Story by Eddie ZhouStaff Writer Illustration by Alicia Zhang Staff Illustrator Peer Mediators has increased its crucial role at SPHS as distance learning has greatly impacted students’ mental, emotional, and physical health. These negative effects, along with recent nationwide calls to combat racism, have prompted Peer Mediators to focus more on ensuring students feel comfortable expressing their identities, […]
Filming of HBO show “Generation” continues on campus amidst pandemic
Story by Katie Hohman Staff Writer Photo by Max Yee Contributor Filming of the Warner Brothers and HBO show Generation has continued on SPHS’ empty campus since late September 2020 after HBO picked up the the series’ pilot episode. The contemporary drama focuses on Orange County high school students as they deal with sexuality and growing up […]
SPUSD to stay virtual for remainder of 2020
Story by Lilian Zhu Staff Writer Photo by Oscar Walsh Staff Photographer SPUSD declared that distance learning will continue until the end of the semester in accordance with state reopening guidelines on Thursday, Oct. 15. Periodical asynchronous days have been implemented into the middle and high school schedules, giving teachers more prep time. SPMS has […]
Arts programs adjust to distance learning by utilizing new technology
Story by Kahlen Miao Staff Writer Photo by Sophie Yeung Staff Photographer The SPHS performing arts programs have embraced the difficulties of distance learning by taking advantage of the online format in creative ways. Coronavirus pandemic safety restrictions have confined students to their homes and computer screens, which makes it impossible for those in drama to perform […]
Annual Club Rush transitions to Zoom
Story by Sofia Alva Staff Writer Photo by Oscar Walsh Staff Photographer Clubs have adapted from their typical in-person meetings to a virtual setting as distance learning continues, and ASB held the annual student-led Club Rush through Zoom for the first time since its creation. Each club presented in its own breakout room instead of […]
Four SPHS students become National Merit Scholar semifinalists
Story by Lilian Zhu Staff Writer Photo by Katelyn Hernandez Staff Photographer Four SPHS students were announced as National Merit Scholar semifinalists last week, with dozens more earning the rank of a commended scholar. Seniors Frances Chiu, Matthew Haines, Jessica Li, and Luyang Zhang join 1,900 other California seniors who achieved the qualifying score on […]
SPHS campus resource officer position draws criticism
Story by Katie HohmanStaff Writer Photo by Helena FuContributor Having police officers on campus has become a largely unquestioned part of a student’s life, but with recent calls to defund police across the nation, more students are pushing to eliminate their School Resource Officer (SRO) and to reallocate funds towards mental health resources. In South […]
Students demand anti-racist reforms at SPHS
Story by Lilian Zhu Staff Writer Illustration by David Sohn Staff Illustrator SPHS students spoke out against police brutality in local Black Lives Matter protests this summer and are now calling for similar anti-racist reforms at school. While SPHS has implemented several programs to encourage inclusivity in the past few years, it has not enacted any new […]
Speech and Debate team host “Know Your Rights” voting workshop
Story by Kahlen Miao Staff Writer Graphic courtesy of Nicole Lu Contributor The SPHS Speech and Debate team held its first “Know Your Rights” session on Saturday, Sept. 12 to inform participants about their voting rights. The program covered voter suppression, the electoral college, how to vote, and also featured guest speaker Samuel Liu, Chief of […]
SPHS hosts virtual Back to School Night for parents
Story by Quinn Manzo Staff Writer Photo by Ella Jayasekera Photography Editor SPHS transitioned its annual Back to School Night online on Thursday, Sept. 10, where teachers introduced themselves to parents in ten minute Zoom sessions. Teachers emailed out introductory presentations and class syllabi prior to the event and then distributed Zoom links to parents on […]
ASB releases annual SAC Assembly video
Story by Georgia Parsons Staff Writer Photo by Eliot Correll Contributor ASB kicked off its first assembly of the year with the annual SAC Assembly via a YouTube video this Friday, Sept. 11. The 15 minute video featured skits by the commissioners promoting the sales of the student activites card and other school club and program […]
CREATIONS promotes mental wellbeing among SPHS students
Story by Georgia Parsons Staff Writer Photo by Ella Jayasekera Photography Editor Seniors Kimberly Hsueh and Andrew Cheung hosted CREATIONS, a mental health and wellbeing student program, via Zoom the week of Monday, Aug. 31 to Thursday, Sept. 3. Each day consisted of stress-relieving icebreakers, informative presentations, and discussion opportunities all aimed at helping students learn […]
Two SPHS teachers retire prior to the 2020-2021 school year
Story by Georgia Parsons Staff Writer Photo by Ella Jayasekera Photography Editor SPHS Principal Janet Anderson updated the community about the retirement of two teachers on Tuesday, Aug. 11, prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Practical arts department chair Mike Hogan and physical education teacher Elinor Charlton have retired. Librarian Shelee Wilkerson will […]
SPHS students set to receive schedules on Aug. 12
Story by Kahlen Miao Staff Writer Photo by Ella Jayasekera Photography Editor SPHS principal Janet Anderson announced distance learning guidelines and additional information for the upcoming school year in an email sent out Monday, Aug. 10. Students will learn their schedules on Wednesday, Aug. 12 via the Aeries portal, and technology support and teacher instruction on how […]
An SPHS family: the Wielengas
Photo by Helena Fu Staff Photographer It is not uncommon to see a Wielenga or two jogging down El Centro Street, as all three of the Wielenga men are involved in the cross country program in South Pasadena. Jacob and Pieter are each runners on the SPHS team while Mr. Wielenga used to be the […]
Fires consuming Southern California impact SPHS faculty
Featured photo courtesy of Garrett Shorr Photo by Isaac Marziali Videographer Fires blaze throughout Southern California during early and mid December, burning countless acres and forcing thousands of evacuations. The impact of the Creek Fire on the west side of Los Angeles has extended its impact to SPHS, where some members of staff are receiving ash […]