The Pearl Post December 2023

Ban on affirmative action affects students See pages 8-9

Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2023 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA

2 The Pearl Post | December 2023 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, Francesca Sisk andYusuf Syed 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 Daniel Pearl Magnet High 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.

The magazine is published bimonthly and 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/ Local traffic congestion concerns

4-5

FEATURES - Club Corner: Medical club / Patron ad / College Corner: Cinema class

6-7

OPINION - Editorial: Finals season stress / Pearl Voice: Mental health during finals / Affirmative action’s effects

8-9

SPECIAL REPORTS - Affirmative action effect on students / Affirmative action timeline & FAQ

10-11

SPORTS - Freshman boxers / Athletes of the Month

12-13

ENTERTAINMENT - Spotify Wrapped: 2023 music recap / Artist of the Month: Hemlocke Springs

14-15

FEATURES/ENTERTAINMENT - Winter baking / Christmas movies

16

BACK COVER - Photo Essay: Winter concert rehearsal

Letter from the editor In our second printed issue, we turn our attention to the effects of the Supreme Court’s decision to ban affirmative action, a provision which aimed to increase the amount of minority students on college campuses.

Seniors applying to colleges are affected by this decision along with the finals schedule brought by this year’s new six-period class schedule. To address the need for mental health professionals, we are calling for more support from school counselors and psychologists to help students navigate this

stressful time.

Despite having a reduced period to work on this magazine due to the week off during Thanksgiving Break and the Dec. 18 start date for Winter Break, we are very proud of our work to produce relevant stories, compelling photos and eye-catching infographics for this issue of the magazine.

We hope that as you read through these pages, our concerns, requests and interests are conveyed.

Alan Ruiz Editor-in-Chief

News | Alan Ruiz 3

Traffic congestion concerns students

By Maggie Simonyan @maggieesimonyann

E

very day, amid the bustling streets dominated by cars and public transportation, senior Derek Vasquez walks home after school, despite being aware of the heavy traffic situation and the dangers it could pose.

“I look both ways and I look behind me when I’m crossing to make sure cars aren’t behind me,” Vasquez said.

The stretch of Balboa Boulevard between Vanowen Street and Victory Boulevard presents the most significant hazards, posing challenges for both pedestrians and drivers navigating their way to school. The traffic jam can be attributed to the proximity of these intersections to six other schools surrounding Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS).

“There’s a lot of schools bunched up so obviously, there’s going to be traffic,” Vasquez said. “The wait (to enter school parking lots) is unbelievable and there have been little scrapings and lots of honking.”

Traffic issues surrounding DPMHS are not unique to the school and extend to the broader Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). According to data from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), 11 people suffered severe injuries and 16 had visible injuries from 123 car accidents.

These occurred near the intersections of Balboa Boulevard, Victory Boulevard, Hayvenhurst Avenue, Vanowen Street, and Sherman Way Street during school hours from 2019 to now. During that same time

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Traffic congestion around the Los Angeles Unified School District complex that includes Daniel Pearl Magnet High School poses a safety risk. A 2020 plan to build a new school entrance did not come to fruition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

period and same intersections, there have been 11 vehicle on pedestrian incidents and 58 vehicle on vehicle accidents, according to LAPD data.

In February 2020, LAUSD approved a plan to build a new entrance in front of DPMHS. The campus parking lot on Balboa Boulevard was supposed to have a central entrance and exit. The chain-link fence gate was supposed to be replaced with a rolling door and a new gate. One month later, LAUSD schools entered quarantine due to the pandemic and the project never began. The plan has yet to be reconsidered.

Students in the area have also voiced opinions on the traffic congestion. Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity cross country

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Near misses often occur in front of the school entrance, which is parallel to a twoway service road that allows local traffic to gain access to the campus.

runner Emily Parocua practices by running on the sidewalks of Balboa, Victory and Vanowen Boulevards.

“It’s become a worry for

both me and my parents,” Parocua said. “It’s sad knowing that my parents can’t feel at peace with me anywhere but inside the school.”

4 The Pearl Post | December 2023

Club Corner

Ways to heal in new Medical Club Student passion sparks a new club

By Donovan Ochoa @donovan_8a

J

unior Behishta Safi realized there was not yet a club that focused on health. This inspired her to create the new Medical Club where students can learn more about healthy living and opportunities in the medical career.

“I knew that there would be students interested in joining the medical field, so that’s why I decided to make this club,” Safi said.

When Safi enrolled in the school earlier this year, she noticed that a medical club had not yet been created.

Safi, as well as many other members, have an ambition to pursue a medical career.

The club is a space where students who are interested in informing themselves about the medical world and health-related topics could come together. The club is sponsored by science teacher Timothy Hughes and meets every non-Fiesta Friday during lunch in Room 6.

Most meetings consist of an open discussion where members share their thoughts

DONOVAN OCHOA | THE PEARL POST Medical Club President Behishta Safi leads the group discussion on Nov. 17. The club met in Room 6 and planned for a speaker to visit the club in the upcoming months as well as discussed possible volunteer opportunities.

or questions they may have with each other. These discussions invite ideas about hospital volunteer opportunities or people they could speak with about medical school experience and can assist students who are interested in the medical field in forming connections. Educational and health-related games are often played and the group ends with planning what they

will achieve or discuss in the next meeting.

“I’ve learned some things about how the hospital works and different volunteer programs,” junior Leah Balsin said. “You don’t have to be an aspiring med student to be participating. We have a lot of fun. We’re all very outspoken and we do games and activities.”

The Medical Club has lots

to offer for students who are drawn to medical work. Students with general interest in health are encouraged to join the club. The club is a space where people can discover opportunities, educate themselves and make friends.

“Our goal is to explore ourselves and talk with each other about if we really want to choose the medical path,” Safi said.

Features | Alexa Garay

5

VANESSA MORALES | THE PEARL POST Pierce College Professor Nora Sweeney teaches students in her cinema history course about “Killer of Sheep,” directed by Charles Burnett. Students took notes on the director and his intentions with the film. Students used their notes to compare with other films of that time.

College Corner

Students explore history of cinema

By Vanessa Morales @vane_m1110

I

n a new cinema college class, students have the opportunity to watch and analyze the history of films over the past decades from silent movies to CGI. “We look at specific details about each shot and we discuss how it impacts the film,” junior Giselle Garzon said. “Sometimes directors felt the need to not use as much editing or use a lot of editing. We see a lot of that in the class.”

In the new period 5 cinema history course, which started on Oct. 13 and is offered

by Pierce College, students get the opportunity to watch clips and films from the beginning of cinema to the present and observe how it has developed over time. Some of the films that they’ve watched include: “The Immigrant” (1917), “M”

(1931), “Out of the Past” (1947), watched on their own, espe“Umberto D” (1952) and “The cially films that are from earlier 400 Blows” (1959). Students time periods,” Sweeny said. complete “I want writing asthem signments to think There’s so much that goes about the about into whatever you watch in structure of why it’s terms of movies and televithese films imporas well as tant to sion. It’s really important to participate watch learn how to better analyze in class it and to know what’s behind films that discusare old.” what you’re seeing. sions about This -Nora Sweeny change in college filmmaking. course ofPierce College Professor fers knowledge of the progresNora Sweeny hopes to bring sion of film over time, which students knowledge about can be of great use to students the cinema world and teach who’d like to pursue a career them different ways to deeply in film, cinematography or the analyze what they watch. history of film.

“I’m really hoping that stu“As a film major or somedents get to learn to appreciate one who wants to specialize films that they wouldn’t have in the history of film, this class

“

is great,” senior Maya Baugher said. “Our professor Sweeny covers film from the beginning with the Lumière Brothers, who used their very first film cameras to create the first silent films.

I would encourage students to take this class if it is something they’d like to pursue.”

Sweeny encourages students to take the course to expand their understanding of film creators from the past and how they used available resources to organize and direct a film.

“It’s good to learn how to watch whatever you consume,” Sweeny said. “There’s so much that goes into whatever you watch in terms of movies and television. It’s really important to learn how to better analyze it and to know what’s behind what you’re seeing.”

6 The Pearl Post | December 2023

Affirmative Supreme Court decision will create education gaps for all students

By Maggie Simonyan @maggieesimonyann

I KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST During finals season, students’ schedules are filled with exams, studying and projects. Without proper mental health, many students will be overwhelmed.

Editorial

Finals stress students

A

s finals approach, students prepare for the exams and projects of numerous subjects, these last assignments of the semester often make or break students’ grades. During this period of tension, more accommodation should be provided to students through the use of counselors.

Without both academic and mental health counselors, students will struggle to manage their classes. The change to a six-period schedule has left students needing to adjust to more assignments from the increase

The Pearl Voice

in classes in a day. Finals season will become a time of academic stress and fear.

Counselors are crucial for ensuring that students set goals for themselves. However, school psychologist Eliana Lichtman’s schedule has been reduced from three days a week to one, leaving most students to rely on psychiatric social worker Joanne Tuell for mental support for only three days a week.

By ensuring that students have active support from counselors, fewer students will find themselves worn out this finals season.

n the midst of LAX’s bustling terminals in July, waiting for my flight to begin boarding, I found myself eavesdropping on an enticing debate about the talk of the country — affirmative action. Sarah, who appeared to be an aspiring college student, shared her story of overcoming economic hardship and triumphing over challenges to reach her dream of pursuing higher education.

Inching closer and closer, I overheard arguments around the girl, reflecting the greater societal divide present in this country. Some of Sarah’s friends championed diversity, while others insisted on merit alone as a determining factor for higher education.

I now look back at this debate in a busy airport as not simply an exciting conversation to eavesdrop on, but rather a collection of personal narratives, each person trying to seek some sort of fairness.

The airport debate reaffirmed the idea that supporting affirmative action is not just a matter of policy preference but a commitment to creating a society where everyone, regardless of racial background, has a fair chance to thrive.

On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down or banned colleges and universities from using affirmative action in their admission process. The decision comes after two elite universities – Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC) – were challenged by Students for Fair Admissions, an anti-affirmative action nonprofit. Now, the decision to require all colleges to disband the use of raceconscious admission practices has spread to the entire country.

Although we see the most significant impacts of affirmative action in this upcoming college admissions round, it is no news to democratic policy in the U.S. Before the Supreme Court decision, nine states,

“What can school staff and teachers do to help you during finals?”

Interviews & photos by Serena Elkins

“I feel like they have been doing a really good job so far and they should keep it up.”

Freshman Emma Bullock

“Teachers always give assignments while I’m trying to study. I wish I could spend my time studying instead of more work.”

Sophomore Lukas Osbrink

“Giving us extra study guides and notes. If there are students who are having a lot of trouble, do another recap” Junior Vanessa Gonzalez

“Providing students with information on when their office hours are and when students can talk with the teachers before or after school.”

Senior Jakob De Leon

Opinion | Isaac Herrera 7

action ruling hurts everyone including California, had banned affirmative action at public universities.

California’s Proposition 209 in 1996 struck down the practice of affirmative action for public employment, contracting and education.

Since then, the passage of this law has caused a 12% decline in underrepresented groups across the entire University of California (UC) system. UC Berkeley and UCLA experienced the most prominent effects, with a 60 percent drop in Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students.

With race-based admissions eliminated from the system, we see an apparent and drastic decline in minority acceptance into public schools.

The Supreme Court ruling this summer carries disadvantages that extend far beyond the minority communities it directly impacts; it affects the entirety of our educational community. A ban on affirmative action could strip universities of the invaluable perspectives and experiences of a diverse student body.

Evidence shows that diversity in higher education improves learning outcomes for all students, and the benefits extend beyond graduation.

My plan was to apply out of state for a more varied environment that would provide me with a broader range of learning experiences, which would be beneficial for my international relations major. However, with this ban affecting all higher education schools, I am puzzled and stuck.

Many in opposition

PROVIDED BY MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Senior Maggie Simonyan hangs out with Alexander Hamilton Scholar peers at Columbia University, during New York Leader Week on July 11. Alexander Hamilton Scholars is a five-year program that empowers young leaders to thrive in college.

to affirmative action often approach to ensuring a affirmative action. argue that “the supposed diverse and inclusive system.

Under this approach, beneficiaries of affirmative At a time when American students applying from less action were stigmatized by it” democracy needed all the affluent socioeconomic and suggest that those people improvement it could get, backgrounds are given greater had to live with the constant the court turned its back on weight to acknowledge the suspicion that they potential discrepancy were not good in educational enough to succeed resources compared In the diverse melting pot that is the without a raceto wealthier students.

U.S., it is crucial that our government based quota.

Black and Latinx takes more effective measures to This is entirely households experience amplify voices like Sarah’s, and ensure false. Affirmative financial disparities their perspectives are heard. action is put in due to societal place to level out obstacles.

-Maggie Simonyan the playing field.

In the diverse This approach melting pot that is to college admissions that effort. Implementations the U.S., it is crucial that our considers historical and can still be made to ensure government takes more societal inequities that have that 2024 and beyond effective measures to amplify disproportionately affected college admissions are voices like Sarah’s, and ensure some groups over others. It more considerate and fair their perspectives are heard. is a proactive and targeted by introducing class-based

“

8 The Pearl Post | December 2023

Effects of affirmative action

By Alia Galvan @canvas_alia27

A

s the 2024-25 college application season closes, college counselor Martina Torres worries about seniors of color in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and how the removal of affirmative action is going to affect them.

“I think high school students need to be more aware of all the data that colleges provide in terms of admission,” Torres said. “To be more aware of what the average student looks like that gets into each college. I think colleges are going to have to really rely on what a student shows on this application, you know their grades, their activity, the rigor of their work or of the courses that they take, so students really have to focus on pulling that up as much as possible.”

The U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision on June 29 to remove affirmative action from the college admissions process after reviewing two courts cases. Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina for violating the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. In an overwhelming majority, six judges voted in favor of SFFA in each case ruling for the end of affirmative action nationwide. The Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause prohibits legal discrimination based on race. SFFA argued that race-conscious admissions violated this.

In an AP news article from June 29, Supreme Court Justice John Roberts said, “... (the universities) concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone

EMMA ROSENBERG | THE PEARL POST Senior Leonardo Ordonez works with guidance counselor Martina Torres during a college application workshop on Nov. 29.

Torres held multiple workshops during and after school throughout Novemeber to assist students with the process.

of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.”

However, the Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t affect students applying to UCs and Cal States because affirma-

tive action was banned in California in 1996 when voters passed Proposition 209. Under the first year of Proposition 209 in 1998, California’s public universities experienced a decrease of Black and Latino freshman students, according to KCRA-TV. Affirmative action has

been used to help diversify the campuses of many colleges by making race a consideration in the admission process.

Affirmative action aimed to help minority groups but left Asian Americans feeling behind, according to a survey by Pew Research Center and left many white Americans feeling

Affirmative action through the decades

Special Reports | Satenik Ayrapetyan 9

ban on seniors excluded altogether according to an ABC News Poll.

Affirmative action has a long history dating back to President John F. Kennedy in 1961 when he signed Executive Order 10925, which required government contractors to provide better accommodations to disadvantaged racial minorities. Schools across the U.S. began to use affirmative action in their admissions process during the 1970s, according to the Anti Racism Commitment Coalition (ARCC).

“In the past, it was up to the colleges to kind of monitor affirmative action and make sure that you had an ethnically balanced group of students. Now it won’t be considered,” Torres said.

High school seniors of color across California will now be affected by the abolishment of affirmative action nationwide whether they’re applying in or out of state, since it applies to public and private colleges.

“Diversity is a really important thing and people should be looked at differently, which I think is what they're trying to do with the affirmative act,” senior Natalya Lembo said. “...we don't really know what will happen with it. It could go in many different directions.”

Applicants can still write about how race has impacted their character or been a barrier in their life but is no longer a consideration on their application, according to the Washington Post. The affected colleges will have to take different measures to attain diversity on their campuses.

High schools across the country have the task of informing students of the change in the application process and guiding them through it.

“LAUSD is doing everything they can to try to encourage and to have counselors work harder with minority students to try to encourage them to go to college and apply,” Torres said.

SATENIK AYRAPETYAN | THE PEARL POST Affirmative action was an effort to increase minority populations in colleges by considering race in applications. Following this summer's Supreme Court decisions in SFFA v. Harvard University and SFFA v. University of North Carolina, affirmative action was gutted, leaving universities and seniors of color to adapt.

10 The Pearl Post | December 2023

Double trouble in the boxing ring Knockout duo pack a punch in the boxing arena.

By Yusuf Syed @yusufos9

I

n the heart of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School, a dynamic Armenian duo is emerging from the boxing ring, ready to leave their mark on the world.

Freshmen David Grigorian and Hovhannes Barseghyan, both seasoned boxers with an impressive track record, are not just teammates but great friends who share a passion for the sport of boxing.

Barseghyan, who has had an impressive boxing journey over seven years, is inspired by his uncle’s expertise in the field. Barseghyan has been a boxer for a long time before moving from Armenia to the U.S., where he brought his passion for the sport with him.

“I was always watching

my uncle boxing,” Barseghyan said. “So then I got into boxing and I boxed for almost seven years.”

But for Grigorian, his inspiration was different. Grigorian found his calling through the legendary Muhammad Ali. Grigorian brings two years of experience to the boxing ring, having a fairly strong understanding of the sport.

Grigorian and Barseghyan often challenge themselves to go one step beyond training, attending sparring matches about two times a week.

Both fighters, driven by a shared enthusiasm, find themselves training side by side at the Flash Boxing Gym on Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys.

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Freshmen David Grigorian and Hovhannes Barseghyan throw air punches during warmups for boxing practice on Dec. 2. Shadow boxing helps them work on their footwork, technique and form without having to focus on hitting a target.

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Freshman David Grigorian hones his boxing skills during an intense practice session on Dec. 2 at Flash Boxing Gym on Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys.

“Something about boxing that I like is that it makes you confident, strong physically and mentally,” Grigorian said.

For them, boxing is enjoyable, and its thrilling nature involving constant movement not only makes it a fun sport but also serves as effective cardio. Still, though, their commitment to the sport goes beyond just fighting and sparring. They also engage in weight training in the gym.

Although they occupy different weight classes– Grigorian in lightweight and middleweight and Barseghyan

in the heavyweight division– their mutual support for one another extends outside of the sport.

Despite the challenges and hardships they may face during practice, they inspire and support each other to persevere. The thought of being able to defend himself and his family is something that Grigorian prizes greatly, and he won’t give that up for anything.

“My friend and I want to change and be able to defend ourselves,” Grigorian said. “I want (to be able) to protect myself and to be strong.”

Maggie Simonyan contributed to this story.

Sports | Maggie Simonyan 11

Athletes of the Month

Making waves, sinking threes

EMMA ROSENBERG | THE PEARL POST Senior Brisa Chajan swims laps at Birmingham Community Charter High School swim practice on Nov. 29. She is captain of the water polo team.

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Sophomore Maor Segalovich spins a basketball on his finger as he awaits his turn to shoot the ball during basketball practice at Birmingham Community Charter High School on Nov. 29. Segalovich is on the boys JV basketball team.

Every month, we recognize two student athletes for their performance on the field. This month we recognize senior Brisa Chajan and junior Maor Segalovich. Chajan is on the varsity girls water polo team and Segalovich is on the JV boys basketball team.

Q: What inspired you to pursue water polo as a sport?

A: What inspired me to pursue water polo as a sport would be my brother because he used to play water polo before me and encouraged me to also play water polo.

Q: What position do you like to play the most?

A: I like to play shooting guard because my role on the team is just shooting threes.

Q: What do you consider to be your most significant individual achievement in water polo so far?

Q: How do you work on your mental game when playing the sport?

A: Most of the time, I just try not to overthink what’s going to happen in the game. I just try to be in the moment, not thinking too much in the past or the future.

A: My most significant achievement would be becoming water polo captain.

Q: Will you be pursuing the sport beyond high school?

A: I am absolutely going to pursue my sport beyond high school, and I want to be able to get a scholarship for it. I have put a lot of hard work and dedication into my sport, and I am excited to see where it takes me in the future.w

By Francesca Siskw, @frannsisk

Q: What was your favorite memory from playing basketball on the team?

A : I guess overall development as a player and just trying to get better everyday.

By Emma Rosenberg, @emmar.18

12 The Pearl Post | December 2023

Wrap up 2023 with Spotify Students share their top artists in 2023.

“I started listening to Brent Faiyaz recently this year. He’s my favorite new artist because I was able to get into more R&B, which is something I usually don’t listen to that much.”

“The Smashing Pumpkins was my top artist this year because I decided to go alternative art music and that band was the most influencing and inspiring for me.”

- Freshman Valentina Lopez

- Sophomore Sebastian Olfatmanesh

“I started listening to David Kushner. A lot of his songs are pretty good and so far I’ve liked him. ‘Daylight’ was the first song I heard and since then I started getting more into his music.”

“My top artist was Billie Eillish because there’s a lot of meaning behind her music. Her music is like reading a book since it’s able to tell a story. I have a lot of favorite songs by her such as ‘Billie Bossa Nova’ and ‘Copycat.’”

- Sophomore Abraam Grigorian “I liked the Wallows. They’re just really good at music. My favorite song (this year) was probably ‘This is a Call’ by Foo Fighters. It’s about the death of Kurt Cobain and the words in it don’t mean anything except for one line in the song because he didn’t know how to feel when Kurt Cobain died.”

- Sophomore Mose Judge

INFOGRAPHIC BY RIKKA DIMALANTA | THE PEARL POST Students listened to a variety of genres in 2023. Here are the results from the 22 students who answered our poll on our Instagram Story.

- Junior Keira Van Der Molen “My favorite artist was either Amori or Chicano Batman. My top song this year was ‘Lithium’

by Nirvana. I love Nirvana.

Grunge music has always been an integral part of my music experience.”

- Senior Khalel Gillen

Interviews and photos by Jenny Marquez and Serena Elkins @333.mirrors and @sunshineday2026

INFOGRAPHIC BY RIKKA DIMALANTA | THE PEARL POST This shows the amount of minutes that students listened to Spotify this year.

Entertainment | Sophie Ortega 13

Artist of the Month

Give ‘all ur luv’ to blooming new artist Hemlocke Springs

By Kristin Intal @thepearlpost

I

simene “Naomi” Udu, known by her stage name Hemlocke Springs, quickly entered the pop music scene after the bedroom pop songs that she started making as a hobby went viral on TikTok. Udu is a North Carolina musician whose songs are drawn from indie pop, synth pop and lo-fi. Her stage name, Hemlocke Springs, was created through a random name generator. Udu added an “e” to the randomly generated “Hemlock Springs” in honor of Lorde, a pop musician Udu takes inspiration from. She is also influenced by Avicii and Caroline Polachek, though she listens to a wide variety of music genres from K-pop to electronic dance music (EDM).

Her first album “Going…

Going… Gone!” was released in September after her first songs became popular on TikTok in 2022, including “Girlfriend” reaching 22nd on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart. As she officially started producing music just last year, she has mainly focused on producing singles, such as “Stranger Danger!” and “Sever the Blight.” Despite her debut’s recency, other music producers such as Steve Lacy have already acclaimed her work. This unexpected success in music for Udu has left her unsure of her future plans.

Udu’s interest in music

www.hemlockesprings.net | The Pearl Post Udu is a rising North Carolina musician whose songs are drawn from indie pop, synth pop, and lo-fi.

started in middle school in North Carolina, where she listened to EDM. In high school, she started making

upload it to SoundCloud and delete it quickly after.

Udu wrote her song “Gimme All Ur Luv’’ when she was

“

I realized this could actually be an opportunity.”

-Isimene “Naomi” Udu

electronic music using Garageband after a friend taught her about it. Udu never planned to pursue a musical career. She was studying at Dartmouth College, aiming for a master’s degree in medical informatics. She created music as a pastime,

depressed, procrastinating on an assignment and recovering from COVID-19.

When she finally decided to upload her songs to TikTok, it was more popular than she expected. She considered deleting the video but decided against it. After

getting positive comments and messages from Grimes and Steve Lacy, Udu’s music quickly surged in popularity.

People started calling her song “Girlfriend” the “awkward black girl anthem,” leaving her excited to see so many people listening to it. It was a shock to see the songs she made in her bedroom were compared to Marina and the Diamonds, Jack Stauber and Prince. While she still plans to get her Ph.D., she now aims to release more music in the future.

“It was a progression once people started finding me and I realized this could actually be an opportunity,” said Udu in an interview with Complex. “You can let it go by or you can go and explore it.

So I was like, ‘Well, close your eyes, go for it and see what happens.’”

Udu is still unsure of what to expect for her future plans. She had grown up believing she would become a doctor. Now, she wants to see how well she can perform as a music artist. She is still learning the basics of music production and figuring out how to use a musical instrutment digital interface (MIDI) keyboard. She looks to explore a new range of music styles and go through a “sonic reset” where she will begin to take her music more seriously.

With her growing popularity, she is willing to see how far her music career will take her.

14 The Pearl Post | December 2023

Fantastic films for winter break

By Emma Rosenberg @emmar.18 With winter break approaching, here are some movies coming to theaters and streaming that you can watch with friends or family.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” is an animated film based on the sixth book in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series by Jeff Kinney. It is a Christmas comedy film and starting streaming on Disney Plus on Dec. 8.

The movie is about the main character Greg Heffley, voiced

by Wesley Kimmel, and his winter vacation. Greg’s winter break goals don’t go according to plan after damaging a snow plow with his best friend Rowley Jefferson. Greg worries that he will not be able to get a new gaming console after the incident.

To make the situation worse, Greg gets snowed in with his family including his two brothers, Rodrick and Manny.

This movie is rated PG for mild rude humor.

“The Boy and the Heron” The animated film “The Boy and the Heron,” directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki, premiered on Dec. 8. The movie follows a 12-year-old boy named Mahito, voiced

by Luca Padovan, who moves to a new town and struggles

Willy Wonka and is an adaptation to the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” novel.

This movie will differ from the previous two “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” movies since it will not follow the original story but focus on a young Willy Wonka before the creation of his chocolate factory. It describes the events that led to him becoming a famous chocolatier and inventor. It focuses on how he met the first Oompa-Loompa, played by Hugh Grant, and his earlier ventures. “Wonka” will feature multiple musical numbers. This movie is rated PG for mild language and thematic elements.

These are some of the anticipated films hitting movie theaters this month. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” was released on Dec. 8, as was “The Boy and the Heron.” The movie “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” premieres on Dec. 22. The movie “Wonka” hits movie theaters on Dec. 15. Photos from DISNEY FILM STUDIOS, STUDIO GHILBI and WARNER BROS. PICTURES.

to cope after the death of his mother. Mahito ventures into a world of the living and the dead after a talking Heron tells him that his mother is still alive. He discovers that in this world, death comes to an end and life finds a new beginning. The movie explores

themes of life, death and creation. The movie is rated PG-13 for some violent content and smoking.

“Wonka” The movie “Wonka,” which hits movie theaters on Dec. 15, stars Timothée Chalamet as

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” The movie “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” premieres on Dec. 22 and stars Jason Momoa. It is a sequel to “Aquaman” and continues the story of the first film. Aquaman is forced to form an alliance with his brother Orm, played

by Patrick Wilson, after Black Mant, played by Yahya AbdulMateen II, uses the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash its ancient power that could potentially cause mass destruction. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is rated PG-13 for language and sci-fi violence.

Entertainment/Features | Alexa Garay/Sophie Ortega 15

Baking into the holiday season with these sweet festive treats Holiday-themed sugar cookies

By Isaac Herrera

Scan this QR Code to watch a video of this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

ISAAC HERRERA | THE PEARL POST Treat yourself to these delicious holiday-themed sugar cookies.

• 2 cups of flour • 3/4 cups of sugar • 1 teaspoon of baking powder • 1 teaspoon of milk • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon of vanilla • 1 stick of butter Icing • 1 cup of confectioners sugar • 1 1/2 tablespoons of milk • Optional: Food coloring • 1 drop of color of choice

Cookies

1. Pour 2 cups of flour in a bowl 2. Add 3/4 cups of sugar 3. Add one teaspoon of baking powder and stir 4. Create a well in the middle 5. Add one teaspoon of milk 6. Add one egg and a teaspoon of vanilla 7. Add one stick of room temperature butter and mix 8. Knead the dough together, then flour surface and use a rolling pin to flatten it 9. Grab cookie cutters to cut dough into preferable shapes 10. Place on tray with parchment paper 11. Bake in 375 degrees F for 7-10 minutes

Icing

1. Put one cup of confectioners sugar in a bowl 2. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of milk 3. Optional: add food coloring of choice 4. Mix

Christmas Gelatin

By Vanessa Morales @vane_m1110

Scan this QR Code to watch a video of this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of boiling water • 2 packs of gelatin • 2 cups of cold water • 1 cup of room temperature water • 4 packs of gelatin powder (unflavored) • 1 can of evaporated milk • 1 can of condensed milk • 1 can of table cream • Bar of cream cheese

Gelatin

VANESSA MORALES | THE PEARL POST This gelatin recipe is the perfect treat for this holiday season.

1. Boil 2 cups of water, 1 cup for each flavor of gelatin 2. Stir and add 1 cup of cold water to each 3. Add mixture to wide, open container 4. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours or overnight 5. After refrigerated, cut into cubes 6. In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup of room temperature water and add 4 packs of gelatin powder (unflavored) 7. Blend 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 can of condensed milk, 1 can of table cream and a bar of cream cheese 8. When hardened, microwave the gelatin mixture for 1 minute

Photo Essay: Winter concert rehearsal

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Senior Madyson Phillips sings “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey on Dec. 4 to prepare for the “Holly-Jolly Holiday” Concert on Dec. 8.

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Senior Alejandra Iniguez, who also sings “All I Want for Christmas is You”

by Mariah Carey, plays the piano during concert rehearsals on Dec. 4.

EMMA ROSENBERG | THE PEARL POST Freshman Linus Bossardt plays the drums on Dec. 5 during rehearsals for the “Holly-Jolly Holiday” Concert held in the MPR on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

VALERIE SANCHEZ | THE PEARL POST Junior Leeron Nakash and sophomore Sebastian Olfatmanesh rehearse for the “Holly-Jolly Holiday” Concert that took place in the MPR on Dec. 8.

Behind the photographs

About the photographers

Student musicians prepared for the “Holly-Jolly Holiday” Concert held on Dec. 8. Some of the songs performed at the concert were “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano, “Snow On The Beach” by Taylor Swift and “Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood. “I am really excited to finally perform because I didn’t get to last year and to just be with my friends and be able to have the opportunity to jam out with them,” junior Leeron Nakash said.

Alan Ruiz, a senior, is so excited to work as the Print Editor-in-Chief. He is looking forward to refining the writing, editing and photography skills that will help him pursue a career in journalism. Emma Rosenberg is in her first year as a staff writer for The Pearl Post. While at school, she plans to be active in the school community and maintain good grades in all of her classes. Valerie Sanchez is a freshman and is currently taking Photography class.

Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2023 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA