Math Teacher Mr. Yan’s New Nike Brand Deal

Phoebe Piserchio entertainment editor

This past week, esteemed math teacher, Steven Yan, confirmed rumors that he has been in preliminary talks with Nike over a potential three-year contract to start his own math-inspired basketball shoe line.

Rumors have been floating around school since early March, when a student stumbled upon an email thread from Nike on Yan’s computer during flex. The student admits to originally looking for test answers, and therefore wishes to remain anonymous. They recalled, “I kind of did a double-take when I saw these mockups of Nike shoes with math symbols on it, then when I looked closer, I saw they were part of an email to Mr. Yan from the Chief Design Officer at Nike, Inc. I told my friends about it and, well, word got around quick.”

In an exclusive interview with the Thunderbolt, Yan expressed little to no disappointment towards his secret being exposed. “I mean, it was bound to get out sooner or later… I’m very disappointed in the student who tried cheating, though.”

Yan went on to explain that he start- ed getting into his shoe-design hobby to occupy the extra time he had during quarantine. “Naturally, I was working on some proofs and writing math problems when I realized what cool designs I could make with math. I created a number of designs that incorporated familiar math concepts, from the Fibonacci Sequence to geometric vector shapes,” he said.

Yan’s personal favorite is a pair of shoes with hidden pockets for students to keep their notes safe; other pairs have equations and formulas for students to use on assignments.

“I originally printed my designs on t-shirts and hoodies, but then I thought maybe shoes would be more challenging and fun to design.” When asked where he learned

Mills Student Breaks Stanford Curse

Bruce Nie staFF Writer

WithMarch nearing its end, the senior class of 2023 faces their final stretch before officially finishing their high school career. A mere two months before the end of the school year, it would seem like this time would be one of joy and relaxation. However, a quick look at the majority of seniors would reveal faces drawn with stress and nervousness. This is, of course, a result of the nerve-wracking college decision process where all of a student’s efforts in and outside of class for the past 4 years of highschool is summarized into one short essay and a list of activities—with most college decisions being sent back to students mid-March. However, during this time of uncertainty, there is also a beacon of hope for not only the graduating class, but for all future classes—the Stanford Curse is officially broken!

The infamous Stanford Curse refers to the unusual lack of students admitted into Stanford University from Mills despite many students being admitted into universities of similar caliber. In fact, no student from Mills has been admitted to Stanford since 1958! On another note, that student’s father was also the president of Stanford’s Board of Education and donated 5 libraries throughout his life. Many have speculated that Stanford is holding a grudge towards Mills or simply they don’t like Vikings, but whatever the case, the Stanford drought is broken. Receiving his acceptance letter even a week before the reg- ular release date, Nathan Agustin (12) becomes the first Mills student in 65 years to receive admission into Stanford University. To any of his classmates and friends, this is a complete surprise, as while Nathan is a bright student, he doesn’t seem like the complete and academically sound student a prestigious college like Stanford is looking for. To gain further insight and advice for future seniors, the Thunderbolt set up an interview with Nathan. “Yeah, to be honest, I don’t even really know how I got in,” Nathan says with a sheepish smile on his face. “My mom just told me to apply the day before it was due and I wrote an essay about how Dahyun is the best member in Twice and she should be everyone’s bias.” That definitely rules out a genius, profound essay being the main factor in his admission. Maybe his rigorous coursework in school is the reason? When we asked him about how many APs he took in high school, “Oh yeah, I only took like two APs—AP Environmental how to make designs in the first place, Yan’s answer was unexpected: “This might come as a shock to you all, but I actually have a background in fashion design.” Before deciding to go into math education, he spent a couple of years at the Fashion Institute of Design and Manufacturing (FIDM). Though he enjoyed the creative process, he realized the fashion world was not for him, and decided to transfer to San Francisco State University and become a math major.

Science and AP Human Geography. I did really good in those classes though…I got like a B minus and a C plus I think. I even got a 3.0 that year!” Ok, maybe not… Scratching my head, I continued on, asking was it because of spectacular extracurriculars? “Uhm I don’t know, I like relaxing and really having some ME time outside of class so I didn’t do much. Oh right! I did JV volleyball last year and I think I was in uhmmm…a club.” Nathan looked so smug I almost regurgitated in my mouth. However, I instinctively used all the years of mindfulness training from P.E. yoga classes and a certain Biology class I had freshman year to recollect myself With the interview coming to an end, I was left with more questions than before. How and why did Stanford let Nathan Agustin into its prestigious halls? I certainly don’t have the answer, but my prayers are with the Stanford administration as they deal with Nathan Agustin for the next 4 years.

Having reconnected with his first talent, Yan kept up his shoe designing as a hobby into the 2021-2022 school year. “When we had to go back in person, I started working on my designs just on the weekends. But, sometimes, I’d secretly work on them during class while students were taking their tests,” Yan revealed with a chuckle.

However, it wasn’t until Mills’ annual March Madness basketball games that he came to the realization that shoe design was something he could actually pursue. “It was the semi-finals and my old basketball shoes were completely torn and it totally messed up my game. Mr. Hakim had to carry the team and I was so mad at myself. Later that night, I did some research and to my luck, Nike was having a competition where you could send in shoe designs and they’d pick a winner. I immediately got to work and sent in my designs.”

That was in March 2022. Months went by until Yan heard back from Nike, but the long wait was worth it.

“They absolutely loved my designs-especially the Fibonacci sequence shoe! I was flattered and shocked. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to hear anything back at all,” he expressed with a proud look on his face. After a year of Zoom meetings with different Nike executives, Yan’s shoe line is officially in production. “We’re calling it Yan Factorials™,” said Nike’s Chief Design Officer John Hoke. ”Steven’s designs are incredibly inspiring and innovative, bringing something to the table that we haven’t had here at Nike in a long time. Yan Factorials are the next big thing.” Yan is currently in negotiations to finalize the terms of the contract, which would allow Nike to use his designs for at least three to five years.

“It’s super exciting, and I hope this is just the beginning,” exclaimed Yan. But don’t worry, Mr. Yan confirmed he has no plans to leave his day job. “It’s Mills students who inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful I can do something that combines my love of math with my artistic side.” *

Mr. Matt: Superstar

Erika Kita staFF Writer

Everyyear new teachers are hired to teach at mills high school, but unknown to many of the students, one of our new teachers was actually a famous rockstar. New art teacher Matt Christenson has recently revealed his previous job as an honorary band member in the rock band Phish.

Mr.Matt became famous in the band for doing goofy dances for this jam band. A jam band is essentially a musical group whose concerts (and live albums) are characterized by lengthy improvisational “jams. He would be the member keeping the rhythm by playing multiple auxiliary percussion instruments. Including the cowbell, tambourine, and even the triangle. The band Phish includes members Trey Anastasio on Guitar, Mike Gordon on Bass guitar, Jon Fishman on Drum Kit, and Page McConnell on Keyboard. Mr.Matt joined their band during their tour to Oregon. Matt was on a road trip with his wife during their tour and went to the concert. He became famous for doing his goofy moves and was even on the news for his dances. From the result of his popularity of being the “goofy dances guy” he was able to join them on tour to play percussion instruments while dancing around. He would tour around the nation with Phish and became known for his funky moves and continued the tour together.

Mr. Matt describes that “the best memory of being in the band was crowd surfing to the end of the audience and making it to the exit where we were able to end early.”

The other members of Phish found out that Matt had an artistic talent as well and asked him to do live paintings on stage while the band played along. Matt was ecstatic to paint on stage where he realized his passion for making art and expressing himself. Matt explains his worst memories of the tour by saying “one time in Minnesota I was crowd surfing and the mosh pit erupted on top of me”. This all dream-like experience ultimately came to an end when Mr.Matt came into a fight during the second last performance of the tour.

Mr.Matt was all over the news about his altercation with a belligerent fan and how he got kicked out of the band. In that moment when he was getting kicked out he realized how teaching was going to be his passion. He proceeds to explain how “people needed some serious education in their life so I became a teacher”. Overall his experiences of being in the band has made him appreciate his new job of being a teacher. He loves teaching art and his new job way better because there are a lot less screaming adults and he is surrounded by teenagers instead. Mr.Matt says “I am surrounded by better music by working at this school and I am grateful to have this opportunity.” *