Issuu

Volume 64 Issue 5 || January 2024 || LATEST AT MILLS

San Francisco Passes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

Create.

Narrate.

Resonate.

www.millsthunderbolt.com

Photo shared by Ahmed Al Khodary

Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera for Gaza City Wael Al Dahdouh stands amongst the rubble in Gaza.

Hear student thoughts and reactions to San Francisco and sister cities being among the first to pass ceasefire legislation. NEWS ON PAGES 2-3

Jazz Band Prepares to Perform At Folsom Jazz Festival Read the inside scoop of what it takes to rehearse and perform at the Folsom Jazz Festival. FEATURES ON PAGES 4-5

Predicted Fashion Trends for 2024 What’s in and out for the new year? Find out what we might be seeing more of in 2024. CENTER SPREAD ON PAGES 6-7

Are the Humanities Underrepresented at Mills?

Is Hollywood Scared of Musicals?

Wonka, Mean Girls, The Color Purple. From their ads you would never tell they were musicals. Why? ENTERTAINMENT ON PAGE 12

Bisan Ow da /

SPORTS ON PAGES 10-11

plestia

Spotlighting the role that sports managers play in sports and the work they do.

raeli airstrike on their home in October, and another son and jourPlestia Ala qad nalist for Al Jazeera, / In Hamza Al Dahdouh, s in another Israeli airstrike that hit his car in early January. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed responsibility for the airstrike: “We understand they were using a drone. And using a drone in a war zone, it’s a problem. It looks like terrorists.” They were referring to freelance drone operator Mustafa Thuraya, who was in the targeted car with Hamza Al Dahdouh and also perished. Al Jazeera and other media networks have raised concerns regarding the misidentification of journalists as terrorists and their filming equipment as a threat. This war has been dubbed the “deadliest war for journalists” due to the shockingly high casualty rates. The Gaza government’s media office claimed nearly 120 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, accounting for almost one death per day. @ by

Behind the Scenes of Sports Managers

goes to document airstrikes and share information. She begins her statements saying “I’m still alive,” yet she remains hopeful, and encourages her followers to partake in spreading the news about s the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Gaza, frequently calling unfolds, leaving a majority of the popfor large-scale strikes and ulation in desperate conditions, local demonstrations. journalists are right at the forefront, reJournalists have even porting on their experiences and that of been forced to flee Gaza those in Gaza. The daily airstrikes and entirely. 22-year-old Plesother difficulties make simply survivtia Alaqad left in late Noing a struggle, yet they persevere and vember for Australia after provide us glimpses into their world. sharing harrowing reports from Homelessness affects nearly every the rubble of Gaza. She explained Gazan as the United Nations shared that she felt that she had a target on that over 1.8 million Gazans, about her and her family due to her job. She 80% of the population, are internally shared, “I don’t feel safe, but especialdisplaced. Amongst the displaced is ly when wearing the press vest and video journalist Bisan Owda, who now helmet”, presenting the threat that shelters in a tent in Southern Gaza journalists in particular face izard_bisan1 after relocating seven times w @ in Gaza. as designated “human- gram a Al Jazeera Arabic itarian zones” shrink. Media Network corOwda sheds light on respondent Moamen her new life onto her Al Sharafi lost his nearly 4 million Inparents and 20 other stagram followers. family members in From walking 20 an Israeli airstrike hit minutes to reach a to the home they were bathroom to cramsheltering in on Deming around modified cember 6. Further, Al Jasolar panels to access zeera’s Gaza Bureau Chief, the electricity necessary Wael Al Dahdouh lost his son, to charge her equipment, she daughter, wife, and grandchild in an Isprovides glimpses of the lengths she Noor Abdullah Opinions Editor

OPINIONS ON PAGES 8-9

Journalists of Gaza gr ta

Read into a student opinion concerning a lack of opportunities in the arts and humanities.

A Tribute to the

- Continue reading on the next page -

News

Welcoming Millbrae's New Mayor:

Anders Fung

Michaela Gonzalez Phoebe Piserchio Editors-in-chief

Ibeginnings, n light of the new year and fresh Millbrae proudly welcomed its new mayor, Anders Fung, who not only assumed the role back in December, but also made history as the first Asian American immigrant to serve on the Millbrae City Council. This marks a significant milestone for our city, and much to look forward to in the upcoming year. Recent may-

or Ann Scheinder concluded her leadership at the end of 2023 after being elected in 2020, and re-elected in 2022. As Schneider became mayor in 2020, Fung was new to the Millbrae City Council, being elected just that year. Surprisingly, Fung did not always dream of being a successful politician, council member, and mayor. After immigrating to California at just 18 from Hong Kong, he attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering. But, after not finding fulfillment in this chosen career path, Fung decided to “pursue his independent American Dream” in 2002.

Off of a whim, he threw himself into the world of entrepreneurship and housing. Over the past 20 years, Fung has created and designed over 50 housing units. The Millbrae City Council, consisting of five members, serve 4-year terms on the council and have the duty of electing a mayor when needed. The members, not including Fung, consist of Maurice Goodman, Angelina Cahalan, Gina Papan, and Ann Schneider. After serving for 3 years, the council decided it was finally time for Fung to serve as mayor, with Maurice Goodman remaining as vice mayor. The council has also decided for councilmember Angelina Cala-

A Tribute to the

Journalists of Gaza - continued Noor Abdullah Opinions Editor

Mo taz A

long with the unprecedented threats and losses this war has caused journalists, it has also revealed the strengths and limitations of social media. Social media platforms including X, Instagram, and TikTok have become common news sources, especially among younger generations and students at Mills. Sala Alawdi (12) a senior at Mills with personal ties to the region aims to receive her information directly from the source: “I get most of my news on the war from Instagram and the account of Motaz Azaiza. He is press located in Gaza, so he posts regarding everything that happens cross the world in an instant.” Motaz Azaiza is a photographer who has become the face of social media reporting. His Instagram account has 18.2 million followers, his images of the destruction and death in Gaza are shared by media organizations and social media users alike, and one of his images was featured on TIME’s Top 10 Photos of 2023. Like all Gazans, Motaz has endured many difficulties in surviving and carrying on his job, sharing airstrikes in his neighborhood and his efforts to access the electricity and internet needed to share his pictures and ram @motaz_ videos. He also says aza g iza es are sometimes that his imag- / Insta a z flagged and zai taken down for “violating I n s t a g r a m ’s community guidelines”, with warnings of repeated violations leading to a suspension of his account, his main method of sharing his work. Bisan Owda, Plestia Alaqad, and Motaz Azaiza share the common traits of being proficient in English, reporting mainly from social media accounts, and being young, making them relatable and easily accessible for students who are a part of their combined 26.9 million followers. These factors are just a part of what causes the younger generation to stray away from traditional television news channels and rather follow qualified individuals. Alissa Angeles Vasquez (12) shared, “I believe it’s [reporters in Gaza] the only way to get accurate, unbiased news. I want to be informed and I don’t want my news to be watered down with Western opinions of those who haven’t experienced anything like what Palestinians are enduring on a daily basis.” When asked what it was about their reporting style that appealed to her, Vasquez explained, “They are not afraid to make others uncomfortable. Hundreds of people are dying daily. Media outlets are not classifying it for what it is, this is a genocide. [These journalists] show you the heartbreak of those who have lost their families, the lack of food and medical attention and such to move you to do something.” As Israel has banned international journalists from independently entering Gaza, claiming it’s due to a lack of safety guarantee, reporting on live events is a dangerous task left to local journalists. They persevere through forced relocation, homelessness, untreated injuries, familial losses, and censorship to provide vital on-the-ground coverage of a war in which misinformation is rampant. As aspiring journalists and world truth seekers, the Thunderbolt Staff extends immense appreciation and admiration to the brave journalists of Gaza.

Musa Tariq

San Bruno City Board meeting packed with locals supporting the ceasefire resolution.

San Francisco is Among First Big Cities to Pass a Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Ameena Stringer Staff Writer

775 5years years of Genocide, 75 years of Silence, of Loss, and the peoples’ protests

have been heard. On January 8th, 2024, San Francisco became one of the first major cities to pass a ceasefire resolution for the People in Gaza, Palestine. The current humanitarian crisis has left Gaza “uninhabitable,” according to the United Nations. The amount of food insecurity among people is at an all-time high, and famine is imminent. While the rest of the world watches, some are starting to come out of the shadows. In an 8-3 vote by the city council, San Francisco became the latest to advocate for a motion urging “a sustained ceasefire” in Gaza. A ceasefire agreement from both parties temporarily stops war conflict; this one act means humanitarian aid, release of hostages, and condemning antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and Islamophobic rhetoric and attacks. This one act sends a message coming from one of the most democratic cities in the United States to President Biden that the people do not support his fundings for further bloodshed of innocent lives. “As a Palestinian, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been grieving. I have a friend who had to flee, I know entire families that were killed, and there’s always a familiar family name in the news reports of casualties,” Noor Abdullah (12) passionately voiced. She expressed her perspective of the inhuman crimes committed willingly that are more profound than this war.

However, not all cities have been as supportive of the legislation. Several cities like San Bruno denied the ceasefire resolution, due to their position on solely focusing on “local issues” rather than international politics. San Bruno City Council member Michael Salazar commented on her vote against the matter: “My role as your council member is to focus on what matters in San Bruno– this community needs to feel safe, [and] for this I cannot support a resolution that may likely result in a dividing action.” Salazar later added that the city would “leave it to the Biden Administration to initiate a strategic ceasefire.” On the other hand, aside from San Francisco, Richmond has also voted in support of the ceasefire. “I think being the first big city to pass a ceasefire is amazing. Inshallah this influences more cities and people to vote for a ceasefire,” Leah Totah (11) shared with The Thunderbolt. Escorted by families being separated and killed, lost hope is found. The people’s voices are being heard by the media and faith in the democratic system can be put in place. As much as the United States has proven to be involved in the cruelty, the voices of the people who stand together will always ring louder. San Francisco being one of the first major cities to pass the ceasefire resolution reminds the community that those innocent lives thousands of miles away matters. One small step has led to an onset of legislation in Oakland, Richmond, Bridgeport, Wilmington, Atlanta, and Detroit. More voices are rising following awareness for those who aren’t involved. America was already involved in international affairs, only this time the people are representing themselves.

Millbrae City Website / ci.millbrae.ca.us

han to be welcomed as mayor in 2026. Fung has shared his passions as mayor, focusing on affordable and sustainable housing. Using an Affordable-by-Design approach, he has already worked with the San Francisco Housing Authority to employ this strategy. He is further passionate about community service, volunteering at various organizations including the Millbrae Lions Club and Culture Committee. Fung takes up every opportunity to serve our community and preserve an ideal environment for all Millbrae residents, and we are all excited to welcome him as our new mayor!

Anders Fung poses for a photo as the new mayor of Millbrae.

News

T he Privacy Paradox

Exploring the Controversy Behind Propping Open School Restroom Doors Julia Xia Features Editor

Idents n October of this year, stuat Mills discovered

that all the gendered restroom doors were propped open with a wooden door stop. This action, taken by the administration, caused mass confusion among students as no one knew exactly why this had happened. Before this new policy, students and faculty had reported multiple instances where the bathrooms weren’t being used as intended; instead students were going there to vape or skip class. Activities which Dean Christian described as “holding office hours.” This led to the administration’s decision to permanently keep the bathroom doors open. A decision, they explained, which was inspired by other schools in the district that have also propped their doors open due to similar issues. However, after only a few days of this new policy, many students reported feeling frustrated and annoyed about the change. One of the main concerns students share is privacy. Since the bathroom doors are kept open all the time, many students hesitate to use them; uncomfortable with the idea of the door being open. “The doors are right where the mirrors and some stalls are as well. I don’t feel comfortable knowing that at any moment someone could see me, just, inside…” one junior commented. Not only is the new policy a problem for students, Mills athletes have also experienced a lot of issues since the change. One athlete, Ameena Stringer (11), recounts her experiences with the bathrooms since soccer season began: “It’s a private place for students to use.” After school, the girls soccer team will use the girls restrooms to change into their uniforms. “When the doors were closed, we could change in and out of the

stalls without feeling uncomfortable,” Ameena comments, frustrated about the new policy. “But now we have to take turns using the stalls and it makes us late to practice. I feel like the school is punishing people who didn’t even do anything wrong. I only go to the bathroom to use it, not anything else. So why am I being punished?” One of the main issues in all of this, is the question “what is the primary function of a school bathroom”? For students, the bathroom is the only private place on campus where they can change into sports uniforms, fix their outfits in the mirror, or have a minute of privacy. With the door open for all to see, there are now no areas in school for students to have a place for themselves. This is a sentiment shared by many students, and one which we brought up during our interview with the Dean. When asked for his response, he simply replied, “It’s a negative drawback.” The Dean’s belief is that high school is fundamentally not a private place. Much like how McDonald’s designs their restaurants in a way that discourages customers from staying in the restaurant for long periods of time, Dean Christain believes the open door serves the same function. Speaking to the same issue, VP Eric Ding explains that “propping the bathroom doors open allows our security staff to quickly check and sweep the bathrooms for illegal, inappropriate, and unsafe behavior.” The new bathroom policy is inline with the administration’s constant reliance on collective punishment. Instead of punishing small groups causing the issues, the school reprimands the majority. When Amelia Naughten, News Editor, voiced her doubts on the effectiveness of punishing the collective, stating, “addressing the problem by punishing the entire school is not effectively getting to the root, “ the Dean

responded with “sucks.” Even with all the concerns the student body shares, the Dean believes that the decision to prop the bathrooms open has stopped students from being caught vaping at school. He concludes, “Even though it doesn’t feel good and it aint right, it’s better than it was.” Lastly, Dean Christan would appreciate it if any of the student body has come up with their own solutions to the bathroom situation.

Amelia Naughten The Thunderbolt

Students socialize at tables positioned outside the womens’ restroom. The door is open wide enough that those who pass by can see directly into it, which is among several factors that raise privacy concerns.

Mills Jazz Band Prepares For The Up-coming Folsom Festival Bianca Pando Staff Writer

Happening on January 27,

2024, the Mills High School Jazz band, directed by music teacher David Greorick, will perform in the Folsom Jazz Festival. Starting over 35 years ago, the Folsom Jazz Festival has continued to support high schools around the bay area. This event is hosted by the Folsom High School Music Boosters, a non-profit organization aimed to up-lift and improve greatness found within music education. They do this by highlighting the effort and talents found around California and Nevada. Allowing High School bands perform gives a chance for young musicians to showcase the work they have been practicing and also see how other schools are playing. Within this, our own band will be able to receive new input and different ways to improve future performances. The Mills Jazz Band is planning to perform 3 songs: a jazz standard titled “There Will Never Be Another You”, “Crystal Silence” written by Chick Corea, and finally a song from a friend of Mr.

G’s called, “Aardvark Soup.” Over the past weeks, the band has been taking extra time to practice. “Everything is about learning and being able to convey what the music composer is trying to display in their piece.” added Mr. G. while talking about Crystal Silence, he expresses how it is not only important to have the rhythm of the song, but also being able to create a tone similar to how it would be to move through not only time, but space itself. While as for the two other songs, Mr. G aims to go in the direction of a more camp-based tone, following the style of Neil Hefti. Of course, with a lot of work there is always something to look forward to in the event

itself. “I think it is a good time to see our school’s band. They get good feedback from professional musicians and they get a chance to play in an exciting situation.” The chance to re-perform that event provides them a chance to not only to see other schools, but for other schools to see what the Mills High School Jazz band is capable of. Although not an adjudicator for the Folsom Jazz Festival, Greg Brown came two days ago to help advise the band and talk about what he judges. “So, the most important thing is that the music is expressed authentically and I feel the emotion in the players…As soon as I hear that, I feel happy. Every human being craves to have their feel-

Bianca Pando: Mills Hischool Student

PRACTICING IN THE AUTOTORIUM: The Jazz band practicing in for the festival.

Bianca Pando: Mills Hischool Student

PRACTICING NEAR THE GYM: Members of the band preparing for the festival.

ings activated, and when it is, they feel the song.” Brown also added that in the technical side of his judging.“ I’ll give specific instructions about how I would fix the issue if I think something is not right.” After teaching music for around 40 years, he feels like he knows the right thing to say, and knows what to listen for. His belief is when playing music, one must learn all the techniques that are shown, and then they must be able to feel what they are playing, in order for others to feel the same way. With the event coming up next weekend, the high school musicians have many emotions running through them. The Saxophone leader, Lana Levinson(12), remarked “I’m excited for all the underclassmen to have their first experience going to the

festival.” Levinson believes that by going to a competition makes them more aware of how they play, inspiring them to be better. Adding further, Trumpet leader, Ethan Chu(12), commented “I think it was pretty fun and also inspiring to watch other bands. Bands that are better than us and bands that we could see how we could improve by watching.” With the Folsom Jazz Festival nearby, this not only becomes a great chance to show what Mills High School band has been working on, and how other schools are doing, but also a wonderful opportunity to improve what they do in the future. In every way, this competition will be enjoyable not only for the listeners, but also for the musicians.

F e a t u r e s Underrated Program At Mills: Flex Tutoring Amelia Naughten News Editor

Flex has been a hot topic around

Mills recently–many of the conversations concerning how students use their flex, how they check in, which teachers they go to, and even whether they’re productive or not. However, one aspect of flex many students are unaware of is flex tutoring. Flex tutoring was founded several years ago by Ms. Peng, the student success coordinator at Mills. Originally, the program was pioneered as a resource for multilingual students, or students who speak a different language at home and are still developing their English. Ms. Peng recounts, “The idea really came from noticing that they were not doing too well in certain classes, so they needed more one-on-one support.” Every Wednesday during flex, flex mentees meet with the same student mentors who work with them to plan, prioritize, and improve skills in a specific subject. Every session, tutors are encouraged to look over canvas scores with the student to find topics to focus on for the period. The program is designed for student mentees and

mentors to work together for the entire semester or until the student no longer needs assistance. After the pilot program proved effective in increasing students’ proficiency across multiple subjects, Ms. Peng branched out to include the entire school. Every six weeks, D and F rates are calibrated to find students who may need extra support in certain areas. Using that generated list, Ms. Peng will reach out encouraging them to enroll in flex tutoring as a means to raise their grade, especially if the alternative after school tutoring is not compatible with their schedule. At the same time, flex tutoring also poses a good opportunity for students who are interested in becoming tutors. Tenth and eleventh grade students can apply to become a tutor during flex through a google form and interview that Ms. Peng administers. For many students, becoming a tutor is a matter of free time during flex, an interest in tutoring, or a gateway to becoming an afterschool tutor. “I dont have the expectation that a tutor needs to teach the way a teacher does, but if they’ve taken the class, chances are they’ve kind of remembered

how to do it and can give them pointers,” Ms. Peng provided. Most volunteers who apply as tutors are accepted into the program, and through mentoring other students, they are able to enhance their communication and depth of knowledge in a subject. She also illuminated the benefits of the flex tutoring program as opposed to normal after school tutoring, whether at Mills or elsewhere. “So many students will say, ‘I don’t understand,’ when a teacher explains to a tutee, but when a student explains it, there’s less intimidation that’s going on and you feel a little bit more comfortable asking a peer to help you,” Ms. Peng shared from experience.

mented, “It’s fun to help people learn things. It’s so nice when they finally have that ‘ah-ha, I finally get it now’ moment.” Zhang originally applied looking to try something new in their spare time, and stayed with the program for a second semester after finding that they enjoyed it. In fact, all of the flex tutors from the previous fall 2023 semester decided to stay with the program for the spring. Every semester, Ms. Peng looks for more tutors to match the ever-changing needs of mentees. “Every year it’s different, and it makes the planning so much harder. Last year we

needed a lot of students who could teach modern world history and US history, and this year it has shifted again…It feels like everyone is failing math.” Due to the spontaneous nature of student needs, Ms. Peng likes to hire tutors who can tutor in multiple subjects, AQR code on her office door is always available to any interested qualifying student. Although flex tutoring is a commitment for both tutors and tutees, the hope is that together, students can support each other to do their academic best. The Mills community thrives on student engagement and providing for the needs of everyone, and the flex tutoring program is central to building this model community up.

She also touched on how teachers often teach from a “teacher lens” or textbook format, and how student tutors are often able to translate this information into a more approachable format. Especially because tutees meet up with the same tutor every week, unlike in after school tutoring where it’s more freeflow, students in this program are able to better build relationships that make them feel open to learning. Sharon Zhang (10), who tutors in math during flex, com-

Amelia Naughten: Mills Hischool Student

WORKING IN THE LIBRARY: Doing work for school in the Mills library.

FASHION TRENDS The Latest Women’s Fashion Trends of 2024 By: Elaine Chan, Center Spread Editor

new year means all new obsessions, trends, and styles in the fashion industry. In 2023, we saw the revival of UGG boots and low-rise pants, and this year, a couple are already establishing their spots this January. Starting off with both a practical and stylish one: fluffy scarves. As the winter continues, scarves are proving to be the item of choice when it comes to staying warm. The previously popular paper-thin scarf that defined the early 2000s has handed the baton to scarves knitted with thick and voluminous yarn. Most notably the Acne Studios scarf has attracted much attention for its soft wool knit and myriad of color choices. Accessorizing is arguably the most important aspect of fashion and the accessory that has taken the fashion media by storm as hairpieces, bag decorations, and even jewelry is the classic bow. Bows have traditionally been associated with our favorite hairstyles as children and holiday decor. But this year, bows have resurfaced as the staple accessory. Their versatility makes them so appealing and easy to elevate your outfit. On the market, velvety black bows and thin pink and white ribbon seem to be the most favored. Adding a feminine and dainty touch, they can be worn not only in your hair but also tied onto your shoe of choice, your bag straps, and even as ribbon necklaces.

Fashion trends are inevitably cyclical and the resurgence of past trends, yet slightly adjusted, create the backbone of the fashion industry. The late 90s trend that leaned into an academic style has certainly shown its influence this year. Thin-rimmed glasses and heeled Mary Janes seem to have gained new popularity. A slightly modernized take on this style takes inspiration from iconic fashion media like The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and even the costume direction in Gossip Girl (2007). Mini skirts are a key element in this look, and the Spring 1995 Chanel Runway Collection is a memorable moment in fashion history that heavily influenced modern versions of this look. So a dark mini skirt, a messily buttoned top, and a pair of knee length boots is the 2024 take on stylish academia. Denim has been a steady fashion necessity in every decade, simply in different forms. Drawing inspiration from the early 2000s, the denim skirt is a popular choice currently. In both mini and maxi lengths, a washed denim skirt paired with an off-the-shoulder sweater or fitted top is a comfy outfit for our relatively mild winter weather. These are just a few of the many fashion obsessions that are to come this 2024. By the end of the year, I am sure that countless new fashion staples will be added to our closets!

Center Spread

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Hugs, cheers, “Happy New Year’s,” and kisses are exchanged. By: Janelle Pantilon, Staff Writer

t’s New Year’s Eve, the clock ticks one second closer to midnight: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Hugs, cheers, “Happy New Year’s,” and kisses are exchanged. These are the ways society has honored the coming year for what seems like a lifetime. But questions of these actions have risen such as why do people kiss on New Year’s and view it as a vital part of the holiday? The tradition of sharing a kiss in celebration can be traced back to the ancient Roman winter festival, Saturnalia. It was a nontheistic festival held in December that honored the agricultural god, Saturn. Homes were full of wreaths, meals, gifts, and friends and family gathered. It’s similar to Christmas but like New Year’s, the night often ends with a kiss. Another holiday that this special kiss stems from is a current holiday in Scotland called Hogmanay. It’s the Scottish New Year, filled with dancing, chatting, and singing songs like “Auld Lang Syne.” The night ends with wishes of a “Guid New Year” with kisses to partners, friends, or even strangers to embrace the future. However it’s emergence in America has been linked to the influx of German immigrants during the mid-nineteenth century, who’s festivities would later spread the concept of the kiss. The custom was first seen in a New York

Times report from 1893. Germans would gather in their homes, theaters, or cellars among plenty of people with food, drinks, music, and cheer. Before midnight, silence settles until the clock’s last stroke where they’d find someone in the crowd to share a kiss with, ceasing the evening. As New York banned fireworks and the annual ball drop was introduced, people embraced the big kiss almost as a way to set off their own sparks or to initiate a year of success. Hollywood saw the tradition spark and used films to promote it in media through movies such as When Harry Met Sally, The Godfather Part II, Happy New Year, Charlie Brown, and Bridget Jones Diary. I can see the appeal to the tradition. I think that as long as people are okay with it and comfortable, then why not. Although, there should not be any unwarranted pressure for it to happen or be perfect because ultimately it’s a choice and should feel lighthearted and memorable.

Embracing Diversity New Year’s Traditions From Around the Globe By: Joshua Choe, Sports Editor

cross the world, different cultures and countries unite to celebrate the start of a new year and a fresh start from the previous year; a chance to leave everything behind and start fresh with new opportunities. Where different cultures may celebrate the same occasion, the traditions, history, and customs behind them can be as different as the cultures themselves are. In America, we celebrate New Years with the easily recognizable countdown to the New Years on December 31st, the last day before a new year. With families and friends gathering, parties being thrown, and the food, drink and revelry, America’s version of a New Year is certainly an iconic one. The most notable event marking the countdown to the start of the new year is the annual ball drop in New York Times Square, an event that is streamed nationwide to all media outlets for all to watch. Millions across America gather around screens to watch the ball drop and countdown. In China, Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a grand celebration that extends over two weeks. The highlight of the festivities is the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where families come together to share a feast. Traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes are served, each carrying symbolic meaning associated with prosperity, good luck, and family unity. Red decorations and lanterns adorn homes to ward off evil spirits. Spain also has quite the iconic New Year’s tradition. Revelers welcome the New Year by indulging in a unique tradition: eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight. Each grape represents a month of the coming year, and the goal is to consume them all within the first twelve seconds of the new year.

Read the rest @millsthunderbolt.com!

“Different cultures

and countries unite to celebrate the start of a new year.

The

Humanities & Arts

at Mills

By: Eduardo Galindo, Staff Writer

M ills High School offers a diverse set

of courses for the humanities and arts for students to choose from. We have classes like Ceramics, AP Studio Art, as well as Woodworking for students to take if they are interested, and a few more classes. But are these courses enough? The humanities and arts courses at Mills are intriguing and fun for students. They allow for any student to explore and find their interests and what they want to do in the future. It is important to have more representation of humanities and arts so more students can have the opportunity to find their interests that can affect their future college and career choices. Humanities and arts are courses that give students a deeper understanding of ourselves and people in general. The humanities in particular are about studying people and how we interact with the world and each other. Classes regarding history, literature, and philosophy are courses that teach us various aspects of humanities. Ms.Donohoe, a social studies teacher, describes humanities as “Courses where we are reflecting on society.” Humanities shows us how we as people behave and why that may be, and by learning that we start seeing the world with different eyes. Similarly to the humanities, the arts also change how we think and see the world in a much more vivid way. Art is about expressing ourselves in a visual way and like humanities it can give us an understanding of each other. Art can tell us how someone’s expressing themselves and what they’re thinking. When we understand each other we are able to make decisions that are compassionate towards one another. Ones that help each other. These lessons we learn

The Stanley Cup; Why is Society Obsessed? By: Abigail Chai, Entertainment Editor

U nless you’ve been living under a rock

for the past year, you’re probably aware of the latest trend that has taken over the internet; the Stanley Cup. The large, metal tumbler that comes in a variety of colors is TikTok’s latest obsession, closely resembling the internet’s past obsession with Hydroflasks back in 2019. While coming in several sizes and models, it’s the Stanley’s 40 OZ quencher that has captured the hearts of millions across the nation. Only recently rising in popularity in the past two years, the brand’s revenue has risen from $70 million in 2019 to a whopping $750 million in 2023.

ARTS COURSES AT MILLS: Students in Mr.Christenson’s class complete

from humanities and arts, we need more people to learn them. Humanities and arts need to have more representation for students who want to learn more. By looking into the past we get insights of ourselves and of the world. Through art, poetry, literature, and letters we can see into the past and tell what they were thinking. We can even tell when it’s decades or centuries past. Art especially since it’s the oldest way we can see the past. As Mr.Christenson, an art teacher puts it, “Every human civilization ever has created art and that is how we told our stories, that is how we show our beliefs, communicated that we are greater than what we have been told that we are.” Even though centuries have passed we can understand the past through the humanities, through the arts. We can see the past through these classes and are able to understand what people were going through during these times. From these classes we can see the past in our own world and how they connect. The

Much of its newfound publicity is largely thanks to social media users who have filled various platforms with videos surrounding the Stanley. On TikTok alone, the #StanleyTumbler hashtag has garnered over one billion views. With the constant raving about the tumbler by influencers and even the occasional mention by celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo, it’s no surprise as to why the Stanley is the media’s most recent craze. Most recently, several videos of shoppers desperate to get their hands on the newly released Target exclusive Stanley have gone viral. However, they have mainly attracted less than desired attention towards the Stanley brand and fandom. The posts often showcase the extreme extent to which shoppers were willing to go for the limited hot pink tumbler, with some lining up as early as four A.M. just

Eduardo Galindo: MHS Thunderbolt

color wheels using

paint and brushes.

stories and beliefs are important for us to learn and we need more of them to see the world in a fair light. With the lessons and importance that come from these classes, it’s no wonder why there has been a want from both students and teachers to expand further upon these subjects. A new class in the arts is being introduced to Mills; a dance class that will come be available in the upcoming year. Mr.Christenson mentioned, “One thing we have been pushing for this year is to have dance classes since we don’t have one currently.” It is great we have another class students can take for art, especially one that’s different from what’s currently offered. However, there are social studies classes that have been requested that aren’t in the works of being added to the class selection for students, namely Asian American History and AP Modern World History. We should expand our options so students can take classes that they want and to expand their knowledge.

to ensure their chances of purchasing one. From videos of people running towards Stanley displays and even the cops being called due to fights caused by the quencher, many spectators on the internet wonder exactly why the brand has such a chokehold on its consumers. To many, Stanleys are no different from the thousands of other drinkware brands such as Yeti and Hydroflask, leaving them unable to understand the built hype around the $45 cup. Is the tumbler truly that amazing or is it just another short-

Student Opinions:

Best and Worst Months of the Year By: Arianna Alvarez, Staff Writer

Students commonly turn to extracurriculars for amusement. Student athlete Nagham Masarweh (12) explains, “I’m on the girls’ varsity soccer team and the highlight of my school year is always the winter sports season. I’ve made a lot of memories on the field with my friends and teammates, my year would be incomplete without my time with them.”

T he new calendar year may have just

started, but for students who are in the middle of their school year, time seems to have taken on a different meaning. For many, the year isn’t marked by the differing weather or by a cycle of January through December. It simply starts in August and ends in May; it is tracked by semesters, changing seasons mark different sports teams to join or cheer on, dances and rallies are always reliable high points, and of course, biyearly finals are always there to ensure we don’t have too much fun. All of the excitement and celebrations of New Year’s Eve can’t compare to those of that last dismissal bell in May.

As a Senior, Valerie Gutierrez (12) has stated, “The months of November and December are particularly challenging due to college applications and final exams.” Knowing that she will have a lengthy twoweek break after being stressed out helps her get through these two months.

At Mills, high schoolers have completed many repetitive August through May cycles, and have come to know what to expect as the school year passes. Brief conversations with students have resulted in a very clear pattern when it comes to their favorite and least favorite months. Julia Xia (11), a Junior here at Mills High, has shared that December is the hardest month for her to get through. She said, “Preparing for finals is very stressful but besides that, the whole month of December feels rushed with classes trying to finish off their lessons while trying to find time to review. It’s also difficult to enjoy the winter break if teachers don’t release grades in Canvas before it closes.” She turns to her friends to get through the month as they help her forget about all the stress. Xia’s favorite parts of the school year are the months of February, March, and April. “For me, these three months are usually stress-free and easy since I’ve gotten used to everything and the weather is nice.” While interviewing a couple of students, I noticed that most of them said the worst times of the year are the months of fi-

lived trend that people want to hop on? And not only have internet users questioned the overall explanation behind the Stanley obsession, but also the part it plays in America’s growing issue of consumerism. With new trends seemingly rising every month, many find concern in the impact such brief crazes have on the environment and the waste the nation produces each year. With social media’s fixation of the brand on the rise, some have gone as far as to begin personal Stanley collections. Such collec-

Opinions

nals. I have to agree with them, it seems like everything moves quickly during those months, and there’s a lot of stress involved in juggling several assignments while attempting to prepare for exams. Yet some students have differing opinions. The worst months of the school year, according to Amelia Naughten (10), are March and April. Although there is still a long way to go until summer, she claimed that this is the worst time of the school year because it feels so near. She shared, “It can be a little discouraging at times, almost like this sense of drawn-out expectation.” Naughten also turns to her friends to help her through these days, claiming having them around adds interest to the routine of coursework and classes. She also finds distractions in clubs and extracurricular activities when she feels like time is passing slowly.

tions often showcase several of the same tumbler models, with the only notable difference being the product’s colors. While collections on the internet vary in number, some exceed what many would deem more than necessary. With such large accumulations of Stanleys and heightened concerns over the nation’s tendencies of overconsumption, the question if a single person truly needs ten Stanleys in their lives is prevalent. Despite the fact that the Stanley was meant to be another sustainable and lasting alternative to plastic water bottles, could it really just be doing the opposite? Not only is reusable drinkware meant to eliminate plastic waste, but to also minimize production costs and energy. However, the excessive purchasing of the tumbler seems to only be resolving one of the problems, while adding onto another.

Ameena Stringer (11), a Junior, claimed that April and May of her sophomore year in particular were the most difficult of her high school years so far. She identified a disconnect between teachers’ expectations and students’ abilities as a stressor for her. Knowing that her Junior year would be different from her sophomore year helped her carry on through the year. Opinions seem to vary through the grades. In my opinion, since freshman year for graduates of 2024 was taught virtually, my sophomore year - which we completed following the pandemic - was also the hardest for me. It was challenging to adjust to high school since it was essentially our first year of high school socially yet second year academically. Many of the students I spoke with gave similar answers regarding the high points and low points of the school year. Most agree that the worst times of the school year are the months of December and May because this is when final exams occur, or other months in which they felt the workload is overwhelming. Breaks, extracurriculars, and friends seem to be both seasonal and yearlong reliances for students to persevere through the tougher months.

So while collecting the drinkware may look like a seemingly harmless hobby, there could be more damage done than originally intended. The Stanley is an undeniably cute and intentionally sustainable substitute for single-use drinkware, but the reasoning behind the nation’s fixation on it lingers in the air. Although many internet users have raved about the Stanleys’ abilities to keep drinks ice cold and the general happiness that such tumblers invoke, many are left skeptical of the worthiness of the brand’s popularity. Time can only tell if Stanleys really are the greatest water bottle to hit the world, or just another trend that will run its course.

SportS

The Thunderbolt

Mills’ 2024 Spring Sports:

TRYOUTS & INFORMATION By Michaela Gonzalez; Editor-in-Chief

at this upcoming season with more clarity. Their first tryouts are planned to be held on January 29th on the fter the fall and winter seasons of cross country, football, tennis courts. girls golf and tennis, girls volleyball, and more, the upcoming Girls and boys Track and Field has already begun spring semester is accompanied by a new set of sports set for a new season. From the memory of the lasting legend the girls conditioning, but their official practices will start on flag football team had for Mills’ athletic history in their debut January 29th. Owen Dvorak, a senior on the team, season, to the perseverance of the girls basketball team that expressed enthusiasm for the start of the season. He blew away each season before, the spring season promises to shared that, “Everyone is excited for a bunch of new be just as glorious as the others. For some, this spring sports runners and coaches to join. We also can’t wait to see season may be their first spring of high school, but for others people try out new events. Personally, I’m looking forward to not doing long distance [events] anymore - nudge to Class of 2024 - it will no doubt be their last. and to hitting some final personal records before I As the sun begins to melt the chill off of the frosting of Mills graduate.” With more than ten seniors on the team, High, students start to get into the spring of sports. Students the runners are preparing for a bittersweet goodbye can select a range of sports options such as Coed Badminton, and positive note to their final season. Boys Volleyball, Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, Girls and Boys The other sports; swimming, softball, boy’s tennis, Swimming, Boys Tennis, Boys Gold, and Girls and Boys Track and Field. Most of these sports will begin their tryouts and boy’s vollyeball, and baseball will be holding tryouts or first practices on various dates near the end of Janpractices at the end of January. uary. For further information, the Spring Sports Parents Badminton is known to be Mills’ favorite, and most compet- Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on February 13th. itive sport. Students from all grades will be training for tryouts Ben Nopper, a junior on the swim team, voiced, that will take place in the West gym. All the players hope to strive for a successful season, especially after many of their “We are excited to see what Mills can do with all the new freshmen talent.” He encourages any and all stustar players were seniors that graduated in 2023. dents to join a sport if they’re interested, especially as The boys tennis team had a rough past season with a jum- the seniors start the beginning of an end, preparing ble of coaches and team players creating obstacles for their for a final goodbye after this year. Good luck to all the success of the past season. The talented boys look hopefully players during this spring sports season and have fun!

@mills_badminton on Instagram

The

@mhsvikings.baseball on Instagram

A still from Mills’ baseball team’s 2023 game against Terra Nova last Spring.

badminton

team’s

senior

night

last

season

2023.

@mhsvikings_track on Instagram

Skyline Summit, the first Track & Field meet of Spring 2023.

SportS

The Thunderbolt

A Spotlight on the

Credits for photos below: @chrissportsphotography on Instagram

Team Managers

Team manager Stephy Li (11) with the swim team in 2023.

By Isabelle Yang; Staff Writer

Behind every team, there’s a team manager who works just as hard as the players to allow the team to reach their fullest potential at every competition. Despite often being overlooked for the team’s successes, they play a crucial role through their dedicated efforts. Throughout the season, managers uphold multiple responsibilities, ranging from handling paperwork and stats to providing assistance to the coach.

Collin Chen (10), team manager for girls varsity volleyball, began his involvement in the program when the head coach invited him to assist with tryouts during the summer. During the tryout process he ran several drills, allowing the coaches to focus on making important decisions for the upcoming season. Remembering his first couple of days, Chen reminisces, “...that’s when I met the most amazing man in the world – Mr. Barry Tsai.” After a player asked if he would officially become a team manager, Chen decided to ask Mr. Tsai if he could manage for his JV team. Now, Chen has been a manager for two years. His main roles include assisting the coaches, taking stats during games, giving advice to players, and running drills at practices. If needed, he also fills in for players in scrimmages and serves as a connection between coaches and players. Although he puts a significant amount of time and effort into the team, he enjoys it, as he gets to be around the sport he loves. When asked about the benefits of becoming a manager, Chen highlights, “...free volleyball courts, clothes, food, and I get to spend time with my friends and help them improve.” Additionally, Stephy Li (11), one of four team managers for the swim team, describes how being a manager allowed her to meet new people. An added benefit is that many of her friends are on the team, which is why she decided to try becoming a manager. She explains, “[You can] be in that community without having to do the sport.” Li’s role as team manager for the swim team includes paperwork and setting up equipment. During meets, she tracks every swimmer’s individual times and adds up the points scored for both teams. Li states, “It’s a really crucial part to go to the meets so you can help out…” which emphasizes how important team managers are. Both team managers feel that they are included in the community, as they are always engaging and assisting the team throughout the season. Regardless of whether they receive acknowledgment, they are dedicated to their valuable roles contributing to the teams’ successes.

In an epic victory against Burlingame High School, the Lady Vikings dominated the court with a final score of 53-21 at the blackout game on January 6th. Go Vikings!

ENTERTAINMENT

The Thunderbolt

Is the Film Industry Scared of Musicals?

In a world where the screens are dominated with sequels, su-

perheroes, and blockbuster explosions, the musical genre has struggled to find its own spotlight. Recent releases, including Wonka (2023) and Mean Girls (2024), both feature captivating melodies, and yet the term “musical” is absent from their promotions. Because this has caused confusion throughout audiences, the following question has been asked: Are movie studios scared to advertise their musicals as musicals? Taking a closer look at the theatrical release of Mean Girls (2024), which is a movie adaptation of the Mean Girls Broadway musical, many people assumed it was just a remake of the iconic 2004 film. Videos taken by audience members have been shared all over social media, revealing audible shock and even disappointment when characters break into song– a surprise that could have been avoided with more transparent marketing. Based on the trailer alone, the new Mean Girls movie does, in fact, look to be just a reboot. The only hint to its genre is a small music note hidden in the title. This false advertising has led to absurd complaints such as there being “excessive music” in the musical film. Similarly, Wonka (2023), released last December, offers minimal

Yes, aND? ARIANA GRANDES RETURN Sang Choi TO MUSIC staff writer

Phoebe Piserchio Editor In Chief singing and dancing in its trailers. According to the Hollywood Reporter, one studio executive revealed that, “If you spell out the word musical, people have pre-formed opinions. Musical has a connotation that [characters] are going to sing every word, and audiences can be turned off.” In other words, studios shy away from promoting these movies as musicals due to the preconceived notions that come with the word

ences were promised a musical. The movie’s clear marketing allowed viewers to align their expectations and have a more satisfying experience, unlike Wonka and Mean Girls, where ambiguity left audiences confused and disappointed. At the end of the day, the goal for audiences should be to go into a movie theater and see what they hope for. While there is such a thing as pleasant surprises, the risk of end-

“musical.” However, the industry’s reluctance to embrace the musical label raises even more questions about the balance between marketing strategies and audience expectations. Now turning to The Color Purple (2023), which is a new movie based on the 2005 Broadway stage musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel, this actually was marketed as a musical. Critics and audiences alike praised the film for its artistic merit and outstanding performances by the stellar cast. Unfortunately, while the movie opened with $18 million on a $90 million budget, it did not do exceptionally well at the box office. This could, of course, be due to poor marketing strategies outside of the fact that it’s a musical. Despite its financial struggles, it succeeded in delivering what audi

ing up with more disappointment than satisfaction looms large, especially if we’re talking about the main factor of a movie: its genre. To put it in perspective, one would be quite distressed to find that they’re watching a horror movie instead of something that was marketed as a comedy. Acclaimed films like La La Land (2016), West Side Story (1961), and Moulin Rouge (2001), all won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. These musical masterpieces not only met but exceeded expectations set by the musical genre, demonstrating that honest and transparent marketing is not necessarily an unsuccessful route. So, perhaps some authenticity in advertising can lead to a more immersive and satisfying theater experience after all.

After a 4 year-long hiatus, Ariana

While receiving much critical praise, the single has mainly received mixed reactions from social media, largely in part to the hot water Grande has found herself in the past year. Shortly after her separation with real estate agent Dalton Gomez, it was reported that her and Wicked costar Ethan Slater were dating. Her and Slater’s relationship timeline is quite unclear, leaving many internet users to question how their relationship came to be, especially considering Slater had just recently welcomed a son with longtime partner, Lilly Jay. While both parties claimed that their relationship had only begun when they were both single, internet users were left skeptical of the two, leading many to jump on the idea that Grande played a role in the separation of Slater and Jay. However, it is clear that the muchloved Ariana Grande is ready to make her return to music regardless of what the media thinks of her. The official music video of the track has currently amassed over 24 million views on YouTube, placing it in second place on the platform’s global chart.

Grande made her long awaited return to music with her newest single, “Yes, And?” on January 12th. Following the release of her sixth studio album Positions back in 2020, Grande was cast as Glinda in the upcoming film adaptation of the iconic stage musical Wicked. In May of 2022, she revealed that until filming wrapped, she would be taking an indefinite break from music. In October of 2023, the artist took to social media to tease upcoming music, seemingly confirming an album release in the upcoming year. “Yes, and?” is a sassy, bouncy track that serves as an apparent response to the mass disapproval which the artist received in 2022 and 2023, with lyrics such as “Don’t comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours and mine is mine” alluding to her unapologetic response to this criticism. Through similar lyrics, Grande seemingly slams the media and their frequent critiques of her private life, showing the listeners know to ignore the haters and live life as they choose.