Story by Caroline KimbelPrint Managing Editor Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator I started watching How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) in fifth grade and, subsequently, I was exposed to a wide variety of jokes about sex and middle-aged life that I had no capacity to understand. Since then, I’ve probably watched the entire show at […]
Cole Fox: Confident and compassionate
Story by Amber ChenStaff Writer Photo by Preston SharkeyEditor in Chief Cole Fox has a powerful presence on campus; she draws people in with her compelling poise and calm composure, speaking in a focused, captivating, and articulate manner. The ambitious senior’s involvement reaches all aspects of the South Pasadena community and beyond, earning much award […]
Encouraging proactivity over abstinence
Story by Caroline KimbelPrint Managing Editor Illustration by David SohnStaff Illustrator High school alcohol education, similar to sex-ed, preaches that abstinence is the best way to prevent danger. Classes often utilize scare tactics and demonize alcohol in an attempt to convince teenagers that they should never drink. The reality is, however, that most teenagers will be exposed […]
TAAGLAA: Galco’s Soda Pop Stop
Story by Sofia Alva & Zoe SchlaakStaff Writers Photos by Oscar WalshPhoto Editor In the fast gentrifying L.A. suburb, Highland Park, one shop off of York Boulevard chooses to remain firmly rooted in the past. Attracted by its reputation for diverse soda flavors, we went to explore the 122-year-old, family owned, Galco’s Soda Pop Stop, […]
Winter sports update
Story by Ellie Campbell, Noah Kuhn, Haelee Kim, Aanji Sin, Kimberly Hsueh, & Zoe SchlaakAssociate Sports Editor, Associate News Editor, Associate Opinion Editor, Senior Staff Writer, & Staff Writers Photos by Oscar Walsh, Ella Jayasekera, Sean Jin, Jayden Eden, Katelyn Hernandez, & Sophie YeungPhoto Editor, Associate Photo Editor, Staff Photographers, & Contributor. In the previous […]
Queer education belongs in school curriculum
Story by Cat FloresCo-Opinion Editor Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator Marginalized communities have long been subject to ignorance and whitewashing by the public education system. The LGBTQ+ community has been especially ostracized from this conversation, with only four U.S. states mandating LGBTQ+ history. Eight years ago, California was the first state to make changes to this system […]
Emphasis on STEM harms the humanities
Story by Cloe MaurerAssociate Feature Editor Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education was officially added to the American vernacular in 2001. Since then, public high schools across America have decided that STEM education is the secret ingredient needed to churn out children equipped with the tools to propel the U.S […]
Julius Murphy: shaping lives with a smile
Story by Cloe MaurerAssociate Feature Editor Photo by Katelyn HernandezStaff Photographers SPHS athletic trainer Julius Murphy is no stranger to the setbacks and challenges of being an athlete. Murphy, recently hired, was a versatile high school athlete — competing in baseball, basketball, football, and track. While playing football, he suffered a debilitating shoulder injury. Due […]
Fall MVP: Lindsey Hirano
Story by Zoe SchlaakStaff Writer Photo by Sarah LeeStaff Photographer Junior Lindsey Hirano is the engine that keeps the girls varsity volleyball team running. With Hirano playing the key role of libero, girls volleyball has cruised to an undefeated league title and made its first CIF semifinals appearance in school history. Hirano’s mastery is seen […]
Undefeated Rio Hondo League champs take on CIF
Story by Kimberly HsuehStaff Writer Photos by Ella Jayasekera and Katelyn HernandezAssociate Photo Editor and Staff Photographer There have been two constants in fall sports over the past few years: girls volleyball and boys water polo. Always featuring a talented roster, both teams have hovered near the top of the Rio Hondo League tables and […]
In defense of football…
Story by Matthew TsaiSports Editor Illustration by David SohnAssociate Design Editor The great Mr. Dean Papadakis once said, “football is king.” However, at South Pas, America’s favorite sport isn’t sitting on a throne. With a poor 8-12 record in the last two years and eight double digit blowout losses to rival San Marino since 2011, […]
Can I hear it for my freshmen?
Story by Aanji SinSenior Staff Writer Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator Finally being a senior has caused me to do a lot of reflecting on my past three years at SPHS. I remember first stepping onto campus as a timid freshman, excited yet terrified at the prospects of the “best four years of my life.” Unfortunately, most […]
‘High School Musical’ is a lie
Story by Matthew TsaiSports Editor Illustration by David SohnStaff Ilustrator My sister Isabella wanted to watch High School Musical 3: Senior Year on my eighth birthday. Outweighed by 25 pounds and standing four inches shorter, I had no choice but to obey her. She happily popped in the DVD as I sat on the couch, […]
A rising dynasty: girls volleyball
Story by Ellie Campbell and Zoe SchlaakStaff Writers Photo by Sarah LeeStaff Photographer South Pasadena’s girls varsity volleyball team is one of pure talent. With a diversity of skill and experience, winning comes easily for the Tigers. While the spotlight is on juniors Lola Foord and Lindsay Hirano for their violent spikes and defensive digs, […]
Sports coaches are ‘too demanding’
Story by Sofia AlvaStaff Writer Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator Bella Kan arrives home tired and hungry after a full day of school and varsity tennis practice. Tossing her backpack on the floor, the senior slumps into her chair. It’s already late and she has a mountain of AP homework and an important club meeting […]
Thea McCallie: Skating with confidence and dedication
Photo by Oscar WalshPhotography Editor Junior Thea McCallie always dreamt of flying. The moment she walked onto the derby track at eight years old, she felt an undeniable rush of belonging. As she positioned herself on the line, she took a deep, nervous breath. The whistle blew and she found the next best thing to […]