manga” from artsandculture.google. com. However, the first modern-style manga was drawn in the 1890s by cartoonist Ippyo Imaizumi. After World War II, a period of creative innovation started with manga demographics like “shounen,” aimed towards adolescent
Histories, styles, cultures
By Lauren Dang boys, and “shoujo,” targeting girls, being made. Popular manga both genres include Kohei Horikoshi’s “My Hero Academia” and “Sailor by Naoko Takeuchi, respectively. Some traits associated with manga clude black and white print, words symbols to express emotions like and anger, and exaggerated facial tures such as round eyes. Manhwa
The first publication of manhwa Korea was in the 1930-40’s and was fluenced by manga due to the Japanese occupation, according to “The Rise Manhua: Understanding the Populari ty of Korean Comics” by Desi Monarch at medium.com. After Korea was from Japanese rule during the 60’s, Korean graphic novel artists veloped a new artistic identity focused on Korean history and culture. most notable visual traits of manhwa include realistic, angular facial features and bright visual color palettes.
Pictures
are worth thousands of words: Censorship and free speech in comics
By Alice Nguyen
The line between reasonable censorship and blatant oppression is a blurred one. Often, banned comics can often be considered too violent, too extreme, or too graphic for children. However, the motive to protect also brings with it the caveat of preventing important discussions and crucial perspectives. Unless, of course, that is the true motive for banning some comics.
One such comic, briefly banned for eight months in the towns of Matsue and Izumisano in Japan, is the manga “Barefoot Gen” by Keiji Nakazawa. “Barefoot Gen” is a semi-autobiographical anti-war manga illustrating the life of a seven-year-old boy in the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima. The comic depicts people’s skin burned off or their body parts being dismembered and addresses some of Japan’s war crimes during World War II, such as the Rape of Nanking.
Spiegelman wanted to emphasize themes of dehumanization.
A Tennessee school district in 2022 challenged and banned “Maus” for the image of a “nude woman,” a drawing of Spiegelman’s mother after she committed suicide, according to the same interview. However, Spiegelman thought that the real reason why the district banned his work was that parents were uncomfortable with the history of the Holocaust.
To ban “Maus” was an act of offense to Spiegelman and his father because a few people decided the few nude panels in the graphic novel outweighed the significant literary merit of the comic. Spiegelman and his father’s compelling narrative was reduced to being inappropriate because he had chosen to tell his story authentically. No matter the circumstance or reason, censorship invalidates a victim’s experiences and prevents them from sharing their story.
The school board in Matsue officially claimed that they banned the manga because of how gruesome the imagery was for children, according to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) webpage on “Banned Comics: Case Files.” But, it is no secret that some Japanese nationalists deny such war crimes, and some in Matsue were outspoken about the comic’s “ultra-leftist” ideology, according to CBLDF.
The ban raises the question of censorship with ulterior motives, especially in the context of the manga.
The children of Matsue and Izumisano who might’ve read Nakawaza’s “Barefoot Gen” could have learned to understand the nuances of not only war, but any type of conflict. They could have been able to acknowledge the reality of Japan’s war crimes while still being able to mourn their own country’s losses from the war, learning that conflict is never black and white.
Another World War II period comic that school districts have challenged is Pulitzer-Prize-winning “Maus” by Art Spiegelman. “Maus” illustrates Spiegelman’s father, a survivor of the Holocaust, and his experiences as a Polish Jew. All the characters in the comic are depicted as animals; the Germans are cats, the Poles are pigs, and the Jews are mice. Spiegelman explained, in an interview conducted by PEN America in 2023, that he chose to tell his father’s story through animals to make the comic more universal. Even though the Holocaust was unique to
cultures behind East Asian comics
young manga in Horikoshi’s Moon” manga inwords and like pain facial fea-
manhwa in was inJapanese Rise of PopulariMonarch was freed 1950artists defocused culture. The manhwa features
A notable genre used in manhwa is “murim,” which describes action stories set in medieval China. An example of manhwa from this genre is Biga’s “Return of the Blossoming Blade.”
Today, Manhwa’s prominence expanded thanks to the creation of digital comic publishing platforms available for individuals to use, such as Webtoon and Tapas. The former has also turned stories published on its website into physical books, including Yaongyi’s “True Beauty.”
Manhua
The oldest known form of manhua dates back to Song Dynasty China, which lasted from 960 to 1279, according to the medium.com article “A Peak into Chinese Comics” by Justin Yan. However, the earliest use of the term “manhua” dates back to around 1925 to refer to artist Feng Zikai’s ink paintings for the literature journal “Literature Weekly,” and later manhua that were usually published by literary journals
and magazines, according to the article “Manhua as Magazine” from osu.edu.
A genre exclusive to manhua is the “xianxia” genre, which takes inspiration from traditional elements from Chinese culture. A popular xianxia manhua is “Heaven’s Official Blessing” by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, which follows a once-human prince and a ghost king that the heavens fear. The manhua has also received an animated adaptation, available on Netflix.
Conclusion
The stylistic elements of East Asian comics create a distinctive identity that appeals to people worldwide. In addition, the historical development of East Asian comics has created many unique stories.
Comics offer the opportunity to fully immerse their readers in a story through their illustrations — a reason why comics are especially susceptible to challenges and bans. It’s difficult to fully picture the extent of how gruesome events are when the reader is simply reading words on a page, but it only takes one picture seared into a reader’s mind to spark a change of mindset.
Readers can criticize graphic and offensive content in a comic, but many may overlook the much more important themes in comics. When confronting history and its atrocities, it is impossible not to feel uncomfortable. The acknowledgement of tragedies and war crimes only comes from understanding and perceiving the incomprehensible. The only way to prevent something catastrophic from happening in the future is to learn from the past.
No one can truly be an educated member of society if they remain sheltered from reality, no matter how dark it may be. While there is a duty of schools to protect their students, schools cannot be complicit in banning critical pieces of media when their primary goal is to educate the next generation.
RATING: 4 out of 5
By Aaron Chiah
“Creepcast,” a podcast co-founded by internet personalities Meat Canyon and Wendigoon, focuses on sharing creepypastas, a form of internet horror story by amateur writers on the internet . Wendigoon is a “YouTuber” who delves into conspiracy theories, disappearances, and mysteries. Meat Canyon is an animation YouTuber who creates body horror animations, which he voices over. Creepypastas are
This podcast takes both the good and bad stories of the genre and makes them palatable for the reader through humor and analysis. The podcast does a great job analyzing every detail and allusion that the authors make in their stories.
The analysis factor of the podcast makes the more complex stories easier to understand. However, there are times when the hosts analyze redundant points, which could confuse some listeners. Another downside is the inconsistency in episode lengths. For comparison, a typical Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode is around 2 ½ to 3 hours long, while “Creepcast” has an ever-changing range of episode lengths, ranging from 1 ½ to 11 hours long.
Another issue with the podcast is that the listeners’ experience depends on the platform they are using to listen. “Creepcast”
is primarily a “YouTube” podcast, so people who listen on Apple Podcast or Spotify are locked out of some videos, as they also review internet Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) along with creepypastas.
ARGs are fictional online mysteries that periodically post new clues or logs, slowly revealing a deeper and more intricate story. However, ARGs differ in the fact that they are more interactive, using pictures and actively communicating with curious readers in the comments.
“Creepcast” is unable to adapt this form of content for listeners on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Combined with the inconsistent episode lengths, some people may have problems with this static form of consumption. If these problems do not affect you, I would highly recommend this podcast to you in your free time.
In fact, I have a few starter episodes to recommend, to help po-
tential fans slide into this podcast with ease. As I have stated before, “Creepcast “covers both good and bad stories, so it is important for newer readers to know the catalog.
“Penpal” is the perfect story to start with, due to its stellar story quality. This episode features in-depth analysis and quippy jokes.
“Creepcast” strikes the perfect balance between the storytelling and commentary,providing genuinely informative commentary, combined with constructive criticisms of the story. In fact, their goal with the podcast is to spread the passion for writing and encourage others to write more stories. The hosts’ love for literature, combined with their abundance of pop-culture knowledge, really makes the show a vessel of knowledge for aspiring horror writers.
Overall, “Creepcast” is an amazing podcast, even with a few flaws. I highly recommend checking out their videos if you enjoy horror content.
Ares’ delights, revives long-awaited franchise
RATING: 5 out of 5
By Shrihan Sham
After more than a decade of waiting and development, “Tron: Ares” is finally in theaters. It is the third movie in the “Tron” series. The movie is directed by Joachim Ronning and is known for its futuristic setting and soundtrack. The story is about a computer program coming to life and trying to be a human. The way the program can become human is to get the permanence code. The main goal of the protagonist and the antagonist is to find and develop the permanence code.
Jared Leto stars as Ares, the commander of the grid who is sent into the real world as an idea for a military asset. His mission is to help humans, but things do not go as planned.
Leto’s performance is calm, but also emotional because he begins to understand emotions like sadness when his best friend chooses
the wrong path and anger when he sees a man hit a young girl. He feels sad, happy, and is caring.
Greta Lee plays as Eve Kim is another protagonist in the movie, and she hopes to find a permanence code which will make programs stay in the real world forever. However, if the program dies, it dies forever. Lee wants to develop programs that can cure cancer and other things. This meant a lot for Lee as she lost her elder sister to cancer. Jeff Bridges also returns as Kevin Flynn who was in the first “Tron” Movie, giving longtime fans of the movie a nice bit of nostalgia.
Visually, the movie is incredible. There is a mix of glowing neon lights and futuristic cities. Even the real-world settings look very sharp, detailed, and creative. Every shot looks designed, and the action scenes, especially the light bike chases were thrilling and perfectly made as the bikes had something called jetwalls, which acted like barriers. The light bikes were also another ma-
RECENT MUSIC REVIEWS
Album: Everybody Scream
Released: Oct 31, 2025
Genre: Indie Rock
Album: Deadbeat
Released: Oct 17, 2025
Genre: Psychedelic
Florence + the Machine’s “Everybody Scream” explores themes of burnout, the pressure to perform, and the higher standards female musicians are held to. The album is dark and heavy, and Florence’s difficult relationship with performing is clearly visible. The album’s cacophony of voices, instrumentals, and Florence’s singing add to the emotion and gory feel of the album. It is an excellent example of musical storytelling and is worth a listen for those who enjoy unique music.
- Marie De Vré
Tame Impala’s fifth studio album “Deadbeat” features a lot of psychedelic and electric sounds, much like his 2015 album “Currents.” However, this album appears to tone down on the amount of synths used. The album seems to explore the artist’s struggle in balancing his career and family life. As the title says, Tame Impala feels as though he is a “deadbeat” father, for not being able to see his child enough. Ultimately, this album is enjoyable for it’s groovy beats and hallucinogenic sounds.
- Harold Hong
‘Fancy that’ lacks vocals, tone
RATING: 3 out of 5
PinkPantheress’s latest album, “Fancy That,” offers listeners a mix of highs and lows that showcase both her charms and limits.
jor reason why the movie was so hyped. People were very excited to see how they looked and there were multiple edits on instagram too.
The music was excellent. The new score by Nine Inch Nails had a lot to live up to, as fans had high expectations because of Daft Punk’s legendary work on “Tron: Legacy,” the previous film in the series. The music is darker, louder, and sounds very heavy. The beats were loud and fit perfectly with the story’s tone. In many scenes, the music was its own character through the suspense and tension it added to the story. The song Init, was the top streaming song of the movie and it was really similar to Daft Punk’s style of music.
Another positive about the film is that even when the story and action slows down, it keeps you interested with its setting, music, and suspense. In the end, “Tron: Ares” is a strong contribution to the series. It looks amazing, sounds incredible, and it was worth the wait.
There are 9 songs this album. The first song, “Illegal,” caught my attention when a section appeared on my Instagram feed, leaving me with high expectations. However, the full song left me disappointed. It was extremely repetitive, and there was too much going on in the song. The panting in the song was unnecessary and ruined the song.
The next song, “Girl Like Me,” starts echoey, and for a second, I thought I was listening to an ad. I really enjoyed listening to the pre-chorus, but I lost interest with the chorus. PinkPantheress really showcases her vocals at the beginning of the song; even so, during the chorus, the background music takes over the majority of the song. I enjoy her vocals because she has a big vocal range. But I barely hear any of her voice throughout this album.
My favorite song on the album is “Stars.” It is the highlight of the entire album. Even though the song is really busy, it is an upbeat song. This song is a fun song to up-
lift spirits, but in a big portion of the song, I do not hear any vocals. The song stops midway, giving it an abrupt ending.
Many songs on this album are really nice to listen to; nevertheless, I find that the majority of the songs are not something I would actively choose to listen to. They are too loud and have too much going on. The background music is too loud and it is very distracting from the actual song.
PinkPanthress’s vocals in “Fancy That” are delicate. They carry a soft, whispery tone that feels intimate.
In some songs, her voice flows really well with the instrumentals, blending nicely with the music. Unfortunately, a majority of the album’s songs do not highlight her vocals.
While PinkPanthress’ vocals are impressive, her lyrics are very repetitive and are not catchy. Personally, I did not enjoy the heavy background music, but some people may enjoy that kind of music. I rate this album three stars. PinkPantheress has a beautiful voice, but “Fancy That” does not work for me. It feels like the sounds were overcomplicated, and in the end, the charm of her vocals was lost. Listeners may have seen a flash of her songs on social media; however, the album does not live up to her talent.
By Satvika Gidvani
PinkPantheress’s cover art for song “Illegal,” part of “Fancy That.”
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
This scene shows the bright neon colors of the light cycle, which were one of the movie’s highlights.
Courtesy of Hollywood North Buzz
Creepcast hosts Meat Canyon and Wendigoon, both as co-hosts.
Courtesy of Aaron Chiah ‘Tron:
Courtesy of Store Norske Leksikon
Courtesy of Andy Witchger
‘Mitski: The Land’ relives concert experience, captures emotion of artist
RATING: 5 out of 5
By Uyen Vu
Missing your favorite artist’s concert is especially devastating when they rarely perform at venues in your area. However, concert documentaries are a blessing for those who did not get the opportunity to watch the performance in person, and for those who simply want to relive the experience.
“Mitski: The Land” is a limited, theater-exclusive documentary of Mitski’s concerts held over three nights at the Atlanta Fox Theatre in 2024, running for only about a week, starting Oct. 22. As a Japanese-American singer-songwriter, Mitski writes songs reflecting her personal experience with human relationships and depression dealing with her mixed identity. Some of her well-known songs include “My Love Mine All Mine” and “Washing Machine Heart”.
The setlist in the film included songs from her newest album, “The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We,” along with a handful of songs from older albums.
The middle of the stage had an elevated circle platform where Mitski sang and danced, while the musicians blended into the darkness around her, highlighting the performance’s themes of isolation and the complexities of human connection. The platform featured underlights that framed the artist and emphasized her loneliness on stage.
A clever use of the spotlight occurred during “Heaven,” when
Mitski gently held the spotlight as if it were a person and slowly danced with it for the end of the song. The dance was simple, yet poignant and raw.
The stage’s lights also flashed a range of colors, such as blue, red, pink, and purple, which helped signal the concert’s shifts in mood.
One particular instance when the lighting was especially striking was when the backdrop, made red through the overhead lights, split like a curtain to reveal a bright, heavenly light.
The documentary excellently captured the emotion and intensity of the concert through motion-blurred freeze frames and a variety of camera angles. These still frames flashed on screen during the dance breaks, creating impactful visual punches.
An advantage of watching the concert as a documentary, rather than seeing it in person, is that the audience can experience it from several different angles; it had close-up, spinning, and zoomedout shots of the stage.
Surprisingly, the sound quality
‘(((((ultraSOUND)))))’ disappoints, lacks depth
RATING: 3.5 out of 5
By Alice Nguyen
The Neighbourhood, an alternative rock band, captivated audiences with a distinct sound, mixing pop elements with traditional band instruments.
The widely popular band announced their return from a nearly five year hiatus with their new upcoming album “(((((ultraSOUND))))),” with the full album releasing on Nov. 14. The band released three tracks out of 15 from the album on Oct. 23 in advance, with song titles “OMG,” “Lovebomb,” and “Private,” according to Spotify.
The second track listed on the album is stylized as “OMG.” The artist sings about unspecified
and obscure things that their lover has essentially forced them to do, displaying the irrationality that love causes. The song itself is catchy and combines electric guitar riffs with hypnotizing, repetitive vocals, emphasizing the craziness and insanity of the singer.
“Lovebomb”’s lyrics take a turn and instead focuses on the beginnings of a new relationship and the tug-ofwar game of who says “I love you” first. The lyrics and instrumental are whimsical and dream-like, putting listeners into the shoes of lovers who have only begun their relationship. The song as a whole is reminiscent of teenage love and budding romances, where new relationships feel surreal and childish.
“Private” is listed as track
number four on “(((((ultraSOUND))))).” The song is easily distinguished from the latter tracks, with a darker and more grunge-like instrumental compared to the lighter pop songs. It is easier for listeners to pick out individual instruments, such as the catchy bass-line that comes after the chorus, making listening a unique and more immersive experience.
The songs undoubtedly stay true to “The Neighbourhood”’s signature sound, however, the lyrics are lackluster. The meaning of the songs are surface level and are mainly related to love and relationships. While the tracks aren’t memorable compared to past hits such as “Sweater Weather,” they’re not at all bad, compelling listeners to actively tune in for the full release of “(((((ultraSOUND))))).”
of the instruments and Mitski’s voice were high and well-preserved. The artist’s voice was steady throughout the entire duration of the film, without shakiness or breathiness.
The highlight of the show was when strings of fragmented golden discs descended from the ceiling and shrouded Mitski. As she delicately touched the bottom of each string, the discs slowly retracted back into the top of the stage.
One criticism is that the concert may be unappealing for those not
already familiar with her songs, as her performance was very unique to her artistry, especially her choreography. Many of Mitski’s songs feature long instrumental breaks, allowing for frequent dance breaks; however, the choreography was highly unconventional. A notable example was during “I Bet on Losing Dogs,” she crawled on her limbs and panted like a dog. Even without context, the watcher could easily find the scene humorous, but the bizarreness of her dancing actually furthered the themes of her discography. The crawling was purposefully humiliating, and her stiff yet stirring movements were an unabashed expression of her unfiltered emotions.
Additionally, Mitski did not verbally introduce any of the songs, which may have made it difficult for a new listener to distinguish the beginning and end of a song. At times, several songs blended to feel like one, which was heightened by how many songs had a similar sound. However, this helped keep the audience’s immersion.
Her set ended with “Washing Machine Heart,” which concluded the concert with a synth-pop sound that contrasted the streak of slow ballads preceding it. By the documentary’s finish, it felt as though the concert breezed by. Overall, the documentary was undoubtedly a well-crafted preservation of the heart-touching concert. Although exclusively in theaters for a short amount of time, “Mitski: The Land” is an art piece; it is an intimate experience for those who got to watch it.
Rating Key:
AI video tools offer infinite entertainment, wider access to creative animation
By Harold Hong
OpenAI and xAI recently released Sora 2 AI and Grok Imagine v0.9, respectively. Both AI models are intended to create more precise and realistic videos and can replicate speech and sound effects efficiently. But with the accuracy these AI models provide, the future of entertainment may be entirely run by AI. OpenAI, the same company behind ChatGPT, released Sora 2 on Sept. 30. The quality and sound of the videos produced by Sora 2 are far superior to those made by past models. Aside from generating realistic videos, Sora 2 is also capable of replicating animation styles and the voices of fictional characters. However, soon after its launch, many copyright holders, such as Disney, discovered instances of copyright infringement on the app and proceeded to opt
out their intellectual properties (IPs) from being utilized, according to the Forbes article “Sora 2 Does A Copyright Somersault Upon Launch,” by Dale Nelson. Still, it hints at the possibility that large corporations may be locking their IPs behind these copyright walls so that only they can generate videos of their characters. An entire future where corporations are the only ones able to profit from AI-generated videos of their IPs, and humans have no control over whatever entertainment is made, is coming into effect.
In addition, if an animation studio is the only one that can generate its IPs, they have full control over the type of content produced for said IP and can fire any unneeded artists and animators. This implies a future where companies can solely rely on AI to produce entire movies, adver-
tisements, and cartoons. With the rapid development of AI video generation, real artists and animators may risk losing their jobs.
Corporations are even creating AI actors to replace real ones. For example, Tilly Norwood, a fully AI generated actor from a talent studio called Xicoia, is said to represent the future of the film industry, according to The Guardian article “Tilly Norwood: how scared should we be of the viral AI ‘actor,’” by Stuart Heritage.
As for Grok Imagine v0.9, audio is now synced to the generated visuals as opposed to being separated, and smoother physics were given to characters in the AI videos, according to cometapi.com. Based on my personal experience, Grok Imagine provides far fewer limitations on copyright while still being able to
compete with Sora 2’s video generation. However, it fails to replicate animation and art styles as well as Sora 2, and cannot copy real-world voices like Sora 2’s “cameos” feature.
The “cameos” feature can precisely replicate a person’s voice and face and add them to an AI-generated video. The feature only requires a person to speak a series of numbers into the microphone and do a few head movements before being accessible in videos. Anyone can set their cameo to public, allowing everyone to add them to videos, but they can also limit it to friend-only use as well.
OpenAI marketed Sora 2 as a social app, so “cameos” may introduce an entirely new form of entertainment to the masses. Similar to virtual reality (VR), cameos can act as a way of immersing oneself in any situation
and event, but are essentially a less interactive version of VR. Being able to add 1:1 versions of yourself to absurd AI videos puts into perspective how advanced AI video generation has become. With Grok and Sora able to generate one’s imagination at a whim, the future of entertainment is looking to be fully AI-generated. Artists may no longer be needed to draw for cartoons and animated shows, nor actors for movies, if their likenesses are already uploaded for use on these apps. These video generation models provide infinite possibilities to users, from AI videos of oneself hanging out with celebrities to animated fights between fictional characters.
After these models have a few more years to develop, we may have full-fledged movies being created by AI in no time.
Mitski’s album “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We” was featured in the documentary.
Courtesy of @alllp on DeviantArt
ALBUM REVIEW
MOVIE REVIEW
Girls Water Polo players, how they navigate competing on their periods
By Satvika Gidvani
When it comes to sports, most focus on the grit, hard work, and the thrill of victory, but one overlooked aspect of athletics is hygiene. Specifically, for many female water polo players, managing their periods is an important part of preparing for their sport.
Managing menstruation is important for athletes, especially for young athletes in water sports, health clerk Namita Dua said. For young teens, tampons are typically the easiest option to start with, but newer alternatives are becoming popular, she added.
“Nowadays, menstrual cups and discs are available for longer pool sessions or tournaments,” Dua said. “Period swimwear or a tampon is often enough, but athletes should change them before and after each game,” she added.
For student-athletes with heavier periods, using a menstrual cup or disc can be a lot more efficient, said Dua.
“The most common brand name is Saalt. For long tournaments, the menstrual cup or disc can offer the best protection,” Dua said.
Swimwear is a good option for student-athletes with lighter periods, Dua said. “Oftentimes, swimwear or a tampon is enough, but you need to change just before the game and just after the game.”
Periods can also bring mental challenges, Amy Therawit-
Chloe
By Shrihan Sham
Senior Chloe Cabrera committed to the University of Pacific to compete in D1 softball, she said.
The recruiting process is very stressful, and making decisions was difficult, Cabrera said. Her family and coaches helped her make decisions, she added.
“I had also gotten an offer from Loyola Marymount University, which is in LA,” Cabrera said. “I really liked both schools, but it came down to how much which school wanted me more, and the University of Pacific is in Stockton is a lot closer to home, and I can still come home if I need to.”
Going to softball camps was important because coaches from colleges would come and watch her play, Cabrera said. There’s pressure because players have to showcase themselves, talk with coaches, and build a relationship with them, she added.
“The camps really helped me, as I got an idea of which school I wanted to go to,” Cabrera said.
thayangkun, a senior on the water polo team, said.
“I get a lot of mood swings on my period,” Therawitthayangkun said. “Whenever we have a bad practice or game, it affects me more mentally than it usually would,” she added.
To prepare, Therawitthayangkun makes sure to focus on staying hydrated, she said.
“If I have cravings like chocolate, I will eat it,” Therawitthayangkun said. “Then I make sure to eat bananas, because they help with cramps, and just drink a lot of water,” she added.
Not all swimmers use products in the pool, Therawitthayangkun said. “Many swimmers do freebleed. If your flow is light enough, you don’t need any products to go into the pool,” she said.
There’s no need to be scared of joining water sports because of menstruation,Therawitthayangkun said. “Don’t let your period stop you from joining water sports,” she said.
Symptoms can make competing more difficult, but preparation helps you stay confident, sophomore water polo player Saumya Mishra said.
“When you’re in pain, you’re focusing more on that pain, which can affect your game performance,” Mishra said. “I always keep Advil, pads, and tampons with me,” Mishra added.
The bathrooms around campus have products, and in the nurses’ office, they have products of different sizes, Dua said.
“Lots of female students come here when they have their period, and we give them heat packs to relieve cramps,” she added. “If the cramps are unbearable, students can use Tylenol or Motrin as needed.”
Managing menstruation in sports, especially maintaining one’s awareness and preparation, is key, Dua added. “If using a disc, cup, or tampon, just practice insertion before using them for big events or competitions, so you are comfortable and confident,” she added.
Periods may bring pain or stress, but they do not stop you from excelling at water polo, Mishra said.
“There is nothing to worry about your period,” Mishra said. “Just make sure that you are prepared at all times with tampons and whatever you need to feel well so that you can do your best,” Mishra added.
The team has a close bond and is not afraid to discuss topics like menstruation with one another, Mishra said. If someone new wanted to join, we would be really happy to have them, Mishra added.
“We are like a family,” Mishra said.
By Jacob Huang
The girls varsity volleyball team won the CCS Championship in Division 1 and qualified for the California State Division II Tournament, Northern Regionals.
The team defeated Menlo-Atherton 3-1 on Nov. 8, winning their fifth match in a row, according to MaxPreps.
Winning the CCS Championship for the first time in school history was an amazing, emotional moment, head coach Marissa Canez said in an email.
“This team has had its ups and downs throughout the season, but I believe those experiences prepared them for adversity and shaped how they finished — strong, united, and resilient,” Canez said.
The team has worked hard and shown growth all season, Canez said.
“They’ve set a new standard for our program — not just with the championship, but with their leadership, chemistry, and love for the game,” Canez said. “I’m so proud of how far they’ve come and so happy to see how they continue to represent our school and community.”
The team started the league tournament as the third seed. In their match against Cupertino on Nov. 4, they were down 0-2, but came back to win 3-2.
In the next round the girls defeated Sequoia by a score of 3-1.
According to senior team captain Natasha Lacuzong, this team is probably the best team she has seen in a couple of years.
“The biggest thing is probably the chemistry and just being able to work with everybody that steps onto the court, and I believe we’re going to get the job done,” Lacuzong said.
“The camps also made me meet a lot of people, made me grow as a person, and learn how to play under pressure.”
The four coaches definitely played a big role in developing her as a player and bringing in different perspectives and different coaching styles, Cabrera said. She will miss representing the school and also her teammates, she added.
“I will miss the underclassmen, Coach D (Deana Querubin), and the school,” Cabrera said. “I will keep visiting the school during breaks and spend time with the team and Coach D.”
Playing at MHS taught players how to work with people of all ages, Cabrera said. High school sports also teach players to have good endurance and mental strength, she added.
“In college, I’ll be an underclassman at first, working with older people, and then as I get older, I’ll be working with newer
and younger people, so communication is really important,” Cabrera said. “This not only helps me be a good teammate, but also supports my peers and helps coach them, along with myself at times, and gives good advice, especially as a team captain and upperclassmen at MHS.”
Being a college athlete is not easy at all, as it’s more vigorous, and balancing academics can be hard, Cabrera said. A few weeks ago, she went to her college and met all of her future teammates, she added.
“I went on an official visit, and they had a bunch of activities for us; also, it was a way of team bonding,” Cabrera said. “It was an overnight stay, so we stayed in dorms, and this made me close to a few teammates, and honestly, playing division one means team spirit needs to be really good.”
Cabrera is talented and has
an athletic build, varsity softball head coach l Deana Querubin said.
“I first met Chloe in her freshman year when she was playing volleyball for me,” Querubin said.
“I saw her during conditioning, and when I saw her, I knew she was an athlete because you could just see how she was physically built.”
Cabrera is self-determined, and she carries herself, Querubin said. She has achieved so much through her hard work, she added.
“She has grown so much since her freshman year, and Chloe has had the mindset of a leader and Chloe has the mindset of stepping up and being a leader by helping others become better,” Querubin said. “Last year was a challenging season, and Chloe definitely tried her best to keep the team spirit up, and she really makes a difference wherever she goes.”
Playing for a college is way dif-
ferent than playing for a high school team, Querubin said. With the help of her coaches, Chloe made the decision to go to a college that was best suited for her, she added.
“You feel honored to play at the college level, but it’s also very challenging,” Querubin said.
“The dynamics are different, practice is different, and it’s almost like stepping into a new environment.”
Students should be privileged to have such a supportive school , family, and teammates, Querubin said. Chloe utilized whatever she was provided, and she worked exteremly hard for this opportunity and she deserves it, she added.
“Chloe is one of those few students who might not be naturally talented, but her hard work and determination got her to this,” Querubi n said. “I’m sure that her hard work will make her reach new heights in softball.”
Satvika gidvani | THE UNION
The Girls Water Polo team doing warm-up drills before they start their normal practice routine at the pool.
Courtesy of MHS Girls Volleyball team
Milpitas Trojans Girls Varsity Volleyball team holding trophy after winning their first ever CCS title by beating Menlo-Atherton at Gunn High.
By Reuben Thayil
The football team has an extensive process to prepare for games with multiple people working behind the scenes to ensure the team can perform the best, varsity football head coach Kelly King said. This is Coach King’s 41st year coaching football at MHS, he said.
“The practices are scripted, so we just stay on script,” King said. “It’s all planned out,” he added.
The average football practice is intense, consisting of weight lifting, stretching, individual practice, and film, junior offensive lineman Matthew Agloro said. There is intense pressure to perform well as well as plenty of work to do off the field, he added.
“We were given a playbook, and we study it (the playbook) over time and we memorize it,” Agloro said.
The team managers were originally tasked with creating artificial intelligence (AI) reports; however it has not been working well so now they are tasked with data entry and collection using the film of the other teams, King said.
“We pull the reports once all the data is in, so it’s basically data entry right now,” King said. “(The reports) were going to lead to a few other ideas, but right now, it’s not functioning that way.”
However, AI is not being used much in the game, King said. The AI play prediction model will hopefully be able to be implemented next year, he added.
“It’s helping, but it was originally designed to be something a little more than what it is right now,” King said.
The team managers help the
football coaches wherever they can, senior and team manager Arav Sharma said.
“We help him (Coach King) fill out data,” Sharma said. “We just do it (data entry) at home, but it’s demanding. It’s four hours, every three or four days.”
Senior Alb Sefa, the team videographer, works with the team managers to capture, store, and analyze both the Trojan football team’s film as well as the opponent’s film, Sefa said.
“I offered my services because I knew I could help,” Sefa said. “I have my own SD cards that I use, and I then upload the videos through Google Drive and just send it to whoever needs the videos.”
Coach King works all weekend to strategize for upcoming games, he said.
“I stay up till about two or three in the morning, working on that night’s game, getting stats done,” King said. “And then get up Saturday at seven or eight, and then I’m starting to break film all day –working all day,” he added.
During the weekday practices, the players and coaches work on alternate days to practice for the game.
“During the week, it depends on what day it (the practice) is,” King said. “If it’s an offense or defensive day, it’ll be one or two of the special teams, either punt, punt return or kickoff, kickoff return.”
Injuries are a major problem in contact sports, he said.
“There’s been a few injuries, but we’re working through it,” King said.
The football team includes more than just the players, King said. That is why the team functions so well.
MHS Wrestling expands into middle schools through new program
By Alice Nguyen
This year, there is a new wrestling program for the Milpitas middle schools, Rancho and Russell, which is being run by the MHS wrestling team, according to wrestling Coach Roberto Clemente. The program officially started on Oct. 1 and practices run throughout October, he explained. The program is meant to teach middle schoolers how to wrestle and allow them to compete in a dual meet on Nov. 1, Clemente added.
Assistant coaches of the MHS
wrestling team are serving as coaches in the program, and MHS wrestlers are junior coaches, Clemente said. The assistant coaches are involved with the community, with many being parents or business owners in Milpitas, he added.
“We have so many people from the community volunteering their time to help make this happen, and so the goal is to keep inviting the community to help us grow this program,” Clemente said. “Right from the admin of both middle schools to the school board president to the admin here at the high school, and all of these
parents and community members are making this happen.”
A goal for the middle school wrestling program is to get the program big enough so that Rancho and Russell can have their own wrestling teams with their own coaches and join a league, Clemente said.
“I’m a big believer in start small, build momentum, build size, and make it long lasting,” Clemente said. “My goal is to, at some point, get it big enough to where Rancho has its own coach, Russell has its own coach, and they have healthy programs, and I at the high school
can support both of them. I don’t think it’s sustainable for me to just do all three for longer than several years.”
The program receivs no funding, so Clemente is covering the cost of running the program he said. Next year, he wants to start a fundraiser in the hopes that the program will pay for itself, he said.
“The facilities are getting donated because it’s a middle school program,” Clemente said. “All my coaches are volunteering their time to help start this program. I’m volunteering my time to help start the program. When we move the mats, I’m going to go pay for a U-Haul to move the mats to Rancho and move them back here to the high school. I am paying for t-shirts for the kids to get so that they can have a team uniform.”
Senior Collin Bui, a junior coach for the program, enjoyed seeing the middle school students step out of their comfort zone, he said.
A lot of the students who attend the program have never done a sport before, he added.
“I could sense that a lot of kids were nervous,” Bui said. “They were unsure about doing the moves. Even when I was showing them, they were shy and timid. But as the practice progressed, I think they began to open up a little bit more, became more comfortable talking to one another and with the coaches in general.”
Senior Pratham Gajjar, captain of the wrestling team, notes that there has been a lot of improvement among the 40 students..
“This middle schooler was very passionate,” Gajjar said. “We went to this tournament, and her name is Mila. She was very nervous at first, and as she went through the tournament, she was getting
more comfortable with wrestling in front of a crowd. And I was really proud of her, because in the end, she liked it. She was extremely comfortable with everything.” Clemente said he wanted to create opportunities for all kids in Milpitas to wrestle. His own daughter wrestled in second grade, so he wanted other kids to start young, he added.
“It’s a very tough sport that takes a lot, and it’s a great sport that teaches a lot about hard work, good work ethic,” Clemente said. “It teaches about just overall resilience. There’s a lot of discipline that goes with it, and a lot of times, kids need a sport that’s this tough.
In the future, Clemente says that he would like to see more of an integration of wrestling in MUSD, he said. He would also like to see wrestling at MHS grow to create a healthy community of wrestling and the culture should be welcoming, he added.
“I would like to see elementary schools offering wrestling for kids, especially with kids that really need that physical attention, or if they have to get their energy out,” Clemente said. “I would like to see two healthy programs at both middle schools, where it’s a yearly program that each middle school has.” Clemente says that people should take risks whenever they have or get an opportunity, whether it be in arts or sports, and do the best they can, he said.
“Challenge yourself, do things that are out of your comfort zone, and it’s not always easy” Clemente said. “And it doesn’t necessarily have to be wrestling. I always tell kids, go do things that you have thought about doing but are too afraid to do.”
Milpitas Trojans Football Special teams Coach Vito discussing game plan with team right before Kickoff.
Courtesy of mhs athletics
Courtesy of evrett thor
Students from Rancho middle school and Russell middle school wrestle it out at the dual meet on Nov. 1st.
MHS Library awarded grant to update available books, resources
By Marie De Vré
MHS librarian Mia Gittlen was awarded $5,000 by the Milpitas Community Education Foundation (MCEF) during a board meeting on Oct. 28. Much of the money will go toward updating the library’s book collection and transforming the library into a digital learning space where students can borrow resources, Gittlen said.
Gittlen expects over half of the grant money will go towards updating the library’s books, she said. She is focused on acquiring
books and filling in gaps in the library’s collection, as well as updating resources for the College and Career Center, she added. She wants to reach out and survey students to find out what changes would have the greatest impact, she said.
“I also realized that I don’t want to just limit it to books, that it also is really important to tie that to reasons for students to be looking at and checking out books,” Gittlen added. “So building programs around that will then hopefully lead to books being circulated.”
Mandate requires district to provide opportunity for parents to opt out students from LGBTQ+ curriculum
By Harold Hong
In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Supreme Court ruled that public schools must provide notice to parents of any LGBTQ+ related material and an opportunity for the parents to opt their children out of exposure to the material, according to the California Department of Education website.
The case specifically mentions that parents of elementary school students can opt their children out of learning LGBTQ+ themed storybooks because younger children do not have the same discernment capacity in brain development as children in secondary do, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said.
“We (the district) are obligated if a parent says that they don’t want their elementary child to participate in any sort of instruction or curric ulum that has to do with LGBTQ+, and if the parent says that it’s because it goes against their religion, then the district is obligated to provide their child with a different storybook or a different curriculum,” Jordan said.
perspectives to everything.”
Our current regime, federally, is eroding our rights, and this legal requirement is one more symptom of that erosion, and one step closer to book banning and the loss of academic freedom, English teacher Brett Webber said.
“Which books are we going to read?” Webber, who also has taught LGBTQ+ ethnic studies, said. “‘I don’t want books with violence.’ Well, then I can’t teach ‘Lord of the Flies.’ Give me a break. I understand people’s religious, deeply held religious convictions, but this is the world we live in. I also believe very firmly, that consideration needs to be given to the age of the student.”
The district also had to account for the California FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful) Education Act, which requires school districts to provide instruction around the roles and contributions of groups, including LGBTQ+, and the California Healthy Youth Act, which requires students to understand gender stereotypes and identities, she added.
“But because the court case is focused, it’s not that it conflicts; it’s just that it creates another layer because it says that a parent has the right to be the first teacher of their child in regards to religion,” Jordan said. “I guess it’s not a conflict, because California law requires that we don’t discriminate. It also requires that we provide safe and secure classroom learning environments. Now, there’s always two different
Students don’t have to be in his class, but no one can tell him what to teach, Webber said.
The court case outlines that students get to opt out of the curriculum due to “sincerely held religious beliefs,” but he questions what these religious are, and why they conflict with what he is teaching, he added.
“Who gets to judge your deeply held religious convictions?” Webber said. “Because I don’t know your religious convictions. You don’t know my religious convictions. Quite frankly, they should be left at home, but the students have the right now to opt out of a lesson. Who gets to choose (or decide)? That’s where the Union (Teachers Union) gets involved. We fully support that everyone is entitled to their deeply held religious beliefs, but I can’t talk about my religion in the classroom?”
Junior Dahlia Yu, who previously took Webber’s LGBTQ+ ethnic studies course, does not agree with the outcome of the court case, she said.
“I think the biggest reason for homophobia is they don’t understand,” Yu said. “If you educate people, they will have a better understanding and will be less afraid because people are afraid of things they don’t get.”
to be able to go to the library.”
With the extra funding, Gittlen hopes to fund more programs and activities, such as author visits and club events, she said. She also aims to have more equipment available for students to use, she added.
In the library’s effort to transform into more of a digital learning space, Gittlen wants to buy “multimedia and STEM equipment such as microphones for podcasting and physical computing supplies, etc. to have more of a lending library of resources available,” she said.
The hope is that the equipment becomes a resource for the whole school, where students can check out the equipment individually, or teachers can check out equipment and have them in their classrooms to work on specific projects, Gittlen said.
The goal of MCEF’s grants is to support staff within the Milpitas school district, MCEF co-president Amin Fazal said. Participants who request grants must meet MUSD’s priorities, he added.
“I feel like a library is important for students to be able to go and be able to check out books, or even not check out, (but) be able to read books,” Fazal said. “I know we are in a technology era where things are moving so fast, but we still need to appreciate the library and be able to do that stuff. The young generation needs
“It just builds the kind of opportunities and resources that elevate literacy in all its different forms across our campus,” Gittlen said. “A lot of the resources that we’ve been talking about are also future-ready, skills aligned, and so giving students the opportunity to use those kinds of things and work with audio, video, and more computer science, etc. will then catapult our students.”
MCEF wants to make sure that the grant is able to benefit the most students as possible, co-president Swati Shah said.
After receiving grant applications from MUSD employees, MCEF looks at whether the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) can take care of the funding, how many students are going to be
By Sowmya Sundar
At the beginning of the school year, the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program had about 47 cadets, including returning members and new freshmen, and now they have 91 members, senior naval science instructor Patrick McCormick said.
The two new instructors partly caused this rise in participation, McCormick said.
“If you had ever seen this (NJROTC) classroom before, it looks completely different than how it did last year,” McCormick said. “Not only are we new here, but we are coming with a new approach.”
NJROTC will have their annual inspection in December, and they need to have at least 100 cadets, Naval Science Instructor James Whitney said. Over the last couple of years, they’ve averaged 70 to 80 cadets, he added.
“Our trajectory is moving towards that 100,” Whitney said. “The school administration, the school board, the community, have been very supportive because they probably could have shut down (the program) two years ago. But, one hundred percent, I think if the community still wants the program, I don’t think it’s going to be shut down.”
The unit in the Area 22 jurisdiction that has the most improvement since last year will win an
impacted, and how it would benefit the teachers, all before voting for the grant’s recipients, Shah said.
“So we gave the majority — because we funded $11,000 (total) — we funded $5,000 (to MHS) because this is the biggest high school, and we want the high schoolers to have that because I think it’s more digitalized,” she said. “Everything is being digitalized, so if they have more ebooks they can read, and then also inviting the authors, making them (students) more interested in reading.”
Every year, MCEF has $10,000 that they give out in grants to teachers and staff who apply, Shah said. The application is easy, and the foundation just wants to spread the word to teachers, she added.
“We fundraise for the benefits of the children, and then the classrooms and the schools, the teacher needs to apply – and not only teachers, anyone,” Shah said. “If you are an MUSD employee, you can apply for the grant.”
Generally, students have reacted positively to developments in the library last year, Gittlen said. Engagement with the library has been increasing as more students check out books and utilize the space in different ways, she said. Gittlen looks forward to seeing the library grow, she added.
“That’s really the piece of this project that I’m most excited about – is us having the funds available to really realize what students are looking for,” Gittlen said. “Come visit the library and make suggestions.”
ahead before going to college,” he said.
The cadets have been going to a lot of recruiting events, such as back to school night, Paliwal said.
“We participated in the last rally, which we’ve never done before,” Paliwal said. “And then we’ve also been going to middle schools a lot.”
The NJROTC program spent a great amount of time recruiting at Thomas Russell Middle School and Rancho Milpitas Middle School, McCormick said.
their numbers award, Senior Commanding Officer Akshat Paliwal said. MHS’ unit has the opportunity to win this award, as long as they keep the upward momentum they have right now, he added.
“The area manager is going to come inspect our program on December 9, and that’ll be one of our biggest opportunities to prove that we are the most improved unit,” Paliwal said.
Last year, Lieutenant Jackson had run the program herself, which was difficult due to the work the program entails, Whitney said.
“It’s a lot of after school hours, project management, community service projects,” Whitney said.
“So I think for one person, this is a lot of work, and to still teach a curriculum.”
Many people left because they’d average C’s or D’s in this class, Sophomore Recruitment Officer Gaia Tanzarella said.
“It should be an easy elective, but it proved not to be,” she said.
“I think that’s a big reason why people left. Now, the lowest score is a B+, and that’s only one person.”
The program doesn’t really do punishments like pushups anymore, Paliwal said.
“We’re trying to create a new image of ROTC, where it’s more like, this is where you get to come if you want to learn about leadership, if you want to become a better person, and you want to get
“We’re starting a brand new unit from Rancho Milpitas called Foxtrot,” McCormick said. “It’s the first time in the history of this school that Rancho Middle School will get to participate in this program. They’ve asked for years, and for whatever reason, it just never happened.”
Last year, NJROTC held the same 8th grade program, but it wasn’t as good, Tanzarella said. There were only a few eighth graders because they were scared off, she added.
“For the eighth graders, we’re including games because before it was just a sad, bleak classroom,” Tanzarella said. “Now, after every lesson, I try to include a game or some kind of fun team bonding activity.”
35 eighth graders come across after school, and the majority are girls, Whitney said. The program is usually male dominant, but they see those numbers changing, he added.
“I think it’s good,” Whitney said. “I think they came in the test the program and they told their friends.”
Cadets have informed him that last year, recruiting was more like begging people to be a part of the team, McCormick said. They’re raising their standards by only recruiting people that want to be in the program, he added.
“I think the biggest difference (between this year and last year) is just being more visible to the students and being more inviting,” McCormick said. “When redesigning this room, our windows are open, our doors are open. We want to welcome people here.”
Uyen Vu | THE UNION
Mia Gittlen receives her check with Curtner and the Mental Health Counseling Program at a school board Meeting.
Sowmya Sundar | THE UNION
Patrick McCormick adjusts students’ forms during the Foxtrot program. New NJROTC commanders grow
‘Culture of WE’ preserves inclusion intended by Assembly Bill 715
By Namana Balakrishna
Governor Gavin Newsom
signed Assembly Bill 715 (AB715) for education equity on Oct. 7, 2025, according to the California Legislature Information website. This bill, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, focuses on prohibiting discrimination, specifically naming anti-semitism, according to the website.
Regarding this policy and its implementation, the district will get input from the Superintendent, Director of Secondary Education, and Executive Director of Learning and Development, Norwood said. The conversation will feature voices from different people with different back grounds and per spectives, he added.
equity policy which covers most of the points in the AB715 bill, Jordan said. The district had a board meeting last spring on their ethnic studies classes, she added.
“Actually part of the reason maybe AB715 emerged is because of the way that some classes around ethnic studies were implemented,” Jordan said. “In other parts of the state, it was presented in a way that made some people of Jewish descent feel like they were being targeted and blamed for what’s happening in Israel and Gaza. Part of the reason AB715 came about is to assure that in our ethnic studies classes, we are not teaching about one ethnicity being valued over another.”
“That’s one of the things about Milpitas that’s always cool, is that there is no dominant culture,” Norwood said. “Everybody has a voice or a say or an opportunity to chime in on something that broadens the worldview or the view of each of the individuals participating.”
Given what is happening in the Middle East, this reaction and hatred towards Jewish people unfortunately emerged, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said. The policy happened due to antisemitism around the state and other parts of the country, she added.
“Just in the last five years we’ve experienced it with people of African ancestry, during Covid with people of Asian descent, and now with this world situation, we are experiencing hate around people of Jewish descent,” Jordan said. “Maybe it’s needed in other parts (of the country).”
The district already has their
AB715 came about because the number of incidents of antisemitism nationwide has been going up, social studies teacher Ana Pardo said.
“It’s also true that most people find it difficult to distinguish between Jews and Israelis, and to separate the actions of the country of Israel from the religion of the Jews, especially of American Jews,” Pardo said.
Pardo believes it is her job as an educator to provide the tools and background necessary to help students reach their own conclusions about history, government, and economic events, she said.
“As a teacher, you’re trying to create an environment that is trying to help students see different angles of the same conflict – in this case (the Israeli-Palestinian conflict), see the humanity of all the groups involved, see the validity of all the arguments,” Pardo said.
As a social studies teacher, Pardo’s curriculum has already been impacted, she said. This impact isn’t just from AB715, but from
other cultural forces and movements outside school, she added.
“What we’re seeing, it seems to me, is a mix of things, but it includes a backlash against some of the cultural forces that were here before,” Pardo said. “My job, and the jobs of everybody will be in some way impacted by these new cultural trends or these opposite cultural trends.”
Pardo believes that efforts to link people tend to be more effective in reducing animosity and making different groups feel safer around each other than prohibitions, she said.
“If this bill was more about opening channels of communication, I think that would have been better than prohibition about saying things, which can be difficult, because it violates the First Amendment,” Pardo said.
Freedom of speech is an important right in a democratic society, Pardo said. Anything that curtails freedom of speech also hinders democracy, she added. “There are groups within society, for many different reasons, that have more power than others,” Pardo said.
“That is also a reality. And when you have a power imbalance, some people may need extra protection, and that may include protection against discrimination and protection against hate speech.”
The district focuses on building a Culture of WE, so AB715 does not impact the district, Jordan said.
“We already have it in our policies and in our first strategic commitment that we will not discriminate against people,”Jordan said. “In fact, we are doing everything we can, and it’s an expectation that we build a sense of belonging for every person, regardless of what their race, ethnicity, culture, religion or gender is.”
By Joseph Graham
Students from the MHS extension at Innovation Campus will be going on a trip to Japan in 2026, where they will be doing various STEM and cultural activities, leadership teacher and trip planner Sejee Kim said.
Japan is known for having some of the most innovative STEM exhibits and labs, Kim said. Kim had to ensure it wouldn’t be too long while still providing enough educational value, she said.
“There’s interactive exhibits at the Maglev Exhibition Center, like the bullet trains (...) so kids can actually see how those trains work and operate,” Kim said. “In other labs, they get to see and experience looking at high-tech robots and moving them around.”
$20,000 of the $40,000 fundraised came from the United States-Japan Foundation, a non-profit that gives money to special programs to increase U.S. and Japan relations, Kim said.
“I helped them (students) with the application, but it was majority student-driven,” Kim said.
The total cost of the trip is about $200,000, sophomore Jo -
siah Rosa said. Each of the 100 students going has to pay about $2,000-3,000, he said. The students have held fundraisers, Rosa added.
“We had our own back-toschool night at Innovation,” Rosa said. “We had a little game night thing last year. We’ve also had people making merch for the school.”
Kim had the idea to do a trip at Innovation Campus for the first year of students that came to the school when she spoke to a teacher from another school, Kim said.
“My biggest hope is that students who don’t think that engineering or STEM is for them will see these kinds of exhibits and realize that it is something they could do,” Kim said.
Innovation is such a small school that teachers are asked to lean in and support students in any way they can, math teacher Mimi Nguyen said.
“Although I don’t have a specific (role), I still do it to help our students have a good time at this campus and make sure that they can fulfill their dreams and their goals,” Nguyen said. “We try to make it (their dreams) a reality.”
Innovation Campus funds 2026 trip to Japan
Courtesy of Finn Chadda Students at the Innovation Campus hold their own version of CLOG rush.
Measure A projected to win special election, implement sales tax
FROM PAGE 1
tas,” Jordan said.
The board and Superintendent Jordan recommended the resolution to support Measure A to make sure that the district still has medical health facilities available for emergency situations, Jordan said. The district has approximately $600,000 in direct and in-kind services that the county provides for the well-being of the district’s students, she added.
“We have the Schooling Services Coordinator, and also the Schooling Services Supervisor,” Jordan said. “We’re able to have both of these positions because the County of Santa Clara funds this.”
If Measure A is passed, then the county will not have to draw from its other funding sources to fill the funds that they have lost due to federal cuts, Jordan said.
“That means that they won’t have to draw from their other funding sources that they currently use to support, for example, a couple of the counselors at the Wellness Center at Milpitas High School,” Jordan said. “I’m not saying that they would definitely cut those, because I don’t know that for certain, but it is a potential service that the County of Santa Clara provides by way of their behavioral health services.”
Santa Clara County also funds mental health counseling services for students at Rancho, Rose, Randall, and sometimes Milpitas High School, Jordan said.
“If the county of Santa Clara has to redirect funds to medical services because they have lost ($3.5) billion in the federal government, then it’s going to have a ripple effect on our services to our students,” Jordan said.
MHS’s Wellness Center is cur-
rently at the end of a four-year grant from the county, Wellness Center Liaison Storm McNerney said. However, the district already wrote the funding for the Wellness Center in their Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which covers the district’s funding plan for the next three years, she added.
“We’ve been a fully, 100 percent grant-funded program until the LCAP started to secure more funding for us to keep going past the end of the current grant through the County Office of Education,” McNerney said.
The fact that the Wellness Center is already covered by the LCAP, and that the district passed Measures E and Q in the last election cycle, are good signs that the Wellness Center is going to be sustained for at least a few more years, McNerney said. However, this does not mean that the Wellness Center can go away at any time, she added.
“Every three years, the school has to re-strategize their funding for three years,” McNerney said.
“There’s nothing technically scary or anything wrong happening right now. It’s just that we’re in a little bit of a transitional period.”
The Wellness Center is secure in the meantime, and regardless if things are going well for the Wellness Center, they will always need to show that they are meeting their goals and making an impact, she added.
“With these types of programs, if you’re not making an impact and you don’t have a tangible way to show it, it can be hard to keep funding secure,” McNerney said.
“But if you are able to show that you’re meeting goals and making a positive impact, you’re more likely to keep getting funding, po -
tentially.”
Santa Clara County is lucky to have progressive supervisors who support Measure A, as it is a direct response to the passing of H.R.1 — President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and H.R.1’s intent was to cut social services and federal funding that provide these public services, nonprofit organization Lead Filipino’s Equity and Outreach Coordinator Marnelli Canosa said.
“So if it (Measure A) does pass, it does feel like a success for folks who do care about health care, as everything is political,” Canosa said.
Even though many high school students may not be of age to vote, it is important to understand how bills such as H.R.1 or Measure A will affect you and your community, Canosa said.
“And always talk to your folks about it too, because they may not have the time to dedicate and think critically about the impacts of these measures,” Canosa said.
“Having a conversation and voting in a community, as opposed to isolation, helps you think more critically about the impacts.”
Measure A is an example of the process of civic responsibility, and that everyone has a role to play, Jordan said. In Milpitas’ case, we can see what a school board can do when there is something in jeopardy that impacts the lives of students, Jordan said.
“And then in turn, each of us as voters has a civic duty to carefully read ballots, consider both sides and make the best selection that they think will benefit themselves and our community,” Jordan said. “And to all of our students at Milpitas High School, remember, once you turn 16, you can register to vote—so don’t give that power away.”
IPP class encourages student interaction
“Patron Saints of Nothing” author invited
to speak to MHS students, teachers, CLOGS FROM PAGE 1
“If you believe, as I believe, that our stories matter, we need stories that can be mirrors for people or windows for people. It’s important that we’re fighting for those stories.”
After the assembly concluded with Ribay taking questions from students, Ribay and some students headed to the library for a meet-and-greet. Numerous students and some teachers lined up to speak to Ribay and get their copies of his books signed. At the end of the event, the students and teachers present took a photo with Ribay in front of a sign hand-painted by Pilipinx United Student Organization (PUSO).
It was an honor to speak at a school in his region, Ribay said in an interview. Ribay was especially excited to speak at MHS, as Seafood City Milpitas is featured in his upcoming novel, he said.
“The story is set in the South Bay,” Ribay said. “It’s about a brother and sister and mananagal, which is a kind of Filipino vampire that can detach at the waist and fly about. It features different spots in the South Bay, where there’s a strong Filipino-American presence, and so I had to include Milpitas.”
Gittlen contacted Ribay through his publisher, she said. Around 50 students attended the meet and greet, she added. She had seen Ribay at several conferences last year and was able to receive copies of his novels for the school library, she added.
“I had actually asked him about school visits, and he had mentioned to me twice at two different conferences about his upcoming book having a scene that takes place in Milpitas”, Gittlen said.
To have a successful author speak to so many students who are artists, writers, and creators is very inspiring, Gittlen said.
“Seeing Mr. Ribay interact with the students was just wonderful,” Gittlen said. “I think that’s what is most important to me, that students have these opportunities to connect.”
Gittlen is a quarter Filipino, and wasn’t raised much around the culture, she said.
“When I look at somebody like Randy Ribay, who’s had more Filipino representation in his family, but also has done a lot of work to read the stories and do research, it also inspires me to do more to learn more about my own culture,” Gittlen said.
Leia Ramos, vice president of PUSO, said that when Ribay signed books, he wrote the phrase “isang bagsak.” Ramos thought it was interesting because PUSO says the phrase at the end of all their meetings.
“It’s about unity,” Ramos said. “‘Isang’ means ‘one.’ It originates from the Delano Manong, the grape strikes by Filipino-American farmers. Together, it means ‘one down’ or ‘one fall’. If one falls, we all fall.”
Sophomore Ciello Valle said that she had been trying to get her hands on one of Ribay’s books and was looking forward to reading his work in her English class.
“Especially since Randy Ribay is Filipino, I feel like I’ll have a connection and a sense of belonging when I read it,” Valle said. “You would definitely learn more about how Filipino households are, how they operate, and how the culture is.”
Ribay couldn’t believe that “Patron Saints of Nothing” had the wide reach that it did, he said. “Patron Saints of Nothing” speaks heavily about the drug war in the Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, Ribay said.
“I hope it piques that curiosity and piques that sense of responsibility, that we need to pay attention to what’s going on, and we need to try to do what we can in regards to making the world a better place,” Ribay said.
Readers can analyze a story from different perspectives, such as race or sexuality, Ribay said.
“There’s all these different ways of looking at what a story is and what that story teaches us about the person or the time and place or the society that produced that book,” Ribay said. “It’s an additional way of looking at it, other than just as a piece of art.”
Stories are vehicles for how to think about the world, Ribay said. “Patron Saints of Nothing,” for example, is meant to entertain, but readers should develop an understanding of how things, like the drug war, happen in the world, and how to respond, he said.
“For a lot of people, a story speaks to us in a different way,” Ribay said. “It makes us understand the reality of what actually happens, or the human effect of what’s actually happening. When we encounter a story, it teaches us how to think about the world, how to think about our own feelings and the feelings of other people.”
Eye on Campus: Senior night ends both football, sideline cheer season
do other life skills, since it’s a community-based class.”
Despite the class being a P.E. elective, it does not offer any P.E. credit, Ashley said.
“It’s a pilot class; the P.E. teachers intend to actually do a CBI class,” Ashley said. “It’s not for PE credits… It just hasn’t gotten a lot of recognition. They’re trying to promote the class.”
The IPP class enables student volunteers to become more empathetic, Ashley said. It provides the volunteers the opportunity to gain a new life skill, she added.
“Especially since the CBI kids
are separated from us (general education students), you get a different perspective, and you learn about their disabilities,” Ashley said. “You learn how to adjust and be flexible based on other people’s needs.”
FROM PAGE 1 period, Guzman said. The social aspect of the class is what differentiates it from other electives, he added.
“It’s almost like another bridge to help access what it is that the students are learning,” Guzman said.
The P.E. and special education departments work closely together, special education teacher Gary De Guzman said.
“All of our students take P.E. classes,” Guzman said. “We all help them to participate in what basically the students in the general education curriculum are doing.”
Each CBI student has a buddy to accompany them throughout the
Guzman observes his CBI class during P.E. whenever he is available or needed, he said. He gives advice and suggestions on how to work with certain students, he added.
“The volunteers, when I observed, worked really well with our kids,” Guzman said. “They were very patient and very understanding.”
Uyen Vu | THE UNION
Milpitas has three ballot drop-off locations: City Hall, the city library, and the Milpitas Unified School District office.
Alice Nguyen | THE UNION
The cheerleading team executes stunts at their final football game of the year.
