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 […]
Nicholas Chau: Fueling a future Olympian
Story by Ellie CampbellStaff Writer Photo by Ben FeriaContributor Sophomore Nicholas Chau isn’t your average high school athlete. Sports like football, basketball, soccer, or track typically come to mind when people think of elite high school athletes. But for Chau, he finds his success when hovering above the water on a diving board. Although SPHS […]
SPHS students shine in Legally Blonde
Senior Lindsey Calva thrives on performing. After four years in South Pasadena’s drama department, she has participated in numerous productions, covering roles in The Addams Family, Peter Pan, and Hairspray. However, even as a veteran actor, the demanding and high-energy role as Elle Woods in SPHS’ spring musical, Legally Blonde, has pushed Calva out of […]
Tiger talks with new South Pasadena Police Chief Joe Ortiz
Following South Pasadena Police Chief Art Miller’s resignation, Joe Ortiz, formerly the police chief of Sierra Madre, was selected by the City of South Pasadena to take over the position. As the incoming leader of the South Pasadena Police Department, Ortiz will face numerous challenges within South Pasadena to support community projects and South Pasadena’s […]
The Crack Shack fails to hook customers on innovative cuisine
Story and Photos by Cat FloresStaff Writer Fusion restaurants have taken on the challenge of putting original spins on beloved classics — often combining two foods for an unexpected match. At The Crack Shack, chicken dishes are transformed into the lighthearted and sunny spirit of innovative cuisine. The Crack Shack delivers a homey, yet modern feeling to […]
Instagram Profile — Elene Wu (@vegamelon)
57.5 thousand followers Story by Caroline KimbelStaff Writer Photos by Tony ChenStaff Photographer Elene Wu’s Instagram page stands out among the rest. Rather than using her platform to showcase a highly-edited version of herself, she uses it to spread an important message. As a passionate vegan, Wu has a desire to highlight how simple and appetizing it can be […]
Staff Profile: Anthony Chan
Story by Kimberly HsuehStaff Writer Photo Courtesy of Anthony ChanContributor Anthony Chan never expected to wake up with more than a million views on a photo he and his girlfriend uploaded to Reddit. During their trip to Monument Valley, Arizona, the couple snapped a peaceful portrait of a stray dog basking in the winter morning sun (seen right). “I think […]