Abigail
Science
Alum Jon M. Chu Brings “Wicked” to the Screen
The Perennial scores an exclusive interview with the 1998 Evergreen
ADDISON PARENTI Staff Writer
Pinewood’s most famous alumnus and critically-acclaimed film director Jon M. Chu has a new movie coming out on Nov. 22 that’s sure to be a blockbuster: “Wicked - Part 1.” The movie is an adaptation of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical featuring stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. His other films include “In the Heights,” “Now You See Me 2,” ”Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” and “Crazy Rich Asians.”
In an exclusive interview, Perennial Staff Writer Addison Parenti spoke with the 1998 Evergreen graduate about his career, his experience with “Wicked,” and how his time at Pinewood played a role in his life.
Q: What made you want to direct “Wicked”?
JC: I was a big fan of “Wicked” – I saw it before it went to Broadway, and so I’ve loved it all the time. I tried to get the job for the last 20 years, but they always had a director on it, so when I got the call during the pandemic lockdown, I was really excited. I’ve loved “Wizard of Oz” my whole life, and I’ve loved “Wicked,” so the opportunity to do a movie of that scale, of that size, and to present it to the world is a dream come true.
"I loved Pinewood. I couldn’t have asked for a more safe, beautiful, creative environment."
Q: When I saw “Wicked” on Broadway, I fell in love with the message and the story behind it. How does “Wicked” speak to you?
JC: You know, for “Wicked,” the relationship is everything – the relationship between these two girls. In a weird way, I think of my relationships with people at Pinewood. You know, what is the value of a relationship that maybe I don’t necessarily even have anymore, but that meant something to me back then? Maybe it’s a teacher or friend or a girlfriend or a best friend. To me, those people have so much value in my life, and I love that this story explores that idea – that they become iconic characters, but that relationship, even if they’re not together, still leaves a handprint on their heart.
Q: How are you bringing the magic of the live stage version to the movie?
JC: It’s definitely a new experience. I mean, because I’m a fan, I tried to crystallize all the things that I felt when I saw it, but at the same time, it’s a different medium. A movie is different from a stage show, so it means different things. So I think you get a more intimate look at these characters. You’ll get a more intimate and immersive feel into the giant world of Oz, so I hope people get it from that.
Q: How was your experience at Pinewood? What kind of student were you?
JC: I loved Pinewood. I went there from Kindergarten all the way through high school. I couldn’t have asked for a more safe, beautiful, creative environment. It was
a place that encouraged creativity through art. Through Mr. Blake, through Mrs. Pickett, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Eickmeier, the teachers and the community really gave me a place of courage. It allowed me to try different things, whether it’s being a leader in student government or being the mascot or even playing sports. To me, they allowed me to just play, and I think that has stayed with me and given me courage to be able to know that I can do anything, that I can try anything, and that you can be a leader even if you don’t feel that you know exactly what you’re doing. They give you the courage to try, and I love that about Pinewood.
Q: I read that you started making home movies in 5th grade. Can you tell me more about that?
JC: Yes, I would take the camera and cut them together on VHS tapes, so I loved it. And then I started doing weddings and bar mitzvahs, and I started to convince
my teachers to let me make videos for their classes, so it was all around. And we were in the center of Silicon Valley, so I got equipment like digital video equipment that nobody got, at my age especially, to play with. Again, class videos were really fun to make and allowed me to cut my teeth on how to edit and how to tell a story.
Q: Did you do any film-related projects or classes at Pinewood?
JC: I took a film class, probably one of the first film classes, with Charles Oliver. I wasn’t allowed to be in the class because it was for seniors only, but he let me be in it because I was the one interested in film, so I got to watch films and examine films with him, and that was really fun, and he was a great inspiration in the stuff that I do. And Betsy Kennedy, when I was in high school, had a sort of web class, how to build a website, and I loved that because it allowed me to learn a little bit about programming and gave me a forum to use creativity and technology together.
Q: What inspired you to pursue this career?
JC: There were several people – Keith Merrill, whose family all went to Pinewood, was a very successful filmmaker, and so to see his Oscar in his office and to see him premiere an iMax movie at Great America made it a real possible road to become a filmmaker, and so I loved that. So me just making wedding videos and bar mitzvah videos really gave me a path to pursue. The other thing that made me want to pursue filmmaking was the fact that whenever I held a camera, I felt like people accepted me differently. They wanted me to hang out with them, to show them in the best light. So looking through that viewfinder gave me a view of the world I didn’t otherwise have, and it felt empowering. Eventually, I would explore whether that’s actually hiding or not, but what I learned is that with this camera, I can actually show myself more. So it gave me a shield and also a door to the world.
Q: What would be your biggest piece of advice to students seeking a career in film?
JC: I think rather than trying to be a specific director, I would say if you’re a storyteller, explore all of the mediums of storytelling - maybe that’s sound, maybe that’s editing, maybe that’s writing, maybe that’s doing a play, or maybe that’s lighting in a play. You’re learning who you are as a storyteller, and then you’re learning the medium in which you best express those storytelling skills. So I wouldn’t discount things, whether that’s commercials or even assisting or being a runner. Maybe you’re really good at something in this world, so I would keep your antennas up and don’t close your world and say “I just want to be a director.” Storytelling can be seen in everything from marketing to a design of a bottle, and you should harness your storytelling skills, and by doing that, you discover who you are more. And that’s the most important thing. Your unique voice comes out because that’s the only thing that storytelling really is guaranteed. What you say is only unique to yourself and no one else has experienced or lived the life that you have.
Jon M. Chu, class of 1998. Photo courtesy of PINEWOOD YEARBOOK
Chu works closely with the "Wicked" cast during movie production. Photo courtesy of UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Students Share Opinions on No HW Days
From canine dietary accidents to household internet malfunctions, students have been coming up with methods to avoid homework for years. So, when Pinewood announces its annual no homework days, the reaction from the student body is expected to be overwhelming joy and relief. However, this year’s no homework days yielded differing opinions from the Pinewood community.
One common misconception about the no homework days is that it’s a no homework week. According to Dean of Students Jennifer Bates, it’s actually meant to be a few days that span over the weekend, designed to encourage students to spend the weekend enjoying time with their friends and family.
For seniors like Gabby Yang, the no homework days also helped free up her schedule for the one thing all seniors have on their minds: college applications.
“I’m applying as an art major, so I have almost double the amount of work,” Yang said. “The no homework days gave me time to focus entirely on that instead of having to juggle homework at the same time.”
Other students like junior Addison Parenti found the no homework days to be helpful in reducing overall academic stress, especially because she participated in the fall play.
“In the past, I’d always gotten home from rehearsal and had to do homework and homework and homework,” Parenti said. “It was really nice to have no homework and just be able to come home and go to bed.”
While she appreciates the concept of no homework week, Parenti thinks its timing could use some work.
“It should not have been during all those fourday weeks,” Parenti said. “It just meant that all the homework and tests happened at the same time.”
Sophomore Zachary Gill, who also had a role in the play, agreed with Parenti’s criticisms of the timing.
“The no homework week didn’t actually line up with the play’s tech week,” Gill said.
Despite these flaws, Yang thinks that the no homework days this year were the most helpful so far.
“I think the more and more no homework days we have, the better they get because teachers are more experienced and know what to assign,” Yang said.
Pinewood also plans to continue improving the no homework days for future years. Instead of postponing deadlines and causing assignments to pile up after the no homework days, Bates wants to make it more balanced.
“Putting off the stress is not helpful,” Bates said.
Student Podcasts Receive Honorable Mentions in NPR Contest
The power of one’s voice can hold more weight than just the written word alone. This notion is one that writing and social entrepreneurship teacher Michelle Gannon’s students have embodied and conveyed through the podcasts they submitted to the National Public Radio Contest last spring. Of the 2,000 submissions, Pinewood eighth graders Adelynn Wang, Blake Armistead, Emma Hsieh, and Joyce Yan all received honorable mention awards.
In Gannon’s seventh grade writing class last year, students created a podcast, highlighting a story or lesson learned that has had an impact on their lives.
Wang’s podcast, “A Tree of Two Cultures,” tells the story of what it is like to be a third-generation Asian American. She discusses finding the balance between her Asian identity and her American one.
“I believe that everyone’s different cultures are fascinating and distinctive, and they are all worth sharing,” Wang said.
Armistead’s story captures his grandfather’s unfair treatment in the Korean War, where he endured many hardships and was constantly discriminated against due to his Japanese background. This project allowed Armistead to connect with his grandparents on a deeper level.
“It was incredibly interesting to learn their story that I had almost no idea about,” Armistead said.
Hsieh’s podcast, titled “More Than Just a Meal,” is about hot pot, a common meal in Asian culture, which is one communal pot in the middle of the table where everyone can grab food. Hsieh’s podcast talks about how this dish brings her family together.
“I chose this topic because it was a way to express my Asian culture while also sharing about something I love and my family,” Hsieh said.
Yan’s podcast is called “The Double-Edged Sword of
Busy Schedules,” and it explores the idea of what life is like as a student who is always busy.
“The podcast was a representation of all the kids, including myself, who are doing so many things without an idea of why we are even doing it,” Yan said.
Her story talks about the pros and cons to having a busy lifestyle with little free time.
“I wanted to put out a message to kids my age that life is about exploration, and no matter if you have a busy or free schedule, always be grateful,” Yan said.
According to Gannon, this podcast project was an opportunity for students to go back to their roots and find ideas that would be able to touch listeners in today’s world. She wants her students to understand that their writing serves for something greater. It serves as an outlet for her students to share their voices and stories with the world.
“It’s very hard to sometimes add enthusiasm in the written word, but you can do that in the spoken word, and so it’s this beautiful amalgamation of both the written and the spoken word coming together,” Gannon said.
Students Gain Experience by Working on Election Campaigns
It’s not every day that Pinewood students get the opportunity to get up close and personal with congressional candidates. This year, two juniors had the opportunity to do just that.
Jack Hollenbeck and Dhruv Gutpa worked on the campaigns for the race for California’s 16th congressional district seat. Hollenbeck worked with Sam Liccardo, former San Jose Mayor, and Gupta worked with Evan Low, an openly gay, Asian American politician who currently serves in the California State Assembly. Liccardo ended up winning the seat.
While both candidates are Democrats, they disagreed on major topics, such as policing, public safety, and homelessness. The experience had a major impact on the lives of Hollenbeck and Gupta. Hollenbeck worked as a field intern who canvased houses and called potential voters for Liccardo. He chose to work with the Liccardo campaign because he agreed with many of Liccardo's beliefs.
“I was inspired to work for Sam because I wanted to get involved
in local politics during this eventful election year,” Hollenbeck said. Hollenbeck said he accomplished a lot with the campaign, but he knows there is much more to learn as he hopes to gain some more insight into how political campaigns are run.
Gupta worked for the Low campaign as a leading policy intern. His job focused on behind-the-scenes work, such as summarizing Low’s legislative accomplishments and drafting briefs to pitch to organizations to get them to endorse Low. Gupta said it was a great experience.
“Once, I wrote a policy brief, and a few weeks later, I saw the organization I was writing it for on Evan’s endorsement page, which felt like a really big achievement,” Gupta said.
Gupta’s inspiration behind his work with Low began after meeting him at a public event.
“He is one of the most hardworking and genuine people I know, and it’s clear he values people over politics, which I really respect,” Gupta said. “I really feel like everyone on team Low really bought into the idea that Evan, an underdog, could win, and it is very inspiring. The team feels like a family."
CLAIRE WU Staff Writer
STUDENT PODCASTERS (from left to right) Adelynn Wang, Emma Hsieh, Blake Armistead, and Joyce Yan
Illustration by JENNIFER LI
RIYA KOLAPPA Staff Writer
Photo by BILLY LLOYD
JAKE REYNDERS Web Editor
Jack Hollenbeck
Dhruv Gupta
Photos by ADAM XU
New Coach Revamps Boys Basketball
KAYDEN GE Staff Writer
The winter sports season is underway, and the boys basketball team finds themselves with a new opportunity to build on the foundation they have laid in recent years. Coming off of a semi-final run in last year’s Central Coast Section Division V playoffs, the boys hope to make this season the best one yet with the help of new players and staff.
New head coach Chris Jackson, previously an assistant coach of the Archbishop Mitty varsity boys basketball team, looks to redefine the reputation of Pinewood boys basketball.
“We’re trying to build a culture of great effort and playing with joy and competitiveness,” Jackson said. “I think if we get those things established, the results will end up speaking for themselves.”
Doc Scheppler, who previously only oversaw the girls basketball team, will now oversee both the boys and girls basketball teams as the Director of Basketball Operations. Scheppler has taken the girls basketball program to great success, and he hopes to do the same with the boys program by establishing the same qualities he instills in the girls.
“There’s gonna be an emphasis on the fact that people are going to show up, do their best, be disciplined, and work hard,” Scheppler said. “My girls do it, so why can’t the guys do it?”
New players are hopping right on board, as freshman Christian Arcangel is buying into the mindset Jackson is introducing to the team.
“CJ pushes us to the absolute maximum,” Arcangel said. “He really cares about his players, and he’s going to bring change to our program.”
Another new player, Junior Braxton Kimura, who transferred to Pinewood from Bellarmine Preparatory School, has high hopes for the upcoming season.
Photos by AVERY HALL
“This year, we should aim to be above .500, get more league wins, and then hopefully go all the way in the playoffs,” Kimura said. “I want to put Pinewood boys basketball on the map.”
Jackson also highlights the long term goals he has for the program.
“I hope for the program to be completely transformed in terms of our perception in the community,” Jackson said. “I just want to bring a more consistent level of excitement, care, and love to the boys basketball program.”
With his vision of the future mapped out, Jackson emphasizes the importance of staying in the present.
“It’s a daily process of trying hard, showing up, caring about each other, and the way we go about practice,” Jackson said. “Every single day, my focus is going to be on having a better day than the day before.”
Girls and Boys Winter Season Soccer Preview
HARRY YANG Staff Writer
During the last period of class, cones are scattered across the field in preparation for after school soccer practices. On Nov. 4, both the boys and girls soccer teams officially kicked off their seasons, looking to improve their overall season records. Last year, the boys soccer team ended with a 1-12-1 record, and the girls ended with a 2-5-1 record in league play.
Despite the many ups and downs marked by last season, the boys soccer team managed to grow a lot and see success under first-year head coach David Hernandez. In fact, some of the upperclassmen credit Hernandez for some of their favorite soccer memories at Pinewood.
“One of my favorite games was our game against Eastside to give a proper senior night to our only senior, Vishesh, which was electric,” senior and captain Paul Sapilewski said.
“Managing to tie Sacred Heart, that was one of our best games,” junior Jack Hollenbeck said.
Looking forward to this winter, the boys team looks to continue their steady trajectory upwards, hoping to emerge with a few more victories.
Currently, the team has its eyes set on beating some of the weakened schools in their league, like Harker and Woodside Priory, who graduated many seniors. Considering they went toe-to-toe with teams like Sacred Heart Preparatory last season, they believe they can compete with anyone.
Last year, the girls soccer team had some big comebacks and moments. Many of their players look back on their season with fond memories.
“One of my favorite memories was when we tied Riordan,” junior Addision Parenti said. “I remember the season before last — my freshman season — we played them and lost three to one. This past season, we actually ended up tying that game, and I just remember being so happy and proud of our team for pushing through the ‘losing mindset’ and leaving everything we had on the field.”
This year, the girls soccer team looks forward to developing stronger team chemistry, with the goal of heightened camaraderie hopefully translating to more wins.
“Last year we had good results against tough teams, and I know we can do it again,” head coach Whitney Wood said.
7th Grade Squash Prodigy Sam Shah Ranks 9th Nationally
ABIGAIL YEW Staff Writer
At just 12 years old, Pinewood Seventh grader, Sam Shah has made a name for herself in the squash community, ranking 9th nationally in the under 13 division. She has won Silver Nationals and made it to the National Junior Championships.
Inspired by her dad, Shah’s passion for squash started at the age of six, with that passion then becoming a serious commitment just three years later.
Even though Pinewood does not have an official squash team, Shah still prioritizes training for it outside of school, constantly working to perfect her craft.
“It’s definitely a sport that not a lot of people know about, and it’s not a very prominent sport on the west coast, so it’s hard to find players,” Shah said. “But it would be cool to have a team.”
In Shah’s eyes, traveling across the country to play the sport she loves is always a fun experience. She enjoys traveling to different places and meeting people with the same passion as her.
“I go to Philadelphia and Virginia for tournaments a lot,” she said. “I’m going to Charlottesville next week for a tournament.”
As a student athlete, Shah also finds it important to strike a healthy balance between time spent in the classroom and time spent on the court.
Although managing both academics and athletics aren’t too difficult for Shah right now, she understands that being a successful, high-level student athlete requires serious commitment, dedication, and discipline.
“The schoolwork doesn’t really affect squash because I still train the same amount I have always trained,” Shah said. “I guess sometimes it’s like, a little more stress, a little more pressure.”
Like any athlete playing at such a competitive level, Shah also experiences ups and downs. In her own unique way, she maintains her confidence by simply pushing through.
“It’s way more like ‘fake it till you make it’, because you’re not really confident in yourself until you win because everybody varies in skill levels,” Shah said.
As Shah continues to play more games, her confidence continues to blossom, aiding in her success at the national level.
“I could play one tournament and be great, or play the next and not play as well,” Shah said. “So I guess you never really know who you’re going up against. You gain that confidence after you get the victory.”
According to Shah, great athletes don’t only train when they feel like it. They show up and play, even on days when they lack motivation. They do the work even when no one’s watching or giving them credit. Fueled by her passion for the sport, she continues to constantly practice and train to get better.
“There is a lot of extra stuff you need to do for squash,” Shah said. “The sport is something that just takes time, technique, and skill. I’ve played it for a couple of years and overall I’m a little better now, but I’m still training and trying to get better.”
Photo by MEI MIYAHARA
Photo by MEI MIYAHARA
Photo by MEI MIYAHARA
New boys basketball coach Chis Jackson oversees practice
Sam Shah prepares to begin squash practice
Raise the Bar by Raising Your Hand in Class
DERRICK HARRIS Staff Writer
There is an elusive disease circulating throughout all of Pinewood. This plague is not predisposed to one person, one group, or even one class; it could strike us all. The grades of many students are at risk due to this voluntary epidemic, yet it is not a battle, but surrender. The cause of this illness has been discovered: students not raising their hands.
The epicenter of this mass infection can be found in the classroom. One side effect, inner trepidation, is dissuading students from participating.
“Judgment hinders my participation because I am scared of saying the wrong thing,” senior Rose Xu said. “Even if I know the answer or have something to say.”
In reality, this fear is widespread and completely valid. Director of Upper Campus Counseling Stephanie Fugita explained that social anxiety often hinders student participation. Social anxiety also contributes to students not raising their hands in class. In addition, students are less likely to raise their hands in classes they are not as confident in. This is the case for more outspoken students like sophomore Lucas Guan.
“I express myself decently in every class, though I’m way more likely to express my opinion in a class that I have genuine interest in like chemistry or math,” Guan said.
There are many benefits to raising your hand, and sophomore Claire Wu has been reaping the benefits.
“I think participating is really fun because you get to ask more questions and it helps me understand the topic better,” Wu said.
Raising your hand and asking questions can also help as it personalizes your learning needs by addressing them in class. I have seen my friends not participate or pay attention during a class and then not understand or engage with the material after. Not participating or advocating for yourself in class can result in poor performance and remove all learning opportunities. Nevertheless, this disease can be fought. Why succumb to an infection you have not been diagnosed with?
Aretha’s Hatred of PDA
ARETHA LIU Staff Writer
Public displays of affection (PDA) have become the modern-day equivalent of the car alarm that goes off in the middle of your test: distracting, annoying, and frankly, always dragging on.
We have all been victims of PDA before; whether while studying at a local Starbucks, trying to watch a movie peacefully in theaters, or taking the escalator, there always seems to be that one couple who can’t keep their hands off each other. I still remember sitting down at one of the few available tables at my local library. I had one AirPod in and was in the middle of pulling up my assignments on Schoology when out of the corner of my vision I saw a couple next to me. Normally this wouldn’t be a huge deal, but they were sitting on top of each other, shaking each other’s hands, snickering.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a complete downer on PDA; hand-holding, hugs, and pecks are perfectly
fine, but time and place matter. I am not trying to have a sappy romance movie playing next to me while I’m out here studying for a final worth 20% of my grade. This is especially true when you could save your affections for the comfort of your own bedroom where there are no onlookers, but no. Instead, you make the conscious decision to go to the library during peak studying hours, taking up a much needed study spot to cuddle. Is it so hard to have a little decorum when I’m trying to analyze excerpts from “East of Eden?” Sure, I might just be “jealous” of these couples, but the feeling of being a bystander to a lovey-dovey couple is painful. The closest feeling I can attribute it to is the feeling you get after waving to someone who isn’t waving to you. Now hold that feeling for the duration of that couple’s makeout session. It is so unbearably awkward for everyone around except the couple, who usually never seem to notice. It’s safe to say that in these situations, AirPods and a 180 degree turn in the other direction are your best friends.
Sabrina Carpenter: The Pop Culture Icon
YICHEN WANG Staff Writer
Standing at five feet tall, this talented and charismatic artist towers over the music industry. Basking in a sea of creativity, her lyrics resonate with innumerable fans thanks to her extraordinary vocals. Remove the “s” from the famous vocal duo Carpenters, and you’ll get the last name of the singer on the cover of Time100 Next: Sabrina Carpenter.
Carpenter opened my mind to pop music. She has introduced a fresh sound to the genre with her first mainstream album: “emails i can’t send.” In this al
feminine and nostalgic style, incorporating retro-inspired dresses and go-go boots. Like Chappell Roan, another rising pop star, her outfits follow fashion trends from the 1970s and 1980s. Whether it’s a music video or a live performance, Carpenter never fails to bring the right energy.
Carpenter’s most recent album, “Short n’ Sweet,” is another smashing success on the global billboards. The album beautifully navigates a spectrum of emotions, jumping from playful tunes to melancholy drones in the split of a second. It features an abundance of clever wordplay that showcases the fun and silly side of her, lines, disco-inspired layered synths her singing. Carpenter is a ist that will the long run, much like how it took her a decade of singing to hone in on her craft. I’m eager to see where Carpenter takes pop music next on her jour-
Illustration by ELIZABETH LIANG
A Heartfelt Goodbye to Volleyball Seniors
MAILEY WANG Sports Editor
This past volleyball season was so much more than just drills, practice, and games. It was a season filled with laughter, memories, and pure thrill. On the court, we developed a connection that enabled us to play really competitive volleyball, winning games against schools we always thought were unbeatable. The bonds we built off the court were even more precious, and we formed a family. To our four seniors, thank you all for greatly contributing to making this journey possible and enjoyable. We are not ready to let you all go.
Annabelle Eaton, ever since I met you in club season 11s year, I’ve always wanted to play with you. Now, after three school seasons together, I can happily say that playing with you has made every warm-up, every practice, and every game more fun. I truly enjoy all the little things you do that spice up the season: singing opera in the locker room, reciting Shakespeare to me, tapping one another’s dangly earrings, singing the national anthem together, and so much more. I’ll miss my pepper partner next school season, and I know your admirable drive both on and off the court will lead you to do extraordinary things.
Lacey Armistead, you are the heart and soul of the team. I love how you laugh at just about anything and everything. Your humor and contagious laughter always make practice so enjoyable. Even though the things you laugh at are literally someone diving funny or the fact that we couldn’t find any ducks in the scavenger hunt, your ability to get the entire gym laughing is priceless. During games, the feeling we share when
I get a kill off of your perfect set is unmatched — always turning straight to each other, wide-eyed. I am genuinely so grateful for all the time we’ve been able to spend together, ever since kindergarten at Montclaire. The program will not be the same without you next year, but I know you will continue to positively impact all those around you with your magnetic personality.
Ana Weinstock, you are the sweetest human being I have ever met. Whenever I am stressed at a game, I always walk over to you to give you a high-five, and your smile immediately melts away my nerves. This past season, it has been so precious to have someone to talk to who is so similarly minded on so many fronts, especially with us both being mesmerized by the fact that we are both nearly adults. I’ll miss your goofiness and nurturing charisma next year, but I know both of these qualities will lead you to do great things in the near future. And never forget, cheers to our matching plants!
Kaitlyn Dyer, you are a ray of sunshine, and you light up every second. I still remember my freshman year, when we played Kings Academy. You and I were standing on top of the bench cheering “sideout” chants at the top of our lungs. Through our stomping and yelling, we became friends, and I knew this was just the beginning of many laughs we were yet to share. Over the past three seasons, you have been such a supportive teammate, and the team and I all really appreciate your fun-loving energy on and off the court, even when you slap me so hard on my back that it hurts for the next few plays. Nonetheless, I am truly so thankful for all the laughs and talks we have shared, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
You four made this season so special, and the team will never be the same in your absence. Even though the season may be over, I am so glad we still have the rest of the school year to continue to bond and make more memories together.
Lara Shares Her Favorite Conspiracies
From government secrets to flat-earthers, Lara explores the origins of people’s largest doubts.
LARA PARIKH Science & Tech Editor
Conspiracy theorists are visionaries. They manage to come up with the most sane-sounding insane ideas that touch the hearts of people all over the world. Now, that is talent. Here are my top five favorite conspiracy theories:
Subliminal Advertising: If an ad has ever convinced you to buy a product, you have fallen prey to this conspiracy. It is widely believed that companies brainwash people through subliminal messaging, which plays with your subconscious. This idea has been around since the 20th century, and it’s had both negative and positive implications. Imagine if ads could actually convince you to throw all of your money at a certain product, or maybe even engage in harmful activity; now, that would be really bad. On a lighter note, the reason I like this theory so much is because what if an ad made you buy the entire Taco Bell franchise? Yeah, your money would be wasted, but you would also get unlimited Taco Bell (great for some, and horrible for others; it depends on the person).
COVID-19 and 5G: The advanced 5G network came out in 2019, “coincidentally” in the same year that COVID was born. When the virus started to propagate, intelligent individuals began to notice that the spread occurred in places where 5G towers were installed. These were the COVID hotspots. Electromagnetic frequencies from these towers weakened immunities of those in close proximity to them, allowing COVID to wreak havoc. This idea was spread by those who believed that the pandemic was a planned international disaster by the U.S. government. If disease actually spread through telephone wires, I’m pretty sure the human population would have been extinct by now.
Birds Aren’t Real: Big Brother (*cough* the government) is always watching, and it’s not in the way you think. Seemingly inconspicuous birds are actually drone spies for the government. In 2017, Peter McIndoe, founder of the “Birds Aren’t Real” movement, claimed that certain “birds” serve certain purposes and even wrote a book on his radical idea. For example, if you’ve ever wondered why cities are populated with pigeons, it’s because their job is public surveillance. I would think twice before calling the next bird you see adorable.
Obama’s Fake Birth Certificate: Many individuals believe(d) that Barack Obama’s birth certificate was a counterfeit to justify their racial biases against him during the 2008 election. Former President Obama had to publish his certificate to the public to prove that he was indeed a U.S. citizen and eligible to run for president.
The term “birtherism” was coined regarding those who had doubts about Obama’s origins, but the idea was debunked. More than funny, this theory is honestly quite (sadly) interesting, as people seem to go to any length to rationalize racism and discredit powerful people of color.
The Earth is Flat: As an avid science enthusiast, this is arguably the best conspiracy theory to ever exist. You have all seen the sun rising and setting, and have possibly imagined why the horizon is flat. Well, that’s because the Earth is a 2D circle, obviously. If it was spherical, the horizon would be curved.
This totally doesn’t have to do with perspective and geometry because that would be ludicrous. Flat-earthers have existed ever since the birth of the internet and continue to try to rationalize their ideas by twisting the principles of science. Many of these flat-earthers have tried to prove that the Earth is flat, but funnily enough, all the evidence they collect points to the Earth being round. Bob Knodel, a passionate flat-earther, bought a $20000 gyroscope to prove that the Earth doesn’t rotate, but instead, the 15 degree per hour rotation proved just how wrong he was. Whenever I’m feeling insecure, I remember things like this exist, and then I feel better about myself.
I truly admire the complex imaginations of these brilliant artists; they make it seem so easy. If these conspiracy theories were actually true, boy, would the world be more interesting.
Illustration by CHERRY CHEN
Photo by GABBY YANG
SENIOR NIGHT Mailey poses with volleyball seniors. From left to right: Kaitlyn Dyer, Ana Weinstock, Mailey Wang, Annabelle Eaton, Lacey Armistead
Astronomy Club Touches Down on Campus
Sophomore Sophie Saibi first learned about the James Webb Space Telescope and its remarkable ability to capture stunning images of the universe in seventh grade. From that moment on, she became deeply fascinated by outer space. Over the next two years, Saibi began regularly observing the night sky using her own telescope alongside her father, immersing herself in astronomical research.
Over this past summer, Saibi decided to start her own astronomy club in hopes of sharing her passion with others. The club currently has about 20 members.
“I really hope that even though astronomy is kind of niche and the equipment is really expensive, I can make it accessible to more people by providing materials for club members,” Saibi said. “Pinewood’s field is a great place to conduct observations at night, and I thought that creating this astronomy club would be a great opportunity for those interested in astronomy.”
Sophomore Nona Brozell, an active member of the club, says she’s excited she joined.
“I’ve always been interested in astronomy, but I never really had a place where I could learn about it before,” Brozell said. “Astronomy club offered a place where I could learn about something I was passionate about while being in the company of my friends.”
In the club’s monthly meetings, Saibi plans to arrange guest speaker events, presentations, and observation nights on the Pinewood field. At the first astronomy club meeting, Saibi invited Franck Marchis, a senior planetary astronomer and chair of the exoplanet group at the Search for Extraterrestrial Institute (SETI), to discuss the institute’s search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence. SETI aims to research life beyond Earth further.
“Although people often think about aliens, they don’t really ever stop to think about where we are in the process of discovering aliens,” Brozell said.
On Nov. 8, Saibi invited Tom Esposito, an assistant researcher at UC Berkeley and a researcher at the SETI Institute, to discuss cosmic cataclysms and supernovae.
In addition to hosting guest speakers and observation nights, Saibi also aims to organize field trips to observatories. Through these meetings, Saibi hopes to not only increase students’ interest in astronomy but also to unite members under a common passion.
“Astronomy can really give everyone a bigger picture of the world,” Saibi said. “You don’t need to come in knowing a lot about astronomy — it’s for anyone who’s curious about exploring these concepts.”
Pinewood Revamps Robotics Program for Students
DAVIN TERNUS Staff Writer
Pinewood Robotics has made the transition from a club to a fully funded school program. This transition has introduced many changes to the program.
These changes primarily affect junior high robotics, which had previously been a relaxed in-class competition. Now, students have the chance to compete against other teams in a formal contest.
A Botball club is now offered to seventh and eighth grade students, which will provide a larger-scale, competitive competition.
Although it is still a separate organization from the high school league, Botball will provide many important skills that will lead into it. Will Rees manages all of the robotics programs, and described Botball as something completely different to the previous junior high robotics offerings.
what they can do early in the program they will remain engaged without any confusion.
Robotics has helped people get into engineering programs and start a passion for creating.
“[I] would love to do [that] for as many students as possible,” Rees said.
With more mentors joining and a designated robotics area being included in the school’s redesign, the high school robotics program is also changing.The team desires additional space, as they currently work in the physics room, where there is limited space to test the robots.
Botball is a popular, team-oriented robotics competition that requires students to build a fully autonomous robot programmed to complete certain tasks. The program focuses on providing students a fun, learn-by-doing engineering experience, helping them unlock their creativity, build leadership skills, learn how to work in a team, and more.
It also sets students up for high school robotics, as it teaches the students valuable knowledge necessary to navigate through their future endeavors.
Rees acknowledges that it can be tough not knowing how students should start when first joining the team, leading to a loss in motivation. If new students know
Rees hopes that these expansions will draw more people into the team, promoting the further growth of the group.
Getting into robotics can be difficult, so the Pinewood team will continue to advance how they teach their new members to make sure no one gets left behind.
Engineering can seem complicated and distant when first joining any form of robotics. To combat this, the team is centering on education during the off-season by having students build things first with heavy assistance and without pressure, giving kids the experience they need to thrive when the season does commence.
Samuel Tysganskiy described the time as extremely helpful.
“[The time] enabled me to think out of the box while not having an overly pressured environment,” Tysganskiy said.
Pinewood Welcomes New Computer Science Teacher Maulshree Goyal
Changes are under way as high school computer science teacher Maulshree Goyal is settling in at Pinewood. She teaches Fundamentals of Computer Science, Advanced Computer Science, and AP Computer Science, and appreciates the attention given to practical knowledge in the computer science curriculum at Pinewood.
“I like the computer science program we have here, which is not just…trying to [teach] the APs, but more what you need to know and what will help you when you go into the industry,” Goyal said.
pects of computer science, Goyal finds that some students face new challenges.
For students struggling with these problems, she encourages them to figure out how to resolve the problem first, and then translate those ideas into code.
Not only does Goyal plan on furthering the practical knowledge Pinewood’s curriculum offers, she hopes to utilize different tools in the classroom, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than replacing computer science jobs, Goyal believes that AI will be utilized as a beneficial tool, and that learning to use it effectively is an important skill.
“[AI] can get to more complex and advanced problems that need to be solved faster,” Goyal said.
When introduced to more logical and analytical as
“Try to solve it as you would in real life without the program [and] without the code, and then try to write the code according to the steps you took to solve that problem,” Goyal said.
She is also looking for new opportunities to implement group projects in the curriculum.
“[Group work is] how we work in the industry,” Goyal said. “You do the design and after approval, all individuals and sub teams work on their respective components.”
Goyal’s enthusiasm for computer science, which was her favorite subject in middle school.
“I just found it much more interesting than anything else,” Goyal said. Goyal enjoys the blend of logic and innovation that is present in computer science, and is excited to share her interest with students. “The main reason why I like computers and programming is because it is all about logical thinking, but you can still do it with a lot of creativity,” Goyal said.
RYAN CHOU Staff Writer
Illustration by JIA LEE
TIFFANY AU Staff Writer
Photo by SEAN SIRHAN
Photo by SEAN SIRHAN
HELPING HAND Goyal helps Amani Lee-Seyon in a recent computer science class.
ROBOTICS TEAM Students collaborate on hardware.
The Rapid Rise of Chappell Roan
ELLA KIM Staff Writer
The song “Good Luck, Babe!” — which captured the complex feelings of sapphic love with its upbeat melody — has amassed nearly 875 million streams on Spotify in the mere seven months since its release. This is no surprise for the immensely talented rapidly rising pop star, Chappell Roan.
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, professionally known as Chappell Roan, is an prominent singer known for her curly red hair and drag-queen aesthetic. Reaching a sudden breakthrough this past summer for her unapologetically queer lyrics and powerful voice, Roan has become one of today’s most iconic pop superstars. Her debut album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” has reached over one billion streams.
Roan’s rise began in a small town in Missouri, where she grew up in a very conservative environment. According to an interview with The Guardian, the lesbian pop icon went to church three times a week and was taught that, in her words, “being gay was bad and a sin.” Roan grew up with a desire for fame and love for music, leading her to cover songs on YouTube and get discovered and signed by Atlantic Records at age 17. Following this sudden development, Roan moved to Los Angeles where she quickly blossomed in the free, messy environment filled with creative self-expression, inspiring her to write her first single, “Pink Pony Club.” Unfortunately, the underperformance of this song led to a crushed Roan being dropped by the label and forced to return to the Midwest. Despite this obstacle, she persevered towards her goal of stardom. Roan continued to push through, working as a waitress back in her hometown until she had the money to move back to the city. Once she could afford to, the gutsy soon-to-be superstar continued to work small jobs in Los Angeles while simultaneously working as an independent artist on her first album. Eventually signed with producer Dan Nigro, who also produces for popular artist Olivia Rodrigo, Roan made herself the character that she
“Addams Family” Arrives
RISHI CHEN Staff Writer
“The Addams Family,” Pinewood’s eighth grade musical, will be making its debut in December this year. Returning to the Pinewood stage for the second time in just under a decade, the musical features members of the classic, macabre TV family aided by a large ensemble cast. The show follows a familiar “Addams Family” plot, following the Addams children as they reckon with their roles in the family as they grow up. It focuses specifically on Wednesday Addams, who falls in love with a man from a “respectable” family.
Directed by Carrie McRobbie and Katie Linza, the musical is making progress.
The directors put much thought into selecting this year’s musical.
dynamic and full of energy, so McRobbie and Linza needed to decide how to portray each character based on this year’s cast.
“We knew that we would have some really strong characters… and so, many kids would have an opportunity to shine,” McRobbie said.
Things so far have gone smoothly since rehearsals have begun.
“We’re getting through the show quickly,” Kaufmann said.
Ultimately, the show’s uniqueness gave it a special appeal.
“I liked it for the quirkiness… and the lightheartedness of it, but the underlying really sweet message of family and togetherness,” McRobbie said.
Eighth grader Hattie Kaufmann, who plays the lead role of Morticia Addams, appreciates the selection.
“It’s not like those happy-go-lucky musicals; it’s really unique.” Kaufmann said. Next, the directors needed to consider the casting of the musical; the musical is
Now, the cast is practicing the songs and working to refine the harmonies of the musical’s distinct score.
With Linza seated at the piano, the cast practices vocal techniques and warmups. The set is also due to be built, utilizing a turntable and many new additions yet to be completed. The cast also works on incorporating props and developing choreography. Ultimately, for many eighth graders, this is the first foray into the world of the performing arts. Kaufmann describes it as a rewarding experience.
“We all have developed a special bond,” Kaufmann said, referring to the cast’s camaraderie and chemistry, both on and off-stage. The musical promises to make an energetic run between Dec. 12-14.
is now known as today, a shamelessly queer pop-diva with songs composed of synth bops and melodramatic lyrics expressing the universal wonders of love and heartbreak.
Recently, Chappell Roan has shot into fame, her seven rocky years of hard work paying off in the skyrocketing numbers on the Spotify charts. An incredibly empowering figure serving as a pillar for the newly expanding gay-pop genre along with the overall renaissance of scandalous stage personas, the icon is just at the beginning of her career. She inspires countless artists and queer teenagers with her music, which is able to seamlessly capture heavy emotions that many go through. The themes in her music range from heartbreak and vengeance in her anthem “Casual” to the glittery celebration of queerness in songs like “Red Wine Supernova” and “Naked in Manhattan.” She is praised for her inspiringly bold stage presence and ability to excite massive audiences as seen in her recent performances at Coachella and the VMAs.
The pop star especially stands out for her appearance, as her extravagant drag-queen-inspired outfits and makeup set her apart from other artists. With this dangerously dauntless attitude pushing against fame’s boundaries that she casts out into her audiences, Chappell Roan is often associated with similarly theatrical stars including Lady Gaga, Kate Bush, and Madonna. Today, her uniquely soulful and passionately eccentric essence can be seen pushing her rapidly up towards success as seen in her recent “Saturday Night Live” appearance, as well as the support she has been receiving from other big artists.
As Chappell said herself, she is your favorite artist’s favorite artist.
Family Favorite Traditions
ESHA JOSHI Staff Writer
From building snowmen to visiting temples to cooking up holiday feasts, Pinewood families all have their unique traditions during the holiday season. Whether intended to usher in a cozy winter or to celebrate a cultural holiday, these traditions reflect the diversity of the Pinewood student body.
For eighth grader Allen Rotenstein’s family, Hanukkah — a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem — is their most important celebration. Each Hanukkah, the family sits down to a dinner of traditional foods along with dishes from other cultures. One of Rotenstein’s favorite parts of the celebration is lighting the menorah on each day of the holiday.
“It’s really nice to do it every year,” Rotenstein said. “I always look forward to it.”
Since the holiday follows the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah’s timing changes every year. As a result, Rotenstein shared that the first day of the holiday fell on the same day as his birthday one year.
“It was really cool to celebrate my birthday and the opening day of Hanukkah, because we went to our local synagogue to pray and celebrate,” Rotenstein said.
Like Rotenstein, sophomore Jaime Lee also celebrates the holiday season with a special family dinner. When she lived in Hong Kong, Chinese New Year was an opportunity to celebrate with her extended family. The family would
light incense, pray, and enjoy a dinner together. Lee especially enjoyed the chance to spend time with her cousins.
“That’s probably one of the best memories, just spending time with my little cousins,” Lee said.
Now that she lives across the globe from her extended family and no longer has large celebrations for Chinese New Year, Lee misses the connection these events gave her.
“I don’t celebrate with my cousins or my uncles or my aunties or my grandparents anymore,” Lee said. “Coming here, I feel like I’ve lost a little bit of that.”
Junior Tara Bhaskaran spends Diwali — an Indian festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness — with her father’s side of the family. Together, they light candles, set off firecrackers, and enjoy a traditional meal together. Spending time with her family is one of Bhaskaran’s favorite parts of the festival.
“I love hanging out with my younger cousins,” Bhaskaran said.
Later in the year, she travels to North Carolina to celebrate Christmas with her mother’s side of the family. Gift shopping, cookie baking, and singing carols add to the festive spirit of the holiday. The family often spends time cooking meals together during the Christmas season, enjoying the time they spend together.
“My favorite Christmas tradition is hanging around the kitchen and preparing food,” Bhaskaran said.
For Pinewood families, the holidays are often a chance to reconnect with relatives and create lasting memories.
Illustration by SOPHIA LEE
Photo Courtesy of PPA
A Closer Look at Pinewood’s Board Members
Here are the four people who keep
ZACHARY CHOI Staff Writer
As the Head of School and liaison between the board and Pinewood’s administration, Scott Riches has served on the board for 25 years. After working as Pinewood’s Business and Operations manager, Scott Riches was offered the position by his grandfather, Pinewood co-founder Victor Riches.
“I think it showed that he had confidence in me and [in] the opinions I would add,” Scott Riches said.
A year ago, Scott Riches renegotiated Pinewood’s Upper Campus lease with Palo Alto Unified District, extending it through 2063. Scott Riches believes that his most difficult experience on the board was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There were so many feelings and opinions about what was safe,” Scott Riches said.
Despite the difficulty, Scott Riches believes that the experience helped strengthen Pinewood’s community.
“I think that we also built a lot of trust within the Pinewood community,” Scott Riches said. “One of the things I keep hearing from our current families…is how well we navigated COVID.”
Scott Riches said he hopes to modernize Pinewood’s Upper Campus through various facility improvements and provide experiences that prepare students for life beyond college.
“I think it’d be very exciting…to enhance…our curriculum and classes that we’re offering with state of the art facilities,” Scott Riches said.
After replacing her grandfather, Victor Riches, in 2005, Laura Blotter took charge of board-related paperwork, such as the minutes, from each board meeting.
Blotter believes that her familial connection to the other board members creates a better sense of investment in Pinewood’s future and a stronger flow of information.
“Our board remaining the same…[is] beneficial. It helps us be more nimble,” Blotter said. “We are completely invested in the school because of a love and a passion for it.”
Outside of being the board’s secretary, Blotter works as the K-6 Director of Curriculum and director of the Summer Festival of Learning at Lower Campus. She also taught at Pinewood for many years.
“I remember sitting with [Gwen Riches] and typing out the first teacher’s manual,” Blotter said. “It’s been important for me to be continuing that role so that I can bring the same joy and confidence to others.”
As Blotter looks ahead, she hopes to contribute to a steadfast school built on education and community.
“I hope that we have created an institution where [students are] given a strong education in the arts and a good community,” Blotter said. “With or without me, I hope those ideals will continue.”
Pinewood running smoothly
Kathleen Pickett
Former Curriculum Director and author of Pinewood’s grammar workbooks, Kathleen Pickett has served on the board since its inception. Pickett played a key role in crafting Pinewood’s approach to reading and writing. She has also overseen the production of many Pinewood plays and the development of Pinewood’s Festival of Learning curriculum.
Pickett’s role on the board is to write school policy and discuss curriculum changes. One of her policies was the decision to limit AP classes for some students and create teacher and administrator evaluation interviews.
“We need[ed] to raise our standards for the students who go in [to AP classes] and for the teachers who are teaching it,” Pickett said. “We have to have at least 80% of our students passing those AP Classes, or they shouldn’t be AP classes.”
Pickett said that her hardest policy decision was deciding what should be taught in Pinewood’s first sex education program.
“A lot of parents didn’t want anything to do with sex education in high school,” Pickett said. “I was in charge of researching and presenting the program, which the teachers got all approved.”
Pickett believes that Pinewood’s future should be centered on a strong curriculum and an equally strong community.
“Financially, it’s essential that community remains solid,” Pickett said. “The curriculum, what students are learning, and the atmosphere in which they’re learning is what’s most important to me.”
Dennis Riches, father of Scott and Kyle Riches, has served on the board for 50 years. As the son of Pinewood’s founders, Dennis Riches was invited by his parents to join the board. His work on the board focuses on setting long term objectives, such as goals and budget approvals, in order to continue the vision of his parents.
Dennis Riches also provides guidance to Pinewood’s administration, often acting as a sounding board. He prides himself in the development of the Lower and Middle Campus.
“If I had to pick one [accomplishment], it would be the lower and middle campus renovations and improvements,” Dennis Riches said. “Quite a difference from the original campuses.”
Dennis Riches said he hopes that his legacy will reflect his hard work in creating the school it is today.
“I hope my impact on Pinewood shows my love and dedication to the school,” Dennis Riches said. “I love what Pinewood has become and how it has benefited so many in the community.”
Editors’ note: Pinewood’s 5th board member, Lawrence Victor Riches, Jr., died on June 28, 2024.
Pinewood Parent Leaves Legacy in Womens Basketball
Pinewood parent Steve Hams was a founder of the American Basketball League (ABL), one of the United States’ first professional women’s basketball leagues. Although he died on Sep. 22, his contributions to the sport helped bring about the start of a new era for women’s basketball.
Initially, Hams was inspired to create the ABL after watching his daughter Lauren Smith-Hams play the sport on Pinewood’s girls basketball team. SmithHams, former Pinewood basketball alumna ‘99, went on to play Division I basketball at the University of Southern California.
In 1995, the United States had no professional women’s basketball league. Since the demand for one was growing, especially with women’s college basketball becoming increasingly popular, both the ABL and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) were created. Despite funding issues that caused the ABL to shut down in 1998, the league’s importance and revolutionary impacts on women’s basketball cannot be forgotten.
According to Dean of Studies Laurie Wilson, who interacted with Hams as a fellow sports parent, Hams was very committed to his daughter’s basketball career, especially her dream of playing professionally.
“He wanted Lauren to succeed in her own right and under her own name, and he would encourage her any way he could,” Wilson said.
Director of Basketball Operations Doc Scheppler said that Hams was very determined.
“Hams had a vision, and he was going to do everything he could to accomplish it,” Scheppler said. “Even though the odds were stacked against him, Hams’ work ethic allowed him to be successful.”
thing that big,” Scheppler said. “It empowered them to play even harder.”
Hams’ goal of creating the ABL extended beyond giving current female athletes professional opportunities. The league also served as an inspiration for young women who dreamed of playing at the next level.
Junior Pinewood girls basketball player Caitlyn Kramer described the positive impact that watching girls basketball has had on her life.
Scheppler also said that Pinewood’s 1999 girls basketball team was encouraged by Hams’ idea for the ABL.
“It was really motivating for them to know that the father of one of their teammates was involved in some-
“Without female players, I would have felt less confident in my ability to get farther in basketball, and been a bit less motivated to be successful,” Kramer said.
Kramer also highlighted the importance of representation in sports, citing the Pinewood girls basketball team as an early source of inspiration for her.
Without the ABL and, eventually, the WNBA, women’s sports would not be where they are today. Hams’ one idea, one dream, and one vision, inspired by his daughter, paved the way for a future where female athletes are celebrated for their greatness. Scheppler hopes that Hams’ impact and legacy will be remembered and live on forever.
“He was a great man, a great father, and a great person to have in our program,” Scheppler said. “I don’t think he and the ABL get enough credit for being the starting point of women’s basketball as it is today.”
Scott Riches
Laura Blotter
Dennis Riches
Photo courtesy of PINEWOOD
Photo by NOX BRADLEY
Photo courtesy of KYLE RICHES
NONA BROZELL Staff Writer
Steve Hams (middle) during his ABL days
Photo courtesy of PINEWOOD
Photo courtesy of THE INSIDE TRACK