The Pearl Post December 2024

Which holiday show character are you?

See page 15 to find out

Volume 16, Issue 2 • December 2024 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA

2 The Pearl Post | December 2024 Print Editor-in-Chief Satenik Ayrapetyan Online Editor-in-Chief Jenny Marquez Managing Editor Alexa Garay Features Editor Vanessa Morales Opinion Editor Sophie Ortega Entertainment Editor Valerie Sanchez Sports Editor Aidan Lia Visual Editor Kristin Intal Digital Media Editor Andre Arcilla Social Media Editor Satenik Ayrapetyan Staff Writers / Photographers Daryna Hriaznova, Tania Lopez, Andrew Pulido, Benjamin Recinos, Alex Salcedo, Jasmine Thompson, Linus Bossardt Copy Editors Jasmine McNair, Genesis CuellarFigueroa, Emma Rosenberg, Isabella Tolosa Contributors Guadalupe Martinez 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 Unified School District.

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

This bimonthly magazine is the official campus newsmagazine of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The magazine is also posted online at http:// www.thepearlpost.com.

Content 1 COVER - Design by Kristin Intal 2-3 NEWS - Index / Update on LAUSD phone ban 4-5 FEATURES - Senior’s candy decorating business / DPMHS Ambassadors spotlight 6-7 FEATURES - Club Corner: Minecraft / Keep Youth Doing Something program spotlight 8-9 HOLIDAY - Opinion: LAUSD does not recognise Orthodox Christmas enough / Christmas movie listicle 10-11 OPINION - Editorial: Exemption for student journalists is good, necessary / Opinion: Christmas vs. New Years 12-13 SPORTS - Photo Essay: fall sports wrap-up / Athletes of the Month 14-15 ENTERTAINMENT - Artist of the month / Christmas personality quiz 16 BACK COVER - Photo Essay: World Music Day

Letter from the editor As the winter season approaches, so does our second issue.

For this magazine, we wanted to spotlight the festive season and the holidays. We wanted to include our writer’s opinions on the importance of certain holidays and whether Christmas preparations start too soon. Though the holidays are right around the corner, we also focused on spotlighting important events at our school, including the upcoming district phone ban, which will go into effect next February. Right now,

our school is already making plans on how to enforce it. We also wanted to showcase some athletes from the season.

Our priority with this magazine is to inform readers about the upcoming events taking place at our school, recommend fun holiday movies and spotlight student athletes and entrepreneurs. We hope you enjoy and have a happy upcoming holiday season.

Satenik Ayrapetyan Editor-in-Chief

News | Satenik Ayrapetyan 3

ALEX SALCEDO | THE PEARL POST Senior Lilli Miscione uses her phone to work on a poster in Francessca Gunther’s period 3 English class on Sept. 5. Students often use their phones in class as a person device to quickly obtain information, like an art reference. Starting on Feb. 18, students will not be able to access their phones during the school today.

School plans to use magnetic pouches to enforce phone ban

By Sophie Ortega ith the implementation of the cellphone and electronic ban on its way to Los Angeles Unified School Districts (LAUSD), junior Jordan Viviano is skeptical about how the policy will be imposed.

“I just think the way they’re implementing it is unnecessary,” Viviano said.

In a 5-2 vote, LAUSD made the decision to revise district policy regarding electronic use. The ban will go into effect Feb. 18. The ban calls for all personal electronic devices to be prohibited from being used on school grounds. It aims to combat cyberbullying and improve

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student mental health.

“I think the ban will eventually help with student focus,” English teacher Francesca Gunther said.

At Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS), Magnet Coordinator James Morrison is still awaiting instructions from LAUSD about when the school will get the resources it needs to put the ban in place. During a Local School Leadership Council meeting on Nov.14, it was decided that magnetic pouches would be distributed for students.

“Until information comes out, we can’t say anything or do anything right now,” Morrison said.

The phone ban will grant exemptions to students under special circumstances.

Students may be exempt if a device is needed for health reasons, language translation, disability accommodations and for student journalists while reporting.

“I’m really happy about that because I was panicking when I first heard that there would be a restriction against phones with the cellphone ban being put in place,” The Pearl Post Online Editor-inChief Jenny Marquez said.

“I do a lot of recording with interviews for articles or the podcast in general.”

The Phone-Free Schools

Act passed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 28 will require all school districts and charter schools in California to implement restrictions on cellphone use or enact a ban of electronic devices on campus grounds before June 1, 2026. The most common method for enforcing a phone ban is installing magnetic phone pouches, which intercept cellular signals or phone holders.

“We didn’t necessarily vote on this policy,” science teacher Timothy Hughes said.

“We did not craft this policy, but we have to change our school phone policy to match the district’s policy.”

4 The Pearl Post | December 2024

Super sugary ideas decorate Karissa’s small, sweet business

By Andrew Pulido, @andyesarte

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fter tearing her ACL during wrestling practice, senior Karissa Aguilar was on the bench. During this period she pursued something new: a candy business.

“I started to think about what am I gonna do with my time,” Aguilar said. “Why not do it? Why not invest my time into something that is gonna benefit me in the long run?”

Aguilar decided to start her enterprise after making strawberry crunch cupcakes for her friend. It was only a gift, but she found baking to be incredibly therapeutic while she was recovering from her injury. She enjoyed the process so much that by late January, she made baking her business. Aguilar sells all types of sweets including chocolate-dipped strawberries, tres leches cupcakes and candied grapes. Recently, she has expanded her business

outside of sweets with Hot Cheeto Birra Balls, which have received great praise from her clients.

Currently, Aguilar is transitioning back into wrestling, after having recovered from her torn ACL. However, it’s become increasingly difficult to juggle her responsibilities as a student, athlete and entrepreneur. When Aguilar is swamped with orders, her parents lend a helping hand and assist in deliveries. Other than that, she is independent.

Although the business is demanding, the experience itself is its own sweet treat.

“One of the main things I enjoy is meeting new people (and) going different places,” Aguilar said. “You’re in a whole other environment.”

Aguilar’s business demands customer interaction.

She often has to rely on word of mouth from her custom-

DIPPEDBYKARISSAAA | THE PEARL POST Dipped strawberries made by senior Karissa Aguilar on Nov. 17. Aguilar dipped these strawberries in chocolate for her business, which mainly sells sweets.

ers to get her business going.

Otherwise, her Instagram account @dippedbykarissaaa expands her customer base through promotional videos showcasing her products.

Her time spent contacting customers and marketing educated her on workplace skills.

“It’s preparing me in many ways,” Aguilar said. “Like customer service-wise, learning to talk and communicate with different people.”

In her future, Aguilar plans to enter the nursing field

by becoming a pilot nurse.

After high school, she hopes to continue her business as a hobby with a passive income, as she loved the experience.

Although what incited her business was an injury, it resulted in work that Aguilar enjoys.

“If you want to pursue something, then go for it,” Aguilar said. “I mean at the time I didn’t know what I really wanted. So why not try it, you only live once.”

Features | Vanessa Morales 5

Pearl Ambassadors promote school to increase enrollment

By Alex Salcedo, @alexx.sal14

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hen Junior Serena Elkins noticed her school’s enrollment gradually decreasing, she was distraught. As the problem worsened, turning into the lowest enrollment in years, Elkins decided to take the matter into her own hands.

“I want to show to the middle school students who are looking at the school, that when you come here you are welcomed and you’re loved by the students and staff here,” Elkins said.

The Pearl Ambassadors are made of 14 students of all grades. As low enrollment surges, these students have one goal in mind: to raise enrollment for their school.

Not only do they represent the school on campus, but at functions the school may participate in. Magnet Night, an event hosted by magnet middle schools, gives an opportunity for ambassadors and teachers to promote the school to future high school students.

“We put ourselves to represent our school, to show each of our school’s departments whether it’s our music or student media departments,” said sophomore Mateo Zazueta, a Pearl Ambassador.

Magnet Coordinator James Morrison is the sponsor for the Pearl Ambassadors.

Morrison organizes what middle schools are visited, where they will have a table to promote and show our schools features. At the function, they discuss AP pass

TANIA LOPEZ | THE PEARL POST Math and Portuguese teacher Gonçalo Fino De Sousa and Pearl Ambassador Mateo Zazueta discuss what Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) has to offer for future high school students. During events such as Magnet Night, student ambassadors and teachers come together to promote the school, especially to increase low enrollment.

rates, PSAT and SAT scores but mighty school. Not only and college courses that are that, but to help create a offered. Through the Pearl welcoming environment for Ambassadors program, stuother students and visitors. dents can volunteer to join the They also plan to hold events group and show their supon campus to showcase what port for the the school school. offers and I have never felt so accept- the commu“We’ve gone to 12ed and engaged in a learn- nity.

15 (middle “We ing enviornment until I schools) this came to DPMHS. I want fu- have an year. We talk upcomture high school students to parents to be able to feel that sense ing event after school (in spring) of belonging that I feel. and ambaswhere - Sophomore Nadia Beur sadors also we invite speak to middle students about programs we schools to come here and we offer,” Morrison said. give conferences and (host) Overall, their role is to competitions,” Elkins said. promote the school and show The ambassador prowhat it has to offer as a small gram was created this year

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to empower students to help make a difference for their school and showcase the best of what Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) offers.

Ambassadors support their peers to adjust to high school life by making sure they’re informed as much as possible and advertise events to encourage participation at school. Ambassadors dedicate their time for a positive school culture.

“I have never felt so accepted and engaged in a learning environment until I came to DPMHS,” said sophomore Nadia Beur, an Ambassador. “I want future high school students to be able to feel that sense of belonging that I feel.”

6 The Pearl Post | December 2024

Club Corner

A pixelated space for students

By Andrew Pulido, @andyesarte

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n Minecraft Club, which is led by Club President Jamie Jones, students can creatively play via virtual means to their heart’s content.

“We basically are just a group of a bunch of people who like Minecraft,” sophomore Jones said. “We like playing it in general for the fun of it. There are no limits to it, which I like about it.”

“Minecraft” is an actionadventure multiplayer video game available on all gaming platforms where players can build, fight or do whatever they want in a lively and slightly magical blocky world.

Jones got the idea to start Minecraft Club from his English teacher Valerie Quiroga.

Quiroga, herself, is a big “Minecraft” fan who noticed her students playing “Minecraft: Education Edition” in class.

She then mentioned her idea for a club where students can play “Minecraft” during their breaks. It was then decided that Minecraft Club would be created and held in Quiroga’s room 11 classroom on Mondays and Fridays.

“I just enjoy the energy that my students bring,” Quiroga said. “I love that many of the ones who are in the club are dedicated to coming twice a week to my room. They like spending time with me and playing with me. It’s very, really nice, just getting to know them on a level that’s nonacademic and getting them to open up as time went by.”

During the meetings, Quiroga hosts a “Minecraft” server where all the members can play together in a shared world. Players are encouraged

DARYNA HRIAZNOVA | THE PEARL POST Sophomore Giancarlo Valdez plays Minecraft in a Minecraft Club meeting on Oct. 21. The club meets every Monday in Room 14. Students play “Minecraft Education Edition” on their devices and learn building teqniques from other club members.

to interact with the world in any way they wish, as long as they don’t trample on someone else’s fun. Recently, participants competed in a build-a-thon, a week-long competition to see who can build the best structures.

Otherwise, club-goers often mess around in a special world dedicated toward free play.

Although the club first began as just a fun way to spend someone’s lunch, it has blossomed into an environment of collaboration. Students of different languages and grades feel that they have formed stronger friendships with their peers from their time spent playing together.

This club also enables them to learn new building teqniques from fellow members.

While other members

ANDREW PULIDO | THE PEARL POST Sophomore Giancarlo Valdez loads into “Minecraft: Education Edition” on Nov 18. As a member of Minecraft Club, Valdez loaded into “Minecraft: Education Edition” to play with the rest of the club.

feel Minecraft Club serves as a way to alleviate their stress and clear their heads from the worries of schoolwork.

“I think its purpose in the school is to just give students

a safe space,” Vice President Megan Ramirez said. “It’s just to be able to relax and enjoy ‘Minecraft.”

Features | Vanessa Morales 7

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST Coach Andrea Rodriguez (far right) leads a dance class for the Keep Youth Doing Something (KYDS) after school program on Nov. 19. Juniors Ariana Lopez-Villacorta and Nemesi Martinez Morales enjoy participating in the program’s dance program and use this opportunity to reside in a safe space after school hours.

KYDS keeps students busy, engaged

By Jasmine Thompson, @luvjasm1n33

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new afterschool program called Keep Youth Doing Something (KYDS) is keeping students comfortable and gives students like junior Nemesi Morales a safe space.

“I fell in love with the program and I like coming here just to destress and have fun…it’s just really fun to be here,” Morales who is a part of the dance program said.

This year, KYDS opened its doors to students five days a week. They offer students many opportunities to do different activities and participate in extracurriculars outside of school. Some of the main activities students participate in are dance, driver’s education, building legos and esports.

“I hope to bring a community to Daniel Pearl,” Head Coach Corey Nuñez said. “I want you guys to feel like you can always walk in here and do something instead of just being bored, or going home right away.”

Nuñez has been working with KYDS, which is a federally funded organization and is supplemented by a variety of grants and donations, for three months. While Nuñez is in charge of the program, he also helps students start up their completely free online driver-ed classes. Students can take driver’s ed classes throughout the week for over an hour through this program.

Although, outside of the KYDS classroom, students are not allowed to have access to

their online course unless they continue to go to KYDS and complete their online drivers ed classes.

“I looked for driver’s ed stuff before the program and it was really expensive,” sophomore Ethan Sokol said. “It was like five hundred dollars… but then I saw the KYDS flyer and said today’s my lucky day because it’s free.”

Esports is run by Coach Wilber Chavez, who has been working with KYDS for over a year. Students get to play various games on the Nintendo Switch, games like “Super Smash Brothers,” “Mario Kart” and “Super Mario Party.”

“It’s fun. I get to meet a lot of new peopleI get to play ‘Smash bros’ (Super Smash Brothers) and show people

combos that my brother taught me,” sophomore Giancarlo Valdez said.

The dance club at KYDS is run by Coach Andrea Rodriguez, who has worked with KYDS since August. The group meets every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday after school.

The dance club practices various styles of dance and plans to enter competitions as it expands. Students enjoy the program and feel that the dance club has created a great community of students at DPMHS. “What I love about the program is the sense of community the teacher brings and growth it brings you, not just as a dancer but as a person in general,” junior Ariana LopezVillacorta said.

8 Pearl Post | December 2024

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST The Los Angeles Unified School District implements a winter break for students that stretches from the middle of December to the first weekend of January. However, that does not take into account students who celebrate the holiday in different times of the year. Some students celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7.

Opinion

The need for inclusive holiday recognition in LAUSD: An orthodox Christian perspective

By Satenik Ayrapetyan, @sayra.syrup

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t’s never pleasant when October is already decked out in green and red, even though Halloween hasn’t passed and Thanksgiving didn’t even get a chance to utter its turkey gobble. Come New Years, decor has been swapped for the pinks of Valentine’s Day, even though Christmas hasn’t arrived for some of us.

My family is Orthodox Christian, meaning we celebrate Christmas in the first week of January. One of the most important holidays to the religion. Yet, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) doesn’t give students the day off to celebrate it. Instead, I often have to make the choice between missing important

schoolwork, something that has become increasingly harder as it becomes more rigorous, or spending an important religious day with my family.

Last year, winter break was from Dec.18-Jan.8, allowing me to spend Christmas with family.

It was dumb calendar luck that pushed winter break back, not an earnest effort on LAUSD to include Orthodox families in their representation, even though the district is aware of the religious holiday, per their own Calendar of Commemorative Dates.

This year, winter break is from Dec. 16-Jan. 6. Christmas Eve will be spent not by our Christmas tree, but rather holed up in my room pouring over

homework assignments from the first day of my second semester. Or, at best, on the couch only partially paying attention to my grandmother over the phone. Come the next day, I’ll spend Christmas morning in a classroom instead of opening presents with my family.

I could take the day off.

Then, I’ll miss out on instructions from my four Advanced Placement classes, which are rigorous and have strict deadlines. Those classes, especially in the weeks leading up to AP exams in May. I have to make this decision, even though LAUSD could give us the day off. My other side of the family is Jewish, for them, the district strikes aca-

demic days from the calendar.

LAUSD allows Jewish students and employees to spend time with their families on important holidays. LAUSD marks them as unassigned days, not officially designated for religious purposes, but many take the opportunity to acknowledge the according holidays.

LAUSD also provides the day off on April 24 for Genocide Remembrance Day, for the thousands of slaughtered Armenians – including some of my own family – to be remembered and mourned. It’s an important day for the Armenian people, to acknowledge our sorrows, but why is it just our sorrows that should be acknowledged?

Holiday | Alexa Garay 9

Cozy up with these 4 festive films perfect for the holiday season

By Alex Salcedo, @alexx.sal14 As temperatures drop and holiday festivities approach, there’s no better time to curl up with a classic winter movie at home with family.

From hysterical comedies to heartwarming tales, here are four films to bring the nostalgic holiday feeling this winter.

“The Polar Express”

“Elf ”

The magical tale of the North Pole, “The Polar Express” released in 2004 shows the imaginative journey to rediscover the power of belief. As 8-year-old Hero takes a train, destined to the North Pole in search for the spirit of Christmas. Streaming now on Hulu, this film shows its stunning animation and awardwinning actor Tom Hanks playing multiple roles. This film featuring enchanting animated visuals and a heartwarming story. If you’re looking to bond with your family, this film is perfect to capture the wonders of the holiday season.

“Elf,” released in 2003, directed

by Jon Favreau, has become a holiday staple in cinema. Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, a human raised by elves, shows his journey to New York City to reconnect with his biological father. Filled with humorous and heartfelt moments throughout the journey, due to Buddy’s contagious enthusiasm, the film offers endless laughs with a festive spin. This movie is a reminder to embrace your inner child and feel the holiday joy.

Making it a perfect choice for individuals looking to capture the spirit of Christmas.

“Home Alone”

“The Christmas Chronicles”

Released in 1990, “Home Alone” quickly became a beloved holiday classic. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes. This film continues to capture the hearts of audiences with its blend of comedy and adventure, following 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin. Kevin wakes up to an empty house, when his family rushes off for a Christmas vacation, who went out of the country without him. When he finds two burglars attempting to break-in at night, Kevin cleverly defends his home with a series of traps and antics, turning his home into a fortress.

With the snowy Christmas-filled setting, this movie is a mustwatch for its hysterics to warm up a chilly winter night, streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Photos by Warner Bros, 20th Century Studio and Netflix Watch “The Polar Express” featuring Tom Hanks and Chris Coppola on Hulu.

See “Elf ” starring Will Ferrell on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Max. Watch “Home Alone,” the first part of a six part movie series featuring Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci, available on Disney+ and Fandango At Home.

See “The Chrismas Chronicles” featuring Kurt Russell available on Netflix.

Streaming on Netflix, “The Christmas Chronicles” offers a fresh and adventurous take on the traditional Santa Claus story, starring the charismatic Kurt Russell. When two kids ruin Santa’s plans and crash his sleigh on Christmas Eve, they find themselves on an unforgettable night of saving Christmas. The film’s unique portrayal of Santa Claus as an action hero is further enhanced by its high-energy chase scenes and impressive visual effects, making it a standout among holiday films. Filled with action and a different perspective on the tale of Santa Claus, it’s a great choice for a family movie night, inviting audiences to embrace the wonder and excitement of the holiday season.

10 The Pearl Post | December 2024

Editorial

Ban exemption assists journalists Cellphone ban will grant student journalists exemption when actively reporting.

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hen the districtwide phone ban was announced this summer, we waited with anticipation to hear how we would be impacted.

As student journalists, our phones are key to our quality reporting and returning to pen and paper would be a huge blow to the accuracy and speed of our reporting.

Originally, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) phone ban was supposed to go into effect in January but has been delayed to Feb. 18. Per the conditions of the ban, students will not be permitted to use their cellphones, smartwatches or earbuds. All devices must be stored away the entire time school is in session, including lunch and nutrition.

The district is not

SOPHIE ORTEGA | THE PEARL POST The Local School Site Council (LSLC) decided on Nov.14 that student journalists, including those at the Pearl Post and the broadcasting network Pearl Net News, will be allowed to use phones and other devices when actively reporting.

granting exceptions for student journalists. This is disastrous for us, as we often use our lunchtimes to do the bulk of our reporting.

Many of us use our phones to report, take notes and record interviews for accuracy purposes. Our phones are almost like an extension of ourselves when we’re working and to lose them would be devastating to our workflow.

It would directly impact the speed at which we work and impede the accuracy of our recordings.

Fortunately, the district provided a small amount of leniency for schools in enforcing this ban. Every school’s Local School Site Council (LSLC) was appointed as the main decision-maker for how the policy will look at their schools. At Daniel Pearl Magnet High School

(DPMHS), the LSLC voted that students will keep their phones in magnetic pouches, distributed on an individual basis to keep phones in.

Moreover, the LSLC also decided that student journalists on campus, including us at the Pearl Post and the broadcasting network Pearl Net News, will be allowed to use our phones when actively reporting -interviewing students and staff, note-taking at events, taking photos in a sudden situation -- so our work is not impacted. We are very grateful to have been given this leeway for our work, as we believe we must have access to our phones so we can work.

Although we are fortunate to be at a journalism-oriented magnet school, where our needs are

heard and acknowledged, the school district should take a broader look at what a sweeping ban like this will affect. Although exceptions have been granted for students with special needs, such as those who use their phones to monitor their blood sugar, there are other reasons a student may need to have their phone on them.

In this modern era, simply going back to pen-and-paper is not always possible, nor the most effective way to do things.

Still, we remain grateful for the limited access we have been given to do our work.

Quality reporting comes with quality resources and we are relieved we can still use our phones when doing our jobs.

Opinion | Sophie Ortega 11

SOPHIE ORTEGA | THE PEARL POST Christmas and New Year’s are both special holidays where people gather together to either celebrate new beginnings or celebrate the time of gift-giving. Each household celebrates these holidays differently depending on the culture, traditions and country of origins that influence the way people view certain holidays around the year.

Opinion

New Year’s brings people together

By Daryna Hriaznova, @daryna_hria_41 ven though Christmas is There are more people a very popular holiday who celebrate Christmas in the US, New Year’s is a in the U.S. but on a global more timeless celebration. scale, around 2 billion people New Year’s is celebrated celebrate Christmas according to mark the border between to ucg.org. In comparison, the ending year and the new the number of people who one. Even though the holiday celebrate New Year’s is 6 was created only 4000 years billion, according to Rustic ago, the coming of the new Pathways. year has always existed.

As a person from Ukraine, Furthermore, Christmas may a former Commonwealth be a significant holiday but it of Independent States (CIS) is not as anticipated as New country, I see New Year’s as Year’s. a more significant holiday First, New Year’s is than Christmas. New Year’s much older. According to is celebrated similar to discoververmilion.org, New Christmas in my country.

Year’s was celebrated around Ukraine used to be a part of 2000 B.C. The celebration the Soviet Union and after happened in March and all religious holidays were marked the beginning of a banned, the General Secretary great holiday. One of the main of the Soviet Union Joseph reasons why New Year’s Eve is Stalin took some attributes of more celebrated is because it Christmas, including presents doesn’t have ties to religion. and family gatherings.

Christmas symbolizes the Nowadays, CIS includes most birth of Jesus Christ and is of the countries that used to celebrated by Christians. be in the Soviet Union.

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In my family, the celebration of New Year’s starts with making a salad in the shape of the Chinese New Year animal of the upcoming year. At around an hour before midnight, my family and I sit at the table together, waiting for the New Year’s address by the president.

After that we listened to the 12 chimes from the TV. When the kids went to sleep, the CIS winter holiday character Ded Moroz brought presents and put them under the Christmas Tree.

Some might say that New Year’s is different for others since different cultures celebrate it at different times.

For example, The Chinese New Year’s is celebrated in any time between January and February. Iranian New Year’s is celebrated on March 20 or 21. In Nepal, New Year’s is celebrated between April 12 and 15.

Following the logic of this claim, Christmas is also not the same holiday for everyone since it is celebrated differently by people. For example, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, while Catholic Christians celebrate it on Dec. 25.

Still, while celebrating the holiday, it matters not when and how it’s celebrated but what it represents.

No matter on what date Christmas is celebrated, it still represents the birth of Jesus Christ. No matter what month New Year’s is celebrated, it represents the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one.

Christmas is strongly associated with American culture and is a family holiday.

However, I encourage you to look at New Year’s a little differently, invite your relatives over and start the year with your loved ones.

12 The Pearl Post | December 2024

Fall athletes ready for spring Fall sports end with a bang. As winter approaches, athletes look back on their time during their 1st semester. Flag football had an undefeated season and went to the championship which are still in progress. Volleyball and cross country persevere alongside them with long practice times and eventful season, both ending with success. Athletes now look to spring, ready for the future.

GUADALUPE MARTINEZ, AIDAN LIA AND KRISTIN INTAL| THE PEARL POST Sophomore Daniel Salazar competes in a cross country meet at Pierce College on Oct.24. Salazar runs for the Birmingham Charter Community High School cross country team and he plans on staying there for all 4 years of high school. Sophomore Andrea Arosemena runs past an opponent in her varsity flag football team scrimmage on Sept. 18. Arosemena was first a basketball player but decided flag football might be a fun change of pace and a good challenge. Freshman Cecia Herrera analyzes the volleyball court, ready to receive the ball on Sept. 18. Although she played volleyball before high school, Herrera is excited for her first season at Birmingham Charter Community High School.

Sports | Aidan Lia 13

GENESIS CUELLAR-FIGUEROA | THE PEARL POST Senior Zion Waddell, a middle infielder for Birmingham Community Charter High School’s varsity baseball team, practices his batting technique in the cage during after-school practice on Oct. 17. Waddell plans on playing in the MLB.

BENJAMIN RECINOS | THE PEARL POST Senior Karissa Aguilar stands ready for her wrestling season after coming back from a rough injury on Nov. 22. The injury happened last wresting season where she tore her ACL in an attempt to escape from her opponents grasp.

Athletes of the Month

Athletes pitch future goals Every month, two student athletes are recognized for their achievements and their outstanding performance, one from a boys team and one from a girls team. For this month, we recognize seniors Zion Waddell and Karissa Aguilar.

By Benjamin Recinos

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addell has been part of Birmingham Community Charter High School’s baseball team for four years. He is excited to better his skills and hopes to have great performances in his final year of high school.

Q: Do you plan on continuing baseball after high school?

A: Yeah, plan on playing in college. I’ll probably play wherever I get the best play time.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue baseball?

Q: Do you find it difficult to balance being a student athlete with your academics?

A: My dad just put me into baseball when I was younger and I liked it, so I stuck with it. It’s just fun and I get good exercise in.

A: Yeah, for sure it’s difficult.

You got to stay up late sometimes getting your schoolwork done, then wake up early and get back to training.

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guilar has been on the Birmingham Community Charter High School girls’ wrestling team for her second year and is eager to further her experience with the sport she is so passionate about.

A: I decided to pursue wrestling because it was the sport I’ve done since I was a little girl. My dad was always into martial arts. He never liked me playing other sports and encouraged me to do (martial arts).

Q: What weight class are you in?

Q: Do you plan on continuing wrestling after high school?

A: The weight class I wrestle in is 155.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue wrestling?

A: I’m not too sure. I’m still thinking about it. Most likely though.

14 The Pearl Post | December 2024

Artist of the Month

Gigi Perez creates her own “fable” with new stardom

By Jasmine Thompson, @luvjasm1n33 Rising alternative artist Gigi Perez inspires many around the world by giving people the courage to openly love.

Perez is a twenty-fouryear-old American singer and songwriter who grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Pere, the arts and drama school so much that she was going to start an acting career.

Perez realized that she could probably never make it in the industry and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After she had finished studying there, Perez released a song called “Sometimes (Backwood).” This song gained much attention and was on the top charts shortly after it was released.

“I asked God, or the universe, ‘Open the doors that need to be opened and close the doors that need to be shut,” Perez said in an interview with the BBC.com.

Perez became famous on TikTok after a snippet of her song ”Fable” was released on Oct. 25 Queer teens fell in love with “Fable” because they resonated with the confusion of being raised in a religious household but wanting to freely love who they’re attracted to. The song created a space for people to understand queer longing and how hard it can be with those they love. The specific verse that was used in clips on TikTok says “Love was the law, and religion was taught,” She became a voice for those who felt forced to be a part of a religion they didn’t feel comfortable being a part of.

“My hope is that there can be some way this (music) can help,” Perez said in an interview with the BBC.com. “It’s amazing because I’ve been seeing a lot of that. It’s been very healing for me.”

Perez’s song “Sailor Song” also blew up and people fell

GIGI.KOMI.IO With her hit single “Sailor Song,” alternative artist Gigi Preze captivates listeners with her bold statements on sensitive topics and being a safe haven for teens.

in love with it instantly. This is because they understood the feeling of craving love and doing anything for the person that they love. However, some religious people have some pushback on the verse where she says “I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my savior.” When this happened people defended the song and told people who were complaining about it not to listen to it if it’s such a problem.

“I never had to consider whether or not I was going to change my song cause it was never up for discussion. My songwriting is not a democracy, and that applies to every other artist’s work,” Perez said in an interview with Billboard.

Due to her sudden rise in fame, Perez is touring around the United States with fellow singer Girl in Red. Her most recent performance was on Dec. 7 in Clearwater, Florida.

MUSICMEtRICSVAULT.COM After her song “Sailor Song” went viral on TikTok, her monthly listeners and followers on Spotify skyrocketed throughout the year and continues climbing upwards.

Entertainment | Valerie Sanchez 15

Photo Essay: Sweet symphonies Behind the photos

Every year, students at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School perform World Music Day to recognize slain journalist Daniel Pearl’s love of music and promote the school’s multiculturalism. This year, the concert was held on Nov. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m in the MPR. The concert’s theme was “Old but Gold.”

VALERIE SANCHEZ, ISABELLA TOLOSA AND ALEX SALCEDO | THE PEARL POST Sophomore Nadia Buer plays “Dedicated to the One I Love” by The Mamas and The Papas on the guitar. Senior Maksymilian Arbatskyi sings “Обійми” (“Hold Me”) by Океан Ельзи (Okean Elzy). Senior Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa and freshman Jett Cabrinha perform “One Way Or Another” by Blondie as the closing song for act one.

Sophomore Linus Bossardt plays the guitar during “Suffragette City”

by David Bowie. Junior Sebastian Olfalmanesh plays the guitar to the song “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zepelin. Seniors Jesse Medrano, Aidan Ly, Aiden Pratt and Aidan Lia sing “Mr. Blue Sky” by Eletric Light Orchestra during the World Music Day concert on Nov. 15.

Volume 16, Issue 2 • December 2024 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA