The Pearl Post February 2024

Social media impacts fast fasion and thrifting trends See pages 6-9

Volume 15, Issue 3 • February 2024 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA

2 The Pearl Post | February 2024 Print Editor-in-Chief Alan Ruiz Online Editor-in-Chief Rikka Dimalanta Managing Editor Satenik Ayrapetyan Features Editor Alexa Garay Opinion Editor Isaac Herrera Entertainment Editor Sophie Ortega Sports Editor Maggie Simonyan Visual Editor Kristin Intal Digital Media Editor Andre Arcilla Social Media Editor Jenny Marquez Staff Writers / Photographers Serena Elkins, Alia Galvan, Donovan Ochoa, Aiden Lia, Jasmine McNair, Vanessa Morales, Emma Rosenberg, and Yusuf Syed Contributors Valerie Sanchez, Jasmine Thompson Copy Editors Alysa Basmadzhyan, Desiree Spurkel and Jazmine Valerio The Pearl Post is an open forum for student expression as allowed by California Education Codes 48907 and 48950, committed to excellence in reporting, writing and photography.

The magazine strives to inform and educate students and faculty on events affecting the school.

Thoughts and opinions published in these pages are the work of journalism students and do not represent the position of DPMHS, its administrators or the Los Angeles Unified School District.

An unsigned editorial is the opinion of the Editorial Board, which is comprised of the Editor-in-Chief and the editors. Signed opinions in The Pearl Post reflect the views of the authors. A signed cartoon reflects the view of the cartoonist.

This bimonthly magazine is the official campus newsmagazine of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

The magazine is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com.

Content

1 COVER - Design by Kristin Intal

2-3 NEWS - Index / Fully digital SAT 4-5 FEATURES - Club Corner: Black Student Union / Patron ad / Junior’s virtual clothing business 6-7 OPINION - Editorial: Social media’s effect on spending / Pearl Voice / Overconsumption trends among students 8-9 SPECIAL REPORTS - Fast fashion vs. thrifting / Poll infographic: student shopping trends 10-11 SPORTS - Celebrating alumni athletes 12-13 SPORTS - Student softball player spotlight / Athletes of the Month 14-15 ENTERTAINMENT - Artist of the Month: Kirby Lauryen Dockery / Featuring black music artists 16 BACK COVER - Photo Essay: Second semester sports

Letter from the editor For our third printed issue, we covered trends in product consumption among students. Due to the rise of social media, teens are becoming increasingly influenced by what they see and hear online.

Such influence has made its way into consumption patterns that play into fast fashion trends, which brings up the hotly debated controversy over the ethics of fast fashion clothes manufacturing.

Some students, however, prefer thrifting and wearing secondhand clothing. Therefore, we highlighted a junior who has taken initiative by

starting a virtual secondhand clothing business.

We also celebrated Black History Month by spotlighting the work of the Black Student Union on campus. Additionally, we featured the work of legendary Black musicians.

We hope that as you read this issue, our concerns over the influence of social media and our attentiveness to diversity are clearly expressed.

Alan Ruiz Editor-in-Chief

News | Alan Ruiz 3

Juniors to log on for fully digital SAT

By Serena Elkins @sunshineday2026

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he College Board’s SAT will shift from its physical paper SAT to an online version starting this March, which presents both new advantages and challenges for juniors currently preparing for the test.

“I just feel like I’m more old school so I feel like for me when I read online, I just have the worst attention span when things are digital,” junior Genesis Cuellar-Figuerora said.

“So I prefer things hands-on and on paper.”

According to The Princeton Review, the purpose of the SAT, which contains English language and math sections, is “to measure a high school student’s readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.” The new SAT will be online for the first time for all students in the U.S. College Board’s new Bluebook app will track students’ answers, giving easier or harder questions depending on results.

The test will be an hour shorter, now lasting two hours instead of three. Long texts will no longer be used for the reading and writing sections, assisting in the shortening of the test’s duration.

“Maybe social media is decreasing our attention spans and to accommodate that, the SATs will be shorter and digital,” said senior David Antonio, who took the SAT in his junior year.

Both the math and reading and writing sections will be split in half. Students’ results from the first half will impact the difficulty level of

RIKKA DIMALANTA | THE PEARL POST Math teacher Gonçalo Sousa tutors students on how to solve systems of equations. Sousa will be hosting SAT tutoring classes in his classroom to help prepare juniors to answer the questions posed in the test to be taken in March.

the questions asked in the on the digital exam page or second half, making the test bring their own. Math teacher more adaptive to a student’s Gonçalo Sousa feels the digital aptitudes. Students can only format will hinder student return to questions within the thought process during the half of the test. section “I’m they are very old I just feel like I’m more old currently school school so I feel like for me on. and I’m a Alpen and when I read online, I just though paper kind have the worst attention the math of guy,” span when things are digisection tal. So I prefer things hands Sousa said. previously “I believe on and on paper. consisted that there -Junior Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa of calis a lot to culator be gained and non-calculator sections, from actively writing out your the test is being reduced to steps, for thinking with your include only one math section head and using your hand and to decrease test duration. your pencil as an extension Throughout the section, stuof your brain, particularly as it dents are allowed to use the comes to mathematics.” graphing calculator provided “In a November 2021

“

pilot launch of the digital version, 80% of participants found the new format ‘less stressful’ than the paper test, according to the College Board,” according to U.S News in its article “The SAT Has Changed: Here’s What to Know.” While the changes are prominent, many students don’t feel the pressure to study too much.

“Well currently, I feel like I’m not taking them as seriously as I should be,” CuellarFigueroa said. “I feel like now with all the UCs that are not really looking into them as much, I feel like it’s the least I could be worried about when I’m applying to colleges. What I’m more worried about now is extracurriculars and things that I could be adding to my record.”

4 The Pearl Post | February 2024

Club Corner

BSU takes a stand on BHM Student passion sparks creative hallway design for all.

By Aidan Lia, @aidan.lia

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his Black History Month (BHM), the Black Student Union (BSU) is preparing for an ambitious month.

“BHM is very important because we are surrounded by black culture as residents of Los Angeles along with many other cultures,” BSU President Madyson Phillips said. “It is also important as our school doesn’t have a lot of black students, so it spreads awareness about us and our history.”

BSU is a club that any student can join. It is a safe place for everyone, not just African-American students.

It is a place to talk about African-American culture and empowerment within the community. Club members normally talk and hangout in Room 17, club sponsor Brenda Helfing’s room, where the club meets every Tuesday.

Phillips plans on holding several meetings to highlight important black figures like

Frederick Douglass, Phillis Wheatley, and Richard Allen during BHM. They are also planning to decorate the BSU board in the hallway with those same figures, so even if students don’t attend meetings, they can see information about them in the hallway.

She also plans on giving a few announcements over the intercom during BHM for more

AIDAN LIA | THE PEARL POST Black Student Union (BSU) President Madyson Phillips leads a group discussion on Jan. 30. The club met in Room 17 and planned to hang up pictures of historical black Americans on the hallway in celebration of Black History Month.

and be aware of our past,” junior Aiden Pratt said. “It is

“

BHM is a month of remembering, a time to reflect and be aware of our past. It is to honor those people who have changed the world and who stopped the pain and suffering black people used to endure.

- Junior Aiden Pratt people to learn about black history and culture.

“BHM is a month of remembering, a time to reflect

to honor those people who have changed the world and who stopped the pain and suffering black people used to

endure.”

Students in BSU are able to suggest important, influential black figures they find interesting and talk about them during club meetings. They are also able to decorate posters or pages and put them on the BSU board displayed in the hallway. This is just another way BSU plans to spread positive messages during BHM. “BSU is not only a place to learn about our culture, but it is also a club to spread positivity,” Phillips said. “I want the club to be looked at as a positive thing that should be at every school.”

Features | Alexa Garay 5

ALEXA GARAY | THE PEARL POST Junior Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa makes use of old clothes and hopes to grow her virtual buisness to fight against fast fashion in her own unique way.

Step into Genesis’ virtual closet

By Donovan Ochoa, @donovan_8a

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unior Genesis CuellarFigueroa is fighting against fast fashion while cleaning out her closet with her new clothing resale business, which she has established on Instagram in December 2023.

“A lot of people would ask me ‘Oh where did you get that?’.” Cuellar-Figueroa said.

“So I thought I might as well just sell it to them and make something good out of me getting rid of my clothes.”

Cuellar-Figueroa overcame many challenges setting up @geesvirtualcloset. She knew her account needed to pop to appeal to customers, so she designed the page with an early 2000s aesthetic and bright colors. She feels this style best fits the eccentric pieces she is selling, ranging from knit sweaters to

pleated skirts.

One aspect of online selling Cuellar-Figueroa had more trouble with was communication. She admits communicating with potential customers was more hectic than she expected and is still adjusting to things like bidding.

“I’m new to this so when bidding, three people will tell me at the same time and I don’t want to just choose one person because I feel guilty,” Cuellar-Figueroa said. “I feel like when it comes to communication it can get kind of crazy.”

Although starting the business was not easy, Cuellar-Figueroa knows she is helping the environment. She not only promotes sustainability through reselling items but also minimizes the nega-

tive environmental impacts of fashion.

With fast fashion culture on the rise, customers who might have turned to companies that mass produce clothes can now look to small businesses like @geesvirtualcloset for unique pieces.

“It’s an alternative to turn someone’s money spending into something that is at least more environmentally friendly and socially responsible,” Cuellar-Figuroa said.

Cuellar-Figueroa hopes to expand her business in the future. She has thought about exploring her styling skills and giving customers more options. For now, she is still taking her time learning how to run her online store and help others express themselves through clothes.

“I definitely know I’ll be

giving away more clothes and I’m just taking it in bit by bit,” Cuellar Figueroa said. “ I was thinking maybe in the summer I could start selling style bundles and helping people get started with a new style.”

GEESVIRTUALCLOSET | THE PEARL POST

Junior Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa sells a variety of clothes on her account @geesvirtualcloset. She designs each post to make her account stand out.

6 The Pearl Post | February 2024

The Pearl

Voice

“How much has social media influenced your purchases?”

Freshman Kaiis Pratt

“Not at all. I don’t tend to scroll through social media, so I don’t buy.”

ANDRE ARCILLA | THE PEARL POST Social media has become a big influence on what teens buy and can cause teens to buy products they don’t need out of fear of missing out (FOMO).

Editorial

The algorithmic shopper

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hen you open social media, you quickly come across promotions for a haircare product, item or fashion article. That feeling of ‘I need to have this’ has become entwined in one’s “For You Page” (FYP), making it difficult to avoid splurging on needless products. However, to avoid overconsuming, it’s important to think carefully about impulse purchases you see on social media platforms.

Short-form content, quick content like Instagram Reels, has generated a form of marketing that allures users to participate in new trends and lifestyles requiring unnecessary purchases to fulfill them. The swaying of influencers toward younger audiences has generated in many a fear that they’ll “miss out,” a phenomenon referred to as “fear-of-missing-

out” (FOMO), on the latest products and trends.

The swaying of influencers toward younger audiences has generated in many a fear that they’ll “miss out,” a phenomenon referred to as “fear-of-missingout” (FOMO), on the latest products and trends.

The pivotal example saw shoppers and social media users obsessing over Stanley cups within Target locations just last month. This event exhibits the need for online users, especially teens and younger demographics, to not fall for the hysteria seen on a repeating algorithm for needless products designed to profit from influence.

Fortunately, a rise of “de-influencers” emerged on TikTok and various social media platforms in early 2023 to discourage users from purchasing widely

advertised products. These “de-influencers” issued either explanations on why to avoid certain products or suggestions of alternatives, “dupes,” found elsewhere for cheaper. Yet, as these social media figures pushed to question users’ need to overconsume, many of these “de-influencers” were deemed no different than influencers by promoting alternatives.

To challenge the urge to purchase a widely marketed product, teens must question whether they truly need that item or whether it’ll improve their livelihoods if purchased.

Teens must overcome the pressures to conform to online trends in their everyday lives.

Learning how to express inner creativity and properly navigate social media by not falling victim to cash-grabbing trends is the solution to stop overconsumption.

Sophomore Kaleigh Tapaoan

“It impacts me a lot. It definitely makes me more aware of what I’m buying and insight into the details of the product.”

Junior Gracie Huaman

“It influences my purchases a lot through targeted ads.

Whatever you search up pops up on social media.”

Senior Rukhsar Safi

“Not a lot. I’m not very interested in online purchases.

I’d only buy it if I really wanted it.”

Interviews & photos by Kristin Intal

Opinion | Isaac Herrera 7

Latest fads harm our environment Social media trends sway teens’ urge to splurge.

By Alia Galvan @canvas_alia27 ike many teens, I have found myself scrolling through TikTok, seeing other creators’ Amazon Storefront pages and looking at my friends’ purchases to see what latest trendy product I should buy. These trendy items have almost swayed me but I ask myself if I truly need ALIA GALVAN | THE PEARL POST to spend this money.

Overconsumption has increased due to social media influence, now reaching younger audiences.

We must be careful to not As trends come and overspend on what is unnecessary and keep the earth in mind. go, social media makes shopping more accessible Stanley Cup, with reviews buying expensive skincare trends, causing harm to the and the environment more and hauls flooding social and makeup products. These planet. Overconsumption forgotten. We must try to find media. These cups sell out young girls have reportedly has highly contributed to eco-friendly ways to shop for within minutes not because forced Sephora stores to our environmental issues brands and be more aware of their remarkability but remove their testers (samples with companies like SHEIN, of online trends to combat because consumers don’t of products) because of large wasting more energy and the urge to splurge and buy want to miss out on trying the messes. water with each order we unnecessary things. latest fad. Like with any other This disruption generates place.

Despite the product, people simply buy a cycle for these girls to While splurging on environmental damages of what others on the internet promote their newly bought yourself from time to time overconsumption, FOMO (fear are showing off. Mania over products back to TikTok, is not necessarily frowned of missing the $45 where they first saw it upon, we must keep in out) makes water bottle advertised. These 10-year-olds mind that we affect the people feel resulted in are using $500 products that environment, society and Like with any other the need to overnight contain retinol and anti-aging ourselves with each purchase keep up with product, people simply buy waits for the ingredients meant to be used we make. Shopping at thrift the latest fad later in life, causing their stores is an environmentally what others on the internet Valentine’s so they buy Day Target skin to look and feel worse. friendly and economical way are showing off. more products Overusing a product makes to buy items like clothing. they don’t it less useful since anti-aging Children must also learn need without regard to the collaboration with resells of products should be used as which products are meant for environmental consequences. up to $500. early as your 20s but are more them and understand how TikTok has facilitated online These influences to recommended in your 40s misusing them impacts them. shopping with videos of hauls over-consume have swayed and 50s.

Trends will always on makeup, clothes, skincare younger audiences, often To keep up with change, but we must always and other items, making children younger than TikTok’s overconsumption on social be consistent in our lives unnecessary shopping more minimum age requirement media, corporations boost and monitor our purchasing popular and creating more of 13 years, to splurge on production, resulting in habits to help the planet and products to harm the planet. unnecessary items. Stores like greater pollution. SHEIN prevent those who are too One of the most recent Sephora have reported an is best known for its mass young from falling victim to social media purchases is the influx of elementary-age girls production to catch up on them.

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8 The Pearl Post | February 2024

Student shopping patterns shed l

By Yusuf Syed @yusufos9

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lthough fast fashion has damaged expectations of how clothes are manufactured, some students, such as freshman Haskell Fay, are turning to thrifting to combat this.

“I prefer thrifting because it costs less money and you can find anything,” Fay said.

“It’s also pretty diverse.”

This year, younger consumers are embracing current trends in fashion, which revolve around second-hand or vintage clothing. Gen Z is drawn to loose-fitting jeans, crop tops and oversized pieces, according to an article

by Printiful.

According to the online thrift and consignment store ThredUP and it’s 2022 annual industry report, Gen Z's top three reasons for purchasing used clothing are to save money, be more environmentally conscious of fast fashion and enjoy shopping more. The market for secondhand goods in the US is predicted to more than double, from $35 billion in 2021 to $82 billion in 2026.

Based on the 2022 report, 62% of Gen Z and millennials say they look for an item secondhand before buying a new version.

“I look for items that are vintage or fit within a certain category like the 2000's or 90’s,” senior Sara Gomez says. “I make sure the quality is good and won't irritate my skin. I also try to find clothes that my cousin likes because we all go thrifting together from time to time.”

Others have found cheaper and easier meth-

ANDRE ARCILLA | THE PEARL POST Junior Alia Galvan sifts through articles of clothing during a shopping spree at Goodwill on Jan. 27.

ods of clothes shopping in fast-fashion, which refers to articles of clothing that are made very quickly and in horrible working conditions.

Social media influencers on sites like TikTok and Instagram

said, “Advocacy groups and journalists also uncovered evidence that Shein’s $11 bikinis and $7 crop tops were being made by people working in unsafe workshops, lacking safety protocols like windows

“

I prefer thrifting because it costs less money and you can find anything. It's also pretty diverse.

- Freshman Haskell Fay

have been positively endorsing fast-fashion brands for profit. For example, trends like #SHEINhaul has over 14 billion views on TikTok alone.

Despite its popularity, the industry has been clouded with controversy. An article

by Time published on Jan. 17, 2023 that exposed the extreme working conditions of the fast fashion industry

and emergency exits.”

Further revealing these extreme working conditions, the article said, “Channel 4’s documentary, ‘Inside The Shein Machine,’ sent undercover cameras to film factory workers who were forced to pull 17-hour shifts to make hundreds of garments a day.

In one factory, they made a daily base salary of $20, which

would then be docked by $14 if any garments had mistakes.”

Shein denied these accusations, insisting that their paid wages in their Chinese warehouses were much higher than the minimum wage of the locals in Guangzhou.

Irresponsible energy and oil consumption were reported by The Changing Markets Foundation in its Synthetics Anonymous 2.0 report on fashion sustainability. It claimed that the manufacturers produce as much CO2 as about 180 coal-fired power plants due to their enormous oil consumption and quick use of virgin polyester. After these accusations were made, Shein admitted to what they were accused of, which contradicted earlier claims.

“While these (claims of underpaying) are significantly less than claimed in the docu-

Special Reports | Satenik Ayrapetyan 9

light on fast-fashion trends

ANDRE ARCILLA | THE PEARL POST Junior Alia Galvan browses through a shelf of donated items at Goodwill, a thrift store, in Tarzana while shopping on Jan. 27.

mentary, they are still higher than local regulations permit,” Shein said in Inside the Shein Machine.

Still, some students like junior Aiden Pratt prefer fast fashion over thrifting due to the possibility of defects or tears in second-hand clothing.

“I go on Shein very often, and I’m going to be honest, that’s way easier than thrifting because you have to look for the deformities (while thrifting),” Pratt said. “Why is this 30 cents when on retail it's $275?

Oh, wait, there’s a button missing. There’s a zipper missing and the whole part of the

shoe has been chewed off in the back. It’s ridiculous.”

Others view thrifting as a way to stop supporting fastfashion and be more environmentally conscious. Goodwill, Hope of the Valley, Unique and the Salvation Army are just a few examples of thrift stores with a strong community focus that are what many young people prefer.

“I prefer thrifting because I like shopping for clothes in person,” sophomore Kaleigh Tapaoan said. “Plus, recycling clothes saves (more) money and materials than fast fashion.”

SATENIK AYRAPETYAN | THE PEARL POST Twenty two students responded to a Google Form survery posted on Instagram.

Of those students, two said they often thrift, 12 said they thrift only sometimes and seven said they don't thrift often. Six students often buy at fast fashion brands.

One student does not shop at any fast fashion brands.

10 The Pearl Post | February 2024

Danetta Boykin

When she first started playing volleyball, Danetta Boykin thoroughly enjoyed the sport. She loved to see how fast she excelled while having fun at the same time. Scholarships were always in the back of her mind while playing, which helped drive her to become a better player.

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST

“Sports taughtDavid me lots of things like his communication, timean management, accountability and Freshman Grigorian hones boxing skills during intense on Dec.teaches 2 at Flashyou Boxing Gymthrough on people skills,practice ” Boykinsession said. “Sports to push the hard times as even the best still struggle. You have to remember you are human and humans make mistakes.”

In high school, Boykin was the captain of the volleyball team, prom queen, student body president and a staff member of The Pearl Post. Her jersey number was retired at Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) in 2011, where Boykin left behind a legacy in her high school years. At Pierce College, she played Divison 1 and won Woman of the Year. Boykin then transferred to California State University of Northridge (CSUN) where she got 1st-team all-conference and trained with the USA national team. She landed an opportunity to play overseas as a professional volleyball player and started working as a coach. After having a child at the start of the pandemic, she had to end her career as a coach. Now, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a police officer.

(Left) Alumna Danetta Boykin strikes the ball across the net during a home volleyball game against Cal State Long Beach 10 years ago. Photo provided by Danetta Boykin.

Christopher Mitchell Jr.

In high school, DPMHS alumnus Christopher Mitchell Jr. loved to run track. He was a fast runner and wanted to earn a scholarship to afford attending California State University, Fresno (CSUF). After realizing that the funding for track had been cut at CSUF, he decided to switch to rugby based off of a friend's recommendation.

“My friends and coaches were a big influence on who I am now,” Mitchell said. “They made me a better person and player. They influenced a lot of my personal change and growth.

They also helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life.”

After switching to rugby, he kept the fundamentals of running track and applied them to his new sport. On his team at Fresno State, he played Divison 1 rugby where he also played on the All-Star team all five years he was there. He won multiple MVPS and got one 2nd place and two 3rd place finishes in the national championships. Now he mentors kids in high school who need help with homework or college guidance.

(Right) Alumnus Christopher Mitchell Jr. warms up before the Arcadia invitational track meet in 2011. The race was a 400 meter distance and Mitchell placed first with a running time of 49.2 seconds.

Sports | Maggie Simonyan 11

Christopher Rodriguez

Christopher Rodriguez is a 2020 graduate of DPMHS and a Division 3 soccer player for Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. He played soccer throughout high school and learned a lot.

“Soccer has helped me develop skills that I can transfer into the real world,” Rodriguez said. “It has taught me how to communicate with others, how to stay on top of things and to always try my best.”

Rodriguez got his associates degree in business from Moorpark College, where he played soccer for two years. At Moorpark, he earned second-team all-conference in his freshman year and first-team all-conference and runner-up for defensive player of the year in his sophomore year. Now, he is working on his bachelor's degree in sports management and a minor in coaching at Marietta College. He will graduate in 2025. While at Marietta, he has made third-team all-conference and was a nominee for all-American and all-region. In the future, Rodriguez hopes to become a professional soccer player. He hopes to one day represent his country in the World Cup or in the Olympics.

(Left) Alumnus Christopher Rodriguez sends a long free kick to the team’s forwards in the opposing team’s half of the preseason home opener on Sept. 1, 2023. The match against Chatham University ended with a winning score of 3-0. Photo provided by Christopher Rodriguez.

Hailey Pohevitz

As a 4-year-old, DPMHS alumna Hailey Pohevitz started playing soccer on her dad’s recommendation. Once she grew older, she realized sports were a great way to earn scholarships and create bonds. These bonds are what helped her through her time at California State University, Fullerton and University of Southern Mississippi.

“The best part about being on a team was the people who you are on the team with,” said Pohevitz, who was photo editor for both Prestige Yearbook and The Pearl Post.

“There is no animosity in a team setting and the sense of sisterhood was amazing.

When I was on a team, I knew that we were going to work together and have fun.”

While at DPMHS, Pohevitz realized sports wasn’t all about winning. You can have fun with friends and also win at the same time. One of her favorite memories of playing soccer in college was where she got to visit during her time as an athlete. She got to visit states like Texas and North Carolina but also went to Europe. She now works for her local police department as a sheriff. After playing soccer for many years, she also learned how to adapt quickly, which is another great skill to have as a police officer.

(Right) Alumna Hailey Pohevitz strikes the celebratory pose she is known for after scoring goals. Photo provided by Hailey Pohevitz.

12 The Pearl Post | February 2024

Bullock swings for success Freshman phenom Bullock sets sights on varsity softball team.

By Jasmine Mcnair, @jasmine.mcnairr

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reshman Emma Bullock is ready to step up to the plate to face the challenges and opportunities this softball season has in store.

At this time, Bullock’s spot on the varsity or junior varsity team has yet to be determined but Bullock is thrilled to continue her softball journey at Birmingham Community Charter High School. The start of this season has her filled with excitement to play in games, bond with her team and improve on some of her skills.

Bullock is a well-experienced player as she has been playing softball for 11 years and hopes to pursue this sport even after high school.

She shares how she has always loved the sport and part of her inspiration came from her sisters, who also played. They are a massive support to Bullock since she wants to follow in their footsteps. She aims to do better than they did to challenge herself and accomplish her goals this upcoming season.

“I started playing softball because all my siblings played it and I wanted to be just like my sisters,” said Bullock, who plays right field and first base.

“I also just loved the sport and wanted to continue in general.”

Even though Bullock has a huge passion for the sport, occasionally, she finds herself

running into difficulties she has to persevere through.

When the feeling of pressure and nerves are present, taking a deep breath and reminding herself that she is capable drives her to continue. She finds that staying motivated can be challenging at times since it’s something she had to learn on her own, but knows it’s key to reaching her goal.

“I feel like the hardest part is to stay motivated because that’s not something a coach can teach you,” Bullock said. “It’s something you have to do yourself and you really have to find what motivates you if you want to succeed.”

With being on a new team, Bullock felt that her new teammates were welcoming and easy to get along with.

From past experience, she found that teamwork is a huge component in order to be successful and having a good relationship with one another helps make the experience that much more enjoyable.

She looks forward to the bonds she will continue to make with teammates.

“So far, a lot of the people are very nice,” Bullock said. “We all get along really well and it’s easy to talk to them. They get serious when it’s time to be serious but they still make it fun. It’s really nice to just know everybody’s got each other’s backs.”

JAZMINE VALERIO | THE PEARL POST Freshman Emma Bullock fields a ground ball during varsity girls softball practice on Jan. 18. With 11 years of softball experience under her belt, she intends to continue her pursuit of the sport throughout high school and beyond.

Sports | Maggie Simonyan 13

Athletes of the Month

From court skills to track thrills

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Freshman Ava Weinstein dribbles a basketball across the court during a JV girls basketball game at Birmingham Community Charter High School on Jan. 22 against Granada Hills Charter High School that resulted in a victory of 63-34.

JAZMINE VALERIO | THE PEARL POST Freshman Daniel Salazar strides across the field during track and field practice on Jan. 18. Having previously excelled in boys varsity cross country last semester, Salazar continues to make his mark on the varsity boys track and field team.

Every month, we recognize two student athletes for their performance on the field. This month we recognize freshmen Ava Weinstein and Daniel Salazar. Weinstein is on the junior varsity girls basketball team and Salazar is on the varsity boys track and field team.

Q: Why did you get involved in basketball and what sparked your interest?

A: My dad got me into basketball and the only reason I continue to play it is because I’m good at it.

Q: How did you get involved and what inspired you?

A: I joined when I was at PE class in a room and I saw coach Fernando Fernadez offering people a chance to sign up for the cross country team, so that was what I did.

Q: How do you stay motivated after losing a game?

Q: What is your greatest achievement while on the cross country team?

A: Running a 5k in 16:58. I ran it in October on Oxnard (Street).

A: The only game I lost was to Sierra (Canyon School) and how I coped with that is that is telling myself they’re superhuman and that I just need to work harder to beat them.

Q: What is the greatest advice you have received in basketball?

A: My coach tells me ‘not to check out and keep your head in the game’ because I used to have a habit that if we were down, I would just stop playing and not want to be there.

By Valerie Sanchez, @my_jeonginnie

Q: Who is your role model for cross country and why?

A: (Steve) Prefontaine and Usain Bolt. Prefontaine is known for being able to run for a long time and Usain Bolt is able to run fast, so they became my role models as I wanted to be like both of them.

By Jasmine Thompson, @luvjasm1n33

14 The Pearl Post | February 2024

Artist of the Month

Kirby Lauryen Dockery makes it on her own as a musician

By Jenny Marquez, @333.mirrors

F

rom a dedicated member of her small community church’s choir to becoming a successful R&B artist with hits such as “Loved by You” and “Vain,” Kirby demonstrates that with passion, faith and determination, any dream is possible.

Kirby, born as Kirby Lauryen Dockery, is a singer and songwriter born in Memphis, Tennessee but spent most of her upbringing with her tight-knit, loving family in Southaven, Mississippi. During her early years, Kirby realized her gift for music when she led as the youngest member of the Sunday choir alongside adults who backed up her vocals. However, it wasn’t until high school that she began thinking of the possibility of pursuing a career involving music.

During her time at Stax Music Academy (SMA), she began diving into music more and discovered the concept of music publishing, which led her to yearn for a long-lasting music career.

“Being a small town girl, I’ve never been afraid to start from the ground up,” Kirby said in an interview with The Line of Best Fit. “I’m never overlooking a small idea that maybe doesn’t feel big in the moment because I always believe everything has the potential to mean a lot to people. You never

know, it could be the idea that changes your life.”

Soon after being signed

by Roc Nation, Kirby began writing hit songs for various artists such as “Only One”

me how much I really enjoy performing, that changed,” Kirby said in an interview with The Line of Best Fit. “That was the one thing I was missing as a songwriter, was singing

Screenshot from Kirby’s YouTube Channel Kirby Lauryen Dockery is an independent R&B artist who has written songs for artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Paul McCartney, Childish Gambino, Beyoncé and Demi Lovato.

by Kayne West, “Break Your Heart Right Back” by Ariana Grande and “Die With You”

by Beyoncé. Although Kirby had always loved the idea of being able to perform her music, she didn’t have enough confidence to pursue it. It wasn’t until artists such as Christina Aguilera and Brandy pointed out her ability to sing that she finally decided to embark on her singing path.

“Once it caught up with

songs in front of people and feeling that moment. I would never trade that ability to do both.”

When listening to Kirby’s music, one prominent thing about it is the intention of trying to connect with her fans on a deeper level. Besides infusing pleasing, soulful beats and touching lyrics to her music, she focuses on personal and meaningful themes to add a feeling of

authenticity throughout her music. These themes mainly involve the exploration of womanhood, love and her Southern roots. To Kirby, being able to love and learn about her Southern roots is something that she holds dear in her music and her own life.

“I have to write songs so I can learn to love my Blackness,” said Kirby in an interview with Atwood Magazine. “Growing up in the South, you are constantly influenced by the white gaze.

I write this music to heal; to tear down those walls and relearn how I feel about myself.”

So far, Kirby has been able to write two albums of her own, multiple singles and even a soundtrack album for the dark-comedy, thriller TV series “Swarm.” Even though she is making her music, she will never pass up the opportunity to write songs for other artists. She’s worked on countless projects over the years that have shown her extraordinary growth as an artist.

Kirby is an artist who pours her soul into every piece of work she crafts, which shows the passion and creativity she carries as an artist. Currently, she’s living in Los Angeles and has not released any recent music, leaving fans with even more excitement and anticipation for Kirby’s future work.

Entertainment | Sophie Ortega 15

Highlighting black musicians

By Serena Elkins, @sunshineday2026 Black artists have changed the world through their music. In celebration of Black History Month, we are honoring four incredible artists who have dedicated their lives to making a difference through song.

2 Stevie Wonder

1 Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was an influential singer, pianist and songwriter, referred to

by Rolling Stone magazine as “the greatest singer of all time.” At 18, she created her debut song “Today I Sing the Blues” (1960). “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (1967) became her first-ever best-seller. In 1987, she was the first woman to be put into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During her lifetime, she was given a Kennedy Center Honor, a National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Wikimedia Commons Aretha Franklin was an influential singer, pianist and songwriter who became the first women to be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame.

Wikimedia Commons Stevie Wonder is an incredible singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame.

Stevie Wonder is an incredible singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist who displayed his musical prowess despite being blind from birth. At 12, he debuted his first album and in the 70s, he released his albums “Innervisions” (1973), “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” (1974) and “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976). In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was awarded a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress.

3 Rihanna

4 Jimi Hendrix

(Robyn) Rihanna Fenty masterfully uses her incredible talents as a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, actress and songwriter. At 15, she formed a group with two friends and auditioned for music producer Evan Rogers. Less than a year later, she left Barbados to pursue recording an album. In 2005, her first single “Pon de Replay” placed No. 2 on the Billboard Singles chart. A year later, her next album,“A Girl Like Me” became her first No. 1 single. Rihanna won her first Grammy from her hit song “Umbrella” (2007).

Jimi Hendrix incorporated blues, jazz, rock and soul into his incredible music, mixing electric guitar and singing. He was discovered at a New York City club. His band the Jimi Hendrix Experience had a top ten single, “Hey Joe,” and soon rose to fame. However, legal complications from an old contract froze his recording royalties. Shortly after, he died due to overdose at the age of 27. His incredible work lived on to inspire other musicians everywhere when his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Wikimedia Commons (Robyn) Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer who won her first Grammy from her hit song “Umbrella” (2007).

Wikimedia Commons Jimi Hendrix incorporated blues, jazz, rock and soul into his band called The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Photo Essay: Give It All You’ve Got

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Freshman Emma Bullock fields a ground ball at first base during varsity girls softball practice on Jan. 18. Bullock has been playing softball for 11 years and views her sisters as her motivation.

JENNY MARQUEZ | THE PEARL POST Freshman Ava Weinstein jumps for the ball during a junior varsity girls basketball game at Birmingham Community Charter High School on Jan. 22 against Granada Hills Charter High School that resulted in a winning score of 63-34.

JAZMINE VALERIO | THE PEARL POST Junior Deven Szymczak runs during track and field practice at Birmingham Community Charter High School on Jan 18. Szymczak has been a member of the track and field team since his freshman year.

Behind the photos

About the photographers

The junior varsity (JV) girls basketball team at Birmingham Community Charter High School has had an outstanding season, securing victories in 35 of the 40 games played thus far. Meanwhile, the girls varsity and JV softball teams have been diligently training for their upcoming season, set to begin the first week of February. Track and field practices are also in full swing, with athletes practicing on the track and running laps outside of school on the sidewalk.

Jenny Marquez is this year’s Social Media Editor for The Pearl Post and hopes to continue improving her journalism skills. Maggie Simonyan, the Sports Editor, is most looking forward to preparing herself for college and life beyond this year. Jazmine Valerio is a senior and is in her second year as one of the Prestige Yearbook editors. While being a yearbook editor, she is also the 2023-2024 ASB Vice President.

Volume 15, Issue 3 • February 2024 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA