September 2026 by The Review

VOL. 78, NO. 1 St. John’s School | Oct. 11, 2026

HOW CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE ALTERS THE TEEN EXPERIENCE

Cover by Emily Yen Story by Bella Dodig, Sarah Nguyen & Wanya Zafar

2401 Claremont Lane

Houston, TX 77019

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What’s New

How students are engaging with midterm elections

Mav athletes play for national teams

Skip Lee Field, AI policies, club regulations

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

NEWS

Student voters take action in upcoming midterm elections Story by Ailey Takashima & Payton Tu Design by Emily Yen

U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico spoke to supporters on the campaign trail in Pasadena, Texas on Aug. 9. Photo by Lauren Baker (’24)

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arla, not her real name, refuses to tell her General Ken Paxton defeated Cornyn and is running “When politics are so tense, it’s time to take action parents who she voted for. Around friends against State Representative James Talarico. and go to the polls,” Todd said. and family, she refrains from talking about The race has captured national attention, with politics, hoping to avoid early polls from USA Today conversations that get too suggesting that Talarico leads heated. 49% to 43% over Paxton. Politics are tense in my house. “Politics are tense in my Midterm elections occur two I know we’re going to branch in house,” Karla said. “I know years into every presidential different directions. we’re going to branch in term and are a measurement different directions.” of public sentiment on the ore citizens aged 18-29 have registered KARLA As the midterms current administration. to vote this year compared to the 2022 approach, young voters like The elections this November midterm election, with youth registration Karla are confronted with include decisions for local in Texas increasing 7%. a question that does not appear on the ballot: How jurisdictions, governors, seats in the House of While Paxton has garnered more backing from can they develop their own political views and act Representatives and one-third of the Senate. older voters, 60% of those under 30 support Talarico. on them? Any shift in the political landscape of Texas could With polls indicating such thin margins, In this year’s midterms, young Texans have the be monumental since this election may yield the mobilizing younger demographics could be a critical chance to vote for an open Senate seat previously state’s first Democratic senator since 1988 and factor in determining who wins, says Lauren Baker. held by Republican John Cornyn. Texas Attorney play an instrumental role in flipping the Senate. The 2024 SJS grad spent her summer volunteering Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the for Talarico by organizing contact information for Senate, so in order to retake control, Democrats local officials, finding locations for Talarico to speak would have to hold all of their existing seats and flip and helping lay the groundwork for his campaign. four Republican seats She previously worked on — including the one in campaigns for Congresswoman Texas up for election. Lizzie Fletcher (‘93) and current When politics are so tense, it’s time In the gubernatorial Harris County Judge Lina to take action and go to the polls. race, State Representative Hidalgo. Baker helped plan a Gina Hinojosa is looking rally in Pasadena on Aug. 9; over TODD to unseat Greg Abbott, 1,000 people attended the rally who has been governor at San Jacinto College. since 2015. If she wins, “This is the closest any Texas 18-year-olds registered to Hinojosa, who currently trails by five points in Democrat has ever been to beating Paxton,” Baker vote, compared to polling, would be the first Democrat to lead the state said. “Talarico is the strongest candidate the 45% nationwide since 1995. Democrats have ever had.” Suraj Verma, co-president of the St. John’s Political Baker describes Talarico as “super genuine.” Education Club, notes that the shift from a primarily “From everything I’ve seen, I think he’s eloquent conservative state may not happen immediately. and empathetic,” Baker said. “I do truly believe “Texas could definitely turn purple with the he cares about the people and communities he’s Voter turnout among 18-25 results of this election,” Verma said. reaching out to.” year olds — lower than any As young voters tend to skew more liberal — Another key race for control of the Senate is other age group according to the Pew Research Center, 66% of happening in Maine, where Susan Collins, who has Americans under 24 identify as Democrats — their been in the Senate since 1997, is running against vote has become increasingly important to flip the Democratic challenger Troy Jackson. Wilson Bailey state. (‘23), a senior government major at Colby College, For seniors like Karla and Todd, their first time worked as a field manager for the Collins reelection Increase in youth (under 29) voter voting will be in a critical election that could upend campaign this summer. registration since 2022 long-standing perceptions of Texas. Bailey, a former print editor-in-chief of the Review, Along with the excitement of turning 18, Todd has lives in Maine, yet he is still mindful of the race midterm election awaited the day he would become eligible to vote. occurring in his home state. Though he disputes

TAKING ACTION

38%

14-16%

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YOUTH VOTING IN TEXAS

NEWS

The Review St. John’s School

Talarico’s electability, he acknowledges his chance the campaign, leading to heightened publicity and of winning. campaign competition. “I don’t think Talarico is that kind of a candidate, With the rise of social media popularity, presence but I think he could win just because of how on social platforms is also transforming campaigns. catastrophic Paxton is,” Bailey said. “Paxton has According to a 2024 Pew Research survey, 46% of deep problems, both legal and personal.” Americans under 30 primarily use social media Throughout his career, Paxton has faced felony platforms to access election news compared to 3% indictments, an impeachment trial and corruption of adults over 65. investigations, as well as state criminal charges “You have a bunch of youth putting up memes and federal civil charges in about the candidates that are 2015 and 2016. According becoming more effective than to an NPR poll, 8 out of 10 the campaign ads,” Baker INDEPENDENT The people in power want to keep voters want an age cap on said. “Socials are how you get 16.2% their power, which is why they try to politicians. At 63, Paxton anyone under 40.” prevent some groups from voting. has failed to connect with Bailey acknowledges that young voters. social media can increase LAUREN BAKER (’24) Upper School history political involvement, yet CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER DEMOCRATIC teacher Amy Malin, who he also says social media coordinates student accounts “appeal to passion 46.7% voting on campus, attributes instead of reason” rather than the growing number of youth voters to concerns focusing on policy issues, including the “brat REPUBLICAN surrounding the advanced age of most politicians. summer” rebranding of Kamala Harris in 2024 Almost two-thirds of senators in the current and Trump’s AI-generated promotional videos. He 37.1% Congress are over 60 years old. Age-focused suggests that young voters who want to become media coverage, Malin says, has caused younger more politically active should explore local news voters to think critically about elected officials and outlets and reliable websites like 2Way, a political their ability to represent the voices of the newer podcast featuring bipartisan analysis. generations. Junior Aris Hanna, president of Open Discourse While Todd says candidates should continue to Education Club and vice president of SPEC, says focus on older, loyal demographics rather than consuming political information solely from social engaging new voters, Karla disagrees. media risks echo chambers and close-mindedness. “I think we see a lot of issues older voters can’t,” He encourages others to research information from she said. “We have a different point of view that the opposite side. needs to be heard.” “With the algorithm, our incumbent ideologies are Karla is especially concerned about the effects reinforced over and over again,” Hanna said. decrease has led to longer lines and stricter of data centers on the environment and rural Even with social media allowing candidates to voting hours. State Senator Paul Bettencourt, who communities. Almost half of proposed nationwide reach a wider, youth-dominated audience, many championed the bill, said it would be a “smarter use power plants fueling data centers are slated to be factors can deter voters from the polls, such as of taxpayer dollars,” according to the Texas Tribune. built in Texas. legislation targeting party demographics. State Representative John Bucy raises concerns that Director of Community Engagement D’Hania “The people in power want to keep their power,” the bill lowers the ability for Democratic minorities Hunt also has policies she is especially eager to see Baker said, “which is why they try to prevent some to vote since they commonly work odd hours. addressed. groups from voting.” “In Harris County, where we have 400,000 people, “We need to figure out how to get a better Errors by the Texas Department of Public Safety we get the same number of polling stations as Waco,” education for more people,” Hunt said, “so I’m very dating back to last October resulted in the backlog of Baker said. “How is that fair?” focused on policies rather than parties.” 200,000 voter registration applications, according The SAVE Act, a bill currently being debated to the Texas Tribune. Because Texas is one of eight in the U.S. Senate, could also affect the future states without universal of American voting by online voter registration, requiring additional proof of most Texans use the DPS web citizenship, making it harder portal to submit applications to register. Be open-minded, and understand — after a “software update,” Malin stresses the that your voice matters. Never let DPS failed to send thousands importance of this election people discourage you from sharing s Nov. 3 draws near, other high-profile of submitted application in particular since the SAVE your thoughts. governmental figures and entrepreneurs updates to counties. The Act could put an end to “voter SURAJ VERMA have chimed in on the Texas Senate race. loss of these applications registration drives, online SPEC CO-PRESIDENT On Sept. 9-10, President Donald Trump appeared has sparked bipartisan registration and mail-in at the Republican Midterm Convention hosted by concerns over the security registration — all ways that the RNC in Dallas. While Trump criticized Paxton’s and efficiency of Texas voter the majority of voters in the appearance and style, he also said Paxton is “the registration. U.S. register to vote.” greatest attorney general in the history Though Texas is commonly viewed as a “This impacts every current and potential voter,” of Texas” and “deserves to go to the conservative state, 8.2 million Texans are registered said Malin, who advises voters of all ages to stay United States Senate.” Democrats, while 6.6 million are Republicans, informed on candidates and policies through local Wealthy donors have according to the Independent Voter Project. Most and national news outlets, especially the voter guide funneled millions into racial minorities vote liberal, including Latino, from the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan Black and Asian demographics, according to a Pew group that provides information on current politics. Research Center poll. Black and Asian communities Those who are under 18 yet still interested in politics are highly concentrated in urban areas, including should get involved with campaigns or the county’s Houston and Dallas. election division. In 2025, Texas legislators passed For seniors wanting to vote, SPEC plans to hold a S.B. 985 to reduce the voter registration forum in the coming months. Voter minimum number of registration booths can also be found at Senior Tea. polling stations Verma encourages eligible seniors to register for per county. voting, especially during this midterm election. The “Be open-minded, and understand that your voice matters,” Verma said. “Never let people discourage you from sharing your thoughts.”

2026 MIDTERM PRIMARY VOTING BY PARTY

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ENGAGEMENT

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October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

With families affected by ongoing Middle East war, students “sit, hope and pray”

NEWS

TEHRAN Relatives of Ansel Brinkley face rampant inflation, overwhelmed hospitals.

Story by Asher Gurr Design by Max Juang & Mika Takashima

DUBAI Relatives of Ayush Lalwani contend with air strikes, economic shutdowns.

t was the morning of Feb. 28, and Ansel the family opened their phones to see a Truth worry about the way his young cousins, Brinkley had just lost connection with Social post from President Trump claiming including a two-week-old, are growing up. his relatives living in Tehran. Earlier that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” They “When I was seven, I didn’t know what a morning, the American and Israeli armies immediately cancelled their flight, which was bomb was, what a missile was,” he said. “It’s launched a barrage of missiles at Iran, set to depart in two so different over there, targeting military infrastructure and killing hours. knowing that it’s not as the Iranian supreme leader. What followed Lalwani’s family came safe as it seems.” was a period of uncertainty and fear that has home two weeks later, You buy something today, it’s one price. Lalwani’s father yet to end. and his father returned Tomorrow, when you go buy the same returned to Dubai in The family of Brinkley’s aunt, who lives soon after. Although thing, it’s 20, 30 percent higher. mid-August. in Tehran, was unable to reliably call their U.S. officials insisted For Brinkley’s family REZA HATAMI relatives in the United States due to the the war would end in Tehran, economic BRINKLEY’S GRANDFATHER decimated telecommunications network. quickly, Lalwani and and mental duress is During the four-month internet blackout that his family in the states everywhere. According followed, Brinkley, now a junior, only heard were not so sure, so they decided not to visit to Reza Hatami, Brinkley’s grandfather, who about his relatives through word-of-mouth their relatives in Dubai over the summer for immigrated to the U.S. in 1975, the most reports from family in the Middle East. the first time in 13 years. powerful daily reminder of the war is the “It’s scary,” Brinkley said in April. “The rampant inflation and unemployment caused second the phone hangs up, they could be by American bombing and sanctions. The WAR DRAGS ON dead. You have no idea. You just have to wait family, which owns several factories, are until they call again.” ince July, there have been no effectively unemployed due to a lack of raw Weeks after the conflict began, a mosque a confirmed missile attacks in materials. few blocks from his aunt’s home was bombed. central Dubai, although spillover “You buy something today, it’s one price. Brinkley said that every brief phone call from fighting in other regions coupled with Tomorrow, when you go buy the same thing, became less about catching up and more intermittent Iranian drone attacks continues it’s 20, 30 percent higher,” Hatami said. “They about survival. “It’s mostly just asking if to pose a threat. In August, UAE air defenses go on day-to-day, hoping things get better.” they’re okay,” he added. shot down an Iranian drone over territorial In July, Hatami’s sister, who chose to stay Ayush Lalwani’s entire extended family waters near the Strait of Hormuz, 135 miles in Tehran, developed a blood clot in her leg. lives in the United Arab Emirates, which, away. The condition has a 96% survival rate in the since the Iran conflict began, has seen its Lalwani’s family in Dubai have seen their U.S, but she was unable to receive care from yearly economic growth projections slashed lives mostly return to normal, although their a crippled Iranian healthcare system. Instead in half by the International Monetary Fund. proximity to the war still weighs heavily on of going through the stress of the hospital In February, the BBC reported that over 2,400 their professional lives. Lalwani’s family owns without guaranteed care, Brinkley’s great aunt drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles a chemical logistics company, relying on the passed away in her home. had been fired at the Strait of Hormuz to Neither Brinkley nor Hatami could attend UAE in just a few weeks. access global shipping her funeral. Many of those air strikes lanes. Today, the family While Lalwani’s father was stranded hit residential areas The second the phone hangs up, they is trying to keep the in Dubai, Lalwani would check the news and hotels, severely could be dead. You have no idea. You just business afloat while throughout the day. disrupting air traffic. have to wait until they call again. using more expensive “I was always refreshing, refreshing, Lalwani’s father, who overland transportation refreshing,” he said. ANSEL BRINKLEY was visiting family in methods. After his father made it back and the attacks JUNIOR Dubai when the conflict Lalwani says that on Dubai subsided, threats continued through broke out, was stuck in every morning when the summer, but he checked the news less the Middle East for almost a month. he goes to school, his father listens for news frequently. Lalwani says he has made peace “Every time he booked a flight, it would get about the Strait of Hormuz. His frequent with his fears, even when they were connected canceled the day of,” Lalwani said. “It just kept assessment is, “When will this guy Trump go to an ever-turbulent news cycle. happening over and over.” and fix it for us?” “There’s nothing I can do about it,” he said. Lalwani’s extended family evacuated to Psychologically, the stress of the war has “We’ve just got to sit, hope and pray.” India during the early months of the war, but mostly passed, though Lalwani said the the constant barrage of missiles and drones specter of living during a time of such conflict prolonged their return to Dubai. On April 7, and instability has made his family in Dubai

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CULTURE

The Review St. John’s School

How GLP-1 drugs are redefining body image Story by Ainsley Bass, Genevieve Ederle & Amina Khalil-Zegar Illustration by Emily Yen

ALL THE CRAZE Companies like Smoothie King have introduced specialized drinks like ‘Pumpkin GLP1 Slim-N-Trim’ for those on GLP-1 drugs.

y the late 2010s, key media figures like with body image before entering Upper School, “Using their body image to talk poorly about them the Kardashians and TikTok star Addison increasingly overhears concerning conversations or bring them down a notch is awful.” Rae had popularized curves. The message with friends regarding body image. She says Veronica further emphasizes the importance of was simple: People should be comfortable in their that many students are obsessed with the idea not demonizing or idolizing others’ bodies based bodies, regardless of size. of a small waist, so they diet and participate in solely on appearance. Now, the social media ideal is skinniness, with a workout regimens that promote under-eating and “Someone that can be the ideal body standard wave of new GLP-1 drugs making being thin more over-exercising for either 30 or 75 days, often may also be going through treatment for an eating attainable than ever. referred to as 30 Hard or 75 Hard. disorder,” Veronica said. “Don’t believe everything GLP-1 drugs are a class of injectable medications “When you’re a teenager, there’s more of an you see.” that mimic natural hormones to trigger insulin emphasis on your image,” Judy said. “That’s Although GLP-1 drugs were once reserved for release. The most popular is why you’re more those struggling with obesity, many students now Ozempic, which suppresses insecure.” associate them with an easy way to lose a few appetite and slows digestion. Veronica, not her pounds. You think you’re just making a joke, but GLP-1 drugs were originally real name, says she Kim Lowry, a sports dietician and assistant that joke may have caused someone intended to control blood sugar has become troubled cross-country coach for the University of St. to look in the mirror and think, ‘Is in adults with Type 2 diabetes, by the eating habits Thomas, says that the rise of GLP-1 drugs makes something really wrong with me?’ but since the FDA approved of her friends, noting her job as a nutritionist more challenging. Her Ozempic in 2017, weight loss that they constantly clients often want to bypass the side effects of VERONICA has become the primary reason discuss dieting and GLP-1 drugs, including low energy and reduced for seeking a prescription. make disparaging appetite, while still achieving the desired In 2025, the Kaiser Family comments about physique. Foundation reported that one-third of adults took themselves and others. Veronica says that jokes “It creates a dichotomy where it’s like, ‘I want to GLP-1 drugs for the sole purpose of losing weight. regarding body image can easily perpetuate look this way, but I also want to feel this good,’” “The craze has slowly happened under this harmful stereotypes and contribute to unhealthy Lowry said. “You can’t always have both of those guise of well-being rather than discussing it as tendencies and eating disorders. things lined up.” becoming skinny,” Upper School counselor Jake “You think you’re just making a joke,” Veronica Lowry discourages the use of GLP-1 drugs, Davis said. “I think GLP-1 drugs are presented in said, “but that joke may have caused someone to especially in adolescents, because it limits crucial a way that falls under that umbrella where there look in the mirror and think, ‘Is something really developmental growth and can lead to long-term can also be dangerous parts about them.” wrong with me?’” consequences Recently, two major pop stars, Meghan Trainor Judy is also alarmed by the including reduced and Ariana Grande, have faced intense social incessant, and often incorrect, bone and muscle A lot of times, when we see these media scrutiny for noticeably losing weight. use of the word “fat.” density and low trends online, what we’re really trying In 2014, Trainor released “All About That Bass,” “I’ve been in a conversation blood sugar. to gain is confidence in ourselves. a song she wrote about her teenage struggle with where one of my friends just Ultimately, body image that promoted self-acceptance and points someone out and says, Lowry says the KIM LOWRY body positivity. Trainor announced this year that ‘She’s fat.’ But she’s not. She has a conversations SPORTS DIETICIAN she used GLP-1 drugs postpartum. Fans pointed healthy body,” Judy said. surrounding GLPout the hypocrisy. Veronica has noticed that her 1 drugs should Earlier this year, Grande faced extensive media peers publicly comment about involve a doctor. backlash from fans and followers for appearing those who have lost significant weight, only “The reality is that weight gain is not always dangerously thin. After months of speculation sometimes out of concern for their health or bad. We make it out to be very black and white,” about her looks and health, the pop star’s safety. Lowry said. “Sometimes it’s healthy if it’s going to publicist announced that after the completion of “There is a very thin line because, as a friend, help you feel good.” her Eternal Sunshine tour, she would “step back you have a responsibility to speak up if your Lowry suggests that teens look inward when from visibility” due to “ongoing public scrutiny.” friend is partaking in unhealthy habits,” Veronica they feel the need to change their body. Students have noticed the trend in weight loss said. This disconnect permeates online discourse. “Ask yourself what you’re hoping to gain. among celebrities. “They set unrealistic body While thousands of users flood comment Because a lot of times, when we see these standards that are honestly scary and they make sections with quips like “they need help” or “eat trends online, what we’re really trying to gain me feel as though my body could always be something,” others defend the content creator, is confidence in ourselves,” Lowry said. “That improved,” said Judy, not her real name. arguing that those who do not know them should confidence comes from inside of you.” As GLP-1 drugs make weight loss more not pass judgment. achievable, the trickle-down effect has reached “You’re entitled to not like someone, but you impressionable teens. Judy, who never struggled must respect and tolerate them,” Veronica said.

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October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

CULTURE

Dyeing hair revives selfexpression Story by Bella Dodig & Yutia Li Photo by Emily Xie Illustration by Siona Guharoy

month into the school year, Shelby Kuhl walked into Salon Vive and had her hair dyed a copper red. Kuhl, a junior, made the decision in order to more authentically portray Clifford in the fall studio play, “Snow Angel.” When director Amy Bruce first proposed the idea, Kuhl was hesitant, especially given that she would need to use permanent dye to achieve the proper shade of red. “From the temporary dye standpoint, I was like, absolutely — I would go fire engine red,” Kuhl said. “But when it got changed to permanent hair dye, I told her, ‘I’m going to need a little more time to talk with my parents and do some research.’” After talking to Bruce’s friend, a stylist who knew of specific products for curly hair, Kuhl agreed to dye her hair. Since her new look is for the play, the School is reimbursing her for the expense, including dyeing her hair back to its normal hue after the final performance. Kuhl says she loves her new look. dress code. TO DYE FOR “Growing up at St. John’s, I’ve definitely tried to She started Angela Ma and figure out certain things about my style to make experimenting Olivia Titus tried out me stand out, whether it’s a cute bow, a clip, a with coloring her hair different hues before headband or jewelry,” Kuhl said. tips in elementary school. settling on pink and red. Because the St. John’s handbook only permits In middle and high school, when “naturally occurring hair color,” including brown, she started following local metal bands, she black, blonde, natural red, went all in on warmer strawberry blonde, gray Kuhl first used box dye last summer to stain her tones. Titus dyed her hair and white, dyed hair is not dirty blonde hair with streaks of purple-red. red at the beginning of common. “My sister had dyed her hair with temporary dye sophomore year and tried Growing up at St. John’s, I’ve Teens in private schools before, and I wanted to join in,” she said. highlights in the spring definitely tried to figure out certain and other homogenous When Kuhl made the decision to fully commit before switching to orange things about my style to make me environments feel and dye her hair an even brighter red for her fall for the summer. Now, her stand out, whether it’s a cute bow, a significantly more production, she cited her experience with tempohair is a shade of dark red. pressure to conform clip, a headband or jewelry. rary dye as a major selling point for committing to “It’s been a good way to and develop “expression the more dramatic color. Ma had a similar expericonnect with people beSHELBY KUHL suppression,” the ence after her first time using temporary box dye. cause there’s immediately JUNIOR tendency to hide one’s “Because it looks great the first time, you a conversation starter true feelings and just want to chase that high more,” Ma said. “It about the hair, the style,” identity, according to the feels like some of my friends who get their first Titus said. International Journal of Behavioral Development. piercing, and are like, this looks great. And then, For Titus, experimenting with hair color has Market research surveys found that 58% of Gen after a few years, you see their ear has five or six opened up other avenues of self-expression, Z have colored their hair at least once, and 20% piercings.” including getting 14 piercings. have gotten or would consider Ma loved the brown hue so much that she want“Sometimes it feels like I’m voluntarily alienprofessional ed to take it a step further. ating myself. But at this hair-coloring treatments. Recently, she had her hair point, I don’t really For senior Olivia Titus, done professionally at care because it’s very dyeing her hair has a salon in Japan, where fun,” Titus said. “As It was scary at first, but I think it’s provided a similar the technology is better for the people who outlet for selfeven scarier to be trapped in suited for her thinner hair. think I’m weird, I expression within With no fear of permanent a box for so long. wouldn’t want to the limitations of a damage, she decided to exengage with them periment with light pink. OLIVIA TITUS anyways.” SENIOR Both Ma and Kuhl Senior Angela proposed their new hair Ma began dyeing colors to Dean of Students her hair because Bailey Duncan before comof her interest in K-pop. After noticing how mitting. Ma says she “described the hair color as a the celebrities in her favorite music mix between strawberry blonde and red because videos sported brightly colored hair, she was inspired to change those colors are in the handbook.” Ultimately, Titus says that high school is the her own, using her mom’s ideal time to experiment and discover your own box dye in the pantry to personal style. color her hair brown. “It was scary at first, but I think it’s even At-home color kits scarier to be trapped in a box for went mainstream in the so long.” 1950s and have become increasingly popular, filling drugstore shelves. A standard kit costs up to $15 and lasts 6 to 8 weeks, giving those who FOILED want to try a new style AGAIN like Ma an easy way Angela Ma got to experiment. The her hair dyed most popular kits at a salon in include L’Oréal, with Japan better the most popular nonequipped for natural color being blue. thin hair.

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Photo by Angela Ma

CULTURE

The Review St. John’s School

Rekindling our obsession with the movies Story by Harry Alig & Harrison Hadnott Design by Noelle DiNardo & Emily Yen

A24 documentary puts Elizabeth Holmes under the microscope Story by Bella Dodig & Yutia Li

ack in 2019, junior Nicholas Pryor worldwide box office surpassed $7 billion. went to AMC Fountains 18 to watch “The Odyssey” is now the 12th highestthe anticipated “Avengers: Endgame.” grossing film ever. “Spider-Man: Brand Seven years later, he remembers how New Day,” in theaters since just July 31, has devastated he felt after Tony Stark’s dramatic become the highest-grossing film domestically death — he may have even shed a tear or two. and the third-highest global earner ever. “Watching ‘Endgame’ in theaters for the For every “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: first time was such an emotional experience,” Brand New Day,” there are big-budget films Pryor said. “It made me realize the power of that underperform. cinema.” Box office math says that a film must make Seeing “Avengers: Endgame” was also 2.5 times its budget globally to turn a profit, Nathan Segal’s “best movie theater taking into account marketing and the cut experience.” The senior is now the founder from movie theaters. This summer, Disney’s and co-president of the Motion Picture Club, live-action adaptation of “Moana” made just yet he has gone to the theater less frequently $50 million globally on a $250 million budget. over the last few years. Segal hopes that studios stop making “safe “If I wanted to get two drinks, a large bets” like live-action Disney remakes and popcorn and two candies, it’s like 70 bucks,” existing IP stories and recommends that there Segal said. “Why would you ever pay $70 for be “more marketing for the movie theaters” snacks to watch a two-hour movie?” so they can overcome the threat posed by Pryor agrees that concessions are pricey but streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. considers them essential Pryor does not to the moviegoing hesitate to visit theaters experience. for movies that interest “Movie theater him. He particularly Movies are such a beautiful way to popcorn is enjoys IMAX theaters, share art with other people. Now unmatched,” Pryor which have larger I have more movies to go see and said. “I can’t figure screens, louder sound more people to see them with. it out.” systems and better According to picture quality than NICHOLAS PRYOR FREQUENT MOVIEGOER Cinemark, the regular theaters. average movie ticket “The Odyssey” made price across the U.S. headlines for being the in 2025 was $16.08, a more than threefold first movie shot using only IMAX 70mm film. increase from 40 years ago. Candy that costs What keeps bringing Segal back to the $2 to $3 at a gas station goes for more than theater is the communal atmosphere that double at a theater. audiences share within theater walls. Domestic box office ticket sales hit a record “In a way, they create their own environment of 1.6 billion in 2002. Since then, sales have of a shared recognition for what you’re dropped roughly 50%, with only 780 million watching,” Segal said. tickets sold in 2025. Analysts largely attribute Many movie theaters have been making the drop to the pandemic, when overall renovations to become more appealing. The attendance fell a whopping 81%. Over the past nearby Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace five years, ticket sales have rebounded 64%. recently installed new reclining chairs with This summer, Segal went to the movies more large cushions into its regular theaters in an frequently than even he realized, praising attempt to modernize and draw more people. “new, interesting” films like the box office Segal appreciates the new look but misses the hit “Obsession” for bringing more attention connection encouraged by close seating. back to theaters. The horror film, directed by “Now you’re in your own cocoon and 26-year-old Curry Barker, has now grossed separate from people,” Segal said. “I over $500 million on a $750,000 budget. liked being next to others and sharing an Segal says “Obsession” became the “you experience together.” have to go see this” film of the summer. Pryor said he is happy that people are The season’s biggest hits, Christopher returning to theaters. Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Destin Daniel “Movies are such a beautiful way to share art Cretton’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” with other people,” Pryor said. “Now I have made more than $4 billion combined and, more movies to go see and more people to see for the first time in the last seven years, the them with.”

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WORLDWIDE SUMMER BOX OFFICE

n Oct. 16, “You Can See Everything,” a nearly three-hour documentary that follows Elizabeth Holmes’s final 34 days before reporting to federal prison, will premiere in theaters nationwide. The documentary, directed by filmmaker and comedian Nathan Fielder (HBO’s “The Rehearsal”) and documentarian Lance Oppenheim (“Primetime”), features real-time interviews and footage with Holmes (’02), who was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in prison for embezzling and defrauding investors upwards of $400 million for her blood-testing startup Theranos. The documentary premiered as a secret screening during the 53rd Telluride Film Festival on Sept. 6, where it earned instant acclaim. Critics described the film as “shameless” and “fascinating,” praising the unconventional, raw production. Fielder and Oppenheim were invited by Holmes to live with her and her fiancé Billy Evans for 34 days prior to her prison report date on May 30, 2023. Fielder appears in the film, interviewing Holmes and her husband as they conduct daily activities and grapple with Holmes’s impending incarceration. “People talk about Fielder’s work as making you question everything,” said senior Mabrey Stokes, who learned about Holmes as a prospective student researching St. John’s in eighth grade. “I’m interested in seeing how Fielder studies her and tries to figure out what’s up with her.” Tracy LaQuey Parker, a Canadian-American businesswoman, attended the Telluride premiere. “Nobody had any idea what it was, so we knew it was going to be popular,” Parker said. “It was funny because I was at another screening with Bill Gates sitting in front of me, and I had to get up and leave so I could get in line for this other one. There was just this buzz.” On the same day the film premiered in Telluride, distributor A24 released a 78-second teaser featuring Holmes and Fielder sitting on a couch, with Holmes repeating, “Why would I deceive you?” and Fielder nodding repeatedly. The teaser captured the attention of eager viewers and went viral. “In her past, Holmes has been very intentional about trying to control the way she looks — direct, pointed, non-emotional, all about business,” Stokes said. “Is she going to be able to control this narrative about her through this documentary?” Parker highly recommends the film to anyone interested. “It’s just unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” Parker said. “If you have any knowledge of the case, it’s going to be of interest to you. And I think people are going to have different reactions to it.”

“You Can See Everything” opens nationwide on Oct. 16, including at the River Oaks Theatre and Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace.

$2.4 billion

$1.7 billion

$519 million

SP TL

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

LIVING IN A SURVEILLANCE S LIFE360, PARENTAL CONTROLS AND SNAP MAP CREATE A SENSE OF SECURITY ... Story by Bella Dodig, Sarah Nguyen & Wanya Zafar Design by Emily Yen & Ella Hughes Due to the nature of this story, we have changed the names of some interviewees at their request to protect their privacy.

efore Jesse attends a party or goes out with friends, he takes the same precaution: finding a way to disable or circumvent location sharing on

Life360. Life360, an app that provides live location sharing and alerts, was founded in 2008 by Chris Hulls and Alex Haro to offer a family safety network with realtime location updates and emergency alerts. Over the last two years, usership has skyrocketed to over 100 million, and the app is now used by one out of every nine families in the U.S., according to the Life360 website. Life360 is just one of the many forms of parental and social surveillance teens must contend with in the digital age. As of 2026, 86% of teenagers share their location with their parents through some app or platform, with over half continuing to share the information until their mid-20s, according to Pew Research Center. Beyond surveilling location, 48% of parents utilize built-in device controls to monitor phone usage, and 61% admit to having looked through their kids’ devices. Psychology teacher Amy Malin describes the popularity of services like Life360 as an extension of the desire to maintain control. “People want to be able to have control,

but we can’t control anything that’s not ourself. The only thing we can control is our own actions,” Malin said. “Life360 provides an opportunity for some control beyond our own actions, and that helps to reduce a lot of people’s anxieties.” Beyond location updates, Life360 documents an array of driving data including speed, phone use, sudden stops and “risky events.” The service also allows users to set “places” like school, work or home and sends notifications every time a user arrives at or departs from one of those saved locations. Upgrading from the base version to a paid subscription can unlock additional features including automatic crash-detection alerts.

ultimately beneficial, conversations with his parents about where he goes or how he spends his time. Aris Hanna’s family uses Life360 as their primary form of location sharing. The junior says that a teen’s opinion on Life360 is often more a reflection of their current relationship with their parents. “My parents are very relaxed, and I would have to get their permission to go someplace and do something anyway. So it’s not like I would be able to hide my location, and I don’t have much issue with it,” Hanna said. “But I can imagine some people who have a different relationship with their parents might find it a little bit restrictive or suffocating.”

‘A LITTLE OVER THE TOP’ “Life360 provides an opportunity for some control beyond our own actions, and that helps to reduce a lot of people’s anxieties.”

AMY MALIN

PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER

Calvin, a senior, says his parents do not have access to his location and claims he “would never get Life360.” “At my age, I have a sense of autonomy and a right to my own privacy. I don’t want to be controlled, and I want to feel like I’m in control,” Calvin said. “I’m not going to willingly share my stuff.” Although he recognizes the potential safety benefits, Calvin says that getting the app would be unnecessary and “excessive.” “I think I’m perfectly capable of keeping myself safe,” he said. Jesse, who still finds ways to circumvent sharing his location, says using Life360 has eroded the mutual trust in his family. “Parents do have our best interests at heart, but I also think that hypersurveillance is just unnecessary,” Jesse said. “There’s a saying that strict parents create sneaky children, and I think that’s so true. There’s always tactics to get around things, so it’s just more beneficial to nurture a culture of trust.” Jesse adds that not having Life360 would lead to more uncomfortable, but

rad’s parents use cameras positioned in their home to keep tabs on what he is doing while they are away. One time, the sophomore was playing a computer game instead of working and forgot that the camera was on. “I got in trouble,” Brad said. “They want me in a position where they can always track what I’m doing and get mad if I even switch to a Spotify tab.” Although Brad acknowledges that his parents can be “a little over the top,” he understands that they have his best interests at heart. “I can see the reasoning behind it, but I still think it has an adverse effect,” Brad said. “I feel like it restricts my freedom, and then I don’t want to follow their rules as much.”

“At my age, I have a sense of autonomy and a right to my own privacy. I don’t want to be controlled, and I want to feel like I’m in control.”

CALVIN

Brad’s parents also monitor his text messages and app usage and determine when he can hang out with friends. Brad says their surveillance comes from a desire to “shape his life into something.” “They want to be sure that I won’t fail,” Brad said. Although Brad’s case is extreme, parental monitoring of technology is widespread. Today, nearly 80% of parents have tried at some point to limit or reduce their child’s screen time, and half admit they have looked through their teen’s phone. Nancy’s father utilizes a screen time feature to limit her phone usage to 20 minutes a day for all social media, including TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Nancy, a junior, finds the restrictions frustrating because many of her friends use Snapchat as their primary mode of communication, often leaving Nancy out of the loop. According to Nancy, her father says, “social media is the root of all problems.” In order to get more screentime, Nancy has to complete tasks like reading a book or studying for a test. Although

LIGHT

The Review St. John’s School

STATE BUT AT WHAT COST? she acknowledges the restrictions are frustrating, she admits that, without them, she could see her screen time skyrocketing and productivity decreasing.

“Monitoring should not replace communication. The goal of monitoring should be to eventually have less of it.”

SADAF JAVAID PSYCHIATRIST

“Sometimes it’ll glitch, and I’ll get unlimited time. I can see myself spending a lot more time on my phone,” Nancy said. “And then it kind of makes sense.” Psychiatrist Sadaf Javaid, who works with both children and adults, describes adolescence as a period of “separation individuation” when teenagers begin psychologically moving away from their caregivers and forming individual identities. She says that constant parental surveillance or control during this developmental period can stunt personal growth. “Independence, privacy and autonomy are especially important during this stage,” she said. Javaid adds that the healthiest form of monitoring during adolescence requires communication: students should understand why parents are concerned, and parents should recognize that independence must be practiced before it can be fully earned. “Monitoring should not replace communication,” Javaid said. “The goal of monitoring should be to eventually have less of it.” Cynthia Powell, the School’s counseling and wellness coordinator, adds that adolescence is supposed to involve a balance between freedom, support and responsibility. “We want students to be autonomous — we want them to be able to stand alone and make their own decisions,” Powell said. Brad, whose parents still use cameras and digital restrictions to monitor his every move, says that, if he wasn’t constantly being watched, he would be a different person “in every way.” “I would just be more confident in what I do instead of having things taken away from me or being controlled.”

‘VOLUNTARY SURVEILLANCE’

napchat includes a feature, Snap Map, in which users can share their location with others. While this feature provides a convenient way to locate friends, for junior Grace Kozak, it also raises privacy and safety concerns. “Snap Map sounds terrifying,” Kozak said. “People need to be allowed to do what they want to do and be where they want to be without constant monitoring.” According to Snapchat, the platform has roughly 493 million daily users and 971 million active monthly users, with almost half of those users sharing their location through Snap Map. The app also shares information about when a user is active, pressuring many teens to be

available and responsive 24/7. According to Kozak, teenagers feel a need to curate a specific version of themselves online. Even in private, she worries that students may be pressured to act in a certain way. “Social media is a form of voluntary surveillance — and it’s not even that voluntary,” Kozak said. “I feel like phones are trying to suck every bit of privacy out of people.” Jesse, who only has Snap Map on for his close friends and “safety reasons,” adds that group location sharing services like Snap Map often provide a platform to make a social statement. “I don’t really see a point in sharing my location with everyone. I feel like sometimes people share their location more to make a statement like, oh, I’m traveling to Europe,” Jesse said. “But ultimately, no one really cares.” According to a study conducted by researchers at UNCChapel Hill, middle schoolers who check social media

“Social media is a form of voluntary surveillance — and it’s not even that voluntary. I feel like phones are trying to suck every bit of privacy out of people.”

GRACE KOZAK JUNIOR

more than 15 times a day undergo changes in brain development that create hypersensitivity to peer feedback and social rewards and punishments. Powell adds that these platforms can amplify feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, since seeing other people constantly appear busy, social or happy “can create an intense increase in anxiety and also a sense of worthlessness.”

“I don’t see any health benefits to that, honestly,” Powell said. Garvin Gaston (‘99) attended St. John’s before the age of iPhones, location sharing and social surveillance. She received her first cell phone as a junior, but she could not text and rarely used the phone, which cost $2 a minute. Instead, Gaston relied mostly on word-of-mouth to stay in contact with her parents and friends. “I was just expected to tell my parents where I was and to have a way of communicating with them if we needed to. It was very simple,” Gaston said. “I had friends who were sneaking out and getting in trouble, but they also only had landlines or maybe a car phone to get in touch with their parents.” Although she sometimes wished for an extra layer of security or form of communication, Gaston says freedom from digital surveillance helped her develop a stronger sense of self and independence. “We didn’t really have a reason to stop and think, other than our own conscience or what we had learned from our parents,” she said. “Any time you’re being watched, it takes some freedom away.” Gaston says the current culture of constant monitoring could deprive teenagers of that important developmental space: what she describes as the chance to be imperfect, feel embarrassed and just move on and grow from it. “You’ve raised your kid for 16 years,” Gaston said. “You chose to take them to get their driver’s license. I may feel very differently in 15 years when my son gets his license, but I think they need to be able to go and make mistakes, as scary as that is.”

86% of teenagers share their location with their parents through an app or platform. 38% of parents use home cameras to monitor their children. 61% of parents admit to having looked through their kids’ devices. 48% of parents utilize built-in device controls to monitor phone usage.

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

Bermudez joins Upper School from Bogotá, Colombia

MAVERICKS

What did you miss? SYA students return Story by Vivienne Fox & Angel Huang

Story by Sarah Nguyen & Wanya Zafar Photo by Emily Xie

efore arriving in Houston for her junior year, Emi Bermudez imagined Texas as boots, cowboy hats and the images of American culture she had seen from abroad. Instead, she found a welcoming school community, rigorous academics and a host family she now describes as her own. Bermudez has lived in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, her entire life. When she learned about the exchange program, she saw it as an opportunity to experience the commitment and organization she associates with American culture. She says the transition has shown her how differently students in Houston structure their time, with school beginning later and students fitting academics, athletics and other activities into their days. “American culture has always been really inspiring for me and my family,” she said. “You always finish what you start.” The School, Bermudez says, has completely exceeded her expectations. She chose classes not available at her school in Colombia, including neuroscience, which has already become her favorite course. Bermudez lives with the Gurr family, including sophomore and Review copy editor Asher Gurr and his three younger siblings. Though the household schedule is often busy, Bermudez says the family has done a lot to make her feel included. “I feel like their fifth child,” she said. Outside of the classroom, Bermudez plays volleyball and is interested in playing soccer. In her free time, she enjoys making jewelry, practicing yoga and watching “Friends” or “Grey’s Anatomy.” She plans to step outside her comfort zone by trying new sports, participating in community service and experiencing unique traditions like homecoming, cotillion and the Houston Rodeo. She is also still trying to adjust to the cultural changes — including driving everywhere, actually stopping at stop signs and eating lunch in just half an hour. Though she misses her family and home country, Bermudez says she “has found a home here.” “What impressed me most was the warmth that people have shown me,” she said.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT Emi Bermudez, exchange student from Colombia, embraces her new Maverick identity.

WAVE YOUR FLAG Kathleen Bowes spent last school year abroad in Zaragoza, Spain.

hile playing ultimate frisbee his sophomore year, Colin Caughran suffered a concussion that resulted in losing most of his childhood memories. That same year, he met a School Year Abroad representative on campus and found clarity about what he wanted to do next. “I couldn’t really explain why, but I felt this younger version of myself telling me that I needed to go,” Caughran said. Prior to his concussion, studying abroad was a dormant dream. Afterward, he had a heightened appreciation for living in the moment. “I became much more aware that experiences aren’t guaranteed to stay with us forever. My concussion didn’t make me want to study abroad — it made me realize the dream mattered enough to pursue despite uncertainty, guilt and fear,” Caughran said. One Wednesday in France, Caughran wanted to try a longer distance than cross-country usually allowed for, so he ran a half-marathon with absolutely no preparation. “Coming from cross-country, where we’re mostly limited to 5Ks, I decided 21K would be the next logical step,” Caughran said. Caughran eventually registered for an official half-marathon over Easter weekend and began training alongside his host father. Training together allowed Caughran to learn more about his host father’s interests, leading to many of their best conversations. “I learned quickly that he was quite the history buff, and I now know a decent bit more about the French Revolution,” Caughran said. Caughran spent a lot of time with his host family, including trips to Paris, Cambodia and Vietnam. He found that family time in Rennes held a greater value. “The pace of life felt slower, which made it easier to sit down, share a meal, and actually talk to one another,” Caughran said. During his time at the program, Caughran also learned a variety of French expressions he enjoys because of their role in French culture — his favorite being “avoir la flemme,” which means to be too lazy to do something. “More than anything, living abroad changed my perspective on language,” Caughran said. “It’s not a set of words to master but also a culture and a history.” Caughran thoroughly enjoyed his year abroad and most definitely achieved his goal of improving his French. “I would definitely recommend it to people who want to improve their language because immersion is the best way,” Caughran said. Caroline Harvey was used to living in a suburban house, so living in an apartment in the middle of a noisy city took adjusting. But after a year in Rennes, France, the small space encouraged Harvey to spend more time getting to know her host family. At first, integrating into a host family was daunting for Harvey, particularly with the language barrier.

Photo courtesy of Kathleen Bowes

“Week by week, you start to get closer and become more comfortable around them,” Harvey said. Yet Harvey struggled to express herself authentically. “In French, my personality was more shy, and I was hesitant to speak, although this was sometimes due to nerves,” Harvey said. After a long day of speaking French, Harvey always felt relieved to speak English. “I was breaking out of constant focus on getting my words right and performing the accent and expression correctly,” Harvey said. While abroad, Harvey volunteered for a middle school English club through an association called the Institut FrancoAméricain and became friends with a French student, with whom Harvey practiced her French. “There are so many different ways we connected: we liked a lot of the same shows, we both liked to read, and my friend group would go to cafes with him after school to hang out,” Harvey said. Making friends was surprisingly easy for Harvey because everyone was in the same situation. “When you’re in this vulnerable position where everyone is scared, it is really easy to make friends,” Harvey said. Throughout her time abroad, Harvey also became more introspective. “It teaches you more about yourself and what you want to do in the future.” When Kathleen Bowes’s mother was in high school, she spent her junior year abroad in a small town near Linköping. When Bowes was in elementary school, her family took a trip to Stockholm to reunite with her mom’s host family. “It was really cool to see them interact and recount old memories together,” Bowes said. Ultimately, it was her mother’s positivity about the school year abroad experience that persuaded Bowes to pursue SYA. She was also intrigued by the opportunity to develop her own independence while immersing herself in Spanish culture, which was different than she expected. As a predominantly Catholic country, Spain celebrates a variety of holidays associated with “city saints,” so Bowes got extra days off school to explore. “A lot of their history still affects some of the cultural traditions they have now,” Bowes said. “That’s not something I knew beforehand, and I definitely realized it while living there.” In her host family, it was also customary to have sobremesa, time after each meal spent talking with family until midnight. Ultimately, Bowes’s SYA experience improved both her language skills and her ability to adapt to new circumstances. “Learning about a different culture really gives you a more open perspective in a lot of aspects of life,” Bowes said. “I’d say it’s really valuable.”

MAVERICKS

The Review St. John’s School

Mav Sailbot navigates New York Story by Nicholas Laskaris & Harry Alig Design by Alexander Kim & Nicole Simon

he rain-slicked docks of Ithaca, New York, offered no concessions to high school students competing against collegiate engineers. Yet as the final results flashed on the scoreboard at the International Sailbot Regatta, an 11-man squad from St. John’s stood side by side with the nation’s top university teams. On June 12, the Mavs placed second out of seven teams, just 1.5 points behind champion Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In its maiden voyage, the Sailbot outperformed the entries from host school Cornell University as well as the University of Pittsburgh and Roger Williams University. The achievement marked a major milestone for MavSail Robotics, known on campus simply as Sailbot. The annual competition challenges teams to design, build and code fully autonomous boats that can navigate open water without human assistance. “I’m very proud of my team,” Sailbot founder John Brandt Gerdes said, “especially since it was our first competition competing against colleges.” Junior Nico Valderrábano reflected on how remarkably close the team came to taking top honors in their debut outing. “We cannot be dissatisfied with our performance,” Valderrábano said. “It was a close, fun competition and a pleasant experience overall.” Gerdes launched Mav Sailbot last summer as a way to bridge his greatest passions, engineering and sailing, in a format that utilized computer science, physics and naval architecture. Unlike traditional remote-controlled vessels, autonomous sailboats operate through a complex combination of physical engineering and realtime processing power. An onboard Nvidia supercomputer constantly processes live data, including wind angles, sensor telemetry and GPS coordinates to calculate optimal navigation paths. “It takes in all the data, and then it mathematically predicts the best possible route from point A to point B,” junior Ansel Brinkley said. “At the end of the day, it is literally all math.” As soon as the Mavs landed in Ithaca, they worked on finishing touches. “We had only finished the boat a few days prior to the competition,” junior Bennett Thomas said. “There were still some things that

FLOATING OUR BOAT MavSail members Ansel Brinkley and John Brandt Gerdes finetune the Sailbot while Vihan Javle calibrates the autopilot controller. Photos by Millicent Gerdes

needed to be fixed and lots of setting up to do those dockside adjustments were during peak before the competition, but we were confident in competition hours. our months upon months of preparation.” “The payload endurance test is brutal because While the team flew into New York, a transport adding that much mass completely alters the vehicle took the fully assembled boat to the boat’s center of gravity and displacement,” competition since it would have taken too much Thomas said. “You’re watching a vessel you time and money to disassemble the boat and take spend months tuning suddenly sit much lower it with them. in the water. Seeing our boat handle those heavy Brinkley managed the waves while keeping computational and coding its electronics dry and aspects of the boat, while navigating buoys was Valderrábano focused on incredible. It proved our At first, some of the university structure. Using lightweight physical build was just teams looked at us like we were carbon fiber, advanced as tough as the software just on a high school field trip. But hydrodynamic modeling driving it.” once our boat hit the water and and his knowledge of Of the 14 team started going, their expression technical design and members, 11 traveled changed completely. architecture, he minimized to New York. Facing structural mass while university teams with VIHAN JAVLE MAVSAIL TEAM MEMBER maintaining full integrity twice the membership, under harsh weather dedicated faculty conditions. The goal was advisors and university to make the vessel as fast, balanced and agile laboratory facilities, St. John’s demonstrated that as possible in order to tackle the maneuvers problem-solving and collaboration could level the required on the lake. playing field. Complementing the structural and code teams, “The colleges definitely had much larger teams,” junior Vihan Javle was instrumental on the Valderrábano said. “In terms of truly impactful ground, managing real-time telemetry diagnostics members working on the core systems, we were and sensor recalibration between the heats. a relatively small group, but being able to go “The high-humidity conditions and sudden rain out there and beat universities like Cornell and squalls on the dock made our boat heel extremely Pitt on their own stage proves what our team is close to the water, and waves would splash the capable of.” deck constantly. With these conditions, precision Javle emphasized the efficiency of the high is everything,” Javle said. “If a wind vane sensor school crew compared to college teams. gets miscalibrated by even five degrees because “At first, some of the university teams looked at of water ingress, the onboard algorithms will us like we were just on a high school field trip,” miscalculate the entire tacking angle. My job Javle recalled. “But once our boat hit the water was making sure our hardware feeds remained and started going, their expression changed completely pristine before launching into events.” completely. We realized quickly that our small Sailbot primarily relies on custom computer size actually made us faster at troubleshooting vision algorithms. Onboard cameras scan problems on the fly.” the water in real time to detect and track With next year’s international regatta taking floating objects, allowing the vessel to execute place in Bristol, Rhode Island, the crew is already autonomous turns and avoid obstacles without refining their control software, upgrading their human intervention. camera vision systems and testing new carbonThe high-tech regatta fiber hull modifications. evaluates vessels across For Thomas, the experience in Ithaca set a several grueling new benchmark for what St. John’s students can disciplines, including achieve in competitive STEM fields. fleet racing, station“Proving we can stand on the podium alongside keeping and obstacle schools like WPI and Cornell sets a totally new avoidance. During the standard for robotics at St. John’s,” Thomas payload endurance said. “We aren’t just like building projects for challenge, boats a grade, we are designing boats that can win are loaded with up competitions.” to 1.5 times their For the members of MavSail Robotics, the goal own weight while extends beyond collecting trophies. It is about maneuvering a course. creating a lasting culture of high-level engineering Valderrábano notes that in which students can step onto the national stage the competition includes and go head-to-head with the top collegiate minds several “torture tests” in the country. to determine how well a “Our hope is to win next time and establish a boat functions. real legacy for St. John’s,” Valderrábano said. “We Thomas, who assisted want to build a community here where we can with payload rigging go out, take on serious engineering challenges A MAST-ERFUL SHOWING and boat deployment, and prove that we can beat colleges at their own Mavs Sailbot debuts at the International Sailbot noted how grueling game.” Regatta in Ithaca, New York.

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October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

SPORTS

Houston scores big hosting the FIFA World Cup Story by Akshay Pandya & Kavan Pandya

WORLD CUP FEVER John Arnold and his children, sophomore Joaquin and Sofia (’26), watched the USMNT play Australia in Seattle on June 19. Photo courtesy of John Arnold

ohn Arnold attended his first World Cup that will be reinvested in Houston, and it’s already people had been watching the game and found the match in 1994, the last time it was hosted started,” Arnold said. “We’re really trying to streets transformed. in the United States. Since then, he and a increase and grow the game in Houston and have “You could just hear cars blasting the Spanish group of friends have journeyed to every single that fabric of soccer become more embedded in anthem with flags and banners,” Caruso said. quadrennial competition, from Japan to Germany the city.” “The whole city was alive — and it was nothing to Qatar. When the opportunity arose to help Roughly $500 million will compared to when they Houston host the World Cup, he couldn’t pass it be redistributed into actually won.” up. In 2019, the Harris County Houston Sports public roads, green Junior Alaia Grannis, Authority named him chairman for the Houston spaces and soccer fields, who was in Madrid during We’re really trying to increase and World Cup Bid Committee. according to FOX 26. the tournament, noticed a grow the game in Houston and have Arnold is the co-founder of Arnold Ventures and Additionally, there were similar atmosphere. that fabric of soccer become more parent of two current St. John’s students and one zero major security “Everywhere we went there embedded in the city. alumna. As chairman of the Bid Committee, he incidents. was a diverse group of played an integral role in securing seven games “It seemed as if every people cheering for different JOHN ARNOLD at NRG Stadium, which was renamed Houston story turned positive teams,” Grannis said. “It HOUSTON WORLD CUP BID COMMITTEE CHAIR Stadium for the event. because everything was like the world came Houston was one of 11 U.S. cities selected to worked well,” Arnold together.” host World Cup matches. Since demand was said. Experiencing international so high, Houston “had to compete” for a spot Above all, Arnold looked at the World Cup as enthusiasm changed the way Grannis viewed as a host city, ultimately beating out San Diego, “a celebration of soccer.” With a combination of soccer, with even fans of losing teams remaining Phoenix and Las Vegas, among others. joyous fans and excellent sportsmanship, this emotionally invested in the tournament. Grannis When the selection was announced on TV, there World Cup stood out to him. recalled seeing French supporters crying in the was a “big celebration,” Arnold said. “The World Cup fever really caught hold both streets after their national team lost 2-0 to Spain When planning the in Houston as well as in the semifinals. event, there were many across the country, and The buildup to the final match on July 19 made concerns, so Arnold said the fans got emotionally the tournament impossible to ignore, Grannis Committee had to consider connected to this says. The excitement had become part of everyday Everywhere we went there was a factors including traffic, cost tournament in a way I life. diverse group of people cheering for of tickets and even lack of haven’t seen,” Arnold “People would just talk about it,” Grannis different teams. It was like the world public transportation. said. said. “You would see people hanging a bunch of came together. Arnold said politicians Senior Samuel Caruso Spanish flags everywhere.” and fans were pleased with experienced the Caruso was at La Plaza de Colón in Madrid when ALAIA GRANNIS JUNIOR how the games in Houston tournament from Spain, the Spanish National Team won. When he arrived turned out, especially where he watched the three hours before kickoff, the plaza was already because it was a great way country advance to the packed. to feature Houston and create a legacy of soccer in final match. The festive energy in Spain surprised The crowd made the victory feel personal, the city at no cost. him, especially after Spain defeated France in the Caruso says. “There’s actually extra money that’s left over semifinals. Caruso was leaving a restaurant where “Even though it wasn’t my country, I was just proud to be there and feel the emotion that everybody else was feeling,” Caruso said. The celebration continued long after the final whistle. During the walk from Plaza del Colón to a family member’s apartment, bars remained packed with people watching the celebrations. Cars drove through the streets honking and playing the Spanish national anthem as crowds spread throughout the city. The contrast with Houston was striking. Caruso had seen excitement surrounding the matches in Houston, but the atmosphere in Spain was fundamentally different. VAMOS ESPAÑA “Houston is a very diverse community,” Caruso Senior Samuel said. “There was a hype around it from people Caruso (right) supporting many different teams, but you couldn’t and a friend really feel the energy as much.” from Spain cheer on From a local standpoint, Arnold says he was the Spanish proud to have played a part in bringing the World National Team Cup to Houston. as they march “I will always look back at this experience that toward victory. I got to be a part of,” Arnold said. “I did my little Photo by part and feel proud about that, and we’ll always Samuel Caruso remember this experience.”

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MAVERICKS

The Review St. John’s School

Mavs score spots on national sports teams Story by Brian Kim & Yutia Li

RACING AHEAD Senior Thea Popovic prepares to run the 400m on a live broadcast. Photo courtesy of Thea Popovic

The September competition is the largest multi-sport tournament in South America, featuring 15 countries. Gumpel and the enior Valentina Baizan was part of an Argentinian softball team won bronze, defeating 18-player roster selected to represent Peru 4–3 in the third-place game. the U.S. at the 2026 World Hockey Gumpel joined the Argentinian team in Youth Festival from Aug. 14-25 in Amsterdam, late 2025 after submitting her profile to the Netherlands, in the U-18 division. Confederation that summer. She received an The team first played two warm-up matches invitation from the coaches in December and against top Dutch clubs before competing traveled to Paraná, Argentina, to practice with the in a three-day tournament, where they went team. She was the youngest of just four Americanundefeated in pool play and earned a thrilling 1-0 born players invited. victory over Bloemendaal, another Dutch team, to “It was a big adjustment. They all speak Spanish, earn a spot in the finals. Baizan scored four goals and I’m not completely fluent, so there were a few over the tournament, helping the team secure people there to translate,” Gumpel said. “They first place. all spoke in slang, and it was really funny to have “By Sunday, we were all really tired, and the them try to explain to me what it all meant.” games were a lot closer,” Baizan said. “But we The camp included four days of morning were able to pull through.” workouts, including running and Olympic-style Before she was invited to try out for the National weightlifting, followed by drills and scrimmages Team, Baizan first attended several local camps. in the afternoon. Gumpel was impressed by the After Baizan made the team, she attended training quality of the facilities and found her teammates events once a month in North Carolina — which “open and inviting.” consisted of skills practice, conditioning and even Gumpel will play for the Argentinian team in the classes with nutritionists — before being selected upcoming Pan American U-18 Women’s Softball to the travel team. Championship in San “It was really intense Salvador, El Salvador, and a lot of commitment,” from Nov. 21–28. I would walk down to the dining hall Baizan said. Because it overlaps with and see people from every single Beyond her playing Thanksgiving break, she country eating together. It was the experience, the Field will be able to compete coolest experience. Hockey World Cup without exceeding the was happening in the allowed number of THEA POPOVIC Netherlands at the same absences. SERBIAN NATIONAL TEAM RUNNER time. Baizan attended “If I end up playing four field hockey matches, college softball, I plan including Pakistan vs. India to play with them and the Netherlands vs. New Zealand. One of her throughout college,” she said. “But I also want to favorite parts of the trip was growing closer to be able to separate my life and softball.” and rooming with girls from across the country. She still stays in touch with teammates from Additional reporting by Vivienne Fox and California, Missouri, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Harrison Hadnott Despite missing the first week and a half of the school year, Baizan says the experience was worth it. She aims to represent the U.S. again next summer, with her sights set on eventually making the US Olympic team. “It’s really cool that I get to chase these goals with the sport I love to play,” Baizan said.

BAIZAN JOINS TEAM USA

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he day after placing third in the 400m dash at Nike Nationals at the University of Oregon, senior Thea Popovic hopped on a flight for Belgrade, Serbia, where she competed in Serbian U-20s six days later, winning the 400m and setting a U-18 national record in the 4x100 relay. Popovic is fluent in Serbian and holds dual citizenship, so she jumped at the opportunity to compete for the country. After getting her Serbian passport in July, she was able to begin training and competing with the team. Popovic represented Serbia internationally for the first time in mid-July at European U-18s in Rieti, Italy. She qualified for the semifinals in the 400m, and her team set a U-18 national record in the Swedish Relay with a time of 2:10.07. Since she usually travels to Serbia every summer to visit friends and family, competing for the country made the annual trip even more meaningful. “It helps me identify more with that side of me and makes it an even more important part of my life,” Popovic said. In early August, Popovic competed for Serbia at world U-20s in Eugene, Oregon, where she qualified for the semifinals and set a Serbian U-18 record in the 400m (54.00). Aside from running, Popovic found the experience of connecting with athletes from across the world especially memorable. Athletes stayed in dorms at the University of Oregon, and Popovic was paired with athletes from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Great Britain. “I would walk down to the dining hall and see people from every single country eating together,” Popovic said. “It was the coolest experience.” Shirt trading, a common tradition at international track events, took place on the last day of the meet. Popovic swapped her Serbian jersey for a French National Team uniform, and she received an assortment of stickers and chocolates from a Peruvian runner she competed against. Popovic still stays in touch with those she befriended at the meet, including athletes from Croatia and Great Britain. Popovic plans to represent Serbia at more U-20 races, including European U-20s next summer in Poland. After falling short of finals at world U-20s, she has unfinished business. “This summer was more of a trial run,” Popovic said. “Next summer, I’m looking for medals and places on the podium.”

GUMPEL IS A HIT IN ARGENTINA

STRIKING GOLD Senior Valentina Baizan secured a championship in Amsterdam with the U.S. National Team. Photo courtesy of Valentina Baizan

ophomore Emiliana Gumpel stepped onto the field at the 2026 South American Games and was taken aback by the screaming fans on all sides. After her first hit, an off-the-fence double against the top-ranked Venezuelan team, she felt the entire stadium erupt in cheers.

JUST SWINGIN' BY Sophomore Emiliana Gumpel celebrates a bronze medal for Argentina in softball at the 2026 South American Games. Photo courtesy of Emiliana Gumpel

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

OPINIONS

In defense of ‘Love Island’ Opinion by Genevieve Ederle Illustration by Noa Fink

irst, it happened in June, at dinner with my older brother. Then, in July, on a park bench with my friends. And in August on a boat with my family. On each occasion, when the conversation shifted to what shows we’ve been watching, I mentioned “Love Island.” That’s when someone feels compelled inform me: “‘Love Island’ is sooo brainrot!” I’ve heard the claim echoed across social media. It’s true, “Love Island” is at the forefront of raunchy reality TV shows. This genre deservedly receives criticism for scripted content and the tendency of producers to capitalize on personal drama at the expense of the reputation and dignity of its participants. But that’s part of the game. “Love Island” debuted in the UK in 2005 and is a televised dating competition where a group of men and women enter a luxurious villa and must remain coupled up while participating in games and chats that allow them to explore different options. If an individual finds themself without a partner at a random milestone, they are removed from the island. I originally watched “Love Island” to fight off summer boredom while simultaneously trying to keep up with all the references on my feed, which had flown over my head for the past three years living in a “Love Island”-free world. In June, content creators hit my feed once more with “Love Island” commentary, so I caved and subscribed to Peacock for two months so I could tune in at 9 p.m. sharp. I will be the first to admit that “Love Island” involves countless moments of superficiality and salaciousness. The contestants are cut off from

the world while the producers keep them on set, fostering interactions to the point of exhaustion. But for critics to place the show in the realm of brainrot entertainment along with “Cocomelon” and Youtube Shorts would be to dismiss the valuable lessons you can learn from observing the relationship dynamics. “Love Island” is an ongoing social experiment (they just finished their eighth season in July). When people condescend, I tell them that watching “Love Island” is the perfect way to unwind while tracking interpersonal patterns that show up in your own life. In Season 8, I was transfixed as the toxic connection unfolded between Melanie and Sincere. While initially a passionate couple, Sincere weakened the connection by constantly exploring time with other women and lying to Melanie about it. When Melanie expressed her

betrayal, he played the victim and minimized his serial infidelity, earning much-deserved backlash from the people in the villa as well as millions of viewers. Watching the conversations play out between Melanie and Sincere allowed me to observe Sincere’s body language as he lied to Melanie’s face. We knew the truth, but Melanie did not. She continued to fall for his manipulation tactics over and over. Meanwhile, we watched, recognizing the negative signs that could show up in our own lives. Such onscreen dynamics offer a window for us to peer into toxic situations that could absolutely play out in reality. “Love Island” is not just brainrot. If you tune in next summer, you’ll learn more than just the difference between when someone makes you scrambled eggs or dry cereal — all thanks to one of the greatest televised social experiments of the century.

My church asked ChatGPT to pray for us. Opinion by Payton Tu Illustration by Max Juang

his unfortunate headline is not clickbait. In August, I attended a weekly seminar series hosted by my church titled “The AI Revolution: Four nights with global experts on technology, mind, and faith.” In the chapel, technology experts engaged in discussions regarding generative AI’s role in the Christian experience. As a creative whose art commonly explores the intersection between technology and religion, I was curious to hear what the speakers had to say about AI through a Christian lens. How would they address the way youth idolize technology? How do they expect us to engage with AI responsibly? Then, on the second week, the speaker asked ChatGPT to pray for the church. Twice. I’m not sure if God had better things to do than listen to prayers from ChatGPT, but I know I did. In a time of ChatGPT essays and AI-generated political campaigns, it is no wonder that large language models have now infected religion. Even before I experienced it firsthand, I had been swarmed with ads: • At just $1.99 a minute, you can text with AI Jesus! • Subscribe monthly to unlock new characters like Martin Luther and King David! • AI Jesus speaks in poetic, biblical verse — video call with him now for free! Christianity isn’t the only religion affected.

Last October, the BBC published an article about GitaGPT, a chatbot trained on the Bhagavad Gita. GitaGPT imitates the Hindu god Krishna, trying to convince its users that it is a divine being and, yes, you should talk to it — as long as you purchase enough credits! No, I am not surprised by any of this. I am … desensitized, even. As I rewatch my church’s ChatGPT prayer (the livestream has been uploaded to YouTube, where it amassed more than 82,000 views), I cannot help but scrutinize the irony in its plea: “Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of creativity and curiosity that you have placed in people. Help us handle these powerful tools with wisdom and humility.” Following the prayer, the speaker says, because he agrees with AI’s message, God will surely hear its words. After all, what matters isn’t the phrasing but the hearts that turn to Christ. I disagree. The very purpose of Christian prayer is built upon a personal relationship with God. Yes, AI can find you effective verses so you don’t have to laboriously flip through your Bible, or AI can pray for

you if you can’t find the right words. But part of the journey is the search itself — the reading, the thinking, the interpretation. If you can’t search for the right words now, when will they ever arrive? In a broader sense, we are human because we do difficult things. We endure trials, hoping that salvation awaits us at the end. There is no end for AI because it has never lived, and thus it does not understand why religion exists. And so, in a moment of epiphany, it is only fitting I end this op-ed by taking my own advice, cracking open the spine of my dusty Bible and finding a verse myself: “I am the God of your father — the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Zoroastrian, we are connected to these gods because we are human. Do not let technology break that connection.

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

OPINIONS

How to be an activist when no one’s watching Opinion by Judah Sanchez Illustration by Siona Guharoy

wo weeks make AI feel more like a useful hack than an against their mission. In their rush to signal moral into school, I impending climate threat. But when that Chat tab superiority, they often neglect other data-proven was already is open on someone else’s browser, it becomes a issues that can inflict even more damage to the doomscrolling. I try not to. moral failure. causes they claim to defend. Wearing denim I even give myself hoops to I cannot help but feel that — to some extent — pants while condemning an AI post is hypocrisy. jump through: time limits, many of the people who consider themselves In 2018, people got dirty looks for using plastic browser restrictions — but vehement supporters of a movement, whether straws. So-called VSCO girls found their place alas, there I was. political or environmental, are pretending. in the cultural zeitgeist for their fervent antiAt some point in my mindless scrolling, I came We see it every day. Students repost waste messaging. Oversaturated Instagram posts across a reel of a teenage girl performing a cover Instagram videos with starving polar bears or and TikToks ensured nobody was getting away of Radiohead’s iconic “Creep.” The singing was add motivational quotes to their story or even with hurting the environment (remember those great, but her talent was undermined by dozens demonize those who do not properly align reusable grocery bags?). Over time, a movement of disparaging comments, themselves with a cause. grew from these trends, and soon thousands of left mostly by students I’ve been there. young people across the country were doing their her age. Freshman year, on part to support waste reduction. Why were they so Earth Day, I posted a But when was the last time you heard of a VSCO outraged? I chose to post because I full paragraph about my girl? Their movement, while not explicit virtue A single tab of ChatGPT needed others to know how admiration and love for signaling, was just a trend, and as that trend died, was open on her laptop. much I cared — it made me feel the environment. My so did their advocacy. These comments better than them. virtue signaling wouldn’t I don’t deny that the VSCO girls and their were not merely reduce my carbon followers cared about the environment; their netizens expressing footprint, but I chose to dedication made that clear. However, I wonder disappointment. Many post because I needed how many participated solely for social media were harsh, overly personal attacks. others to know how much I cared — it made me attention. I was confused. ChatGPT is the fifth most visited feel better than them. People need to be cognizant of what they are website in the world. More people open it each Anyone can repost an anti-data center reel missing when they focus more on the optics of an day than Wikipedia, TikTok or Reddit. But you’d that highlights the immense water usage and issue than the issue itself. think she had opened a puppy-killing machine underscores how AI is going to kill us all. There Teach people to reduce and recycle single-use on her computer that would not turn off until she are larger issues present all around us, but the plastics. Take cute photos and log service hours. closed that tab. focus is often on the But try to internalize Outrage regarding artificial intelligence has wrong ones. the mission. Fight the run rampant to an extent rarely seen before with The World Watch corporations that produce any other technology. Raw statistics regarding Institute estimated 912.5 97% of the solid waste energy and water consumption have become billion gallons of water People need to be cognizant in the U.S. rather than ubiquitous with the anti-AI movement. Many of are used by the golf of what they are missing when insulting a teenager who the “Creep” commenters cited these numbers in industry annually. In they focus more on the optics picks up a plastic straw. their onslaught. 2019, the UN investigated of an issue than the Imagine if the people Yet the College Board reported last year that the water usage of denim issue itself. who left those hundreds of 84% of high school students use AI in their production and estimated public comments beneath schoolwork. an annual consumption the video of a girl singing Somewhere within my generation, there is a of 24.6 trillion gallons. a 34-year-old Radiohead disconnect between people’s actions and what Cattle production uses an estimated 213.3 trillion song were to put that energy toward actual they claim to stand for. gallons annually. By 2028, it is estimated that AI climate action. What might happen if we stopped It’s easy to condemn the macro-effects of a water usage will remain below one trillion gallons caring so much about what people thought of technology while exploiting its micro-benefits. yearly. us and started caring about the impact we could Asking ChatGPT to draft a study guide for a Many people get caught up in the cause du jour, have on our communities? chemistry test during a 2 a.m. study session can instantly demonizing others for any infractions

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October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

REARVIEW

THE POWER RANKING:

Best Times to Be Surveilled an argument with my 1 After sibling(s) to prove who

I say something 6 When (intentionally) funny and the

I pull off a clean 7 When parallel park on the

started it

When I’m locked in (five minutes every hour)

class laughs

first try

the rare occasion 3 On I bring my lunch plate

my friend and I pull off 8 When our secret handshake

I sort the recycling and 4 When compost properly

the haunted house 9 When clown jumpscares me — and I

I meet a deadline 5 When for the Review

I nail the high note 10 When during carpool karaoke

back to Flores

scare him back

THE POWER RANKING:

Worst Times to Be Surveilled I’m at a Drake concert 1 When and shout “God’s Plan”

“Shake It Off” tops my 6 When Spotify Wrapped...again

I use the 7 When Review to clean

a measure early

When I trip on air

up a spill at lunch

I stutter while 3 When saying my own name

I’m messy crying over a 8 When dog video on TikTok

I say hello to a teacher 4 When and they don’t

I nail the high 9 When note while riding a roller

I push 5 When on a pull door

the waiter 10 When says, “Enjoy your

respond

Illustrations & Design by Siona Guharoy

coaster

meal,” and I say, “You, too.”

The Review OCTOBER 1, 2026

WHAT’S NEW

Section Two

SPOTLIGHT ON A CHANGING CAMPUS

PAGE B1

How new AI policies and other updates are reshaping SJS

Cover by Joshua Jones, Noa Shaw & Ella Hughes

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

NEWS

Behind the scenes of a reconstructed campus Story by Asher Gurr & Henry Kramer Photo by Emily Xie

he constant beep-beep-beeping of excavators and bulldozers in reverse has been ever-present on campus for the past two years. During that time, Skip Lee Field has been torn up to make room for water retention tanks and replaced by artificial turf, while the McMurrey Track has been revamped with a gray-and-red surface. Just beyond the south endzone, there is a gaping hole in which the foundation for the new Lower School is being laid. While these changes may seem recent, their planning was over half a decade in the making. Chief Finance and Operations Officer Ileana Del Toro says that campus construction has been in the works since before the pandemic. According to Del Toro, SJS prioritized expanding its square footage, standardizing the architectural style used in the Upper School across the entire campus and, most importantly, updating classrooms to current standards. Del Toro says that the construction is budgeted at $175 million, with any surplus donations going into endowment funds. beneficial to Upper School students, who will “The scoreboard makes the game more “The Lower School was opened in 1980, and have access to new robotics and STEM spaces in interactive,” sophomore Mateo Giron said. it’s way too small. The the future Middle School. Switching from the all-grass Skip Lee Field is building is literally Until then, their commute not without challenges. crumbling,” said Head to the North Campus could “The turf isn’t as good as it could be,” senior The Lower School was opened in of School Dan Alig. “We be affected. wide receiver Albert Zhou said. “It has a little bit 1980, and it’s way too small. The acquired the Middle The construction will of give and is slightly slippery.” building is literally crumbling. School building in the also have an impact on When he first heard that the track was getting early nineties, and then enrollment, but it will replaced, cross-country and track captain Samuel DAN ALIG turned what was an not increase nor decrease Caruso was caught by surprise. HEAD OF SCHOOL engineering building into the number of students “I liked our track. It was still bouncy,” he said. a school building. It’s overall. Since newer tracks tend to have more energy been fine, but it’s never “Specifically related return, the Mavs could see an uptick in records really worked.” to this construction, the only change that will and times set this year. Even so, Caruso says Lower School construction is projected to last 22 happen is with kindergarten enrollment.” Del that the new track will take some time to adjust months, until February 2028, and will double the Toro says. “A class will be added to kindergarten, to. Tracks have different widths and lengths, square footage of the current building. which will take away the first grade admissions even though they all measure 400 meters. After Other projects have already been completed, entry point.” running on it himself, Caruso suspects that the including the Blanton Family Tennis Center, Richard Still, Director of Facilities and Physical new track is narrow on the turns. softball field, Kensinger Pavilion and Facilities Plant, has been at St. “It makes you feel really Center. The final phase of construction will John’s since 2014. fast, but the tighter you include a new Middle School and a green space During that time, the turn, the more strain it is I’m excited to compete. It’s a nice between the Fine Arts building and the Middle Fine Arts Annex, Campus on your body,” he said. track and a nice field. School, which is currently a parking lot. Center, Taub Lot and St. After the track was Even though the construction mostly affects Luke’s parking garage closed following the SAMUEL CARUSO SENIOR Lower and Middle School students, it will also be have opened. He has football game against also helped plan the Kinkaid on Nov. 1, 2025, safety and design of the the cross-country team current expansion, giving input on security, moved next door to Lamar High School. During air conditioning, lighting, elevators and the winter training and the spring track season, underground parking garage. athletes continued to use Lamar’s facilities, which According to Still, the work beneath Skip are accessible through a gate in the fence behind Lee Field was necessary because the City of the Maverick Athletic Center. This arrangement 1980: Farish Lower School opened Houston requires new construction projects to meant half of the week’s training while in season contain rainwater to prevent area flooding, so took place in the morning. Caruso acknowledges 1996: Georges Middle School finished the school completed “one big dig” with enough that the the new morning practices were both a water retention to support both the future Lower blessing and a curse. 2015: Flores Hall renovated and Middle Schools. Throughout the campus “The transition to the morning made it so only expansion, Still’s priority “is to make sure that the people who really cared joined track,” he said. 2026: McMurrey track completed students come to school safe and leave safe,” he “No one was going to wake up at the break of said. “Never in my history at this school have I dawn to mess around.” 2028: New Lower School been told ‘No’ about something needed for safety.” Despite the inconvenience, Caruso is glad for projected to open Last spring, athletic practices were relocated the opportunity to experience new facilities for due to the ongoing construction. When the his senior year. football team moved practices back to Skip Lee “I’m excited to compete,” he said. “It’s a nice Field, they were greeted by a towering, high-tech track and a nice field.” scoreboard.

”

CONSTRUCTION

FIELD DAY Behind the renovated Skip Lee Field, the new Lower School is taking shape.

SPORTS

The Review St. John’s School

Inside the Mavericks media makeover Story by Juliet Dow & Emily Xie

reative Director of Athletics Jack Chavez has one goal for the new school year: to make the Mavericks Instagram “look like a D1 Instagram account.” Chavez has served as the Mavs sports PICTURE photographer for the past two years, introducing PERFECT an increasingly active Instagram. Before his SETTING arrival, the Mavs worked with Box Out Sports, Volleyball an online software company focused on helping captains Sam Faulk and Jim schools create professional social platforms. Sasser marvel Most posts relied on templated graphics, and at their new the account did not include as many videos or media day multimedia elements. photos. After track coach William Mercado (’14) Photos by Jack departed last year, Chavez began running the Chavez athletics Instagram (@stjohnsmavsathletics). Since then, he has experimented with different Chavez has also introduced “Mic Checks,” time players head back to their locker rooms after types of sports photos and templates and begun weekly Friday Reels intended to replace previous a game. customizing the account to reflect the School’s traditions centered around one big media day “If you put out photos from a game that energy. in the fall. This series includes asking athletes happened four days ago, the energy is already “I wanted the scrolling experience of our a variety of fun questions and allowing them to gone,” Chavez said, “My goal is to get posts out Instagram to be fun,” Chavez said. “I also wanted compete in lighthearted games. In the first Mic one to two hours after each game. I want it to still it to be editorial, and I’ve been studying ads from Check, athletes were asked what topic they could be fresh.” brands like Lululemon give a presentation on, with To achieve this, he has a system to ensure and Nike.” answers ranging from ice maximum efficiency. Recently, he has cream to American history. “If I know I got something good, I’ll just take a been focusing on For the first two Mic picture of the sky or the ground for 10 frames,” I wanted the scrolling experience hierarchy, the strategic Checks, Ariana Allen, social Chavez said, “So whenever I see 10 pictures of the of our Instagram to be fun. I also arrangement of digital media coordinator for the grass in a row, I can easily find the picture.” wanted it to be editorial. information so users Houston Texans, helped The account amassed over a million views from see the most important film and kickstart the July 27 to Aug. 29, but Chavez is now aiming for JACK CHAVEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS details first. Content initiative. Chavez met her a million views in 30 days. The account currently hierarchy is often seen through working with the receives around 920 to 940 views daily. on social media, where Texans, and she brought During the fall sports Media Day on Aug. 11, Chavez updates followers’ feeds multiple times a her social media knowledge and experience to Chavez filmed the first Mic Check of the year. day. campus. These Mic Checks are more than just classic “Photography is making people see what you “Now, people know the deal,” Chavez said. “It’s headshots, as they allow athletes to experience want them to see,” Chavez said. Friday!” other forms of content with the sole purpose of One strategy Chavez employs is placing Chavez says he is aware that, in the past, the having fun. Simmons said she also had more the match score in post captions rather than football team was the only sport covered on freedom when taking her photos. centering it on graphics. Instead of the scoreline, social media. Rather than attending three football “Along with our regular headshots, we also were “Final” appears as the large headline at the top of events per week, Chavez now tries to cover every able to take fun photos with our friends, such as posts to prevent highlighting Maverick losses. sport weekly. our cowboy boots photo,” Simmons said. For games the Mavericks win, he posts 10 “I have a weekly calendar for what’s going on at Chavez interviewed the girls volleyball team at photos; for games the Mavericks lose, he only SJS, and then I fill in the Buc-ee’s during their drive uploads five. gaps of what I’m missing,” to Austin for a tournament “It’s natural that if we win, the athletes will give Chavez said. on Aug. 26. me more photos,” Chavez said. The revamped “We got off the bus and He takes great photos of us, and Mavericks Instagram page Jack popped up out of they are all so creative. Having him has done more than nowhere,” Simmons said. there really hypes everyone up. create a decorative “We got the chance to talk page on social media and share, so it was super STEFANIA SIMMONS VOLLEYBALL DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST for the teams. entertaining.” Junior Stefania Chavez plans to continue Simmons, who reinventing the athletic plays as a defensive specialist for the girls social media and to bring in people to help him. volleyball team, says that Chavez’s “My goal is just to make the school and the kids work has left a positive impact on look as good as possible.” players. “It definitely boosts morale,” Simmons said. “He takes great THESE SHOES photos of us, and they are all so ARE MADE FOR creative. Having him there really RUNNING hypes everyone up.” Cross-country Chavez aims to upload and post captain Nia Shetty laces up. as soon as possible after events — his goal is to have posts published by the

”

CHEER UP Cheerleading captains Emerson Chenevert and Catherine Hamner get creative with their poses.

SPOTL

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

New AI policy rewrites SJS learnin Story by Brian Kim, Sophia Kim & Yutia Li Design by Emily Yen

n August, the University of Chicago banned the use of electronic devices in social science courses. Columbia University followed suit in its Literature Humanities and Contemporary Civilization sections. At Cornell University, students found at fault for AI misuse must complete a workshop and reflective assignments — a policy meant to address minor violations without permanently affecting a student’s academic record. This year, St. John’s also implemented a revised AI policy. After much discussion, faculty decided they will no longer assign out-of-class writing assessments. Individual teachers can propose exceptions if they think certain out-of-class assignments will be valuable without lending themselves to AI shortcuts. Students now write in-class essays on Digiexam, a platform that shuts down any software active on the device and locks the screen. Students cannot exit out of Digiexam until they submit their work.

“The use of AI outside of class is a symptom, not a cause, of the competitive culture we’ve built over time.”

MARTA NAPIORKOWSKA DIRECTOR OF K-12 CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Grading policies, which previously weighed out-of-class writing as much as 60% of a semester grade, now focus on smaller writing pieces, including in-class papers and journaling. Director of K-12 Curriculum & Instruction Marta Napiorkowska, along with department heads and administrators, started developing the policy last spring. To inform their decisions, Napiorkowska gathered a group of students recommended by their teachers for a low-stakes conversation. The primary goal was to identify trends in how students were actually using AI and gauge their feelings about its increasing prevalence. Napiorkowska also sought student input on the implementation of an in-house AI platform that was under consideration for the next year. Since standard consumer AI models use data to train future versions, Napiorkowska says teachers and students could create security risks by inputting sensitive information about St. John’s, especially given the School’s high profile. To address the issue, a group of about 20 faculty volunteers across all divisions and departments conducted trial runs last spring with Gemini for Education and Flint K-12, an AI-powered personalized learning platform and teaching assistant. Teachers assessed how well both platforms could help design class activities, variants of problems for problem sets, compose rubrics

2256 words

and find patterns in teachers’ feedback to students. “The feedback across all divisions was that none of the platforms were good enough for every purpose,” Napiorkowska said. Students shared similar sentiments, especially since teachers would be able to track their inputs on the platform, which some considered a form of surveillance. Toby Yip was a part of Napiorkowska’s group and was one of the few students advocating for the implementation of the in-house AI platform. “Having people exposed to AI early, understanding what it can really do, but still being able to develop the skills, would have been extremely helpful,” the junior said. Yip recalls most students in the group saying that they routinely used AI responsibly to help with schoolwork, yet they perceived students around them using AI dishonestly. Yip suspected AI use whenever he looked over perfect rough drafts during peer-editing days. “If they get rid of the policy, people would just go back to cheating, so the only way to preserve the Honor Code is to keep the policy.” Feedback from the student group confirmed to the humanities departments that there was an immediate need to change their writing policies. Many of the students expressed that they were afraid of putting themselves at a disadvantage if they didn’t use AI. “They said, ‘There’s so much pressure. If I don’t use it, they will, and I need to compete,’” Napiorkowska said. “The use of AI outside of class is a symptom, not a cause, of the competitive culture we’ve built over time.” History Department Chair Russell Hardin characterized the input as both “sobering” and “heartbreaking.” “The bigger issue for us was not about what percentage of students were being dishonest,” Hardin said. “It was the perception that students had within the community that there were students that were using it and benefiting.” Hardin says the new policy levels the academic playing field and protects high-achieving students. “It reinforces the perception that everyone earns their excellence.”

‘THE LOSS’

ardin laments the limitations on editing time, which he considers one of the most important parts of the writing process. “We will be learning over the next couple years to what extent we can recapture that element of great writing while simultaneously keeping everything in-house,” Hardin said. “That will be tricky.” English Department Chair Clay Guinn is coping with the loss of “deep, long-term engagement” that out-of-class papers provide. He regrets that students will no longer have the opportunity to come up with a great idea outside of school and put it in a paper. He also acknowledges the problems with in-class

writing. “You can do your darndest for 40 minutes, then walk out of that room with 100 brilliant ideas that could have made it into that essay. Or, you’re crafting your sentences carefully to make them beautiful, and all of a sudden, I’ve written half as much as I would have wanted,” Guinn said.

“Working hours and hours on an essay to produce something I could say I was truly proud of is vastly different from mashing my keyboard for 40 minutes to produce a rushed piece of work.”

KNOX English teachers have rediscovered journaling as the preferred method of out-of-class writing. “With journals, the idea is that the seed gets planted before the essay, and I’m hoping that it salvages some of what we’ve lost by preserving that long-term thinking,” Guinn said. Knox, not his real name, came to St. John’s from a large public high school where all essays were written in class. After “bombing” his first long-form English essay, he adjusted his writing style and slowly brought up his grade — an experience he found rewarding. “Working hours and hours on an essay to produce something I could say I was truly proud of is vastly different from mashing my keyboard for 40 minutes to produce a rushed piece of work,” Knox said. When Kiera, not her real name, was an underclassman, she would stay after class and talk about upcoming papers with her English teachers for hours, often integrating philosophy into the discussions. She considers the policy change a “loss for deep thinkers.” Ideally, the junior would like to have one week to write an essay. Now, deprived of the time to dissect ideas, she feels like she is presenting a worse side of herself during 40-minute essays. “I don’t categorize myself as a writer based on the circumstances of in-class essays,” she said. “I categorize myself as a writer when I have time to think and explore and deepen my ideas.” Since Kiera considers history essays to have less room for creative thought, the policy does not impact her experience in that subject as much. Still, she does not look forward to writing research papers in the two history classes she is taking this semester. Kiera once thought that St. John’s students were “above” cheating, so she was shocked when she heard how many students utilized chatbots.

LIGHT

The Review St. John’s School

ng experience

“In an ideal world, there would be no cheaters, but that’s just not how it is,” Kiera said. “And it’s disappointing.” Former Head Prefect Nathan Kim (‘26) recalls learning how to write an out-of-class essay for the first time, an experience that was “truly meaningful.” “What really distinguishes your average St. John’s student from any other high school student is their ability to write,” Kim said. “No matter what field of study they want to go into — economics, math, history, language — it’s a unique talent and skill that many kids are unprepared for when they hit college, and it generally does give you a leg up.”

EFFECT ON CLASSES

uinn says the rise of AI initially caused “frustration” among English teachers. “What makes this job wonderful is when I work with a kid in the fall, and then in the spring, something clicks and their writing looks better,” Guinn said. “The problem with AI is that all of that is now suspicious immediately. Anytime there’s a leap when a student does something that they couldn’t do before, there’s a little voice. ‘Was it them or did they get help?’”

“There’s only so many guardrails you can set up. If they’re going to be their own worst enemy, and they’re determined to be it, then they’re going to achieve that goal.”

RUSSELL HARDIN

HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Guinn found this policing of students made grading “demoralizing” and diminished the teacher-student relationship. “There’s an equity issue, so it’s not just the couple of kids that are abusing it. It’s the effect that it has on all of us as a community,” he said. “With this in-class writing, it’s not the perfect assignment, but at least I know I’m engaging with something that [the student] produced.” Work days that English teachers would have devoted to long-term essays have now been freed up for discussions, journaling entries and other writing activities. According to Dean of Students Bailey Duncan, analysis of aggregated Google Docs history reports from last year determined that the students spent an average of seven hours typing and editing on their end-of-year history papers. At the end of the spring semester this year, Hardin says students will be given seven class periods, each

approximately an hour long, to draft and edit their final papers. Allotting this time takes away from curriculum — Hardin estimates that history classes lost about 15 percent of content days to accommodate the new policy. History teachers are still determining which topics to cut. For teachers of AP United States History, a class with a standardized curriculum and national exam at the end of the year, the course will be especially challenging to modify. Students are still allowed to use AI for historical research, as long as they are not asking chatbots to summarize the source, which would infringe upon intellectual copyright rules. Last year, the history department employed 10-minute debriefs to verify that students truly thought through their papers without using AI. Hardin says these conversations will no longer be necessary, although the department will still use AI detection tools to determine if the quality of the student’s paper differs significantly between class periods. While Hardin stresses that history teachers are not approaching student writing with the assumption that students supplemented it with AI, he also acknowledges that the new policy is not foolproof. “It is very naive to assume that from here on out, just because we’re removing the outside-of-class writing, close to 700 students are going to always be following the rules every single time,” Hardin said. “There’s only so many guardrails you can set up. If they’re going to be their own worst enemy, and they’re determined to be it, then they’re going to achieve that goal.”

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

or Kim, a history major at Harvard, most writing is still happening beyond the classroom, leaving in-class time available for discussions and group

work. “That’s what class time should be used for,” Kim said. “That’s what makes St. John’s great — this wonderful community of intellectuals who think hard and approach problems from all these different perspectives. I can see the loss of class time to do this detracting from the student experience.” Tristan, not his real name, also finds fault in the new in-class writing policy. “St. John’s is such a good writing school, and a lot of that is due to teacher feedback, peer review and other parts of actually learning how to write. With in-class essays, we’re not going to be able to build those skills as effectively anymore,” he said. “In the real world, when is the skill of being able to write a five-paragraph paper in an hour ever going to be useful?” He calls the policy “lazy” and “outdated.” “It feels like the admin is unwilling to put in the effort to teach students how to use AI in a way that contributes to their learning,” he said. “It’s a detriment to put us out into

the world with people who have been taught how to use AI — it puts us a step behind.” Tristan instead says all students should undergo mandatory AI training, and then long-term essays should be reinstated. “Last year, people got expelled for using AI on papers. I don’t want to say it’s the appropriate response, but if you do cheat with AI, those are the consequences,” he said. He suggests that the school hire someone to specifically deal with AI cheating or have teachers check in on student papers every day they come into class. He says this is a better alternative to “collectively cheating everybody out of a better education.” Kim points to Oxford University’s approach as another option. Rather than relying on AI-detection software, students regularly defend their arguments and answer questions one-on-one or in small groups with professors, allowing them to assess student understanding. “That’s a much better method of going forward and making sure students are still acquiring the skills that essays are trying to provide,” Kim said.

“It’s a detriment to put us out into the world with people who have been taught how to use AI — it puts us a step behind.”

TRISTAN Math teacher Dwight Raulston (’71) finds that “the reflexive response to just ban AI and pretend it doesn’t exist is not productive.” His policy is to enable AI use “anytime it simply makes doing something that you’ve already demonstrated you can do and understand faster or easier.” Raulston says the rise of AI is analogous to the introduction of calculators in the math world, when teachers continued to implement no-calculator problems. “Unless you’re preparing people for a standardized test that won’t allow them to use calculators, why are you spending so much time on problems where it matters? Why are you not asking them to think, to reason through the solution process?” he said. “In general, there should be fewer answers you can box, and more ‘why’ or ‘how does this work’ questions.” Raulston attributes the underlying issue of AI in education to the fact that “nobody can really define and agree on what the point of education is.” “Classroom teachers would say that being able to think in their subject is important. But how they define ‘think well’ is going to vary significantly.”

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

MAVERICKS

School standardizes club criteria Story by Brian Kim

THAT’S THAT CLUB ESPRESSO Caden Nuckles joins the GroupMe for Coffee Club, one of many clubs subject to the new rules. Photo by Lisa AragónStokes

always submit update requests when necessary, and updating each page is an arduous process that diverts Dean Fryman’s efforts away from other, more important tasks, so I created a new Google Form that hopefully makes that process easier for her in the future.”

”

hen Lori Fryman reflected on the dozens of new clubs she had approved during the 2025-26 school year, she noticed a problem: Many never met at all. As Assistant Dean of Students, Fryman reviews every club proposal, sitting down with founders and listening to their ideas. She encourages student initiatives and approves most of them, from the Disabilities Awareness Club to the Aaron Taylor-Johnson Club. Yet she has faced issues with follow-through for new clubs. “It’s only fair that if you’re going to state that you have intentions to do something, that you actually follow through,” Fryman said. “But I could name club leaders that I’ve chased down and asked, ‘Hey, when are y’all meeting?’ ‘Oh, next month.’ ‘Oh, next month.’ Then we get to the end of the year, and the club never met.” Fryman’s new club policy for this year aims to address this problem. Clubs are required to meet twice a semester to maintain active status, and faculty, who are limited to sponsoring three clubs, must schedule meetings on a shared calendar. “We all need accountability, and everybody generally agrees that two meetings is actually pretty generous,” Fryman said. “At the end of the semester, I can just Control+F each club on the shared calendar, and if it’s on there twice, I know they met two times.” Following the Club Fair in September, the school also launched an updated Club Hub, which includes an activity level badge for each club and describes whether competition, volunteering and award opportunities are available. Clubs are also classified under new categories, including Academic Clubs, Culinary Clubs, Special Interest Clubs and others. Senior Kristel Phung designed the new Club Hub over the summer. She first heard of the project when she walked into Fryman’s office after Summer Express one day and offered to help Fryman, who was working on the renovations. “From a design standpoint, the previous Club Hub was hard to read and hard to navigate, and there were icons for each club that looked outdated,” Phung said. “A lot of the club information was outdated because clubs don’t

We all need accountability, and everybody generally agrees that two meetings is actually pretty generous. LORI FRYMAN

ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENTS

Fryman and Phung’s original plan was to use Base44, an app-building platform, to make an app for the Club Hub, but because of potential security issues and privacy concerns with student data, they decided to switch to a Google Site instead. “The thing that would have been nice about an app is that students could have had their own accounts and then kept track of all of their clubs in one place,” Phung said. “This Club Hub functions more like an information hub rather than a custom student portal.” Phung had no prior experience with app or website development, so she began by familiarizing herself with the Google Sites

platform. “I’ve always been the kind of person who likes to build things,” she said. “I’m involved in the yearbook, for example, and I really like projects with a lot of moving parts, especially with elements of design and organization.” Despite the limited features compared to Base44, she maximized what the platform had to offer by creating drop-down menus and different sections. She also created a unified theme for all the colors and fonts and hid the cluttered club pages from navigation. “These are small changes that you might not think about when you visit the website, but a lot of thought went into making the user experience seamless,” Phung said. “I consulted with CommServe and SAC to figure out what links they wanted to include and what kind of information would be most helpful for students.” Senior Eric Liu, co-president of the Junior Achievement Club, appreciates that the new Club Hub is “very organized.” “You couldn’t gauge how active a club was before this new Club Hub, so those badges have been really useful,” he said. Looking ahead, Phung plans to continue improving the Club Hub with feedback from students and teachers. “My goal is that students can check out the individual club pages and use the descriptions, activity levels and opportunity badges to make informed decisions about the clubs they join.”

LITTLE CHANGE,

BIG IMPACT

New Scoreboard

New Atrium flooring

New Club Hub

OPINIONS

The Review St. John’s School

Addressing the dress code

uring the first class meetings of the year, each grade level was informed that the uniform policy would be more strictly enforced: blue polo shirts must be tucked in and Flynn O’Hara plaid skirts must extend past our fingertips. It’s no secret that our uniformity has been pretty lacking over the past few years, so administrators have taken it upon themselves to rein us in. Having attended Catholic school until I was 13, I’m no stranger to a highly enforced dress code. We were constantly stopped in the hall and checked to make sure our skirts were long enough, our shirts were tucked in, and our faces and fingernails were bare. The first time I wore mascara in seventh grade, everyone noticed. While SJS is a far cry from that level of modesty, this crackdown feels unnecessarily harsh. My issue is not that we have a dress code. I actually like that I don’t have to decide whether I want to wear jeans, leggings, shorts, a skirt or sweats. Though I will miss the thick, unflexible fibers of the white polo, ultimately these changes have not made a significant impact on my daily wardrobe. And while I may not be a fan of tucking in my shirt, like a light at the end of a tunnel, Dean Duncan has always been there guiding us to be the most tuckedin version of ourselves. But some parts of the dress code are just not equitable.

Cus

St. John’s School 2401 Claremont Lane Houston, TX 77019

Opinion & Illustration by Ella Hughes The “fingertip rule” has long been the nationwide standard for girls’ skirts. But this rule is outdated, not to mention unequal for those who are five feet tall versus those who are 5-foot-11. For those of us with shorter arms, our fingertips might reach mid-thigh, a perfectly reasonable skirt length. But for some long-limbed classmates, their fingertips may reach all the way to their knees. Unless we’re traveling 100 years back in time, that seems a little out-of-touch. So while some may be able to get away with continuing to wear their middle school skirts, others are told to drop their hems just to compensate for their wingspan. This is an unjust standard that seems to favor some students over others — the antithesis of a dress code meant to create uniformity. Over the past two months, boys have taken the opportunity to dress up in a coat, tie, and shorts every Thursday. And while dressing up as an SEC finance bro (please wear socks) isn’t against the rules, it calls into question the spirit of the dress code. Because when some are rocking sport coats and ties and others are wearing their standard polos, do we really look uniform? I’m not here to claim that we should abolish the dress code. But what’s the purpose of strictly enforcing the dress code if uniformity isn’t achieved? There’s too much emphasis on how we wear the standard items of clothing that it overshadows the purpose of having a uniform.

r u o Y e tomiz

! t n e d Stu

h Now wit fewer options!

Choose your shirt:

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SNO Distinguished Site 2018-2026 Print Editors-in-Chief Bella Dodig, Brian Kim, Yutia Li Print & Online Editors-in-Chief Ella Hughes & Emily Yen Online Editors-in-Chief Genevieve Ederle, Sophia Kim, Mikail Khan Multimedia Editor-in-Chief Amina Khalil-Zegar Print Deputy Editors Sarah Nguyen & Wanya Zafar Copy Editors Ainsley Bass, Asher Gurr, Nicholas Laskaris, Payton Tu Design Editor Noa Shaw Assistant Design Editor Noelle DiNardo Online Assistant Editors-in-Chief Harrison Hadnott & Angel Huang Multimedia Assistant Editor-in-Chief Judah Sanchez Online Section Editors Harry Alig, Juliet Dow, Akshay Pandya, Preston Wu Photo Editor Emily Xie Business & Production Manager Evan Williams Assistant Business Manager Hudson Brock Staff Emery Albright, Taylor Anthony, William Burger, Alice Danziger, Bryn Desai, Eleanor Dick, Rian Du, Noa Fink, Leo Frenkel, Viv Fox, Rory Gross, Siona Guharoy, Connie Hinojosa, Melody Han, Ayush Jodhani, Zoya Johl, Joshua Jones, Max Juang, Alexander Kim, Henry Kramer, Anika Krishnan, Ved Kulkarni, Selah Kwan, Annie Li, Philippa McCord, Adelaide Miles, Benjamin Nguyen, Kavan Pandya, Polly Pitts, Adriana Popovic, Shriyan Sinha, Sandhya Sheth, Nicole Simon, Ailey Takashima, Mika Takashima, Vivian Viswanathan, Calla Wight, Kelsey Yip Advisers David Nathan, Sam Abramson, Joelle DiPaolo Shelley Stein (‘88, Emerita)

Tucked

Untucked

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Mission Statement The Review strives to report on issues with integrity, recognize the assiduous efforts of all and serve as an engine of discourse within the St. John’s community. Publication Info We mail each issue of The Review, free of charge, to every Upper School household, with an additional 1,000 copies distributed on campus to our 703 students and 98 faculty. Policies The Review provides a forum for student writing and opinion. The opinions and staff editorials contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Head of School or the Board of Trustees of St. John’s School. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the entire Editorial Board unless otherwise noted. Writers and photographers are credited with a byline. Corrections, when necessary, can be found on the editorial pages. Running an advertisement does not imply endorsment by the School.

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Submission Guidelines Letters to the editor and guest columns are encouraged but are subject to editing for clarity, space, accuracy and taste. On occasion, we publish letters anonymously. We reserve the right not to print letters. Letters and guest columns can be emailed to review@sjs.org

October 1, 2026 www.sjsreview.com

OPINIONS

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS: When nobody’s watching...

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW Your EICs want you to read the Review (even when no one’s watching). Photo by Siona Guharoy

here are lot of eyes on us as teens (pages 8-9). And sometimes, that’s a good thing — we want an audience, whether it’s on social media, on the field or on stage. But it’s who you are when nobody’s watching that defines you. We here at the Review know that the ten painstaking hours we spend on Monday correcting commas and questioning adjective choices will go unnoticed by (literally) every single person on campus. We’re sure you didn’t know that the “10” in the last sentence didn’t follow AP style — but we did. We strive for perfection in the minute details not because we know that somebody is policing our every move, but because it’s our publication’s identity. Dozens of editors before us have gone to great lengths to preserve the Review’s integrity, and we know that dozens after us will. It’s what makes the Review, the Review. The same thing goes for all of us as students: In

the moments when there is nobody to judge what you do or how you do it, think about who you want to be. You can make a joke on a supposedly private account because you think nobody will see it, or use ChatGPT for help on an assignment because you know you won’t get caught (pages B4-5). But every little shortcut you take or joke you make sacrifices your character. In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly advanced, we could outsource almost every part of the publication process to AI. And arguably, the final product would be cleaner, prettier and more polished. But there’s meaning in the process and satisfaction in doing something yourself — and some of us actually know how to use an em-dash. Instead of just using Google Translate, spend a year abroad in Zaragoza, Spain, or Rennes, France, and learn the language (pg. 10). Instead of just reposting TikToks about data centers and

FREEDA OF THE PRESS

their environmental impact, cut your 30-minute shower down to five (pg. 15). Instead of letting the political party you publicly align with determine how you vote, do the research yourself (pgs. 2-3). Be who you want to become, even when no one’s watching (but someone surely is). Bella Dodig

Yutia Li

Ella Hughes

Emily Yen

Brian Kim

by Emily Yen

Q201 presents

YOU CAN SPOOF EVERYTHING I’m not that person. I can promise you that.

Of course I’m not decieving you.

Why would I decieve you? There’s no reason for me to decieve you.

You’re being real right now?

Okay. All right. Okay, good chat.

I’m always being real.

I’m engaging with you as a wizard — I mean, a weasel.