Dance Program Brings
20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Disney m agic to sPring showcase
Sage Hill dance team performs K-pop dance “Fate” in the Kazu Fukuda Black Box Theater on April 2.
By Katelyn Yeh
The highly anticipated Spring Dance Show performed by Sage Hill’s dance program opened its curtains in the Kazu Fukuda Black Box Theater on April 3.
Totaling 20 choreographies, “Disney +” included every dance level and class. From Dance 1, composed of mainly underclassmen, to Honors Synergy Dance Ensemble, including advanced dancers of varying grade levels, each performance held the audience’s attention throughout the two-hour-long show.
“We can’t emphasize enough how much we appreciate the hard work our students put in as dancers and student-choreographers to bring the creative visions of each piece to life,” Dance teacher Taleen Shrikian said.
The dance show opened with “Wind it Up,” based on the Disney classic “Pinocchio,” with the dancers transformed into puppets, mirroring the scene from the movie. This vibrant dance with entertaining visual aids and captivating costumes was only overshadowed by the dancers’ talents. Dancers displayed refined technique and enchanted the audience with their dramatic expressions, sharp movements and dynamic skills. Successfully finding the balance between liveliness and elegance, this opening dance set a high standard of excellence for the rest of the night and secured its place as a stand-out piece of the show.
This showcase spotlighted multiple genres of dance, which ranged from lyrical to hip-hop to K-pop. “When You Wish Upon
a Star,” a lyrical song from “Pinnochio” transformed into a pop dance, kept the audience immersed the whole time. Beautifully weaving together whimsy and romance with vitality, this dance evoked the quintessential Disney nostalgia and invited the audience to recall their childhood memories.
“Battle of Wakanda,” based on Marvel’s “Black Panther” and choreographed by junior London Green, was a notable hip-hop dance with a rapid rhythm and intense attitude exuding from dancers.
“Witnessing my vision come to life was an immensely rewarding experience, and it filled me with pride to share it with others,” London said.
“Fate,” a K-pop dance choreographed by senior Sophia Lin and inspired by Disney’s “Our
Last Summer: Tomorrow x Together,” was fierce and commanding, making it an important addition to the overall showcase.
Another higlight was a dance inspired by Pixar’s “Toy Story,” highlighting the dance program’s seniors. Opening with a slideshow of then-and-now comparisons of each senior, this dance tugged at the audience’s heartstrings. The tribute was a memorable ending to both the show and seniors’ high school dance careers.
“Performing for the last time was definitely bittersweet because it was so much fun,” senior dancer Sabina Izurieta said. “The sense of community built in the dance room is one like no other, and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it.”
Courtesy of Sage Hill School
By Grace Yan Journalism is under attack.
Since the term was first coined in the late 1700s, the Fourth Estate has referred to a fourth, informal power in the government: the press. Even before the Republic’s founding, news outlets have monitored the actions of the government and influenced public discourse through their coverage.
Though imperfect, journalists have historically been a stable watchdog for society, illuminating what the public is blind to through investigative journalism. Journalists have exposed massive abuses of power from powerful institutions, such as Watergate, the Pentagon Papers, or the Archdiocese of Boston sex abuse scandal. The press provides transparency, informs the public, and protects democratic systems.
An average of two traditional newspapers close per week in the United States, for a total of 130 in 2024, according to Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. These are mostly local newspapers, especially in rural or suburban areas. Currently, Medill has identified over 200 counties without a local newspaper and another 1,500 with only one. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that employment for journalists is down three percent. This phenomenon of disappearing newspapers is known as “news deserts,” and America is undergoing a silent extinction like never before.
Decline in local news has been linked to depressed voter turnout, more incidents of corrupt public officials and increased political polarization, according to a Cambridge study. Local newspapers traditionally offered more balanced, less polarized reporting, helping citizens stay informed about community issues rather than national political drama. But when they disappear, people rely more on national partisan media or social media, which silos voters
TTHE BOLT Save Local News, Democracy Depends On It
in their own news ecosystems and makes them more likely to adopt extremist views. This phenomenon has been well-documented in America’s two-party system and multiparty systems like Denmark. It’s a global risk, not just an American problem.
The rise of the “Fifth Estate”–social media and influencers–combined with the rapid innovation of AI allows misinformation to proliferate. A well-known recent example was during a 2024 presidential debate, when President Donald Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants were eating dogs and cats, citing a viral video on social media platform X that was later debunked. (The individual recorded was an U.S. citizen living in Ohio.) Without professional journalists committed to verifying facts, falsehoods like these could go unchallenged, fueling prejudice and shaping policies based on lies.
As individuals, journalists are also under attack. Violence against journalists around the world is at an all-time high. This year alone, 20 journalists have been killed, according to the UNESCO observatory. Historically, nine out of 10 journalist killings go unresolved and unpunished. Since Covid-19, news media workers have also reported an increase in online harassment.
Democracy dies in darkness. It’s an apt quote by The Washington Post.
This is why it’s more important than ever to support student journalism and news literacy education. In a world flooded with information, young people need the tools to critically evaluate what they see, hear and share. News literacy isn’t just about spotting fake news; it’s about understanding how narratives are constructed, recognizing bias, and seeking out credible sources.
As editors of The Bolt, we cannot overstate the importance of student media in our community. Every story we research, every article we write, and every fact we check is a step toward creating a more informed, thoughtful student body. We believe in the responsibility that comes with our platform–to ask difficult questions, to cover important issues fairly and to reflect the voices of our peers with honesty and care. By writing, editing, fact-checking and publishing, we practice the very skills that society desperately needs. If we want a future where democracy thrives, where facts matter, and where communities are built on trust rather than division, we must invest in it. Support local news. Support news literacy. Support the next generation of truth-tellers with an open mind and a curious heart. Our democracy depends on it.
Stacks of newspapers.
he Bolt is a student newspaper and serves the public forum at Sage Hill School. Its content - news, editorial, opinion, and feature - is protected by Education Code 48907, the state student rights law and the California Constitution which guarantees all citizens the right of freedom of speech and of the press. Opinions expressed do not represent the views or beliefs of Sage Hill School and its administration. The Bolt accepts signed letters to the editors from members of the Sage Hill community which may be posted as comments at lightningboltonline.com, or addressed to Editors-in-Chief Ava Eimani, Grace Yan and Arya Rawal and put in their mailboxes on campus. These letters may not exceed 150 words or they will be edited for inclusion.
Editors-in-Chief
Ava Eimani (Bolt), Grace Yan (Bolt) & Arya Rawal (Online)
Editorial Board
Maya Desai, Ceyda Shamsai, Taite Nicholson, Katelyn Yeh, Jesse Lew, Mirabelle Jiang, Madeleine Carroll and Jenny Li
Writers Jonathan Yan, Nate Yoo, Doyoung Lee, Isabella Huang, Eleanor Wang, Leonardo Lin, Kenzie Chang, Amy Choi, Doyoung Lee, Elisa Xu, Suri Yaghmai, Lucas Luo, Carson Ellis, Maria Neemuchwala, Nathan Tang, and Grace Ma
Photographers and Artists
Suri Yaghmai, Eleanor Wang, Lucas Luo, Maria Neemuchwala, Amy Choi, Isabella Huang, Kenzie Chang, and Jonathan Yan
Adviser Daniel Langhorne
Courtesy of Creative Commons | NS Newsflash
By Grace Ma
ParalymPian ShareS Story of PerSeverance and Strength
Paralympian and Grand Slam Champion Dana Mathewson visited Sage Hill on April 9 to share her journey as a paraplegic tennis player.
At the age of 10, Mathewson became paralyzed from the waist down due to an autoimmune condition called transverse myelitis.
As Mathewson struggled to adjust to her new circumstances, her mom encouraged her to sign up for wheelchair sports camps. Despite some initial reluctance, she quickly fell in love with tennis and regained her confidence.
“At these camps, I saw so many people just like me, and that really gave me a new sense of community,” Mathewson said.
Mathewson’s love and dedication towards tennis continued to grow and eventually led her to play Division I tennis at the University of Arizona. There, she learned to balance her athletic commitments with schoolwork, sacrificing social events to stay focused on her training.
After graduating, Mathewson went on to become a professional tennis player, represent-
ing Team USA in international tournaments and eventually winning a historic Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. Her numerous other accolades include her current ranking as the nation’s top female wheelchair tennis player, competing as a World Cup team member and representing Team USA at the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Paralympics.
“On a typical day of training with Team USA, I had two hours of hitting practice, then lunch, and then lifting, followed by another two hours of hitting,” Mathewson said. “To close off the day of training, I usually attended mental skills training, in which we practiced techniques such as visualization and breathwork.”
Mathewson emphasizes that her journey shows there is more than one road to personal success. Although her paralysis could have presented a major roadblock in becoming a professional athlete, she chose to find a different path instead of letting go of her dream.
“As an athlete, there’s definitely a lot of obstacles we
Paralympian and Grand
face mentally and physically, but hearing her story and seeing how she faced such a big physical challenge and still found a way around it and persevered when others might have given up taught me that there is always a way around any challenge,”
Freshman Maria Neemuchwala said.
After retiring from professional tennis last year, Mathewson’s goals have shifted to organizing major tennis tournaments such as the Miami Open as well as being a commentator
for events like the U.S. Open.
“I hope that by sharing my story with people, I can elevate other athletes like me and break down stereotypes. Everyone has issues - mine is just visible,” Mathewson said.
thiS iS the Way: SeniorS, counSelorS
r eflect on college a dmiSSion SeaSon
By Ella Wang
Senior Noah Jimenez had been torn between a few colleges, each with their strengths and uncertainties. He knew instantly where he’d commit after the University of Oregon sent his financial aid package. After making this important decision, he eagerly shared the news with his counselor, Associate Director of College Counseling Lauren Popkowski.
Together, they celebrated with some well-earned candy and a moment of reflection to look back on the amazing journey that had taken them to that moment.
For many students, walking into the college counseling office can feel intimidating or like they must have a clear vision of their future before asking for help. Senior Noah Jimenez echoed that experience.
“It’s kind of awkward at the beginning like you don’t wanna ask them smaller questions you think might be stupid, but especially with something as important as college, even those little questions, if you need to ask them, just ask them, because it’s better that you get clarification than mess something up,” Noah said.
Through their college ap-
plication journey, many members of the class of 2025 have gained valuable experience and insight into where they are going and how they got there. Among these experiences is the knowledge of how to best use the Sage Hill College Counseling Office.
Senior Naomi Tran recalled her first meeting with Associate Director of College Counseling Cassie Fuenmayor.
“I just kind of followed the timeline they gave everyone. But honestly, that was the right time for me,” Naomi said. “If you’re someone who feels really anxious about it, though, I totally get meeting earlier. It just depends on what kind of support you need.”
Senior Joyce Rizko describes the College Counseling Office as a welcoming place.
“Don’t be afraid to just walk in, even if you don’t have any college questions. Just check in and say hi. The college counselors are really nice and always down to chat,” Joyce said. “I never left her office without a decisive opinion or a decisive answer.”
Scheduling meetings with a college counselor allowed Aidan Zhang to share his goals and profile as well as understand the
college process.
“I think it’s important that your counselor knows who you are and what you like so they can recommend a good college list and give advice on how to package yourself,” her said.
Naomi recalled her experience receiving and sharing her
results with her counselor.
“She was so excited. I opened it at school while she had swim practice, and I ran to her and said, ‘I got in!’ She was so happy for me and hugged me. She’s really awesome,” Naomi said.
As the Class of 2025 wraps
up their high school journey, the Associate Director of College Counseling, Annalise Miyashiro, offers some advice for them.
“To the class of 2025, be sure to enjoy this time with your Sage Hill classmates and your families!” Miyashiro said.
Courtesy of Sage Hil School
Slam Champion Dana Mathewson visited Sage Hill on April 9.
Jonathan Yan | The Bolt
Senior Noah Jimenez chats with Associate Director of College Counseling Lauren Popkowski.
Athletics
Student Spotlight : Jake pirnazar SetS new
School r ecord, Beating hiS own time twice
By Carson Ellis
This track season has been nothing short of record-breaking for senior Jake Pirnazar. Jake got busy breaking records early on this season and has not looked back since. He started off with an impressive 100m time of 10.80 seconds at the Eagle Invitational hosted by Santa Margarita, where he surpassed the 20-yearold Sage Hill school record held by Zach Chandy, who had run a 10.81.
“In the moments leading up to breaking the record, I felt confident. I knew everything I trained for, and I trusted my abilities,” Jake said. Attaining a record like this is no simple feat, as the 100m is a very competitive event and the training is demanding.
It didn’t stop there for Jake. He went on to break his own 100m record twice, ultimately hitting a personal best of 10.57 seconds, a mark he’s now achieved twice. This is very difficult to do, as every hundredth of a second can make a difference.
“I always suspected I could break this record. The way I think is that if it has been achieved before, it can be achieved by me. I know that nobody can train more intelligently than me, and nobody does the little things that I do,” Jake said. His commitment to staying mentally focused allows him to continually top his own records.
Jake’s training is not just about his work ethic. It’s about implementing strategy. He approaches personal improvement during practice with a deep understanding of neuromuscular efficiency.
“I implement neuromuscular efficiency and brain training into my training by
BoyS’
making sure I do everything fully rested. Sprinting requires maximum motor unit recruitment, which can only happen if the nervous system is firing at the highest rate it possibly can,” Jake said. To Jake, it is critical that he trains not just his physical endurance but also his mental agility.
“The way I walk and carry myself... is intended to give my brain the opportunity to pick up on new, efficient movement patterns, and the way I train is all centered on training my brain to reduce inhibitions and access higher threshold motor units,” Jake said.
Alongside being on the school’s track and field team for all four of his high school years, he has been a part of the football program, playing wide receiver and defensive back. His record-breaking season has been a true testament to his drive and passion to surpass his limits.
“One thing that inspires me is making my younger self proud. Even when I don’t want to do things, I remind myself that younger me would want to see me succeed,” Jake said. Now that he has understood what it takes to succeed as a sprinter, he can train with greater experience.
“I approach challenges differently because I understand sprinting and training from a much more nuanced and holistic perspective. I understand that the nervous system is the most important thing when it comes to maximizing output. So for me, when I notice declines in performance, I actually opt to decrease volume rather than increase to allow my central nervous system to recover so it can fire at higher rates in the next few days,” Jake said.
He was also named Sage Hill’s CIFSS Student Player of the Year, an award given to a Sage Hill student-athlete who has earned a letter, maintained a GPA of at least 3.5 (4.0 scale), and participated in extracurricular activities.
“I feel honored to win Student Athlete of the Year. I’m super proud of myself for winning this award, and to me it represents a culmination of both the re -
search and training I have put in over the last few years,” Jake said.
Jake plans on attempting to run even faster times for the remainder of the season.
“My goal for the end of the season is to run a 10.2 or a 10.3 in the 100-meter dash, and a 20.8 in the 200m. I hope to be in the top 5 in the state in either of these events. I also want to perfect my start,” Jake said.
golf driveS for cif playoffS
By Leo Lin
Boys’ Golf has battled through the season, earning a 4-4 record. The team had a rough start, with a record of 2-4, suffering two heartbreaking one-point losses. They are set return to the course against Woodbridge on April 22.
The last time the Lightning played Woodbridge, they won with a score of 186-196. They will look to repeat a win as they play their season’s final games. Each of Boys’ Golf’s final three games is crucial because teams must maintain a record above 50 percent to qualify for CIF playoffs. Since Sage Hill’s team is sitting at a 4-4 record with three games left in the season, they must win two of their next three matches to qualify for CIF playoffs.
The team has struggled this season after graduating two seniors, Jett Ohlmeyer and Brady Green, in 2024. Sophomore Eric Zhao explains the profound impact the two had on the team.
“They were vital for team spirit and helped guide the younger players. The seniors instilled the idea that golf is a team effort, and everyone needs to play well to win,” Eric said.
However, Boys’ Golf still has promising young players to fill their shoes. Arshan Stoll, Aaron Wang and Elijah Yang are talented freshmen additions to the team. All three are starters are an essen-
tial core of Boys’ Golf.
Alongside the freshman trinity, Eric has played phenomenally. In a big home match victory over St. Margaret’s, he shot two under, leading the team to a 14-point win and the lowest total team score in school history. Thanks to his impressive hitting, he won Sage Hill’s Athlete of the Week award on March 31, an award given to athletes demonstrating excellent performance.
One common struggle for a sport like golf is its individual nature. Sometimes it can be difficult for a team to come together and foster a collaborative environment. However, this Boys’ Golf team has no issues with its atmosphere.
“The team’s atmosphere is wonderful. The players support each other and help each other win while having fun competing,” Eric said.
As the team gears up for the final stretch of the season, players will need to focus on recovery so they can play at their best.
“Golf is a mental sport with players shooting inconsistently. Players can have a great day or a bad day, but we need to move on to the next match,” he said.
Amy Choi | The Bolt Sophomore Aiden Dinani playing at the golf game against Laguna Beach on April 15, 2025.
Courtesy of Sage Hill School
Senior Jake Pirnazar was named Sage Hill’s CIF-SS Student Player of the Year.
A R ecipe foR ch A nge: The impAcT chef enR ique LeAves on sAge hiLL
By Suri Yaghmai
As the school year winds down, Chef Enrique Reyes is set to exit Sage Hill for a new opportunity in late May.
An essential for the students at Sage Hill is FLIK. Whether you want breakfast, lunch, or any snack, FLIK has what you need. Ever since Chef Enrique Reyes joined Sage’s community and became the Chef Manager in 2023, FLIK has been at its best. With fresh ingredients, great portions, and unlimited options, Reyes has enhanced FLIK to a level of quality that Sage is lucky to have.
He dedicates a significant
amount of time prepping, cooking and serving food. But as a manager he also oversees employee schedules, budgets and picking menus. Reyes has put time, dedication, and hard work into FLIK. leaving a vast legacy for Sage as a whole.
His top priority as a chef is nutritiously making food delicious and said he’s changed the nutrition level at FLIK by investing in different healthy snacks and ingredients, whether that be the popular chocolate-covered quinoa crisps or the different fresh vegetables served on the side of lunch each day.
One of the reasons Reyes
is loved by Sage Hill students is his kindness and charismatic personality. Many students have a good memory of him and his positive perspective, contributing to the heart and spirit of Sage Hill.
Sophomore Colette Moshayedi said will fondly remember her conversations with Reyes, adding how his warm personality sparked a new culture for FLIK and the Sage Hill community.
“[I’ve enjoyed] creating a place that’s inviting for the student body to come in and feel like this place is theirs,” Reyes said.
TeAcheR spoTLighT : mR . L Au
TeAching Life Lessons Beyond m ATh
By Ella Wang
Math teacher Jim Lau has been teaching at Sage Hill since 2021. Teaching both Calculus C year-round and Geometry during the summer, Lau is well-known in the community for his dynamic teaching style and his eagerness to substitute for other math teachers. Students searching for additional math assistance or just to engage in friendly conversation can find Lau in his classroom during lunches, X Blocks, or late after school.
“My students are my top priority. When they ask, I’m always there for them,” Lau said.
He prioritizes the lifelong skills gained from the process of learning over the raw memorization of the concept. He calls these skills “transferable thinking,” which is the ability to apply the same knowledge to different contexts. He also emphasizes notetaking skills and encourages students to “annotate the
storyline of the content.”
The reason behind this dedication stems from his experiences before he became a teacher. Lau originally pursued a singing career in Hong Kong when he was 17 and 18 years old. He would be recommended by managers to do certain gigs around the city. Although his career was cut short after running out of supporting funds, the experience taught Lau a lesson about humility and hope that he would later apply in his life.
“I didn’t know how to feel for other people and sang because I thought everything was about myself since I was so talented. It wasn’t until I was invited to sing for cancer patients and they told me that I gave them hope, I realized that it wasn’t exactly me that they liked. It was the hope I represented. I was, however, very arrogant and at the time didn’t manage to carry the message of hope with me,” Lau said.
After running out of funds
to further pursue singing, Lau turned to teaching math. When he moved to California and started teaching at Crossroads School, he started to change because of a mentor. They granted him immunity to make mistakes and experiment with creative, musical, and theatrical methods to teach math.
“That, to me, was hope. I didn’t fear that I didn’t do it well. And at that point I went ‘oh, that right here is my technique!’ It’s to not just carry hope, but also grace,” Lau said.
Lau strives to achieve this in his own classroom by pushing students to strive for what they previously thought they could not achieve. He believes hope, combined with grace for mistakes, helps build the student’s trust in themselves, ultimately building lifelong confidence.
“With those three things, success can be achieved. It’s why I put authenticity and skill over raw academics,” said Lau.
Ella Wang | The Bolt Math teacher Jim Lau in his classroom.
Suri Yaghmai | The Bolt
Chef Enrique cooks and serves food as lunch has started.
Suri Yaghmai | The Bolt Chef Enrique is ready for Sage Hill students to come and enjoy breakfast.
Community
StudentS CalCulate Hidden CoStS of ProteSt
By Jenny Li
As a senior in high school, Naomi Tran published the Uprooted magazine to raise awareness on modern-day social justice issues related to refugees and those forced to be uprooted from their homes. Her first edition focuses on the Rohingya genocide and includes personal stories and recounts of refugees impacted by the Crisis in Myanmar.
“I’m an immigrant and my migration was voluntary yet still I feel a lot of loss and alienation from losing parts of my ancestral heritage,” Naomi said. “When you are an a refugee, when you are asylum seeker and you are forcibly displaced that feeling is infinitely worse. I feel like in our political climate right now there’s not a lot of empathy for these communities so I just wanted to start Uprooted to learn more about their life experiences [and] the injustices they face.”
With Tran’s lead, Uprooted has become an impactful student organization that educates the community for social justice purposes.
Many students continue to propel social justice movements with their idealism, energy, and desire for systemic change, harnessing the power of social media to challenge inequities and advocate for a more just society. However, students fearful of backlash are largely confining their activism to hosting educational events and writing because they’re afraid of putting their college applications in jeopardy.
The public voicing of political issues as such may be deemed controversial in certain environments. However, radical changes throughout history provide the backing for student organizations today to have the freedom to express their views despite the possibility that these opinions can spur heated discussions, even arguments. Early social justice movements originated in the early 19th century where the Industrial Revolution and civil resolution throughout
Europe shaped the public sphere’s debates. American college students first started to take on the challenge of these movements in the 1930s for anti-war purposes. Since then, students have protested everything from climate change to income inequality and gun violence. But, how do our own community’s students challenge the societal status quo and partake in student protests?
The current student population protests for causes range from Black Lives Matter to climate change activism and many at Sage Hill School approach their advocacy with strategic manners.
Junior Aisha Muhsin, a student advocate for Middle Eastern Issues and Hijabi empowerment, pursues social justice through educating her community by hosting seminars at Sage Hill to take “an educational standpoint” so as to not “try and force any ideas.. but try and expand their perception of complex issues.”
Some students are also concerned with violence at protests.
“I personally support student protests because I think it’s a great way to express their opinion, but I do believe that sometimes things can go too far,” Aisha said. “When they take a violent turn… usually it’s some type of external forces. That is when I stop supporting.”
Despite these concerns, she believes Sage Hill’s administration and faculty support students’ decisions to express themselves.
In the educational field, teachers navigate a balance between supporting student activism and addressing students’ concerns about their future.
“When it comes to social justice, I don’t think there’s any need for neutrality,” History and Social Studies teacher Dr. Chris Farrish said, adding educators should be “transparent in their beliefs” and open to dialogue.
Some teachers observe how their students tend to have “one eye to the
truth and justice and one eye to being pragmatic,” he said.
Rather than encouraging direct public protests, Dr. Farrish also promotes a broader definition of activism such as developing a book club, or challenging friends which allows students to advocate for causes they
stand for without jeopardizing their college prospects.
By fostering critical thinking, teachers can foster an open environment where students can express their beliefs in ways that align with their comfort level.
Combating a ntiSemitiSm in
tHe r iSing generation
By Doyoung Lee
Throughout their history, Jewish people have endured intense antisemitism in forms ranging from social exclusion to violent genocide. Despite global awareness and condemnation of the horrors of the Holocaust, antisemitic acts have been on the rise. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the number of recorded antisemitic attacks in 2023 was almost five times the number recorded in 2018.
As the Israel-Hamas war continues, these numbers are expected to rise even more.
Hoping to combat the spread of antisemitism in Orange County, juniors
Justin Kline, Ethan Davidoff, and Justin Glasser recently joined the Jewish Federation’s Student to Student Program.
“While I wasn’t interested at first, I began seeing a scary amount of antisemitism online and in person. It had become socially acceptable, and I felt like I had to do something about it,” Ethan said.
As Student to Student ambassadors, the juniors travel to various middle and high schools in Orange County to
talk about their experiences with Judaism. Their presentations about different aspects of Judaism and personal experiences as a Jewish teenager help foster appreciation and respect within developing and impressionable minds. They end each session by sharing challah bread, a common Jewish tradition observed during the Sabbath, a day of rest observed from sundown on Friday until nightfall on Saturday.
“When I present, I try to put a face to the problems going around the world. I want the kids to see something relatable rather than some mythical thing they’ve heard of online,” Ethan said.
Students in the middle and high schools they visit are not the only ones learning. Through their experiences, the presenters gain an increased sense of pride within themselves and their identity.
“The speaker series has given me a cause I genuinely care about, and I’m proud of the difference we’ve made so far in combating the hate in our society,” said Davidoff.
Jenny Li | The Bolt
Senior Naomi Tran presenting the latest Uprooted Magazine on Rohingya Genocide.
Doyoung Lee | The Bolt
Junior Justin Kline presenting on Judaism.
By Elisa Xu
Arts & Entertainment
R eview: A New Ch A pteR iN pANem hits Close to home
Suzanne Collins has outdone herself with this beautifully written prequel to the popular “Hunger Games” trilogy. In her new novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” she masterfully weaves themes of control and resistance into this elaborate dystopian universe, while simultaneously criticizing modern American politics.
The book centers around 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who has been selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal televised death match where 24 tributes, teenagers chosen from 12 districts, are forced to fight to the death in a controlled arena until only one remains. However, as the novel takes place during the 50th anniversary of the games, evil dictator President Snow has announced that double the
usual number of tributes to enter the arena. In Haymitch’s games, he becomes determined to rebel against his authoritarian regime, using his wit and defiance not only to survive the bloodshed but also to challenge the Capitol’s control. His actions set the first spark of resistance in motion.
Before the first chapter of the novel, Collin uses a quote from George Orwell to highlight the book’s focus on propaganda. “All propaganda is lies, even when one is telling the truth. I don’t think this matters so long as one knows what one is doing, and why,” wrote George Orwell.
Throughout the book, different instances of the Capitol controlling the narrative as well as releasing different forms of propaganda cast doubt on the authenticity of images people see in the
media, both within and outside the dystopian world.
Plot-wise, this book was a masterpiece. As someone who has read all of the books in the Hunger Games franchise, I can confirm that there are no plot holes; additionally, every character has a purpose. Despite President Snow’s incredibly evil nature, I enjoyed Collins’s craft of such a well-written villain. Sunrise on the Reaping dives further
into his sociopathic character, using him as a symbol of modern political corruption.
There are many more themes in this book relevant to current events, such as its anti-AI sentiments or its criticisms of ignorance. I would recommend the novel to readers who have already read or watched the original Hunger Games and those who enjoy dystopian literature. All in all, Suzanne Collins’s Sunrise on
the Reaping is a tragic, thought-provoking return to Panem that not only expands the universe with emotional depth and political nuance but also cements her legacy as a master of dystopian storytelling. With beautiful prose, morally complex characters, and a haunting mirror to our own world, this prequel doesn’t just complement the original trilogy; it elevates it.
poetRy CoRNeR : iNk ANd iNspiRAtioN
By Maya Desai
Welcome to the sixth edition of our poetry corner. Today, we will explore one of my favorite forms of poetry: spoken word poetry. This style explores the intersection between performance, vocal rhythm, and diction. It creates a melody that aims to resonate with the audience and highlight an important message.
Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken word or slam poetry is a style of poetry written to be performed out loud. When authors perform their poem, they focus on how their voices and tone are
reflected, the rhythm in which they pace their words and using diction to create a story. Spoken word poetry aims to tell a story with specific word choice and encapture the audience in the way the author chooses to do this. People perform spoken word poetry with different rhythms— from storytelling to rap and hip-hop. These poems are used for social commentary and empowerment and encourage expression.
An author who clearly and cleverly conveys his message through spoken word poetry is Sekou Andrews. An entrepreneur and trail-
is Sekou Andrews. An entrepreneur and trailblazer, Andrews has introduced a form of spoken word to celebrities such as Oprah and Barack Obama. A powerful line he uses in his poem The Science of Wave Making is “Be unafraid to lead boldly and think radically and put an S on the chest of your mild-mannered strategies.” The rhythm in which his words flow and the social commentary he makes through his diction demonstrate why he has reached success in his work.
Excerpt from “It is Happening”
We stood on the top of the tree that we had built No longer a stump or a trunk
But a tree marked with cracks
With branches of our wonder
Of our dreams and truth
We shook hands with society’s standards
Felt like a diamond in a dozen hammered into dime in a dozen When faced with their greeting
Of what do you mean Our words were underdressed
Unsophisticated, overlooked
But can’t you see?
No matter barrier nor
border
No matter obligatory nor order
No matter how fast the diamond turns to dime
My friends
Look around and see It is happening!
The stump of the tree
Untethered from the norms
Unrooted and blown into our storms
That will always shake the standards that society sets forth
And we will begin our own journey to find our true north
*Maya Desai performed this spoken word poem for Sage Center Day on April 16.
Courtesy of Barnes & Noble
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
By Maria Neechwuchala
A Month of MeA ning: observing r AMA dA n together
Ramadan recently concluded for millions of Muslims all over the world on March 30. The practices of this month are complex but also display a wide range of unique traditions and customs.
Ramadan is considered a holy month, meant for sacrifice and devotion to God. To carry this sacrifice out, no food or water is consumed from sunrise to sunset. Before sunrise, a meal called “suhoor” is eaten, and after sunset, the fast is broken with a meal called “iftar.”
During Ramadan, many Muslims focus on praying at various times throughout the day (sunrise, noon, sunset) and commute to mosques for sermons
Though Ramadan displays exceptional discipline, it can also be a challenge for some Sage Hill community members to balance fasting with school, extracurriculars and sports
“In intensive classes like English, it was very difficult to analyze complex ideas and take tests while I had no food or water because it was all I could think of,” Freshman Raif Abahusayn said. Often, a lack of food can lead to less energy to carry out tasks required throughout the day.
“I always want to keep my energy levels up for class so I could direct the classroom, but found it difficult while fasting,” Spanish teacher Dr. Seher Rowther.
However, students and teachers
found ways to maintain balance by cutting back on other energy-heavy activities outside of school.
Though fasting can present some obstacles during the school day, the ultimate connection to culture and religion serves as motivation for many community members.
“Focusing on religion and traditions during Ramadan helps me embrace my identity and stay true to myself, even when I am not in the Middle East,” Raif said.
There are many traditions practiced during Ramadan that amplify a much larger history for many Muslims, while also fostering family and community connections.
While celebrating Eid, a holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan, traditional foods such as biryani (rice dish), kebabs, and samosas help bring people together to celebrate.
“These foods bring back a deep sense of nostalgia from when I was a kid, and really help me appreciate the labor that goes into the rituals,” Dr. Rowther.
Other customs, such as henna, a non-permanent tattoo usually applied to the hand, are also applied to celebrate 30 days of continuous sacrifice.
“It’s very important to celebrate the uniqueness of our culture with all and create lasting memories of togetherness with community and family,” Dr. Rowther said.
r Ate the night : Uppercl AssMen sh A re post-proM
pointers
By
“I think that the venue was good, but it was a bit underwhelming for a high school prom. There also needs to be better music choices.”
- Junior Nathan Flores
“I thought prom was very interesting and fun. My friends and I had a good time, and I enjoyed it a lot.”
- Junior Albert Xing
“I thought that the food was good, and the venue was spacious. I like how they had both indoor and outdoor spaces.”
- Senior Joy Sun
“I thought prom was very fun and had a great atmosphere with the music hyping people up. I also loved the photo booths.”
“I thought prom was fun and a memory that I will cherish because I got to spend time at a high school dance with my friends one last time.”
- Senior Noah Jimenez
- Junior Simona Yan
“I thought prom was really fun, and the venue was super nice! It was a great dance to finish off my senior year.”
- Senior Yoyo Li
Arya Rawal
Courtesy of Sage Hill School
Junior Zaydin Lateef, Tina Tahbaz, and Aisha Muhsin presenting at the Ramadan Lunch Forum on Feb. 24.