The Pearl Post June 2023 Issue

And That’s A Wrap See pages 12-23

VOL. 14, ISSUE 5 JUNE 2023

2 THE PEARL POST|

JUNE 2023

Print Editor-in-Chief Delilah Brumer Online Editor-in-Chief Alan Ruiz Art Director Gabrielle Lashley Managing Editor Rikka Dimalanta Features Editor Angela Ledesma Opinion Editor Satenik Ayrapetyan Entertainment Editor Grant Asner Sports Editor Sabrina Robertson Digital Media Editor Jenica Felicitas Staff Writers/ Photographers Jason Arevalo, Alysa Basmadzhyan, Elizabeth Rose, Maggie Simonyan, Keira Van Der Molen Contributors Mirolla Abdelmasih, Alexa Garay, Maya Gelb, Isaac Herrera, Jenny Marquez, Emilie Morales, Nemesi Morales, Donovan Ochoa, Sophie Ortega, Lukas Osbrink, Emily Short, Naamah Silcott, Desiree Spurkel, Jazmine Valerio Adviser Adriana Chavira 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 Pearl Post welcomes letters to the editor.

They should be 250 words or less and may be edited for length. Letters with profanity and obscenity will not be printed. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. Letters may be emailed to thepearlpost@gmail.com.

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.

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IN THIS ISSUE...

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Cover Design by Gabrielle Lashley

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News Index / AP African Amer. Studies / Patron Ad

4-5

Features Ms. Kathy Retirement / Club Corner: Black Student Union

6-7

Special Reports Anti-LGBTQ legislation /

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Entertainment New movies / Cooldown spots

Targeted bills harm queer youth opinion

10-11 Sports Spring season in review photo essay 12-23 Seniors Class of 2023 future plans map / Vale-

dictorian and salutatorian profiles / Senior’s crochet business / End of year editorial / College opinion / Senior year in review photo essay / Goodbye room 22

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Back Cover Photo by Satenik Ayrapetyan LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

For The Pearl Post’s last issue of the 2022-23 school year, we focused on spotlighting the Class of 2023, as well as important school news. From a senior’s crochet business to graduates’ future plans, we showcased many memorable aspects of the Class of 2023. We also reported on timely issues such as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the rising difficulty of getting into college. We hope you enjoy reading the issue.

After a productive year, I’m immensely proud of The Pearl Post staff. These amazing people have dedicated their words, talents and time to our publications and I’m so grateful for them. Being on The Pearl Post has made my high school experience incredible. Sometimes you don’t know how special something is until you’re about to say goodbye. I’m sad to leave the best staff in the world—but I’m confident next year’s staff will thrive and continue the important work of student journalists.

- Delilah Brumer

NEWS| ALAN RUIZ

New AP class to teach Black history, culture next year

By Keira Van Der Molen and Alysa Basmadzhyan @k.kiwi_o and @alysa_katee

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hile hoping to explore her heritage, freshman Camryn Claridy sees next school year’s new AP African American Studies course as a way to learn about her ancestors’ experiences with inequality and racial oppression.

“I would take the course because I want to learn more about my heritage and more about what Black people had to go through in the past,” Claridy said.

AP African American Studies will be a new course offered to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) students next year. This course is new to the College Board’s offering of Advanced Placement courses. So far, 60 high schools around the United States offer AP African American Studies.

“I feel like it’d be a good class to have for this type of school since this school is what I’d call a progressive school,” freshman Tobias Bechdholt said.

AP African American Studies has caused a national controversy with conservatives including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saying “We believe in education, not indoctrination.”

“I think it opens up students about other cultures that we don’t get to focus on in other curriculums,” counselor Martina Torres said. “It’s also another opportunity for students to show that they can perform at AP level work and I know a lot of students like to add that extra point on their GPA.” Due to critics’ comments stating that the College Board created the course with the purpose of satisfying political pressure, the organization made changes to the class including several removals of topics, such as slavery reparations.

Florida’s Department of Education has even banned the AP African American Studies course, sending a letter to The

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RIKKA DIMALANTA | The Pearl Post History teacher Brenda Helfing gives instructions to her period 3 AP US History class. Helfing will teach the new AP African American students class next year.

College Board on Jan. 12, officially announcing its decision, with the belief the course will teach students a “political agenda,” according to npr.org.

“The controversy is ridiculous because history is history,” said senior Ashley Harrison, who’s a member of the Black Student Union (BSU). “It’s just the plain facts and the plain events that happened and it’s important to just learn about it whether or not you agree with it. It’s shielding people from these teachings and people will learn about it in one way or another.”

She adds that the point of any course such as world history is to educate people, even if they don’t like it because it’s the truth and the truth shouldn’t be ignored.

“I feel that they should keep the class for the people that want to take it,” Bechdholt said. “If you don’t wanna take the class then that’s fine because it may not pique your interest.”

Topics that will be discussed in the course include the Black Panthers, the Harlem Renaissance and the reign of Queen Nzinga Mbade, according to BestColleges.com.

“I have not really taught a class like this before but in my US history class, we do a lot of African American studies,” history teacher Brenda Helfing said. “We concentrate a lot in bringing that into U.S. history. I’ve never taught it as an elective but I have a lot of stuff from my U.S. history class that I’ll be using in this class.”

Claridy says this course will not only teach African-American history but also a sense of consideration.

“People can develop consideration for Black People and take in their struggles,” Claridy said.

4 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

Food manager retires after 14 years of working at DPMHS

By Angela Ledesma @_.ang16_

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ood service manager Kathy Mrasz is retiring after 25 years of working for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“I’ve been here a long time,” Mrasz said. “There really is so many memorable moments. I’ve been to several proms up until the pandemic and my husband always enjoyed going to them.”

Mrasz has been an essential part of the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) staff for 14 years, working at the school since it opened in 2010. Mrasz started working at DPMHS once Birmingham Community Charter High School established itself as a charter that year.

During her time here, she’s seen many kids come and go, attended several proms, Pearl Cons and will dearly miss the campus and its students.

“I’m going to miss the children,” Mrasz said. “I watch you guys go from goofy middle school kids and watch you guys change and develop into young adults.”

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I’m going to miss all of you guys.

Food Manager Kathy Mrasz

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Over time, Mrasz has been having issues with her hands called Trigger Finger, a condition affecting the tendons, resulting in stiffness and the locking of fingers and the thumb. Even though she’s had issues with her hands after years of service to DPMHS she continues to work.

“I’m older and have issues with my hands now called Trigger Finger,” Mrasz said. “I’ve already had surgery on my hand but it didn’t go well.”

After the school year ends and Mrasz’s retirement begins, she hopes to travel. Her husband and she have planned this stage in their lives for a while and hope to travel alongside their granddaughter.

“There are a lot of places I want to go,” Mrasz said. “I want to see New Orleans, go back to Hawaii and Florida. I just want to go here and there and everywhere.”

Although Mrasz is ready for this next stage in her life, she will still miss DPMHS and it’s students. Because this is like a second home to her.

“I’m going to miss all of you guys,” Mrasz said. “I will come by and visit. I’ll be at Pearl Con and won’t forget this place.”

DESIREE SPURKEL| The Pearl Post Food Manager Kathy Mrasz stands in the DPMHS kitchen on May 22.

ANGELA LEDESMA| The Pearl Post Food Manager Kathy Mrasz serves food to freshman Sarina Falahaty on March 29.

F E AT U R E S | A LY S A B . & D E S I R E E S .

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Club Corner

BSU spotlights Black culture

By Keira Van Der Molen @k.kiwi_0 hen Black Student Union (BSU) members like senior Vince Gillen walk into the club, they’re met with a fun environment to learn about influential Black historical figures.

“I like this club because it’s a safe space, like a great subcommunity of students who really appreciate other cultures, not just Black student culture but also like the valuability of other races,” Gillen said. “It’s a home space to just chill out.”

BSU Vice President Gabrielle Lashley aims to lead accordingly to this. She says that the club is a good opportunity to educate students at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School about

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I like this club because it’s a safe space, like a great subcommunity of students who really appreciate other cultures.

Senior Vince Gillen

ALYSA BASMADZHYAN | The Pearl Post During lunch on Feb. 2, seniors Frankie Witt and Gabrielle Lashley make a poster in honor of Black History Month during a Black Student Union club meeting.

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a culture whose history is mostly censored. Lashley adds that when she first started going to school at DPMHS, there was a small population of Black students and she wanted to connect with other Black students like herself.

“I think it’s just important to embrace all of our history, especially the parts that are mostly censored,” Lashley said. “The more knowledge you have is power. The more you know, the more you can analyze things more and become more politically aware in today’s world.”

BSU is a club that empowers Black students and supporters to grow and learn about diversity. They discuss not only their own culture and lifestyle but also other cultures and their experiences. This allows for awareness as well as understanding, something they strive to instill in others.

“I have Black History all the time in my class,” said Brenda Helfing, Social Studies Teacher at DPMHS. “So, during the month, I don’t do anything different than I normally do. For BSU though, the educational part of the club during February is discussing different people’s contributions to history.”

Helfing hopes for DPMHS students to see the club as a

place to come in to gain a sense of community.

“This club is inclusive, we have non African-American students that come to the meetings as well,” Helfing said. “It’s a way to just hang out and speak freely and we definitely hope to get more people involved. It just brings a sense of community to students.”

BSU members like Senior Ashley Harrison have learned the importance of showcasing Black History Month from the club.

But to Harrison, this holiday is more than learning about common topics such as segregation and slavery but also it’s about lesser- known figures.

“There are many reasons showcasing is important,” Harrison said. “Obviously, there’s the aspect of cultural awareness because it’s generally known about the stuff about slavery.

That’s the main thing people focus on but it’s more about the Black figures, like the historical Black figures. It’s just the small stuff like that just brings awareness that Black people have had a big impact in history and they aren’t given a lot of credit where credit’s due.”

Like Harrison, Gillen recognizes the importance of showcasing Black History Month in BSU. Gillen says that it’s commonly known the discrimination the Black community has faced for years and now there’s been a growth process since then.

“It’s important to continue this sort of growth process, like throughout the school. It’s really healthy for faculty members and students like myself,” Gillen said. “Every club is like run through cooperation with each student. This club offers the same thing because it offers a voice to your culture.”

6 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

SATENIK AYRAPETYAN | The Pearl Post Headlines and leads from news publications around the nation detail numerous anti-LGBTQ+ legislation currently being voted on in various states.

New laws target queer students

By Emily Short @crying_apollo

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n the first five months of this year, 130 anti-LGBTQ bills and students continue to keep up with the news across the country. laws have been signed into law. The most prominent bill, “These kids, they’re going to figure out about this eventually. known as the Don’t Say Gay bill It’s not protecting them from the was expanded on April 19 to ban gay by banning these books (and any mention of LGBTQ+ topics from lessons),” senior Vincent Rincon said. grades 4-12, whereas the original “There are going to be queer kids only included grades K-3. in these states and by restricting In recent months, various these books, you’re doing nothing states, such as Florida and Texas, but harming their ability to come to have instituted legislation that terms with themselves.” censors the discussion of sexual Just like students, teachers are orientation and gender identity. In affected by the laws being apTexas, SB 1029 is being processed proved. Teachers have to review the but hasn’t been approved as of May books and lesson plans from their Senior Vincent Rincon 25. It serves to ban all gender affirmclassroom to make sure banned ing care from everyone within the material isn’t discussed. Queer teachers in those states fear that state. The increase in proposed anti-gay legislation is concernthey may be forced to lose their profession. ing students who don’t even live in those states.

“The fact that a lot of states that have this conservative “I don’t fear for my safety here at Daniel Pearl (Magnet viewpoint are starting to create this kind of legislation and High School) because I’ve been here for so long and surroundput these ideas in the forefront is really dangerous and makes ed myself with people I know I can trust,” senior and Pride Club me feel like I can’t work anywhere else,” sponsor of Pride Club President Naamah Silcott said. “I worry about the safety of other Timothy Hughes said. “For a long time, I thought, maybe I don’t kids that are in places like Florida that have adopted similar want to live in California forever. But if I go to Florida, not only bills. It’s terrifying that kids can’t admit to who they really are would I be worried about queer students, but as a queer person without being stigmatized, brutalized or even disowned.” myself, I would not be able to be openly who I am without Though no similar bill has survived in California, DPMHS feeling like I might lose my job.”

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By restricting these books, you’re doing nothing but harming their ability to come to terms with themselves.

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Opinion

S P E C I A L R E P O R T S | S AT E N I K AY R A P E T YA N 7

Anti-trans laws hurt young people like me

By Naamah Silcott @shmoop_mountain

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’ve had to tackle being yearbook editor-in-chief, take charge as varsity volleyball captain, run three clubs and go through a gruelling scholarship and college application process.

However, none of these experiences have affected my mental health as poorly as the thought of being denied gender-affirming care.

I’m trans. Those two words contribute to a person’s judgeGABRIELLE LASHLEY | The Pearl Post An illustration of Naamah Silcott upset and shielding themselves from the recent ment of my character more than any of the activities I particilegislation passed in Florida by Gov. DeSantis known as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” pate in. on June 26, 2015, which cemented marriage equality for sameI never really had a light bulb moment that set me down sex couples. The decades and decades of protests, speeches the path of he/they pronouns, or an experience that sent an and work people put into fighting for equality, for LGBTQIA+ avalanche of change in my direction. It was just another factor youths’ futures, for my future. of me that made itself apparent as I got older. A natural aspect Every day of my life, I have had that I cannot control nor change. to deal with feelings of being unAlthough Florida is 2,286 miles wanted, unloved, or someone who away from California, the impact of doesn’t belong. I’ve been fighting for knowing that my freedom as a trans my rights before I knew who I was. person and a member of the LGBTThe introduction of anti-LGBTQIA+ QIA+ community is being devalued legislation makes these feelings terrifies me. So far, Gov. Ron DeSantis even more prominent. has signed five anti-LGBTQIA+ bills As someone who is on their in 2023 and we’re not even halfway way to college venturing into a new through the year. Although the bills Senior Naamah Silcott chapter of my life that is terrifying on themselves are alarming, it’s the fact its own, the additional toll of knowthat they are being allowed to be ing anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments are introduced is what truly sends me being spread makes it more difficult to transition. I’m already into a state of quiet panic. worrying about how I’ll fit in on a college campus, how I presThe rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment has made it harder ent should not be at the forefront of my mind. for me to go about everyday life. Anxiety attacks become more I am sick and tired of the negative effect this legislation frequent with the worry of what will be proposed next. The has had on my mental health for the past year and a half. To stigmatization and misinformation coming out of these bills keep it from plummeting any further, I take note of the good fuels misery. The Parental Rights in Education Bill (HB 1557), being done in response. New Mexico, Illinois, Maryland, Colowhich bans the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity, stops youth from even getting a chance to learn about rado and now Minnesota have passed bills meant to protect transgender healthcare, coverage and access. Michigan has themselves. The Extreme Gender Affirming Care Ban (SB 254), which makes it a felony to provide gender-affirming healthcare expanded its Civil Rights’ Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. for transgender youth causes me even more mental grief.

Even with all the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation being passed, I feel hopeless. Suddenly it all has a chance of being it fuels my want for a world where one day I don’t have to worry erased, simply because our lives are a little different from what about how I present. Being trans is such a minute part of my is socially acceptable. Historical events such as the Stonewall daily life. There are things more important than what pronouns Uprising of 1969 and the important impact it had on the I associate myself with. furthering of equality for those in the LGBTQIA+ community in America. The Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges

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Knowing that my freedom as a trans person is being devalued terrifies me.

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THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

MARVEL, DISNEY MOVIES, PARAMOUNT PICTURES, WARNER BROS This summer, make sure to catch some of the hottest movies this year has to offer on the big screen, with action packed superhero fights to remade childhood favorites.

4 hot movies this summer

By Sophie Ortega

If spending time at the beach or traveling isn’t your style, try catching some of the major motion films coming out this summer.

Here are four films sure to cure some mid-summer boredom, while also offering you a great experience to share with freinds.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Haunted Mansion

The well-known and critically acclaimed movie, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is set to have another movie added to the franchise on June 2. The movie follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) into the multiverse where they find themselves surrounded by alternate versions of the alter ego, Spider-Man. As a superhero, he has the responsibility to deal with new threats that endanger the livelihood of others. However, Miles has gained unwanted hostility from his alter egos when taking care of a new potential evil.

“Haunted Mansion” is a reboot adaptation of the 2003 horror comedy “The Haunted Mansion” based on the Disneyland attraction. The film is planned to release on July 28, 2023. The movie follows a single mother, Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase Dillion) who move into their new home.

However, they discover that their house is haunted by spirits.

Their next course of action is to contact a psychic (Tiffany Haddish), priest (Owen Wilson) and historian (Danny DeVito.)

Barbie

This new approaching “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” animated movie marks the sixth adaptation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series and arrives in theaters on Aug. 4. The main four, which include Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Michelangelo (Sharmon Brown Jr.), Raphael (Brady Noon), and Donatello (Micah Abbey) roam around the streets of New York looking for crime to prevent and gain approval from others. In their quest to do so, they meet April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) who helps them. However, it backfires when they find themselves being attacked by hordes of mutants.

The film, “Barbie,” is based on the Mattel Doll Line, Barbie, which launched on March 9, 1959. The film releases on July 21 with Margot Robbie playing Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. The 2-hour feature follows Barbie after getting rejected and expelled from Barbie Land for not meeting the standards of being a perfect doll. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she leaves Barbie Land and sets out to the human world in hopes that she will achieve and find happiness.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

E N T E RTA I N M E N T | G R A N T A S N E R

Beat the heat with these cold summer retreats

By Maya Gelb @mayagelbie

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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The Santa Monica Pier is a favorite among the Los Angeles locals and known for its many activities and views.

As triple digit-temperatures arrive this summer, here are a few things you can do to keep cool.

Salt & Straw We’ve all had ice cream on a hot summer day before.

Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry… take your pick. But for anyone who wants to try something new, Salt & Straw is for you. Their range of flavors is broad: you can have Double Fold Vanilla or Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Arbequina Olive Oil or Pear and Blue Cheese. You can also try one of their limited edition flavors — they change about every four weeks, their current flavors being Pistachio with Saffron & Rose Water and Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese. You can get a pint for $12.50, or up to four scoops of your choice for $14.95.

Santa Monica Pier While the Santa Monica Pier originally gained its reputation for being the best fishing spot in Santa Monica, it is now known for its family-friendly activities, street performers, restaurants and stores. Access to the pier is free but places such as the amusement park cost money. Plus the pier is, as the name suggests, on the beach, so if you want to cool off you can just hop in the ocean!

Heal The Bay Aquarium Located on the Santa Monica Pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium is home to over 100 local species and was founded to protect the animals that call the West Coast home. The aquarium boasts hands-on activities where you can touch sea life and experience educational programs. It’s right by the beach too so it’s nice and cool. Adults (anyone 13+) can get in for only $10.00, while those 12 and under get in free (as long as an adult accompanies them). For groups of five or more adults, it’s $7 each and for 10+ children its $3.00 each.

Cinespia outdoor movies

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS If you’re in need of a new and affordable frozen desert outlet, don’t look past Salt & Straw. They serve an endless selection of classic flavors and create new originals every month, so make sure to treat yourself this summer with something sweet.

Recently, we’ve all been heading back to movie theaters after a year of being stuck at home with our streaming services. For those who enjoy the cool, open air, there is Cinespia, a Los Angeles-based organization showing classic films throughout the whole year. They have showings at many locations, including the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which will surely make for a unique movie-viewing experience. Tickets range from $20.00 to $22.00, which includes a picnic beforehand and on-site parking costs extra.

1 0 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

Spring sports showcase Daniel Pearl Magnet High School student athletes practiced and competed this spring season in baseball, softball, track and field and swim. The athletes juggled student life and being part of the Birmingham Community Charter High School Patriots. Here’s a look at how they did.

MIROLLA ABDELMASIH | The Pearl Post Junior Brisa Chajan practices butterfly on April 28. Chajan went on to place first in the 200-yard medley relay during the 2023 CIF Swimming Championship on May 7. “We’re all there and cheering for each other,” Chajan said. “We see (our teammates) swimming and we root for them. Everyone is supportive.”

MIROLLA ABDELMASIH | The Pearl Post Freshman Kaleigh Tapaoan practices freestyle on April 28. Tapaoan placed fourth in the 200-yard individual medley and seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke during the 2023 CIF Swimming Championship on May 7. “I felt really motivated and focused at the meet, competing and encouraging my other teammates to do good,” Tapaoan said.

EMILIE MORALES | The Pearl Post Freshman Giuliana Avalos gets ready to throw the ball during junior varsity pregame warmups on May 3. Birmingham Community Charter High School beat the Cleveland Charter High School Cavaliers 9-4. “(I like) how everyone wants to win,” Avalos said. “Everyone’s in a good mood and upbeat about it.”

ALAN RUIZ | The Pearl Post Varsity outfielder Monica Gonzalez fields a ground ball during softball practice on Feb. 8. After beating Eagle Rock High School in the quarterfinals, the Birmingham Community Charter High School Patriots lost to the Carson High School Colts in the the semifinals of the 2023 LA City Section Softball Open Division Playoffs.

SPORTS | SABRINA ROBERTSON 1 1

SABRINA ROBERTSON | The Pearl Post Freshman Tobias Bechdholt practices pole vault on May 3. “I originally started on the track and field team but I switched to do pole vaulting,” Bechdhdolt said.

ALAN RUIZ | The Pearl Post Junior varsity second baseman Zion Waddell throws the ball to a teammate in between innings on April 19. The baseball game ended with the Birmingham Community Charter High School Patriots losing 7-2 against the Cleveland Charter High School Cavaliers. “I’ve always loved baseball,” Waddell said. “I could definitely see myself pursuing this sport as a career because I love it a lot.”

LUKAS OSBRINK | The Pearl Post Sophomore Deven Szymczak during track and field practices on May 3. Szymczak’s biggest achievement this season was getting his mile time down to five minutes and 21 seconds.

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THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

The Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Class of 2023 is colleges, careers and futures across California and th Check out this comprehensive list of the seniors’ plans College of the Canyons Frankie Witt Jessie Witt Elvin Xiloj Cal State Monterey Bay Sabrina Robertson UC Berkeley Emilie Morales

UC Los Angeles Giselle Khalil Angela Ledesma-Grattarola University of Southern California Gabrielle Lashley Woodbury University Saul Casillas

UC Davis Kennedy Guzman

UC Merced Kayla Lopez

UC Santa Barbara Nancy Medrano

Gap Year Cristal Garcia

Trade School Israel Gaspar

Employment Sal Amador Kimberly Mel Andres Nava Emanuel Recin Emily Short

Undecided Vince Gillen Natalia Herna Robert Hinojo

LA Pierce College Grant Asner Lucia Avellane da Joseph Botti Diego Cortes Jiselle Covarrubias Sarah Esser Jenica Felicitas Mimi Haque Chris Jacobo-Madero Yvette Mandujano Jasmine Orozco Vincent Rincon Luis Rodriguez Jamus Sheehan Anthony Vallejos

SENIORS | ANGELA LEDESMA 1 3

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American University Samantha Willett Northwestern University Delilah Brumer

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Kalamazoo College Naamah Silcott

Cal State Northridge Jason Arevalo Dashiell Caloroso Ash Harrison Diego Nuno Elizabeth Rose Ralph Uy De Ong LA Valley College Andrea Aragon-Alvarado Jiszelle Arana Joseph Hernandez Mario Ronquillo Rosendo Rubalcava Sara Sifuentes Camila Valqui

ART BY GABRIELLE LASHLEY| The Pearl Post

1 4 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

Valedictorian looks back on 4 years

By Alexa Garay @youarentalexa espite her difficulties throughout middle school, senior Delilah Brumer achieved success in her high school career through diligence and perseverance. She is the valedictorian for the Class of 2023.

“I had a 2.2 GPA in middle school and I’ve always kinda been nervous about school but now I’ve been able to really grow,” Brumer said.

Brumer has been able to keep a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.2 while being heavily involved in her community inside and outside of school. She is the print editor-in-chief for The Pearl Post, president of National Honor Society (NHS), school secretary and freelances for the Los Angeles Daily News.

Her senior year showcased her accomplishments and revealed to her and others that all her hard work paid off. She was named California High School Journalist of the Year and was runner-up for National Journalist of the Year. She will be attending Northwestern University this fall as a journalism major. Even so, Brumer has sometimes found herself struggling to juggle schoolwork and her extracurriculars.

“I think to an extent I’ve struggled with just making sure I get everything done while also having time for my own mental health,” Brumer said. “I’d say it’s a little tough but I’ve been able to handle it pretty well.”

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GRANT ASNER| The Pearl Post Valedictorian Delilah Brumer wears her Northwestern University sweater on May 11. Brumer looks back fondly on her four years of high school at DPMHS.

Salutatorian reflects on academics

By Isaac Herrera @yourlocalalbertsons

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enior Kennedy Fayton Guzman was named salutatorian for the Class of 2023, as perseverance and prioritizing herself propelled her to a gratifying finish at the end of her high school journey.

“I’m happy that all the hard work I’ve been putting in for the past four years has paid off,” Guzman said.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite shifting policies reminiscent of pre-pandemic school life, were significant in Guzman’s academics.

“I was slacking in a lot of my classes but I figured that I might as well get it done and over with,” Guzman said. “I just tried my best to keep up and keep my grades up because I didn’t want to be the student who ends up falling behind due to online learning.”

With a GPA of 4.2, Guzman managed school life with sports as she played for the Birmingham Community Charter High School girls basketball team since her freshman year as the point guard and extracurricular activities such as volunteering at animal shelters. Guzman will be attending the University of California, Davis in the fall, majoring in animal science.

“Make time for your mental health,” Guzman said. “Because mental health should come first before schoolwork. Try your best and if you need help, there’s always help available.”

GRANT ASNER| The Pearl Post Salutatorian Kennedy Fayton Guzman holds a University of California, Davis flag on May 23. Guzman’s title became a milestone as the end of high school nears.

F E AT U R E S | A LY S A B . & D E S I R E E S . 1 5

DELILAH BRUMER | The Pearl Post Senior Kayla Lopez crochets her way through senior year hoping to grow her business. She manages to balance school and the growth of her business while having fun.

Get in the loop with senior Kayla’s crochet business

By Jenny Marquez

Question: How did you get into crocheting?

Answer : “I got into it since I saw a lot of TikToks on my for you page and I got inspired since I wanted to get into some type of art.”

Q: What was the first thing you crocheted?

A: “The first thing I ever crocheted was supposed to be a dog but it turned out to be a snake. It was because I messed up really badly.”

Q: How did you decide you wanted to start crocheting as a business?

A: “I realized that I had no money and I didn’t want to get a job. I thought that it would be more fun if I made money by crocheting things.”

Q: Do you hope to make your business bigger or take it further? How so?

A: “Yeah, I do really hope I can become bigger than when I first started the business. Also, I guess just using what I know now because when I first started, I had like no idea what I was doing and it just helps knowing stuff.”

Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve crocheted? Why? A: “My favorite thing I ever crocheted was probably this bouquet of flowers for my history teacher Mrs.Helfing. It was just really special and one of the biggest things I’ve made so far.”

Q: What has been your most challenging project, yet?

A: “My most challenging project yet was probably a turtle. I was confused the entire time making it. It was unraveling a lot and I almost gave up but it came out really cute.”

Q: What types of things do you crochet?

A: “I really like to crochet like clothing. I’d say I like to make DELILAH BRUMER | The Pearl Post leg warmers, shirts, and also like Senior Kayla Lopez created this yarn fingerless gloves.” bouquet using her crochet hooks.

1 6 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

Score! Senior athletes reflect on t

W

hen beginning their volleyball journey six years ago, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) senior Naamah Silcott first started playing at parks and recreation centers and then joined the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) Patriots during their freshman year.

“From a young age, my parents were trying to get me into an extracurricular,” Silcott said. “So I started in taekwondo and I did ballet. I played softball for the longest time. I did a little bit of basketball but none of them were sticking. Then I tried out for volleyball at my local recreation center, which was Northridge Recreation Center at the park, and I ended up loving it.”

Silcott has played on the BCCHS girls varsity volleyball team for four years, serving as captain since their sophomore year. They also played beach volleyball this year, which is the first time the sport has been offered by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

“What really motivates me is if I’m having fun, then I’m doing great,” Silcott said, who is a middle blocker.

“

What really motivates me is if I’m having fun, then I’m doing great.

Senior Naamah Silcott

”

Silcott has experienced several highlights that come with being involved in the volleyball community. One of their favorite moments was when they won the CIF All-City Division I girls’ volleyball co-player of the year award in 2021.

Another memory was when Silcott watched their role model, professional volleyball player Yuji Nishida, make it to the 2020 Olympics. They also went through rough times in the sport but they persevered.

“Playing volleyball, it’s a very mental game,” Silcott said. “So there’s gonna be times where mentally you’re gonna feel very dragged down and you don’t understand why you’re playing really terribly on a certain day.”

Silcott said they hope to continue to play volleyball at Kalamazoo College in Michigan which they will attend this fall.

GRANT ASNER | The Pearl Post Senior Naamah Silcott has played on Birmingham Community Charter High School’s varsity volleyball team for all four years of high school as a middle blocker. Silcott’s highlight during their seasons is winning the CIF division championship. “We won the CIF division championship in my sophomore year of high school. I didn’t expect to go that far since it was during COVID,” Silcott said.

“I plan on playing in college because I still think it’s a great pastime,” Silcott said. “I still want to play it because it’s still a fun and interesting extra activity that I get to do in my day.”

Silcott hopes to leave future generations of BCCHS volleyball players with words of inspiration.

“A lot of people are scared to try out for volleyball because it looks scary and all this is a new sport,” Silcott said. “But just like, at the end of the day it’s not the end of the world if you miss one point or another. It’s also a team effort.”

By Nemesi Morales and Delilah Brumer

S E N I O R S | J A Z M I N E VA L E R I O 1 7

n their journeys as players

GRANT ASNER | The Pearl Post Senior Kennedy Fayton Guzman is Birmingham Community Charter High School’s point guard on the girls varsity basketball team. Fayton Guzman ends her high school career being team captian of the varsity girls basketball team.

S

enior Kennedy Fayton-Guzman has played as a point guard on the Birmingham Community Charter High School girl’s basketball team since ninth grade. As her last season on the varsity team comes to an end, she reflects on her time as a student-athlete and tells her plans for the future.

“We won the championship last year,” Fayton-Guzman said.

“The team was so happy because we hadn’t won one in years so that was a really memorable experience… But after high school, I’m putting the ball down.”

Fayton-Guzman recognizes how much the girl’s basketball team has added to her high school experience. Her favorite part of being on the team has been the relationships she’s formed with her teammates. While struggling to prioritize academics over sports, she overcame the hardships with motivation from her team. Even though it was hard at times, she’s really glad she was able to pull through and play with her team for as long as she could.

“I’ve created a bond with these people for the past four years and basically had another family,” Fayton-Guzman said, grateful for the memories she’s made with her basketball team.

By Donovan Ochoa

GRANT ASNER | The Pearl Post Senior Rosendo Rubalcava first joined Birmingham Community Charter High School’s track and field team in January and now finishes his high school experience on the track and field team. “I didn’t get to do everything I wanted to do (this year) but I was still happy to be a part of the team.” Rubalcava said.

S

enior Rosendo Rubalcava has been on several track and field teams throughout his time in high school. Now at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) for his last year, he plans to end his experience on a high note.

“Track and field involves a lot of working on yourself,” said Rubalcava, who joined the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) track runners this January. “Track is about doing the best that you can.”

Rubalcava credits his uncles as his primary motivation for returning to the sport once restrictions were lifted.

“I (found) out that a lot (of them) were actually really, really successful track runners,” Rubalcava said. “That pushed me to keep going or at least try again (after school came back).”

While he doesn’t see himself continuing track and field as an immediate career plan, Rubalcava admits the sport has helped him understand his priorities for the future. “(I’ve) definitely (learned to) be more disciplined,” Rubalcava said. “Now it’s trying to realize what’s more important and fun to do and focus on (that).”

By Elizabeth Rose

1 8 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

Editorial

The Pearl Post perseveres, prevails through obstacles

T

hroughout a year of learning curves, laughs and late days, The Pearl Post staff has done excellent work. We are so proud of the content we produced this year and the noticeable growth each staff member has made as a student journalist.

Our staff faced several challenges this year, but we met each one with resilience and determination. We dealt with Los Angeles Unified School District’s unprecedented and unlawful attempt to censor us and suspend our adviser with poise and confidence. We fought for student press freedom and our adviser’s suspension was eventually rescinded. Throughout our fight, we continued to do important reporting for our school and community.

Despite our staff of 14 being split into two periods, we accomplished our goal of extensively using the app Slack to keep updated about the status of stories and to send reminders to staff members about deadlines. We also benefited from the app Trello, which allowed us to organize all story ideas into categories based on where they are in the editing process.

When we started the 2022-23 school year, our main goal for the newsmagazine was to publish at least four print issues.

We are proud that we surpassed this goal, publishing a total of five issues, including the first special issue in The Pearl Post history. Another goal we had was to incorporate more photos, artwork and infographics. We fully achieved this goal, including eye-catching and informative visual content on every page.

We also wanted to carry over last year’s momentum of consistently publishing articles on the website. Throughout the current school year, that goal was met by typically publishing four out of the five days in the school week. We are also proud of the variety of videos produced throughout the year, from light-hearted videos like the Water Fountain Roulette to the news video covering the SEIU strike in March.

The Room 22 podcast also stayed strong in its second year with seven episodes that discussed many areas of student life.

We are also proud of the many photo slideshows we published on the website this year. In total, we published more than 20 slideshows from school events.

“

ADRIANA CHAVIRA | The Pearl Post The Pearl Post Print Editor-in-Chief Delilah Brumer and Online Editor-in-Chief Alan Ruiz hold California All Stars second place website award and National Best of Show eighth place newsmagazine award. They are very proud of how the staff has overcome many challenges to produce frequent and engaging content.

This spring, several staff members attended the National High School Journalism Convention (NHSJC) in San Francisco. At NHSJC, The Pearl Post won several awards, including eighth place in Best of Show for small school newsmagazine. The staff has also won several local, state and national awards throughout the year. We earned second place in online and third place in print in the California All Stars contest. We were also recently named finalists in both web and print in the L.A. Press Club’s 65th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards.

This year has proven to be a rollercoaster of setbacks, triumphs, stress, accomplishments and perseverance. It was an honor to lead The Pearl Post through it all. We are immensely grateful to this staff and are confident that our student-run publications will continue their stellar work in future years.

Our staff faced several challenges this year, but we met each one with resilience and determination.

”

S E N I O R S | M A G G I E S I M O N YA N 1 9

Opinion

College rejection rates soar, plague students’ self-esteem

By Emilie Morales @elainee.moraless

I

’ve dreamt of going to college for as long as I can remember. I, and thousands of other high school seniors, have worked for four years to get into a top college. I held pride and confidence, but a single sentence from a college decision can make you feel as if your entire world just fell apart: “After careful consideration of your application, we are unable to offer you admission…”

This year alone, 1.2 million students applied to private universities in the United States through Common Application, which excludes public universities. With an influx of students applying to universities, acceptance rates have declined, scandals within the college admissions process have arisen, and the self-esteem of high school seniors has plummeted.

I’ve committed to UC Berkeley with an 11.4% acceptance rate. To put into perspective how low acceptance rates have become, the acceptance rate at UC Berkeley was 20.8% just 10 years ago. The acceptance rates of most American universities have plummeted due to a large pool of applicants, and many students are left heartbroken and rejected. It’s difficult to pinpoint why a student was rejected from a university, with the admissions office never giving feedback on why they made that decision. Universities put out rubrics on the type of students they look for, allowing many applicants to follow their criteria. Still, many are rejected without explaining what they did wrong in their application, leaving students with self-doubt and low self-esteem.

Even some students who were interviewed for the New York Times article “Harvard or Happiness? 11 High School Seniors Debate College Rankings,” have expressed their concerns about the stress and emotional toll of wanting to go to a top college. Many of the students said they want to go to college to experience independence, gain experience for their career choice, and meet new people. Still, they all worry about their mental health when going to college.

With that said, facing rejection can be a good learning experience for all prospective college students. The power of rejection allows people to use critical thinking skills to regather their choices, have a stronger will and have more control over their emotions. Yet, college rejections don’t allow this to happen, with no advice on what they had done wrong and no time to grow in the meantime of the decision season.

Universities claim to look for applicants with excellent applications. Yet, with admissions bribe scandals making national headlines, it seems these days a good application is

just a mere factor in how far you can go in higher education.

The college decision process must be fair to all applicants, no matter their race, socioeconomic status, gender or orientation, which is something many universities are failing to see. Everyone deserves a chance to enter university, whether someone comes from a lineage of college-educated or is the first in their family to go to college. If various universities can expand their freshman classes, everyone will be able to fulfill their right to an education.

After shedding many tears, I have the strength to look back on the month of March and realize: The college decision process is flawed but it doesn’t have to be if we can look past biases and open doors to a bigger audience of students who want to continue their education.

EMILY SHORT | The Pearl Post College acceptance rates are decreasing due to a large influx of applicants in the last few years. As a result, the self-esteem of high school seniors has plunged.

20

THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

A

fter a rollercoaster of ups, downs and unexpected turns, high school is coming to an end for the Class of 2023.

The seniors got hit by the pandemic halfway through their freshman year, causing them to spend a year and a half of high school in distance learning. Now in their senior year, here’s a look at some memorable moments from 2022-23.

Senior N GRANT aamah Sil ASNER cott pain at an arts ts a salt d | The Pearl Post and craft oug s booth d uring Pea h clay ornament rl Con on May 13.

NAAMAH SILCOTT | The Pearl Post Her Senior Frankie Witt performs “Take Torre Dela a Moir by Me” For n Moo the to 26. l Apri on ert conc n at the Spring Moo

ANGELA LEDESMA | The Pearl Post Senior Vince Gillen performs an original song he wrote, called “Melanch oly,” during the Spring Moon concert in the Grove on April 26. The show featured slow, mellow songs performed by the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School music department from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and was organized by Music Teacher Wes Hambright.

Artwork by Gabrielle Lashley

S E N I O R S | R I K K A D I M A L A N TA

JAZMINE VALERI Seniors stand togeth O | The Pearl Po er on the grass weari st ng their class shirt pare to take their Cl s as they preass of 2023 panoram a photo on May 10 .

| The Pearl Post NAAMAH SILCOTT draw on no and Giselle Khalil Seniors Nancy Medra on Sep. 16. y Da n tio itu nst Co for the ground with chalk

EMILY SHORT | The Pearl Post Seniors Emilie Morales, Sarah Esser, Samantha Willett and Emily Short attend Disneyland Grad Nite on May 14.

21

DELILAH BRUMER | The Pearl Post Seniors Chris Jacobo and Dashiell Calo 13.

Feb. on lab ics Phys a uct cond roso

| The Pearl Porst RAPETYAN SATENIK AY Cultural Cente at the Tarzana er th ge to e . nc Seniors da om on May 19 nior-Junior Pr Se e th g rin du

e Pearl Post GRANT ASNER | Th k at a disloo obo Jac and Chris Seniors Kayla Lopez d trip. fiel 9 c. rary during a De play at the Nixon Lib

2 2 THE PEARL POST| JUNE 2023

Photo by Adriana Chavira and artwork by Gabrielle Lashley

Goodbye, Room 22 Seniors on staff of The Pearl Post and Prestige Yearbook reflect on highlights and what they’ve learned as student journalists.

I really can’t believe all I accomplished this year. I have been to competitions, learned how to design and grown closer to fellow staff members all as a first-time editor. All of this has been the highlight of my senior year. Leaving The Pearl Post will be hard but I know that it will be in good hands. Being able to develop new skills and push myself has been an experience that I will carry with me forever.

-Sabrina Robertson, Sports Editor Photo by Alan Ruiz

Every day was a constant battle of coming up with spread ideas, making sure things were on theme and overseeing my editors while staying on top of my own spreads. Despite these obstacles, I was able to learn a lot from the problems that arose.

Being on this staff has not only taught me so much about myself but also about the value of patience and sticking with the process. I am extremely grateful to have worked on the yearbook for two years.

-Naamah Silcott Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Photo by Angela Ledesma

SENIORS | DELILAH BRUMER 2 3 I was only on staff for a year but that year was incredible.

Being on staff forced me to get out of my shell. This helped me because I’m able to take on many different tasks like video, writing, photos and Photo by Keira Van Der Molen interviews. This has been one of my favorite experiences. -Jason Arevalo, Staff Writer A moment I remember fondly is my first special report. I felt like the work I was producing wouldn’t measure up. Then my article earned a Best of SNO award, which helped me realize that I held just as much worth as anyone else in the room. Getting to be surrounded by my fellow student journalists has definitely been another highlight. My classmates’ humor and drive to improve themselves inspires me to do my best. It’s funny thinking back on how hesitant I was to get to know them because they’re now some of my closest confidants.

-Elizabeth Rose Staff Writer

I feel like I’ve gotten to know the staff members well this year, not only as student journalists but also as hard working individuals. Having school, the music department, martial arts and journalism gave me a lot to do this year. Yet, I would say that this year was one of the most fulfilling years in school that I’ve ever had. Not only did I get to make new friends and explore new opportunities along the Photo by Keira Van Der Molen way but it also made me realize my potential. If there’s one thing I can say to future seniors, it’s to do everything and anything you’ve been wanting to do. Live your life as a teenager.

-Jenica Felicitas Digital Media Editor From funny bonding activities to spending evenings after school with fellow staff members to scrambling around to perfect the issue we spent weeks on, my time on staff has become one of the most valuable aspects of my high school life.

Although I was only on staff for a year, it has become a safe haven that allows me to express my creativity and personality.

-Angela Ledesma Features Editor

Photo by Delilah Brumer

What started as an unexpected hobby has transformed into an immense passion, a slowly developed level of confidence, an incredible support system and a second home. I’m so grateful to this amazing staff, who have made my high school experience absolutely spectacular and memorable.

-Delilah Brumer Print Editor-in-Chief Being on The Pearl Post has been fun, exhausting, rewarding and a learning process, from knowing nothing about a comma to writing articles and being published to the entire world.

Through my experience, I feel more confident and prepared to take on projects and take risks.

-Grant Asner Entertainment Editor This year challenged me more than any other year of high school. We fought censorship, protected our adviser and flew to San Francisco for the National High School Journalism Convention. Throughout my time on staff, I produced amazing covers of the magazines, with each one being better than the last. My relationships strengthened and no matter how stressful situations became, they all were fulfilling experiences.

-Gabrielle Lashley, Art Director

Seeing everything done and on the spreads made me feel really good and proud of our staff for working so hard. While of course we did have trouble on a lot of different spreads, in the end, it was a very interesting experience and I’m happy to have had such wonderful friends to help me keep my motivation.

-Emily Short Yearbook Design Editor

Photo by Rikka Dimalanta

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT

BEHIND THE PHOTO

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Seniors Samantha Willet and Naamah Silcott dance together with Magnet Coordinator Natalie Berghoudian behind them on the dance floor of the Tarzana Cultural Center during the Senior-Junior Prom on May 19. The Prom was one of many senior events held to celebrate the seniors before their graduation. “It was very much of a nostalgia bubble where it’s really cementing in you looking back at the last four years of your life and going ‘Wow I went through the trenches with these people and we made it out on the other side,’” Silcott said.

Satenik Ayrapetyan is this year’s Opinion Editor. This is her first year on staff but she has found it an amazing and invigorating experience. She is also the Vice President of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of High School Insider’s Student Advisory Board. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting loud button up shirts and ties.

Submit your best photos with a brief description to thepearlpost@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the The Pearl Post newsmagazine.