The Epitaph Volume 62, Issue 5, 2024-25

Community responds to Trump’s immigration policies

(right) said she organized a walkout on Feb. 18 in conjunction with FHS to protest Trump’s immigration policies.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants in schools, according to CalMatters. In response to the order, FUHSD administration created new policies to protect students from ICE actions, principal Denae Nurnberg said.

The order has heightened fears of deportation within the the immigrant community, senior Angelina Solorio Barragan said. Until recently, Solorio was one of the million students in California who have at least one undocumented parent, according to the California Department of Education.

“My dad immigrated from Mexico. He got his papers before all this happened, but it was a scary moment for me,” Solorio said. “My childhood friend’s family [is undocumented], and they’ve taken care of me since I was two years old. I worry about them a lot because ICE was across the street from where they lived.”

School and district administration have taken steps to protect students from potential ICE raids, superintendent Graham Clark said.

Specifically, teachers and staff were instructed to refuse ICE or law enforcement requests to enter campus, Clark said. If approached, staff should notify the school principal or administration team, who would then notify Clark or a cabinet member before any further action is taken, Clark said.

Furthermore, FERPA and Administrative Regulation 5145.13 bans staff from giving information that can identify a specific student to law enforcement without parental permission unless they have a court order or subpoena, Clark said. It is also against FUHSD board policy for officers to enter schools without permission unless there is an exigent circumstance, which is highly unlikely, Nurnberg said.

“I want and believe that schools should be a safe place to learn, and students should feel comfortable coming to school without fear of having their immigration

status affect their safety and status,” Nurnberg said.

To help undocumented families navigate interactions with law enforcement, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has created a comprehensive website at sccoe.org, which includes resources for preparation and response to ICE actions. The Governor’s Office has also made a website at ca.gov that contains resources on rights, legal resources and hotlines, Clark said in an email.

Despite such resources, people are often unaware of their legal rights, which is a major problem, Solorio said.

To raise awareness of and protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, Solorio said she organized a walkout on Feb. 18. The parade marched from the McDonalds on Homestead and Stelling Roads to Sunnyvale City Hall, and was inspired by similar protests in San Jose schools that occurred in January, Solorio said.

“I’m from San Jose, and seeing my community [protest] made me want to do something because I know if I was in San Jose, I would want the same thing,” Solorio said. “[The protest] was a message to say, ‘We’re all a community, and you guys aren’t going to stop us.’”

To further educate people about their rights, Solorio said she is working with school and district administration to organize a district-wide immigrant rights panel, which will be held in March. These rights, which include the right to refuse entry to law enforcement without a search warrant, the right to refuse to speak with an officer and the right to a lawyer, apply to everyone, regardless of documentation status, Solorio said.

Solorio said it is essential for administration to continue honoring their commitment to student safety.

“Protect students, let them know they have rights and that [the administration] is going to help,” Solorio said. “School should not be an unsafe place for any student, and especially now that people are on edge, [administrators] should make sure no one will come and take their family away.”

Remembering Caden Hartdegen

— Superintendent Graham Clark

Amid ongoing concerns, Clark said he does not believe ICE poses an imminent threat to students.

“Schools have never been a place that ICE comes to, and I don’t think that’s going to change,” Clark said. “I don’t think they have the capacity to do low-level enforcement because there’s not many of them. As school employees, we’re also committed to supporting students, so we’re not going to help [ICE] in any way. The only way we would do that is if we were forced to in an unlikely circumstance.”

Nevertheless, Clark said FUHSD will ensure students feel safe on campus.

“It is imperative we reassure our students and families that our schools are safe and welcoming places, where we are focused on providing education and support to every student, regardless of their immigration status,” Clark said in the email. “Our priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of every child that walks through our doors.”

The first intra-district social for FUHSD’s Class of 2027 will take place March 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sharks Ice San Jose, leadership teacher Hector Almendarez said. The social will act as a unique opportunity for schools across the district to socialize with one another, Almendarez added.

“This [event] is an attempt to add another event in which all the schools in the district can come together and participate in a fun social event,” Almendarez said. “It was a bit of a struggle to get approved because it does require adult supervision being there for the entire duration.”

Solorio

Photo by Aviv Matas

Homestead High School 21370 Homestead Rd, Cupertino, CA

Maya Dutt and Aviv Matas

Photo by Aviv Matas

Photos courtesy of Tiffany Hartdegen

Remembering Caden Hartdegen

Community reflects on life of senior

Parth Dhaulakhandi, Evelyn Wang and Veronica Zhao

Senior Caden Hartdegen passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan. 25. Caden was loved by his friends, family, classmates and teachers and will be greatly missed by the community.

Principal Denae Nurnberg sent an email to staff and parents informing them of Caden’s death and imparting this information to students through in-class announcements.

In light of this tragedy, Caden left a lasting and powerful impact on everyone he knew, his mother, Tiffany Hartdegen, said.

Hartdegen said her son was born in Plano, Texas, on March 28, 2007. Caden attended Dallas International School, where he learned to speak French, Spanish and English, Hartdegen said.

“Caden fell in love with the Japanese language in first grade when he heard it and began a lifelong journey of teaching himself this language and others,” Hartdegen said. “Caden loved learning, discussing the politics of various countries and he enjoyed travel. At the time of his passing, he was self-teaching Vietnamese.”

Caden moved to California at the beginning of fifth grade, and he attended West Valley elementary school, CMS and finally HHS, Hartdegen said.

Senior Oded Bronicki said his friendship with Caden first started in seventh grade in their shared algebra class. Bronicki said this friendship continued through virtual school during the pandemic and into high school.

“He was my best friend for all of high school,” Bronicki said.

“When I got spinal cancer in eighth grade, he was the one who was there for me all the time, always talking to me. There wasn’t a day in the last four years that I didn’t spend time talking to him.”

Caden had a passion for learn-

ing languages, with his linguistic scope influencing his other hobbies, such as the types of music he listened to, Bronicki said.

“He went through so many different genres of music, and I’d always be surprised every time he’d show me what he was listening to because it was always something completely different and completely new,” Bronicki said. “We used to go through and translate songs through Google Translate when we were bored during tutorial.”

Jessica Wakefield, Caden’s AP environmental science teacher, said she developed a strong connection with him due to his unique personality and ability to contribute to class discussions.

“I bonded with Caden pretty easily because he’s really personable, really chatty and knows a lot of random facts,” Wakefield said. “He always had a related story or fact, so it was just really easy to [connect] with him.”

Caden’s presence not only brightened the classroom, but he also had a direct impact on his peers, Wakefield said.

“He just brought good, positive energy and good, positive vibes to the classroom,” Wakefield said. “He added a lightness to his [lab] group. When he was working with his group, they were always smiling, they were always laughing [and] seemed happy.”

Although Wakefield said it is still difficult to comprehend his death, she hopes everyone can remember the positive qualities that Caden possessed.

“I appreciated that he was never afraid to share what was on his mind, which usually came out as a funny comment,” Wakefield said. “I hope that people remember how kind he was and how

Career fair planning commences

College and career adviser plans event with community

Amanda Boles and Catherine Yang

In preparation for the annual career fair on March 14, college and career center adviser Shay Bellamy said she has been working with the PTSA and teachers.

The event will offer students the opportunity to explore different career fields through various presentations across campus, Bellamy said.

“A lot of students need to make that connection with people in order to [explore careers],” Bellamy said. “The career fair offers students so many ways to start.”

The career fair will be integrated into students’ schedules, Bellamy said. Students will attend three 25-minute sessions from 9:55 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., where volunteers will give presentations on their career experiences, Bellamy added.

“Putting [the career fair] into class time makes it required,” Bellamy said. “It makes it so that students are available to attend, versus after school or during lunchtime.”

This year, Bellamy said she has been trying to get more speakers from vocational jobs to support a more diverse array of student interests.

“Although we love people who have gone to college, there are alternative ways,” Bellamy said. “I think we have a lot of students that want to know about those ways as well.”

“[Trade workers] need to actually be at their businesses or they don’t just have the time and bandwidth to go ahead and [leave],” Bellamy said. “We’ve gotten some more this year, and I hope that continues to kind of grow and flourish, to encourage our kids.”

To help find speakers from diverse careers, PTSA president Manuela Silveira said PTSA reached out to various parent forums and groups.

“It’s important for the success of the event to get as diverse a crowd as possible,” Silveira said. “Bellamy is working really hard to get a wide range of different people to come speak. We’re helping out in that regard by trying to find speakers.”

Additionally, teachers also play a key role in spreading awareness about the career fair, Bellamy said.

funny he was. He was always willing to help a friend. He always had a joke, a silly accent or something fun to add that made situations lighter.”

Reflecting on Caden’s character, Hartdegen said Caden always recognized the challenges people faced and wanted to change the world — a path he hoped to continue along through college.

“Caden was the greatest roommate, the greatest child [and] the most wonderful companion,” Hartdegen said. “He loved his friends and his community, and he was looking forward to sharing so many more adventures as he embarked on his next journey in university.”

Grief support resources

If you are experiencing grief or any negative feelings, feel free to utilize the following resources from our school and community.

School-based resources

School based therapists

Sarah Loyd: (408) 522-2533

Shabbie Afshar: (408) 522-2565

Dawn Predium: (408) 522-2558

School psychologists

Emily Bersaglia: (408) 522-2549

Abraham Munoz: (408) 522-2564

School counselors

Marisa Amezquita: (408) 522-2550

Raquel DeJesus: (408) 522-2517

Wilma Wu: (408) 522-2544

Derek Chan: (408) 522-2520

Maricarmen Alanis: (408) 522-2516

College and career adviser

Shay Bellamy: (408) 522-2521

Community resources

Kara - Grief Support

Call or text (408)-850-6145

Center for Living with Dying

Call or text (650)-321-5272

For instance, science teacher Natalie Della Santina said she has invited speakers to participate in past career fairs and plans to do the same this year.

“I asked my dentist since he was a student at HHS,” Della Santina said. “If [speakers] are people who already went to HHS and are alumni, I think that’s the coolest.”

Della Santina said she hopes the science field will be well represented, so she recruited the clubs she advises to find speakers, as well.

For students who attend each session, listening to speakers share their experiences will offer valuable insight, Bellamy said. She hopes the event will expose students to different perspectives and help them discover new career options, Bellamy said.

Infographic by Parth Dhaulakhandi, Evelyn Wang and Veronica Zhao

However, it can be difficult to find people with specializations because many of them are business owners who are not available, Bellamy said. News

“The teachers are avenues out to the community, as well. They have friends that are in different industries and different connections that we may not have,” Bellamy said. “The teachers and our supporting staff are essential for [the career fair].”

“I know a lot of students who are like, ‘I don’t know what I want to do,’ or ‘I think I want to do this,’” Bellamy said. “To meet somebody who’s in the field and listen to either how they did it, how they struggled or what were some of the things they did to get them to their next level is important.”

in a minute

Kevin Miao

Local: California launches program to increase government transparency

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the release of “Engaged California,” a program designed to increase government transparency, on Feb. 23, according to NBC News. The program will operate through a website that allows citizens to share their opinions and learn about key topics, the first of which is reconstruction after the Los Angeles firestorms, according to NBC News.

Californians can sign up at engaged.ca.gov, and when the program opens, citizens can anonymously discuss topics and be kept informed of actions on such issues, according to the California government website. Information shared on the site will be directly transmitted to government officials to shape policies, according to CA.gov.

National: Office of Personnel Management email sparks confusion and causes rift

The Office of Personnel Man agement sent a mass email to all government employees on Feb. 22, re quiring them to submit a list of five accom plishments from the past week within 48 hours, according to CBS News. Head of the Department of Government Ef ficiency Elon Musk threatened job termi nation on social me dia upon failure to comply, according to BBC.

President Donald Trump voiced his support for the email on social media on Feb. 22, according to CNN. However, the department heads of the Pentagon, Federal Bureau of Investigation, State Department, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy ordered their workers to not respond to the email on Feb. 23. Despite this, over one million government workers responded to the email by Feb. 24, according to the Guardian.

The disagreement marked the first conflict between the department heads and the president, according to CNN.

International: Pope Francis in critical condition following respiratory illness

The Vatican reported on Feb. 22 that Pope Francis’s condition had grown worse since his hospitalization on Feb. 14, according to NYT. Initially admitted for bronchitis symptoms, the pope is reported to be battling pneumonia and low blood counts, signaling an early kidney failure, according to NBC News. Despite the severe situation, the pope has been showing slight improvement since Feb. 24, according to Vatican News. In the event of resignation or death due to the pope’s condition, the church’s cardinals will gather in the Vatican to elect a new pope, according to NYT. However, the Vatican remains hopeful for the pope’s condition and continues to pray for his health, according to NBC

Bellamy (right) said students have requested speakers with less conventional jobs for career fair such as artists or photographers.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Hartdegen

Photo by Catherine Yang

Hartdegen said Caden wanted to make a positive impact in the world.

Intra-district social

Continued from page 1

Tickets for the event were $22. Sales began on Feb. 12 at the student store and ended on Feb. 28, Almendarez said.

At the social, students will have the chance to meet peers from other schools, build friendships through ice skating and spend time with their own class, sophomore cabinet member Advait Ghosh said.

“We want students from other schools to meet each other and create new connections,” Ghosh said, “We get to collaborate in a way that we usually wouldn’t if we were just to make an event at our own school. It’s really fun.”

In addition to ice skating, the YMCA is sponsoring a raffle when attendees purchase a ticket to

the event for a chance to win a six month family membership to any YMCA location in the district, sophomore cabinet member Sravika Nemani said.

Sophomore cabinet members from HHS, LHS, FHS and CHS worked together to organize the social, sophomore cabinet member Hayden Floyd said. MVHS was unable to participate due to administrative approval issues, Nemani said.

Beyond coordinating with other schools’ class cabinets, leadership also worked with staff to finalize event details, Floyd said.

“There were a couple meetings with all the class advisers from all the schools participating,” Floyd said. “They all had to come togeth-

er and agree on how the event was going to roll out.”

Almendarez said he is excited about introducing a new intra-district activity to FUHSD.

“It was a bit of a struggle to get approval because it does require adult supervision for the entire duration,” Almendarez said.

Despite the challenges of hosting a district-wide event, the collaborative nature of the preparation process made it especially rewarding and entertaining, Ghosh said.

“We get to see how other schools tackle problems, we get to work together and even make friends, which is what this event is planned for,” Ghosh said.

Looking forward, Almendarez

Meet the counseling team

Guidance

counselors share backgrounds, goals

In recognition of National School Counseling Week, which took place from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of school guidance counselors, principal Denae Nurnberg said.

“Their work is vital to the success of our students,” Nurnberg said. “[Their work] is focused on supporting students academically, identifying their long-term goals and then planning what classes they should take in order to accomplish those goals.”

To accommodate large numbers of students, HHS has a team of five counselors, each with their own backgrounds and perspectives, Nurnberg said.

“Each counselor has a unique schooling and different upbringing and has come from different geographic locations, which helps them connect with students differently,” Nurnberg said. “It helps them share different ways of approaching students, and they can learn from each other [to] make our program stronger.”

Marisa Amezquita (A-E)

Marisa Amezquita said she began her HHS counseling career 22 years ago after being a middle school counselor, and she is inspired by the joy she gets from working with students and learning about their lives.

“My favorite part is when the students or graduates will drop by to casually say hi or update me on their life and what’s going on,” Amezquita said.

Amezquita said counselors can provide the most accurate information for topics students need help navigating through, such as course selection or college requirements.

Counselors must possess good communication skills and empathy, which allow them to succeed in their roles, Amezquita said.

“Working at a high school, our case loads are really large, and being able to communicate with different kinds of people [is] really important,” Amezquita said.

In the future, Amezquita said she aims to prioritize stronger communication and parental involvement for under-resourced students.

Raquel DeJesus (F-La)

Raquel DeJesus

proving the counseling experience for students.

“I didn’t have a great experience with my high school counselor when I was in high school, and that helped me realize that I wanted to work in education,” DeJesus said.

“I became a paraeducator, working with special education students at CHS for a few years. I got the feel of [working] in counseling, and I knew it’s what I wanted to do.”

DeJesus said she assists students by discussing their academic situations and connecting them with relevant information.

Additionally, DeJesus said she especially emphasizes the importance of students making academic decisions based on their personal interests and situations.

Wilma Wu (Le-Ph)

Wilma Wu said she first discovered her interest in counseling after taking an education class in college. Although she didn’t want to become a teacher, Wu said she enjoyed working with and helping kids, which led to her pursuing a counseling credential.

After 15 years at HHS, Wu said she learned to dig deeper into students’ lives in order to more effectively advise them in their academic journeys.

“I’ve grown an understanding of how there are many different ways to succeed and work with students and families,” Wu said. “You realize everybody has something going on. They might not say or show it right away, but [you] learn how to be more curious, figure out what’s really happening and not take it for face value when they say they’re okay.”

In the coming years, Wu said she hopes to meet with more students and improve as a counselor by learning from conferences and her coworkers.

Derek Chan (Pi-Va)

After studying psychology in college, Derek Chan said he wanted to utilize his degree and passion to support students. Chan said college classes helped him discover his love for counseling, which led

him to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.

“I loved my education and previous counselors. I had some good ones and some not so great ones, so I knew I wanted to be one,” Chan said. “I got my master’s degree so that I could support students in all levels of schooling from elementary school.”

Chan said one of his major goals is to equip students with resources to succeed after high school, whether they advance to college or directly to a career.

“My future goal as a counselor is to increase students’ access to great education, providing them with courses and options that meet their future career or educational needs,” Chan said. “[I want] to promote different programs that are more diverse in nature, meaning that all students of different upbringings can have access to [them]. Also, [I want] students to feel safe and connected to the school campus.”

Mari Alanis (Ve-Z)

Mari Alanis said she was inspired to pursue a career in counseling due to positive experiences with her own high school counselor.

Following a difficult decision between pursuing a counseling credential or a sociology degree in college, Alanis said she earned her credential and began counseling at HHS two years ago.

To support the student community, Alanis said she wants to create support centers that help them to better understand financial aid, graduation requirements and the benefits of four-year universities.

Through her experiences, Alanis said getting to know her students’ personally makes their sessions more productive.

“It’s really easy to just meet for 15 minutes to get it [over with], but all the time we spend outside of the office creates a relationship with the students,” Alanis said. “Even though we might come from different backgrounds, asking questions that are meaningful helps me understand the students.”

said he hopes to see more intra-district events that are expanded to other grade levels, as well. “I would love for this to be a beginning of more events where all of the schools in the district can par-

ticipate,” Almendarez said, “This is meant for the sophomores, but doesn’t mean this can’t happen for all grade levels. It’s cool that we as a community can come together and have some fun.”

Students, teachers discuss event planning, impacts

Malar Raguraman

The annual district-wide Earth Day event, held to celebrate and promote sustainability, and organized by the FUHSD Climate Collective, will take place on March 24, co-lead of marketing commission Nicole Plewicka said. The event will be hosted at the Computer History Museum and aims to raise awareness on the issue of climate change, Plewicka, a senior, said.

Hosted for the first time last year, the Earth Day event was a major success, drawing participation from students and community members, marketing commission member, senior Manya Girivasan said.

“We call it Earth Day, but it’s not about the day,” Girivasan said. “It’s about the ways you can improve the Earth all year round to educate our community on what they can do to improve sustainability.”

The first hour of the event will consist of outreach, where booths from a large variety of companies and nonprofits that sponsor the event will share climate change initiatives and present volunteering opportunities, Girivasan said.

Following this, the event will feature performances, free food and speakers, Girivasan said. Performances will include a recital from the MVHS choir and a drama performance, Girivasan added.

global health, with topics ranging from a nonprofit on sustainable period products to a small business that uses recycled materials to sell jewelry, Plewicka said.

Aside from providing students with a more hands-on approach to learning about climate change, the event will also provide presenters with the chance to promote their projects, Plewicka said.

“There were a lot of officials and professionals at the event [last year],” Plewicka said. “People can see projects and be inspired, and they might want to work on your initiative. It’s an opportunity to share your passion, and it gives you ways that you can expand on it.”

Math and social studies teacher Kaede Hamilton said the student projects were the highlight of last year’s event.

“As a teacher, I am so inspired by looking at the different projects that students create,” Hamilton said. “I’ve learned a lot from the student projects that I saw last year, so I’m very much looking forward to attending Earth Day again this year.”

Ultimately, Plewicka said Earth Day will act as a major step toward creating a sustainable and healthier community.

“When I was walking around the event [last year], all I saw were bright people and bright ideas,” Plewicka said. “I was like, ‘This is the future.’ These are the people who are going to be solving problems in our climate. It’s just so inspiring to see all this initiative and genuine interest in climate all in one room.”

For speakers, Climate Collective hopes to bring in a college student and will also introduce an environmental lawyer to share unique sustainability education pathways and career opportunities, Girivasan added.

“For people who are more interested in humanities, this is a really great way to be involved with climate change and sustainability efforts, even if they’re not necessarily interested in doing research or the science aspect of it,” Girivasan said.

Following the sit-down portion of the event, students from across the district will present projects regarding

Ghosh said the social will act as an opportunity for sophomores to forge friendships.

said she took on her current position in hopes of im-

Each counselor’s background, (left to right: Alanis, Wu, DeJesus, Amezquita and Chan) helps them connect with students, Nurnberg said.

Photos courtesy of Raquel DeJesus

Jason Lai, Ethan Xue and Alan Zhang

Photo by Henry Hu

Infographic by Malar Raguraman

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Opinion

Staff Editorial

Student safety requires better communica tion

Safety is a top priority for many schools across the United States, but with school violence on the rise, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, practical systems to maintain safety are necessary. Last month, when HHS initiated shelter-in-place protocols, the notification system for such emergencies failed to warn students effectively.

On Feb. 3, HHS was placed in shelter-in-place just after 8 a.m. due to a report of potential gunfire. The order was lifted at around 8:30 a.m., when there was determined to be no threat to students.

However, the emergency system did not properly alert students, as it failed to send out warning emails in a timely manner.

Emergency email notifications regarding the shelter-inplace were sent out around 15 minutes later at 8:34 a.m., and the lift notification was not received by some students until 9 a.m.

With school starting at 8:30

a.m., many students arrived on campus unaware of the shelter-in-place. In a more dangerous situation with a real threat on campus, this delay could put students at even greater risk because many would be unknowingly walking into danger.

Currently, FUHSD policy requires information to be completely verified by law enforcement before any official messages are sent out to students, superintendent Graham Clark said. After verification, an email will be sent out, but this only occurs once more details, such as the cause and circumstances of the situation, are known, Clark said.

This system of checks is justified, as misinformation could cause unneeded panic among parents and students. However, HHS would benefit from a more immediate push to send out current information, even if doing so omits certain details.

FUHSD must take steps to push for more timely notifica-

tions to inform students of potential risks. Doing so will prevent any further harm during emergencies at school.

For shelter-in-place protocols, a notification stating the current situation without a specific cause would still ensure students do not enter campus when there is a threat. Later, when the cause of such an event is verified by the proper authorities, FUHSD could send out additional details in a follow-up email.

Additionally, alternative communication methods are needed to reach students more efficiently. FUHSD must implement quicker call and text notifications that would better inform students of emergencies in case they fail to check their emails.

Programs such as ReachMyTeach can be utilized as they can notify students and teachers through phone instead of email, providing a more accessible format for quick communication.

Furthermore, increased training and drills for both students and teachers are necessary to address scenarios where students are arriving at school during an emergency. These drills should be frequently spaced out across the school year and practiced during tutorials or before school. By doing this, students and teachers are prepared for any possible situation.

Whether HHS is in shelterin-place or lockdown, more comprehensive and timely information is needed to prevent potential harm to students and teachers.

FUHSD must prioritize implementing better communication systems and more training in the case of emergencies. These new measures could mean the difference between keeping students safe or putting them in harm’s way.

Politicians twist DEI to serve personal agendas

DEI blaming neglects victims, discredits experts

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, also known as DEI, has been a highly debated topic through the recent election cycle and the months following. Unfortunately, this debate has lost its merit as political figures exploit tragic events to push their agenda against DEI policies.

DEI is a process that aids historically marginalized groups by providing them an advantage in areas like the job market or college admissions, according to CNN. However, DEI has been a point of contention, especially among conservatives, as they argue it prioritizes diversity over competence.

Regardless of one’s stance on DEI, using tragedies to market political beliefs is not only ignorant to those affected, but also overlooks the ability of individuals who have rightfully earned their accomplishments.

A recent example of politicians manipulating DEI in the face of tragedy is president Donald Trump’s response to the crash between a U.S. Army helicopter and an Amer-

ican Eagle passenger plane on Jan. 29, which claimed 67 victims. This crash was in part caused by a miscommunication by air traffic control, according to USA Today.

However, instead of comforting grieving families, Trump and his allies decided to use this incident as an opportunity to blame alleged DEI hires within air traffic control, according to NBC News.

A tragedy like this should warrant empathy from our politicians, yet Trump brushes off this painful event to further his agenda against DEI.

By choosing to blame the crash on completely unrelated issues like DEI, Trump’s disturbing response completely neglects the grief of the families that have suffered losses. After devastating events like the crash, politicians must comfort and protect victims instead of trying to push their policies under painful circumstances.

Another example of harmful DEI accusations is the verbal and online attacks against LA fire chief Kristin Crowley after the widespread LA wildfires that began in January. Right-wing political figures like Elon Musk took the fires as an opportunity to label Crowley as incompetent and dismiss her as a DEI hire solely because she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, according to the LA Times.

These attacks are incredibly mis-

guided because Crowley has served the Los Angeles Fire Department for 22 years, earning promotions based on her own merit, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. These baseless claims discredit Crowley, who is clearly qualified for her position, solely because she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The American people and media

ulate people into supporting their policies. The responsibility lies on us to not be convinced by these destructive falsehoods, but to call out them out.

Additionally, we must protect those who are attacked by baseless DEI allegations as well as the victims who are being taken advantage of. If not, innocent people will

Sachin Chandran

FUHSD must improve communication systems and training to effectively protect students during dangerous situations.

Illustration by Amanda Boles

Smoking kills, and students forget

Expand health education to aid student wellbeing

Alicia Liste

Alcohol and drug-filled red Solo cup ragers are essential scenes in every coming-of-age high school movie. But, in reality, this abusive substance use has consequences that are far from only the harmless fun that films portray.

The six-week health unit in freshman PE covers substance abuse educations, principal Denae Nurnberg said. This short timeline for such an essential, potentially life-saving topic must be expanded beyond freshman year.

For example, of U.S. high school seniors surveyed in 2024, 17.6% reported vaping cannabis in the past 12 months, 21.0% reported vaping nicotine in the past 12 months

and 41.7% reported having drunk alcohol in the past 12 months, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

These statistics demonstrate how the current freshman PE curriculum is insufficient in accurately addressing substance abuse among students. Offering this valuable curriculum solely in freshman year is out of pace with the steady increase in substance use seen as students grow.

To more accurately address this issue, students need an education that adapts with them to match their changing lives.

By implementing interactive advisory session each semester to remind students of the dangers of vaping, alcohol consumption and drug usage, administrators can ensure students are better prepared to make informed decisions about substance use.

Each advisory sessions should present anti-substance use information in engaging new ways with real-life demonstrations and in-

teractive models. The curriculum of these sessions should adjust to students’ changing grade levels, which can more effectively stress the dangers of substance abuse.

Such differing content might include a lesson on the harms of nicotine pouches catered to older students, which only 3.4% of sophomores but 5.9% of seniors reported using in 2024, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Expanding this curriculum outside of freshman year is especially vital due to substance use’s wide-ranging negative effects. The harms of substance abuse often go beyond physical effects and also impact students’ academics.

Teenagers who use tobacco, marijuana and other substances have lower grades and more frequent absences, according to UC Davis.

Thus, creating a well-informed student body is crucial in helping teens recognize the consequences of their choices and will set them up for success both academically

Tests belong to students, not teachers

Tests must be permanently given back to students

Elena Shim

As a junior with a heavy course load, I understand the importance of tests. They are critical learning tools that provide students the chance to evaluate their understanding of content and push themselves to apply their knowledge to different problems.

Yet many teachers in my previous and current classes enforce a strict no-keeping policy for exams, allowing students only a brief period for review before recollecting the tests at the end of class.

This approach is often used so teachers can dismiss their concerns about test problems being leaked to future students when they reuse similar tests for upcoming years, according to the Washington Post.

However, this practice prioritizes teacher convenience over student learning because students are not given enough time to review prior mistakes, ultimately hindering their academic growth.

For example, a study by educational psychologists proved that students learn best from analyzing their errors and achieve a better educational outcome from studying their mistakes, according to UC Santa Barbara.

Although creating good study habits is an important factor for test preparation, students are still learners who may require addi-

tional guidance. The responsibility of offering sufficient resources such as permanently returned tests falls on teachers.

This issue is especially important in AP courses, where students are required to prepare for a cumulative exam at the end of the year. Without access to previous school tests, students are forced to rely on generic study guides or memory-based recall, neither of which are as effective as using tests as a study tool.

Personally, these study methods never allowed me to reinforce my weak areas in my AP courses because they failed to help me predict which types of problems I had to expect for upcoming exams.

The strict no-return policy is counterproductive for numerous students because they will struggle to identify patterns in their

and personally. While semesterly advisory sessions may not completely eradicate substance abuse among teenagers, establishing schools as

a beacon for judgment-free education is key to creating an informed student body with the power to think twice before endangering their well-being.

Teaching students about the dangers of substance use should become a consistent part of the curriculum, beyond just freshman year.

mistakes needed to refine their approach to studying.

This method only benefits teacher convenience when the main duty of the teachers is to offer students the best educa tion, even if doing so requires preparing new tests for future years. Teachers must embrace the challenge of designing new exams each year. Do ing so allows current stu dents to keep their tests and learn more effec tively through analyzing their mistakes. Such efforts will allow teachers to have control of assessments while students have more freedom to look back at their tests and succeed.

they take away a valuable study tool.

Provocative performer or dangerous dictator?

Trump starts off second term strong with much

fanfare

Henry Hu

Following an executive order from president Donald Trump, the body of water bordering Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida has been renamed from the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America,” according to BBC. This development is the result of one of many recent executive orders from the Trump administration that have rocked the nation.

While Trump’s first days in office may seem tumultuous, he is sticking to his administration’s promises and creating policies that execute his campaign goals. Although Trump’s policies are more performative than effective, they show potential for his presidency.

True to his word, Trump began his presidency focused on immigration.

On Jan. 31, Trump promised to impose steep tariffs on Mexico if they did not curb illegal immigration at the United States-Mexico border, according to NPR.

In response to these threats, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum ordered the deployment of 10,000 Mexican National Guard troops to the border to prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking, according to VOA News. This order will decrease illegal immigration from Mexico, ultimately fulfilling Trump’s promise of a stronger border.

Like it or not, Trump is sticking to his promises. It took him two weeks to address the drug trafficking and illegal immigration at the border, an issue former president Joe Biden did not address in four years.

Trump has already taken swift action that has led to results on key issues such

as immigration, and he deserves credit for helping our country. People need to look beyond the unserious tweets and speeches to gain an accurate grasp of how Trump is shaping America’s future.

However, as much as Trump has taken practical action, he has also dedicated a large portion of his time to performative actions, which are primarily designed to rile up the press and public. These shallow attempts at increasing his own popularity are bound to cause ineffectiveness in his presidency.

For example, Trump has signed more than 55 executive orders since taking office, according to the Federal Register. However, some of these executive orders have been touching on useless subjects like Executive Order 14172, which led to the creation of the Gulf of America.

The reasoning behind these useless acts is simple: Trump is toying around.

He is purposefully signing these orders to rile up his opponents and keep the world focused on him. This is no surprise, as the only thing that can match his love of power is his love of the spotlight.

So far, Trump has shown that he can be an effective president. He isn’t afraid to pass legislation to achieve his goals, no matter how many people he angers.

Trump is setting up his term to be very impactful, and the American people should respect the positive aspects of his presidency.

However, Trump needs to focus more on actually working. In order to fulfill his promises to the American people, Trump must pass effective policies, not performative gestures. America wants change, and a tweak on Google Maps is not enough to satisfy us.

Liar liar pants on fire: Trump is using lies to sell fascism to America

Adam Orrin

President Donald Trump, a man who built a real estate empire on a tower of lies, is now lying to the American people to build his next corrupt venture. Trump’s first weeks in office have been chaotic and marked by a flurry of executive orders from tariffs on our closest allies to threatening mass deportations.

Despite these actions, many continue to dismiss him as a joke or worse: a well-intentioned fool. However, Trump is anything but a fool. It’s crucial that we recognize him for what he is and work together to fight against his brash policies.

Trump’s first lie as president was assuring he would reduce prices on everyday goods by imposing large tariffs on foreign nations. The deception begins with the promise that such tariffs help protect and foster American industries. Instead, these large blanket tariffs increase prices for everyday goods and hurt American companies’ profits, according to NPR.

but his lies cast doubt over the future of his administration.

The tariffs Trump imposed on Mexico, Canada and China would cost the average American more than $1,200 annually, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. This directly

contradicts his promises to lower prices and save money for Americans.

Additionally, these tariffs do not benefit American workers, as the tariffs will raise the costs of imported goods, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. American manufacturing companies that rely on these imports must raise prices or cut wages to account for this new expense.

Aside from his ignorant economic policies, Trump’s positions on immigration and citizenship are not only false but also deeply rooted in racism.

Trump has continued to push the idea that illegal immigrants in this country pose a threat to the safety of American citizens. However, illegal immigrants are 30% less likely to commit crimes than citizens, according to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.

Despite overwhelming research about immigrants, Trump is doubling down on these harmful claims with executive orders that are rooted in false generalizations about immigrants in America. These executive orders allow states to deputize law enforcement to act as immigration officers and push the mass deportation of illegal immigrants, according to the White House.

Together, as a democracy, we cannot let Trump continue misleading the public. The justification for many of his executive orders is based on his belief that American workers and immigrants are second-rate citizens whose well-being can be put underneath his own.

Whether it be placing economic strains on Americans in the name of his own agenda or deporting immigrants because of his own biases, Trump has proven he cannot be trusted with the presidency. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Americans to cross the lines of identity politics and work together to protect our democracy and our humanity from Donald Trump.

Budget cuts jeopardize public education

DOGE impedes educational progress

Veronica Zhao

After assuming the position of head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk has already made sweeping federal budget cuts that threaten the future of America. One of these is the cancellation of United States Department of Education contracts worth nearly $1 billion, according to the Guardian.

On Feb. 11, this extreme cut essentially terminated the Institute of Education Sciences, which serves as the Department of Education’s research and statistics office.

IES maintains a massive database of education statistics and contracts with education companies, offering information about the performance of U.S. public schools. The institute compiles data like school crime, high school science course completion and student achievement to inform educational policy, according to the Guardian.

Without funding to maintain this national repository of data, it will be significantly harder for schools such as HHS to make informed decisions about what educational practices to implement inside the classroom. In addition, FUHSD parents and educators will struggle to find data comparing achievement levels or information regarding K-12 educational standards.

This loss doesn’t just impact decision-makers. It also affects students in programs such as Academic Foundations, who rely on updated educational policies to receive a complete education.

Musk’s decision to cut programs mid-implementation compounds these challenges. For example, a math program that currently offers adaptive digital tools to students must now be withdrawn due to the contract terminations, despite these resources already being paid for by public funds, according to NPR.

This sudden disruption not only

wastes time and effort but also pours millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain, as the resources of these terminated programs will now go unused.

Musk will keep whittling down the Department of Education and directly attacking our teachers, schools and districts unless students take an active role in protecting the future of public education.

We must show our disapproval of any legislation that plans to dismantle the Department of Education. For example, H.R.899, a bill introduced to the House of Representatives on Jan. 31, plans to terminate the department as a whole, according to GovTrack.

Our community must pressure members of Congress, especially those in the Education and Workforce Committee, to reject any legislation that undermines access to education. Even a quick call or email can send a powerful message to lawmakers, telling them their constituents care about the future of public education.

Community members must also educate others on social media to capture the attention of government representatives. Although it is difficult to make tangible change on the local level, creating and sharing posts can boost momentum and reach others who may not be aware of the threat to public education.

We must show our government, especially DOGE, that public education is not something that can be brushed under the rug. The prosperity of future generations is built on the education of current students, and bulldozing the research arm of the Department of Education will dismantle the critical data needed to improve public schools for years to come.

By amplifying our voices and holding officials accountable, we can ensure public education remains a priority.

A jarring political philosophy

Rep. Moskowitz uses weird but effective tactics

Jonathan Xue

COLUMN — Making your job fun is no easy task, but doing a good job while having fun is even harder. Luckily, between poking fun at Republicans and approaching issues through a bipartisan lens, Rep. Jared Moskowitz has balanced harsh critique with effective policymaking.

Moskowitz is a Democrat, serving Florida’s 23rd congressional district since 2023, according to NPR. But unlike many other Democrats, he seems to equally support and oppose Republican initiatives.

In fact, Moskowitz votes as more of a centrist than a Democrat, and he was even the first Democrat to support president Donald Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, according to WSJ.

Moskowitz’s willingness to side

with Republicans is a sharp contrast to the rest of our increasingly polarized Congress. Americans need more politicians like Moskowitz who can push aside party denominations to support impactful policies from across the aisle.

On the other hand, Moskowitz is much more famous for his abil ity to relentlessly mess with the Republicans he disagrees with.

Most fa mous was his long-standing feud with Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, whom he con tinually crit icized about his obsession with the Biden family’s finances during hearings of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, according to the Hill.

Even though Moskowitz was a member of the committee, he did not hesitate to publicly insult Comer’s leadership and post addition-

al content on social media poking fun at him, according to WSJ. His antics may seem childish on the surface, but Moskowitz’s tactics are a great way of calling out Republican leadership in a time when they control Congress. Additionally, by using his social media presence, Moskowitz helps connect younger voters to many problems in Congress that would usually go unnoticed. This allows him to receive more feedback from constituents to better represent their needs. Republicans may never know if Moskowitz will oppose or support their policies on any given day, but his stunts are a reminder of how, although lawmakers will clash, they must strive to work together.

Whether it be sarcastic tweets or taunting Republicans, Moskowitz demonstrates politicians can be open-minded yet critical while engaging constituents.

District must respond to ICE raids

ICE instills fear in school, community

Helen Tam

ICE, or the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including arrests, detentions and deportations, according to the ICE government website. Under president Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration, ICE agents are now allowed to conduct raids with judicial warrants in more areas, according to CBS News.

Starting in January, ICE ramped up immigration enforcement, averaging 710 arrests daily, which is more than double the daily average under former president Joe Biden. Trump also ended policies that limited op erations in sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, ac cording to AP News.

These raids create an unsettling atmosphere for residents in San Jose, especially those in East San Jose, as they are increasingly afraid to leave their homes in the face of deportation threats, according to NBC Bay Area. In response, families are locking their doors and avoiding public spaces. In addition, business owners have reported a signif icant drop in customers due to fears of ICE raids and patrols, harming the local economy.

By cultivating an environment of constant fear, ICE raids in crease the stress and panic people feel in communities across the country.

Not only are local homes and businesses affected by ICE raids, but public schools in the Bay Area are also subject to immense pressure. Although public schools in California do not collect data on immigration status, the fear of ICE activity on school campuses could discourage attendance and harm many students’ education, according to the California Department of Education.

ICE raids are a threat not just to

undocumented families but also to the overall school environment, as schools are no longer safe spaces for students to receive their education.

In opposition to the increased number of ICE raids, HHS students participated in a walkout on Feb. 5 to protest Trump’s new policies, principal Denae Nurnberg said. Nurnberg said she coordinated with law enforcement to ensure student safety and

sent out an email to staff reminding them of students’ right to protest. This response from students was a critical first step to push back against ICE. Through protest, students can directly raise awareness and prompt social and legal change. Beyond student-led initiatives, FUHSD should integrate mandatory ICE-response training for staff to give them guidelines on what to do if ICE agents are reported in the neighborhood or trying to enter classrooms. By establishing guidelines, teachers will be prepared to protect students. This is more than a political issue. These raids are a human issue affecting America’s future. By providing ICE-response training, our schools can remain the sanctuaries of learning and growth they are meant to be, not places

Trans adolescents need access to gender-affirming care

access to interventions such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The executive order, titled “Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” ends federal funding to any institution that provides such services, according to the White House.

Since taking office in January, president Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders that restrict the rights of transgender individuals. These include an order declaring the federal government would only recognize two sexes, a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and restrictions preventing trans women from participating in school sports, according to Axios.

Additionally, Trump issued an order on Jan. 28 that targets gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 19 by restricting

This order caused multiple hospitals in Colorado, Illinois, Virginia and New York to pause their gender-affirming care programs, according to USA Today. By slashing funding, the Trump administration forces hospitals to deny patients.

The widespread end of these programs will result in vulnerable transgender youth being denied life-saving, gender-affirming care. Transgender youth, who are disproportionately affected by depression, anxiety and suicide, have been shown to exhibit 73% lower odds of suicidality after a year of receiving gender-affirming care through puberty blockers and hormone thera-

py, according to the American Medical Association.

When politicians take away the freedom to undergo medical transi tion, they are showing their apathy toward trans lives.

A common attack on medical interventions like puberty block ers is that they are irreversible and harmful. However, such claims are untrue.

Puberty blockers stop the body from producing sex hor mones, but once a per son discontinues us ing them, puberty will resume, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Concerns about adverse health effects, such as worsened bone health, as a result of using puberty blockers and hormone ther-

apy are wildly unsubstantiated, according to the National Institute of Health.

continue pushing misconceptions and falsehoods, hoping to gain political power at the expense of transgender youth.

The government should not make medical decisions in place of parental consent, the informed consent of the minors undergoing treatment and the approval of the physicians that administer such treatments. It is both wrong and unethical to take away medical institutions’ abilities to do their jobs properly. Trans individuals and their allies must speak out against such hateful regulations and spread awareness on these issues by using platforms like social media and protests.

The Trump administration, along with its supporters, must stop using America’s transgender children as political tools and sensationalizing necessary medical care.

Aviv Matas

ICE raids have caused families to shut their doors and avoid public spaces.

Trans youth are too often exploited for political gain.

Musk’s irrational decisions undermine the future of public education for Americans.

Illustration by Helen Tam

IllustrationbyKaylinYi

Illustration by Vivian Kim

The heart behind singing valentines

Choir discusses seasonal serenade

As choir members step to the front of the classroom, a hush falls over students, with muffled giggles and knowing smiles spreading throughout the class. As the members began their harmonious love ballad and charming choreography, students’ reactions ranged from embarrassment to delight, Choir A member, sophomore Naomi Chi said.

Sold at $2 apiece, Singing Valentines purchases go toward funding the choir program and making events accessible to students, music teacher Jeff Morton said. However, the annual tradition is also a valuable opportunity for choir members to elevate their singing abilities by performing in an unconventional setting, Morton said.

“The inde pendence of singing in a small group is a whole other level than singing with 50 people on the stage,” Morton said. “The stron gest singers work with the less experienced singers to bring them up, so they help the whole group be at a higher level.”

to narrow it down to ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson 5, but once we figured out a song, the next steps followed through easily,” Chiu said.

The most difficult aspect of Singing Valentines is coordinating choreography, Chi said. Groups must decide whether to perform a more expressive dance or stick to a literal interpretation of the lyrics, Chi said.

Chi said her group, which performed the song “Please Mr. Postman,” decided on a literal interpretation of the song for their dance.

“For my group, we were talking about the story of a postman. So we decided to incorporate [mail] into that kind of experience of, ‘Do you have anything for me?’ and the ‘Oh, wrong person’ disappointment into the choreography,” Chi said.

While singing in public can be an intimidating experience, Chiu said performing as a group helped settle his nerves.

“We practice, practice and practice, [so] even though it’s nerve-racking, you’re with a group of people who are doing it with you,” Chiu said. “It’s so much more fun to do it with people.”

After performing in several classes, Chi said she values singing for students who might not interact with choir.

The last class her group performed for left a strong impression, Chi added.

Lifestyles

New music course strums up student interest

Prospective guitar class waiting for approval

After discussions about offering a new course in the music department, HHS intends to offer a course for students interested in learning or enhancing their guitar skills starting next year, assistant principal Terri Hannigan said.

The course would cover the basics of guitar, including topics such as tuning, rhythm guitar, melodies, chords, major scales, key signatures and more, Hannigan said.

The decision to add the class came from wanting to expand the music department’s reach beyond those interested in band, orchestra and choir classes, music department lead John Burn said. With the addition of a guitar class, the department would cover the majority of popular instruments, Burn added.

Additionally, the guitar course would appeal to students interested in different genres more commonly found in guitar music, such as folk, rock and pop music, Burn added.

“There are a lot of kids for whom music is a big part of their life, but band, orchestra and choir is not their thing,” Burn said. “We think this can get more kids involved.”

Furthermore, Hannigan said the guitar class would be beginner friendly, and expand the department’s reach to students with no previous instrumental experience.

ing styles and songs and maybe [get] a group of friends to play along with,” Hernandez said. “I’d seek a path where I can confidently perform a lot of songs in front of big groups and make my own music as a hobby.”

Furthermore, Hernandez said a teacher’s in-person instruction would be especially helpful in providing him with new tips and pointing out mistakes he would not have noticed himself.

After the idea for the course was conceived and received approval from principal Denae Nurnberg, the proposal went to a district committee, which provided feedback. Then, it went to the school board for preliminary approval, which they recieved in December, Hannigan said.

Burn, who teaches many of the current music classes, said that in contrast to classes like band and orchestra, where students are learning a many different instruments, the guitar class will be more efficient to teach. This is because each student would be playing the same instrument.

“If you are teaching beginning band, you’re constantly going back and forth,” Burn said. “If everybody has the same instrument, you can talk about the same thing, and everybody can be on board a lot easier.”

To prepare for the tradition, Choir A first decided on the songs they would be performing for classes, which was a challenge given the many differing opinions, junior Carl Chiu said.

“It took our group a few days

“In our last classroom, half of the class got Singing Valentines, so they had that [feeling] of ‘Oh, we’re all in this together,’” Chi said. “We didn’t have chairs, just a little crowd in the front. It was more of a festive atmosphere.”

Sophomore Patrick Hernandez, who has been teaching himself to play the guitar through YouTube videos and books for the last few years, said he hopes the course will help him expand his skills.

“I hope to learn other playing

Now, the course is going through UC approval, which will hopefully meet the criteria for an “F” category course — or a visual and performing arts class, Hannigan said. In May, the course will return to the board for a final approval, Hannigan said.

Burn said the guitar class, like any music class, would be a meaningful addition to a student’s course schedule, providing an opportunity for students to relax after a long day and engage a different part of the brain.

“It’s great to spend one of your periods not reading books and tests, but having a musical instrument in your hands, learning songs that you’re interested in and learning with people who are also interested,” Burn said.

Culinary club cooks up unique learning experience

Officers discuss event, student engagement

Following a live cooking demonstration, students eagerly wait in line to be served fresh Spam musubi at the culinary science club’s third general meeting. The smell of seared Spam and fragrant, fluffy white rice filled the air, drawing in curious members.

The dish was made to spotlight the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that browns the meat, which was the meeting’s focus, president, junior Keira Hsieh said. The reaction was demonstrated by pan-frying Spam to show how reactions between the amino acids within proteins and sugar create a flavorful taste, Hsieh added.

The event exemplified the new culinary science club’s objective of introducing culinary science to a larger audience by organizing engaging, hands-on activities, Hsieh said. Her personal interests in culinary science from a young age inspired her to create the club, Hsieh said.

“I’ve always been interested in [culinary science],” Hsieh said.

“Since I was little, I read a lot of books about culinary science and molecular cooking techniques. I wanted to explain scientifically what exactly happens when you cook something.”

Although sophomore Alina Liu said she originally attended the event for the food, she found the chemistry behind it to be just as intriguing.

“I really enjoyed how they went into the chemical properties of the reaction [instead of] just giving us Spam to eat,” Liu said. “I think that providing an example of the reaction with the Spam was super cool.”

Similarly, treasurer, junior Grace Chen said that although she is an officer, she also learned new information from the event.

“I didn’t even know about the Maillard reaction until our president told us to learn it,” Chen said. “It was really fun to learn about.”

When discussing the topic of meat, Chen said the officer team thought Spam would be the most interesting way to combine food and education.

Through activities like cooking Spam, the club hopes to engage students and help them better understand the cooking process, Hsieh said.

“[The activity] gives people a better understanding of how science works behind cooking by actually putting it into practice,” Hsieh said. “People get to see what exactly we are talking about

because chemical reactions can often seem pretty abstract.”

In contrast to other clubs, the food provided at culinary science meetings is related to the information being presented and not just for a social purpose, social media manager, junior Allison Brown said. In her own life, Brown said the culinary techniques she has learned through the club have had helpful applications.

“We try to bring food that connects with what we’re teaching,” Brown said. “I think our meetings are also mostly focused on educational aspects rather than the eating part.”

Due to the success of this meeting, Brown said the club plans to continue organizing hands-on activites to engage students.

For instance, Hsieh said future event plans include collaborations with clubs like TSA and NCHS that will involve culturally related food.

While food-related activities are a core part of the club, Hsieh said what makes it truly special is how the club focuses on both cooking and science.

“What’s unique about our club is that we intersect cooking and science,” Hsieh said. “People don’t usually think about that aspect, and we want to introduce the science behind cooking to show people there’s a lot beyond what you would usually learn in [a classroom setting].”

Culinary science workshop

“We

Isabela Guilardi, Alicia Liste and Malar Raguraman

Aviv Matas

Amanda Boles and Catherine Yang

Hernandez said the guitar course would provide him with the opportunity to receive feedback from a professional to expand his skills.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Hernandez

Choir members spread love via singing, Morton said.

The focus of the workshop was to teach students about the Maillard reaction, which was shown through cooking Spam, president, junior Keira Hsieh said. The Maillard reaction occurs when amino acids get rearranged due to heat, which creates a new flavor and a browning of the meat, Hsieh

Infographic by Amanda Boles and Catherine Yang

PhotobyAlicia Liste

Social media manager, junior Allison Brown explains the activity

Community explores role of fashion in daily life

Fashion: a reflection of self

Mustangs

discuss fashion as tool for creativity

Annika Abraham, Vivian Kim and Olivia Levesque Ouellette

In an often monotonous world, fashion has the power to brighten up recurring routines and make others smile, art teacher Clare Dee said. It is an expressive tool that adds creative variety to daily life, Dee added.

“It occurred to me in my high school years that clothing could be entertaining, funny, weird, strange or just a way to be different,” Dee said. “As an artist, I always thought that clothing was a quick, easy way

to make yourself a little work of art out in the world.”

Through dressing formally, senior Diego Thomas said he aims to showcase his outgoing side to the people around him. Wearing mostly suits and ties, Thomas said he feels his fashion makes him more approachable.

“I [don’t] want people to be walking by and just going, ‘Oh, I don’t want to talk to them,’” Thomas said. “[I want] more like a ‘Hey, that’s a person right there. Maybe I want to chat with them.’ That’s the kind of feeling I want to evoke when wearing my fashion.”

On a more personal level, Thomas said dressing a certain way can increase self confidence and eliminate self doubt.

“It’s nice to walk outside feeling a sense of confidence,” Thomas said. “You should be proud of what you wear, no matter what. [Confi-

dence] makes me proud to wear what I want, and I don’t doubt myself.”

Moreover, fashion can be a way to connect with others through shared interests, junior Gabriel Nelson said. By wearing merchandise from “Bayonetta,” his favorite video game, Nelson said he incorporates his pastimes into his style.

“Fashion is one of the easier things to use to show yourself to the world,” Nelson said. “When you meet someone, it’s just an immediate thing that signals what kind of person you are and what your interests are.”

Using the expressive power of fashion, Dee said her outfits draw attention and create conversation.

“It makes me happy to have a fun outfit on, and even if it’s goofy, like a Christmas sweater in June, at least it’s discussed,” Dee said. “[Fashion] is just fun. It adds zest

to life, and I’m always looking for different reasons to make an outfit.”

While choosing what to wear can be an important source of happiness, it can also attract criti cism or judgment, Nelson said.

“There’s always going to be some people that don’t like what you wear,” Nelson said. “I some times dress a little more femi nine with the things I wear, and there are some people that will make fun of me for it. But I don’t let it get to me.”

Nevertheless, Dee said she hopes to inspire students to prioritize self-expression and embrace their true style by showcasing her personal fashion choices.

“I would love to inspire my students to be individuals and dress the way they want to, not the way they see,” Dee said. “You are what you wear. Dress to feel freedom.”

Trinkets from The Epitaph staff

Certain fashion items are prized because they take you on a trip down memory lane. Epitaph staff members share pieces of clothing that represent more than meets the eye.

Sophomore Misha Ranjan, junior Sherry Li and senior Mika Cohen use their artistic talents to design custom pieces. Here’s what they said about their works:

“There’s so many things in life where we’re told ‘This is the correct answer and that isn’t,’ but there’s nothing like that when it comes to what you want to wear and how you choose to style things. I think more people should learn and express themselves through fashion because there’s no reason to dress the same as everyone if you don’t like it.”

— Mika Cohen (12)

“I like that I have full control over what [my painting] is going to look like because I’m the one doing it. I think painting is very unique because I get to customize it with stuff I’m interested in.”

— Sherry Li (11)

OUTFITS

THE DAY of

“I like to go for more basic stuff where I get to mix them in with interesting pieces that I have. It’s really hard to find quality pieces nowadays.”

— Attendance specialist, Bethany Salvador

A custom tote bag

ing totes and stuff is very rewarding. I get to learn new things [and] test designs and aesthetics that we want.”

Individuality is emphasized through fashion, and its expression is driven by several factors. Students and staff share why they like certain aspects of their outfits.

— Naomi Ginzburg

“I usually thrift my clothing. Most of it is vintage. I feel like it’s better quality.”

(11)

“This big puffer jacket I got from Uniqlo, I like it the most because it’s warm, and the quality is very nice.”

— Eugene Cho (12)

“[Cotton On] has styles that I like. Their shirts and jeans are nice fitting and true to size.”

— Pedro Olmos (9)

Photo courtesy of Misha Ranjan

— Misha Ranjan (10)

Photo courtesyof Mika Cohen

A handmade dress

A painted jacket

Event brings science to life, educates youth

SNHS officers, members prepare for STEM night

Brian Ling and Elena Shim

Science National Honor Society hosted its annual STEM night on Feb. 28 with the theme “STEM around the world,” SNHS president, senior Thalia Ong said. In prepara-

tion for the event, SNHS coordinated with 17 different clubs to create themed decorations and interactive booths, Ong said. Through hands-on activities run by various clubs, STEM night aimed to teach elementary and middle school students about the significance of STEM, activities director, senior Kieu Vi O’Brien said.

“The idea is to show what makes people so passionate about STEM,” O’Brien said. “It’s really [about] trying to make sure that we have these kids come in, and they have pure, genuine joy for STEM.”

Robotics, for instance, showcased a variety of robots to engage with students, O’Brien, who is also the robotics vice president, said.

“We have our competition robots, but we decided to bring some fun ones for the kids,” O’Brien said. “We have our mini robots, and they’re

good, especially because we want the kids to be able to drive a robot by themselves.”

By reducing the engineering and technical side of robotics, the booth is better catered to kids, O’Brien said.

“Because it’s a younger audience, we want to show how fun STEM could be,” O’Brien said. “We’re trying to show kids that with the hard work you put into STEM, this is what you can do.”

Leading up to the event, Ong said SNHS hosted several decoration-making sessions and changed the communication system from emails to a group chat, which helped streamline the preparation process.

Additionally, the SNHS officer team started planning the event much earlier compared to previous years, which further helped increase efficiency, O’Brien said.

Junior Suri Yau said she helped out in the decoration-making sessions to contribute to STEM night’s goal of educating young kids.

“When I first heard about [SNHS’s] participation in STEM night, I was really interested,” Yau said. “They said they were sharing a lot

Ceramics aids creative expression

Students, teacher share course experience

Olivia Levesque Ouellette

Upon taking her first ceramics course in college, art teacher Jodi Johnson said she was immediately captivated by the creative process of transforming clay into tangible

and meaningful objects. Receiving minimal mentorship in college, Johnson said she taught herself the foundational skills that she now teaches students to support them on their creative journeys.

“I’ve always liked making things,” Johnson said. “To take something that’s nothing and make it into a bowl, jewelry holder, a pair of earrings or a sculpture just feels good for my soul.”

In her ceramics class, Johnson said she discusses a variety of topics, such as cost-effective tools and aesthetic choices. Teaching ceramic levels one to four, Johnson said she provides students with ample creative liberty for their projects.

Echoing this sentiment, senior Carly Breiner said Johnson’s teaching style is accommodating to students and effectively balances creative freedom with guidance.

“[Johnson] gives a general outline, but every single person’s piece ends up being really different, which I think is really beautiful,” Brein-

er said. “It shows different peoples’ personalities and what they enjoy, so [she] definitely allows a lot of creativity.”

Making practical and daily-use items, Breiner said the class serves as an outlet where she can freely express herself through her artwork, even if it is not perfect.

“I get to work with my hands, and working with the clay itself is really soothing,” Breiner said. “It also helps relieve the perfectionism that I usually strive for in my daily activities. I feel like [there] is less expectation of what the [outcome] should be, and it’s about myself and what I want to create.”

As someone who plans to major in art, senior Jordan Marklein said ceramics has helped him expand and diversify his artistic skills, as he learned to work with different materials.

“Just figuring out how I can apply my artistic and creative skills to a different medium is a good way of pushing [myself],” Marklein said. “It also [helps with avoiding] burnout because you have so many different ways to do different things.”

In the future, Johnson said she hopes her students can learn how to use ceramics to express who they are in an artistic manner.

“I hope students will have a [better] understanding and appreciation for the craft and how things are made,” Johnson said. “As you move up in levels, you can start getting more creative and using [the art] for political activism or as an emotional outlet.”

of knowledge about science with younger students, and I felt very passionate about that. I wanted to help out in any way I could.”

Yau said she found the event to be particularly impactful due to its interactive nature.

“A lot of times, people are not interested in the lectures that come with science classes, but they are more interested in the labs and hands-on experiments,” Yau said.

“STEM night helps people gain an interest in [STEM subjects].”

Reflecting on the event, Ong said she hopes young students were able to discover new interests in STEM.

“[STEM night] is a lot to manage, but all our work throughout the year has led up to it,” Ong said. “The best part is seeing it all come together on the day, seeing everybody come in with all their booths and seeing that we reached a big audience.”

Behind the scenes of Grad Night Party GNP committee

members discuss event plans, goals

Jason Lai

Since February 2024, a designated PTSA committee, the Grad Night Party committee, has been planning the Class of 2025’s GNP, PTSA president Manuela Silveira said. The annual tradition, set to take place on June 5, will provide a safe party setting for seniors to commemorate their successes, Silveira said.

Over the years, the length and location of the GNP has evolved to better accommodate student safety while creating a fun, lively atmosphere, Silveira said.

“The party goes until 2 a.m., but it’s in a trusted venue with parents, chaperones and transportation to and from to allow the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments,” Silveira said.

Planning the large scale event comes with challenges, particularly in securing a suitable venue, Silveira said. The venue needs to be able to accommodate 300 to 400 students, which can be difficult to find, Silveira added.

The committee’s main goal this

year is to maximize attendance, GNP co-chair Constance Wu said. To do so, it has made lowering ticket prices a priority, which has been accomplished by hosting 17 fundraising events so far, Wu said.

“Throughout the year, we’ve had various fundraisers like the football concession, Christmas wreath, garland fundraiser and Goodwill trucks for e-waste,” Wu said.

Tickets can be bought on the HHS website, GNP co-chair Judy Cooks said. Early tickets were discounted to $190, while tickets are currently being sold for $225. Sales will end when all tickets are sold out, Cooks said.

“Our goal is to have around 400 students go, and we want the students to be excited about it because the GNP is a great and fun experience,” Cooks said.

Overall, Wu said parents and volunteers hope to plan a fun night for seniors that acts as a celebratory end to their high school journeys.

“We want to make this so special that the students themselves don’t have to do anything work-related for this party,” Wu said. “It’s a gift from the community to [the seniors] who have worked so hard on all the other events that the school runs, so we want this to be off the graduate’s plates and give them the opportunity to celebrate.”

2025 Grad Night Party

Celebrate graduation in a surprise venue with fellow seniors! The event will include fun activities, games, entertainment, dinner and treats.

- Date: June 5 - Time: 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. - Ticket sales will end when tickets sell out.

WEA, AWC discuss women in animal conservation

Annika Abraham

The Women’s Empowerment Ambassadors collaborated with the Animal Welfare club on Feb. 12 to host an event dedicated to discussing the historical accomplishments of women in the area of animal welfare, WEA public relations manager, junior Aleshandra Silverman said.

The event aimed to raise awareness regarding the countless contributions made by women in the field and to provide an inclusive space on campus for students eager to talk about this issue, AWC

activities director, senior Celine Park said.

“Animal welfare is a very male-dominated field,” Park said. “We often think about male figures like David Attenborough or Steve Irwin as leading the conservation movement, but the reality is that a lot of women were leading it in the first place.”

Moreover, the event strived to advocate for gender equality and create a diverse community, which closely aligns with WEA’s goals of promoting feminism, discussion and equity within HHS, treasurer, junior Lova Bockert said. In particular, discussing the achievements of well-known women, like Jane Goodall and several lesser-known female animal conservationists helps achieve those goals, Bockert said.

However, the impact of the event and the mission of the two

clubs go beyond simply discussing what women have done in the past. They have the potential to inspire and enlighten future generations of girls interested in the field of science, Silverman said.

“Many times, women can be raised in households or spoken to in certain ways that make them feel as though they shouldn’t be scientists because that’s more of a man’s job,” Silverman said. “We want to spread the word that women can be scientists, too. They have been very successful in the past, and it’s something that nobody should back down from just because of their gender.”

Ultimately, both clubs involved in the event hope their contributions can make the school campus feel more inclusive for female students, Park said.

“A lot of women, men and nonbinary people are leading the

Collaboration inspires women in STEM

imal conservation movement and changing government policies around the world,” Park said. “It’s important to recognize that animal

what the purpose of our event was.”

an-

welfare isn’t just a male topic, but it can also be female or non-binary. And that’s

The collaboration event could help inspire new generations of female scientists, Silverman (right) said.

Marklein said he works on simple yet practical daily use items while adding his own twist.

Photo by Olivia Levesque Ouellette

Scan here to purchase tickets

The main goal for STEM night is to increase student interest in science fields, Yau said.

Photo courtesy of Kieu Vi O’Brien

Infographic by Jason Lai

Photo by Annika Abraham

Strive for a more realistic version of passion

New definition reestablishes enjoyment

Amanda Boles

COLUMN — I dream of living a life where I have found my one true passion: working on something that will never feel like a chore. For a while, fencing fit perfectly into that fantasy, but it eventually came crashing down at the tiniest inconvenience.

Growing up, I believed that if I

GRADUATES OF HHS

was truly passionate about something, it would bring me joy no matter what. At the beginning of my fencing journey, this seemed true.

The sport naturally clicked. At practices and tournaments, I found joy in trying new attack combinations as well as making my own. Although it was difficult to maintain proper technique, the exhilaration I felt from scoring touches made any pain dissipate.

Fencing had started to fill the space I deemed to be my true passion, but then the off days started.

I felt lethargic and as if all my skills had gone straight out the window. I constantly missed the target, and my footwork felt nothing but robotic.

The sensible conclusion would have been to accept these occur-

rences as normal, but my off days shattered the perfect pedestal I had put fencing on. While there were times I still enjoyed the sport, my failed expectations overshadowed these instances.

Eventually, to alleviate the dismay I felt, I took a step back from fencing, only going to practice a few times a week. In doing so, I strained my relationship with the sport, but it allowed me to slowly process why I had fallen out of love with it.

For so long, I blindly chased an unrealistic definition of true passion that never in-

Teachers reminisce on high school years

Having graduated in 2001, Pitta said that since she was a student, the campus has been renovated, and the atmosphere has changed.

“All high schools have cliques, but [HHS] felt very clique-y,” Pitta said. “[Now], I feel like there’s a place for everyone. You can find your people here in different groups that are interested in different things.”

English teacher and yearbook adviser Megan Bridge Bridge, a graduate of the class of 2010, said the biggest change to the school was the increase in technology usage.

“Social media was a thing, but it wasn’t quite as prevalent as it is to day,” Bridge said. “There were things we would do online, but it wasn’t an expectation that we had computers with us at all times.”

School library specialist Shannon Vakili

As a graduate of the class of 2001, Vakili said the campus layout has changed. Specifically, the library used to be at the bottom of the A building instead of where it is now, Vakili said.

“I like working with students in the library,” Vakili said, “I had a really positive high school experience and it was a nice opportunity to come back to my high school.”

Infographic by Aviv Matas, Madeleine Yee and Kaylin Yi

Winter guard turns a new tune

Team members discuss shows, recent changes

Maya Dutt, Mackie Vu and Kaylin Yi

After an extended marching band season from the Rose Parade, the winter guard began preparing for upcoming competitions with its two teams, the varsity Mustang Guard and the JV Green Guard, color guard director Noah Peters said. Despite a delayed start to the season, Peters said the teams have been making steady progress.

“Usually, we start building the show in December, but [this year,] we didn’t get to start building it until the beginning of January,” Peters said. “Before our first show in front of the judges, we only had nine rehearsals. So we’ve been a little behind in that regard, but the kids have been working hard to get back.”

Peters also said the Mustang Guard is preparing choreography for their new show, “The Song of the Siren,” which takes inspiration

from the sirens in “The Odyssey.” Peters said the Mustang Guard’s show is unique, as it features darker themes than previous shows.

“We’ve done fun, uplifting and light shows, and the kids have been asking to do a darker show,” Peters said. “We really took that into consideration when planning a theme this year.”

Meanwhile, the Green Guard’s show, “The Dots,” is inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s dot-filled art, JV color guard captain, sophomore Rachel Chen said. Kusama’s art, which was inspired by visions that she had as a child, motivated the members to connect with the theme on a personal level, Chen said.

“It’s really cool because if you don’t know the story behind [dots], it seems basic and simple on the surface,” Chen said. “The entire message about how we are all like dots in the world, but each person is their own individual, really struck me and resonated with me.”

Since 2015, the color guard has had a varsity and JV team up until last season, when they combined the two groups, Peters said. The two distinct teams were reintroduced this year, and there have been some challenges switching back to having

two teams, Peters said.

“It’s a lot of logistics from our five or six staff members regarding who’s going to be here and who’s going to be there. It takes a lot of our parents helping us transport to and from the show,” Peters said. “It’s been a little hectic, but I’m grateful to have a great group of students, particularly some great student leaders, who are able to fill in the cracks when things are missing.”

Mustang Guard captain, senior Sydney Smith said the members have handled the reintroduction of having two distinct teams well. Moreover, Smith said having two teams can be beneficial because it allows each team to pursue its own priorities.

“It’s nicer this year because the JV group is getting a lot more resources than they have in the past. They’re getting brand new things this year, which is nice to see,” Smith said. “[Having two teams] allows the varsity team to go further and [go to] Dayton. And it provides a cheaper option because going to away competitions is expensive.”

Additionally, Mustang Guard member, sophomore Naama Zohar said the smaller teams help to foster a closer-knit community.

“The team dynamic is pretty good. Personally, I enjoy just getting to be with people I know in a small group,” Zohar said. “While I love meeting new people, it’s nice being with people I’m familiar with.”

Altogether, Peters said he hopes members will take away important life skills and memories from being on the team — something he got to experience.

“I met some of my closest friends in marching band and color guard,” Peters said. “I hope they take away life skills like time management, how to manage a rehearsal, and performing. Also, [I hope they learn] to be a great team player and how they can fit into the teams [to] work toward a common goal.”

volved any sort of grit. Consequently, anytime there was a conflict, I lacked the resolve to continue fencing confidently.

Changing my definition of passion helped me let go of the sense of failure and confusion I carried when things were not going my way. Now, when I have rough days at practice, I do not dwell on them. Through further consideration, I have realized that passion is not defined by perpetual joy but instead by the courage to continue in the face of a challenge. Expect that activities will be frustrating, but understand their worth and continue loving them for their brightest moments, as well.

Paraeducators offer a helping hand

Paraeducators share experiences, roles on campus

Henry Hu

Paraeducators, who serve as aids in resource classes, play an integral role in the school community that is often overlooked, paraeducator Dylan Remahl said. Such professionals are crucial in ensuring students with disabilities receive a quality education, Remahl added.

Beyond just academic concepts, Remahl said paraeducators help teach students social and emotional skills. For instance, Remahl said his job involves providing support to a variety of kids who all have different needs.

“I do my best to make sure that the kids are being accommodated and that they have all the supervision [and guidance] they need to get their work done,” Remahl said. “[I make sure] they are advocating for themselves and learning coping mechanisms for when they are feeling frustrated.”

By focusing on life and work skills, paraeducators assist students in developing abilities they will need to be successful beyond high school, paraeducator Cameron Grubb said.

“We work closely with the students to help teach them life skills,” Grubb said. “We teach them cooking. We go on community outings, so they learn skills like how to cross the street safely, and how to shop in a grocery store. We help support any emotional or behavioral needs.”

Being a paraeducator can often come with challenges, such as managing the behaviors and emotions of students, paraeduca-

tor Athina Rivera said. Specifically, finding a balance between teaching students how to manage themselves and their emotions in school and life without completely babying them can be difficult, Rivera added.

“You need to have tough skin,” Rivera said. “You have to be willing to not look at them like ‘Oh, poor baby’ and be enablers. You have to be able to show them how to do something without [someone] holding their hand because they have to be self-sufficient on their own.”

Although being a paraeducator comes with some difficulties, the chance to help students ultimately makes the job rewarding, paraeducator Dominique Bennes said. The job is a mutually beneficial relationship for the health and wellbeing of both the paraeducator and the student, Bennes added.

“The challenges help us grow,” Bennes said. “They help us test our abilities and gain strength in whatever ends we might be lacking within ourselves. They motivate us to figure out new strategies, techniques and goals and implement with each student based on their behavioral or learning ability. They just motivate us to try more, try harder and do the very best you can with it.”

Ultimately, working as a paraeducator is a privilege many do not have the chance to experience, Bennes said. The struggle and resulting personal growth from the job makes it all the more rewarding, Bennes said.

“It’s okay to make mistakes as long as we get back up. We are learning,” Bennes said. “It’s all about learning at the end of the day, and learning is where the journey is. You gain strength upon mistakes, so just love yourself and live in the moment [without a single] regret.”

While being a paraeducator can be challenging, the personal growth from the job makes it rewarding, Bennes (left) said.

Peters said despite the recent team changes and late start to the season, winter guard has been persevering.

Photo by Henry Hu

Photo by Mackie Vu

English teacher Ashley Pitta

Arts and Culture

‘Amortage’ makes waves in music

Jisoo’s solo EP surprises fans with enchanting vocals

Vivian Kim

BLACKPINK vocalist, actress and K-pop girl group phenomenon

Jisoo released her latest EP, “Amortage,” on Feb. 14, captivating audiences with her distinctive musical style. The title of “Amortage” is a fusion of “Amor,” Latin for love, and “montage.” The four tracks took me on an exciting journey through the different sides of love.

The EP’s lead single, “earthquake,” is a well-balanced mix of EDM and pop. The range of dynamics, combined with upbeat rhythms, highlight Jisoo’s powerful vocals. Her soft, husky voice blends well with this genre as she displays her ability to perform emotionally within melodies.

The music video for “earthquake” is also full of futuristic elements that accompany an interesting storyline. In the video, the

confusing but addicting feeling of falling in love is represented by constant explosions around her. Due to the trending futuristic theme in K-pop, this is an especially perfect match for the theme since the upbeat EDM music goes along with the video elements.

“Amortage” is a vastly different concept from her first debut solo album, “FLOWER,” which mainly focuses on catchy melodies and easy choreography to boost virality. However, this EP diverges from that tactic by utilizing relatable lyrics and Jisoo’s melodic voice to aim for greater emotional impact on the audience.

To target her international audience, she produced two English songs, “TEARS” and “Hugs & Kisses,” which consist of half the EP. As a Korean fan, it is nice to see Jisoo accommodate non-Korean speakers. The addition of two English songs also shows how much the K-pop industry and Jisoo’s solo career have evolved to incorporate a significant international fanbase.

Although “Amortage” is a very short EP, it proves why

BLACKPINK is iconic among K-pop girl groups because their individuality does not disappoint fans. Even though I was not originally a fan of Jisoo, her unique voice and dedication to including international fans intrigues me, and I am now interested in her future career as a soloist. Listen to Jisoo’s music because you will be in “TEARS” if you don’t.

Album: “Amortage.”

Grade: B+.

Artist: Jisoo.

Hollywood reeks of hypocrisy

Hollywood benefits from systems they critique

Jason Lai

I shake my head in disbelief as “Deadpool” breaks the fourth wall yet again, mocking other superhero movies and consumer culture. While his self-aware humor is a fair critique, I can’t tell if Deadpool truly understands his own jokes. After all, his movie makes money from the same system of greed he is mocking: Hollywood.

Throughout Hollywood, many movies challenge consumerism and capitalism in the form of storylines that attempt to raise awareness. However, such movies still benefit from the same systems to earn profit. Not only are they hypocritical, but they also fail to offer solutions to the problems they are critiquing.

When I was young, I fell for this trap. Films like 2014’s “The Lego Movie” critique capitalism by emphasizing a storyline where the characters fight a giant corporation. Yet, in reality, it’s a mass advertisement for consumers to buy Lego.

Although I bought more Lego without thought, I realized with time that this movie did not have a

real message because its goal was to sell a product rather than challenge the system itself.

The tactics used by movies like these work absurdly well, and many popular movies use this formula to make millions. Audiences feel intelligent by noticing the social problems tackled by the movie yet fail to realize that, by buying a ticket, they are still supporting big corporations causing the same social issues.

Aside from being hypocritical, these movies fail to offer a solution to the problems they critique.

An example of this is the 2023 film “Saltburn,” which presents itself as an eat-the-rich film, a genre that shows the ultra-rich getting punished for their greedy actions. However, the film does not offer any insight into the class divide.

Instead, it is only focused on a mid dle class student killing a rich family with out real motives. If a film critiques social issues, it should of fer tangible solutions or

a moral lesson rather than being a cheap cash grab.

However, there are occasionally movies that portray critique without hypocrisy, such as the 2019 Korean film “Parasite.” In the movie, no characters, rich or poor, are inherently evil. Rather, they are byproducts of the corrupt system of capitalism. The film is realistic and shows social issues in an authentic way, rather than sticking to the cliche social class revenge storyline. Moreover, the director is aware he has support from the wealthy and does not try to mask it through lame jokes like those in “Deadpool.”

As consumers, we must be aware of the messages in the films we watch. Hollywood is full of spineless movies that appear to be selfaware but generate money off the ideas they critique. Although it is easy to fall for shallow yet entertaining movies, consumers must gain media literacy by viewing films that challenge these ideas without hypocrisy.

The American Dream for those left unseen

Memoir reflects on Latinx, queer experience

Malar Raguraman

Working at gay bars.

Recording a YouTube video about “Ghostbusters” while stoned. Sobbing to “Thong Song.” In my sheltered world of school and homework, I find author Edgar Gomez’s daily experiences so different from mine. Yet as I read his memoir of essays, “Alligator Tears,” I can’t help but feel inexplicably tethered to his search for happiness and success.

Published Feb. 11, “Alligator Tears” reflects on Gomez’s Latinx experiences and unique intersectionality. As a Miami-born son to an immigrant family, Gomez shares explicit and vivid memories ranging from his childhood to his current life, stringing together complex connections between racism, the immigrant experience, queerness and the search for true love.

However, while these themes are integral to Gomez’s life story, “Alligator Tears” serves as a message about the unattainability of the American Dream. The memoir does not attempt to use a grand gesture of symbolism to describe the “problem” with the American Dream. Instead, Gomez is upfront about it.

In every essay, he demonstrates how he has been failed by the system as a gay son, a Latinx man and a poor boy, revealing a clear picture of what he believes the American “Dream” to be: a scam.

Gomez primarily uses captivating and unique life experiences to create this image. This, paired with his artful structure, enables every essay in “Alligator Tears” to feel memorable.

For example, in his essay “My Body of Work,” Gomez haphazardly jumps between his experiences as a gay man and intense working conditions as he attempts to find a long-term job. Gomez, bouncing back and forth between stories of strange messages on Grindr to harrowing experiences while working at Auntie Anne’s, skillfully bridges together seemingly separate storylines to illustrate the pressure he faces as a gay man in poverty to dabble in sex

work. Whether a heartbreaking story of unfaithful love, a scared reflection of violence against queer individuals or an evocative recollection of his mother’s seizure, every essay stays true to sharing a graphic description of the realities of being American. However, despite his impactful message, Gomez falls short in his storytelling. With slow, monotonous pacing, a few essays in “Alligator Tears” are exacerbated by a lack of presentation and writing style, different from the thought-provoking commentary I encountered in other essays.

Throughout “Alligator Tears,” Gomez presents the argument that the American Dream is nothing but an empty promise — a blind hope that misleads individuals to keep tirelessly working toward a brighter future.

Yet, by the end of the memoir, it is unclear whether Gomez believes he has lived the American Dream himself. He describes finally meeting the love of his life, becoming a successful writer and forming a community of support.

His lack of closure from his past is what draws me to the memoir. Gomez’s cloudy uncertainty left me wondering whether it was his rugged individualism or American society that allowed for his happy ending. It’s a question the memoir never answers.

But regardless of whether or not the American Dream is a scam, he fulfilled his own dreams, and that gives me hope.

Book: “Alligator Tears.”

Grade: B.

Author: Edgar Gomez.

New York Fashion Week reveals outstanding collections

Olivia Levesque Ouellette

When a new year begins, a new year of fashion also launch es. Fashion designers around the world prepared their col lections for the annual New York Fashion Week from Feb. 6 to 11. Of all the brands that showcased their spring, fall and winter collections, three brands left me in awe: Todd Snyder, Ulla Johnson and Marc Jacobs.

Todd Snyder: Todd Snyder gave a refreshing and new look to casual male attire. By playing with complex textures and shapes, Snyder maintained a casual school uniform look.

While watching the show, I couldn’t help but think male ce lebrities should be wearing these

outfits on the red carpet instead of a typical black and white suit. By including playful and vivid colors, Snyder added personality to each look. A piece that stood out to me was the oversized, monochromatic teal suit. It was simple yet contrasted the other dull-

Not only did Snyder have a diverse collection of pieces, he also had a diverse cast of models. There were

around 30 models of dif ferent ages, races and body types. This mens wear collection is truly suitable for all.

Ulla Johnson: Ulla Johnson provided a re laxed yet chic col lection of readyto-wear pieces. She had a consistent theme of shiny earth tones and animal prints, utilizing differ ent materials like den im and metals. I was shocked to see such a wide range of ac cessories used in this col lection through the differ ent kinds of purses, gloves

and necklaces. All the accessories had impeccable detailing with stones on gloves, fringe on purses and layering on necklaces. Compared to other brands during the week, the variety of patterns in the show was never ending and there was always something new to look for ward to.

Marc Jacobs: As I watched the Marc Jacobs runway show, it was evident their inspiration was “Alice In Wonderland.” Models walked out in extravagantly

disproportional dresses, providing a whimsical and eccentric feel to the clothing. The show was held at the iconic New York library, according to Elle. In contrast to the dark academian-styled setting, the colorful dolllike makeup the models wore shined through. The models wore shiny red and pink dots on their lips and cheeks, adding to the playful aesthetic. My absolute favorite piece from the collection was model Alex Consani’s crimson red, puffy velvet dress and her Marie Antoinette-styled hair. Marc Jacobs created a collection like nothing I have ever seen before and left me truly speechless with it’s innovative concepts and designs.

“Alligator Tears” draws intricate links between Gomez’s various memories.

“Amortage” leaves a powerful impact on listeners.

Photo from Spotify

As film consumers, we must be aware of the messages of the movies we watch.

Photo from Amazon

IllustrationbyJasonLai

Photo from

Photofrom

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ smashes fears

Newest Marvel movie is a flying hit

Aashka Nagarkar

I walk into the theater with low expectations, assuming “Captain America: Brave New World” would be utter trash. For the past few years, Marvel films have been mediocre at best, and I expected the same from this movie.

Released on Feb. 14, the movie quickly shattered my initial assumptions, presenting an enjoyable film with fewer tiresome fight scenes than previous Marvel movies.

The movie follows the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, who is trying to clear his friend, Isaiah Bradley, of allegations tied to an assassination attempt on President Thaddeus Ross. With the help of superheroes Sabra

and The Falcon, Captain America faces Samuel Sterns, the main villain, and intense government pushback.

A notable aspect of the movie is the strong connections between its characters. The mentorship between Bradley and Captain America allows viewers to feel Captain America’s pain after Bradley’s arrest, depicting him in a humane and realistic light. These intimate moments also serve as much-needed breaks in such an action-heavy movie.

Despite the strong bonds the main character has, the side characters are often overlooked. This was most glaring with Sabra, Ross’ security advisor. When her appearance was first announced, her character was embroiled in controversy for being Israeli, according to Variety. Throughout the movie, it is evident that her character’s depth is reduced to avoid controversy, resulting in her bland and undeveloped role.

While the film sidelines certain characters, it does a good job of building up suspense as it progresses. The cinematography and harsh lighting add elements of horror, especially in high-tension scenes.

Additionally, by not revealing the identity of the main villain and his motives until halfway through, the movie adds an element of mystery to the plot. For example, scenes where Sterns taunts Ross without revealing his face made me more interested in who he was and why he was trying to humiliate Ross.

Unlike most Marvel movies, Sterns’ motives to humiliate Ross are portrayed with depth, and the movie takes time to humanize him. By portraying how Sterns’ desire to go back to his old life after failed experiments permanently disfigured him pushes him to torment Ross and toy with his emotional stability, the film helped me empathize with his

Pho Anh: good food, great mood

New Vietnamese restaurant offers fresh experience to comfortably chat with friends and enjoy myself.

Additionally, I appreciated the smooth service; after stepping into the restaurant, my waiter immediately seated me and was quick to place my order. Just five minutes later, my food was ready.

The restaurant Pho Anh, which opened on Jan. 18, offers the perfect spot for anyone to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Featuring great service, ambiance and food, Pho Anh is a hidden gem and a must-go for everyone.

Upon arrival, I struggled to find the small building amidst dozens of identical dull, beige-colored facilities in the plaza. However, as I stepped inside, I was taken aback by the impressive decor and sense of coziness from the restaurant’s atmosphere.

Although the place is filled with marble tables and glimmering chandeliers, it manages to achieve a minimalist, clean aesthetic with its spaced-out furniture and geometric wall decorations. In combination with the soft, relaxing music and pleasant outdoor view, Pho Anh achieves a classy yet almost café-like feel that allows me

Pho Anh’s menu includes many staples of Vietnamese cuisine, including both meat and vegetarian options. From spring rolls and rice plates to pho and banh mi, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I ordered their signature beef pho with rare steak, brisket and flank, and it did not disappoint.

I got a lot of value for my $20 in both quality and quantity. The large bowl comes steaming hot and smelling fresh, and the variety of tender beef slices adds texture to the dish. However, the star of the show are the thin noodles, which almost melted in my mouth. While the pho is very light and healthy, it lacks sufficient flavor and satiation. The broth fails to provide enough flavor for the noodles, which clump together and are not fulfilling.

Nevertheless, Pho Anh’s signature dish is not meant to be extremely flavor-packed, but rather to act as comfort food that is not

too overpowering. By adding hot and savory chili oil, I was able to preserve the dish’s nostalgic traits while incorporating a spicy kick.

Despite its new arrival to the local food scene, Pho Anh has quickly proven itself an excellent restaurant that no one should overlook. If you’re looking for healthy food and a classy, relaxing atmosphere, Pho Anh is the right place to be.

Restaurant: Pho Anh.

Grade: A.

175 E El Camino Real, Mountain View.

Gamers must look past graphics

Future of graphics reaches limit

Parth Dhaulakhandi

COLUMN — Naughty Dog released “The Last of Us,” one of my favorite video games, 12 years ago. Although I only played the game a few years ago for its storyline, the game’s success was largely due to its advanced graphics. The game’s detailed lighting, shading and almost life-like visuals were groundbreaking at the time.

This can be observed when comparing “The Last of Us Part II” from 2020 and “The Last of Us: Part II Remastered” from 2024. The remastered version supposedly had better graphics and sound design, but when I compared it to the original, the differences were so minute that I could barely distinguish one from the other.

Instead, I appreciated this 2024 remake for its new features, such as the new gameplay mode, behind-the-scenes elements to explore and the simple yet fun freeplay guitar mode.

Gaming has evolved, so game developers must shift priorities and reevaluate what innovation in gaming means. Amazing graphics were once an opportunity for games such as “The Last of Us”

to stand out, but with little room left for improvement due to the already life-like visuals games like “Cyberpunk 2077” have, this field dwindles in importance.

Instead, video games should focus on growing areas of interest within game development, such as incorporating AI into gaming.

For example, NVIDIA, known for its recent advancements in AI, announced a project on Jan. 6 in collaboration with Wemade Next, the developer of MIR4 and the future de veloper of MIR5. This project aims to introduce an AI-based boss to the game MIR5. Rather than having a set series of attacks and memorizable behavior, this boss can make realistic decisions, according to NVIDIA.

character thanks to his believable backstory.

While the film does underutilize its side characters, it fleshes out its main characters in a way that Marvel movies usually don’t. “Captain America: Brave New

Graphics improvements focus on aspects such as shading, lighting and visual details. A powerful art style, however, builds visuals true to the game’s plot instead of obsessing over realism.

For example, the unique art style in “Slay the Princess,” which consists of several beautiful handdrawn scenes, carries more weight and elevates the story better than subtle graphics improvements would.

By reinventing the NPC, a major part of any story-based game, NVIDIA is investing effort into game mechanics, which has a larger scope for development than graphics improvements.

A close parallel to graphics is art style, yet this feature holds significantly more value.

In addition to graphics being an area with limited potential for future enhancements, excessive emphasis on it can also make playing certain games harder.

My computer can barely run games like “Marvel Rivals,” forcing casual gamers like myself to either invest in expensive graphics processing technology or endure insufferably choppy gameplay.

Gaming is where technology and entertainment meet to produce innovation. However, game developers are focusing on graphics too much, deliberately slowing their pace along the path to the future of gaming.

World” flies hope for a bright future for the MCU.

Movie: “Captain America: Brave New World.” Grade: B+. Rated PG-13. Watch in theaters.

‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ puts me to sleep

Newest Drake album is worst in his musical journey

Sachin Chandran

Following his public embarrassment in his rap feud with Kendrick Lamar last year, Drake needed to come back with a statement: an album that would bring his name back to respectability.

On Feb. 14, Drake released a Valentine’s Day album “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” with label-mate PARTYNEXTDOOR. Unfortunately, this album does not serve as any grand statement; it instead meaninglessly flounders at every turn.

While I occasionally enjoy laidback songs, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” takes sleepy production to a completely unknown stratosphere. Listening to the album feels like listening to white noise on repeat.

There are no interesting melodies or production choices that demand any attention. Almost every song has no distinguishing qualities, but only a similar, substanceless drone throughout.

Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR both ramble with no direction, and the grueling 21-song runtime features atrocious vocal mixing. The vocal processing in songs like “Die Trying” and “Small Town Fame” is so unfinished and robotic that I questioned if Drake was using a AI to replicate his voice.

Not only are the artists’ performances unpleasant, but the vapid, misogynistic lyrics only worsen the already miserable listening experience. “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” introduces Drake at his absolute lowest point lyrically. Instead of providing a Valentine’s Day romance, he repeatedly sexualizes and objectifies women.

This trend is present in tracks such as “Celibacy,” in which Drake creepily tries to seduce a woman practicing celibacy. In “GIMME A HUG,” Drake triumphantly sings about wanting to walk into a strip club and ask strippers to hug him because he “misses them.”

“$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” could have served as an intimate, romantic album that fits the theme of its release date. However, it is a sexist, uninspired project that only serves to objectify women.

This album isn’t entirely terrible, as songs like “NOKIA” give me hope of originality. The dance-pop style beat is like nothing I have ever heard before and provides a well-needed breath of fresh air in an otherwise bland album.

Although there are some salvageable aspects, this is one of the most excruciating first listens I have ever experienced. “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” has no style or substance, only utter embarrassment for everyone involved.

Album:

“$ome $exy $ongs 4 U.”

Grade: F.

Artists: Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

a disgusting stain on Drake’s already tainted career.

The lighting in high-tension scenes adds suspense to the movie.

Ethan Xue

“$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” is an egotistical, misogynistic mess, culminating as

Although the restaurant’s signature dish lacks rich flavors, the atmosphere is immaculate.

Photo by Ethan

Photo from Marvel

Photo from Genius

Seniors raise team to success

Varsity boys volleyball thrives with seniors

Parth Dhaulakhandi, Isabela Guilardi and Selina Wang

Seniors encompass a large majority of this season’s varsity boys volleyball team, with nine of the 13 players being seniors, libero, senior Leon Meng said.

This abundance of seniors will benefit the team this year, as Meng said their team dynamic strengthened over time.

“The team has been very tightknit this year because the seniors have played together for four years,” Meng said. “Going into our fourth year together, it’s something a little special and a little different. We’ve got a lot of well-rounded experience because of the maturity that comes with age.”

Carrying high hopes this year, coach Danny Chan said talent and skill are not issues with this team.

“It’s going to be more of how well we are able to continue to stick together when we are faced with adversity. ‘Are we going to

persevere?’ ‘Are we going to crack under pressure?’” Chan said. “I’m hoping these seniors are going to really lead by example this season. As long as you know we’re doing little things day in and day out, we’re going to be fine this season.”

Despite the benefits of having a senior-heavy team, sophomore, outside Omer Zohar said players need to prepare plans for leadership in future seasons.

“This season, we have a lot of great leadership with our seniors,” Zohar said. “Next season, we really have to step up more into leadership roles without them, especially due to our lack of juniors.”

Chan said he is not concerned for the team’s future, as he is confident in the capabilities of the underclassmen and the strong JV team.

The team will consist of many young players next year, Chan said. However, having young players isn’t a bad thing, because it just requires underclassmen to take more initative.

“We have a couple guys who aren’t seniors who are going to have bigger roles this season,” Chan said. “That is going to be really valuable not just for this season but moving forward into the next couple years.”

Ice, stakes, action

Junior discusses ice hockey, athletic career

The Epitaph spoke with junior Caroline Lee, a player on the Junior SharksGirls16AAicehockeyteam, aboutherinvolvementinthesport.

The Epitaph: What makes ice hockey different from other sports?

Caroline Lee: I think the ob-

vious thing is that it’s on ice. [You use] a completely different set of skills compared to other sports because there’s skating, stick handling and your game sense.

TE: What makes hockey special to you?

CL: I love how fast you can go [on the ice] and the feeling of the wind on your skin. It’s like when you’re biking or if you’re a dog and you stick your head out of the window. Also, the sense of teamwork. It does get very close-knit. Personally, I’ve had two or three friends that I’ve been with since I was 12 years [old].

TE: Are there any misconceptions about ice hockey?

CL: For girls hockey and for girls sports in general, people think that it is non-contact or not very physical, but it can get very physical. There’s still a lot of body contact, and they can get really aggressive. I had a concussion last year and actually [am] on the end of it right now.

TE: What has been your biggest accomplishment in the sport?

CL: Last year, we won our division. We were the champions, and it was especially important to us because it was an underdog story. When we beat the team in the championship, it was the first time we beat them all season and it was a very solid win, so that was really special.

TE: What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the ice hockey scene?

CL: Seek out people around your age or with your same body type and see if they have any extra gear because one of the biggest obstacles to playing hockey is definitely the money. You have to pay for ice time, gear and transportation.

College sports commitments

Seniorssharetheircommitment processandwhytheychosetheir respectivecollege

Andrew sun baseball for wabash college

Michelle Baumbach diving for georgetown university

Evan gardner cross country for university of californa san

Track athletes race down path of improvement

Students reflect on track journey, team

form, technique and speed. Now, Kondawar said he trains in the weight room to strengthen various muscle groups.

Reflecting on the track community, Kondawar said working with others is a great way to stay motivated.

“The support from the coaches helps you get better, and internally, you want to help [others] get better,” Kondawar said.

After several years on the track and field team, three athletes share how their performance has evolved.

Sprinter, senior Prasmit

Kondawar:

Prior to being on the team, Kondawar said he participated in track and field through a club called Umoja.

Although Kondawar said he initially struggled with many drills, conditioning made a vast difference by helping him develop better

Distance runner, senior Ido Halevy:

Developing a knack for running in middle school, Halevy said he decided to join the cross country team his freshman year. Later on, Halevy said he rolled over to track and field to continue running with the same students.

Now, as a track and field captain, Halevy said he has developed a more team focused mindset that allows him to uplift others on the team.

“Being a captain for the past three years has changed my attitude,” Halevy said. “Before, I was more individualistic, just trying to get my own personal records, whereas now I’m very much about helping other people.”

Throughout his track career, Halevy said he has found joy in watching the team improve in both athletic ability and attitude.

“It’s amazing to see people who I’ve known for three years now run way faster,” Halevy said. “Also, seeing how the sport helps them mature in general is also really fun.”

Thrower, junior Allison Brown:

After watching her brother participate in hurdles and practicing with him, Brown said she felt motivated to join track and field.

Over time, Brown said she discovered what events sparked her interest by exploring the various categories track and field encom-

passes. Although she initially started as a sprinter, Brown said she now primarily does throwing.

“Starting to throw was pretty hard because it’s a really funky sport,” Brown said. “[Also], the crossover between running and throwing isn’t very great, but after a few months of conditioning and getting used to the drills, it became almost natural.”

Through the support of coach es and other students on the throwing team, Brown said she has been able to develop her technique sig nificantly.

“In my fresh man year, we had these two senior throwers who were amazing and they had a lot of tips for newer throwers,” Brown said. “You never feel like you’re intimidated by other throwers because it’s about improving yourself.”

Chan (center) said the team has the ability to perform well this season due to the large number of seniors on the team.

Lee said forging close ties with her teammates is one of her favorite aspects of the sport.

Alicia Liste

Photo courtesy of Caroline Lee

Photo by Adam Orrin

experience

Prasmit Kondawar (left), Ido Halevy (middle) and Allison Brown (right) play integral roles on the team.

Amanda Boles, Madeleine Yee and Veronica Zhao

Infographic by Ella Chan and Helen Tam

Photo Courtesy of Evan Gardner

Photo Courtesy of Michelle Baumbach

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Sun

Photos by Amanda Boles

Beyond the game

From sentimental water bottles to hype songs, being an athlete is more than just winning the game. Mustang athletes share their game time go-tos.

“I like the flamingo [exercise] because it stretches my thighs and knees. It really helps me get ready before a game.”

Leo Rohloff

(9)

“I wear the HOKA Mach 6 because they have more cushion than the shoes I previously had, [which were] the Asics Novab-

This water bottle has been with me since I first started playing badminton. My parents got my

home games: vs. Piedmont HS, Mar. 7

Boys Tennis, Boys Golf, Swimming, Softball and Track and Field to come in issues 6 and 7

SCORING HIGH: HHS girls soccer won 1-0 in the CCS D2 Semifinals against Branham HS girls soccer on Feb. 26.

Shooting For the Stars:

HHS boys basketball won 69-63 in the CCS D1 Quarterfinals against Los Gatos HS boys basketball on Feb. 25

vs. Los Altos HS, Mar. 25 vs. LHS, Mar. 14 vs. MVHS, Mar. 19

Coming soon: Boys tennis, boys golf, swim and dive, softball and track and field

Aaron Huang aces his way to Athlete of the Month

Sophomore takes on top spot on tennis team

Sachin Chandran

Being an underclassman in a varsity sport is a challenge most aren’t able to achieve.

However, varsity boys tennis coach Sundar Parthasarathy said sophomore Aaron Huang has achieved that challenge and more, serving as the top singles player on the team this season.

Inspired by his idol, tennis player Novak Djokovic, and his father, Huang said tennis has been an essential part of his life since he began

playing the sport at five years old.

“It’s like an addiction at this point,” Huang said. “If I don’t play, my body starts hurting, and everything just becomes worse.”

As an integral member of the team, Huang never struggled with being an underclassman on varsity and immediately had a big impact on the team dynamic, doubles player, junior Shaaketh Sivakumar said.

“[Huang’s] strengths are consistency and defense, and he doesn’t miss his serves,” Sivakumar said.

“He also shows integrity on the court, which we all really appreciate.”

Despite the complex nature of tennis, Parthasarathy said Huang always stays composed and shows mental fortitude when his team needs him most.

“I never see him get down, and

I never see him get upset,” Parthasarathy said. “Any athlete can get a bit frustrated, but [his] frustration is more about [how] he can do better.”

Huang’s fortitude was exemplified last season in a match during the northern California tennis tournament, where Huang sustained a serious injury that would sideline most players. However, instead of backing down, Huang played through the injury during a pivotal moment, Parthasarathy said.

“He could not move, [but] he somehow pulled off [the win],” Parthasarathy said. “It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. He could barely take any steps, and because of that match, we ended up going to the finals.”

Although the tennis team reached new heights by winning

CCS for the first time since 1990 last season, Huang said he hopes to repeat the team’s success at CCS and Northern California or even surpass it this season.

“We are defending league champions and defending CCS champions,” Huang said. “Last year, we only got second in Northern California, this year, [my goal] is to improve [to] Northern California champions.”

Huang said his biggest strength is his speed, as it aids him in moving around the court.

Photo by Sachin Chandran

– Caden Cormier (12)

Ido Halevy (12)

Photo by VeronicaZhao

P hoto by Adam Orrin

Teachers discuss graphic novels in classrooms

“I love how [Eren] evolves from a straightforward, revenge-driven kid into a complex character struggling with morality, destiny and freedom. his focus and his determination are my favorite parts about him.”

—

Shourya

Batra (9)

“I love [Jinwoo’s] character development and how he matures from a nobody who’s really weak. he uses his effort and hard work to Become Someone that everyone should aspire to be like.”

— Leo Gin (10)

Scan here to read a review of

As an editor in manga club, junior Dhruv Gatge said he is in charge of the development of a manga project about two childhood friends who reunite years later.

“Each chapter is a different scene [in] a different month,” Gatge said. “For example, in one of the chapters, they meet up at a hospital to see an old friend.”

While the project is early in its development, Gatge said it has been an enriching experience, especially due to the camaraderie the club fosters.

“I enjoy working with other people [because] I couldn’t imagine how difficult it would be if I had to create it all alone,” Gatge said. “it’s really satisfying to see people bring skills to the table to create some thing each person would not be able to do alone.”

student comics make a

Sophomore Chloe Dahl said she started drawing comics during the pandemic to keep herself occupied. She said her art style drew inspiration from the anime she watched at the time, but she has continued to perfect it.

“Comics force you to get out of your comfort zone because you have to make the image interesting in different ways,” Dahl said. “if you have someone walking across a room, you can’t just show them walking, you have to draw multiple angles and Provide a sense of movement.”

Dahl said her favorite part of creating comics is fleshing out the characters and creating a story.

“A story is interesting because the look of the character and the story are intertwined,” Dahl said. “When you make the character, you’re giving it a story at the same time and vice versa.”

‘Maus’ by Art Spiegelman

‘fahrenheit 451: the authorized adaptation’ by Tim Hamilton

Photo from Amazon Photo from Amazon