Daryna Hriaznova, Tania Lopez, Andrew Pulido, Benjamin Recinos, Alex Salcedo, Jasmine Thompson, Linus Bossardt
Copy Editors
Jasmine McNair, Genesis CuellarFigueroa, Emma Rosenberg, Isabella Tolosa
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 the school.
Thoughts and opinions published in these pages are the work of journalism students and do not represent the position of DPMHS, its administrators or the Los Angeles Unifed 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 refect the views of the authors. A signed cartoon refects the view of the cartoonist.
This bimonthly magazine is the offcial campus newsmagazine of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The magazine is also posted online at http:// www.thepearlpost.com.
Content
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In our penultimate issue for this school year, we wanted to spotlight students’ success in and out of school. Many students have hobbies and interests, so we wanted to shed light on how they utilize their free time, including volunteering for an environmental advocacy council at the L.A. Zoo or playing in a band or sport.
However, these same students rely on technology in their day-today lives. We wanted to report on how this reliance manifests itself as
12
Letter from the editor
isolation and how to combat it. . We also wanted to discuss some current issues and events, such as the Trump administration’s recent actions.
Additionally, we spotlighted our school’s success and one locallyowned business.
Our goal with this magazine is to showcase the best of our students, while also addressing some lows they may struggle with, as well as current events. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Satenik Ayrapetyan Editor-in-Chief
Award of excellence achieved
For the frst time, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School was named a School of Excellence.
By Satenik Ayrapetyan, @sayra.syrup and Alex Salcedo, @alexx.sal14
When Magnet Coordinator James Morrison held the plaque awarded to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School by the Magnet Schools of America, he felt amazement and pride.
“I felt that this was a national statement about what we do,” Morrison said. “It’s a wonderful thing for student education and that this is not the apex of our program, but the beginning of a new era of success.”
This January, DPMHS was named a School of Excellence by MSA, for the rst time in the schools history. This honor demonstrates the magnet’s outstanding educa-
tion, dedication, innovative curricula and overall impact on students and communities. DPMHS was one of the 89 schools in the Los Angeles Uni ed School District to be recognised for this award.
“Now knowing that our school is among the top of the nation, I feel very happy for the generations to come,” Associated Student Body (ASB) President Genesis Cuellar-Figueora said. “Having such a grand title, this award can show our school under a better light.”
As part of this victory, Morrison attended MSA’s conference, also named Magnet Schools of America
in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference lasted from April 7 and lasted until April 10. While at the conference, Morrison learned from other magnet coordinators around the nation, enabling him to nd different perspectives on how to rebrand and better in uence student education.
“I will be taking what I have learned and apply it to what the district is o ering,” Morrison said. “I will also apply it in how to explore a theme more in depth and apply it in a meaningful context when I go to our schools to promote our magnet.”
Morrison, as well as other faculty and students
hope that this award will help the school combat low enrollment. Principal Armen Petrossian and Morrison plan on applying for the award as many times as possible in hopes of receiving the highest award. For future students and seniors, this award can be included on their college applications that they attended a magnet school in the top 4% in the nation.
“To have received it, it speaks to the e orts of the school, the sta , teachers, volunteers on the amazing environment that we have at the school and how we foster high student achievement,” Petrossian said.
PROVIDED BY JAMES MORRISON Magnet Coordinator James Morrison holds up an award plaque for Daniel Pearl Magnet High School while at the Magnet Schools of America conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Morrison attended the conference a er DPMHS was named a School of Excellence. It was one of 89 schools in the Los Angeles Uni ed School District to win.
Teens work, grow and help at the zoo
By Benjamin Recinos
Seniors Allison Gonzalez and Issac Herrera have both been recently concerned with environmentally centered issues. Fortunately, they saw openings for an internship through the Los Angeles Zoo Teen Council For Conservation. They gured it could be a way to help make an impact and gain new insights.
“I think I’ve realized how important it is to be able to conserve the environment,” Gonzalez said. “I (also) honestly just wanted to try something new and be able to interact with new people in a new setting.”
The Los Angeles Zoo Teen Council’s program is meant to help educate teenagers about local conservation e orts, particularly local species in Southern California. Additionally, it helps inform about their impact on the environment, along with environmental justice, the various impacts on climate change and to build leadership and collaboration skills.
Every year, 2 high school
Teen Council for Conservation members Allison Gonzalez,
and
As part of the “Mindful Choices” workshop by Circular Fashion L.A., participants sorted through clothes and grouped them by quality, then planned ways for its reuse. e workshop took place at the L.A. Zoo’s Conservation Symposium on March 15.
students from each of the 15 Los Angeles City Council districts are selected to participate in the internship. Participants are also paid a stipend of $300 a month. As participants, Gonzalez and Herrera both help coordinate events at the Los Angeles Zoo and work with others to help educate people about their e orts.
“I think the collaborative parts of designing for example, our symposium is one of my favorite parts because it lets everyone utilize their minds to create something that is impactful,” Herrera said. “We’ve made a collective impact into having city leaders and o cials to see that there is a network of students who want to make a change and are seeking solutions. They want to have an impact and (make) greater
change in LA.”
Both Gonzalez and Herrera have been able to improve their collaboration skills while working with others from different backgrounds. By having the goal of working to help conservation e orts and preserving the environment, they broaden their horizons and attitudes towards the e orts at hand.
“We collaborate a lot, so I’ve started interacting with people I never thought I’d talk to,” Gonzalez said. “I think it is important to bring awareness. The younger generation is the future, and if we don’t do something about it, we’re not going to have a clean LA. I think we always gotta be environmentally aware of everything.”
Students participating in the internship also get experience with hands-on eld work
and labs. These hands-on experiences further participants’ understanding of the environment and their conservation e orts.
“We’ve been doing eld research and we go into some areas in the zoo that are closed o to the public,” Herrera said. “We do labs, similar to APES (AP Environmental Science) about the soil or trees. Recently, we did one in an area at the zoo and we looked for bugs. It was fun and very hands-on.”
Although there may be some challenges such as time commitment and communication with others, Herrera says it pays o .
“Sometimes I have to change my schedule to accommodate the zoo because I want to prioritize the internship. I would say it is a rewarding experience because not only do you participate in fun hands-on experiences, you get to understand all the important components of environmentalism and conservation.”
SATENIK AYRAPETYAN | THE PEARL POST
Addi Komwiser
Isaac Herrera sort through clothing.
Cafe Review: Sip on down to the new hotspot, Lee’s Coffee House
Whether it’s a classic espresso for a quick pick-me-up, a creamy caramel macchiato for a touch of sweetness or a savory buttery croissant, students are always on the hunt for the perfect spot to satisfy that craving.
By Alexa Garay, @youarentalexa
Located at the corner of Vanowen Street and Balboa Boulevard, Lee’s Co ee House is the perfect place to stop by on the way to or from school. The cafe is open typically from 7 a.m to 5 p.m.
This cozy cafe is decorated in an array of pink furniture and decor making it the perfect place to catch up with friends or study for hours on end. Soft music plays in the background as the gentle hum of conversation creates a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a wide variety of artisanal co ees and pastries that are a delight to the senses.
When I visited on March 18, I bought a lavender cappuccino ($6.05), strawberry matcha ($6.00), everything bagel ($4.12) and cheese danish ($5.10). Here’s my review.
The lavender cappuccino carried a nice stronger co ee avor. The blend wasn’t overly sweet in comparison to a latte but the lavender added an earthy tone to the co ee, cre -
ating an unexpectedly good combination.
Even so, the strawberry matcha carried a good blend between the earthy avors of the matcha and the rich sweet avors of the strawberry puree. It creates a good balance between both the avors without making one more overbearing. This popular drink often sells out by the end of the day, thanks to its perfectly crafted avor harmony.
The pastries were nothing short of delicious. The everything bagel was perfectly coated in a variety of di erent seeds, toasted to perfection. It wasn’t stale nor overly chewy. Along that same note the cheese strudel made the same taste as a cheesecake. The cheese lling was very rich, while the outer crust was very akey, giving a nice crunch to the pastry.
Shortly after indulging in my baked goods and drinks, the barista came over to my table to give me a free iced lavender americano, reveal-
ing the kindness of the sta . She explained that it was something she was testing out and wanted to hear feedback. Honestly, I hated it but the intention was there. The co ee was very strong and not to my liking no matter how many sugar packets were added. The lavender avor didn’t mix in well with the co ee avor.
Even so, I genuinely enjoyed the cafe overall. The
variety of drink combinations is endless, making each visit an opportunity to explore new avors. They o er customizable options for every drink, including di erent syrups and cold foam avors. The free WiFi is a great bonus for anyone wanting to spend extra time studying. For those looking for a new co ee house to visit, Lee’s Co ee House is a great place to stop by.
VANESSA MORALES | THE PEARL POST Lee’s Co ee House is an amazing option for those who wish to relax, study or just drink some co ee. ey o er a variety of personalizable drinks and baked goods.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Club members
invites anyone who is
Club Corner: Daring dive into Dungeons & Dragons Club
By Benjamin Recinos
She was hesitant at rst, but junior Aischelle Baun decided to try a new way to hang out with her friends in a novel and exciting way by joining D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) Club.
“My favorite part of D&D Club is that I get to hang out with my friends, along with just trying out a new way to hang out with them,” Baun said. “The majority of my friend group hasn’t really played D&D before, so it’s a lot of fun seeing all the wacky scenarios that can happen
sometimes.”
D&D is a fantasy tabletop game that involves storytelling and role-playing characters. Players must take on roles of di erent characters and then they embarking on a journey that involves spend moments such as discovering treasure and ghting monsters. Players work in groups in order to face challenges. Ultimately, the imagination of the players is what drives the game and sets the experience.
Sophomore Jamie HeuerJones decided to create the
club in order to create a space for like minded students to have fun and enjoy. Jones says he enjoys making connections with others and the creativity involved.
“I always wanted to play D&D with people and my friend group, and now it’s just a really good time,” HeuerJones said. “It’s such a fun game to play, and you get to be creative, roleplay and make your own characters.”
As president, he is glad about people joining the club and hopes to continue
to have fun with his fellow club members during their lunchtime meetings in room 6. Since its inception, the club has grown into a comfortable space where students’ imaginations can run wild in an exciting and enjoyable way.
“The people I got to do it (D&D Club) with are all amazing and I couldn’t ask for a better campaign group,” Heuer-Jones said. “It’s such a great game to play, and we can always improve.”
LINUS BOSSARDT | THE PEARL POST
play a round of the storytelling and role-playing game during their lunchtime meeting in room 6 on Feb. 27. e D&D club
interested in learning more about the fantasy role-playing game along with connecting with a community of students who are interested in D&D.
Cherry Amoia and Road Trip shine bright in the limelight
By Daryna Hriaznova, @ryna_hria_41
Junior Sebastian Olfatmanesh plays in two bands, one of which he founded.
“Well, (the) rst band Cherry Amoia, I started basically myself with two of my close friends,” Olfatmanesh said.
In both bands, Olfatmanesh generally plays guitar and sometimes drums. He was one of the founders of Cherry Amoia and he joined Road Trip when he met the members of the band through Instagram.
“With Road Trip, I played at a punk venue in downtown LA,” Olfatmanesh said. “It was really packed with a lot of people. Then I also played with my other band (Cherry Amoia) at a Halloween house party. There were like 200 people. Those were the best shows I played.”
While Olfatmanesh’s parents weren’t really into music, his uncle introduced him to songs from the 70’s and 80’s, which inspired Olfamanesh to try playing guitar. Now, he works on chord progressions
for Road Trip and attends small events where he plays with his bands.
“We play at some little venues or (at) a little bigger ones,” Olfatmanesh said. “Or it’s half and half. Our audience are usually people 16 to 25.”
Still, it is not easy to balance schoolwork and being a member of two bands. Sometimes, after school, Olfatmanesh needs to immediately go to practice with other band members. He is able to overcome the di culties of catching up with school work
and does most of his work at school.
“It is pretty frustrating. Because sometimes, after school, I got to rush to practice,” Olfatmanesh said. “So it’s kind of hard to balance.”
Olfatmanesh plans to pursue music as his future career and is aiming to produce his own music or produce it for other people.
“I’m also working on my solo project where I write my own stu ,” Olfatmanesh said. “If I write anything, I try to save it.”
PROVIDED BY SEBASTIAN OLFATMANESH | THE PEARL POST
Junior Sebastian Olfatmanesh plays on the guitar during Road Trip’s concert at the “ e Guitar Merchant” on March 6. Ever since Olfatmanesh joined the Road Trip a er meeting some of its members on social media, he has been able to perform at several venues across various cities and grow his long-lasting love for music.
Navigating social media pressures:
By Jenny Marquez, @jennymarquezzz
For Gen Z students like senior Axel Aleman many, if not all have grown up surrounded by technology consistently for their whole lives.
“It’s kind of strange to think that we’re the generation that begins with having technology surrounding us literally everywhere because our parents didn’t experience that,” Aleman said. “We have a lot more opportunities to use technology for good and for bad.”
Due to Gen Z being the rst generation to have grown up with technology, it has become a predominant aspect of their life and has made them more comfortable and familiar with utilizing it.
Although technology is known for its many advantages and facilitating tasks at the tip of a nger, it also comes with numerous disadvantages. A prominent issue stemming from the usage of technology has been the increase of social isolation and the struggle to maintain real-life connections, all becoming increasingly di cult. Many students, like junior Natica Renteria, tend to have most of their conversations online rather than in person, leading to the risk of or even an increase in social isolation in person.
“I don’t really go outside or talk to other people, mostly because my parents are too busy to drive me anywhere,” Renteria said. “A lot of my
conversations are online.”
Additionally, the pressure from social media fuels this. Although social media has facilitated communication with people, giving them the ability to nd new people and create connections, downsides still exist to the usage of social media. With the pressure of social media from tting into standards and fear of missing out, poor mental health, along with feelings of increased loneliness, becomes an increasingly high risk.
“On social media, everyone puts their life on there,” sophomore Megan Ramirez said. “It makes it look like they have such a great life and it can bring you down.”
According to a survey by
the Children’s Health Center, Gen Z reports poor mental and social health compared to other generations, additionally using social media at least one hour a day. The constant use of social media and technology negatively impacts individuals through consequences of sleep loss, negative self-image and depressive symptoms.
Social psychologist and author of “The Anxious Generation” Jonathan Haidt describes the rising mental health concerns among younger generations and how the negative e ects that stem from technology use such as social isolation outweigh any bene ts. In an interview with NPR, Haidt shares his opinion on how to reduce as much
KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST
Many students have trouble focusing on social interaction due to social media. By spending large amounts of time on electronics instead of socializing, students may limit their communication skills which has become a predominate problem among younger generations. e recent phone ban in Los Angeles Uni ed School District (LAUSD) acts to combat the overuse of personal devices and encourage connections between students during the schoolcday, fostering communication skills.
Gen Z’s struggle for real connections
screen time as possible.
“If we’re going to reduce screen time, we have to give them back real engagement and fun in the real world,” Haidt said.
Recognizing these challenges, educational institutions like the Los Angeles Uni ed School District (LAUSD) have taken proactive measures by implementing a cellphone ban to foster better social interactions among students. To help improve the social isolation and mental health among Gen Z, LAUSD implemented a district-wide cellphone ban that went into e ect on Feb. 18.
Although Psychiatric Social Worker Joanne Tuell believes the cellphone ban has been working well since it’s been implemented on campus, she still worries about the consequences and issues that linger outside campus once the cellphone ban isn’t in e ect.
“I think that the cell phone ban is one way to help encourage communication with kids, but it’s still a huge problem outside of school,” Tuell said. “The amount of
time that kids spend on their phones, scrolling social media, is making kids more anxious and more depressed.”
Despite these technological challenges, there are numerous methods to help combat the use of excessive technology.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, some methods to reduce the usage of technology are limiting screen time, setting boundaries online and creating a balance through hobbies and relationships to avoid fueling or gaining an unhealthy obsession with anything online through technology. Aleman shares how he tries to maintain his social interactions consistently and avoid unnecessary technology use.
“Try to go out more with a group of friends or even just by yourself, because it’s also not good to just be procrastinating or just watching videos all the time because it’s a huge time waster,” Aleman said.
“It’s de nitely good to step outside, once in a while and just enjoy what’s around you. That’s all you need.”
The Pearl Voice
Do you think constantly being surrounded by technology has had an impact on your social life?
ALEXA GARAY | THE PEARL POST Forty-three students responded to a Google Form survey posted on Instagram and Schoology on March 14. Of those students, 14 students said that they’ve noticed some improvment in their productivity and focus at school while seven said it’s been much harder with the implementation of the phone ban. irty students believed that the ban hasn’t played a role in preventing cyberbullying.
Interviews and photos by Alex Salcedo
New executive orders puts nature under extreme political destruction
Upon President Donald Trump taking o ce on Jan. 20, his antienvironmentalist agenda poses a serious threat to the public health and wellness of Americans and the world.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded in 1970 with the sole purpose of protecting human health and environment. It was created in response to growing concerns about environmental pollution and climate change with a longterm goal to reduce pollution and reverse the e ects of global warming due to climate change. However, the current administration doesn’t seem to consider how the negative impacts or overall existence of climate change can alter our society’s wellbeing.
Lee Zeldin, the Trumpappointed administrator of the EPA, is more than willing to ful ll Trump’s political agenda, which will weaken climate change prevention e orts. According to The Guardian, it is estimated that 50-75% of the current workforce, which is about 1718 thousand people, will be laid o .
The loss of a majority of their workforce will worsen air and water pollution, management of toxic waste and other important issues that need to be monitored. It would also layo as many as 1,155 scientists, which would make it increasingly di cult to address the climate crisis and maintain safety standards.
Protection Agency (EPA)
Secretarial Order (SO) 3418 indirectly mentions the establishment of national monuments and the right to deplete resources administratively. This allows public lands to be used for oil and gas leasing and threatens national monuments for their mineral reserves. Mining practices can cause contamination and destruction in these national monuments, which include preserved habitats and lands protected by tribes. The homes of vital species will be defaced and destroyed due to this senate bill which will allow the government to interfere with fragile ecosystems for the purposes
of gathering energy resources. Executive Order 14162, which was signed by Trump on his rst day in o ce, con rmed the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty that aims to reduce global warming. By further promoting the use of fossil fuels as opposed to using alternative sources of energy, the Trump administration is jeopardizing our safety and creating widespread ecological damage.
The ignorance regarding climate change within politicians with such power can lead to worsening impacts on the environment
such as rising temperatures and sea levels, extinction and endangerment of many species, increased pollution and greater greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the EPA plays a crucial role in protecting human health and the environment through development and enforcement of environmental regulations and legislation, conducting research, and seeking access to clean air, land, and water for all. Rolling back important regulations and passing new legislation to weaken environmentally protective laws can potentially negatively a ect public health and safety in long-term circumstances.
KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST e Environmental
is an important institution that recently lost a majority of its employees.
The state of regime shifts in favor of the rich and the wealthy
By Satenik Ayrapetyan, @sayra. syrup
The current administration serves the rich and wealthy, actively abetting in fueling the alreadypresent oligarchical systems that run our country.
Continuously, the wealthy elites have forced their agenda to pervade this country – we just call it lobbying. These lobbyists and donors are actively shredding the social net, including valuable programs like Social Security, for anyone not part of their exclusive club. Unfortunately for Americans, this is just part of a pattern in the country’s history.
When the Constitution was signed, only land-owning white men could vote. This meant that only a small percent of Americans could vote, those being the wealthy. Poor whites gained su rage during the 1820s and 30s, while black men did not gain the right to vote until 1870. Women were only granted nationwide suf-
frage in 1920.
No American citizen could directly vote for a senator until the 17th Amendment. Still, even these now directly elected o cials do not vote for the populists, they vote for those that stu their pockets. Often through the form of lobbying, these elites rarely, if ever, vote in the interest of the general public. Their priority is enriching themselves.
These generous donors are our very own oligarchs. According to the Pew Research Center, 58% of Americans favor stricter gun laws. Despite that, only 14 Republicans joined Democrats in
2022 to vote in favor of the rst gun control act in almost 30 years. That year, the National Ri e Association spent $2.6 million on lobbying, almost entirely to Republican Congressmen. Now, Republicans are trying to gut programs like Social Security, a motion that could be widely unpopular with Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans believe that Social Security bene ts should not be reduced in any way. However, that’s not the only government service Republicans are eager to cleave, they also intend to cut Medicaid, the National Park
Services, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Education, the Internal Revenue Service, the National Institute of Health, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and many more.
Last year, the Republican candidates received $291 million from Elon Musk, $197 million from Timothy Mellon and more from dozens of rich donors. Some of these donors would later attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Comparatively, the top democratic donor from the 2024 election was Michael Bloomberg, who donated $60 million to Democratic candidates. Republicans won the 2024 election, taking the House, Senate and White House.
But it’s okay. At least we can rest easy knowing our oligarchs can pursue life, liberty and happiness.
THE PEARL POST
e current administration has been intruded by the wealthy elite that have manipulatesd laws and legislation to favor them. ese practices have been demonstrated years before the 21st century, showing the true colors behind our democracy.
Springing into a new season
As spring sports bloom, many athletes showcase their talents in new sports. Senior Diego Vera Suarez and sophomore Ava Weinstein tried new sports this spring season. Instead of running for cross country, Vera Suarez is swimming for the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity swim team. Weinstein chose to join the BCCHS varsity track team instead of playing basketball. Sophomore Mateo Zazueta begins his second year on the BCCHS varsity golf team. Tennis makes a rebound at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School with sophomore Giancarlo Valdez picking up interest in the sport He is currently the only tennis player from DPMHS on the BCCHS team and loves the sport.
PROVIDED BY MATEO ZAZUETA, ALEX SALCEDO AND KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST
Sophomore Mateo Zazueta drives a golf ball down range on March 19. Sophomore Ava Weinstein runs the 4x400-meter relay on March 14. Senior Diego Vera Suarez swims across the pool at BCCHS on March 3. Members of the swim and dive team practiced di erent swimming styles as they travelled back and forth the pool lanes.
ALEX SALCEDO | THE PEARL POST
Sophomore Emma Bullock practices her swing in the batting cages on April 1. Bullock plays on the varsity so ball team for Birmingham Community Charter High School and wishes to play for the next two years of her high school career.
Athletes of the Month
Athletes value family, support
Every month, two student-athletes are recognized for their outstanding performance, one from a boys team and one from a girls team. This month, we recognize sophomores Emma Bullock and Giancarlo Valdez.
By Andre Arcilla, @cryogenic.cryptid
Emma Bullock is a seasoned softball player and nds that the sport invigorates her. Bullock plays on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity softball team and plans to continue next year.
Q: What is your favorite part of playing softball?
A: My favorite part of playing softball is when you get a really good hit or play and everyone is like: “Oh my god, good job!” And it’s like- I did a
good job, didn’t I? Because a lot of the time, I’m looking at what I’m doing wrong so I can x it instead of what I’m doing right.
Q: How long have you been playing softball and why?
A: I’ve been playing softball for almost my whole life and it also runs in my family. Like all my siblings play so it’s like a family thing. It’s been something that’s just been an outlet for my energy, softball gives me energy.
By Kristin Intal, @k.x3a
Giancarlo Valdez just started playing tennis but already loves the comradery the sport brings. Valdez plays on the Birmingham Community Charter High school varsity tennis team.
Q: Why did you decide to play tennis?
A: I decided to play tennis mostly because I was always used to the sport. I am pretty good at playing ping-pong so I thought that playing tennis would be better than playing
ping-pong. My sister is on track and eld and I wanted to do something di erent. Tennis is my own sport and I’m pretty good at it.
Q: How has tennis changed your life?
A: Tennis has changed my life by getting me away from people who have given me a bad vibe. Athletes respect other athletes. When I am an athlete, people understand that I am still growing. I keep playing to keep improving.
ANDRE ARCILLA | THE PEARL POST Sophomore Giancarlo Valdez backhands a tennis ball while practicing at Birmingham Community Charter High School on March 3. Valdez is the only Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Student on the BCCHS tennis team, he plays for varsity.
PROVIDED BY DREAMIVORY.COM
Dream, Ivory, composed of brothers Christian and Louie Baello, are an alternative indie duo who are known for hits such as “Dream, Ivory” and “red love.” As they realeased more music throughout the years, their popularity grew larger. e duo will embark on a 10-stop U.S. tour starting in Orlando, FL on April 30.
Artist of the Month Duo Dream, Ivory are nowhere near “At Zero” with new fame
By Daryna Hriaznova, @ryna_hria_41
Since releasing their rst song “grown up” back in 2017, the band Dream, Ivory has only grew in popularity.
Dream, Ivory is an American band, made up of the Filipino brothers Christian and Louie Baello. The band was formed in 2016 and their rst extended play titled “Dream, Ivory” was released the same year. In 2017, the band released the EP “ owerhill drive” and the single “welcome and goodbye.” The single has been listened to over 300 million times, since 2018, on Spotify.
“Like when I said I’m primarily bassist and singer, sometimes Chris actually will play bass on a couple songs,”
Louie Baello said in the interview with Wavelength Media.
“And in our new album “About a Boy” he has a couple of songs where he sang, played bass and guitar so it di ers based on the song we’re working on at a speci c time.”
On Sept. 30, 2022, Dream, Ivory released their rst debut full-length album “About A Boy.” According to The Masquerade, it was recorded largely over FaceTime, Discord and email. On Jan. 27, 2023, the album “About A Boy (Naked)” was released. The album includes vulnerable and softer versions of the songs from the original album.
“Dropping ‘About A Boy,’ like the original version, obviously it was a lot di erent for
fans of us,” Christian Baello said in the interview with Wavelength Media. “So the naked version kind of serves as our new stu , but stripped back and kind of adjacent to what our old stu sounded like, but just better mixed, better recorded, still in the same vein and in vision of what we want to drop now, but kind of adjacent to our old stu .”
The band has approximately 5.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Louie Baello has his own YouTube channel where he uploads covers of di erent songs and videos from Dream, Ivory’s concerts. Christian Baello, in his turn, is working on his own hip-hop and rap projects. He is also known as Ginseng and
Lil Wintr. After the release of “About A Boy,” the band promises that their style is going to continue to change and their albums will always be di erent.
“It’s just natural evolution and what we’re interested in hearing and making,” Christian Baello said in the interview with Wavelength Media. “We’re already trying to conceptualize a project right now and it’s already gonna be di erent from About A Boy. I think our minds, like Louie and I’s, (are) constantly attracted to new things and no album is ever gonna be the same.”
As Dream, Ivory continues to release more music, the duo’s popularity has only skyrocketed.
Photo Essay: Springing into song
Behind the photos
On April 3, students from the Advanced Placement African American Studies and the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School music department visited the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Students learned about the process of creating and editing music through interactive exhibits.
GENESIS CUELLAR-FIGUEROA, AND ANDRE ARCILLA | THE PEARL POST
Sophomore Ryan Killian plays the drums in the “Jam Room” while at the GRAMMY Museum. Junior Mose Judge-Glascock practices mixing beats. Sophomore Giancarlo Valdez plays the keytar. Senior Saman Sepehr plays the guitar in the GRAMMY Museum’s “Jam Room.”
Junior Serena Elkins and freshman Jett Capbrinha touch columns of light in the “Sonic Playground” exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum.
