The Point, Issue 1, Volume 30 - October 10, 2025

PALOS

Compete and Connect:

All at the Cove

By Kasey Garth reporter

Brought to life in the summer of 2025, The Cove is the newest addition to campus. Located next to the lunch tables, the cove was created with students in mind courtesy of the Booster Club.

The Cove is still a work in progress, and is hoping to add more games and activities.

Thanks to fundraisers led by the Booster Club, many students were able to submit their own art, photography, and designs that were later auctioned off at events to help fund the new space.

“My photo won along [with] many other students that were auctioned at a Booster Club meeting. My photo was a photo of the big triton that’s on the football

field in black and white and I was trying to capture PV,” sophomore Julianne Snider said.

The Cove reflects a growing effort to allow students to take a wellness break from the stress of school.

This space is also a valuable resource to disconnect students from their electronics and connect with new and old friends.

“It is an amazing thing and I’m so glad they are doing it. I often see students outside of class always on their phone instead of talking to each other. I think everyone needs to have fun and not be doing homework and being on their phones,” English teacher Jennifer Olson said.

Three months into the school year, it is already becoming a popular destination during lunch,

nutrition and after school. As of right now, the Cove features multiple ping pong and foosballs tables.

“I think the Cove is a good add-on to our school because it’s kind of like the King’s Corner or Sea King Park where it’s another place for students to congregate, but I think it’s even better because it has activities that students are kind of able to do,” senior Frances Slamar said.

The Cove is also a valuable place to make new friends. The Cove is a place to meet new people, whether they are in the same grade or in a different grade.

Students can show their competitiveness and spend time with other students through multiplayer games.

“It doesn’t have to have the stress of trying to meet new people by trying to strike a conversation. It’s not forced or unnatural; the students can naturally get to know each other through the games they are playing,” Biology teacher Julie Maemoto said.

The Cove is more than a space where students can go and play games during lunch and nutrition. It symbolizes how a community comes together to bring joy to the students and staff of our school.

Freshmen Frenzy:

PVHS Welcomes Largest Class Size in History

(Graphic courtesy of Madeline Um)

By Evalyn Yu news editor

Ever since welcoming 454 freshmen this year, the classrooms, halls and bleachers of PVHS have been more crowded than ever.

PVHS’s enrollment has been on the rise since 2024. Traditionally, school size has been around 1400, but in recent years, it has shot up to 1600.

“With PVHS’s small upperclassmen classes graduating and a new wave of freshmen and sophomores enrolling, its enrollment rates continue to skyrocket,” School Registrar Karen Mills said.

For many freshmen, the decision to come to PVHS was an easy one.

“We heard that PVHS was more fun. Everyone feels closer together and they’re involved

with each other,” freshman class president Owen Lacaillade-Post said.

“This school offers an amazing combination of rigorous academics, amazing signature programs, and obviously, dominant athletic programs,”

Associate Principal DJ Hill said.

“What we always hear though, from families, is the PV High family vibe. The kindness that’s shown from the staff members and the people really creates a home-like environment for our students.”

To accommodate the influx of students, PVHS hired more teachers to maintain the district’s 34:1 student to-teacher-ratio.

“Almost every seat is taken, which creates a very vibrant community. Sometimes it’s a little hard to reach every student one-to-one every single day, but I really do enjoy the opportunity to

Red Tide Rises: A spirited start to the season

By Justin Whitehead reporter

to buy anything to support the theme,” according to Maxfield.

get to know so many kids on our campus,” English and Journalism teacher Cynthia Mindicino said.

Students and staff have already noticed a change in campus atmosphere.

“Lunch used to be dead on campus because so many people would not have a third or a sixth or they would just go home. Now, we have people sitting on the grass and it’s just so fun to see our campus come more alive,” Mindicino said.

At lunchtime, Sea King Park is dotted with picnic blankets and bustling with lively conversations.

“It’s the nicest thing, just sitting, bringing blankets, and chatting with your friend. When I entered school, nobody did that. I feel like [the freshmen] are…really seeing the positives of the campus,” senior Hillary Nguyen said.

A large class size comes with built-in school spirit.

“It’s brought a new energy to ASB and to me and the other teachers,” ASB director Jama Maxfield said.

Their enthusiastic presence has even influenced the other classes.

“The freshman class has really made the sophomores, juniors, and seniors feel like they need to bring the spirit. It makes us want to be better role models, so the freshmen know ‘Oh, we should be spirited like them,’” Nguyen said.

See page 3 for more!

Seeing as the fall sports season is underway, our senior Red Tide captains have taken the stage as the leaders of our student section.

Every year, the new members of Red Tide bring great excitement to all of our sporting events, with Red Tide having been around since our school reopened in 2002.

Jama Maxfield, who began working as the Red Tide advisor in 2014, coordinates these groups of seniors who are extremely important to our school’s spirit.

With the football season having kicked off last month, Red Tide has made these games very memorable so far. They lead the team out of the tunnel, provide everyone with props to cheer on the team and play music. They also perform various activities such as spraying a CO2 machine into the stands after a touchdown and getting someone from the stands to do as many push-ups as points our team has after every score.

“There’s no better feeling than the team scoring a touchdown, the CO2 machine spraying, and the music blasting,” said Red Tide member Bella Sachar

But there is much more than simply showing up with spirit for these big events when they happen; these Red Tide captains put a lot of time and effort towards everything that they do, with them having “a weekly meeting” where they “plan out the game theme and if we have

Not only that, but they put in a lot of work on top of that, with Red Tide member Colby Hammond saying that “at the beginning of the year, we’d spend hours filming videos each week for games or homecoming.”

Most recently, our Homecoming night game was a huge success. It definitely changes the atmosphere, with Hammond saying that “having a night game was a game changer for us. There’s just something different about playing under the lights.”

It was also a knock out victory, as it was 52-0 against Banning, with it definitely boosting the atmosphere more, since “it’s always a great time when you are up by that much,” according to Sachar.

The season’s still going, with the rivalry game with Costa coming up at the end of the month, with the theme being ‘Let’s go hunting,’ meaning everyone should deck out in camouflage gear to cheer on the Sea Kings against the Mustangs.

The spirits are also high over in Red Tide, with Sachar saying that she’s “very excited for the football game at Mira Costa on Halloween. That is going to be super fun, as Costa is now our new football rival.”

Despite this being a good start to the year, Red Tide still has a lot to cover for the rest of the school year. They hope to make the 2025-26 campaign as memorable as possible, and they have a lot to look forward to this year.

At the Homecoming football game, Red Tide Captains RJ Paddock, Will Maenius, Dempsey Resich, Bella Sachar, Kai Van Scoyoc and Colby Hammond lead the student section. (Graphic courtesy of Jama Maxfield)

ROV Team Sails to Victory and Wins World Championship

By Eason Kaewprasert social media/web editor

This summer, the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) division of the Palos Verdes Institute of Technology (PVIT) won first place internationally in the Ranger Class of the 2025 Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) World Championship, an underwater robotics competition.

PVIT ROV is a student-run engineering company that designs and builds underwater robots and competes in local and international competitions.

The team won first place in the Ranger class, coming out first out of 39 different groups in the same class.

“The atmosphere was unreal. The competition is one where [a] lot of things have to go right for you to get first place. It is amazing to see students working long hours to get the ROV ready to go and see the countless hours pay off at the world championships,” software mentor Balaji Lakshmanan said.

During the competition, participants were challenged to complete multiple underwater tasks with their ROVs with a mission of contributing to global ocean observing efforts.

From June 19-21, 77 teams from 17 countries came together to compete at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan.

In order to prepare for the competition, the ROV team spent

well over 1,000 hours working on the vehicle. They faced many setbacks, including machine malfunctions and deviations from the project schedule.

“It took longer than expected to build the ROV because of parts not arriving on time and our machine breaking. 3-D printing also takes some time to print out important parts we needed,” said junior design lead Noah Kim PVIT ROV designed their ROV, Fitzgerald, from custom 3-D printed parts and electrical components.

The Fitzgerald consisted of several main parts: the tether, used to link the surface control box to the ROV and provide control and power to the ROV; the claw, which was used to grip objects and compete tasks; the brain box, which is the input

center of the ROV; and the ‘‘skeleton’’, which is used as a framework for the ROV. The skeleton also included thruster mounting blocks, horizontal and vertical thrusters and specialized payload tools.

In addition to the ROV, the ROV designed a separate device called a float that dives down to a specific depth, records sensor data, and transmits the data when it reaches the surface.

The float had a perfect score at the championship and was part of the reason why ROV won.

“During the entire competition season, the float didn’t miss any points,” said sophomore Wesley Hsu, who worked on coding the float.

The main team was split into different subgroups including mechanics, software, electronics,

outreach, documentation, marketing and finance. These different teams all played a pivotal role in PVIT ROV’s overall score and win.

Mentors also played a very important role in helping the team succeed and guided members in all aspects of creating the ROV, from software to building.

Last year’s mentors included Fred Smalling, Julie Smalling, Balaji Lakshmanan, Andy Hsu, Andy Dorfman and Melissa Forrester.

With the Smallings retiring after the season, Kim said, “The Smallings have been volunteering, putting in their effort and time into ROV for 13 years. We are eternally grateful for all their support and everything they’ve done for the team.”

President Madeline Lurie and

Chief Executive Officer Rayaan Jaffer both played important roles in leading the team to success.

Teachers and PVIT Program Directors Lorraine Loh-Norris and James Warren were also key figures in supporting and leading the team to victory.

With Norris retiring after the World tournament, junior electrical lead Dean Choi said, “We really appreciate Ms. Norris and everything she’s done for us, and we really miss her.”

Every new ROV season, there is a new competition manual that is released. The competition manual gives each team tasks that their ROV has to complete under certain circumstances.

For example, the mission task for the 2025-2026 ROV season follows the theme of ice-protected ROVs that imitate real-world problems.

A mission task states the tasks the ROV has to complete and gives precise information that the teams have to follow.

The ROV team is already preparing for the upcoming season, having already recruited new members and discussed how to address this year’s tasks.

“We lost some really important seniors, so we want to try to get in that really strong push early in the year,’’ said Choi.

We want to make sure that we’ll have the new ROV in the water by the first semester, so we can really start training our pilot,” Choi said.

New College Testing Requirements:

Standardized

Testing Makes a Comeback

By Nicolas Boixo Fernandez de la Cigoña features editor

For years now, the application process for colleges has stayed relatively the same. Common apps, essays, letters of recommendation and the like are practically routine by now.

However, something that hasn’t been seen since the Class of 2019 graduated has now reared its head again: testing requirements are back for some colleges in the USA.

Many have already heard of tests such as the ACT or the SAT, which are a significant portion of a college application for schools that require standardized tests.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, most schools across the country became test-optional due to it being hard to get those tests administered during a quarantine and students having lost access to test preparation.

Despite that, schools such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Brown, Cornell and others are going back to requiring standardized testing, though this may not truly be the best option for all students.

College and Career Center Director Joanne Lewis said that “these tests clearly advantage students who can prep for the test, who have the financial means, and even simply have access to counselors who point them in the direction of free test prep.”

This leads to the requirement for standardized testing further perpetuating the issues in college applications that are caused by different socioeconomic factors

in a student’s home life.

Though there may be some issues in the application process, some colleges attempt to fix that with a holistic admissions process, which takes into account all parts of a student’s life, and gives everybody an equal chance.

Junior AVID Teacher Marissa Salgado said that the practice was “really good, since some kids might not be the best test takers, so they might not do well on the SAT or the ACT.”

Holistic admissions also address personal aspects, such as explaining why a year they may have had a major drop in their grades due to a debilitating circumstance.

On top of that, a new practice called superscores has started to show up more and more in recent years after the COVID pandemic.

Superscoring is when a college or university only looks at the cumulative score from a student’s all-time highest section scores.

This once again raises the question of who it truly benefits, however.

Junior Naya Lesser said that she can “see the reason behind it,” she thinks “that it really favors people in wealthier areas,” seeing that people in less well-off areas may not have the resources to retake a test multiple times in hopes of getting a better score.

Though superscores may not be a perfect solution, colleges are trying to get more students into their campuses and this is their attempt to make applications easier on students.

PVITROV Worlds team poses for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Julie Smalling)

Alo and Aritzia Coming to Del Amo

By Izzy Tholan reporter

Alo Yoga and Aritzia are scheduled to open in Fall of 2025 in the Del Amo Fashion Center.

Both of these stores are well known, but access has been limited for Palos Verdes residents, with the nearest locations being an hour away.

The stores’ openings would create a bigger audience of shoppers because of the closer distance.

These two stores have grown popular for their everyday wear and workout staples.

Alo is known for their “buttery soft” yoga clothing and exercise clothing. This store’s demographic is the pilates and athletic crowd.

Alo Yoga was originally founded in Los Angeles in 2007. The name ALO stands for “Air, Land, Ocean.”

Their goal is to inspire people to practice yoga and bring it into people’s daily lives.

Many people like Alo’s workout sets because they love the material and feel like it levels up their active gear.

“I use a lot of their clothing for cheer practice and working out because I really like the designs they have,” said junior Maggie Roche Aritzia over the years has achieved more of a “luxury” brand from their material of clothing.

“I wear Artizia clothes almost every day because I like a lot of their tops and clothes and biker shorts,” junior Chloe Recknor

(Photo by IzzyTholan)

said.

Artizia sells a lot of their “buttery soft” fabric for their biker shorts and sports bras for athletic wear.

“I buy from both of those stores a lot because I like all their new active wear that they sell and I like them for when I go to pilates with my friend,” junior Kimi Malloy said.

Both of these stores are located an hour’s drive away. This is not very convenient for most buyers. Because of this most people tend to order online.

Ordering online has its ups and downs because you are not able to try on your clothes. This can cause issues with not being able to try on your purchases.

The opening of both Alo Yoga and Aritzia in Del Amo Fashion Center is a game changer for local shoppers. Having these popular brands much closer to home will make shopping much more convenient. With both brands’ loyal following, this new location is sure to be a hit.

“I don’t think I’ll ever have to go to another mall again,” said Roche.

By Anna Kalty reporter

Tying Together Red Ribbon Week

The start of Red Ribbon Week, hosted by Be The Change (BTC), is coming up on October 13th.

Celebrated nationally in schools and other institutions and organizations, this week’s intent is to “get people to be aware of the dangers and harms [of drugs and alcohol] and…to provide them with the information that could maybe help them to make better choices,” according to BTC staff advisor Karen Kostrencich

But this purpose can’t just be achieved by beautifully decorating the school with signs and bows.

It is done through the coordinated efforts of BTC, guest speakers, and local law enforcement.

Red Ribbon Week is one of BTC’s larger undertakings, requiring a similar amount of work and preparation to Yellow Ribbon Week.

While Yellow Ribbon Week’s goal is to “give opportunities for people to be kind,” the focus during Red Ribbon Week is “more about education and information dissemination,” said Kostrencich.

Additionally, for Red Ribbon Week, they also consciously have to “keep more of a serious tone,” according to BTC CoPresident Carolina Juelle

Before the planning begins,

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month

By Julian Noc reporter

Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th.

The celebration of Latino Heritage Month is a moment that should not be missed to acknowledge the rich traditions, history, and cultural contributions of Latin American communities.

This year, Be The Change (BTC) and the Latin American Student Association (LASA) collaborated to host a variety of events including making papel picado, playing Loteria (a traditional card game), and playing musical chairs and a trivia Kahoot in classes.

Additionally, they hung up posters about historical facts and influential Latino people.

“Something I think people should start recognizing a little more about Latino culture is how warm and welcoming people are in Latin American countries,” LASA president Sofia LeGallo said.

“That’s something I love every time I go to Brazil and I feel like people don’t realize it until they get to really know someone from the culture.”

Latino Heritage Month is a time full of celebration and enjoyment.

“This month is good to remember the history, learn about people that influenced the

Juelle says BTC reminds its students to have this in mind when brainstorming and to “make sure it all connects back to the meaning behind Red Ribbon Week.”

In comparison to past years, the goal has remained the same, but the methods have somewhat changed.

BTC tries to switch it up and “bring in new ideas each year”, but–according to Juelle–there are some things that just seem to “resonate well with students”, hence why they “always try to bring in a speaker but maybe vary the perspective.”

BTC also always decorates the school with actual red ribbons each year as well as with newly painted posters.

A notable change in the

culture [and] dances, but also enjoy the food, the music, and spend time with your family,” LeGallo said.

According to LeGallo, celebrating traditions is the best way to celebrate this month.

“Something our students should know more about Latino culture is the history, important people, important dates, and why we celebrate the things we celebrate in the United States like Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, [and] Dia de Los Muertos,” senior Vincent Bueno said.

This month is a great occasion for students to celebrate and connect with loved ones that maybe they don’t get to see as often.

“In my family, during this month we spend time together and celebrate our traditions, we make traditional foods, listen to music, and use the time to see family members that we don’t usually see to celebrate together,” said Bueno.

As emphasized by LeGallo and Bueno, the Latino culture at its core is characterized by love and openness; hence this month

is the perfect time to review common values and learn the background of the numerous cultures which form the Latino community.

From eating to dancing to spending good time with family, there are many ways to keep the Latino culture alive.

Understanding and getting acquainted with the history, figures and customs that have shaped the culture of the Latino community are ways to promote the idea of the community’s members following during this month and all year round.

week’s proceedings is that the wrecked car encased in glass (from a drunk driving accident) is no longer part of the week’s attractions.

Juelle says that BTC “[hasn’t] done that [in a couple of years] since it was just kind of hard to find a place for it and to really get the meaning behind the crash and the effects of someone driving under the influence.”

Kostrencich said there is “a very fine balance [of] trying to get the information out there, but still have kids want to participate and get the information.”

To do this, they now instead “really [push] the guest speaker- especially having it be a student perspective, like a previous student or a family member just kind of talking about how their lives were affected [by drugs or alcohol],” said Kostrencich.

In addition to having a guest speaker come in during fifth period, BTC is “hoping to have the police back again at lunch” this year, as they help to “simulate what it’s like if you were to be pulled over and under the influence [in the hopes that] it’s something that kids realize they don’t want to happen to them.”

Sea Kings can also anticipate interactive hallway boards and trivia about different facts related to Red Ribbon Week for this year. Keep an eye out for updates on the BTC instagram during the week of October 13 through 17.

(Graphic byAnna Kalty)

Continued from front: Freshmen Frenzy

While freshmen adjust to the hurdles of high school, their teachers also navigate new challenges.

“Grading is the hardest part of being a teacher, at least from the English subject perspective,” Mindicino said. “We have so many essays to grade and so much writing that we want to give feedback on. I’ll be honest, sometimes I do feel burned out… and I’m still learning to manage that.”

Nearly all of Mindicino’s freshman classes are packed with 33-35 students. She suggested one solution to teacher burnout is limiting class size.

“Then you have more oneon-one time with each student ...[Freshmen]...need a lot more support in such a vulnerable, formative year as they’re transitioning into high school.”

Organizing schoolwide events for 1600 students also comes with its logistical challenges.

According to Maxfield, ASB had to “split [Class Comp] up differently…to make sure the entire freshman class could fit with the seniors on one side of the gym.”

For Homecoming, ticket sales were carefully monitored up until the day of.

“If we had hit our target of 600 prior to the dance, we would have added another photo booth

and at least one more [activity] to make the lines smaller,” Maxfield said.

Extracurriculars and athletics are already feeling the impact.

“I think club sizes will grow, and it will possibly affect… sports and extracurricular activities like drama and 205 in terms of more people trying out for the same number of spots,” Maxfield said.

However, a larger pool of students also allows for expanded opportunities.

“We can definitely have a freshman football team and we added a frosh cheer team last year,” Maxfield added.

From soaring school enrollment to newfound excitement and energy, the Class of 2029 has already left its mark.

“The teachers are very proud right now. There’s a really positive vibe on campus because more students picking [to go] here means that we’re doing something right,” Hill said.

The school anticipates even more growth in the coming years.

“Our school is an incredible place to thrive and to find out who you are. I’m just very excited that this new class is creating opportunities for themselves and for others,” Mindicino said.

As Mills put it, “What we’re doing here at PV is pretty exciting. I think word is out that this is the place to be.”

Students making paper picado at lunch

(Photo courtesy of Sofia LeGallo)

FEATURES

Trading Places: The Lives of PVHS’ Foreign Exchange Students

By Riley Volman reporter

As students walk from class to class, their minds are usually preoccupied with an upcoming test, what they have planned after school, or searching the hallways for friends.

What often goes unnoticed are the strangers around them, with many not even bothering to stop and think about where someone may come from, what they’re like, what they do for fun.

Despite most students having been here most of their lives, PVHS has a few different students whose stay here is a temporary arrangement. For sophomore Michelle Locher, her coming here all the way from Switzerland felt like a “highschool movie.”

Coming from approximately 6,000 miles away, things like the ocean, multiple periods and even lunch schedules, for her are “pretty American,” but also a new and interesting experience.

Coming from Rome, the big surprise wasn’t the school events for junior Vittorio Tosti, but differences like the architecture. Rome apartments have grandeur, arches, and color, and are characterized by the city; Palos Verdes feels suburban and quiet.

Junior Chengzi Cui is from the busy city of Hong Kong, and also noted PV is less compact compared to China.

In fact, a common issue for transfer students was the lack of independence when it comes to getting from place to place. Without public transport, they must depend on their host families for rides.

Cui also noticed the different attitude towards students from teachers. “Teachers here, I could feel their passion. They are really willing to help us, and they really care about us,” she said, a stark difference from China.

The differences between their home countries and the U.S. don’t end there, but it’s also smaller things that we’ve just accepted and we don’t even notice anymore.

For Locher, it’s not just the fact that being in such a different school feels like being in a movie, but she is shocked by how many school events PVHS has, from dances to spirit days. “We don’t have a single dance. There are six years of school-we have nothing,” she said. However, she still misses the sense of independence received from the public transport in Switzerland.

Tosti says that the weather is perfect here; he appreciates the climate and the relaxed pace of life. However, he still misses his friends back home and values the quality of

the friendship. “You make a friend in primary school, and you stay with him for all days,” he said.

Their experiences highlight how much of daily life people take for granted, or simply don’t acknowledge at all. Things as simple as school dances, or even the size of roads may feel ordinary to people born here, but for someone coming from across the world, they become symbols of a different culture. Their stories demonstrate that PVHS is not just a school, but a community where different global perspectives meet and influence each other.

(Graphic by Riley Volman)

Sweater Season Snacking

One obvious fan favorite is the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. “I love pumpkin spice lattes. When fall comes around, as soon as they get the fall drinks in Starbucks, I go,” said sophomore Cara Dworman.

Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies have a smooth maple creme filling between two maple leaf shaped cookies. “Maple cookies are my favorite and I could eat them for every meal forever,” said sophomore Colette Jassy

A divisive Halloween candy staple people either “really like candy corn,” like sophomore Amelia Artner, or “don’t like candy corn because it’s too sweet and just tastes fake,” like sophomore Talia Rayner

The pumpkin cream cheese muffin: this sweet treat can be often found at Starbucks. “I love the cream cheese filling, I think it’s so good with the pumpkin,” said Dworman.

Ms. P: Bringing Music to Life since 2002

By Ethan Woo photo editor/social media

PV High is a school filled with many teachers who care about their job and the students that they teach. One of said teachers that PV High has is music and AVID teacher Shellie Parkinson

She has been at PV High since it reopened over 23 years ago, and she feels “lucky that the job opened at the right time for me, as they needed a teacher when the school reopened in 2002,” said Parkinson.

In those years she has taught numerous classes, such as AVID, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Marching Band, Concert Band, AP Music Theory, and even a guitar class.

Her impact on students is also something that can’t be ignored, with students such as junior Timothy Yang saying that “her room has been a place of comfort and family in this large and often troubled world.”

Her style of teaching has helped many students have amazing pathways in their careers.

“I’ve seen successful students who have become college professors and are doctors, and that makes me feel like I’ve done a great job,” said Parkinson.

With all these years of teaching, she has had some highlighted moments that both she and her students found particularly memorable.

Parkinson fondly remembers things like “taking the band to China during the 2008 Olympics, which was… really cool for me to

witness in person,” or another time when they “did a recording session with John Legend right when he started his career, which was also really amazing.”

This isn’t the only benefit that she gets out of her employment at PVHS, since she also gets to live in area she’s come to love.

Parkinson said that she “loves this area, especially Redondo Beach. It feels like a dream that I can live on the beach and drive eight minutes to scenic spots.”

Aside from teaching, she also has many different hobbies like growing plants, hanging around her patio in her apartment, reading, and travelling during the summer.

Parkinson said that she loves “big trips every year, like last year I went to Australia and New Zealand, and this year I am thinking about going to Greece this upcoming summer.”

Overall, Ms. P has made herself a trusted person whom students and even teachers can look up to and share their thoughts with. “I just know that her students are in the hands of a safe person that they can go to and that they trust,” said fellow teacher Allyson Klabe

Graphic by Elisa Crespo Mirat reporter

(Photo by Ethan Woo)

Nostalgia: Sweet, Sour, Inbetween

Graphic By Walter Kim reporter/social media

The Sweet

“It was the time I took the dinghy out with just my brothers, and we went to the island to get some really good pastries.”

-Jordyn Koch, Freshman

“The saddest nostalgic memory I have was losing in the first round of CIF sophomore year. This made me sad because we had a lot of seniors on that team that worked hard.”

Vincent Bueno, Senior

Te Bitter

“There’s a blue plastic chair in my classroom that my youngest daughter would like to use as her own personal locker by putting her bags on it while she was a student at PVHS. She graduated two years ago and now that chair reminds of her. That chair actually makes me pretty darn sad because I miss my kids being here and they’re now both away in college.”

-Louis Harley, Teacher

Te Bittersweet

KPop Demon Hunters: Showing World How It’s Done Done Done

By Nikki Mogilefsky reporter

K-pop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s unexpected hit movie of 2025, has burst onto the scene.

This massively successful franchise is topping charts and stealing the hearts of fans, having surpassed massive shows like The Mitchells vs. The Machines and Squid Game as the most watched Netflix title ever.

Not only that, but K-pop Demon Hunters is bringing a lot of representation to Korean culture.

Cute characters such as Derpy the tiger and Sussie the bird were actually inspired by Korean artworks.

Jihyun Kim, PV High Korean teacher, explained that “they originate from the Tiger and Magpie Painting, and the tiger represents authorities, so by drawing it cutely, it makes fun of authorities.”

It’s not just an example of good representation of Korean culture, but Digital Animation. Teacher Kristy Jimenez also recommends it,“just for the fight scenes”, since ”the action is stunning from an artistic standpoint.”

On top of that, Jimenez also says that it’s very “original in the way that they released that film and it’s so successful because

Planning Ahead PVHS’ College and Career Center

By Ashyln Matulic reporter

At PVHS, there are outstanding services that students can access in various ways.

If people know about this exceptional service here, they wouldn’t need to look any further. In the College & Career Center, CCC Director Joanne Lewis and Scholarship and Financial Aid Coordinator Teresa Hoffman help students decide on what colleges may be a good fit for them, and help them apply by giving them access to resources.

Amongst these resources, the CCC organizes college visits, so that students have access to nearly any UC, University, or community college by simply visiting the CCC and asking a few questions, making it so that students don’t have to travel to any college because all the information is right at their fingertips.

The CCC is a safe place where students can feel comfortable getting the knowledge they need to flourish, and Lewis wants “freshmen and sophomores, any grade… to have the opportunity in a very low-risk environment.”

Despite that, this is a resource that students at PVHS have at their disposal though according to Lewis, some people don’t use it enough.

“Students and guardians really don’t take advantage of the exceptional breadth of the programming we provide here,”

she said. She also observed how students in the past years “haven’t used, or talked with the CCC,” and in this year and upcoming years, she hopes more students and parents will get involved.

Even though students didn’t really use this resource before, students are now getting more used to the idea of using their resources more.

For example, senior Brianna Garcia said that “it helps to get a sense of what you’re applying to, what they’re offering, and what they are looking for in their applications.”

On top of that, seniors not only get as many opportunities and experiences as they want so they can make the decision that is going to be best for them for the next four years, but they also

get a lot of help with their college applications.

Senior Hadley Kokes said that “the CCC has helped me a lot with my college application process. I don’t think I would have managed everything on my own without Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Hoffman.”

Senior year can be a very stressful time for both the student and the parent, so having something like the CCC on campus that students can go to for instant and accurate information is something that PVHS is so grateful for. Students know before they walk in that they will be helped and will have their questions answered to the best of the CCC’s ability. The CCC is a very valuable asset to students of any grade level here at PVHS.

(Photo byAshlyn Matulic)

of it.”

The movie originally released on Netflix and came to theaters with a singalong remix.

The singalong version of K-pop demon hunters that released on August 23 only played for two days but it was estimated to gross between 16 and 18 million dollars in ticket sales, according to NBC News.

On top of that, the soundtrack has been nominated for several accolades. “Golden” has been submitted for a Grammy, and five of the songs from the soundtrack are in the top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100. “Golden” has even been at the number one spot of the billboard top 200 for six weeks.

The movie is also speculated to qualify for the Oscars in two categories - Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Song.

Fans of the movie, such as freshman Lacey Kakazu, said that, “the song Free is really good. It just shows the chemistry between the characters and the love story, and Soda Pop is so fun and uplifting.”

(Graphic by Nikki Mogilefsky)

So where is the series going from here? Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix have to agree to terms because neither can make another movie without the other, but it’s been confirmed that more content is coming.

The possibilities of two sequels, a controversial live action, a stage musical, an animated series and a short film are being discussed.

With catchy songs, beautiful art, and incredible characters, K-Pop Demon Hunters has been rising in popularity and the phenomenon shows no signs of stopping.

Legos Over Time

By Anthony Trutanich reporter

LEGO began in 1932 when a man named Ole Kirk who was a Danish carpenter started making wooden toys in a small workshop in Denmark.

He named it LEGO due to the Danish phrase ‘leg godt’ translating directly to ‘play well’ in English.

Though there were some difficulties at the start, and a few changes, most notably the change from wood to plastic, they’ve always been favorites of children across the world.

They’ve had an undeniable cultural impact on the world as well, but especially on people originating from places like Denmark.

“Being from Denmark, my parents always got me LEGOs growing up,” said senior Liam Denko

They’ve also collaborated with many different brands such as franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars, which has made them almost synonymous with merchandise of many different brands and characters.

to marketing themselves as a hobby.

“LEGOs are peaceful and something fun to do when I’m bored. It takes a while but the end product is always worth it,” said junior Naomy Cepero

This can be evidently seen in the different age ranges that LEGO sets on their sets, with there being LEGO sets that are recommended for adults.

On top of it being a nice hobby, it gives children something

fun to do that’s good for them.

They’re also one of the biggest toy companies on top of their cultural weight, having surpassed Mattel in 2015, and their growth hasn’t stopped, having sold around five billion USD worth of lego in the Americas alone.

Another notable change that they made was the switch from marketing themselves as a toy

LEGOs have been proven to improve visual-spatial skills, which young children are still developing, and according to junior Musa Lankford, they give children “something creative to do” and allow them to “use their imagination.”

As such, though LEGOs may have changed a lot from where they started, they’re not going anywhere.

A Performative Male’s

Understanding the “Performative Male”

In recent years there has been a rise in popularity in a new type of male stereotype: the performative male. The performative male is not defined solely by personality, but by a set of curated habits, style choices, and tastes that signal whom he intends to be—or whom he would like others to believe he is. He can be found sitting in a park reading a book and sipping a drink. If you look closely, his beverage of choice is a matcha latte. His headphones will only be wired earbuds. And the music that he is listening to will be Laufey and Clairo on repeat.

The book that he is reading will be a feminist literature book, for it serves as a source of personal inspiration and easy topics for conversation. And looking even closer, you’ll find that his outfit will be purposeful yet understated. A collared shirt and a pair of jeans that both look casual enough to be effortless, but polished enough to feel intentional.

Last but not least, you will notice

something on his totebag. For a performative male is never complete without their keychain: the Labubu.

The Labubu will be resting on top of their tote bag to show that they keep up with the latest trends on social media. All of these curated choices aren’t accidental, they are purely intentional. These choices show signs as to how he wants to be perceived.

At the core, the performative male is not about being genuine, it’s about showing a different version of himself that he wants to be perceived by. Everything from his drinks to his books…he’s performing a type of carefully thought out style and aesthetic. The choices themselves aren’t “fake.” He may truly like matcha and Laufey. But the point isn’t if he enjoys or embraces those things, but that those choices create a certain impression that he would like others to believe in. Ultimately, the trend of being a performative male has become more noticeable in today’s society.

Male’s Shopping List

Labubu: From Collectible Toy to Global Trend

Labubu, the character from Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series has transformed from a niche collectible to a worldwide phenomenon. The progression from modest art toy to widespread must-have accessory is attributable to smart marketing efforts, celebrity influencers, and the limited availability of the product.

Labubu’s sudden rise is due to highprofile celebrities being seen with the doll. Celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian have been spotted with Labubu figures typically hanging off the side of their designer bags. The exposure has placed Labubu from the niche collectible category to a mainstream fashion accessory to have.

Pop Mart’s strategic marketing on the Labubu has generated huge profits. In the first half of 2025, the series ‘The Monsters’ that contains Labubu, generated around 670 million dollars, ultimately generating 34.7% of Pop Mart’s total revenue. Labubu has created a bandwagon effect, the style of the toy increases in desirability as more people follow along. Labubu began as a toy collectible in China. However, as celebrities and influencers have shown their Labubu figure, it has transformed from a toy collectible into a stylished accessory and more people start

wanting the product to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

Pop Mart has effectively made Labubu more appealing by keeping the stock limited. By featuring limited releases of Labubu figures and many designs being retired, they are doing a tribute to exclusivity. This has established waitlists and sold out signs, driving Labubu from a figurine, to a luxury status accessory. Desirability is also heightened when Labubu products are sold on secondary markets, for much higher than retail price. Buying the product on the official website makes buyers feel like they are more exclusive than others.

The transition of Labubu from a niche collectible, to globally recognized design offers insight to the power of marketing, celebrity influence, and the insight into limited availability. Labubu demonstrates how one simple toy can become such a big phenomenon in today’s fast-paced world.

By

Genie Choi centerspread editor

How This Story Almost Didn’t Make the Paper

A Satire on Productive Procrastination

By Jessica Hickman opinion editor

As I got home from school I went onto Netflix and started my favorite episode of Gilmore Girls before I started my homework. Before I knew it, one episode turned into ten. But I deserved the break after such a long day of school. Sure, maybe this was my fifth time rewatching it, but who’s counting.

I headed to my room and I was welcomed by the haunting pile of laundry covering the bedroom floor. And of course the only way to start studying was to be in a clean space since it’s unfeasible to start work on my article with the presence of unfolded socks. So, I folded all of my laundry and maybe rearranged my closet by color, texture and size along the way. But this was completely acceptable since then I had clean space to work in.

Finally, I had a clean area to start on my article. I put my earbuds in and I went into my Spotify only to be extremely disappointed with how unaesthetically pleasing it was. The story could wait since this was a personal brand crisis titled “CODE RED.” So, I obviously had to reorganize all my playlists and give them aesthetic covers and names that I definitely did not find on Pinterest. But now I had easy access to playlists which in the long term will actually save me time, even though I had spent hours fixing it.

As I began to start my homework my stomach growled in disappointment. Then I remembered I hadn’t eaten a single crumb, morsel, molecule or atom of food since I had gotten home. So, I began to cook myself a pasta and salad dinner. As

I ate my food while watching my favorite YouTube channel, my once full bowl of pasta was then empty. But, I had to finish the video because I have a moral obligation to finish everything I start. Then, I was completely ready to start studying and get all my homework done. But then I looked at the clock which then read 10:43 p.m.

How was it already 11p.m. and not a single word of homework was done?

Although I had felt more productive than Sherlock Holmes on three cups of coffee solving a triple murder. Well, then it was obviously way too late to start any of that silly thing called “story assignments.”

So, I went along and did my 10-step night routine. Because I followed the wise immortal words of Rory Gilmore I needed to get my beauty sleep since she said, “Who cares if I fail my finals if I’m pretty?” or something like that.

Then as I fell asleep with my clean socks and heatless curls I got a text from my Editor-in-Chief asking how my article is going. But I just told myself “I will finish it tomorrow.” Well, unless Netflix adds another season.

(Graphic by Jessica Hickman )

The Humanization of AI

By Stella Gallai social media/reporter

As we negotiate AI’s place in our society, it is important to consider how humanization contributes to issues with AI. Generative AI has the potential to do immense damage and good to our society, and in order to handle it responsibly we must understand it.

Recently, Albania appointed an AI Minister of public procurement: Diella. It is notable that Diella was presented to the public with a human name, avatar, and she/ her pronouns.

This is common strategy where developers program their systems to be as human-like as possible, behaviorally and characteristically.

Humanization is used primarily to make generative AI easier and more enjoyable to communicate with. We see chatbots and virtual assistants generating exceptionally welcoming and friendly phrases.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT was asked, “How would ChatGPT greet a new user?” and said; “Hi there! Welcome to ChatGPT. I’m here to help you with just about anything you need — from answering questions and brainstorming ideas to helping with writing, learning, or solving problems.

“Whether you’re just exploring or have something specific in mind, feel free to ask. There’s no pressure, and no such thing as a bad question here.”

ChatGPT’s response first engages the user, and then invites them to converse again with the algorithm. At the end of every following response, ChatGPT turns a question or command back to the user, initiating further interaction. User interaction itself is what drives the expansion of the AI industry. Expansion generates profit, which is the corporation’s ultimate goal. By this logic, some would say that humanization is carried out in favor of economic growth, and is not of any real interest to the public.

Some would even argue that humanizing AI is dangerous above being unnecessary. Critics eagerly suggest short-term and long-term risks that the process could impose.

For example, that humanization drives job displacement within the humanitarian sector, or that it accompanies cybersecurity and exploitation risk.

Beyond economic ramifications, there are the interpersonal ones too. Heavy skepticism circulates around accountability concerning AI. When the algorithm generates

Critics Vs. Creators Does Online Hate Ruin

By Sophia Dominguez reporter

Nowadays, the development of movies has taken a toll from social media backlash and mixed reactions.

Before the release date, there is often a hate train rallying up a negative reputation for a film. Whether it be the dislike for certain actors or the distaste in plot, movie studios are struggling to get an audience to come back and see more. While filmmaking is supposed to connect people together, online hate has ruined the way movies are perceived and limits the creation of them.

One bad critique can spread like wildfire and serve as an unreliable source of opinion. Many forget to consider the time, money and hard work the production team puts in order to get their movie out onto screens. This hate can limit a studio’s risks and funding decisions.

Procducers’ creativity is often reduced since viewers may not find it interesting or worrth watching. Media interest is constantly evolving, but it is treated like disposable content.

Movie franchises are now stuck with the decision of original ideas, or readaptation of a film. Studios are beginning to lean into sequels and reboots.

For example, Disney in recent years has struggled with the negative feedback. Live action movies like “The Little Mermaid” and “Snow White” both received immense criticism and low box office numbers.

Filmmaking should be celebrated to bring in more creative views and ideas. As a society, we need artistic growth to push us forward. If we refurnish old ideas, where’s the originality and surprise? New concepts are key elements that need to be encouraged and not shut down by critics online.

The negative impacts of social media

something regrettable, the developers are reluctant to take responsibility for it. Gaps in accountability have historically been a slippery slope to corruption.

The systematic and interpersonal implications of humanization affect everyone. The practice is already wellestablished in the industry. So how can we avoid and reverse the negative impact of personifying AI?

The most feasible way to do so is through education. People, youth especially, should be properly informed on how generative AI works on a fundamental level. A society that aptly understands AI will apply it more effectively.

Public schools should implement full courses on the use of AI. Also, corporations should be informing the public about the risks that accompany/ come with using AI. People should interest themselves in the issue at hand, and hold themselves to a standard when handling AI. Education and transparency will enable the population to make its proper judgement on humanization, and in return use AI honorably. With that, it would be a failure of the human race not to justfully do so.

The Art of Filmmaking?

can make creators insecure and cause them to doubt their work. Throughout the years, discouraging voices online have overshadowed genuine appreciation. This creates a culture where tearing down creativity is normalized. As a result, the movie industry suffers, especially with the use of streaming services as a safety net.

On streaming services, audiences can turn off a film after a couple minutes if they’re bored. This makes it harder for unpopular films to get a chance. Fans online have become hypercritical, attacking films and actors if they don’t meet specific expectations.

This results in filmmakers becoming more comfortable in designing culturally trendy films, weakening the longevity of cinema as an art form.

To future filmmakers and writers, online hate can make it seem very daunting and difficult to place their work out to the public. Artistic career paths should be given more of a chance, and be embraced.

Creativity is not a weakness, but is the very force that moves culture, inspires audiences, and keeps the essence of film. alive.

Pumpkin Spice

An Autumn staple or a marketing scam?

many more items.

By Sofia Daizadeh social media/reporter

Every autumn, pumpkin spice returns, sparking a debate. Is pumpkin spice a beloved flavor or an overhyped trend? Many people say that it’s a “marketing scam,” but its comforting flavor makes it a beloved part of Fall.

Pumpkin spice doesn’t just taste amazing; it marks the beginning of the season. From social media trends to seasonal menus, the emotional connection makes the taste even better because it is tied to good times and comforting feelings. Drinking a pumpkin chai with my friends reminds many that the best time of the year has arrived.

Consider the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The Pumpkin Spice Latte originally came from Starbucks in 2003, and they have since sold over a hundred million iconic drinks. But it didn’t stop there; due to its major success pumpkin spice has made its way to candles, cookies, perfume and

In the article “Inside the 1.1b Pumpkin Spice Economy, Falls flavor forecast 2025,” statistics show that as of the 2024 fall season, US consumers spend more than $1.1 billion on pumpkin spice flavored products. Lastly pumpkin spice actually has some health perks. The spices like cinnamon and cloves are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This means they help your body fight off sickness which is helpful during cold and flu season. According to UT Southwestern MedicalCenter, health professionals have said that pumpkin spice sharpens your sight, boosts your immune system, and lowers blood pressure. So, by enjoying a pumpkin spice latte or a pumpkin muffin you can say that you’re strengthening your body. Ultimately, pumpkin spice is far from being overrated. Its comforting flavor and cultural significance make it a beloved part of the fall season. The taste of it alone reminds many of joyful fall memories, which is why so many people eagerly wait for it to come back every year.

(Graphic by Sophia Dominguez)

A Letter From the Editors

Why standardized testing shouldn’t be required

For the 2025-2026 application season many top schools have reverted back to required standardized testing such as SAT and ACT. Because of this, there has been increasing debates on whether or not standardized testing should be required in applications.

The SAT was originally created in 1926 to standardize college admissions by creating a national exam. This test consists of both an English and Math section. The ACT followed in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT in order to measure what individual students learned throughout high school. In comparison to the English and Math sections available in the SAT, the ACT consists of English, Math, Reading and Science.

In the last couple of years, competitive colleges and universities across the United States resumed their testing requirements as they believe these assessments are an accurate depiction of how well an individual will perform at their institution. Additionally these schools believe that the SAT and ACT account for grade inflation and are used as a method of identification for talented students under pressure.

Why Being Basic Isn’t Bad

By Jemma Johnson reporter

However, many students are at a disadvantage while taking these exams due to being nervous test takers. Some students struggle to focus under pressure or in a timed environment and are therefore at a disadvantage when applying to these colleges.

First off, many students use expensive tutoring or practice books in order to prepare for their exams. While these are helpful for some students and can help improve their score, these are unrealistic expenses for many students and their families. Therefore, this creates an unfair advantage for more financially stable students.

Secondly, there was no warning from certain universities regarding the return of required standardized testing. This caught many seniors off guard and left them little to no time for preparation for the exam as well as few available test dates before application deadlines.

While these exams are important, there are too many underlying variables that could impact student scores to make this a required part of college

On one hand, these exams are useful because it allows students from non-feeder schools to be recognized and accepted into highly competitive universities. It additionally provides a common benchmark for academic rigor and strengths among all students.

It’s the first day of fall! Many are super excited to order their Pumpkin Spice Lattes and wear their new Lululemon sets to school. Before they can even sit down in their seat, someone mutters, “ugh… they’re so basic.”

In today’s world, being labeled as “basic” can feel like an insult. The term refers to people who like things that are widely popular. This can be Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Lululemon leggings or mainstream pop, often making them look “unoriginal.” It may seem harmless, but being called basic can make many people feel excluded and judged. So, why is it such a big deal whether someone dresses more basic-casual rather than alternative, or listens to popular songs instead of underground bands? Why is there so much shame attached to this label, especially in a culture that claims to value selfexpression?

that different is better. In reality, being different isn’t necessarily “better.” Being “basic” should be just as respected as people with “unique” styles, because that, too, is a form of self-expression. For example, Tiktok trends make fun of people a lot of the time for wearing the same things

Social media has set a standard of standing out rather than simply being yourself. Social media, in general, often showcases people’s unique styles, encouraging the idea

or liking the same music. There’s the “basic girl starter pack” trend, where content creators will put various photos of things like iced coffee, UGGs, Taylor Swift and Lululemon together – as if there’s something wrong with liking that stuff. It sends the message that enjoying anything popular makes you boring or fake, which can leave many feeling hurt.

By Olivia Kim reporter

In memories, the crisp, cold air tickled your skin as you tightly gripped a heavy plastic bucket adorned with your favorite childhood stickers. It was October 31, Halloween night. You were walking down winding streets that glowed with orange lights in your neighborhood, surrounded by costumed kids laughing and running from house to house. Everything around you felt festive.

Yet somehow, this season, something’s different. Where did that buzzing excitement of Halloween go? Where did the victorious satisfaction of an overflowing stash of candy go? Why do costumes and candy now feel more like a memory than something happening now?

For many teens, the shift is noticeable. What once was an entire day of celebration now feels like just another regular day. What changed? Well perhaps, we did.

The shift isn’t just happening in our heads; it’s happening in our environments too. When we were younger, Halloween was

Some people may think that being basic means you’re trying too hard or copying others. But actually, it’s completely normal to like things that many other people like. Not everything has to be niche or underground. Sometimes the reason something is popular is because it’s genuinely good. No one should feel like they have to change themselves just to avoid being called “basic.”

You don’t need to go out of your way to be different from the person you are just to be accepted into society. You are here to understand yourself, not to be understood. So don’t change yourself for anybody.

Being “basic” doesn’t mean there is a lack of character or that someone isn’t their own person. Liking mainstream trends, (Graphic by Jemma Johnson)

Trick or Memory?

How has Halloween

more than a holiday, it was an experience. Classrooms became haunted houses, complete with spiderweb decorations, pumpkin crafts, and spooky music. You’d walk in costume parades, play games like bobbing for apples, and trade candy like it was currency. Now? Maybe a teacher offers a small piece of candy. Maybe someone musters up the effort to coordinate a makeshift costume.

According to psychologists,

Editors-in-Chief Ella Hansen

James Lew Adviser Cynthia Mindicino

changed since we’ve been little?

ones, often outside of school.

Homework:

past more fondly than it actually was. Especially with holidays, our childhood memories become wrapped up in emotions. When we think of Halloween, we’re not just remembering costumes, we’re remembering how we felt: excited, imaginative and carefree. Today, we see Halloween through a different lens. It’s not that the holiday itself has changed dramatically, but the

Editors & Leadership

News: Evalyn Yu

Features: Nicolas Boixo Fernandez De La Cigoña

Opinion: Jessica Hickman

Sports: Ivy Ruberg

Centerspread: Genie Choi

Web: Eason Kaewprasert

Photo Editor: Ethan Woo

As we grow older, traditions change from carving pumpkins with friends to binge-watching horror movies.

For others, it’s simply enjoying the fall vibes, crisp weather, and spooky atmosphere. How we celebrate changes, but why we love Halloween remains the same: it sparks creativity, gives us a reason to have fun and brings people together.

So no, Halloween isn’t ruined. It hasn’t disappeared. It’s simply growing up alongside us.

way we connect with it has.

Another big factor is the shift in school culture. Many schools have cut back on in-class celebrations due to stricter academic standards, tighter schedules, and concerns about inclusivity. There’s less time and fewer resources for teachers to plan big Halloween parties. That doesn’t mean Halloween is canceled, it’s just changing. The traditions we once loved are being replaced with new

The handmade costumes may be packed away, the classroom parties may be gone, but the spirit of Halloween still lingers in new ways, if we’re willing to notice.

Maybe it’s in the smell of pumpkin spice, the nervous laughter at a scary movie, or a quiet walk under a full moon in October.

If we’re open to it, we might find that the magic was never in the candy or the costumes, it was in the memories we made, and the new ones we still can.

(Graphic by Olivia Kim) brands, styles, and music is really just a matter of personal taste, and it doesn’t always have to be about fitting in or standing out. Our society and culture values uniqueness, so it can be easy to forget that liking popular things is still a form of self-expression. It’s important to stop judging people for what they like and see that everyone’s tastes are valid.

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Fiona Cammidge, Adele Chen, Elisa Crespo Mirat, Sofia Daizadeh, Sophia Dominguez, Sarah Fujinaga, Stella Gallai, Kasey Garth, Owen Hardesty, Alex Ioannou, Jemma Johnson, Anna Kalty, Olivia Kim, Walter Kim, Ashlyn Matulic, Ainsley McGuire, Nikki Mogilefsky, Julian Noc, Kathryn Stewart, Molly Sullivan, Izzy Tholan, Anthony Trutanich, Riley Volman, Justin Whitehead Staff

Can Kings Take The Crown Again?

By Molly Sullivan social media/reporter

Last year, Palos Verdes High School’s fall sports season was one to remember with girls tennis, girls volleyball, and boys football claiming three CIF titles. How will this year top last year’s season?

Dabe Nwude, a senior on Varsity football, believes that this season “we are more united, more like brothers and have better team chemistry.” Nwude believes this year will be stronger and better than the previous ones. This season alone, Nwude has helped defend our team with nine tackles and eight assists as of October 8.

Morley Boyd, another senior on PVHS varsity football, believes “If we take it one play at a time and we’ll be good no matter what happens.” Boyd has been a key role on the team since sophomore year this year alone he has had countless touchdowns. Just a couple games ago he helped beat

Banning 52-0. At the game, Boyd had one touchdown and four receptions with his longest reception being 62 yards.

The Sea Kings have not only seen success on the field, but also on the volleyball courts. Last year the team finished with an overal record of 27-9.

has put in.” Sachar said the team knows what to do to win again.

LACROSSE

Paige Tydlaska, a junior on varsity girls volleyball, said “I think the team is different this year but we have a lot of potential, and new additions that will hopefully make this season really successful.”

Tydlaska also mentioned the fact that there is a new coaching staff and they are looking forward to the rest of another great season.

Additionally, girls tennis is off to an impressive start.

Bella Sachar, a senior on Varsity tennis believes “We can win again because of our strong players and the time each girl

Last year, the Sea Kings were Southern Section CIF division and won the CIF state championship with a record of (27-0).

Whether it’s on the football field, the volleyball court, or the

tennis court, Sea King teams have demonstrated the ability to succeed. Our Sea Kings are confident that we will carry last year’s success into this upcoming season.

One thing is clear, PVHS sports teams are working just as hard and ready to tackle this upcoming season.

(Photos courtesy of Brian Shapiro and Paige Tydlaska)

Does KT Tape Really Work?

By Alex Ioannou reporter

Watch any professional sport on TV or attend a high school game, you’ll probably notice athletes wearing brightly colored tape on their knees, shoulders, or arms. KT Tape has become one of the most popular accessories in sports today.

But many people ask: Does it actually help performance, or is it just a confidence boost?

KT Tape was first made to help support muscles and joints while not limiting movement. It gained popularity during the 2008 Olympics when many athletes wore it.

Since then, KT Tape has spread to all levels of sports. Many players say that it helps reduce muscle pain and provides support, while others argue that the tape has no benefits at all.

“I believe KT Tape helps me play better because it supports my muscles when I’m throwing,” junior Charlie Hoye, said.

“It also gives me confidence because I know it’s helping me and I feel like I can throw harder and for longer.”

Hoye, a varsity baseball pitcher, said he notices differences when he wears the tape vs when he doesn’t.

“When I wear KT Tape, it helps support my arm while I’m throwing, so I don’t put too much stress on my arm,” he said.

Junior Malena Mackiewicz, a varsity soccer player, said when

she uses KT Tape its a mix of physical support and a confidence boost.

“When I am injured and I have it on, I feel like I can move without worrying about making my injury worse,” Mackiewicz said.

“But at the same time, it could also be the placebo effect making me feel more confident.”

But, not all athletes feel the same. Sophomore Tavien Bell, a varsity basketball player, said that KT Tape didn’t really work for him.

“I’ve used the tape before, but most of the time it would just fall off or just stick there,” Bell said. “It didn’t really help me, it was just distracting.”

While many athletes swear by KT Tape, sports medicine research has had mixed results. Some studies say that the tape has little to no physical effect on muscle support or recovery.

Instead, many experts say that the biggest advantage when wearing the tape is the mental boost.

If athletes “feel” more supported or stable, they may play with more confidence, which can make a big difference during games.

For athletes, the confidence boost that the tape gives might be just as important as physical

performance. If KT Tape actually works or not, its rise in popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

“I know many athletes don’t use it,” Hoye said. “But for me, I know it helps me throw and gives me support.”

In the end, KT Tape might be controversial between science and belief. Even if part of the benefit is psychological, the confidence boost that the tape gives could be just as helpful as the physical support.

Lane Flanagan Commits To UPenn For D1 Soccer

By Sarah Fujinaga social media/reporter

Girls Varsity Soccer player, Lane Flanagan, is committed to the University of Pennsylvania for Division 1 soccer. The senior has been a captain on the team for the past two years of high school.

As captain, she continuously helps the team.

“She always voices what she thinks we should do to improve our next plays and she always builds people up,” senior captain Kate Ryan said. “Whether we’re losing or winning, she always has the right attitude,”

To improve her skills even further, head coach Joe Flanagan worked with her on strength and conditioning training. Her positive progression throughout high school was apparent.

“Lane has progressed in many ways. On the field she has taken more of an attacking role than the past,” J. Flanagan said.

“Off the field she has become more of a vocal leader which can be tough these days as there are so many distractions.”

This led to L. Flanagan being on varsity all four years of her high school career. While she is a figure underclassen look up to, a soccer player she looks up to is Lindsey Horan. Horan is a captain on the United States women’s national soccer team.

L. Flanagan and Horan both

play as midfielders.

On the field, L. Flanagan seems to be an important leader.

“Working with Lane is so fun. She’s such a positive person, she has a good outlook on everything, she always gives the best advice and she’s so smart about how she goes about everything,” senior captain Finlee Mills said.

Going into a game L. Flanagan has an intense mindset, leaving it all on the field and doing the best she can. Another college she was interested in is UC San Diego but L. Flanagan ultimately decided against it, wanting to go more outside her comfort zone.

L. Flanagan originally never

Flags Fly Again

By Kathryn Stewart reporter

After disappearing in 2022 due to low signups, the Colorguard is back, rebuilding from the ground up.

“The year after Covid there were 4 or 5 girls,” said instructor Allyson Klabe. “The next year only one girl signed up. After that it was hard to promote because there wasn’t a current program.”

This year, the team is starting fresh. Everyone is learning together, figuring things out as they go.

“Everyone has to start new at some point,” said Klabe, who has taught Colorguard since college and previously coached at Peninsula High School.

expected to go to UPenn.

“I never thought I would be able to go to an Ivy, so it was a surprise,” L. Flanagan said. Activities she is excited for at Penn are playing at a different level of soccer, meeting new people and seasons changing.

For players wanting to achieve this same goal she advises “If no one has reached out to you, don’t stress out, you’re on your own timeline and everything happens for a reason. Safe to say L. Flanagan’s talent will carry her a long way throughout her time at Penn.

“Colorguard puts color and form and shape to the music,” said band director Shellie Parkinson. “It brings the music to life.”

Freshman Skylar Bollinger joined with no experience and said “I was able to learn a lot thanks to Ms. Klabe.”

“It taught me to overcome challenges and to cheer for people,” said freshman Amy Chang.

Colorguard performs with the band during football games and will continue to compete in the spring.

With no section leader yet, the team is learning to lead together.

“It’s fun to be in this little community,” said freshman Joie Cobb.

As interest grows, Colorguard hopes to expand, compete, and become a lasting part of the PVHS pep squad once again.

A Trojan In The Making

By Owen Hardesty reporter

Palos Verdes Highschool’s very own Kai Van Scoyoc, a senior and University of Southern California baseball commit, began his baseball journey at just 5 years old.

Dedication, perseverance, and discipline have shaped him into the player he is today, earning him a coveted spot on a Division 1 roster.

His career hasn’t been easy.

“I got hurt my sophomore year and I really had to ask myself if I wanted to play in college,” Van Scoyoc said.

Despite this challenge, Van Scoyoc stayed consistent, working both on the field and in the gym.

But Van Scoyoc’s presence goes beyond just athletic performance; his leadership and consistency is vital to the team’s success.

“Kai has led the team by staying consistent on the field and being a great example of how all our teammates should be,” Van Scoyoc’s teammate, Jonah Cohen, said.

Many young kids are inspired to commit to a Division 1 sport like Van Scoyoc.

“Being disciplined and keeping up the hard work has to be the most important thing I’ve learned in my journey, and is something I would tell younger kids wanting to be an athlete in college,” Van Scoyoc said.

His commitment to the game, and his goal of playing at the collegiate level, has never wavered.

According to Van Scoyoc, his continuous drive and work ethic over the last few years are what

ultimately opened the door to Division 1 baseball.

Van Scoyoc’s determination arrived in high school, and has stayed consistent throughout the past couple years. He credits much of this to his family.

“My dedication comes from my parents. They have put a lot of their own time and money into my baseball career and I want to be able to repay them,” Van Scoyoc said.

Van Scoyoc has had tremendous growth in his high school career, both as a player and as a person.

“He’s always had the confidence, but now he understands where it comes from and how to get it back when things don’t go as planned,” PVHS baseball Head Coach, Alex Morales, said.

“He also recognizes that being team-focused and making others better is just as important as individual success,” Morales said.

“He’s shown leadership through Red Tide and baseball, maturity, and a great attitude, working to set a positive example for others.”

Van Scoyoc’s high school baseball career may be ending, but his journey is just beginning.

Palos Verdes Varsity Basketball Player Max Cui (Photo courtesy of Max Cui)

Palos Verdes Colorguard performs at Homecoming football game (Photo courtesy of Cynthia Mindicino)

(Photo courtesy of Lane Flanagan)

(Photo courtesy of Kai Van Scoyoc)

Introducing the New Members of Our Ever Growing Community

By Adele Chen and Ainsley McGuire reporters

Gabriella Gorven graduated from Cal State Long Beach as a film major, and later went to Vanguard University for her teaching credential. To her, teaching English, especially writing is all about “seeing the lightbulb go off”. Her favorite artists are Amy Winehouse and Mac Miller. She loves the book and show, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” “[The show] just really brought [the book] to life, I feel like they mesh really well creatively, and I’m a huge nerd about that.”

Coming from a family of many teachers, Joshua Genauer fell in love with teaching after he had an opportunity to teach as a graduate student. “I started liking my teaching as much as the research itself.” While a graduate student, Genauer also dabbled as a DJ for a radio station. For fun, he picks radio stations that he has not heard of before to take in new music. “I end up hearing things I never would have known to look for. It’s a great way to welcome the unexpected.”

(Photos byAinsley McGuire andAdele

Jackie Merida, a special education teacher, grew up in Northern Long Beach before deciding to pursue a career in education. “I fell in love with the different ways that students learned, the different ways they interact with each other.” When not in the classroom, she enjoys a good K-drama and sushi.

Marine Biology teacher Lauren Alimento grew up in Palos Verdes, and enjoys connecting with her students.

After getting a degree in Neuroscience, she decided to pursue a career in teaching Marine Biology to help teach about our local environment and how it is changing.

“I worked as an exhibit interpreter at the Aquarium of the Pacific when I was in high school and fell in love with connecting and educating others about our local ecosystem.” She highly recommends “Dancing with the Stars” and described the live tour as “life-changing.”

Battle of the Bottles

Kirk Takeyama is the new Associate Principle at PV and plans on making it the “number one school in the state,” or at least have it be up there. “I’m a big believer in helping all of our students become California’s future leaders.” Safety is his top priority and he is working to ensure the safety of all students and staff. On another note, he enjoys hiking with his wife and his dog, as well as sushi and Japanese food.

Emily Chen is in her 11th year of teaching. Her favorite part of teaching math is watching students understand concepts they previously struggled with. She loves Trader Joe’s and “Gilmore Girls.” Chen originally graduated from PV High and is excited to give back to the high school. “I was the first freshman class when they reopened, it’s part of the reason I wanted to come back.”

Elizabeth Aviles interned in Palos Verdes 13 years ago at Dapplegray, Mira Catalina, and PVIS. She has been working in the district ever since then. She was born in Canada and moved to California at 6 years old. She is married and spends much of her time watching TV shows with her three children. She loves working with children, and getting to help them. “I like working with students and I like working with staff and you get to help kids all around.”

Sea Kings also welcomed Brian Bowles into the Social Science Department. Bowles teaches AP and US History along with Psychology and is another teacher who previously taught at Peninsula High School.

Algebra teacher Laura Cortes is no stranger to the district. Having previously taught at Peninsula High School and been a substitute teacher for many years, she is already known by many students on campus. Cortes grew up in California and attended the University of Redlands, where she majored in history and minored in education. “What I want to do is make the kids a little bit excited about the subject,” she said. “The goal is for them to learn something, and if it is because I made a weird joke then I’ve done my job.”

Brian Koss is the long-term substitute teacher for Paige Metcalfe’s Geometry Honors and Pre-Calculus classes. Having graduated from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Koss got his degree in Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach, and is currently getting his teaching credential from CSULB. Outside of school he has taken up photography and enjoys video games. When it comes to music, he has no particular favorites, but said “any of my students could tell you I love jazz and video game soundtracks.”

Club Rush: A Place for Everybody

By Fiona Cammidge reporter

School is officially back, which means not only homework and tests, but the chance to join clubs. Clubs are one of the easiest ways to make friends, get involved, and try something new. At PV High, there’s a wide variety of clubs to choose from.

“From what I’ve seen, clubs that meet more frequently and have activities at lunch are more successful clubs,” senior Frances Slamar said.

The main event for sign-ups is Club Rush. Clubs set up tables where students can learn what they are about and students write their name down if interested. If students do not see something that matches their interests, they can start their own club. Sophomore Karina Gupta was asked what the tryout process was like.

“The hardest part was creating all the bylaws and amendments to all the rule books for your club. You never know if you’re gonna make it or not; this made the process incredibly difficult,” Gupta said.

Although the process was challenging, Gupta came through with a unique club that reaches out to local grocery stores for donations for people in need. This is just one example of a club going above and

beyond to help people in the community. The process for starting a club is challenging. Last year the process to make a club was very lengthy, but this year ASB director and varsity cheer coach Jama Maxfield has made the process simpler for returning clubs. “[This process] helps kids with their interviewing skills; it shows some sort of responsibility to actually run and manage a club. If they do it and they do it right it will teach them a lot of valuable lessons for later in life,” Maxfield said.

(Comic by Nikki Mogilefsky and Kathryn Stewart)

Chen)

(Photo by Ella Hansen)