SUSTAINA-BOWL?
by ELAINA HUANG
Walk around campus, and chances are you’ll run into reusable red and black bowls. But some are not in the dirty dish rack of the cafeteria where they should be found; instead, they’re abandoned on the quad, sprawled across tables and even under cars in the parking lot.
In fact, Director of Dining Services Thien Hoang needed to purchase $5,000 worth of new reusable bowls in early February in order to replenish the hundreds that had been lost over the past two semesters.
According to Hoang, who has been at Menlo for five years, the bowl loss rate is 10 to 15 percent every year — significantly higher than Stanford University’s six percent loss rate, which Hoang observed when he spent 13 years there as director of dining services.
Students’ tendency to lose their reusable dishes has affected Menlo Dining’s sustainability efforts; at one point, the dining services department tested removing disposable cups as an option, but the cafeteria ended up losing more of the reusable cups and decided the strategy was not effective. “It’s gotten a little worse after COVID because everyone was so used to using disposable everything, [...] and [students] ended up getting lazier to bring back the non-reusable stuff,” Hoang said.
Senior Izzy Klugman, leader of the Menlo Climate Coalition, agrees with Hoang on the importance of students changing their clean-up habits. “I just feel like we need to get over like the uncomfortable[ness] or the thinking that it’s too much work to just walk your bowl back into the cafeteria,” Klugman said.
Hoang refrains from repurchasing bowls unless the supply is low. This is the first time Hoang has had to restock bowls this school year, with each bowl costing $10 and 500 purchased in total. Each day, Menlo Dining ensures enough bowls are available to serve both the Middle and Upper School lunches without requiring washing in between the two periods.
Additionally, since early March, Hoang and the cafeteria staff have started a policy of only giving out second servings to those who have already finished what is on their plate, a decision that was made after Hoang noticed a lot of food in the trash.
Hoang believes that the most important aspect of improving Menlo’s high bowl loss rate and food waste situation is to continue teaching kids about sustainability from a young age.
Hoang suggests that a hands-on approach is the best
Students Weigh In on California Legacy Admissions Ban
by ANYA RAMANI
This fall, Menlo juniors applying to private colleges and universities in California will encounter a different playing field than those before them. In September 2024, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1780, which will prohibit California private colleges and universities from giving special consideration to students in the class of 2026 and forward with personal connections to the school. However, it is unclear whether the ban will have the desired effect given the lack of any financial penalty.
Criticized as “affirmative action for the privileged,” by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the new law
ended a nearly one-hundred-year-old practice of legacy admissions following a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the consideration of race in admissions. CalMatters attributed a drop in underrepresented groups enrolling at private California colleges in 2024 to the Court’s decision. For example, at Stanford University, Black enrollees declined from 9 percent before the ruling to 5 percent the next year.
Legacy preferences were eliminated in the University of California system in 1998, two years after California voters eliminated affirmative action in California public universities under Proposition 209. But many prestigious California private
universities — such as Stanford and USC — continued to consider legacy as one factor in admissions. Given the number of Menlo families with ties to Stanford — which admitted 295 students with legacy connections in 2023, according to CalMatters — the legacy ban will likely affect prospective Menlo students hoping to apply there.
Junior Claire Dickman, who has no legacy connection to a private California university, sees legacy admission as inequitable and hopes that the ban will increase the amount of merit-based admissions. “I wouldn’t want to go to Legacy Admissions, pg. 4
Staff illustration: Amber More
Students Give Mixed Reactions to Trump 2.0
by JACOB REICH
Despite taking office just over two months ago, President Donald Trump has instituted drastic policy changes. While bringing back many initiatives from his first administration, such as strict border enforcement and deregulatory climate policies, Trump has also introduced unprecedented tariffs and ordered mass government layoffs.
Specifically, Trump has pledged to increase oil drilling and logging, slowed or halted many of the renewable energy initiatives the previous administration put into place and pulled out of the Paris Agreement, an international agreement on climate change signed in 2016.
Some Menlo students, including sophomore Sophie Michel, found Trump’s fossil-fuel-friendly climate policies particularly concerning. “I believe that Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement is going to have detrimental effects on the environment,” she said.
In contrast, junior Sachin Sandhu said he wasn’t very upset that Trump removed the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. Sandhu believes the agreement treated the U.S. unfairly when compared to China.
In his speech to Congress on March 4, Trump claimed he wanted to balance the budget while also discussing lowering taxes. To balance the budget, the government can drastically increase the amount of money it brings in, reduce spending or most realistically, a combination of both. Balancing the budget while taxing less is very difficult. Trump has said that money collected via tariffs, which he has said is “the most beautiful word in the dictionary,” could help improve America’s budget position. He also believes they could help bolster American industry, although the S&P 500 — the index tracking the stock performance of 500 of the largest American companies listed on stock
exchanges — is down 4.5% since Trump took office, as of March 25.
Sandhu agrees with some of Trump’s economic policies. “His tariffs and him not signing the Paris accord have moved a lot of the auto industry back from Japan and [electric] batteries [from] China back to America, [...] and so I think a lot of that stuff is going to be really good,” he said.
Senior Tyler Fernandez is more skeptical of Trump’s use of tariffs. “[In Environmental and Developmental Economics] we learned [...] if one person stands up, then everyone else is going to stand up. And that’s kind of what’s going to happen with tariffs; [...] if we stand up and say we’re going to make prices more expensive, [...] everyone’s just going to do the same,” Fernandez said.
deportation plans. Trump has pledged to oversee the largest deportation in American history by removing newer arrivals and expanding deportation guidelines.
[...] everyone’s just going to do the same. “ “
If
we stand up and say we’re going to make prices more expensive,
Senior Tyler Fernandez
“I understand how there could be seen as [being] an immigration problem in the United States, but I do think that [Trump is] going about it the wrong way, [...] pulling these people who immigrate illegally out of their families
critical stance on transgender issues and DEI. He signed an executive order banning transgender people from the military and has restricted transgender women’s access to girls’ sports and women’s prisons. He has also rolled back government DEI efforts, a move many large companies have recently taken. Many universities, faced with federal pressure, have also scaled back DEI programs; Menlo, for its part, has kept its EDIB department, continuing initiatives that aim to retain a diverse faculty and provide family-support programs that incorporate many aspects of identity.
Lost Bowls
Continued from pg. 1
way to raise awareness about sustainability at lunch. “Don’t just teach them from the books. Take them out to beach clean-ups and tide pools to see hands-on [...] how bad it is,” Hoang said.
“ “
I
just feel like we need to get over, like the uncomfortable[ness] or the thinking that it’s too much work to just walk your bowl back into the cafeteria.
History teacher and junior class dean Matthew Nelson expressed similar views on the need to raise student awareness on cleaning up after themselves. Nelson believes that students have the most power to change the culture within a school and spread messages about being more mindful and responsible about their
own utensils and how much food they put on their plates.
It’s about a sense of responsibility for the type of campus and climate we want to have. “ “
Junior Class Dean Matthew Nelson
However, Nelson finds that the advocacy clean-up system is the most effective solution Menlo has tried so far. Approaches such as leaving trash on the quad for students to clean up on their own or simply encouraging students to pick up after themselves didn’t have an effect, Nelson noted.
“The advocacy system creates [...] accountability, [and although it’s not perfect], it’s the best that we’ve had since I’ve been the student life dean for six years,” Nelson said. He hopes students will develop a sense of responsibility towards lunch cleanup, and suggested that the student council create funny and engaging videos surrounding lunch cleanup.
Klugman also finds the rolling carts for collecting dirty dishes — an essential part of the advocacy cleanup system —
particularly helpful. “I think that just having carts that people bring out to the quads to make it more accessible for people is just [more convenient compared to] having to take it into the cafeteria,” Klugman said.
Although Klugman believes food waste is the biggest sustainability issue at Menlo, she has noticed that there has been less food waste compared to her freshman year. She also encourages students to continue to use reusable utensils and pick up after themselves at lunch.
The Menlo Climate Coalition’s mission is to inspire Menlo students to make a difference, both in the Menlo community and in the wider community around sustainability. Klugman hopes that more awareness about lunch cleanup can be raised
through events such as Eco-Act Week, which the Menlo Climate Coalition will host right after spring break. One of the main activities of the week will include a farmer’s market with outside vendors, organized with the help of Hoang — through different themes for each day (one of which is food-themed) and fun activities, Klugman hopes to make environmental responsibility more engaging for students.
Similarly to Klugman, Nelson believes that it’s vital that students develop responsibility around picking up after themselves. “We’re forgetful sometimes, [...] but to chalk it up it’s about a sense of responsibility for the type of campus and climate we want to have,” Nelson said.
Climate Coalition leader Izzy Klugman
Staff illustration: Baelyn Batory
Staff illustration: Amber More
March 28, 2025
Post-Finals Prom Date Raises Concern and Excitement
by MALIA CHEN
This year, prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, the day after the Upper School math final and nearly a month later than last year’s prom on April 20. The later date has sparked mixed reactions among students — some see it as a stress-free way to close out the school year, while others worry it might take away from the experience.
The change wasn’t entirely by choice. Last March, the administration selected The GlassHouse San Jose as this year’s prom venue, but due to limited availability, May 17 was the only open date. “A lot of it has to do with venue availability. But also, one of the added benefits of having it later is it keeps students engaged and behaving better up until [prom],” Upper School
Assistant Director Adam Gelb said. “We have a month after [spring break] to plan for buying tickets and things so now we’re not rushing in terms of trying to do that all over the break, coming
back in less than a week and having prom.”
The later date concerned Student Body President Cody Kletter and Vice President Melanie Goldberg, who raised the issue with the administration at the end of last year in hopes of moving the date. Unfortunately, the school had already placed a deposit — making the date unchangeable. “They essentially said to us that they had already reserved and put down a deposit, and that also, the spaces really fill up,” Kletter said. “And so it’d be difficult at that point to try to reserve another date.”
friends. That takes away from time to study for AP exams and other big tests you have coming up,” Voltmer said. “If it’s after the math final, then you don’t have to worry about those tests.”
Conway said. “I think that’s gonna be really stressful.”
Additionally, some students have expressed frustration over the timing because it interferes with the tradition of promposals. Traditionally, students plan elaborate public promposals in the days leading up to prom. However, with finals week leading up to prom, many students believe the timing is less than ideal. “No one’s gonna want to do promposals during finals week when they’re busy studying,” Sunwoo said. “It makes it feel like more of a burden than something fun.”
AlyssaMcAdams
school year less stressful
However, not everyone is convinced the new schedule is an improvement. Junior Reed Sunwoo acknowledges that having prom after finals removes the stress of schoolwork on the night of, but he also understands why some students find the scheduling frustrating. “The upside is it acts as a moment of celebration that you just ended school and you don’t have anything to worry about over prom,” Sunwoo said. “The downside is you’re gonna be exhausted going into the dance, so I don’t think it’ll be as enjoyable.”
Others share this concern, including junior Munveer Singh, who believes the timing could make prom feel more like an obligation than an exciting event. “I think it would be better if they did it in April,” Singh said. “To have to go through all of prom the next day [after the math final] just feels like too much.”
Another major issue is the conflict with Menlo Abroad trips during MTerm. Students who are traveling abroad will leave early in the morning the Sunday after prom. Sunwoo, who traveled to Tanzania last year, says that could be a challenge. “The day before the trip is not a day where you want to do a whole lot,” he said. “You’d rather just chill and have a pretty calm day with friends or family.”
Junior Leotei Conway, who is going abroad to Malaysia, is also concerned about the timing. “It’s really inconvenient for Abroad people because we’re gonna need to pack, get all our required medical shots and get ready for the trip while everyone else is getting ready for prom,”
It’s really inconvenient for Abroad people because we’re gonna need to pack [...] while everyone else is getting ready for prom. I think that’s gonna be really stressful. “ “
Junior Leotei Conway
Despite the concerns, students are still excited for prom night, even if it’s not scheduled at the most convenient time. “I’m still really excited because this is our first prom and I think the whole aspect of prom — like looking for dresses, getting ready with your friends and taking pictures — will be fun no matter what,” junior Sulia Gayle said.
Semester-Long Arts Classes To Be Phased Out
by BIANCA PUTANEC
The arts department plans to phase out semester-long arts elective classes and replace them with year-long classes starting with the 2025-26 school year. There will be no changes to the number of arts credits required (four semesters).
The Freshman Arts Experience will no longer be part of the core curriculum. Instead, Freshman Seminar will expand to a year-long class with added course material. Health and Wellness, Executive Functioning and Digital Citizenship are examples of new rotations, although details are still being finalized.
Making the rest of us adjust to the system when we didn’t have that system freshman year is unfair. “ “
Junior Hannah Bernthal
Upper School counselor Stefie Dominguez teaches Human Behavior, a class part of the current rotation, and is excited about the change. “Expanding the Freshman Seminar class will be really helpful and foundational to every freshman that comes to Menlo,” Dominguez said.
With the added length to the class, Dominguez feels the program will better address its mission of helping to establish school culture to the freshman class by ensuring all students begin seminar at the start of the year. “From the beginning, all of them, not just half, will get to experience discussing [with] peers and learning about
school culture in these [classes],” Dominguez said.
Around the broader change, both the creative arts department and administration believe including more year-long arts classes will have a positive impact on students. Creative Arts Department Chair Leo Kitajima Geefay believes that semester-long arts classes actually provide students with fewer interesting options. “The school wanted more semester arts electives in the art program because they thought it might [make choosing classes] more nimble and allow students to pursue more subjects,” Kitajima Geefay said. “However, it created a bottleneck for upperclassmen, because multiple English or science classes were also singletons, so [...] students would end up taking an arts [class] they didn’t originally want to take.”
One drawback of the new system is that many of next year’s seniors and juniors may only have one semester of the arts requirement to complete; however, they may need to fulfill that requirement with a year-long course.
Junior Hannah Bernthal is struggling to find an arts elective that fits with her academic schedule. “I find [this process] frustrating, because taking an arts elective could restrict me from taking year-long courses that I want to take in academic subjects,” Bernthal said.
Although she thinks the change will benefit incoming freshmen, the transition year will negatively impact upperclassmen in her view. “Making the rest of us adjust to the system when we didn’t have that system freshman year is unfair,” Bernthal said.
Although Kitajima Geefay agrees the transitional period will be a growing pain, he feels the process is necessary for furthering students’ mastery of disciplines. He believes year-long arts courses also allow students to attain mastery of an art form, not just basic knowledge. Kitajima Geefay compares the system to learning a world
language at Menlo: “It would be very hard to adopt Mandarin in a semester, and then bounce to Latin and Spanish,” he said.
Community Engagement Coordinator Ava Petrash most often sees examples of this issue in the visual arts classes. According to her, first-year photography teacher Ryan Bowden found it hard to cover all the essential foundations of photography within a single semester.
Petrash additionally believes that an arts requirement at Menlo is valuable because when students actively engage in creative endeavors, they become more wellrounded and balanced young people with a wide array of interests. “[Arts are] a valuable use of [students’] time at a stage where people can become overly focused on academic work,” Petrash said.
Legacy
Continued from pg. 1
a school just because of something my parents did; I would want them to take me because of my accomplishments,” Dickman said.
Before the law, Dickman felt disadvantaged by California private school legacy and donor preferences and found the practice demotivating. “It’s hard going to school every day, working as hard as you can and putting in all that effort, and then seeing [students in older grades] get [into] one of those great schools just because of their parents,” she said. “I’m obviously happy for them, but I wish we all started on the same ground.”
Dickman also believes that the pressure stemming from having a parent with a prestigious alma mater can cloud a student’s judgment in choosing a school.
“If you’re trying to go to a school because your parents went there, you’re going for the wrong reasons. You should be going to a school because it’s going to be a good fit and [...] if you have that in mind, then legacy shouldn’t matter,” Dickman said.
Despite having a legacy connection to Stanford, junior Connor Burks is also optimistic about the ban. He hopes it will now prompt students to seek out schools that best fit them as well as open doors for students who previously lacked the edge legacy provided. “Especially in our area, given how many people go to Stanford,
for example, [and] considering how much that is probably guided by their parents’ experiences, I feel this will give people who do have legacy freedom to not feel that pressure,” Burks said.
However, though Burks hopes the legacy ban will have positive effects, he understands some students’ disappointment. “I know a lot of people who have legacy who are kind of frustrated with [the ban] just because they feel the pressure to follow in their parents’ footsteps and [now] it’s more difficult,” he said.
Burks also believes that colleges will find ways to circumvent the new law.
“People who have these donations or have legacy will still likely have some amount of advantage in the admissions process; even if it’s much less severe [than previously], because of the change, colleges will work harder to disguise how that process happens in admissions,” Burks said.
legacy admissions for fundraising and community building. “Legacy admissions have historically been one way families have maintained a multi-generational connection to an institution, and for many, that tradition holds deep sentimental value,” Lisa Giarratano, Menlo’s director of college counseling, said.
Historically used to exclude immigrant populations from attending elite universities, according to the Brooking Institute, schools now use
Staffillustration: ClaireDickman
The Brookings Institute reports that eliminating legacy in admissions could decrease alumni donations and engagement in schools that utilize this factor. Giarratano understands why schools would be reluctant to eliminate the practice. “Colleges are businesses, and they’re trying to survive,” Giarratano said. “I don’t cast moral judgment too much on what colleges decide to do, but what I hope to do at Menlo is understand how the colleges are going to behave and then guide students appropriately towards or away from applying to certain colleges.” It remains to be seen how effective the California law will be given the lack of financial penalty for noncompliance. Schools that violate the law would be listed on the CA Department
of Justice website, but do not have to pay any fines or penalties. Similar bills in other states take a more punitive approach. The Fair College Admissions Act, a recently-introduced New York bill, would impose a penalty of up to $50,000 on any institution that considers legacy in admissions, with the funds directed towards a tuition assistance program for low-income students.
“ “
There’s no real punishment either, except for maybe a little bit of public shaming, and maybe a loss of funding.
Director of College Counseling Lisa Giarratano
Giarratano believes that California’s private colleges will likely see the ban as the “spirit of the law” rather than fully changing their practices around legacy and donor preference. “There’s no real punishment either, except for maybe a little bit of public shaming, and maybe a loss of funding,” Giarratano said. “I would imagine a lot of colleges would be willing to kind of take that on the chin in order to continue to run their admissions offices the way they want to.”
Robotics and Model UN Travel to New Heights
by AARON WIDJAJA
Menlo’s Model UN and robotics teams recently traveled to prestigious events outside the state for the first time — Model UN attended Harvard’s annual United Nations Conference, while the robotics team competed in Canada’s Signature Event from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10. Both trips offered students valuable learning experiences and a chance to engage with talented peers from around the world. These trips were significant milestones for both teams, who were able to go beyond the usual regional competitions and explore new opportunities for growth and connection.
Most recently, Menlo’s Model UN team visited the Harvard campus during Menlo’s winter break from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23, where junior Hanna Yu won Best Delegate and freshman Owen Bowie, sophomore Neil Hutton and junior Savannah Smith each earned honorable mentions. For the attendees, participating in the conference was a unique experience because Harvard’s rich history and strong reputation attracts talented and competitive students from around the country. “Something that’s fun is that Harvard just felt like a different league altogether,” Hutton said. “There were tons of private schools from the East Coast, and the community was really good.”
The environment was really different, but everyone was super nice and kind. “ “
Sophomore Neil Hutton
Additionally, he noted that the conference’s connection to Harvard Model Congress, a collegiate program known for producing multiple lawmakers and senators, made it especially compelling to attend.
The robotics team traveled even farther to attend
the Signature Event competition in Canada, where they competed for a chance to qualify for the world championship and placed 20th out of 200. It was their first time traveling outside of the country for robotics, which came with uncertainty and nervousness, according to junior Drew Babel. However, Babel enjoyed the experience overall. “The environment was really different, but everyone was super nice and kind. [...] Some people even offered to assist in adding their own skills and perspective to improve our designs,” Babel said.
For many of these students, part of the joy of traveling is the sense of independence and freedom that is given. “You’re without your parents and you’re visiting Boston by yourself and with friends, which is something you also don’t [usually] get,” Hutton said.
However, with increased freedom comes the need for intense preparation. In Model UN, members had to do pre-conference assignments, such as writing position
papers, as well as creating videos explaining past actions to solve the briefing issue. For the robotics team, besides building the machinery, students also had to organize the parts and tools efficiently, ensuring that some could be checked as carry-on. “We couldn’t check batteries in, which was an issue,” Babel said.
The robotics team also encountered issues with making sure their robot stayed intact in the box as they traveled throughout Canada. The main challenge was that there wasn’t a clear system for organizing team trips, such as requiring specific forms. This lack of structure and organization on who best to meet and coordinate with made it harder for the team to arrange travel, compared to other teams that have established procedures with faculty actively handling logistics. “We know Mock Trial does that, but they have faculty that organize it for them, whereas for us we just went to Mr. Gelb to ask how to do it,” Babel said. “It was kind of a mess towards the end.”
The members of the Menlo’s robotics team competed at Canada’s Signature Event, finishing in 20th place out of 200. Photo courtesy of Lisa Babel
Opinions
March 28, 2025
Tate McRae’s “So Close to What” Is So Close To Good
by SIENNA LEW
Tate McRae, a Gen Z artist like many of us listeners (and readers!), has cemented herself as an internet pop star most well known for her viral singles that blow up on social media. From “you broke me first” to “greedy,” her songs are perfect backdrops for flashy TikTok trends and edits. Her Y2K-inspired tracks with contemporary pop twists are easy on the ears, and her recent third studio album, “So Close to What,” is no exception. But while these songs are polished, catchy and are sure to blow up on the internet, McRae has failed to lean into her creative and artistic potential. I’m picking the eight most memorable songs off of the album to dive into why that is.
miss possessive:
Its instrumental is minimalist, letting McRae’s distinctive vocal timbre shine through. Love: the vocals in the pre-chorus — they’re catchy, seductive and whispery. As the chanty chorus approaches, the drum tone gets heavier to build subtle yet effective anticipation for the beat drop. But: this song doesn’t sound new. It feels uncreative and predictable, like she’s playing it safe. The song could pass as a standalone single to go viral on TikTok, so why release it in a whole studio album with all of this fanfare? The lyricism is catty and competitive, but there’s little depth and creativity in the song overall.
revolving door:
Sonically, this track is one of my favorites on the album. Love: the warm, hazy dreamscape vibes it sets from the beginning, and the drawn-out, synthy chords lining the instrumental. Also, her recurring “I tried to call you off like a bad habit” is a fun line, quick to the point but still punchy. But: the track lives up to its name: it seems to go in circles, just like the relationship it describes, and never breaks free from that familiar pop pattern.
dear god:
“dear god” blends “miss possessive” with “revolving door.” Love: how McRae can switch easily in terms of vocal range in a short period of time, which satisfies the listener’s ears. She also provides a novel spin on romance and relationships: “dear god” centers around being so desperate to stop thinking about love that you’re praying to escape it. But: while it edges on vulnerability and rawer emotion, it feels restrained, with generic language such as “taking pleasure out [of] pain” feeling impersonal. Its production is sleek, but it doesn’t feel unique nor challenge the norm.
sports car:
Initially released as part of a set of singles, fans were able to wrap their heads around this song earlier and let it sit in their minds. Love: that this is a song that grows on you. At first listen, there’s an undercurrent of tension that frequently builds and releases, which compels the listener to come back and listen to it again. Plus, the production is slick and smooth, like its namesake flashy sports car. But: I think we’ve heard this one before. Two people in a car doing... mature things. Although, when the Chainsmokers sang about it, they chose a rover.
means i care:
So, shutting you out means I care even more? That’s an interesting take. Love: that the difficulty of finding communication and showing your true intentions to a love interest is relatable to many of her listeners. Additionally, the undercurrent of subtle, almost
exotic influence — perhaps a reggaeton or Latin influence in the syncopated percussion — gives the soft melody a shift from the typical pop sound. But: the influence isn’t fully realized. The track feels like it’s attempting to bring in something fresh but goes back into familiar, palatable territory: it stays clean and repetitive instead of playing with key changes or a heavier instrumental. Unfortunately, it can’t fully commit to that exploratory sound.
greenlight:
With this song, McRae’s harnessed that perfect midnight drive energy, which is apt for its title. Love: the gentle, cooltoned melody and soft vocals makes you feel like you’re actually driving past green lights as the stars twinkle down above you. But: even though pop in particular tends to be repetitive, the simplicity of the song accentuates its feeling of neverending. It most definitely could be a stylistic choice to emphasize the recurring emotions of “waiting at the green light, to tell you what I feel like.” However, to some, it may feel boring after a bit.
2 hands:
This is another track in the set of singles that effectively previewed the album. And after dwelling on it for a bit myself, I like it better than previous singles. Love: how it has that slightly aggressive, passionate edge, but doesn’t border on that whiny kind of sultry like “greedy” does. “2 hands” sounds more suave and full-bodied. Out of the album, I find this to be the most authentically new while still retaining that Tate McRae flair. But: “2 hands” is undoubtedly a mood piece; it gets you ready to sway to the beat and not much else. Instead of bringing a fresh new take to being in a relationship, she plays into that nonchalant, physical lover role that seems washed out — with less talk, more touch.
nostalgia:
I was so stoked to see a ballad on this album at long last! Love: the way the song does indeed convey nostalgia. With anecdotes and names interspersed throughout, it feels like a diary entry and carries more emotional depth than other tracks on the album do. Her tone of voice is especially fitting for ballads: it gives off the vibe of being the older sibling of “you broke me first” — obviously with a different message but maintaining that same bittersweet feeling. But: it’s hard to find the crescendo or climax in this song. This isn’t necessarily a make or break: not all ballads have to have that big release of emotional tension. However, there’s less vocal variety than you might expect from a song like this, which can give artists the opportunity to sing in a much wider range and take full advantage of their emotions.
But while these songs are polished [...] McRae has failed to lean into her creative and artistic potential. “ “
Final words:
Still relatively new on the full-length album front, Tate McRae continues to move in the right direction as she explores the complexities of balancing cohesion, depth and creativity in crafting her studio albums. Although it’s a bit redundant at times, it’s definitely a major upgrade from her sophomore album, “Think Later.” But that’s a story for another time. For now, let’s think about the other ways “So Close to What” can improve; maybe McRae will take notes for her next release to come.
From Touchdown to Letdown: Super Bowl Shows Are Lacking
by ELEANOR KINDER
The corny commercials finally fade to black, and the room buzzes with anticipation. Everyone grabs their chips, sinks into the couch and locks their eyes on the screen as the Super Bowl halftime performer takes the stage. Then, just as the music begins, your mom squints at the TV and asks, “Who is that?” The Super Bowl Halftime Show is the biggest performance of an artist’s career, and it should reflect that by being an unforgettable, large-scale event. This isn’t just another concert stop on a tour, but rather a moment designed to captivate millions of viewers worldwide. The Super Bowl is the most-watched TV event of all time, so it’s the performer’s time to make an impact.
However, a major part of what makes the halftime show special is its ability to bring people together through music that resonates with a broader audience. In recent years, the NFL’s choice of performers has struggled to achieve this.
The NFL may be trying to appeal to younger viewers in an effort to keep football relevant for future generations and to get more attention on social media, but the halftime show isn’t just about attracting new fans or gaining attention. The Super Bowl is one of the few events that draws families, friends and people of all ages together, and the halftime show should reflect that wide-ranging audience. When the performer is chosen primarily with younger viewers in mind, older
audiences may struggle to engage with the performance. A truly successful halftime show should create a shared experience that brings people together, rather than catering too much to a single demographic.
While artists like Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and The Weeknd are undeniably talented and have made significant contributions to the music industry, their core fan bases are primarily younger. Many older viewers are unfamiliar with their music or don’t have the same nostalgic connection to their songs, making it harder for them to enjoy the show. This shift risks making the halftime show less of a universal spectacle and more of a performance that your mom dozes off to.
In contrast, past Super Bowl Halftime Shows featured artists with a reach that spanned multiple generations. Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance set the standard for what a halftime show should be, by not only doing a global and innovative performance, but also by sending a message. Jackson’s performance had a large group of dancers holding signs and members of the crowd doing the same. The signs sent a message of unity and equality for all, which was a very strong message at the time. Later acts like Prince, U2 and Bruce Springsteen brought music that resonated across age groups as well. These performances weren’t just about putting on a good show for one age group, they created moments that left a lasting impact on everyone
watching. When the NFL chooses artists with widespread recognition, the halftime show becomes more than just a concert; it becomes an event that unites millions of viewers.
If the goal of the halftime show is to be one of the highlights of the Super Bowl, the NFL needs to find a better balance between modern relevance and broad appeal. Although it is hard to find a performer who works for everyone, there are still artists today who have the ability to bridge generational gaps. Artists like Adele, Beyonce, Elton John or Taylor Swift should be the ones taking center stage.
The best halftime performances are the ones that feel timeless, creating a shared experience for people of all ages. By choosing artists with a reach across generations, the NFL can ensure that the halftime show remains a moment that truly brings people together, rather than dividing the audience along age lines.
Staff illustration: Claire Dickman
Staff illustration: Sienna Lew
Stop Cutting Tutorials for Special Schedules
by ASHER BECK
Tutorial is arguably the most versatile block in the school day. It’s a space for students to check in with teachers, study for tests and get ahead on homework. Even when it isn’t being used academically, it’s a space for friends to socialize and decompress together. It’s a period that’s scheduled three times a week, which seems like more than enough! Then again... that’s only how the schedule is supposed to work. In reality, weeks worth of tutorial blocks are replaced with some sort of class meeting or assembly. The amount of planned tutorials is becoming more unpredictable. Some weeks hardly allot any time for it at all — and the Menlo community is hurting because of it.
Say a student was away for athletics or illness.
[Tutorial] helps them get caught up.
Even as I’m writing this article on March 6, our tutorial schedule this week is paltry. We have a special schedule on Tuesday, a course selection fair on Wednesday and a special assembly on Thursday. Couple those events with
advocacy on Friday, and we only have one regular tutorial block this week.
That said, I’m using tutorial time to revise this article, during a week where we don’t have that many special schedules.
It would be hyperbole to say that special schedules always take away from tutorial. The truth is, the main issue behind tutorial time is its volatility. There is a lack of consistency in when we have special events, something that Upper School Director John Schafer says is partly attributed to the difficulties in scheduling guest speakers for assemblies.
“We’re at the mercy of [the outside speaker’s] schedule,” he said.
Losing tutorial time in any capacity can be problematic for students. It effectively inhibits them from catching up with teachers or studying independently, especially when they were counting on having time that week and only learn about the loss of their tutorial blocks the Sunday evening before the week starts. Freshman Dean and history teacher Sabahat Adil finds that having dedicated time to review lessons with students is extremely important. “Say a student was away for athletics or illness. [Tutorial] helps them get caught up,” she said.
The key to maintaining tutorial time is to balance the amount of assemblies Menlo has on any given week. Losing one tutorial block really shouldn’t be a problem, but once the majority of tutorial periods disappear like it did the week of March 3, the academic issues can start becoming apparent. If this happens during
a test-heavy week for a student, it can limit study time and cause a rise in stress. Sophomore Kai Ruwitch noted that he’s had experiences similar to this. “One week, we only had a single tutorial and I had tons of tests,” he said. “I lost time to prepare.”
It’s important to note that these special events are fantastic in their own right. Having the opportunity to learn from non-profit organizations, Harvard educators and all-around fantastic public speakers is a gift that Menlo has. Schafer wants students to recognize these opportunities. “I get that [students want to get homework done] but when you get a chance to hear from, you know, a world class scientist, you take advantage of that.”
Understanding the privilege of assemblies is important in prefacing the impact each one should have. In theory, after an assembly, Menlo students should be thinking about the topics that assembly covered, maybe gaining some interest in the topic that it discussed. Instead, I primarily see students forgetting about assemblies just a day or two after they happen. That’s especially true during weeks where there are three or more special events. While rare, packed calendars like these hurt the significance of each event.
Oftentimes, the impacts of assemblies during these weeks are washed over with exasperation from the student body. I feel the schedule fatigue, too, and I hold the opinion that the more special schedules we have, the more
Crossword: Spring Has Sprung!
by MIKI KIMURA
interest in the events being scheduled can decline.
Granted, disinterest in special events will sometimes be because people aren’t interested in the topic in the first place. And of course, that doesn’t necessitate changing the schedule to fit their wants. However, balancing Menlo events with tutorials is still crucial. It gives students and teachers more time to review class material and it improves the takeaways from each individual event that Menlo hosts.
Across
(1) A short period of rain (10) Multiplayer card game (11) Springtime enemy (12) In-game name, abbr. (13) Most common rose color (14) City of Angels (15) Fluorescent element (16) A botanist’s home (23) Singular slimy aquatic plant (24) Format of an English paper (25) Humanities kid’s degree (27) Divisive congresswoman from Ga. (28) Tech support shorthand (29) To cancel or end
(30) Santa Cruz Avenue hardware store (31) Response to a previous email message (32) To motivate or inspire (35) Where tulips sleep
Down
(1) Bitterly regretting
(2) Short character from “Inside Out”
(3) An atom with a positive or negative electric charge (4) The early part or first stage of something (5) Gardening tool
(6) Vintage (7) Win/loss ratio, abbr.
(8) Unagi
(9) Usually single-stranded nucleic acid (17) Video game company
(18) Nightmare on this street
(19) A crone
(20) What your debate coach will never tell you to say (21) Cut into pieces
(22) ______-in-Chief, authors of pg 15 burrito review (25) Vomit, colloquially
(26) A figure skating turn
(30) Amazement
(32) Reaction when (25) is on your shoe
(33) Bad Bunny’s postal code
(34) Prenatal doctor, briefly
History teacher Sabahat Adil
Staff illustration: Amber More
From Dawn to Dusk: The Ramadan Experience at Menlo
by WANIS MOUTRI, GUEST WRITER
Ramadan is a special time for my family and me. We fast from dawn till dusk once every year for about a month. That's no food and water all day long, which is really difficult especially when you’re in school. Then, at night, we break our fast with a meal called iftar, where the whole family gathers to eat and reminisce about their day. It’s a warm tradition that brings us closer to one another and teaches us to appreciate the little things in life, like a family dinner.
“ “
The values that I’ve learned during Ramadan –– to wait patiently, persevere with grit and to have delight in giving –– are values I hope to preserve.
At Menlo, it’s important that we are present for all diverse traditions and cultures, and Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to practice showing up and celebrating another culture. It’s not necessarily the act of fasting itself that’s important, but the reasoning behind why we do it. We fast in order to learn and put ourselves in the shoes of others who may
and school on an empty stomach. However, fasting at school does have some positive aspects. My teachers and friends are sympathetic towards me and my Ramadan needs — they are not bothered about me lagging behind some days as I fast. This understanding between students who are observing Ramadan and the Menlo community is the kind of support I hope continues to flourish at Menlo.
The Menlo community’s interest and questions about the holiday are also reassuring: they reassure me that people care about what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. My classmates will ask me why I
lets me inform them about some of my culture and to eliminate a lot of myths. On the topic of myths, there are many that perpetuate surrounding Muslims and Ramadan. I’d like to take the time to debunk a few now.
Myth #1: Every Muslim has to fast. This is wrong. In fact, only about 93% of Muslims fast during the holy month. People who are sick, young, old, or pregnant are not obligated to fast.
Myth #2: Swallowing your saliva breaks your fast. This is completely false, because it is a natural reflex!
Myth #3: You can chew gum while fasting. This is false! You digest the
calories and sugar, so it breaks your fast. Admittedly, sometimes fasting gets confusing. To others, it may feel like a baseless physical restraint or punishment. But in reality, it is a very spiritual process that makes us practice gratitude, selfcontrol and empathy. Daily fasting reminds me of my behavior and decisions I make on a daily basis, and the breaking of the fast during an evening routine reminds me of how blessed my life is. It’s kind of like being sick and remembering how it felt when your nose wasn’t stuffy.
Apart from fasting, Ramadan also includes some other traditions, one of which is known as Taraweeh. Taraweeh is a prayer which takes place each evening after iftar. To persevere through the prayers that bleed well into the evening, either at home or in the mosque, is a religious deed and brings a feeling of fulfillment, peace and belongingness. They are holy moments and part of the rich experience of the blessed month.
The Ramadan experience annually as a Menlo student has been one of resilience and gratitude. Knowing that I am able to share this aspect of myself in an open, interested school community is reassuring. The values that I’ve learned during Ramadan –– to wait patiently, persevere with grit and to have delight in giving –– are values I hope to preserve. Just being able to experience and practice Ramadan freely at Menlo makes the entire experience that much richer, deepening the bonds of understanding and respect within our diverse community, fostering a culture of empathy and shared human experience.
Co-Editors-in-Chief..........Sonia Dholakia, Geoffrey Franc
Print Editor............................................Alyssa McAdams
Online Editor.................................................. Jacob Reich
News Editor................................................Asher Darling
Opinions Editor...............................................Sienna Lew
Spread Editor..............................................Amelie Giomi
Sports Editor............................................Devon Schaefer
Arts & Lifestyle Editor..............................Caroline Clack
Creative Director........................................... Amber More
Social Media & Marketing Director.........Eleanor Kinder
Head Copy Editor............................................Miki Kimura
Copy Editor...................................................Aaron Widjaja
Video Editor.............................................Julia Livingston
Assistant News Editor.................................Anya Ramani
Assistant Opinions Editor.............................Elaina Huang
Assistant Sports Editors..........Noah Levin, Bianca Putanec
Assistant Arts & Lifestyle Editor................Savannah Smith
Assistant Social Media & Marketing Director...Malia Chen
Staff Writers..........Asher Beck, Baelyn Batory, Tristan Chen, Deven Dholakia, Penny Diehl, Sadie Evans, Lauren Giesselman, Zoe Hayes, Lisa Huhs, Shaan Parikh, James Park, Spencer Toland, Rafe Weiden, Mandy Zhang
Adviser...............................................Miles Bennett-Smith
We appreciate hearing your opinions, whether it’s through guest writing, letters to the editors-inchief or comments on our website and Instagram @menlocoa. Please reach out to the editors at sonia.dholakia@menloschool.org and geoffrey.franc@menloschool.org
The Coat of Arms is an independent, student-led open forum for student expression. All decisions relating to the management and content of The Coat of Arms are fundamentally the responsibility of students. Coat of Arms reporters strive to acknowledge their internal biases and tell meaningful stories with empathy, fairness and journalistic integrity. The Coat of Arms staff is committed to building on the legacy of past staffs while setting the foundation for future members.
News Without Borders: Why International Sources Matter for Students
by LAUREN GIESSELMAN
More than eight in 10 U.S. adults report being frustrated with the amount of bias in the national news, according to the non-profit Knight Foundation. This frustration extends to students, as they are tasked with gathering knowledge and developing informed views in the classroom. Yet many students find themselves surrounded by U.S. news sources clouded by political biases, leaving little room for students to develop independent opinions on global issues. Taking initiative and finding platforms with the most diverse, international perspectives is productive in students’ learning process.
According to Statista, The New York Times is the second most-read newspaper in the U.S., following The Wall Street Journal, and it is definitely a fan favorite for Menlo students and staff. In spite of its popularity, The New York Times consistently connects any international news event to its impact on the US and how the situations affect American politics.
Director of Student Belonging Carmen Borbón has a personal connection to the paper, having grown up in New York and consistently goes to it for her news. However, Borbón is well aware that the national paper has its biases like any other news outlet. “Whenever I’m reading The New York Times covering some sort of international event, I have to think, like, ‘is this just an American angle or what’s really happening?’’’ she said.
The New York Times is widely considered a left-leaning publication, which can infuse its coverage with a Democratic bias. Despite the fact that all
sources have underlying opinions that can shape their reporting, national papers tend to focus on how events affect the U.S., not global conflicts. To senior Lily Kautai, this has proved clear through her consistent use of The New York Times during research projects. “I actually just looked at The New York Times in my last class, and the first article I got was about Donald Trump and his presidency,” Kautai said. “And when I quickly browsed through it, the amount of bias being directed towards U.S. citizens was just a lot.”
This overwhelming political focus can distort students’ perception of American media. “When I’m using [...] The New York Times [...] I see a lot of American politics, and it makes me not want to use that source anymore because it makes it seem like everything negative going on revolves around it,” Kautai said.
Menlo students do have access to news without national prejudice if they are willing to find sources that have input from reporters around the world, but it’s up to them to take initiative. From seeing viewpoints that aren’t strictly American, students can see issues from all sides. These international sources provide diverse perspectives that allow students to form their own opinions on global conflicts. Freshman Neel Behl has already faced limitations that come with domestic news. “With all the bias in U.S. news right now, it is nice to have some fresh perspectives,” Behl said about utilizing popular international news sites.
Students need these diverse viewpoints
on world events from their news sources because they provide necessary lessons that help kids with school and their perception of areas they can’t see firsthand. “My friends tell me about leaving and traveling to different countries and learning about their issues, and I feel like that other perspective can really change the way we think about how our community and country works,” Kautai said.
But since travel isn’t possible for everyone, outlets like BBC World News (based in London), Reuters (also in London) and Al Jazeera News (based in Qatar) are the easiest ways to access information through the lens of journalists with totally different political backgrounds and ranges of biases. Menlo also provides students and faculty with subscriber access to the Financial Times, a British newspaper. Besides, language barriers aren’t an issue with these sources, as they all provide English versions for English-speaking readers.
At the end of the day, Borbón believes that no article can be perfectly impartial. “Every single news organization is going to have some bias, right? We’re human beings, so there’s always gonna be that bias, but I think that the more perspectives you can get, the better,” she said. Getting in as many outside sources as possible can help students get a bigger picture and become more talented at detecting hidden prejudice in the information they use for research and entertainment.
Math teacher Rebecca Akers advises students to sample all different news,
from international to national sources. This strategy develops teens’ overall umbrella of trust in different organizations, which is a tool that allows for the most thorough, accurate research. We live in a world where media bias is unavoidable, but students can certainly educate themselves while cognizant of that bias. So they must search for diverse news sources to broaden their perspectives and enhance their critical thinking skills. By embracing international news outlets and understanding that biases are inherent in all media, students can become more informed global citizens who are ready to engage with the world beyond their own borders.
Leagues, Take Cues From NHL’s “4 Nations” Tournament
by DEVEN DHOLAKIA
In my (brief) lifetime, my friends and I have watched the NFL Pro Bowl game transform from one of our most anticipated events of the season to a backyard flag football game with scores upwards of 70. I have watched the NBA All-Star game go from an Olympic-level competition to one that has less defense than a casual basketball game Menlo students play at lunch. While the major leagues ruin their All-Star games one year at a time, one league skates against the grain.
Over Menlo’s February break, the NHL debuted their first ever 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, replacing the traditional annual NHL All-Star game. As the name implies, the tournament pits four of the best hockey nations in the world against one another: Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States. Each country had one team composed exclusively of NHL players from their country. The tournament, played in roundrobin format, allowed every team to play each other once. After the three games, the top two teams moved on to play in the championship. Instead of the NFL and NBA lackluster all-star games, the NHL all-star had grit, intensity and pride — something that other major leagues should take note of.
The NHL started
off strong: in the first game between the United States and Canada, three fights broke out in the first nine seconds of the game, causing absolute havoc on the ice and social media. The United States defeated Canada in their first matchup 3-1. Afterwards, the NHL was praised for their players’ intensity and intent to entertain. It attracted so much attention that even Menlo students, usually fans of other leagues, couldn’t resist watching the NHL tournament. “I’ve always watched the NBA all-star game, but this time it was different,” freshman NBA fan and newly converted NHL fan Taggart Flanagan said. “I couldn’t even watch it.”
After the round-robin stage ended, the United States and Canada made it to the championship and were set for a rematch in TD Garden. After three 20-minute periods, the United States and Canada were tied 2-2. In overtime,
NHL legend Connor McDavid scored the golden goal for Team Canada to win the NHL’s first-ever 4 Nations tournament.
This final matchup was the most viewed non-NFL game on ESPN+ ever, drawing in more than 16 million viewers compared to the average viewership of 500,000 people of a regular season NHL game. “I’m so used to hockey getting overshadowed by all these major sports like football and basketball that it was sick to see the amount of praise and attention hockey got,” freshman and avid hockey player Kurt Kohn said.
Although the NHL 4 Nations was a great success, it had one major flaw. Not every NHL player who participated hailed from those four nations. NHL superstars such as Alexander Ovechkin, Leon Draisaitl and Igor Shesterkin come from countries such as Russia and Germany, who are not represented at the 4 Nations tournament. Unfortunately, there is no perfect way of solving this problem; either you create a team that covers every other country and lose the sense of nationalism, or you lose out on some of the best hockey players of our generation. However, the NHL would do well to keep the four team structure to maximize the national pride which galvanizes these games.
Injuries can derail a player’s career. They could go from the next big thing to out of the league in 3 years. If you are such a high caliber player, why risk having your career shattered, just to play in an exhibition game? The NFL and NBA attempted to fix this by having as
little injury risk as possible, but there is one problem: that is not their purpose. Their purpose is to entertain, not to lengthen careers.
I’ve always watched the NBA all-star game, but this time it was different. “
Freshman Taggart Flanagan
The NFL and NBA have the most important part of sport’s entertainment: a sport that is fun to watch. No offense to sports like soccer and golf, but I tend to doze off while watching. However, the NFL and NBA have a sport based on intensity and grit, yet they try to take it away every year. There is one clear solution: let the boys play.
At the end of the day, the NFL and NBA are in the entertainment business, and if they want to keep fans engaged, they should take notes from the NHL’s 4 Nations Tournament. The tournament delivered high-intensity competition that actually meant something: not just a halfspeed, low-effort exhibition, but a game played for the pride of the country. So, take it from a die-hard sports fan: we want intensity, competition and stakes. Not just backyard football and recess basketball.
Staff illustration: Ella Skinner
Staff illustration: Amber More
Opinion: Toxic Workout Culture Is More Harmful Than We Think
by Baelyn Batory
Summer is just three months away, and the clock is ticking to build the “perfect summer bod.” But is that really the goal we should be striving for?
No matter how many before-and-after body transformation videos pop up on your social media feed, constantly changing diets or pushing yourself to the max seven days a week without rest can be harmful to your body. While being hardworking is certainly an admirable trait, overworking yourself can have negative effects — something that is hard to keep in mind when the vision of having the “perfect summer bod” or being the most athletic person on your sports team is dangling in front of you.
Freshman Tres Onyejekwe, a track and basketball player, had trouble in his previous club and school seasons with finding a healthy balance of training. “I tried to overwork myself, and that had negative impacts on my season,” Onyejekwe said. Onyejekwe said he felt more fatigued when he tried to overwork himself and ended up getting injured.
It is important to recognize when you need to rest and take a few days off. However, it can be hard to pull back from exercise, especially when your goal is to look like a photo of a fitness model online — whose body may have been heavily edited.
The power of online editing tools has gotten to a point where it may be hard to recognize what’s real and what’s not. For example, when a video of someone explaining how they got these contoured abs and perfect “pilates arms” comes across your feed, it can be hard to ignore the toxic messaging behind the post.
perfectionism. Onyejekwe finds it hard to stop feeling the need to compare himself to others online, especially if he is striving to emulate them. “If you see people doing stuff online, you really want to replicate that, especially if they’re successful,” Onyejekwe said.
Usually, accompanied by the unrealistic bodies of fitness influencers online is the encouragement of outlandish workouts. For example, walking for three hours straight on the StairMaster or performing difficult calisthenics to hold yourself up on a pole like a flag.
While watching someone your age run 10 miles on a typical day can seem motivational, it often leaves you with a pit in your stomach — this feeling of guilt that you aren’t accomplishing what people your age on social media are.
Comparing yourself to those you see online can lead to a dangerous cycle of low self-esteem and
However, these workout trends come and go faster than the next TikTok dance: one day Russian twists are the key to an “hourglass” waist, and on the next, the new craze is plank dips. Soon you find yourself doing a million different exercises that help tone each individual muscle in your body when in reality, you could accomplish the same in a couple of controlled reps. It becomes an addiction, stretching your body to its absolute limits just to reach that unrealistic goal.
“We could be, like, taking part in these workouts because we want the effects that we think they’re gonna
do, but we’re actually harming our bodies more,” Parnika Patel, Menlo’s girls lacrosse head coach, said.
Not only are we influenced by these workout trends, but also by dieting trends — and it’s important to remember that those aren’t realistic either. While fueling your body requires choosing healthy food options, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean following an extreme diet.
A fit-looking influencer claims their “what I eat in a day” diet consisting of only hard-boiled eggs and cucumbers has helped them achieve their physique, and the next thing you know, your fridge is filled with eggs and cucumbers. However, dry-scooping pre-workout to get the best pump or weighing each nanogram of protein you take in could lead to bigger issues than its supposed benefits. Calorie counting may seem like the best way to get your perfect physique, but it too can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food that is hard to change.
Freshman Addi Bruni said that she tries to avoid workouts and diets she sees online. “I just don’t let it get to me because I know that it’s just gonna bring me downhill,” Bruni said.
“If you see people doing stuff online, you really want to replicate that, especially if they’re successful.”
Freshman Tres Onyejekwe
Between fake bodies, fake workouts, fake diets and more, it’s hard to avoid falling into the trap of social media and toxic workout culture. While social media impacts us daily in many ways, it shouldn’t influence how we treat our bodies.
When working out, it’s important to remember that, as Patel notes, everyone’s body is different, depending on your hormones and genetics, and will look differently than others you see online. “You need to figure out what works for you,” Patel said.
Chasing Big Goals: Students Push Limits Training for Marathons
by Sadie Evans
Students at Menlo are taking on the challenge of running marathons or half-marathons, proving dedication and endurance at any age. During this school year, some of our peers have been training daily to prepare themselves for an extraordinary challenge. Their relentless commitment is inspiring others to pursue their own ambitious goals.
“Committing to something for a long time, you can grow in ways that you never thought you would be able to.”
Junior Claire Barnett
Everyone has their own reason to start running. Junior Claire Barnett started running because she had to stop participating in her competitive sport, diving, to pursue musical theatre. “I wanted to find a sport that I could do in my own time,” Barnett said. “I thought that running was great because it doesn’t require a team, only a bit of equipment is needed, and I could do it whenever I wanted.”
What started as a way to exercise turned into running a full marathon on Dec. 1 in Seattle.
Senior Sienna Swanson, who will be running a half-marathon in May, started running with her friends last year. “We
kept going, and then my friend signed up for a half-marathon, so I started training with her,” Swanson said. “Then I thought, ‘I’m doing all the training, I might as well sign up for it too.’”
One of the most important parts of racing long distances is the training that comes before it. Without ample training for a race, runners won’t have enough stamina or technique to get them through a course. “As time went on, I would build it up to bigger blocks of mileage,” Barnett said. “I would rest some days and then start again the next week.”
Unfortunately, injuries can cause major setbacks in training for a big race. Barnett suffered from shin splints, a common injury caused by prolonged running. “I actually missed my last week of training [before my first marathon], which was what was going to benefit me the most,” Barnett said. Barnett decided to take a few rest days instead of training more and risking a stress fracture, which is just as important as the training itself. Along with training, mental preparation and motivation play a key role in achieving long distances. “Mentally, I have to be able to push myself to keep going,” Swanson said. “I could think, ‘No one would stop me if I just stopped running the race.’”
Barnett would run without listening to music so she could be alone with her thoughts during her course. “I learned to
appreciate the act of running,” Barnett said. “Having friends and family that would just support me, it really pushed me to do something I would have never thought I’d be able to do.”
Swanson feels that running a race like a half-marathon is a great opportunity if you’re looking for something you’ve never done before. “I’m trying to take advantage of everything I can senior year,” Swanson said. “It is going to be a great thing to cross off my bucket list before college.”
Although Barnett ran the Seattle marathon alone, she met some people along the way who pushed her to keep going. “I met this man named Isaac, and we shared our stories during the run, then bonded over that,” Barnett said. “We encouraged each other to push on.”
For Barnett, the hardest part of the marathon was the final six miles out of the entire 26.2 miles. “For a large portion of it, I just got really exhausted because it was very sunny and there were many hills on the course,” she said.
If you’re thinking about running a big race, Swanson advises focusing on staying positive and motivated. Barnett agrees, also emphasizing the importance of fueling your body as you train. “If you’re doing high-impact workouts like running, and you’re not fueling your body enough, you will get injured,” she said. “It will be significantly harder to keep running.”
There are benefits to running that aren’t just physical, and it can encourage people to grow emotionally. “Committing to something for a long time, you can grow in ways that you never thought you would be able to,” Barnett said.
Nerves play a big part in running a long-distance race, so Barnett notes that it’s important to have a support system during the training and the race to encourage you. “When the crowd kicks in and you get that adrenaline, it’s like a drug,” Barnett said. “If nothing else, having support from people outside of yourself is just on another level. It’s amazing.”
Junior Claire Barnett after running the Seattle Marathon on Dec. 1, 2024. She picked up running after her diving career ended. Photo courtesy of Barnett
Staff illustration: Baelyn Batory
The Power of Movement: A Deep Dive Into How We Exercise
Mind Over Muscle or Muscle Over Mind?
Students Redefine Their Relationship With Exercise
by Eleanor Kinder
For many Menlo students, exercise isn’t just about staying in shape; it’s about managing stress, improving performance or feeling good about themselves. Whether it’s playing a sport, lifting weights or going on runs, teens have a variety of reasons for working out, and for some, it’s more personal than others realize.
“With
the off-season, I obviously want to stay in
shape and stay healthy, but I feel like it’s more for my own appearance.”
Senior Lily Kautai
Senior Lily Kautai has been playing volleyball since fourth grade and strength trains to help her performance. However, Kautai doesn’t just work out to stay in shape for volleyball; her primary motivation for working out is for the health benefits. “Staying healthy and moving around motivates me,” Kautai said. “My mom likes to do yoga, so seeing her be active and go on walks motivates me to do the same.”
However, when it comes to the off-season, Kautai’s motivation behind working out changes slightly. “With the off-season, I obviously want to stay in shape and stay healthy, but I feel like it’s more for my own appearance,” Kautai said.
Social media, especially TikTok, has a big impact on how she sees fitness.
“All these girls on TikTok that have abs and are skinny, it definitely changes my perception,” she said. Though she’s aware that these ideals can sometimes be unrealistic, the videos do push her to stay active. “It’s not the most positive thing to motivate me, but it does get me up and moving,” Kautai said.
While Kautai’s fitness routine is centered around improving both personal appearance and performance, for junior Josie Lee, soccer primarily offers mental benefits. Lee has been playing soccer since she was six years old and enjoys playing for the mental relief it brings.
“I really like the team environment of soccer,” she said. “It’s also a way to get my mind off of things, just being outside is kind of peaceful for me and less busy.” Her workouts revolve around building relationships with her teammates and finding a mental reset through the sport.
Social media plays a role in motivating Lee as well, and she feels inspired to improve her technical skills when she sees soccer games and short-form videos online. “It makes me want to play better,” Lee said. Still, she’s faced challenges and even considered quitting the sport because of the difficulties of balancing soccer with daily life.
Finding the right balance between fitness and everyday life can be challenging, and not just for Lee. For junior Stevie Halprin, who trains at the gym and plays soccer, working out helps him build strength, improve his health, relieve stress and enhance his appearance.
However, having such an active lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges. “Exercise generally decreases my stress, but sometimes it can be a bit more stressful to fit it into my schedule,” Halprin said.
“Soccer is such a stress reliever for me and a place to go where it’s a reset.”
Sophomore Juliet DeCherney, a soccer player who started when she was just two years old, also turns to exercise as a form of stress relief. “Soccer is such a stress reliever for me and a place to go where it’s a reset,” DeCherney said.
Unlike Lee, DeCherney hasn’t felt that social media has influenced her fitness journey. For her, soccer is more about connection and release. “There’s a lot of motivations, but a big one is stress relief and just a place to go that’s super calming,” she said.
“Exercise generally decreases my stress, but sometimes it can be a bit more stressful to fit it into my schedule.”
Junior Stevie Halprin
DeCherney’s relationship with working out hasn’t always been smooth, though. A knee injury stopped her from playing for a while, and the inability to play was frustrating. DeCherney’s injury had a large emotional toll on her because she uses fitness as a way to improve both her mental and physical well-being.
Sophomore Juliet DeCherney
Pilates, Hot Yoga, Spin — Oh My!
The Menlo Community Takes Advantage of the Fitness Class Boom
by Malia Chen
In the past few years, fitness classes have become increasingly popular; almost every few months, there’s a new fitness trend. Whether it’s Pilates, hot yoga or indoor cycling, people are constantly finding new and creative ways to exercise — and Menlo students and teachers are no exception.
Upper School math teacher Randy Joss has been attending Pilates classes at MPX Strength Studio in Menlo Park for the past year. MPX offers 45-to-60-minute classes using a machine called the XFormer, which features two platforms with a moving carriage in between, similar to a traditional Pilates reformer.
Joss first explored MPX after tearing his calf muscle while running and undergoing extensive physical therapy. At first, he was skeptical. “My impression of Pilates going in was that it was sort of like an old peoples’ exercise class, and it was not very hard,” Joss said.
However, he quickly realized just how challenging it was. “They exercise every little muscle that you’ve got. It’s kinda fun because every day, you know that you’re gonna get humbled,” he said.
Since starting, Joss has taken around 75 classes and has noticed a significant improvement in his physical well-being. “It’s been great for me. My knees don’t hurt anymore. My shoulders don’t hurt. My lower back doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m just a lot stronger,” he said.
Due to its close location, Joss conveniently attends classes at MPX on his way home from school in the evenings. One of the most noticeable improvements for him has been his ability to perform daily activities without pain. He recalls moving his son into college at Berkeley and handling several large boxes up and down the stairs — remarkably, he wasn’t sore at all the next day, something he attributes to his time at MPX. While pilates is often viewed as a fe-
male-dominated exercise, Joss has observed more men joining the classes. “The great thing about Pilates, and especially these reformers, is that no matter who you are, you can stand there and do one of the exercises and feel incredibly strong,” Joss said. “Then you’ll turn and they’ll have you do something slightly different, and you’re trembling while the little old lady next to you is just crushing it.”
Joss isn’t the only one exploring new workouts. Many Menlo students have also embraced fitness classes, including senior Annika Talwar, who has made hot yoga a part of her weekly routine. For the past two months, Talwar has been attending morning classes at CorePower Yoga once a week. Initially, she joined because her friends were going, but she quickly found it to be a fun and rewarding activity.
Talwar particularly enjoys the hot environment at CorePower. “I like that it’s like you’re in a sauna,” she said. As a track and cross-country runner, she appreciates having
“[Pilates] has been great for me. My knees don’t hurt anymore. My shoulders don’t hurt. My lower back doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m just a lot stronger.”
Math teacher Randy Joss
an alternative workout on days she doesn’t run. While she hasn’t noticed a significant change in her strength, she has experienced other benefits. “I feel like I’ve definitely gotten a lot more flexible, and I also think I’m less sore now for running,” Talwar said. Beyond CorePower, Talwar has also tried Barry’s Bootcamp. While she enjoyed the high-intensity workouts, she found it difficult to keep up with them during track and cross-country season.
Lately, she’s noticed more of her fellow seniors participating in fitness classes. “We just have more time now as seniors, and it’s a fun social thing to do,” Talwar said. “TikTok has also definitely popularized workout classes.”
For those new to classes like CorePower, Talwar advises not to feel embarrassed if you can’t perform all the exercises right away. “Everyone’s doing their own thing,” she said.
Like Talwar, junior Sulia Gayle has also recently started taking group workout classes on a weekly basis. After seeing videos about SoulCycle, Gayle decided to try a class with her friends. Now, she consistently takes at least one SoulCycle class per weekend with her friends.
SoulCycle offers high-intensity 45-minute indoor cycling workouts that focus on cardio. According to Gayle, what makes the experience stand out is the combination of the instructors and the overall atmosphere. “They normally turn the lights off and you can choose classes based on the playlist. They tell you what type of music they’ll be playing so you can sign up for the ones you like,” she said.
Gayle finds that the instructors make the experience more engaging than a normal bike ride or workout. While she has a Peloton bike at home and could cycle there, she still prefers attending SoulCycle classes. “I could just ride at home, but I choose to go to SoulCycle and pay for classes because it’s more fun,” she said.
(From left to right) Seniors Isaiah Lee, Cody Kletter, Kirin Debnath, Jackson Coleman, Natalie DeCherney, Julie Stein and Lauren Dempsey attend a SolidCore workout class together on March 19. Stein was the first to start working out there and quickly recruited her friends to join her. Photo courtesy of Stein
Kayaking, Fencing, Boxing, Ice Skating, Climbing... Gardening? Students Explore Unconventional Forms of Exercise
by Amelie Giomi
While traditional workouts usually consist of a gym membership or going for a jog, some students have stumbled upon unconventional paths to fitness. Whether tending to a backyard garden or joining a local fencing club, students have found creative ways to maintain active lifestyles.
Senior Sophia Chen first joined the Menlo Garden Club last year, but gardening has been a part of her life since she started tending to her backyard garden as a child. While Chen doesn’t currently play a sport, she notes that gardening tasks, such as weeding and shoveling, are physically demanding. “You’re clearing out dead plants — [Menlo’s garden] used to have a whole forest of corn over there, and it’s like 10 feet tall and carrying them over, it is definitely a workout,” she said.
“I really like climbing because it doesn’t feel like a workout."
Senior Katelyn Chou
And gardening isn’t just a workout — Chen also enjoys the other benefits of getting her hands dirty and being able to experience nature. “I think it’s kind of just fun getting in there and digging things using your hands,” she said.
Chen’s favorite part of gardening, though, is tasting the food she grows. “I think food tastes better when you've actually grown it yourself,” she said. “You know where it came from and how it started and how it grows.”
Since basic gardening does not require much knowledge or equipment, Chen encourages others to take it up in their spare time. “Gardening is one of those things that I feel like you don’t need so much skill to do,” she said. “Some plants, you just put them in the dirt, and they’ll grow.”
Senior Ben Levin has also found a physical outlet through his activities in nature, spending his childhood summers kayaking, rock climbing and hiking at an adventure-based camp in New Hampshire. When Levin turned seven, his dad took him backpacking in Yosemite for the first time.
When he was an underclassman, Levin frequently participated in backpacking and kayaking trips and now is the leader of the Outdoor Club. “I just sort of like the idea of being out in nature, disconnected from your phone,” he said. “You’re able to spend time — because I normally go with my family — with people that you enjoy hanging out with.”
After injuring his back playing tennis junior year, Levin could not go on his annual outdoor trips and instead participated in outdoor medicine classes. “Not only do you learn safety skills, but also this idea of expedition behavior — a readiness to explore, work as a team, and take on every challenge with a positive attitude. In my family, it's one of the greatest compliments you can give,” he said.
Just as his sophomore year cross-country
season was about to begin, junior Rajan Kaushek also got injured. His injury shifted his focus to an unconventional sport he did not know much about: boxing. “I was watching boxing, and then I got really injured, and I figured I’d need to cross-train somehow,” he said.
Now, Kaushek boxes almost every day while also running track, and is even on the amateur team for Aloha Time Boxing in San Mateo. “I just really like it,” he said. “It’s really different from running. It’s a really nice way to not be on my feet, but I don’t know, it just makes me feel happy when I’m out there in the gym and I get a great workout in.”
Even though boxing is an individual sport, Kaushek enjoys bonding with his teammates and sparring. “It’s a really awesome feeling if you're sparring and you’re doing well,” he said. Kaushek is training for an amateur competition later this spring.
Senior Emma Wang also suffered a chronic injury that made her quit ballet sophomore year. As an alternative, she stepped foot on an ice rink after a years-long hiatus. “I watched a lot of performances as a kid, so I thought it would be fun to try it,” she said. “I also used to skate when I was really little and then I stopped, so it was kind of like something that was on my radar.”
Wang skates once a week at a rink in Cupertino but hopes to skate more often now that she has more time on her hands with graduation approaching. Even though Wang doesn’t consider herself to be a competitive skater, skating still requires a great deal of physical and mental strength. “You have to fall a lot, and I think that’s something I’ve had to get used to — dealing with falls and injuries,” she said.
“[Boxing] is really different from running. It's a really nice way to not be on my feet.”
Junior Rajan Kaushek
Overall, though, Wang appreciates the fast-paced nature of the sport and its uniqueness in comparison to land-based sports. “It’s a refreshing kind of feeling because there’s a lot of stuff you can do, and it’s a lot faster [and] really different from being on land,” she said. “It’s entirely different from other sports that I’ve played.”
While Wang can be found gliding across the ice, freshman Alexa Swanson’s sport requires her to joust across the piste — using her whole body to swiftly avoid an attack from her opponent. Swanson, previously a soccer and lacrosse player, started fencing five years ago when one of her mother’s medical patients recommended the sport.
Swanson practices with the Silicon Valley Fencing Club six days a week and attends monthly tournaments. The sport requires her to engage her whole body to react to her opponent’s movements. “A big part of it is the legs because you’re kind of in a squat, and you need to be able to move around really fast because it’s also about reacting,” she said. Swanson also attends off-season lift at Menlo to strengthen her legs and arms and fulfill her physical education requirements.
Even though fencing is an individual sport, Swanson enjoys spending time with her teammates. “We see each other so often, and I feel like we’ve just gotten really close from that,” she said.
Senior Katelyn Chou also participates in an individual sport, rock climbing, and enjoys the welcoming culture at the Movement gym in Belmont and Sunnyvale, where she trains. “I really like the community,” she said. “You can always go up to other people and be like ‘Hey what are you working on?’ or ask for help. People are very nice there.”
Chou is a casual climber, usually top roping — climbing with someone on the ground who is adjusting the tension of the rope — twice a week. “I just do it for fun,” she said. “I mean, I do really enjoy it.”
To climb with someone else without supervision, Chou had to get a belay qualification card. This entailed learning the basics of belaying and passing a test for safety purposes.
While climbing is an unconventional sport, it requires a great deal of athleticism. “It really did make me a lot stronger,” she said. “You really do get a lot, specifically, upper body strength in your arms. Climbing definitely builds skills like strength, balance and coordination.”
“[Ice skating] is a lot faster [and] really different from being on land.”
Senior Emma Wang
Chou looks forward to climbing because it doesn’t feel like a chore as opposed to other forms of exercise. “I really like climbing because it doesn’t feel like a workout,” she said. “Going to the gym is such a trek, but climbing — it feels fun. It’s something I kind of actively enjoy doing.”
Freshman Alexa Swanson (right) fences Lee Kiefer (left), who is a three-time Olympic champion in women s foil, in Jan. 2023 at the Division 1 Championships. Photo courtesy of Swanson
Junior Rajan Kaushek started boxing his sophomore year after getting injured in cross country and is now training for an amateur competition. Photo courtesy of Kaushek
Senior Ben Levin kayaks on the Merced River in California in August 2023. Photo courtesy of Levin
What’s Really the Difference? Let’s Debate
by MANDY ZHANG
On top of Menlo’s seven-block academic schedule, students have access to an array of nearly 90 student-led organizations, each offering its own unique opportunities. Among these clubs, three public-speaking staples have attracted significant popularity and prestige: Debate, Mock Trial and Model UN. But what’s the difference? Beyond the rows of trophies showcasing their success and the occasional informational snippets in Student Announcements, most people only recognize them by name.
In a world eager for the next generation of sharp-minded leaders, Menlo students have the opportunity to negotiate resolutions and solve global issues first-hand.
Model UN is a replica of the United Nations, a real-life international organization committed to maintaining world peace. The issues discussed in Model UN conferences are often based on real-world issues like climate change and global security, mixing realism with role-play to create immersive experiences for student delegates. “It’s kind of like a looser, low-pressure version of debate,” freshman Kaitlyn Mi said.
commitment. Students are free to drop into meetings as they please, but many, like Mi, look forward to sticking with Model UN for the rest of high school.
Conferences are a central aspect that span over two to three days. Each day consists of multiple sessions where delegates from all over the country gather to engage in moderated and unmoderated caucus, or structured and unstructured discussions. However, although special awards are allocated to separate individuals, there are no winners. Since they occur at universities across the country, students also have the chance to briefly tour campuses, savor a fresh view and meet current college students.
“Model UN is definitely a unique event that’s unlike any other sort of debate or competitive environment. You get to experience debating from not just one person’s perspective, but a whole country’s perspective,” Mi said.
From Legally Blonde to Suits, Netflix courtroom dramas keep many students on the edge of their seats awaiting the judge’s final verdict. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into a courtroom as Elle Woods or Mike Ross without a law degree, then Mock Trial might be your calling.
Mock Trial is a competitive activity that stimulates a courtroom trial, with students taking on roles like attorneys and witnesses. The goal is to argue a fictional case before a panel of judges that evaluate each team’s overall presentation.
Every team in California is given the same criminal case and must prepare for both sides of the argument. For Menlo’s Mock Trial team, this commitment
has paid off: In the past, they’ve won multiple county competitions, reached the state championship podium (of over 500 teams) 10 times out of the last 12 years, and have even been recognized as one of the top programs in the US.
While it may sound like a legal competition, Mock Trial is also a performance art at its core, especially for the witnesses. “Our coaches laid it out to us like a strange play,” sophomore Eilir Bjorlin said, a member on Menlo’s varsity team. “You compete for who’s more believable — who’s guilty of the crime.”
the country as a club, which is truly awesome.”
Even so, thoughtful uses of supported evidence are the main factors behind success. At the end of delivering a case, teams receive a verdict from the judge based on performance, but the ruling does not affect who wins in terms of points. Instead, the winner is determined by a separate group of adjudicators, called scorers.
Unlike Model UN and Debate, Mock Trial is a selective club, with tryouts open at the beginning of every season, typically in September, and an expected commitment to the team after.
Debate offers the perfect battleground for those who love to win a good argument. Unlike Model UN’s diplomatic discussions or Mock Trial’s courtroom theatrics, debate is all about direct, high-pressure clash: two teams, one resolution and a ticking clock.
Menlo’s debate team began to spark student interest following the coronavirus pandemic. “I think this year we got like 80-something sign-ups,” senior Melanie Goldberg, founder of the team in 2019, said. “We are currently ranked, I think, 13th in
Menlo students are encouraged to join a club that sets them up to later rise through the Upper School: high school novice, junior varsity and varsity, each level with varying requirements that range from two to five tournaments per year.
In a parliamentary debate style, Menlo students are presented with a topic, randomly assigned a side and given 20 minutes to gather information before diving into a heated (but exciting) headto-head debate. From international affairs to the latest tax policies, the wide range of topics covered call for debaters to prepare themselves with both well constructed arguments and public speaking skills.
“It’s not just an argument. It’s persuasion,” Goldberg said. “All the kids do an incredible job. I won’t call it a real sport, but it definitely takes a lot of mental energy.”
In truth, the tournaments, which generally last up to nine hours, build endurance through memorable experiences.
A Snapshot: Zooming Into the Revamped Photo Program
by CAROLINE CLACK
“Anyone can take a picture but not everybody can create a photograph.” So goes the philosophy of Ryan Bowden, Menlo’s new photography teacher, who has spent the school year revamping the photography curriculum. Bowden took over the Fundamentals of Photography and Advanced Photography classes, and created a new Advanced Topics in Photography (H): Portfolio class that will be offered next year.
Anyone can take a picture but not everybody can create a photograph.
“
His intention is to cultivate a space where students become legitimate photographers, rather than mere picturetakers. “I want photography [class] to be
a place where you’re challenged, but still have fun,” Bowden said.
Historically, the photography program at Menlo had the reputation of being more of a free period than a legitimate class. Junior Sophie Housser, who participated in the photography program both before and after Bowden’s arrival, has noticed significant changes to the program since Bowden started teaching — most notably the increase in difficulty and engagement. “I feel like it’s actually a class now and not just free time to shoot [photos],” Housser said.
According to Housser, Menlo’s photography classes used to involve taking pictures on the Menlo campus with little instruction in previous years. Now, however, students are spending more time learning how to properly use photography equipment, manipulate lighting and edit their photos. After learning these techniques, Housser views photography as more of an art form than just an activity.
According to Bowden, students are assigned projects that are meant to foster creativity and critical thinking. Currently, students are working on a
grab bag assignment where they have to photograph a randomly selected everyday object in twelve distinct ways.
Head of the Creative Arts Department
Leo Kitajima Geefay said that he is proud of Bowden’s efforts to enhance the artistic integrity of each photography class. Kitajima laments the stigma that arts classes are simply a means of meeting graduation requirements and involve little student engagement. To him, an art class at Menlo shouldn’t waste a student’s time, but rather be a life changing experience
that teaches them to view the world in a new way.
Bowden believes that learning to take photos is more than a fundamental skill. Photography is also a means of creative expression, which becomes harder to find as an individual gets older. Housser agrees that knowing how to take high quality photos is inherently an important part of life that goes beyond allowing people to express their creativity. “It’s how you document the world and get memories,” Housser said.
Model UN
Photography teacher Ryan Bowden
Senior Aaron Lowe practices taking photos with a large format view camera outside in his Advanced Photography class. Photo courtesy of Ryan Bowden
Staff illustrations: Alyssa McAdams
Mock Trial
Debate
Reading Into the Novella Workshop
by SHAAN PARIKH
One of Menlo’s new English electives, Novella Workshop, isn’t just another writing class — it’s a storytelling marathon. While traditional classes in the department focus on writing essays or analyzing books, Novella Workshop pushes beyond this to explore the art of long-form fiction. The class dares scholars to make complete novellas, stories that are around 80 to 120 pages long, within a single semester.
English teacher Oscar King IV, who created and currently teaches the course, saw a need for students to explore longer narratives. “There aren’t as many opportunities to do sustained, long-form work,” he explained. “You don’t get a lot of classes where you’re writing a novel the way we read novels.”
The course is made to help students enhance their creative and technical writing skills, while still offering tools to master long-form writing.
King structured the class so students with a variety of different writing styles can find success in it. “Some people want to outline the whole thing, while others are like, ‘I don’t know what’s happening
in chapter five. I’m only on chapter two,’” he said. “The goal is to give students tools and let them pick what works best.”
The class has been a challenge for junior Kinsey Nam. “I was daunted by the idea of writing a 120-page book at first,” Nam said. “And I knew I probably wasn’t gonna be great at it, but I thought it would be cool to have the experience and have something to show for myself.”
So far, the class has exceeded her expectations. She’s already made a variety of improvements in her novella, and she has drastically improved her writing since her novella journey began.
A major challenge of the novella form is balancing brevity and depth — and being able to identify these qualities in one’s own work. “It’s like cooking,” King said. “How do you know if a soup is good? You taste it. How do you know if something is too long or shallow? You ask your peers.”
For Nam, balance has been a tricky obstacle to overcome. “In regular English classes, we learned to go deep into our writing,” she said. “But in a novella, you can’t focus on all of the small details. You have to move the plot forward.”
To improve her novella, workshopping and peer editing are a consistent help for Nam. “Reading other people’s novellas has really helped me make my own,” Nam said. By the end of the semester, all students will have not just a polished story, but a manifestation of all their hard work: a physical copy of their book.
Nonetheless, King makes sure students know that the overall takeaway for the class isn’t perfection, but growth. “The work of art isn’t the book, […] it’s you,” he said. “Do you have a better grasp of style, plot and character? Have you gained confidence? That’s what matters.”
Students Plan April Fools’ Tips... And Tricks!
by PENNY DIEHL
Whether it’s disguising vegetables as candy, rearranging furniture or changing the times of household clocks, April Fools’ Day has always been a day of tricks, pranks and fun — but it’s a holiday that is not always remembered.
Waking up on April Fools’ Day and realizing that once again, you haven’t planned a prank can be discouraging, and although the strong allure of accepting defeat and waiting for next year might be tempting. In order to leave all the April Fool’s pranksters satisfied, organized and full of mischief, here are some of the funniest pranks suggested by Menlo students.
Spraying Sink:
This April Fools’ prank, suggested by freshman McKinley Harding, involves only a small piece of tape with which you use to partially cover a sink faucet. When the target turns on the faucet, they will be sprayed with water. “When [my parents] turned on the sink, it sprayed all over them,” Harding, who tried the prank last year, said.
Backpack Break-In:
Sabrina Vohra, a senior at Menlo, plans to take advantage of the fact that April 1 happens during her senior trip to Mexico. “I have some pretty exciting pranks, but I can’t give all of them away,” Vohra said. To cause mischief, Vohra wants to put heavy items in her friends’ backpacks before arriving at the airport. Although Vohra is unsure of how to execute it, this back-breaking prank would definitely cause trouble for the seniors on April Fools’ Day.
Prank Calls:
Although it’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, prank calls will always be funny, easy and timeless. On April Fools’ Day, the ability to enter *67 to remove caller ID proves exceptionally useful. Freshman Olivia Cheng prank-called her mom on April Fools’ Day. Cheng acted
Selected Student Profile: Charlie Rekouts
by JULIA LIVINGSTON
The following has been pared and edited for clarity.
Q: How do you get to school in the like, “Aren’t you a boy?”
Q: We hear you have a twin brother. Do you believe twin
mindset. Once I started seeing things more in a positive view, I just stopped letting things get me down and I noticed the impact it had on me.
Q: How do you spend a free Sunday?
A: Probably just hang out with my friends. We would probably bake something, then go downtown and get boba or froyo. But then, if I'm with my family, I'd probably go to Stanford and go on a hike with them and get a smoothie. They’re all kind of food related.
Q: Would you go on a reality TV
A: This isn’t exactly a reality show, but I’d want to go on one of Gordon Ramsay’s cooking shows and help Gordon Ramsay judge.
Q: What’s your dream vacation?
A: I personally want to go backpacking with my friends. I feel like that would be really fun. And honestly, anywhere as long as I’m with
as a salesperson confirming an expensive purchase. Her mom was extremely frantic until Cheng ended the prank by explaining her trick.
Sabotaged Snacks:
Junior Leotei Conway spiced up her April Fools’ Day last year (literally) by putting hot sauce in her dad’s morning coffee. “Most people forget about [April Fools’ Day], so I can prank [them] easier,” Conway said.
Similarly, Vohra has disguised toothpaste in Oreos for the past couple of years. “I love seeing the look on people’s faces after you prank them,” Vohra said. Although it is an annual prank, her friends and family are still shocked when they bite into a minty chocolate cookie.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you are executing an elaborate prank or just having fun, April Fools’ Day will be a day of lighthearted fun and tricks, no matter what. “My favorite part of April Fools’ Day is making people laugh," Cheng said.
my friends, I feel like I would have a good time.
Q: If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
A: I want to be able to blow ring bubbles underwater. I have tried to do that so many times. I can make one, but then it always breaks.
Q: When someone says your name, what do people think of?
A: Maybe as someone who says “hi” to everyone in the halls because I’m really loud about it, but I always try to say hi to everyone I see.
Q: Have you ever had a really bad first impression?
A: Well, I missed my academic advising meeting twice last year. I kept having to set alarms and then I missed it twice.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Bubbly, loud and kind.
Students in the Novella class work on drafting their novels. Staff photo: Shaan Parikh
Staff illustration:
Ella Skinner
Arts & Lifestyle
That’s a Wrap: Eaters-In-Chief Go Burrito Hunting for Their Final Food Review
by GEOFFREY FRANC & SONIA DHOLAKIA
For our last edition as CoA editors-in-chief, we (Sonia and Geoffrey) made the very tasty (but gastrointestinally devastating) decision to find the best burritos near Menlo. We were very methodical, doing our best to order the same burrito at each establishment and weighing taste with value. Below are the five takeout burrito vendors closest to Menlo — reachable in a lunch period. Overall, Guapas missed the mark — and Taco Bell was not even in the running. The other three were more-or-less tied on food satisfaction, but Lulu’s relatively high price meant Chipotle and Chavez got ahead. While we were split on who truly won this competition (Sonia was team Chavez, Geoffrey couldn’t make up his mind), we can wholeheartedly recommend both establishments.
Geoffrey’s order: black beans, red rice, cheese, carne asada, sour cream and guacamole.
Sonia’s order: red rice, cheese, chicken, lettuce, corn salsa and green salsa.
Sonia: When Geoffrey suggested we go inside the Taco Bell instead of the drive through, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I should not have. We had to order on a kiosk iPad, but there were only two and we were behind two very slow moving groups. In Taco Bell’s defense, however, the food did come out relatively fast once we were finally able to place our orders. I ordered the chicken cantina burrito, and while the first bites were appealing (I enjoyed the crunch from the purple cabbage), I started to feel sick. The ingredients were *coated* in a heavy chipotle mayo sauce, which quickly made my stomach start to turn — to the point that I publicly announced on the senior quad, “I’m going to throw up.” Fortunately for everyone, I kept it down.
Geoffrey: This was my first time ever in a Taco Bell, and suffice to say, I was not impressed. I did my best to replicate my burrito from other restaurants in my Taco Bell order, and to their credit, my order came in at under $8. It was, however, woefully small — I would guess about half the size of the other establishments. It also just wasn’t good — edible, yes, better than I expected, yes, but not good, let alone delicious. The closest thing to carne asada Taco Bell offers is ground beef, which just isn’t the same. The burrito was also just mushy and fell apart easily — a combination of a lack of solid ingredients and a generic, thick, store-bought tortilla. Although Sonia was a bit dramatic, it is true that neither of us was “living más.”
Sonia: As someone who was Menlo Park born and raised, Lulu’s on the Alameda is synonymous with my post-AYSO soccer game lunches and takeout cheese quesadillas. I was thrilled to return to my Lulu’s roots with my elementary school BFF, Menlo senior Jaya Vazirani. I ordered the regular burrito with pollo asado, and while I preferred this chicken marinade to the one at Chipotle, Chavez chicken still reigns supreme. As with Guapas, I was disappointed that I did not ask for the salsa, as I feel the burrito would have been drastically improved by a fresh, green dressing. Overall, I would rank this burrito above Chipotle, because it felt more authentic, but below Chavez.
Geoffrey: I am also a Lulu’s on the Alameda regular, and its burritos hit the spot consistently. I got my usual: though the ingredients were not as well-distributed as Chavez, all of it was tasty. Lulu’s guacamole, though, is the best of all of these establishments, and their red rice is delicious, as well. However, though Lulu’s is not as expensive as Guapas, it still lands on the pricier side — $15.25 for my super burrito.
On our trip to Chipotle, we brought along freshman and Staff Writer Deven Dholakia, who has their bowls three to four times a week.
Geoffrey and I also usually opt for bowls instead of burritos from Chipotle, but for the purpose of this mission, we deviated from our typical order. I preferred the Chavez chicken to the Chipotle chicken, but there is no denying that the cilantro-lime white rice from Chipotle is unparalleled. Honestly, I might have to change my Chipotle order — the ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla were better than any bowl I’ve had. As Deven said, “I’m astonished.” This burrito was a little over $11 which, compared to its competitors, was not too hard on the wallet.
Geoffrey: In the past, I’ve been disappointed by the small size of the Chipotle burrito, but they (or at least the one at Stanford Shopping Center) have markedly improved. Chipotle’s burrito wasn’t bigger than the other burritos, but for $11.25, it didn’t need to be. Chipotle also serves standout cilantro lime rice (they did not have red rice, but I honestly didn’t mind). And their tortilla was weirdly tasty and complemented the burrito very well. However, our burritos were wrapped so hastily that they struggled to hold form (unlike a Lulu’s or Chavez burrito) and looked cubic.
Sonia: Chavez is very close to my house, and thus, it’s my go-to takeout for Mexican food. However, I had never visited the establishment in person, so I was excited to finally see it for myself. I was not disappointed. The Redwood City Chavez restaurant is a quaint order bar and seating area within the larger supermarket. I’m not great with large meal portions, so I was delighted to see the “junior burrito” on the menu, a burrito I could completely customize (unlike most children-sized burritos).
Senior and Spread Editor Amelie Giomi, who accompanied us on this excursion, also elected for the junior burrito. I was further delighted when they took out a chicken thigh and diced it in front of me before putting it in my burrito, as fresh as could be. However, I will note that for a “junior burrito,” I paid just over $12. My huge burrito from Chipotle was nearly a dollar less, which was a disappointing price differential. But, I guess that’s what you pay for a non-fast food option.
Geoffrey: While Sonia nibbled at a burrito fit for an American Girl Doll, I was devouring my super burrito. It was neatly-packed, and the ingredients were spread well throughout the burrito (as opposed to being clustered at one end). When going down the burrito bar, I was impressed when the... what do you call someone who makes a burrito?
A burrista???
Sonia: Wait... did we just revolutionize the Mexican food employment industry?
Geoffrey: Anyway, when I asked for carne asada, they took out a whole piece of steak and cut it up in front of me. The act assured me that the ingredients were fresh — consistent with the $14.99 price tag. And while Chipotle is closer to Menlo, Chavez is a quicker drive — perfect for a grab-and-go lunch. That said, the burrito was an eeny weeny bit bland; the rice could have used more flavor.
Sonia: For our final mega-food review, we thought it was only fitting to go back to the place of our very first review: Guapas Mexican Grill, only a six-minute drive from Menlo. Guapas was our first stop on this burrito tour, and for me, it was a learning experience. First lesson: if you see the carnitas looking extra slimy, maybe opt for the chicken instead! Second lesson: ALWAYS get salsa! I made the mistake of getting slimy carnitas and no salsa at Guapas, and it resulted in a less-than-stellar, and quite dry, burrito. While some of my dissatisfaction was certainly on me, it was hard not to be annoyed by the rather-slow service at Guapas (which was also referenced in our first review in the fall of 2023).
Geoffrey: Guapas is certainly good (separating it from Taco Bell). They serve nice portion sizes. But for $17, it’s not worth it. The carne asada is a little too tough, but the rest of the ingredients were good. Not delicious. Just good.
Staff illustrations:
Amber More
Spring Has Sprung: Amber Shares the Best San Francisco Spots to Spend the New Season
by AMBER MORE
While San Francisco may be known for its fog — named Karl by locals — its temperate weather and blooming flowers make it inar me, you might find yourself tempted to drive up north and explore! Of course, with its 36 neighborhoods, SF can be overwhelming to tackle on your own. Lucky for you, however, I practically live there, so in the following article I’ll guide you around my three favorite SF streets.
The Mission is home to Valencia Street, one of the most vibrant streets in the Bay Area. The street is not only colored by its infamous Graffiti Alley and murals but also by its endless shops, galleries and eateries stationed along its length. While merely windowshopping through Valencia can be entertaining on its own, you can also purchase oddities (i.e. crystals, animal bones, calcified insects) from Paxton Gate, doodle at The Drawing Room SF and snack on Venga empanadas or gourmet treats from Foodhall. Don’t miss Bernal Cutlery, a one-stop wonder for culinary enthusiasts, or the Community Thrift Store, a playground for
When you’ve had enough shopping, grab ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery or a coffee from Craftsman and Wolves and soak in sunshine and serotonin at Dolores Park. Then, if you still somehow have time to spare, you can catch a feature film at the Roxie Theater, a non-profit historic cinema that screens movies from their original 35mm film print, before dining at Good Good Culture Club or Souvla.
Balboa Street in the Outer Richmond is, quite plainly, a good time. From breakfast at Devils Teeth Baking Company to lunch at Iggy’s Place to dinner at The Laundromat SF, the street offers a delicious experience regardless of the time of day. After feasting, I like to skip down Balboa street towards the Pacific Ocean and to the nature preserve at Balboa Natural Area for an idyllic, breezy lookout of the beach. Afterwards, you can experience some of the Bay Area’s finest trails by hiking through Sutro Heights Park until you end up by the shore at the Camera Obscura & Holograph Gallery, a whimsical yellow-and-baby-blue structure that is quite literally a giant camera.
The Inner Richmond’s Clement Street is perfect for those with a laid-back attitude. Armed with a signature Dopo Panno Latte from Pixlcat Coffee or a refreshing iced Song Tea from Mamahuhu, you can peruse extensive shelves of preloved literature upstairs at Green Apple Books. Amidst the large selection of dim sum joints on Clement, I’d suggest bringing cash (or you won’t be able to pay) and a big appetite to Good Luck Dim Sum — the must-tries are shrimp and chive dumplings, crystal shrimp dumplings, sesame balls and shu mai. You can enjoy your takeout at Mountain Lake Park for a popular yet-peaceful ambiance, an experience worth the ten-minute walk. Afterwards, work off the rest of your dim sum calories by heading back to Clement and indulging in a cookie from Toy Boat by Jane (a funky, nostalgic dessert spot returning this spring after a “seismic retrofitting”).
If you’ve exhausted this guide, here are some rapid-fire recommendations to appreciate the city elsewhere: meander through charming Chestnut Street in the Marina, Young Museum and flock to Fillmore Street for all the flavor you can fathom. No matter where you end up, San Francisco has tons to discover, and there’s no better time to experience the city than in the springtime.
Too Tired or Too Wired? Here’s How Menlo Students Handle Their Caffeine
by LISA HUHS
For some Menlo students, coffee isn’t just an occasional treat, date idea or boost of energy before a test — it’s a
daily routine. Whether it’s a cup in the morning before school or a midday refreshment from Starbucks, many high schoolers use some form of caffeinated drink to get through their daily classes. But as coffee addictions grow, so do the questions of cost, efficacy and health. As students balance their academic, social and athletic lives, coffee can either
In an email to The Coat of Arms, freshman Addi Bruni said that coffee and other energy drinks are what help her stay energized before her sports practices. As a studentathlete, it’s important for her to have a lot of energy, whether it’s to play her best or avoid injury. Bruni, who plays on the varsity girls soccer team and plays club soccer year-round, said that drinking coffee daily or every other day allows her to stay focused through her rigorous classes and long practices.
“[I either have] one coffee a
day or half an energy drink,” she said.
Although many students enjoy these drinks daily, some are beginning to question both the cost and health impacts of their habits. Junior Ariya Kaushek, a runner on the varsity girls cross country and track and field teams, estimated that her caffeinated drinks cost her over $50 a month.
“There was a point where I was pretty addicted [so much so] that if I wasn’t drinking an energy drink every day, I could definitely feel the difference,” Kaushek said. “I would just feel lethargic and very tired.”
Sophomore Dasha Sokolova said that her monthly caffeine spending is even higher, around $80. Bruni admitted to regularly spending over $100 a month.
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that overconsumption of or even regularly drinking coffee can have adverse side effects. While it does keep you energized, even a little bit of a caffeine-loaded drink can make you jittery, unable to sleep and irritable.
But despite these risks, many Menlo students continue to justify their purchases, citing the energy boost as worth the price – and the health tradeoff.
“Whether I want to admit it or not, I’ve become so used to the feeling of having an energy drink,” Kaushek said. “I convince myself that it is really effective.”
Others raise concerns around the cost and healthiness of consistent caffeine
consumption. Junior Ariya Kaushek, a runner on the varsity girls cross country and track and field teams, estimated that her caffeinated drinks cost her over $50 a month.
Meanwhile, sophomore Dasha Sokolova said that she spends about $80 a month on caffeinated drinks. Bruni reported that she herself regularly spends over $100 per month.
Costs aside, some students like Kaushek still see coffee as a healthy alternative to other caffeinated drinks, namely energy drinks like Red Bull, Celsius and Monster. “There was a point where I was pretty addicted [so much so] that if I wasn’t drinking an energy drink every day, I could definitely feel the difference,” Kaushek said. “I would just feel lethargic and very tired.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that overconsumption of or even regularly drinking coffee can have adverse side effects. While it does keep you energized, even a little bit of a caffeine-loaded drink can make you jittery, unable to sleep and irritable.
It’s a feeling that Menlo students admit to being familiar with all too often. “I know energy drinks are really bad for me, however, despite that, I still seem to invest in buying [them] every week,” she said. “Whether I want to admit it or not, I’ve become so used to the feeling of having an energy drink [...] I convince myself that it is really effective.”
Freshman Ana Yang sips her Starbucks Pink Drink in downtown Menlo Park. Staff photo: Lisa Huhs
Staff illustration: Amber More
March 28, 2025
COMMITTED CORNER COMMITTED CORNER
Joshua Benyo Baker, Grinnell College
by JAMES PARK
As senior Joshua Benyo Baker headed to his first cross country practice, he was not expecting much out of the sport. Before Menlo, he had never run competitively, as prior years had been filled with lacrosse. To him, the only reason he showed up was because his mom insisted he attend. However, Benyo Baker soon became more invested in cross country, eventually dedicating himself to the sport. This past fall, Benyo Baker committed to Grinnell College, where he will continue his career at the Division III level.
Initially, he disliked running, believing he would ultimately focus on lacrosse. However, as the season progressed, he kept at it, ultimately running track in the spring. “Over the past four years, I slowly became more interested, and it has been a progression where I realized I had a chance to run at the higher level,” Benyo Baker said.
As a member of one of the top cross country programs in the country (the Knights won the CIF State Division V Championship and finished 15th at Nike Cross Nationals), Benyo Baker has trained alongside elite talent in high school and been an integral part of the team’s fabric, something that interim track head coach Keith Larsen appreciates. “He is always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team,” Larsen said. “As one of our captains, he leads by example both on and off the track.”
As his passion for running grew, so did his aspirations for the sport. During the recruiting process, Benyo Baker considered schools such as Swarthmore College, Claremont McKenna College and Haverford College. However, although Grinnell was the first place he visited, he was confident that it was the right fit. “I met with the coach and the
courtesy of Steve Pretre team,” Benyo Baker said. “It felt like a great place to grow, and everyone was committed to the program.”
Beyond the competitive aspect, Benyo Baker was drawn to Grinnell’s strong sense of community within the team. “The team felt a lot like a family,” he said. “It was clear that everyone was dedicated to both the sport and each other.”
Committing to Grinnell marks an exciting new chapter for Benyo Baker, who looks forward to continuing his development as a runner in a supportive environment. “I’m excited to be surrounded by teammates who push each other every day,” he said.
As he prepares for his next four years at Grinnell, Benyo Baker reflects on how far he has come, from a reluctant freshman runner to a dedicated collegiate athlete. “I never expected cross country to become such a big part of my life,” he said. “But now, I can’t imagine my future without it.”
Ella Litsur, The University of Chicago
by TRISTAN CHEN
When senior Ella Litsur saw many of her teammates at Stanford Diving Club committing to top colleges like Columbia and Yale during her sophomore year, she felt an unspoken expectation to follow the same path. From that day on, Litsur set her mind to one goal: diving in college. When it became time for Litsur to choose a school, she wanted a college that offered both a top-tier diving program and rigorous academics. The University of Chicago, a Division III powerhouse known for its academic excellence, reached out to her in October 2024. After taking some time to consider her options, Litsur decided the school was a perfect fit for her. “UChicago ended up being at the top of my list because it’s in a city with a lot to do. It’s also a well-recognized DIII program with strong biology programs,” Litsur, a prospective biology major, said.
Litsur’s love for diving, sparked by a distant connection, began at the age of 10. The daughter of her mother’s coworker, who now dives at Harvard, introduced her to the sport. At the time, Litsur was already doing flips as a gymnast, so her mother encouraged her to try diving. What hooked her was the thrill of soaring through the air at high heights and the pride after executing a move perfectly. “I really like the feeling of moving through the air really fast at high heights because it’s just very fun,” Litsur said.
Due to Menlo’s lack of a diving team, Listur trains solely with her club at Stanford, an experience she has enjoyed. “[My coach] has just a very positive outlook on life and definitely helped me think about the sport as very mechanical, to avoid things like mental blocks and more,” Litsur said.
For Litsur, diving is as much a mental sport as a physical one. Mental blocks are always the hardest part for her because
B en Salama , Brandeis University
by SPENCER TOLAND
As senior Ben Salama headed out to Cartan Field for a seemingly normal day of football practice, only one thing was on his mind: Brandeis University. Salama was expecting to hear from the Judges’ baseball coach around the time his practice started. “I don’t recommend this to current players, but I was checking my phone during practice,” Salama said. Soon, after spending the whole practice acting as if nothing was
happening, Salama received a message from the Brandeis coach letting him know that the spot on the Division III baseball team was his if he wanted it. “It was just so much joy,” Salama said.
“It’s a stepping stone in my journey,” Salama said, referring to his commitment to Brandeis. He believes that his biggest challenge has yet to begin. “I was like, okay, now the work really starts. Let me work so I can make an impact on the team
[from] day one,” Salama said. His coaches and teammates both attest to the same thing: Salama is the ultimate competitor. “I think what makes Ben very good is that he’s very competitive, no matter what,” junior Jack Freehill, Salama’s teammate in football and baseball, said.
Menlo baseball head coach David Trujillo had a similar opinion. When asked what makes Salama stand out, Trujillo said, “He’s a leader, competitor, hard worker [and] he loves pitching.”
As a pitcher on the baseball diamond or quarterback on the football field, Salama will do anything to help the team win. “One of the things I’ve learned from [Salama] is putting the team before yourself,” Freehill said. “We all want our stats to be the best […] but at the end of the day, the most important thing is just doing what’s best for the team.”
During Salama’s junior season, he began to realize he could have a future in baseball at the next level. “I always had a passion for baseball, [but junior year was] when I started pressing the gas and seeing how I can get recruited,” Salama said.
she knows she is physically capable of executing a dive, but something in her mind just stops her from achieving that. “The whole sport is just about overcoming one challenge after the next and building up on skills that you already have,” Litsur said.
Repetition and resilience are Litsur’s two most important diving philosophies. This hard-working mentality and grit have carried her through years of early morning practices in the pool, getting back up after failing and shining bright under the lights during her meets. “Ella’s dedication is top tier; she rarely misses a practice unless due to sickness or an overloaded amount of homework,” her Stanford coach Ryan Wallace said. “But even then, she will try to come.”
Even though she’s committed to a competitive college career at UChicago, Litsur doesn’t see diving in her professional future. “I will definitely still continue to dive after college, just in a leisurely way, like joining a master’s program where adults can just dive for fun,” Litsur said.
Although he struggled his sophomore year with the intense competition on the varsity baseball team, Salama’s recruiting process went smoothly. “He’s a tall righthander, throws hard, [and has] really good command,” Trujillo said, describing Salama as a player. “[He has] control of his off-speed and fastball, which is unique.”
This mold drew attention from colleges. “I picked up a handful of offers this past summer,” Salama said. He received offers to play DIII baseball at Bates College, Franklin & Marshall College, Kenyon College, Macalester College, Case Western Reserve University and Skidmore College. With Brandeis, Salama was drawn to the city of Boston, its academic focus and its strong competition in the University Athletic Association.
Salama is also excited about the work and competition at the next level. “Let me push myself; let’s see how good a baseball player I can be. So I’m not going to try to put a cap on what I can become. That’s what I’m really excited about [with Brandeis],” he said.
Staff photo: Devon Schaefer
Staff photo: Devon Schaefer
Photo
SPRING SPORTS IN FULL BLOOM
by DEVON SCHAEFER
The Menlo boys lacrosse team has gotten off to a rocky start with a 1-5 record. However, junior attacker Caden Chock, who is second for the team with 11 goals behind senior attacker James Wernikoff who has 12, believes the team has been doing pretty well considering they have a lean roster forced to be leaner due to injuries.
“It’s always a bit hard to get a lot of kids into lacrosse, especially at a small school like Menlo, though, this year has been especially great because there’s been a lot of kids who decided to join, but again, they’re still fairly new,” Chock said. “There is nothing wrong with it but it just means that when it comes to certain harder opponents, as we get later in the game, people start getting tired and mechanics start falling apart.” However, Chock believes that as the new players start to get more experience, the problem will fade away.
Despite the losing record, Chock is happy with how the team approaches games. “You can see on the sideline, everyone’s always getting hyped for each other. No one’s really putting each other down. There’s a lot of positive
by DEVON SCHAEFER
The Menlo boys tennis team has gotten off to a hot start with a 13-1 record. After two tournament wins — one being the Bill Shine Tennis Challenge and the other the Bay Area Classic — the team played a few matches before heading south to play in the All-American Invitational Boys High School Tennis Tournament in San Diego. The team reached the semifinal match but fell
BOYS T ENNIS
by NOAH LEVIN
The Menlo baseball team ended their 2024 season with a CCS Division VI title and a 3-2 loss in the NorCal Division V championship against Woodland Christian School. Last year, the team finished with a 23-10 record while placing second in the West Bay Athletic League.
The team graduated eight seniors, including ace Ryan Schnell (‘24), who led the team with a 2.16 ERA. With only eleven players returning, the Knights are an underclass-heavy team.
Sitting at a 3-7 record as of March 26, the Knights look to rebound after losses against top teams in the area
energy all over the field. I think that’s one of our biggest strengths, just the energy we bring to every game.”
The team is looking forward to their trip to San Diego during the first three days of spring break where they will play Patrick Henry High School on March 29 and Scripps Ranch High School on March 31. “Last year we did a similar trip except it was to Washington and that was a lot of fun,” Chock said.
BOYS L A CROSSE
to 2024 California state champions University High School. They won the consolation match to place third in the tournament. “Placing third was not as we wanted but we played pretty well. The team that beat us just played better than us that day,” senior captain Lucas Ying said.
The Knights have resumed league play nicely with wins against The King’s Academy and Sacred Heart Prep.
However, the team is looking to CCS playoffs. Last season, No. 1 seed Menlo lost to No. 5 seed Saratoga High School in the CCS semifinals, halting their hopes of participating in the first California Boys Tennis State Championship. “I think last year we took it for granted that other teams can come out and have a good day and that we can come out and have a bad day,” Ying said.
Ying applauds new head coach Francis Sargeant’s attitude toward the season, in addition to how practices are more structured. “He knows that all of us want to win really bad so he’s just trying to help guide us in the right direction, so we can do what we want to do.”
by AARON WIDJAJA
The Menlo girls lacrosse team began the 2025 season with a 0-6 record, but recovered to 2-6. “Although we’ve lost all our games so far, our team morale has been getting better and better,” junior captain and attacker Elia Choe, who leads the team with 24 goals, said prior to their wins against Menlo-Atherton High School and Archibishop Mitty High School.
One reason for the team’s slow start was that they were missing players competing in winter sports playoffs, including midfield starters junior Maren Mulloy and senior Ellie Knoll.
Even with the consecutive defeats, Choe believes the team has relied on fostering a good team culture and continuing to boost each other for support, which she believes will continue to improve throughout the season. “Our team really gives a lot of emphasis on having healthy connections and friendships and seniors treat freshmen with the same respect and vice versa,” Choe said.
An upcoming opportunity for the team to build stronger connections on and off the field is their trip to San Diego over
BOY S GOLF
by RAFE WEIDEN
After a 2-3 start, the boys golf team rebounded, winning back-to-back matches to improve to a solid 4-3 record. This success comes despite the departure of 2024 WBAL Player of the Year Eric Yun (‘24). The team has relied on younger players to fill the gaps of seniors who graduated. “A lot of players this year have stepped up and made up for the loss as a collective,” senior and team captain
GIRLS LA CROSSE
spring break. The Knights play Carlsbad High School on March 29 and Cathedral Catholic High School on March 31. Overall, throughout the season, Choe hopes for improved communication on the field, which she believes is essential for building trust, executing plays effectively and maintaining a strong team dynamic. “I also think getting back and solidifying fundamental skills and working our way up from there [will help us],” Choe said.
The Knights will play the second half of their WBAL Foothill Division double round robin play after spring break.
including Junipero Serra, Los Gatos and Menlo-Atherton High Schools.
Sophomore Matthew Majalya believes the losses will make the team more resilient and prepared for the rest of the season.
“Laying that groundwork of being in competitive games and playing good teams gives us a lot of confidence for our league play. We know we can hang with great teams even though our record may not reflect that,” Majalya said.
Junior Jackson Flanagan and freshman Fletcher Cahill have led the way offensively, with a 0.444 and 0.333 batting average, respectively. Flanagan
leads the team in earned run average as well with a 2.69 ERA through six appearances. Junior Jack Freehill has also tallied a team-high seven steals. Majalya is excited about the rest of the season, hoping to get another CCS title. “We want to win CCS but also focus on winning the right way. Playing good team baseball, being the best teammates we can be to each other, being the best students off the field and ultimately winning, with a brand of baseball that we can be proud of,” he said.
Benjamin Park said. Park also praises the team’s depth as a cause for their promising start. “Our team’s looking very strong top to bottom especially because we have a lot of depth this year,” he said.
It isn’t just Park who values the team’s deep roster. Sophomore Parker Richardson echoed his message. “With all the guys we have, there’s a lot of hope for not only this season, but for the future,” Richardson said.
The team participated in their annual retreat to Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos on March 9 and 10 where they played scramble rounds, aimed at bolstering team camaraderie. With team chemistry growing, they have their sights on averaging a team score of under 200. “If we could do that, it’d be brilliant,” Park said.
The team will look to continue their hot streak as the season progresses, leaning into their depth and determination. They have two more league matches, one against Sacred Heart Prep and the other against The King’s Academy until WBAL Championships.
Staff photo: Devon Schaefer
Team Record Wins Losses
Staff photo: Asher Darling
Staff photo: Devon Schaefer
Team Record Wins Losses
Team Record Wins Losses 4 3
Photo courtesy of Dai Yamada
Staff photo: Devon Schaefer
TRACK & FIELD
by BIANCA PUTANEC
Menlo’s track and field team is sprinting into the 2025 season with new leadership and a smaller roster size. At the Saint Francis Invitational on March 15, the team demonstrated their strength, securing two top-five finishes and four more top-ten finishes.
Senior Raul Sandoval placed fourth in the 400-meter final race at the Saint Francis Invitational. He states a factor in his success derives from the emphasis on technical training, imposed by new sprinting coach, Khoi Tran. “He’s been amazing. He thinks about track with a mathematical mindset,”
Sandoval said. “We do resistance band training and a lot of mobility training like hip and ankle flexibility.”
Along with Sandoval’s performance, fellow senior Landon Pretre won his 3000-meter race with a time of 8:42.44. In the girls mile, senior Veronica Taira took third in 5:01.39 and sophomore Henry Hauser placed fifth in the boys mile with a time of 4:23.79.
On March 22, Menlo’s sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers participated in the Firebird Relays. Freshman Tres Onyejekwe dominated his frosh-soph 65-meter and 300-meter hurdles races,
running 4.27 seconds ahead of all other competition with a time of 40.85 seconds for his 300-meter race. His time set a meet record for the frosh-soph 300meter event.
Off the track, junior Braden Rock led Menlo in the boys varsity high jump, beating his personal record with a height of 5’8’’ and placing 7th overall. Senior Sofia Faris finished 6th in both the girls varsity long and triple jump with lengths of 15’5.25’’ and 31’9.25’’, respectively.
The team will resume with league meets after spring break at The King’s Academy for WBAL 2B.
by ZOE HAYES
With one meet down in which sophomore Kai Chung broke a Menlo record in the 200 yard IM, the Menlo swim team is heading into the season with high energy. Led by head coach Simon Cassidy and new assistant coach Nick Bott, the Knights will focus on individual growth and team success as they prepare for league championships and CCS qualifications.
“People are feeling a lot more competitive, practices are more fun and there’s bigger attendance,” sophomore Sophia Maldonado said. The team also
has a lot of water polo players who know each other from the fall season.
Similarly, Cassidy and Bott have seen more commitment. “The kids this year are a little bit more committed than they have been in previous years,” Cassidy said Along with Chung’ record-breaking performance, senior Eden Chuang collected three wins at WBAL 2a.
Alongside her sister sophomore Zoe Chuang, fellow senior Sofia Flierl and freshman Leila Kao, the Menlo team won the 200 yard freestyle relay. Additionally, Chuang won the 100 yard breaststroke
and 200 yard IM races. To top off Menlo’s first place finishes, Flierl won the 100 yard freestyle race by over two seconds.
With four meets until the WBAL championship, every meet counts for the team. Bott highlighted the importance of making each competition an opportunity for growth. “Every meet we go to, we are getting better, we’re getting faster, we’re improving technique, we’re tightening up the details that matter,” Bott said.
SWIM MING
Lunchtime Basketball Leagues Return for a 2025 Season
by NOAH LEVIN
The Sophomore Basketball League (SBL) and Senior Basketball Association (SBA) lunchtime basketball leagues are back for another exciting year, offering students the opportunity to continue their love for basketball on the court during lunch breaks.
Commissioner and senior Ben Salama created SBA in his freshman year. Entering his sophomore year, Salama decided to reimagine the league’s capability. “When we were freshmen, it was super disorganized. During sophomore year, we recorded every game — that way we could track the statistics better. We posted games, highlights [and] statistics on Instagram so that the league felt more real,” Salama said.
Junior Jackson Flanagan, who is league commissioner for the junior league — still termed the Sophomore Basketball League in reference to its sophomoreyear origins — developed the idea for SBL from the current senior class. “I saw the now senior class run a league in my freshman year and I thought that could be super fun,” Flanagan said. “My dad also told me about something he did in high school, which was very similar. They did a nighttime basketball league which honestly sounds almost better than we have.”
Unfortunately, Salama was forced to cancel the SBA last school year due to a lack of commitment. “What ended up happening is that junior year is very stressful, kids are trying to figure out what they want and they’re pushing themselves academically,” Salama said. “It became too difficult to get people to play games.”
However, this year, Salama was able to get enough participation to restart the league. Before the season started, Flanagan was tasked with choosing 12 team captains and Salama eight. Flanagan and Salama choose the captains based on
whoever had played well the previous year and members of the boys basketball team. Then the league draft begins, with each team getting two picks. “I try to put all the varsity basketball player captains at a later pick in the draft to try and level the teams a little bit. Some of the less experienced captains will get the higher overall picks,” Flanagan said.
To manage the high demand, both
We try to be as inclusive as possible, having reserves as well, so in total that’s around 50 people. “
Junior Ethan Zhao
Flanagan and Salama implemented a reserve player system this year — each team of three drafts an additional fourth player, who is ready to play if needed. SBL and SBA have one game a day during lunch, with each team playing four games a season. Each game is a three-onthree to 17 points. “Every lunch is one matchup, and it’s basically all the guys in junior grade. We try to be as inclusive as possible, having reserves as well, so in total that’s around 50 people,” junior Ethan Zhao, a member of the varsity boys basketball team and SBL referee, said.
Along with reserves, the buy-in for the junior league was increased to ten
dollars, further increasing the incentive to win. Salama doesn’t believe in a buyin system for the senior league, trying not to interfere with the experience of competing on a team with friends.
Zhao, who also takes statistics for each player and team, explained the regular season format, with each team’s season consisting of four games that control playoff seeding. Two games are for divisional matchups while the other two are non-division. “Then we use those games to determine our seeding. This year, we’re still doing that, where no one gets eliminated. But we also might consider a play-in tournament like the NBA to add some competitiveness,” Zhao said.
Flanagan created the playoff format based on the added college football playoffs, with 12 teams and the top four receiving a first-round bye. “This year, we have four division winners who receive a bye. The rest of the seeding is determined based on record,” Flanagan said.
The SBA’s playoff format consists of six teams, competing for a chance at the
league title. The top two seeds from the regular season receive a first round bye, while the bottom two teams are eliminated.
Looking ahead to next year, Zhao sees potential for new innovations that SBL could implement. “I think the playin would be a good addition because last year it didn’t matter how badly you played in the regular season. Your team would still have the same opportunity as every other team. Another way to motivate teams is by eliminating the worst two teams, which would be a bigger incentive for teams to try harder in the regular season,” Zhao said.
Salama encouraged other grades to follow suit, creating their own leagues. “I’m super jazzed about younger grades starting their own leagues. I go into the gym and I don’t feel like I’m necessarily the founder. There were kids even before me who did it, but I’m glad that we can continue the tradition, and hopefully, it facilitates connections between kids who might not talk with each other at other times,” Salama said.
Junior Evan Arcilla shoots a three-pointer during an SBL game on Wednesday, March 19. Staff photo: Noah Levin
Staff photo: Devon Schaefer
Photo courtesy of Pam McKenney
Staff illustrations: Amber More
Discipline, Drive, Defense: Students Master Martial Arts
by ALYSSA McADAMS
Sports push us to our limits — physically, mentally and emotionally. At Menlo, we see it on the fields and courts, in the sweat and drive of our dedicated student-athletes. But for some Menlo students, athletic dedication takes a different shape: one not found on campus teams. Instead, they channel their energy into martial arts, training in disciplines ranging from jiu-jitsu to mirae kuk sool won.
Senior Sienna Swanson was in kindergarten when she first discovered taekwondo after attending a classmate’s birthday party at a Mountain View studio. “I immediately said to my mom, ‘Sign me up,” Swanson said.
Though it started as a fun activity, it quickly became a passion, leading her to achieve her firstdegree black belt in fifth grade and her third-degree black belt in eighth. Swanson also competed in poomsae, a non-contact discipline involving accentuated synchronized movements — almost like a dance.
Swanson immersed herself in the traditional belt progression from white to black, and her commitment and time spent training continually increased as she grew older. She appreciates that you can begin training in taekwondo at any age; she trained at the same level as people of all ages, even including a Menlo classmate’s father. “I had my friends there who were from all kinds of different schools,” Swanson said. “Most people were, like, around my age, high school [or] middle school [aged], but you did have adults doing it.”
from the sport during high school, Swanson toys with the idea of returning to her studio.
For now, however, her black belt
sits framed on her bedroom wall, and she looks back on her time spent training fondly. “I think the most fun part was just learning a new skill and doing it with friends, and the exercise part is fun,” Swanson said. But most of all, she enjoyed the way that taekwondo challenged her not only physically but also mentally.
“One of the things it does is teach you that you have to have confidence in yourself.”
Goel, too, dedicated herself to the sport of taekwondo for nearly 10 years. “My dad had done taekwondo when
he was a kid, so he kind of wanted me and my sister to try it,” Goel said. While her sister quit after a few years, Goel’s love for the practice drove her to continue training and eventually earn her black belt in 2022.
The process of achieving a black belt was a bit more complex at her studio, however. Because she started so young, at age five, she began in “kinder dojo,” where she had to earn her junior black belt before progressing to the advanced level and starting all over again at a white belt level.
Once there, she and her studio’s other black belt trainees underwent training that included conditioning on the weekends. “For the first three months of training, we would do two hours on Saturdays at a track, and it would just be pure conditioning,” Goel recalled. For the second three months, her team would do beach runs in Half Moon Bay. She was also suffering from a hip flexor injury at that time, which was an added challenge during her training. “[While] running three miles on sand, like, I’d be crying because it just hurt so bad,” Goel said.
Though it was a strenuous journey to her black belt, Goel remains grateful for the skills she learned from taekwondo. “As a girl it makes me just feel safer [...] knowing that if something bad happens, I can defend myself,” she said. “It just makes me feel powerful.”
Jiu-jitsu is the form of martial arts that caught the attention of senior Lucas Capasso when he was a child
— although he didn’t necessarily enjoy it until he got older. “I didn’t like it [at first],” Capasso said. “When I got to high school, I thought, ‘Damn, this is super cool.
a significant role in his return to the sport as a sophomore, as jiu-
Throughout his sophomore and junior years, Capasso trained individually sparring and using the help of trainers. He began to invite his friends, finding joy in jiu-jitsu’s ability to foster camaraderie between them. He also believes that many techniques provide helpful crosstraining for water polo, his main sport. “A lot of the movements are the same [...] and those similarities encouraged me to go back [to jiujitsu],” Capasso said. “Now, I just try to learn all the movements I can.”
Capasso had to take a break from sparring due to getting braces, which are dangerous to spar with, but he still trains his movements almost every day. He aims to eventually black belt and continue the sport through college. “Yeah, once these [braces] are gone, I’m just gonna go right back,”
Another Menlo student, freshman Becca Clack,
found her passion in the lesserknown martial art of mirae kuk sool won. Starting at the age of seven, Clack was drawn to this discipline due to its uniqueness and the tightknit community it offered. “I liked how it was kind of uncommon,” she said. “I built a community over [at my studio] that I don’t have anywhere else, and I now know people from all over, which is cool.”
Like Swanson and Goel, Clack started training simply for enjoyment and yet quickly worked her way toward her black belt in her discipline. She also has participated in local and even international tournaments, competing in forums and techniques — which involves a partner but is non-contact — and staff — which involves spinning and controlling a long stick. “It’s kind of like if you consider a gymnastics competition,” she said. “You perform in different events; they judge you.”
This past summer, Clack earned her black belt — a feat that is at minimum a two-year process, with three-hour-long, physically demanding tests every three months. “It’s something I’ve been working on for a while — I started when I was 12,” Clack said. “So yes, I’m super happy.”
Clack took a break from training upon joining Menlo’s Upper School to prioritize trying new sports at Menlo, but she still treasures the friendships she built at her studio.
“I’ve made some of my best friends from there,” she said. “I’ve built this unique connection with people I might never have met otherwise.”
Staff illustration: Amber More