The Perennial | February 2024

Lemmon Leaves Pinewood

After Seven Years as a Panther, Head of Upper Campus Seeks New Career Opportunities

KATIE MAIER Staff Writer

Head of Upper Campus Gabriel Lemmon will be leaving Pinewood at the end of this school year on June 30. He has served the school for seven years and made many changes to the school community. After working as the principal at The American School Foundation of Guadalajara for six years, he and his family arrived at Pinewood and transitioned into the new, inviting environment easily.

“I remember that at the opening day assembly, the student activities director asked me if I was willing to sit in a kiddie pool and be drenched in water,” Lemmon said. “I thought, ‘This is my kind of place. They know how to have fun.’”

As Lemmon got to know the community, he helped to incorporate Mandarin courses, the Pinewood Scholars Program, weekly advisory periods and a diversity, equity and inclusion program.

Assistant Head of Upper Campus Haley Hemm said that Lemmon’s initiatives taught students to assist the needs of communities outside of Pinewood and focus on the needs of students as individuals.

“Those programs are clear signifiers that at Pinewood we should be caring about the whole person beyond just our community,” Hemm said. “And that’s a really powerful message.”

It is a message that Lemmon lives every day, and faculty and students will miss him.

Pinewood alumnus Myles Fox, who graduated in 2023 and was extremely close to Lemmon, said that Lemmon provided in areas ranging all the way from

college applications and sports to mental health and social identity.

“What made Mr. Lemmon stand out more than any other administrator was not just his ability to listen but to know how to support you in the way you needed,” Fox said.

Fox said that juggling high school and college applications was a struggle, but Lemmon helped him manage the stress. When Fox received his first college acceptance letter, he shared the news with Lemmon and watched his face light up.

“Mr. Lemmon, out of anyone at Pinewood, knew how driven I was and still am as a student, and I think he really appreciated it, especially on that day,” Fox said.

Lemmon has worked with hundreds of students and many faculty during his years at Pinewood, but it’s his kindness that will be remembered.

“If something’s going on, and you’re not at school that day, he’s going to check in on you to make sure you’re okay and to see if he can do anything for you,” Hemm said. “Our days can be so busy, but he takes the time to reach out for the human stuff, and that’s something I’m going to take with me.”

Fox said that he is sad to hear about Lemmon’s departure, but wishes luck to Lemmon and his family in their future endeavors.

“His presence on campus will be sorely missed,” Fox said. “I hope that the next Head of Upper Campus can bring the same light that Mr. Lemmon shined so brightly onto campus.”

As Pinewood handles its quest for a new Head of Upper Campus, Hemm, too, hopes they will be able to

uphold Lemmon’s standards for a considerate environment.

Lemmon said he’ll always remember Pinewood.

“I hope that wherever I go next prioritizes its community as much as Pinewood does, ” Lemmon said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this role, and I will carry with me this school in my heart wherever I go.”

Photo Courtesy of SMUGMUG

STORYTIME Lemmon reads seniors a picture book at the first day of school assembly, as has been his yearly tradition.

Photo Courtesy of SMUGMUG PANTHER AT HEART Lemmon makes a throw in a 2019 Staff vs. Seniors ultimate frisbee game.

Photo Courtesy of SMUGMUG

FEARLESS LEADER During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lemmon led the effort to keep Pinewood’s community safe, successfully implementing a hybrid learning system that allowed students to continue learning in-person.

“Let’s Go, Pinewood:” Restoring School Spirit

MAILEY WANG Staff Writer

“LET’S GO PINEWOOD, LET’S GO” is the chant the Panther Pit yells at every home game. The cheering, stomping and yelling echoes throughout the gym. Every pair of eyes looks from the scoreboard, which shows Pinewood down by two points, to the ball, which only has five seconds to get in the hoop. Time slows down, and every heartbeat in the crowd aligns. A shot is up, and no one takes a breath. Swish and the crowd goes wild. Students, siblings, faculty and parents all swarm the gym chanting once more. But this time it goes, “I BELIEVE THAT WE JUST WON, I BELIEVE THAT WE JUST WON.”

Pinewood’s basketball games were always something I looked forward to, even as a little kindergarten Panther. I loved immersing myself in an environment that was so uplifting and full of so much joy. I longed for the day I could be a high schooler and lead the crowd in chants. I longed to be a part of such a spirited community. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit during my sixth grade year, and I was deprived of almost two years of cheering in the famous Panther Pit.

During the end of eighth grade, students’ health safety was restored, but spirit continued to stay low. As a student council member, I tried everything I could to get my grade to dress up for spirit days and participate in spirit assemblies. It may have been the biggest game of the year, but the Panther Pit still had empty patches with little cheering. The spirit continued to stay fairly low into my freshman year. Lip sync meetings, which

were supposed to bring us together, tore us apart as we yelled at each other in chaos. Student council’s efforts seemed futile.

Director of Student Life Kyle Riches agrees that COVID-19 had a rough impact on school spirit, but he is determined to fix that.

“It all goes back to what I experienced here at Pinewood as a student,” Riches said, “It had such a huge impact on my life, and that’s all I can hope for any student that sets foot at Upper Campus. I want everyone to feel the same sense of pride and school spirit that I felt and will do whatever I can to try to make that [possible].”

The persistent efforts of student council, ASB and Riches gradually brought forth spirit from the student body. Today, I feel like I am a part of the community my kindergarten self had always dreamed of. I am now in the Panther Pit, cheering at the top of my lungs. I am now going all-out on spirit days. My classmates who were lukewarm to the student council a year ago are now volun-

“Mom and Ms. ___”:

Children of

Teachers

CLAIRE WU Staff Writer

Many students have had the awkward experience of accidentally calling a teacher “Mom” instead of “Ms.” in class. But for some students, both titles hold true. For eighth graders Nerea Amezcua and Nox Bradley and seventh graders Hattie Kaufmann and Sallie Haun, their home and school lives blend together as they grow up in an environment where their parents are present in both aspects of their lives.

Kaufmann is the daughter of Brynn Hambly, former fifth grade language arts teacher and current Middle Campus principal. When Kaufmann had her mother as her fifth grade teacher, she disliked the experience immensely.

“It was really hard,” Kaufmann said. “Sometimes I felt like my mom gave me too much attention… but at the same time, I felt like she didn’t call on me at all.”

teering to participate in spirit assemblies. Those who ran away from lip sync meetings are now dressing head to toe in green and gold. Students who would usually sit quietly in the stands are now leading the chants. Spirit is finally restored. I can look at younger students from Lower or Middle Campus and know with confidence that they’ll love coming to Upper Campus to cheer in the Panther Pit, go all out on dress-up days, be a part of the lip sync and just get to experience Upper Campus life to its fullest.

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have to separate my mom as the teacher, so there’s like two different people. My mom said she likes the ‘class’ version of me better.”

As the daughter of Sarah Haun, former principal of Middle Campus and current principal of Lower Campus, Sallie Haun has never been taught by her mother. However, having a parent who already worked at Pinewood came in handy when Sallie Haun first transferred from her old school.

“[Having my mom as principal] really helped me with the transition because a lot of new teachers already knew me,” Haun explained.

On the other hand, Amezcua, daughter of Spanish teacher Aurora Collantes, enjoyed being in her mother’s class when Collantes was teaching at Lower Campus.

“It’s just very easy if there’s a problem,” Amezcua said. “I can always just go to my mom and she’ll help me.”

Nox Bradley, the son of Spanish teacher Olivia Bradley, even described how he thinks of his mom at home and at school as two separate people.

“My mom in class is not my mom, she’s the teacher, but when we get home, she’s my mom,” he said. “I

One thing Amezcua, Kaufmann and Haun all agree on is how their relationships with their mothers have been affected.

“Honestly, I think it’s made our relationship stronger,” Amezcua said. “We have more of a bond because she knows

all the people that I go to school with.”

However, according to the four students, having a parent as a faculty member has its drawbacks as well. In the past, some classmates were under the impression that the four had special advantages because of their mothers’ positions in the school.

“When I got the WISCR award, everyone was like, ‘You only got it because your mom’s a teacher,’ and they wouldn’t let it go,” Kaufmann said.

But Bradley and Amezcua assure that no such claims are true.

“We still work hard,” Amezcua said. “We’re still just students.”

Tabula Rasa Receives Award

ARETHA LIU Staff Writer

Tabula Rasa, Pinewood’s student-led literary arts magazine, recently received the rank of REALM First Class by the National Council of Teachers of English.

The REALM program recognizes excellence in literary magazines produced by students across the nation.

Literature teacher David Wells and writing teacher Holly Coty help run the literary arts magazine as advisors. For the 2023 issue, they included a new addition that Wells believes helped elevate the magazine: QR code music compositions.

The QR codes featured original pieces of music written by students, allowing students to showcase their creativity in ways unconfined to writing and art. Wells credits the music as something that played a major role in winning the awards, as it was a feature that no other magazines had.

However, senior Emma Hwang, the current editor-in-chief Tabula Rasa, attributes the magazine’s success largely to the diverse ideas of Pinewood students.

“I have my own set of ideas, but when others present their own that they want to add to the magazine ... it makes a more diverse team,” Hwang said. “I think that makes Tabula Rasa special.”

Although publishing the magazines was a stressful process for everyone involved, seeing people’s faces light up as they read the magazine made it a memorable experience for Pinewood alumna Samantha Hsiung, last year’s editor-in-chief.

“People were coming up to me and saying how they really loved how the magazine looked.” Hsiung said. “I remember feeling bittersweet because I was glad that they liked the magazine but also sad that I was graduating and wouldn’t be able to do it all over again.”

With the general submissions deadline set for March 1, Tabula Rasa highly encourages students in all grades to give it a shot and submit their works to the magazine by emailing tabularasasubmissions@pinewood. edu.

Photo by WILLIAM LLOYD

RELATIONSHIP Nerea Amezcua (left) and her mother Profe Collantes (right).

Photo by SAM JEZAK

SPIRIT Students cheer at a green and gold spirit assembly.

Panthers Basketball Season Underway

JAKE REYNDERS Staff Writer

With the final half of the season approaching, the Pinewood girls and boys basketball teams are preparing for deep playoff runs. Both teams currently have hit double-digit win totals and show no signs of stopping.

The Pinewood boys basketball program has turned around since Head Coach Larry Williams arrived. Since his arrival, he has changed the team culture, and their record this season reflects that.

Senior George Textor has been on the team since the start of Williams’ tenure.

Textor appreciates how far the team has come.

“We already surpassed the number of wins we had last year, and that just shows our upward trajectory,” Textor said.

“Our team can improve our body language and not let one bad play affect the way we perform,” Meehleib said. “Keeping a positive mindset will help us improve and stay focused.”

Similar to the boys, Pinewood girls basketball started their season on fire. Heading into the new year, they were 5-0 and traveled down to San Diego for a short trip before the end of winter break.

When asked about the tournament, junior Vallory Kuelker mentioned the valuable time spent with her teammates.

A large part of their ascent can be attributed to a tournament the boys played in just two months ago. They traveled to Boonville, Calif. for the Redwood Classic and went 3-1.

Sophomore Thomas Meehleib cited the positive effect the overnight trip had on team chemistry.

“The Boonville tournament was great because we were able to get three wins, and we had a good time,” Meehleib said. “It was a good way to start the season.”

The team continued their winning streak into the holiday break, where they got some time off and were able to recover from the first stretch of the season. However, heading into January, they were met with a rigorous schedule that tested their abilities to the fullest. Following those games, it became apparent that they still had a lot of room for growth.

“I had a lot of fun hanging out with the team, and we had a great time together,” Kuelker said. The team returned to Los Altos with a 1-1 record and lessons learned.

Sophomore Caitlyn Kramer said overcoming the mental challenges of the season is an area her team needs to focus on to win close games.

“We have talked a lot about the mental aspect of the game,” Kramer said. “Bouncing back from mistakes and working through fatigue will be important for us.”

After a positive first half of the season, the girls look to build off of their impressive record through league play. As they play some challenging teams in the upcoming weeks, Kuelker stressed a key factor to winning games.

“My biggest goal for the team is for us to be fully confident in our skills and capabilities,” Kuelker said. If they can focus on those little details, Kuelker believes they will be a difficult team to beat come playoff time.

Behind the Armband: Charlotte van Gent

It’s a sunny day on the soccer field, and in the center of the action, one athlete stands out in particular— her impressive skill, wholehearted passion and sleek armband are just a few things that make her unique. Meet senior Charlotte van Gent, captain of the Pinewood girls soccer team.

Van Gent’s journey as a soccer player began when her father introduced her to the sport at the age of four. Ever since, she has dedicated substantial amounts of time to soccer, whether it be to Pinewood, her club team or personal training. Throughout her soccer career, van Gent has played for many teams. She played for Woodside Soccer Club when she was little, and then transferred to Alpine Strikers, now known as Stanford Strikers, when she got older.

a lot before,” van Gent said.

While actively participating in both club and Pinewood soccer, van Gent favors Pinewood soccer.

“I love Pinewood soccer a lot more than club soccer,” van Gent said. “I think I enjoy it a lot more because I can do more for the team.”

Van Gent’s proudest moment of this season came in a game against a skilled Gunderson High School team. On Dec. 17, Pinewood was trailing Gunderson 3-1 at halftime. They made a huge comeback and managed to tie the game at 3-3. Even though their effort didn’t result in a win, she was incredibly proud of her team’s perseverance.

“I feel like sometimes when we’re losing we get really sad and give up,” van Gent said. “But I was really proud of us that we came back and tied it up.”

Dear Basketball Brandon’s Homage to the Game

BRANDON GE Copy Editor

Dear Basketball,

It’s been eight years since I first picked you up, but I still remember it like yesterday. The sky was a vibrant gradient of pink and orange, and a cool summer breeze wafted the smell of playground wood chips all over my local elementary school campus. I stood there on the asphalt, looking at the crooked rim with ripped rope nets. I took two dribbles, and with every ounce of my nine-year-old strength, I flung you towards the hoop. I watched as you soared through the air and gracefully fell through the net with a satisfying swoosh.

“That was pretty cool,” I thought to myself. And so I shot again, and again, and again, and before I knew it, I was being dragged back home by my mom, scolding me for staying out so long.

Basketball, I’ve spent eight whole years chasing the joy that coursed through my body when I first scored. As a kid, I spent every second of my free time shoot ing on the cheap hoop we bought for Christmas. I didn’t care if it was freez ing cold or pouring rain; I was always practicing outside. I gave you my all.

I remember feeling so proud put ting on my Pinewood uniform for the first time in sixth grade, and ev ery year that school pride remained with me. Whether it was playing for junior high’s A team, starting on junior varsity, or coming off the bench my first year on the varsity squad, I always played my heart out; I didn’t want to cheat you.

But, it pains me to realize that our time together is quickly run ning out. Senior night is on the horizon, and before I know it, I will have taken my last shot, made my last basket, and dribbled you for the very last time as a Panther. I don’t think anything can ever compare to playing your game in front of all my friends and family in the cozy Pinewood gym.

Basketball, thank you for all the joyous moments we’ve shared together. When life’s troubles weighed me down, you were always there to lift me up; you were my escape from reality. Whether it’s funny Panther Pit chants or exhilarating double overtime wins, spending time with you brings me back to that elementary school playground, that smell of wood chips, that beautiful sunset, that place where I first fell in love with you and never looked back. To this day, lacing up and hitting the hardwood with you by my side makes me feel like that happy little kid, dribbling on the asphalt, shooting on crooked rims and ripped nets.

Van Gent has also been a member of the Pinewood girls soccer team for all four years of high school and a captain for her last two. As a captain, van Gent believes she is more than just a skilled player, but also a spirited leader who finds joy in mentoring her teammates.

“As a senior captain, I like helping out a lot of the freshmen and sophomores that maybe haven’t played

Overall, van Gent’s high school career has been a rewarding experience for her. In her junior year, van Gent received the First Team All-League award, currently her biggest accomplishment on the soccer field. Off the field, van Gent’s experience as an athlete has taught her many lessons and shaped her into the person she is today.

“Soccer has helped me gain confidence in myself and helped me make a lot of friends,” van Gent said. “I’ve also learned to be more resilient.”

Ironically, the things I’ll miss most are the ones that I hated at the moment. From running liners until I felt like throwing up to waking up because of calf cramps and my whole body being sore, the pain you caused me seemed unbearable at first. But whenever I felt like giving up, I looked at myself in the mirror, and realized that I wasn’t just chasing my own basketball dreams; I was helping that nine-year-old kid live his fantasies too. And so I kept pushing, knowing that every challenge you sent my way would only make me stronger. Basketball, thank you for being with me through the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Thank you for the memories and the relationships you helped me build. Thank you for making me stronger, making me happier, making me better.

Thank you for everything.

Love you always, Brandon

Photo by ROSE XU

Thomas Meehleib (right) dribbles during a game.

KAYDEN GE Staff Writer

Photo by SAM JEZAK

Charlotte van Gent (right) dribbles during a game.

Stop Being So Patriotic, You Idiots!

SIMON BRAUN Staff Writer

Sweet land of liberty. Of thee we praise. American patriotism is among the most formidable forms of patriotism in the world. In a YouGov survey of 20,000 individuals, U.S. citizens were the most likely to say their country was the best on Earth. But is it?

In a world dominated by modern globalization, the othering in patriotism is the blight holding the U.S. back. When an ‘in-group’ is created around a nationality, immigrants and people of color can often be excluded from those groups, thus pushing them away from important resources and communities. Our inability to learn from other nations makes us immune to modern ideas surrounding democracy, even as change is becoming a necessary part of the modernization of a system so ancient.

Patriotism implies conservatism. Thrown around by Fox News hosts, the term “anti-patriotic” is used to describe participants in democratic movements, such as Black Lives Matter, to make them out as scoundrels who want to overturn the way America “has always been.” And that’s the problem: America “has always been” horrible. I know we like to think of our country as great, and even I occasionally indulge myself in the sweet nectar of American ignorance. Still, the truth is this country – whether it be the federal government or the majority opinion of the public – fought against the Civil Rights Movement. We fought against the right to gay marriage and the right to abortion. We fought to bomb Cambodia, torture victims in Abu Gharib, and kill 2 million innocent Viet-

namese people. We fought to kill 60 million enslaved people and to genocide 95% of the Native population. Patriotism excuses our crimes and washes us our sins away.

Some of the ancient structures of the U.S. that patri-

otism supports include the right to gun ownership, individualism, and the glorification of the Constitution. Gun ownership in the U.S. has caused significantly higher rates of gun-related homicides in comparison to similarly developed countries. Still, because it is “American” to own a gun, American civilians refuse to identify the good of their communities over their liberties. Countries with stricter gun laws, like nearly all of those in Europe, have significantly lower rates of gun deaths. This idea transitions well into individualism. Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands focus more on

maximizing access and quality of life; American patriotism pushes strongly for “to each his own.” As a consequence, American cities are built poorly, with the perfect individualist house in the expensive suburbs being subsidized by the state while homelessness soars as a result of a lack of housing and opportunities.

Finally, the edification of the Constitution. Nearly every major country in the world has one. But it isn’t substantial. It is an assertion for the future, not a framework for government. The U.S., however, is distinct. Our constitution is edified in our halls and etched in our skulls. Should the words written by some rebellious slave-owning frat boys less than 250 years ago provide the foundation of our governance?

I am already reading your mind: “But Simon, isn’t a criticism of the United States also patriotic?” That depends on who defines patriotism, which is currently the American right. You know, perhaps it is right to give this country a few whacks in the buttocks. Shake it around a bit.

But even if criticism is contained within the definition of patriotism, I still critique the concept. Why should we value our country over others? I know we internally desire our country to “be the best,” but that doesn’t have to come at the expense of other nations. “The best” implies someone has to be the worst. The idea that countries should compete with one another is the thinking of Neanderthals. I live here, not in any other country. That does not mean I want to fight over the superiority of my nation. If other countries have something we can learn from, we should. Patriotism denies our right to learn from our mistakes and others’ mistakes. It makes us the losers.

The Stanley Cup, TikTok’s New Darling

A smooth, stainless steel exterior. An alluring, glossy decorated finish. The pinnacle of modern consumerism for this generation. Because the Stanley cups have skyrocketed into a multi-million dollar business in only a couple of years, their symbolic importance has baffled many. Seated at a desk in school, tucked away in a sports bag, or displayed at a coffee table, Stanley cups have become more of a statement piece than just a water bottle. Effortlessly replacing the previously trending Hydroflasks and Yeti bottles, the Stanley cup contains so much more than just liquid; it holds aspirations and a comforting sense of familiarity.

After an updated brand style in 2022, the Stanley cups took the nation by surprise, overcoming its wildest expectations in the past year with spill-free silicone seals and chic limited-edition colors. But why did such a seemingly insignificant object receive so much adoration by the average citizen? The social-media water bottle conquered screens and dominated pop culture, leading some to wait in lines that stretched beyond the horizon. Holiday wish lists were sprinkled with hopes of a Stanley cup stocking surprise.

The real reason behind its swift takeover has to do with the change in staff and the utilization of social media. Mirroring trends of as early as the Gilded Age

itself, people, armed with money to spend and a culture to uphold, bought the Stanley cup to be part of a larger trend that has usurped the genuine need for a quality water bottle.

After the brand takeover by President Terence Reilly, apps like TikTok have been utilized as a platform to promote the 110-year-old company. Similarly, Reilly transformed Crocs in 2013 into the staple fashion symbol that they are today. In a modern market, social media is one of the most imperative tools to expand a brand or idea. With this in mind, Reilly weaponized TikTok to turn Stanley cups into a status symbol of American pop culture. He also practiced the scarcity model, raising demands for limited editions like the Valentines Day or Lunar New Year inspired designs. Stanleys to incentivize people to make the purchase as soon as possible.

As for myself, I can’t help but loathe the Stanley cup for all they have come to represent. Like a hive mind, younger generations swarm to the local Target and pester their parents for the latest Stanley cups. But, in a way, there is a Stanley cup in all of us as a greater reflection of the society we are constantly interacting with. Like a blessing or a plague, Stanley cups have swept across the nation. But these days, with the contemporary methods of advertising, any product has the potential to transform its realm of pop culture.

VIOLET NEGRETTE Copy Editor

Photo by COLIN TERNUS

Illustration by LEELA JARSCHEL

Jo’s Guide to Romantic Comedies

JOLYN DING Sports Editor

Sometimes, all you need is a two hour film, your laptop and a cozy blanket to escape from the chaos of the real world and steal a little moment for yourself. Whether you’re bogged down from a week that couldn’t get any worse, in need of a little laugh or just in the mood for a sweet love story, romance movies are the perfect way to unwind and take your mind off whatever’s going on. So, light your candle, turn off the lights, find a comfortable place to relax and get ready to bawl your eyes out, laugh hysterically or giggle with excitement after watching some of these classics. I promise you won’t regret it!

For the criers, the sensitive ones, the people who are just like me,

“A Walk to Remember” is the movie to watch. Let’s set the scene: you’re on the back end of winter break and you’re scrolling on YouTube when you happen to come across another Nicholas Sparks classic. And what do you know, it’s free to watch! Absolutely elated, you light your candle, turn off your lights and snuggle up in bed, fully expecting a lighthearted love story to unfold in front of you. However, just an hour later, you find yourself sobbing uncontrollably and wishing for a happier outcome. This tale of two unexpected lovers is heartbreakingly beautiful and wonderfully charming at the same time. That said, you have been warned. Don’t watch this movie the night before a big event. Your eyes will be swollen shut.

For the jokesters, the people who slap their friends when they hear a funny joke,

“Bridesmaids” is the funniest, most relatable movie out there. Although it’s not your typical romantic comedy, it’s one that’ll surely have you sprawled across your bedroom floor, dying of laughter at 2 a.m. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) Whether it’s the food poisoning scene, Annie’s meltdown at the engagement party or the bridesmaids’ epic tennis match, this movie delivers in every scene. It has just the right amount of sass and pettiness to counteract its sweet, heartwarming moments. A story of true love, platonic or not, “Bridesmaids” shows us that real friends and lovers always find their way back to each other, just as I always find my way back to this movie. If you watch this masterpiece and don’t laugh, blame me.

For the dreamers, the lovers, the people who want a fairytale love story,

“How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is a must-watch. This was the first movie that got me interested in rom-coms, and for that, it’ll always be one of my favorites. In fact, I distinctly remember piling into my teammate’s hotel room, fully expecting to grow tired of the movie and fall asleep, just for me to be wide awake an hour later and be fully invested in Andie and Ben’s love story. Seeing their undeniable chemistry, their subtle yet not-so-subtle flirtations with one another and their hilarious fight scenes will never fail to put a smile on my face. Without completely spoiling the ending, just know that you’ll be smiling from ear to ear as the credits come rolling in and “You’re So Vain” replays over and over again in your head…

Valentine’s Day is Overrated

CHRISTINA TANASE News Editor

Red roses. Candy hearts. Boxed chocolates. Cheesy rom-coms. Tacky cards from your classmates you don’t love. Inevitably just spending the day alone.

All of these aspects define America’s worst commercial holiday––Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day is corporations’ last grab for your cash before the holiday season comes to an end.

As children, we were horribly misled. We were under the impression that as we grew up, our coworkers, instead of classmates, would be the ones to slip sweet candy grams into our ornately decorated card box. But that is sadly not the case.

I remember when I was in the third grade, crying to my mother because she wouldn’t buy me a Valentine’s mailbox from Michaels that the rest of my classmates had the luxury of displaying on their desks the morning of Feb. 14. Bawling, kicking and screaming in the Michaels parking lot, I thought it had to do with my immigrant mother’s stubbornness in accepting America’s iconic Hallmark holidays.

Only now do I realize that my immigrant mother was right about the frivolousness of Valentine’s Day.

ship who go into Valentine’s Day with high expectations for their partner, they will ultimately be left disappointed. Flowers. Flirting. Falling deeper in love. Flattering declarations of undying love. Fancy dinners at restaurants whose prices are marked up just for the special day. These are all things that those in relationships imagine in anticipation. But in reality, the higher the expectations, the deeper that disappointment. For those who are not in a relationship (and believe me, I deeply resonate with you), each Valentine’s Day, an overwhelming feeling of loneliness encroaches on them. Singles are stuck at

Percy Jackson: A Fresh Take

KARINA ARONSON Editor-in-Chief

I am not the target audience of Disney’s new TV show “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” based on Rick Riordian’s hit book series of the same name. Neither are my friends who won’t stop sending me clips of the show. However, for older viewers who grew up reading the novels, the show can only be described as a homecoming.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” follows Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), a 12-year-old who, upon learning that Greek gods and mythology is real, plunges into that world. At the summer camp for demigods, Percy is sent on a quest to retrieve a stolen lightning bolt. As he battles monsters across the United States with fellow demigod Annabeth Chase (Leah Jeffries) and satyr Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri), he must reckon with his heritage as the son of a god.

Unlike the notoriously bad movie adaptations from 2010, the world of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is vivid and immersive.

home with a bowl of ice cream and a cheesy rom-com where the two obviously will end up together, fantasizing about what their future relationships could look like. And while there is nothing wrong with that, wallowing in self pity is not the best way to bounce back from being alone.

My feelings towards Valentine’s Day are not all bad, but bittersweet. It is good to show appreciation for the people you love. However, you do not need overpriced roses, cheap chocolates or giant, stuffed teddy bears to do so. We should be able to show our love for the people around us year round, not on some random holiday in the lull between New Years and St. Patrick’s Day.

What we all need, most importantly, is to show yourself love on Valentine’s Day. Your relationship with yourself is arguably the most significant relationship you’ll have in your life. And at the end of the day, how can we show our love for someone if we cannot show love for ourselves first?

P.S. And as for myself, I am truly a hopeless romantic at heart who hopes to be spoiled on Valentine’s Day and find the love I see in those cheesy rom-coms.

The masterful use of CGI brings the demigods’ battles against a Minotaur, Medusa and winged Furies to life. Instead of looking cheesy and low-budget (as is often the case with CGI in kids’ shows), these fights against monsters enhance the show, creating visually engaging action scenes.

Aesthetic set design was the cherry on top; the attention to detail shone through during the scenes set at Camp Half Blood, a summer camp that trains the demigods for war. Situated in the woods of New Jersey, the camp is complete with bunkhouses modeled after temples, fire pits that demigods burn offerings in and flaming archery practice against hydra-shaped targets, creating a familiar yet otherworldly and excitingly new environment.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” lived up to expectations — the TV show was exactly how I envisioned the book.

Watching Percy and Annabeth battle monsters at the St. Louis arch and journey through the underworld unlocked memories of devouring the books under the covers. Despite the change that comes with finishing my final year of high school and moving to college later in the year, I know “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” will allow me to hold on to bits and pieces of my childhood.

With its lengthy source material and a captive audience, Percy Jackson has the potential to become the Gen-Z equivalent of “Harry Potter.” As new generations discover the series, I can only hope that they will find the same comfort as I did.

Illustration by ARETHA LIU

Illustration by SOPHIA LEE

Photo courtesy of IMDB

Battle of Computers: PC or Mac?

BY RYAN CHOU Staff Writer

The choice between a Mac (Macintosh) computer and Windows PC (personal computer) has been a running debate for many years. Many people are convinced that their preferred type of computer is superior. Ultimately, the choice between a Mac and PC comes down to personal preference and the individual needs of the user. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each platform.

The Macin-Top PC is so Easy

With over 100 million users worldwide, Mac computers are designed by Apple Inc. and have been used for over 40 years. Macs primarily run the macOS operating system, a counterpart of iOS, which runs on mobile devices. They are tightly integrated since they are both developed by Apple, which is one compelling reason why some users strongly prefer Mac computers over PCs.

“I like macOS because I’ve used it for such a long time,” junior Arjun Ari said. “It’s pretty straightforward and simple. For Windows, you get lost in a bunch of folders.”

Indeed, macOS is known for being easier to use with fewer complications. It also has the reputation of being more secure.

“There’s more folks using Windows, so there are more apps that can be viruses,” Director of Technology Bill Bates said.

Bates explained that Pinewood primarily uses Macs because they are easier to administer with management tools such as Jamf, a software program used to configure school devices and enforce security on the network.

“[When administering technology] across all three campuses in a Windows environment, there’s so much more that can go wrong,” Bates said. Both Ari and Bates said they prefer a Mac computer over a Windows PC because it is user-friendly and stable.

So, which one is right for you?

(top) and PC (bottom)

On the other hand, Windows PC has an even wider user base than Mac computers. As of 2023, Intego.com estimated that 70% of computer users worldwide run Windows, while only 20% run Macs. Since Windows has significantly more users, there is a larger online community for support.

“I think there’s a lot more YouTube tutorials for problems or anything,” Ari said. “Because there’s so many people who use Windows, there’s always a solution to the problem.”

Additionally, there is a wider range of available software and hardware for PCs, allowing users to find options at lower prices.

“Windows is popular because there are more titles out there, more games,” Bates said. Macs have always been high-priced. You can certainly have a good gaming machine for Mac, but you’re going to pay a lot more.”

Windows users also have the option to buy pre-built or custom-built gaming PCs, which are desktop computers with high-end components optimized for maximum performance. These options for customization allow users to swap out parts if they want to upgrade a component, such as a graphics card. I personally wanted to build a custom PC, and found that there are certain games I enjoy playing that only run on Windows, and not on macOs.

If you are looking for a computer that is reliable and easy to use, or if you own other Apple products, then Mac is probably a good option for you. However, if you would like to play a wider range of video games and are interested in having the option to choose a custom computer, then consider buying a Windows PC.

How Silicon Valley Causes Student Struggles

The Competition, Mental Health and Pressure to Succeed

BY LARA PARIKH Staff Writer

With every day comes new challenges. New adversities. These adversities may be something physical, but they can also be something more internal. They can be an overwhelming tsunami of stress, anxiety and depression. If you were to look inside the brain of a Silicon Valley student, these feelings would most likely greet you like a punch in the face. Intrinsically, sports, school, relationships and family can support and strengthen students, but they can easily do the opposite. It doesn’t take a lot to turn something that was once beloved into a new cause of stress.

In Silicon Valley, students are driven to do their best, be their best and feel their best, but at what cost? Silicon Valley is full of high achievers and inventors, and as a result there is extreme competition. While pressure and competition are motivating, they can likewise hinder students.

Director of Upper Campus Counseling Stephanie Fugita sees both the positive and negative effects on the mental health of students in Silicon Valley.

“I think because the community has such a high level of education, this can benefit students in having parents that are involved in their education and spark intellectual curiosity in their kids,” Fugita said. “Also because people are financially stable, they are able to access mental health support like therapy when they need it.”

The desire to be your best self is often the greatest propeller and can yield thrilling results. With that said, there is always a happy medium, so being over-critical and putting too much pressure on yourself may do more harm than good.

Junior Ruby Hannelly stresses the importance of balance for student success.

“I would say number one is definitely balance. I think the key to sustaining any success in life is to have a balance in whatever you are doing,” Hannelly said. “For me at school that looks like being able to balance social, academic, sporting life and family life.”

Challenge Success is the group that Pinewood is using to guide the school in helping students. Their data shows that 90% of high school students worry about taking assessments with 79% of them feeling pressured to perform well in school.

“I hear students who are anxious before a test, and say if they don’t do well on a test, they will fail the class, not get into a good college and end up homeless, which is catastrophic thinking and causes a lot of emotional stress,” Fugita said.

This kind of thinking can lead students down what feels to be a never-ending rabbit hole. It can feel as though all your hopes and dreams have been washed down the drain, but that’s not the reality. It’s crucial to overcome these overwhelming thoughts to bounce back.

More often than not, it’s the students themselves who put themselves under a ton of pressure despite support from peers and family. Hence, the pressure of Silicon Valley impacts self-perception, usually for the worse. Students feel as though they can’t compete with others and that they’re not worthy enough. Sometimes, this pressure can even cloak genuine passion.

“I hear some students say they love literature and history but are going to choose computer science or business because this will ‘pay the bills’,” Fugita said.

Hannelly has likewise noticed these hesitations in her peers.

“I think some students may prioritize meeting perceived expectations over pursuing what truly resonates with their interests and values, potentially impacting

their authenticity and personal fulfillment,” Hannelly said.

Money is a big factor that shapes Silicon Valley. For young students to have to worry about whether their passion will make enough money to sustain their lives is truthfully miserable.

What is really needed is the recognition that every student is unique; some may be more creative, and others analytical. Regardless, the education system tends to put all students in the same box.

Student stress is inevitable, but in a well-rounded community like Pinewood, identifying the causes of poor student mental health can be addressed and mediated quicker.

ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES CHANG

Mac

Predicting the GRAMMYs Addison’s Take on This Year’s Awards

Imagine spilling your “GUTS” to the entire world. That is what Olivia Rodrigo and other artists have done this year to earn GRAMMY nominations.

This year’s Record of the Year nominees are: “Worship” by Jon Batiste, “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, “On My Mama” by Victoria Monét, “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift and “Kill Bill” by SZA. According to Spotify, the most streamed of these songs is “Flowers” with 1.7 billion streams. Regardless, I think “What Was I Made For?” will win Record of the Year because of its popularity, beautifully written lyrics and emotional impact.

The nominees for Song of The Year are: “A&W” by Lana Del Rey, “Anti-Hero,” “Butterfly” by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson, “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa, “Flowers,” “Kill Bill,” “Vampire,” and “What Was I Made For?” While I think “What Was I Made For?” will win Record of the Year, I believe “Anti-Hero” will win Song of The Year due to the fact that it broke the record for most opening-day streams of Spotify and that it was the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.

The Album of the Year nominees this year are: “World Music Radio” by Jon Batiste, “the record” by boygenius, “Endless Summer Vacation” by Miley Cyrus, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” by Lana Del Rey, “The Age of Pleasure” by Janelle Monáe, “GUTS” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Midnights” by Taylor Swift and “SOS” by SZA. While my personal favorite is “GUTS”, I think that either “SOS” or “Midnights” will win. SZA’s “SOS” is a collection of songs about the ups and downs of love, and Swift’s “Midnights” is a compilation of her deepest midnight reflections.

This year, the GRAMMYs feature three brand new categories: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording. According to Academy, who manage and produce the GRAMMYs, Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr., the academy has added these categories as part of their goal to make the Grammys “more fair, transparent and accurate.” The ceremony will also feature performances by Travis Scott, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Luke Combs, Burna Boy and Billie Eilish. The 2024 GRAMMY awards air live on Feb. 4 from Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles.

Take Note Takes on ICHSA

RISHI CHEN Staff Writer

Take Note, Pinewood’s a cappella group, has been working hard as they embark on their journey to the West Coast quarterfinals of the International Championship of High School A Cappella in Burbank on Feb. 10. With a fresh team, the group has seen success after numerous performances. Now, they are aiming to further their success at the world’s largest high school a cappella competition. ICHSA, which features 150 groups over eight regions of contenders, has been a staple of each year’s incarnation of Take Note for the last seven years. This year’s group, comprised of senior Kaelyn Smith, sophomore Malaika Boros, junior Mia Gustavson, freshman Ryan Gustavson, freshman Ellis Matula, and junior Josephine Tu, is eager to participate and hope to do well. They stay collected as the competition draws nearer.

“We haven’t felt too stressed out about ICHSA, but we do have a lot to get done,” director Katie Linza said.

In addition to their setlist, consisting of “Haze,” by Amber Run, “Guiltless,” by Dodie and “I Want You Back,” by The Jackson 5, the group is learning choreography, which is typical of an ICHSA competitor, but will be a new experience for this year’s Take Note group. This is not, however, their main focus in the

tournament; they still place a strong emphasis on perfection in the music.

“We just need to finesse the songs and make them extra good,” sophomore Malaika Boros said.

Competition at the tournament appears to be stiff; as a capella continues to grow in popularity as an activity in high schools, larger and more experienced groups surface.

“There are a ton of groups this year that weren’t there last year,” Mia. “It’s going to be pretty tough. There’s a lot more competition.”

Additionally, Take Note’s six-member make-up is not typical of other ICHSA competitors, as other groups often have over double the number of members. However, this is far from a detriment; the group has formed a close bond with one another and created a sense of community.

“I absolutely love having this tiny group,” Linza said. “They’re all so talented in their own right, and I think they’ve each been challenged.”

Though the group undoubtedly wants to continue the tradition of making it to semifinals, Mia said the whole point is to enjoy the process.

“Ms. Linza said she’s less and less worried about winning each year, and I agree with that sentiment,” Mia said. “We’re just here for the fun of it, really, and the experience.”

Photo by SAM JEZAK

2024 in Movies

JOSHI Staff Writer

The year 2024 got off to a strong start in cinemas with the highly anticipated musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” hitting theaters on Jan. 12, but the line-up of adaptations, spinoffs and new films coming this year is only more impressive. After production delays due to the WAG and SAG-AFTRA strikes, audiences have only become more eager to see what will come to theaters this year.

“Dune: Part Two” — The second installment of Dennis Villeneuve’s film adaptation of science fiction novel “Dune” is one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2024. Releasing on March 1, “Dune: Part Two” stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, a young man grappling with destiny as he tries to protect his home planet. The first film adapted the first half of the novel, and fans of the epic science fiction story have been eagerly awaiting the sequel’s March 1 release for two years.

“The Fall Guy” — Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt

games, comic books and more, making this film’s addition a notable one.

“Deadpool 3” — Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool makes his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut with Deadpool 3. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film stars Reynolds as the titular character, while Hugh Jackman reprises his role of Wolverine, the “X-Men” anti-hero with retractable claws, whom audiences thought they saw the last of in the 2017’s “Logan.” “Deadpool 3” comes to theaters on July 16, six years after “Deadpool 2,” and audiences are preparing to revisit one of their favorite characters.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” — On the other side of the superhero universe, The DC Extended Universe is gearing up to release a second “Joker” movie starring Joaquin Phoenix. The subtitle—meaning “shared delusions” in French—

prepares moviegoers for a thrilling film, while the musical element and inclusion of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn drums up even more curiosity. The film, directed by Todd Phillips, will release on Oct. 4.

“Gladiator 2” — Black Friday will open with a new feature from Ridley Scott. Following the events of “Gladiator,” the film follows Lucius, now portrayed by Paul Mescal. The film also has other large names attached to it; Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal will both appear in the epic historical drama.

ADDISON PARENTI Staff Writer

Illustration by EMMA HWANG

ESHA

Olivia Rodrigo in the cover art for her single “vampire.”

Navigating the Path to Panther Pride: Demystifying Admissions Process for Future Panthers

LUCAS GUAN Staff Writer

The Pinewood admission system holds pivotal significance in our school, shaping the future lineage of Pinewood successors. Led by Upper Campus Director of Admissions Lisa Longbottom, the admissions committee reviews and selects students from diverse backgrounds to attend Pinewood each year.

For the 24-25 application season, admissions opened on Sept. 1, 2023. Students and parents must fill out an online application with basic demographics, interests, parent information, among other criteria. Student interviews take place in November, where students come to campus in small groups to fill out a questionnaire about their interests and partake in a brief interview with Longbottom. After applications close on January 10, 2024, the next deadline is to send in student transcripts by February 1, with decisions coming out shortly after on March 14, aligning with most other private schools. Accepted students will have one week to notify the school if they plan on attending Pinewood in the fall, and students who chose to attend Pinewood will take placement exams to be placed into their respective classes.

seven and nine this year because we have sizable rising classes, meaning there’s not going to be a lot of room in the other grades to bring in extra students,” Longbottom said.

Additionally, the traditional practice of individual shadow days, where a few students come to campus each day to shadow two classes, has evolved into a more

Although this schedule is standard for most years, Pinewood has implemented some strategic adjustments to its admissions system. The most significant change involves a decision to exclusively consider applications for 7th and 9th graders, marking a departure from the acceptance of applications for eighth, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.

“We are only accepting applications from grades

collaborative experience with the introduction of group shadow days.

“The problem [with individual shadow visits] is that with the way our schedule is different every day, it became a scheduling nightmare,” Longbottom said.

With the implementation of group shadow days, cohorts of 25 prospective students will visit campus in

the morning. During this visit, they will engage with Pinewood’s Associated Student Body team and high school student government, serving as ambassadors to provide a student perspective and address any questions shadows may have. Following this session, students will transition to a campus-wide spirit assembly. Here, shadows have the opportunity to actively participate or enjoy activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie as they compete for spirit points. Then, shadows will eat a catered lunch on our Murphy Patio, after which they will be taken on a campus tour by Pinewood’s Envoy Program, created by Associate Director of College Counseling Carolyn Siegel, with the intention of integrating a team of ambassadors to introduce any college visitors or shadows to our school.

Exploring the intricate admissions processes requires a closer look at the factors the admissions team considers when evaluating potential students. They aim to find the students that fit best for Pinewood, in order to ensure that they can thrive in the community; this includes excelling academically and expressing interest in activities and clubs to quickly connect with peers and make friends.

As Upper Campus welcomes new Panthers, Longbottom is excited to welcome a cohort of admits that embody the school’s spirit and this year’s theme of belonging, allowing each new student to contribute to the collective success of Pinewood.

“Our whole pedagogy is a well-rounded WISCR student, so we want students and parents to fulfill that,” Longbottom said.

New School Year, New Face For Upper Campus Pinewood’s Recent Push For Communication

ANNABELLE EATON & IAN HSIAO Staff Writers

With its new website, Pinewood hopes to give prospective students not only fast facts, but also an idea of what it’s like to be a Pinewood student.

“There’s certain things that are just really special about Pinewood that we don’t see in other schools,” Pinewood President Scott Riches said. “So we’re going back to change what we’ve been doing on social media on the website.”

While Pinewood’s new website will go public in August or September of this year, Pinewood has already released the Shine magazine and the “Roots and Branches” alumni podcast to precede the launch.

The Shine magazine is headed by Pinewood Director of Communications Katy Wells and released its first issue in the fall. It features alumni and student stories called mission moments, which showcase people that best represent Pinewood’s mission.

“As we hear about things students are doing, we want to highlight the family atmosphere at the school,” Riches said. “So if there are opportunities where students are showing empathy or compassion for other students, those are things we want to highlight in the mission moments.”

The alumni podcast “Roots and Branches,” on the other hand, aims to inspire current and prospective students. It released its second episode on Jan. 14, featuring Jason Raffin, a Pinewood alumni and chef who

supports the Maui community through his cooking. The first episode aired earlier in November and was an interview with Riches. Both episodes can be found on Spotify.

“My current parents have come to me and said that they appreciate the alumni stories and those mission moments,” Riches said. “There’s also been some confirmations even at the open house that we had in November.”

According to Riches, these changes are not just being made to better represent Pinewood’s current student body, but also to attract more mission-aligned families. The annual open house is a large part of this.

“It’s kind of the first entry point for prospective families to come on campus and really see us up close,” Director of Admissions Lisa Longbottom said. “And then if it sparks their interest and then they apply then parents have the opportunity to come on a parent tour with me.”

Unlike previous years, this past open house granted 20 minutes for prospective families to tour Pinewood’s student run clubs, allowing Pinewood to better showcase their student focused atmosphere.

“I think it’s really nice and it gives a good insight on the life of people at Pinewood,” sophomore William Lloyd said. “It’s not fake. It’s the best kind of thing that you can get from how your child would be at the school without actually going to the school.”

Illustration by ELIZABETH LIANG

Photo courtesy of PINEWOOD SCHOOL