The Mandolin - February 2026 Edition!

St. Francis Catholic High School February 2026

"Spread the word."

Issue 136

What's Inside

Black History Month: Women’s Spotlight ......2 Local Service Opportunities...............................4 Tips From Upperclassmen..................................5 Athletes on Balancing School & Sports...........6 Avoiding Burnout in Second Semester...........8 2026 Winter Olympics .......................................9 The Ultimate Love Song Playlist......................10 Best Romcoms......................................................12 The History of St. Valentine’s Day...................13 Galentine’s Ideas..................................................16 Neha’s Nook: Valentine’s Books........................17 Valentine’s Day Recipe.......................................20 The Importance of Sleep....................................21 Acknowledgments...............................................23

WORLD NEWS

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February 2026

The Important Contributions of African American Women

BY CORINNE ATKINS ’29 “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis February is Black History Month, a federally recognized observance established in 1976 to honor the achievements and influence of African Americans throughout U.S. history. While many figures are rightfully celebrated, the contributions of African American women have often been overlooked, despite their foundational role in shaping education, activism, culture, and literature.

Education has long served as a cornerstone of social progress, and African American women played a critical role in expanding access and opportunity. Mary McLeod Bethune helped found Bethune-Cookman College and became a national leader in education and civil rights, serving as president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and later as director of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration, when she became the highest-ranking African American woman in government at the time. She later became Vice President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Ruby Bridges made history in 1960 as the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school, while psychologist Mamie Phipps Clark’s research on child development and racial prejudice helped inform the Supreme Court’s decision to end school segregation.

African American women have also left an important mark on entertainment and music.

Rose Marie McCoy was a very sought-after songwriter during a time when music was dominated by white men. McCoy's songs have been recorded by over 360 artists, including Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley.

Singer Josephine Baker served as a member of the French Resistance Forces and smuggled messages in her lyrics that helped to send codes to the resistance during the war efforts. Notably, she was the only female speaker at the March on Washington in 1968, where female civil rights activists were honored. Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rose Marie McCoy PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDIUM

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She was not only an iconic singer, but also a voice in the civil rights movement. Her song "Respect" emerged as a national anthem for equality.

Activism remains one of the most important ways African American women have changed the world. Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist who was born into slavery but escaped in 1826. During the Civil War, she helped recruit black men into the Union Army and delivered her famous speech "Ain't I a Woman" at the 1851 Women's Rights convention in Ohio. Shirley Chisholm made history as the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. Chisholm was co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971, and in 1977, she became the first Black woman, and second woman ever, to serve in the powerful House Rules Committee.

Angela Davis, a scholar and activist, became an international symbol of resistance after her 1970 arrest for the alleged involvement in the shooting of a jail officer. After her release in 1972, she dedicated her career to advocating for racial justice, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Literature has also shaped generations and is important in understanding Black culture and history.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UCLA

Ida B. Wells used investigative journalism to expose the realities of lynching in America, while Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings gave voice to trauma and resilience, helping other abuse survivors learn to tell their stories. Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, challenged beliefs about race and intellect in colonial America, and her work served as a catalyst for the fledgling anti-slavery movement.

Ida B. Wells PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN HERITAGE

These women represent only a fraction of all the amazing African American women who have made significant contributions to our world. From Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first professionally trained Black nurse, to Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space; from Misty Copeland, the first African American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theater, to Serena Williams, one of the most decorated athletes in history — their achievements span every field. African American women have shaped American history not from the side, but from the very foundation of the country.

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LOCAL NEWS

February 2026

Great Service Opportunities to Help Your Community

BY VEDA WAHNSIEDLER ’29 Before students know it, the semester will fly by, which is why students should be prioritizing completing all of their service hours.

Beyond meeting graduation requirements, service opportunities allow students to give back to their communities and support organizations doing meaningful work.

This semester, there are multiple opportunities for earning service hours, including a fun and exciting service trip to Vermont. The trip, which is scheduled for June 6-12, offers participants the opportunity to earn 30 service hours, which will count towards the 2026-2027 school year. While there is a fee to attend, the cost covers food, travel, and planned activities. In addition to completing service requirements, students will participate in outdoor activities and explore Vermont’s natural landscapes alongside fellow St. Francis students. This is an amazing way to meet new Troubies while giving back to the community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY FOUNDATION

Students looking for local service opportunities can volunteer with the American River Parkway Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the American River and its surrounding habitats.

Volunteers can choose from a variety of roles, including trail maintenance, gardening, and removing invasive plant species. Registration is available through the foundation’s online volunteer calendar, where students can select dates that fit their schedules. This organization provides a hands-on way for students to support their community and make a difference for wildlife.

Another Sacramento organization that is always looking for St. Francis student volunteers is St. John’s Program for Real Change, a program for women and children experiencing trauma, addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. It helps them create a sustainable livelihood by providing supportive housing, education, life skills training, job training, and health services. One of our very own Troubies, Cosima Rabenn quotes, “I love volunteering at a place that helps improve women's lives so that they can change their path for a better future for them and their families.”

Students can become volunteers by completing an introductory training course, after which they can earn one and a half service hours per volunteer shift. St. John’s hosts a range of events that students are able to participate in for service hours, and it is a great way for students to help the Sacramento community and women in need.

Keeping up with the updates from Campus Ministry is a helpful way for students to find service opportunities near them, and these service organizations are the perfect opportunities for students to get up to date with their service requirements.

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SCHOOL NEWS

February 2026

Tips From Upperclassmen

BY ALEXANDRA SPITZER ’29 Upperclassmen are one of the most important parts of the St. Francis community — juniors have two years of high school experience (and a year of driving) under their belt, and seniors have three. With this experience comes important lessons, tips, and tricks that have been learned and developed over the years, and now the upperclassmen of St. Francis are ready to pass their knowledge on to the next generation.

Narrah Choe and Frannie Wells, two seniors at St. Francis, believe that first and foremost, the best tip for underclassmen is to be respectful towards upperclassmen: “They notice, and when we were underclassmen, we were much more respectful,” Choe said.

Wells added that although it is a habit for many, students “[shouldn’t] dwell on the past, [but] focus on moving forward.” She talked about how the years spent in high school are “very formative years,” and how everyone will inevitably change as time moves on, so, of course, high school students are bound to make decisions that they will come to regret.

Wells described how students should accept that making these mistakes is just a part of life, and that students should learn from their mistakes rather than dwelling on the past.

When asked to describe their high school experience in one word, Wells said “formative,” and Choe chose “chaotic.”

Savannah Story and Emilia Krapf, both juniors, offered advice about academics and social life at St. Francis. Savannah Story advised students to prioritize summer homework and finish it before the first day of school. “If you start St. Francis without knowing what you’re doing in each class, you can get behind, and once you’re behind, you can get behind a couple more months,” Story said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Another piece of advice repeated by many upperclassmen is to get involved. “If you’re coming to St. Francis, you should definitely try out for as many clubs and after-school activities as you can,” Krapf said. Krapf described how getting involved on campus is a very important part of the St. Francis experience, and an amazing way to meet new people. Story agreed, and added that students should also consider joining one of St. Francis’ many sports teams: “Definitely join a sport, even if you’re not an athletic person, try to join a sport… it really helps mentally, and you’ll meet a lot of new people.”

For social advice, Krapf suggested that students only attend the events that they want to: “You don’t have to feel pressured to go to every event,” said Krapf, adding that she could relate to feeling pressured to go to every social event she could. “You should really just go to social events because you want to be there, not because you think you should be there,” Krapf said. Feeling pressured can take the fun out of high school events, which should really be ways for students to relax and have fun.

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Ultimately, while high school is a different experience for everyone, one thing people seem to agree on is how transitional high school is. People change a lot in the final four years before becoming truly independent.

The idea that, as an upperclassman, you will be off to college in just a year or two seems like a lot to handle, but freshmen aren’t so far away either. These years seem so long until, all of the sudden, you are walking down the podium in your graduation gown. So, we should try to enjoy them as best as we can.

That’s one thing all upperclassmen can agree on.

Tips and Tricks for Academic Athletes

BY TRINITY ITO ’27 At St. Francis, academics and athletics are at the core of school culture and student identity. Over 60% of the student body plays a sport, and a significant number of St. Francis students are in Honors or AP classes.

But with so many classes, extracurricular activities, clubs, teams and sports, how do athletes succeed in their sports while simultaneously managing their academics?

Lola Fox, a sophomore who played on the varsity flag football team last fall, offered her input on managing a busy schedule full of sports and school: “Anytime I have the chance to do any of my work, I take that chance, and I use it. If I have time in class or a free block, I try to do as much as I can.”

Flag football had a great season this year, going 19-8 overall, and the team made it to the first round of the San-Joaquin Section playoffs. Since flag football is a fall sport, Fox had to manage her sports schedule alongside adjusting to new classes, teachers, and the rigor of sophomore-year academics, and she quickly learned how to manage her time: “Use as much time in [school] as you can and work hard for both.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOTROUBIES.COM

Managing sports in the fall during the beginning of school can be challenging, but it is equally difficult to juggle academics and athletics during the winter, when students have finals and come back from Christmas break. Soccer stars Mia Nelson, a senior and a captain of the varsity team, and Tallas Schaedler, a sophomore and member of the varsity team, also had helpful advice regarding balancing school with sports.

Nelson is currently taking AP Government, AP Biology, AP Literature, and Honors Art History, and explained how she succeeds both on and off the field:

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SPORTS NEWS

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con’t “To balance all of this, I practice really good time management and sometimes have to lock my phone away so I don’t get distracted.

I also try not to procrastinate and get homework done during the day, so I’m not having to do it late at night.” Schaedler offered a different piece of advice for student-athletes: “I use my free block and my time to finish my homework for sports [and] I do my homework at night after practice.”

At the end of the school year, many students are focused on preparing for spring finals, taking AP exams, looking forward to summer, and having a relaxing second semester. However, for junior and softball player Haydyn Haecker, spring is the busiest time of the year. To handle her large workload and demanding softball schedule, Haecker developed a system to organize her time and schoolwork: “I make a schedule and stick to it, breaking work into smaller chunks so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.” Softball usually starts around late January and ends in May, lasting almost the entire second semester, which makes keeping up with academics and succeeding in sports much harder for students.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOTROUBIES.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOTROUBIES.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOTROUBIES.COM

However, Haecker had a useful idea for keeping up with school: “My tip for juggling sports and school is to prioritize your tasks and do them as soon as they are assigned.

Also, make sure to give yourself some time, usually 30 minutes a night, to touch on every subject.”

All of these athletes offered helpful tips to manage time, sports, and schoolwork.

Student-athletes’ abilities to juggle so many tasks are the reason why the St. Francis academic and athletic culture is strong. The resilience and dedication these athletes show to both their sports and school can help other athletes who may be struggling to do the same.

SCHOOL NEWS

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February 2026

How to Avoid Burnout During the Second Semester

BY VEDA WAHNSIEDLER ’29 The second semester is often when students begin to feel tired and impatient for summer break. Staying focused and productive as the school year winds down can be difficult, especially as workloads increase and motivation drops. However, by using a few simple strategies, students can stay balanced with their schoolwork and finish the school year strong.

The first and most important strategy is paying attention in class. Simply listening to your teacher can make a significant difference in how well you understand the material. Getting sidetracked often leads to confusion and uncertainty about what you are learning. If you stay focused during class, you will be more prepared for tests and quizzes and may not need to spend as much time studying outside of school.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE

Another key strategy is prioritizing your assignments. Harvard College recommends creating a calendar to track assignments that have the greatest impact on your grade. This helps ensure that you are putting effort into the work that matters most. Keeping a planner in your backpack can also help you stay organized by tracking assignments and their due dates. This small habit can make your weeks and months easier by reducing stress and uncertainty about upcoming deadlines.

Planning social activities is another effective way to avoid burnout. Spending time with friends outside of campus can help students maintain a healthy balance between school and personal life. Having something to look forward to on the weekend can make the school week feel more manageable. Similarly, spending time with family can also provide a much-needed break from homework and academic pressure. Taking time away from grades and school allows your mind to rest and reset.

By sticking to these three strategies — staying focused in class, prioritizing assignments, and maintaining social balance — students can get through the second semester feeling less stressed and more confident.

WORLD NEWS

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February 2026

Bringing the World to the 2026 Olympics

BY MAISIE BILL ’29 It's time for the 2026 Winter Olympics!

Officially called the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, it will take place in northern Italy from February 6 to February 22, 2026.

Featuring 16 sports, including the new addition of Ski Mountaineering, the events will be split between Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, along with several other Italian mountain areas.

Their mission this year is to create "an innovative model of the Games" (Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic) inspired by the culture of Italy. These concepts centered around the Italian spirit will allow younger generations to partake in the essence of the Games.

The 16 sports to be held are: alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsled, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, nordic combined, short track speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, ski mountaineering, snowboard, and speed skating.

This year, the Games will feature nearly 3,000 athletes competing in 116 different events, bringing together 90 different countries.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILANO CORTINA 2026

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILANO CORTINA 2026

Designed to be the most gender-inclusive Winter Games yet, the Games include about 1,362 spots for women and 1,538 for men.

Ski Mountaineering, also known as skimo, is a new sport set to debut in the 2026 Winter Games. The new sport will blend elements of backcountry skiing, uphill climbing, hiking in boots and downhill racing. Athletes will use specialized, lightweight skis and adhesive strips attached to the skis, called skins, which allow for uphill grip. This new sport features three medal events: Men's Sprint, Women's Sprint, and a Mixed Relay.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORECAST SKI

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Keep an eye on returning stars like Mikeala Shiffrin (USA, Alpine Skiing), Chloe Kim (USA, Snowboarding), and Lindsey Vonn (USA, Alpine Skiing). Shiffrin is a dominant force in skiing, hoping for more Olympic glory to add to her already impressive collection of Olympic medals after a strong win in the World Cup. Kim, "the halfpipe queen," is expected to be a contender despite her recent injury while training.

Vonn is a decorated skier with three Olympic medals who is returning from retirement for her fifth Games.

Rising talents like River Radamus (USA, Alpine Skiing) and Femke Kok (Netherlands, Speed Skating) are also athletes to follow during the Games. Radamus is a strong U.S. skier looking to build on past near-misses; most notably the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, where Radamus placed just shy of the podium. Kok is another rising star in speed skating, who, in late 2025, shattered the long-standing women's 500m world record.

Teams to Watch include USA Hockey with returning NHL stars for the first time since 2014.

MIKAELA SHIFFRIN PHOTO COURTESY OF PARK RECORD

Team USA will include Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Tage Thompson, all bringing huge talent. Hockey powerhouses like Canada and other Nordic Nations are expected to battle for gold. As hosts, Italy is strong in sports like Skimo and curling (Stefeania Constantini).

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics promises excitement through stunning Italian landscapes, the return of NHL players to hockey, the debut sport of ski mountaineering, and an "Italian Vibe" that will feature gender-balanced competition.

The official motto of the Games, "It's Your Vibe," invites personal connection and more shared energy than ever before.

Decades of Romance: The Ultimate Love Song Playlist

BY MERCY COLLIER ’26 Love is in the air — and what better way to celebrate than shuffle a playlist and crank up the volume. Out of the countless love songs across the decades, here are some favorites to listen to as you celebrate love this Valentine’s Day.

A timeless standard, Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” captures a deep affection for a partner, cherishing not just how they look in a single moment, but how their love will live on as a lasting memory.

The song reflects the beauty of long-term devotion and cherishing every movement with that special someone.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Another classic, “At Last” by Etta James, tells the story of finally finding true love after a long wait. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, the song expresses the happiness of discovering someone who feels like home after loneliness and uncertainty.

“My Girl” by The Temptations celebrates the feeling that comes from being in love. Its upbeat tone and heartfelt lyrics show how a loving relationship can bring warmth and joy, making even the hardest days feel brighter.

Across The Beatles’ expansive catalog, “And I Love Her” stands out for its quiet sincerity.

Rather than grand declarations, the song emphasizes trust and emotional closeness, portraying love as something gentle and deeply personal.

Shifting to country-pop, “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain explores enduring love that withstands doubt, hardship, and time.

The song highlights commitment and resilience, celebrating a relationship that remains strong despite the odds.

Similarly focused on lifelong devotion, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” promises love that lasts through every stage of life. It reflects a commitment that grows deeper with age, valuing emotional connection over young love.

Through a modern lens, “Lover” by Taylor Swift emphasizes stability and authenticity in romance. By focusing on small, intimate moments rather than extravagant gestures, the song portrays love as something grounded, real, and built to last.

Originally written by Bob Dylan and later popularized by Adele, “Make You Feel My Love” centers on unconditional support. The song promises unwavering presence through life’s highs and lows, defining love as an act of patience and selflessness.

No matter how you experience love — whether it's crushes, first relationships, or long-term connections — these songs capture it all. So hit play, sing along, and have a happy Valentine’s Day!

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

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February 2026

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: The Perfect Romantic Comedy

BY KATHY DHALAI ’27 “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is hands down the best romantic comedy ever made.

Even twenty three years later, it’s still the movie we all come back to when we need a feel-good watch. The story is great in its simplicity– the story follows Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) a magazine writer who gets assigned to write an article on how to drive away or lose a man in ten days. At the same time, Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) bets his coworkers that he can make any woman fall in love with him in ten days. When they both meet, neither of them know what the other is doing, and that’s where the story begins.

What makes this movie great is watching both characters trying to win their game, while falling for each other. Andie does all her best tricks to annoy Ben and get him to break up with her. For example, crying for no reason, moving all of her things into his apartment without telling him, and inviting herself into his apartment without any further notice.

Through all of this chaos, Ben tries his best to handle all this chaos like a gentleman, making this comedy more entertaining, and adding to the suspicion of the two main characters falling in love.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

Both actors give spice to the characters they play. Kate Hudson is great for the role of Andie as she is funny, smart and knows how to play her role very well. Matthew McConaughey gives Ben real feelings, so the audience really believes he’s falling for Andie despite all the chaos she causes.

The movie balances funny moments with emotional ones; like the basketball game, the trip to meet Ben’s family and the big fight at the party, showing the different aspects of the characters' growth and their love for each other.

To conclude, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is a great movie that has it all: comedy, real chemistry, good plot and a romantic story one will never forget. This movie doesn’t just entertain, it shows people why they fall in love with rom-coms in the first place.

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The History of St. Valentine's and His Feast Day

BY SANA SARKARI ’28 Every year on February 14th, store aisles, homes and classrooms get taken over by red hearts. But behind the simple shape is a much more complex story.

Born circa. 205 AD, St. Valentine — after whom Valentine’s Day was named — was a Christian martyr who lived in the Roman Empire at a time when Christianity faced persecution. Many sources claim that there may have been more than one Valentine; however, the most popular story focuses on a priest who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men, thinking it would boost military recruitment. St. Valentine, however, believed love should have no restrictions or boundaries, and he secretly officiated weddings, defying Claudius’ laws.When Emperor Claudius found out, St. Valentine was arrested and imprisoned.

In other legends, it is said that while in jail, St. Valentine formed a relationship with a young girl who might have been the jailer’s daughter.

Some say it was a romantic relationship, whereas others claim it was one strictly based on kindness. Before his execution on February 14th, St. Valentine wrote a letter to the young girl, ending it in “from your Valentine,” a phrase that has shaped the holiday for centuries. St. Valentine was later executed because of his beliefs, and his death led him to gain recognition as a martyr. The Church later declared February 14th as the day when St. Valentine’s sacrifice for young couples would be recognized, known as St. Valentine’s Feast Day. A feast day is a day selected by the Church in commemoration of a saint and their contribution to humanity.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UK CENTRE FOR CARNIVAL ARTS PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY

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As the centuries went on, poets started associating St. Valentine’s Day with romance.

Over time, the holiday has shifted to celebrating love and affection all across the world.

Although today Valentine’s Day is more of a commercial holiday, it tells a deeper story.

While the holiday is celebrated today with chocolate, roses, and candy, the history of Valentine’s Day reminds us of the importance of standing for your beliefs, and the power love holds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PEANUTS STORE

Love Is In the Air: Iconic Weddings and Their Traditions

BY OLIVIA WEDDING ’27 With Valentine’s Day coming up, love is in the air — and with love comes weddings, one of the most celebrated symbols of romance during the season.

Weddings are rich with tradition and culture.

Across history, high-profile weddings have helped shape how we celebrate love today. From the 1612 wedding of Shah Jahn and Arjuman Banu Begum, which inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal, to modern celebrity ceremonies, weddings have long been cherished as meaningful celebrations of commitment.

Almost every element of a wedding carries tradition, and different cultures around the world have developed unique wedding customs.

In many Arab countries, weddings begin with a zaffe, a lively procession featuring dancing and drumming. In Armenian culture, the groom's family visits the bride's home with treats, and guests gather to drink tea and celebrate the engagement.

African American weddings often include jumping the broom — a ritual symbolizing sweeping away the past and entering a new future together, as well as the libation ceremony, in which a liquid such as wine or water is poured to honor ancestors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEOPLE

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Cambodian weddings feature a tradition called Gaat Sah, during which a few strands of the couple’s hair are cut to symbolize letting go of their old lives. In the Netherlands, guests pass around a bowl filled with brandy and raisins while singing. Filipino weddings include the exchange of 13 coins, representing the couple’s commitment to provide for each other throughout their married life. Indian weddings often begin with a mehndi party, where the bride and bridal party receive intricate henna designs.

In Jewish weddings, couples stand beneath a chuppah, symbolizing the home they will build together, and conclude the ceremony by breaking a glass.

But the culture of weddings isn't just shaped by cultural and religious traditions. It is also influenced by iconic ceremonies from the past.

One of the most famous weddings of the modern era was that of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. Diana, known as the “People’s Princess,” captivated millions around the world. Though their marriage did not last, the wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral in London remains unforgettable.

An American counterpart to the royal wedding was the 1953 marriage of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline “Jackie” Bouvier in Newport, Rhode Island. The ceremony hosted 600 guests and was covered by Life Magazine. Jackie’s gown, designed by Ann Lowe, was an elaborate silk taffeta dress adorned with flower embellishments that left a lasting mark on bridal fashion.

PHOTO COURTESY OF INSTYLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFE

Iconic weddings aren't limited to just royalty or politicians. George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 wedding in Venice, Italy drew widespread attention, particularly because of Amal’s Oscar de la Renta gown, which helped popularize off-the-shoulder styles in the years that followed. In contrast, the 2008 wedding of Beyonce and Jay Z was one the first celebrity weddings that was purposefully social media free. The couple held a secret ceremony in their Tribeca penthouse, deliberately keeping it off social media — no small feat in the modern era.

Weddings remain deeply rooted in tradition, and continue to be beloved celebrations of love. From royal ceremonies to celebrity weddings, and from cultural rituals to iconic dresses, there is no shortage of reasons to admire them. So Troubies — what’s not to love about weddings?

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Galentine Ideas

BY VIOLET PANTON ’29 Looking to have some fun with the girls this Valentine’s Day? Well, you’ve come to the right place! From Pinterest-worthy crafts to crowd-pleasing treats, these Galentine’s Day ideas are guaranteed to make your celebration sweet, festive, and unforgettable.

Start by setting the scene with some fun, festive food and drinks. The key to any successful Galentine's day party is keeping everyone happy with some sweet treats. You could do anything from a BYOB, (bring your own board), where guests bring their own charcuterie boards of their favorite chocolates, cookies or any food that they find delicious, to setting out some simple Safeway cookies.

If you want to make things a little more special, try adding a homemade touch to your sweet treats! Oreo truffles are simple to make and always a hit: just ground up some oreos, add Cool Whip, cut out your desired shape from the dough, cover it in melted white chocolate and freeze. Another easy favorite is chocolate fondue — just melt some chocolate and let the dipping begin.

Pretzels, cookies, marshmallows, strawberries, pound cake, Graham crackers all make perfect dippers. And of course, no Galentine’s bash is complete without the drinks. Think fizzy Martinelli’s, Poppi, prettyin-pink lemonade or the forever‑iconic Shirley Temple. If it’s sweet, sparkly or pink, it belongs on the menu.

Once the snacks are set, nothing gets everyone laughing, chatting and creating like some on-theme crafts! One that is sure to be a hit is candle decorating. Head on over to your favorite local craft store and grab a stash of candles, some cute votives and get to crafting.

Decorate them using paint or Posca Pens, drizzle on colorful melted wax, carve little designs or even deck them out with temporary tattoos. There are endless ways to make this craft totally your own.

Another fun idea is to take your girls on a quick Trader Joe’s run and let everyone pick out some of their favorite stems. Back at home, set up a flower-arranging station and have them arrange their very own beautiful bouquets. Finally, you can’t skip a classic (and yummy) craft…cookie decorating. Make some simple sugar cookies using Valentine's shaped cookie cutters (think hearts, cupids, x’s and o’s), whip up some icing ahead of time and decorate cookies with all the yummy sprinkles!

With good food, creative crafts, and your favorite people, Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendship — and doing it in style.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEBAKES

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Neha’s Nook: Valentines Books

BY NEHA VASANTHAN ’28 It’s officially the season of love. Whether the love life is soaring high or at rock bottom, Neha’s Nook’s Valentine’s books are essential. Warning: Do not read these books unless deep grins and giggles are welcomed.

Lynn Painter, the esteemed queen of teen rom-com books, is going to be everyone’s best friend this month. Her book, The DoOver, tells the story of Emilie Hornby, a teen who is stuck in a time-loop, doomed to repeat the same disastrous day over and over again. That day? It’s Valentine’s Day. Emilie keeps running into the charming Nick Stark, a guy from her chemistry class who never remembers their conversations once the day resets, but she learns to navigate the chaos throughout the course of this hilarious and swoon-worthy novel.

Painter’s YA debut Better Than The Movies will cause emotions that don’t even seem possible to feel from words on a page. The story follows hopeless-romantic Liz Buxbaum, who wants to have the kind of romance only seen in the movies with her crush, Michael. On the other hand, there’s her arch-nemesis and next-door neighbor Wes Bennet, who has annoyed her since childhood. Liz comes up with the brilliant plan to get closer to Michael by using Wes’s and Michael’s friendship. Her deal with Wes goes awry when she begins to spend more and more time with him… and suddenly the perfect movie-style romance with Michael doesn’t seem so perfect anymore.

The Netflix sensational movie, People We Meet On Vacation, starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, became an instant hit this January. The movie is becoming more and more beloved every day, yet the book it was based off of is even better.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAZON PUBLISHING

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The movie is set to be released in theatres in 2026 during the holiday season, and it will star Leighton Meester, the actress of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, and Jared Padalecki, who played Dean in Gilmore Girls. The titular bodyguard in The Bodyguard is Hannah Brooks, who is hired to protect famed actor Jack Stapleton. To do so safely, she pretends to be his girlfriend, and before long, it becomes harder and harder for Hannah to keep it all pretend.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

The book version of People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry follows friends Alex and Poppy over the span of ten years. Poppy is obsessed with traveling the globe and can’t stay in one place for very long. Alex loves traveling with Poppy, but he also wants to put down roots. Every summer, the two friends meet up from across the world for a vacation, and each year, their friendship is tested and strengthened until lines are crossed and the pair can never look at each other the same way.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is another perfect Valentine’s Day rom-com to read this year, especially because a screen adaptation is in the works.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON Finally, Katherine Center’s novel Hello, Stranger guarantees a laugh from the premise alone, because it is as creative as it is enthralling.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VIEWERS PERSPECTIVE

Sadie is certainly in need of that help when she learns that her art competition requires live models … but she doesn’t tell him about her condition and how she will need to paint his face from touch alone.

These books will have the reader's eyes glued to the pages, kicking their feet, and gasping at the plot twists. Try not to stay up too late or get behind on schoolwork because they are impossible to put down!

PHOTO COUTESTY OF BLEEDING COOL NEWS

Sadie Montgomery is an artist with the uncanny ability to paint faces that look like photographs. She becomes a finalist in a huge art competition, and if she wins, it will be the pinnacle of her career. Suddenly, after a freak car accident, she is diagnosed with face blindness, which makes every face she sees appear jumbled and disconnected.

While she learns to deal with this chaotic condition, Sadie meets a (probably) handsome stranger who compulsively helps everyone he knows.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

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REVIEWS & RECIPES

February 2026

Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day: A Fun and Delicious Way to Celebrate Love

BY SAGE WITZGALL ’29 With Valentine's Day right around the corner, these rose pizzas are the perfect dinner idea for whoever you're celebrating with. These pizzas are easy to make and a very cute twist on a classic pizza. Celebrate this season of love with your very own pizza bouquet. Enjoy, Troubies!

Author: Marcela Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Yield: 6 pizza roses Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snack Method: Baking Cuisine: Italian, American Ingredients One can of pizza dough: This is the base for your pizza roses. Store-bought pizza dough is convenient and saves you time, so you won’t have to worry about making dough from scratch.

Marinara sauce (1/2 cup): Marinara sauce is the classic pizza sauce, but feel free to get creative and swap it out for a different kind of sauce, like pesto or Alfredo.

Mozzarella cheese (6-8 slices):Mozzarella is the perfect melting cheese for pizza, but you can also try other cheeses, like cheddar, provolone or gouda, for a more complex flavor.

Pepperoni (12-18 slices): Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping, but if you prefer something else, feel free to swap it out for veggies, sausage, or any protein of your choice.

Instructions Preheat the ovento 400°F (200°C) and ensure it’s hot and ready for your pizza roses.

Prepare the muffin tin: Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

This will help your pizza roses come out easily once they’re baked.

Roll out the dough: Open your can of pizza dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into six long strips about 1-2 inches wide each.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VIEWERS PERSPECTIVE

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con’t Add marinara sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across each strip of dough. Be sure to leave a small border along the edges so it doesn’t spill out while you roll the dough. Adjust the sauce amount depending on how saucy you like your pizza!

Add cheese: Cut mozzarella cheese into slices that will fit comfortably along the length of the dough strips. Layer the cheese over the marinara sauce.

Layer the pepperoni: Arrange your pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, with half of each slice hanging off the edge of the dough. This will help create the “petals” of your pizza rose once it’s rolled up.

Roll into roses: Carefully roll each strip of dough into a tight rose shape. Make sure the ends are tucked underneath so the pizza rose stays intact during baking.

Place in muffin tin: Gently place each rolled pizza rose into a muffin tin. The dough will fit snugly in the muffin cup, creating a perfect rose shape.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes

or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Once your pizza roses are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Notes Watch the dough: Pizza dough can be a bit tricky if it gets overworked, so try to handle it gently when rolling it out.

Don’t stretch it too thin, as it may tear during the rolling process.

Cheese tips: If you find that the cheese is getting too runny or melting unevenly, try using a blend of mozzarella and a firmer cheese like provolone or cheddar. These cheeses will melt more slowly and evenly.

Pepperoni placement: Make sure the pepperoni hangs off the edge of the dough but doesn’t go too far down. You want it to stay attached to the dough while baking, creating a nice petal effect.

Sleep: Why We Need It and How It Effects Our Brains

BY ADA FRUIN ’27 We know we need sleep. Whenever we complain about an early bedtime, sneak a book under the covers or scroll on our phones in bed, we are doing so in defiance of what our parents, teachers, and doctors say.

We are told over and over that what we are doing is unhealthy, but we continue to do it anyway. Maybe we would listen more if someone answered the question “How does a lack of sleep actually affect the brain and body?”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SLEEP FOUNDATION

The hippocampus is a part of the brain that is extremely important for learning and memory function. Protein synthesis supports long-term memory formation in the hippocampus and the ability for the connections between neurons to strengthen and weaken over time, which aids learning. A research article in Current Opinion in Neurobiology describes how just five hours of sleep deprivation reduces signalling of mTORC1, a protein complex that controls protein synthesis, and reduces protein synthesis in the hippocampus.

A research study published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that the abundance of the pleiotrophin (PTN) protein in mice hippocampi changed after they were sleep deprived for two days. The researchers also analyzed the RNA, or the nucleic acid that transfers information from DNA to synthesize proteins, and found that decreased levels of PTN caused death of neurons. Further, the amount of PTN in the brain is connected to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in humans.

Sleep deprivation can also affect the amount of stress you experience.

When your body gets less sleep than it needs, it produces more cortisol, a hormone that narrows the arteries.

Narrowed arteries are more sensitive to increases in adrenaline. Together, cortisol and adrenaline make your heart pound, increasing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Chronic sleep deprivation is also associated with irritability, issues with concentration, and unusual emotional responses to normal events.

Stress and issues with learning and memory are terrible combinations for students. While GPA does not encompass every aspect of a student’s learning or ability, a 2001 study found that there was a 0.5 average GPA increase in college students who slept for 9 or more hours compared to students who slept for 6 or fewer hours. While many students aim for 8 hours of sleep nightly, many experts actually suggest 9 to 9.5 nightly hours of sleep for teenagers.

Is the average St. Francis student reaching the recommended amount of sleep each night? 32.6% of responses indicated that they usually get 7 hours of sleep on week nights, followed by 26.5% of respondents saying they only get 6 hours. Shockingly, 15.7% of responders said they slept for 5 or fewer hours on school nights. While roughly a quarter of students responded that they get 8 or more hours of sleep, 87% of respondents said they feel tired most days at school. With the vast majority of St. Francis respondents reporting below the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers, all students should be aware of the harmful effects of sleep deprivation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Writers

Corinne Atkins Maisie Bill Mercy Collier Kathy Dhalai Ada Fruin Trinity Ito Violet Panton Sana Sarkari Alexandra Spitzer Neha Vasanthan Veda Wahnsiedler Sage Witzgall

Graphic Designers Savannah Hamilton Katie Koo Britten Sires Eden Sabot Mary Victoria Abaya Natalia Esparza Isabella Servin Claire Boco: Cover Page Artist

February 2026

Editors

Mercy Collier (Co-Editor-in-Chief) Kate Hwang (Co-Editor-in-Chief) Sana Sarkari (Assistant Editor-in-Chief) Casey Alvaro Cassidy Butler Riya Chima Natalie Dimen Deslyn Galang Cedrianne Gayon Ava Khodai Miya Menza Rida Mujeeb Thomisina Nicholson Sophia Nielsen Z Smith Annie Swanson Charlotte Thomas

Publicists

Savannah Hamilton (Head Publicist) Katie Koo (Head Publicist)