Monday,The june 7, 2021 Santa Samohi Monica High School Volume CIX • Issue VIII

SENIOR Issue

Is Greek life worth it? Page 4

Samo’s college future: mapped out Pages 6, 7

CIF Update Page 8 A letter from the editors Page 10

Find us on social media:

Instagram: @thesamohinews Twitter: @thesamohi Front page by Sam Kohn Spotify: “Samo Unmuted” © Martin Ledford The Samohi 02 June 7, 2021 News Samo honors outstanding seniors in award ceremony of excellence, is given to those who set forth letics. It went to Caitlin Durkin (’21), who spoke the highest qualities of leadership in both their out against child marriage and helped pass a bill school and community. Lilly Chertock (’21) was making it illegal to marry before 18 years of age. awarded with it this year. In her four years in JSA, Many students were also honored for their Chertock won five Best Speaker gavels, served as achievements in foreign languages, earning the chapter president twice, and went on to serve as State Seal of Biliteracy. Students won governor of the southern California region. She this award by demonstrating a high level of pro- was also a leader on Samo’s mock trial team for ficiency in speaking, reading and writing in one three years, earning the Most Valuable Partici- or more languages in addition to English. To do pant distinction on three separate occasions and so, students typically have to pass a foreign lan- was very involved in environmental advocacy. guage AP exam with a score of at least three or The Sylvia Russo Peace Award is given to the pass an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam student who displayed their commitment to with a score of four or higher. Spanish was the peacemaking by raising consciousness about in- most common amongst Samo students, though Photo from Principal Antonio Shelton Twitter equality and justice, promoting nonviolent solu- French and Japanese were also present. tions to problems, and building bridges across Teachers also received awards at the ceremony. Samo seniors gathered at the Greeks for the senior award ceremony on May 26, 2021; led by teach- diverse groups. It went to Madison Camp-Lane The Conald Trophy Award recognizes excellence ers and administrators. outstanding female athlete who also excels in ac- (’21), president of the Black Student Union, who in teaching by the teachers of Samo who give Megan Suchet advocated against police brutality and spear- their time and best teaching skills to educate Copy Editor ademics and service. This year, it was awarded to the track captain, Sofia Perfetti (’21). headed the youth movement for Breonna Taylor, Samo youth. To be eligible, teachers must have Samo seniors gathered for the first time in Several awards commemorated students’ ser- over a year for the annual Senior Award on May vice, the first of which was the Stan Singleton 26. The Ceremony, hosted virtually last year on Boy’s Service Award. This award, given to boys YouTube and pre-pandemic in Barnum Hall, for their impressive service to Samo, is in hon- was held this year in the Greek with only Samo or of Stan Singleton (‘66) who inspired his team staff and senior students while friends and fam- with poetry, was active in The National Confer- ily tuned in via a streaming link. Sixty valedic- ence for Community and Justice (NCCJ), and torian candidates were honored with individual was an ambassador of racial harmony. It went to recognition and sunflowers for their academic Roger Gawne (’21) and Jorge Ontiveros Gonza- achievements during the ceremony, almost dou- lez (’21) for their active involvement in several ble the number of candidates in previous years clubs and outside programs that advocated for which typically ranges from 20-30 students. social and political justice and equality. The valedictorian is the highest ranking stu- Similar to the Stan Singleton Boy’s Service dent in the graduating class based upon the Award, the Artis Bonanza Girl’s Service Award highest grade point average while salutatorian is is given to young women who exhibit excellent the second highest ranking student in the class. examples of service during their time at Samo. It The valedictorian and salutatorian for the class went to Susana Nuñez (’21) and Victoria Taylor of 2021 will be announced and recognized at the (’21), both of whom strove to eradicate the stig- graduation ceremonies. ma surrounding mental illness through their Photo from Principal Antonio Shelton Twitter The first award was the Norm Lacy Athletic participation and leadership in several clubs and Teachers distributing sunflowers to the 60 valedictorian and salutatorian candidates at the 2021 senior Award, given to the best male and female athlete off-campus programs. award ceremony. of the year. Its namesake, Norm Lacy, inspired Continuing with service awards, the Porter young students both on and off the field for over I Leach Leadership Award is given to students as well as Melisa Ramirez Hernandez (’21), an taught at Samo for more than 10 years and have 20 years as a PE instructor and athletic director, deemed outstanding by the time and energy they active member of the Human Rights Watch and not been previously honored. Nominees are then as well as the football, wrestling, and golf coach have given to Samo. Porter Leach was the Vice founder of the Menstrual Rights club. chosen by seniors. This year, the Conald Trophy at Samo. The recipients of this award were Rayna Principle and retired in 1976 after serving Samo Finally, the Addison Barnett Award is given to Award recipients were Stephanie Dew and Carl Prasad (’21) and Cormac Flanders (’21). many years. This year the award went to ASB students who are exceptional in academics, ath- Hobkirk, both of whom will be retiring this year Next, the Lauren D. Switzenberg Memorial president Mateo Marquez (’21), a member of the letics, citizenship, and service. This year, it went after over two decades of service in SMMUSD. Athletic Award recognizes outstanding achieve- orchestra, choral and musical theatre programs to Ryan Kashanchi (’21) and Joseph Ricciardulli Despite the loss of many senior traditions due ment in athletics, citizenship, and scholarship. at Samo. (’21) was runner up. In focusing on contribu- to the pandemic, the students in the class of 2021 The award went to Tanner Clark (’21), a two In addition, the George Drake Leadership tions by senior girls, the Ethel Robinson Award were able to be honored and recognized for their sport varsity student athlete on the volleyball and Award, named after Principal George Drake is given to a female student who excels in schol- achievements in the Senior Award Ceremony. basketball teams. who encouraged students to reach high stands arship, citizenship, and social activities and ath- The May Sutton Bundy Award is given to an [email protected] Senior activities: music, sunsets and villains Jadyn Miyahira took the win and went home with ing this year. I’m just curious to see Staff Writer a $300 Amazon gift card. what it’s like and to see my friends “I thought the [Murder Mystery one last time before we go our sep- Every year, Samo administration Scavenger Hunt] was actually pret- arate ways,” Kielor Tung (’21) said. hosts a number of events for the se- ty fun and a great way to spend one Tickets are $65 (for those who nior class to honor their hard work of our last moments as a senior are not recipients of free or re- and bring them together for the class,” Frederia Fluker (’21) said. duced lunch) and students will last time before graduation. These The next multi-day event, the be required to either be vacci- festivities usually include a series Last Blast Together, occurred nated or show a negative test for of get-togethers, however this year, during lunch on the baseball field COVID-19. Prior to admission, events were planned more me- from June 1 to June 4. Seniors were students and their guardians need thodically due to the pandemic. welcomed to come eat lunch to- to fill out a permission form ac- While there are still restrictions in gether and a DJ was invited to play knowledging the health and safety place, Samo students, parents and music in order to stimulate the fes- risks of attendance. Participants administration were able to work tivities. will need to bring a mask and around these obstacles and make Students sat on the grass and practice social distancing. Because the best of the weeks approaching brought their yearbooks for sign- the venue will be at Samo, some graduation. A total of four events ing. While there wasn’t a specified students think that the price was a were planned: a Murder Mystery activity for the students to partake little high, however they are thank- Scavenger Hunt, a Last Blast To- in, the Last Blast Together enabled ful that safety protocols will be in gether event, Prom and finally a them to spend more time together place. dual event, Grad Nite and Senior as a class before graduation. “For the most part, [Samo] did Sunset. “It had an overall chill vibe. It was a good job waiting for the safest The Murder Mystery Scavenger a great time to catch up with some possible point to do [prom],” Anya Hunt was held at the Third Street friends and get your yearbook Bardach (’21) said. Promenade on May 27 after school. Art by SMMUSD signed,” Nicole Kuri (’21) said. At the celebration, there will be Samo seniors were to establish and Senior Sunset, will be on June gether as a class. Students are en- The third event, Prom, will be food, music and dancing. Two a group of up to four people and 7 from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on cam- couraged to bring their yearbooks held at Samo in the Innovation dance floors will be set in place, solve the mystery as to who was the pus. Seniors get in for free and will for signing and to get excited about Building on June 5 from 7 p.m. to one on the first and second floors ‘villain.’ be able to enjoy a raffle and watch graduation. No other details have 10:30 p.m. This event typically al- of the Innovation Building—each Groups were given a map of clues the sunset with their classmates. been released as much of the event lows seniors to bring dates from will play different musical genres. that revolved around the Prome- The first part of the event, -or is supposed to be a surprise. other grades and schools, howev- They will also offer refreshments nade which had to be answered in ganized by the Grad Nite team of “One thing I’m looking forward er this prom will be exclusive to such as pizza, Chick-Fil-A, sliders a certain time to uncover the name parents, will have food, games, mu- to is coming together as a senior Samo seniors. The theme will be and an assortment of desserts; ev- of the villain. For bonus points, sic and even some small gifts for class and finally interacting with “Masquerade Extravaganza” and erything will be pre-wrapped for students could take photos at spe- seniors to take home. The second everybody after a long time of be- students will be expected to dress safety. While students eat, hip-hop cific spots and post them on social part, Senior Sunset, is organized ing in quarantine and doing classes to impress. violinist Josh Vietti will entertain media. In the end, twins Alec Ray- by administration where students online,” Julianne Soun (’21) said. “I’m excited to go to prom. I the crowd. mond (’21) and JJ Raymond (’21) will be able to watch the sunset to- know it’s going to be very interest- The last senior activity, Grad Nite [email protected] The Samohi Student Life June 7, 2021 03 Ballgowns, bags and bobbles at Samo’s prom boutique Sophie Salem helps roughly 150 students per year. The Santa Monica com- Chopra said. Staff Writer munity, friends and families all contribute by donating clothing Now, go get that breathtaking outfit from the Samo prom It’s that time of year again! Time for the seniors to get all to the boutique. The first year the boutique was running, there boutique and dance with your friends until your feet hurt! glammed up and hit the dance floor. After an extraordinary were only four racks of clothing, but today, there are over ten [email protected] year of missing out on usual anticipated events, prom is fi- full racks of both feminine and masculine wear on top of piles nally here! On June 5, Samo presents a night to remember; a upon piles of other accessories. From a large selection of formal “Mask”-querade. For $65, grab your mask, vaccination card or attire to gently used shoes and jewelry, the prom boutique has negative COVID-19 test and dance the night away with your something for everyone. Located in H125, students can make friends. an appointment to browse at the prom boutique and make the Not only do students need to get their dancing skills ready, night as magical as can be. they also need to get an outfit together. Before the big night, The boutique is a place for all students, not only those who students spend hours thrifting and shopping for an outfit that can’t afford the extra expense of a prom outfit. And, as fashion makes them feel like they are on top of the world. However, it’s is continuously affecting the environment, what better way to not so easy for some students to get the dress of their dreams. help than to reuse clothing. In fact, more well known formal The average prom dress costs anywhere between 100 and 600 wear shops have come to love the idea of Samo’s boutique and dollars. To ease the financial burden on students, Samo has or- donated some clothing of their own. Lili Bridals in Tarzana ganized a way for students to borrow dresses, suits and other have donated at least 20 brand new dresses from their store, accessories, completely free of charge. each originally tagged with a price of $250-$300. These dress- “The prom boutique was born from a conversation a es are given to students for free and can be reused for future Samo parent, Lupe Ybarra-Smith, and I were having about students. Samo parent and boutique volunteer Krista Daidone the expenses of Prom, graduation, basically all of senior year has gathered at least 80 dresses, bags, jewelry, shoes and make- and thinking about how we could help alleviate the cost. We up for students to borrow. Alex Chopra (’21) hasn’t personally shared our idea with O House principal, Mrs. Paule-Sheahan, shopped at the boutique, but he thinks it is the perfect way to and learned she had the idea as well, and we quickly became the help students while still making a positive impact on the envi- Three Amigas, planning, organizing and designing the project,” ronment. Sophie Salem / The Samohi Johanna De La Rosa, bilingual community liaison said. “I think the boutique is a great way for students to get what The prom boutique offeres a wide variety of services, including The prom boutique has been running ever since 2019 and they need for prom in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment,” free jewelry for students. Seniors: “What change are you most looking foward to in college?” Sakura Amano While leaving behind a high school career can be bittersweet with having to adjust to and navigate a completely new chapter of life, there are Staff Writer certainly perks which come with being a college student. Here are a few changes that our graduating Samo seniors are looking forward to expe- riencing in college next fall!

“I’m very excited to be able to start “I would say that one of the biggest personalizing and specializing my ed- changes that I’m anticipating is the in- ucation and how I spend my time in sa dependence given to me choosing a general. I’m really looking forward to class. I like the idea of being able to se- being able to focus on my major, envi- mo lect what I’m going to learn and how I’ll ronmental engineering, and to finally be learning it, especially if it will help start learning about LGBT+ history, cul- me land a career!” ture, and issues in school by pursuing a un – Jonathan Porche (’21) USC Queer studies minor. Being able to work Jonathan Porche / Contributor Roger Gawne / Contributor in more time for extracurriculars and mu the overall structures of my schedule sounds amazing too!” ted – Roger Gawne (’21) UCLA Sakura Amano “I’m looking forward to finally living pret- Staff Writer “Changes in college I’m looking forward ty independently in a dorm. I know it’ll to are all the people I’ll get to meet. I’m al- be really fun and I’m also excited to have ways happy to meet new people, hear new more control over picking my classes to fit stories and perspectives; so that aspect of my schedule.” college is so exciting to me” – Kielor Tung (’21) Swarthmore College – Nayeli Barbosa (’21) UOregon

Kielor Tung / Contributor Nayeli Barbosa / Contributor

[email protected] These seniors don’t mind the gap, they embrace it! Alani Kanan Frederia Fluker she loves most music. when I am in Norway and I think that Staff Writer Frederia Fluker (’21) is a big musical Shai Grossman learning how to adapt to different situa- Many students ponder over the idea of buff, as she participates in both the orchestra Next year Shai Grossman (’21) tions and interact with people regardless what to pursue after high school, where they and band at Samo. This March she was ac- will be traveling all around Norway to of language and cultural barriers is a want to go to college or what career they want to cepted to Boston University, where she plans discover the culture and lifestyle the fantastic skill that I will apply in college go into. To help answer these questions, provide on majoring in neuroscience. However, even Nordic country has to offer. Due to the and in life after,” said Grossman. financial alleviation and allow time to pursue after receiving the presidential scholarship, uncertainties of the past year, Grossman During his gap year, Grossman is alternative passions, a portion of students from the tuition was still incredibly expensive was not able to be as socially active as hopeful to learn as much about himself as each senior graduating class choose to take gap for Fulker, which led her towards the path he normally would, which made the idea he does about Norway. years after completing high school. During a of taking a gap year. Fulker is planning on of a gap year appealing. In addition, his Grossman will have these experienc- gap year, many students also apply for jobs, getting a job within this gap year and con- opportunities for adventure were lim- es to look back on as he returns to his partake in internships, volunteer or travel. The tinuing with her community service at the ited amidst lockdowns. Thus, when the formal education at UC Berkeley. Samohi interviewed two Samo students, Frede- Dream Genius Foundation. At this nonprof- ria Fluker (’21) and Shai Grossman (’21), who opportunity to travel to Norway arose have dedicated the next year to new experiences it, Fulker teaches music classes to children. through the Elverum Folkehøgskole (Folk before their next endeavors. “In Santa Monica. We’re super lucky to School), Grossman could not pass it by. have a really good music program but other “I will get the opportunity to travel schools like LAUSD, don’t have that good around Norway with a small group of of a music program. So it’s very unequal international students and learn about when it comes to music opportunities, so I’m Norwegian culture and adventure. So I teaching children music lessons,” said Fluker. will travel to important landmarks and Fluker first started working at this foun- learn about the history as well as partake dation around two years ago when she was in activities that help define Norwegian introduced to it by her mother. She ended up culture,” said Grossman. pursuing the opportunity since she saw it as After Grossman’s Norweigen expedi- a way to give back to her community. After tion, he plans to return to California and this gap year, Fluker is going to continue to attend UC Berkeley in the fall of 2022. incorporate music into her life and studies. Grossman plans to incorporate the new “I may research the benefits of music to skills he learned during his adventure in Shai Grossman / Contributor a certain brain disease or something along Norway into his future life. the lines of that,” said Fulker. “I hope that my time in Norway will After this year off, Fluker will have -ex be an exciting change of pace. I plan on

Frederia Fluker / Contributor panded her job experience while doing what learning a lot about myself as a person [email protected] The Samohi 04 june 7, 2021 opinion

nacle of elite ed- your youth to some far off future, tem I just claimed to be so debauched How education has simply ucation, a school however it doesn’t give you a chance and immoral. But, what am I going to so highly regard- to get there. It only manipulates you do? Not go to college? Maybe that’s become an economic proposition ed the majority into investing money and time in or- the only way to break the system, to of Americans der to perpetuate itself and spit you not give in. Or, maybe the answer prepare me for an AP english exam don’t even dream of studying there out. is far more complicated than that. or teach me to seamlessly analyze lit- themselves. But who actually goes to I’m writing all these things, as if I’m Maybe we must dig to the core of erature so as to write a “perfect essay”, Harvard? The kids whose father paid some kind of leader in a rebellion ourselves and alter our inherent de- whatever that stands to mean. For, for them to get hours of private against the avaricious na- sire to meet societal standards, but how can an essay be perfect if the au- tutoring a week, or the ture of Amer- that seems a little extreme. Maybe we thor does not believe in what they’re kids whose fa- i c a n just have to learn to be children again. writing? t h e r society, Not to become infantile and callow, That’s the problem with school, I took my AP Chemistry exam last went but I’m but to regain a sense of curiosity it was never really about learning. week. I spent months meticulously to Har- still going that can only be obtained if sheltered Learning is simply a disguise that reviewing the material, memorising vard? You to school from the materialistic world in which hides the truth- that education is an everything from acids and bases to see, the sys- tomor- we live. Such curiosity will guide us economic proposition. A proposition quantum mechanics in preparation tem tells you row. I still far from someone else’s definition forged in a corrupt system with no for some “life-determining” test that you have to go dream of of success, towards a future where purpose other than to sustain itself. A only lasted three hours. I used to love to a school like attending each can thrive in their own pools system which pollutes young minds school, the idea of learning enthused Harvard to be successful, some pretentious, of knowledge and interest. We must with lies of the attestation of success, me. I would spend my Saturday after- but then such schools only otherwise known teach others, and learn ourselves, that so those young minds waste their noons in the back corner of Barnes accept a fraction of in- as exalted, uni- college, or any level of education for youth and spend thousands of dol- & Noble, shoving my face in any and dividuals who lucked versity and, that matter, is not merely a step in the lars in pursuit of a life they were told every book I could find… I can’t re- out in the gene in doing so, manufacturing line of a successful to live, only to grow up and tell their member the last time I read for fun. pool. The sys- giving into life, but an opportunity to learn, grow children to do the same thing. Every book I read now has some sort tem tells you the very and enjoy the years of our youth. The oldest college in the United of purpose, it will either sharpen my you need to sys- States, Harvard, was founded in 1636. young impressionable mind in prepa- sacrifice Now, we all see Harvard as the pin- [email protected] ration for collegiate discussions, or Art by Isabella Rodriguez Greek life should Kappa Beta Die 2021 revealed the the world through the experiences of people from several diverse backgrounds and, frankly, joining a sorority does not accomplish that in the inconsistencies of slightest,” Karina Gunn (’21) said. Furthermore, Greek life is notorious for its sex- For most of our high school college admissions ual assault culture. According to a CNN study, careers, we’ve been told the a plethora of “less-presti- just so happen to have far men in fraternities are three times more likely harder we work and the gious” schools throughout more English majors this to commit a sexual assault than an student, and more we do, the better our the admissions process. I year, meaning a lower per- sorority members are 50-75% more likely to be chances of getting accepted know students accepted into centage can be accepted? sexually assaulted than non sorority members. to the colleges of our dreams ivies and waitlisted at UC’s. What if your essay simply These statistics are astounding, and honestly, Greek life is an antiquated system that pro- are. It’s stated as a direct My point is, there’s little doesn’t resonate? These fac- they’re terrifying. Fraternities cultivate a culture motes exclusivity and toxic masculinity. On the relationship: you work of “male peer support for violence against wom- surface, it seems to help students cultivate their hard, you go to Harvard. en”, and when national fraternities are given the social and leadership skills. However, the institu- Didn’t get into Harvard? opportunity to rectify this culture and educate tionalized racism and sexism that persists in so- You should have worked their members, they prefer to pretend they are rorities and fraternities outweighs the potential harder. Our system creates not responsible. advantages of this system. unrealistic expectations for Outside of this, the community formed Both sororities and fraternities were found- millions of students across through Greek life appeals to many. Samo stu- ed on racist principles, through practices such the country who all think, dents such as Ben Turkel (’21) are excited for the as blackface and the obvious racial bias shown in the back of their minds, possible social benefits Greek life offers. when students rush, including the mere price for that they’re destined for the “The reason I want to join a fraternity is be- joining a chapter (up to $500) which is enough best education the world has cause I feel like joining a frat is the best way to to exclude low income students from consid- to offer. Unfortunately, for meet new people, have fun experiences and build most, the college admissions process is irrational, unfair and wildly overcomplicated. Students need to under- stand that admissions offices aren’t judging them as a per- son. What they see is a frag- mented, incomplete look at certain portions into one’s academic life. The process reduces your intelligence Art from the University of California Berkeley to numbers on a spread- rhyme or reason in the de- tors may not accurately re- sheet and your personality tails. Yes, grades matter, es- flect the applicant’s abilities to a 650-word statement. says matter and you should as a student, but could de- Colleges don’t know who do your best at Samo to en- termine whether the appli- you are, but nonetheless are sure the best odds for your cant is accepted or not. tasked with determining admissions, but so much of This year, lots of students your worth as a student, and it is still left up to chance; it’s got into the colleges of their deciding your future. best not to beat yourself up dreams, but so many more Of course, this is not to over the details. did not. The idea that this say that high school per- From the start of the col- is any sort of “failure” on formance and college ac- lege applications process, behalf of the student is com- ceptance are unrelated. Of my dad would tell me the pletely false. Colleges don’t course, that’s not the case. exact same phrases over know what the hell they’re Students with a 4.0 GPA and over: “It’s a crapshoot”, doing. Whether a student will tend to do better than “Colleges don’t know what got into their reach or their those who fall short of that, the hell they’re doing.” Even safety is irrelevant; accep- Art by Isabella Rodriguez and better essay-writers or though my dad used these to tance does not determine ering to rush in the first place. As a result, per SAT takers will, on average, the point that I couldn’t lis- your intelligence, nor did bonds with people,” Turkel said. Rashawn Ray, assistant professor of sociology at see better results. But when ten to them anymore, he had your intelligence determine Although there is a sense of social security to the University of Maryland, more than 90% of talking to my friends and it completely right. There’s your acceptance. College ap- joining a sorority or fraternity in college, rape fraternities and sororities have individuals of the classmates about college no way for a single person to plications are a soul-crush- culture and the lack of diversity drastically same race as its members, and a 2011 Princeton decisions, I noticed incon- accurately judge hundreds ing experience, and seniors outweigh the benefits. So, is it time to abolish University review concluded that 77% of sorority sistencies which point out of students on a transcript can be glad to be done with the Greek system? Maybe not entirely, but it members and 73% of fraternity members were flaws in the system. One per- and a few short essays every- them. is definitely time for national chapters to take white. son was rejected from UCSC day. So much of the decision ownership of their problems and educate their “Sororities have historically been very homoge- and accepted by UC Davis, is completely out of the ap- members to create a more inclusive and safe en- nous, and granted they are getting more diverse, the other was in the opposite plicant’s hands. vironment. but they still remain very white and Anglo-Saxon situation. Even personally, I What if the admissions in their representation. I believe that one of the committed to UC Berke- officer misunderstands your most valuable parts of college is learning about [email protected] ley, yet was rejected from essay’s thesis? What if they [email protected] The Samohi Arts & Entertainment June 4, 2021 05 “She Kills Monsters” kills it Rachel Levin Barraza, the director, and the entire cast. Copy Editor “It’s way more tedious, you’re not shooting from the hip. You gotta kinda plan [the block- On May 14, the school play, “She Kills Mon- ing] out, in a way that is different than plan- sters,” screened in the Greek Amphitheater ning out for the stage. And you can’t really with the Dungeons cast. The play was impres- rehearse and do character workshops in the sively put together considering it was more same way, so it was really on these students. It film then play. Despite setbacks in editing and was on these students to fully commit to their COVID-19 related interference, the 2020-21 characters and commit to the process way school play was well received by the Samo longer than any play,” Barraza said. community. The theatre program’s productions are al- “She Kills Monsters” is about high school ways dominated by juniors and seniors, but cheerleader Agnes (played by Diya Rao (’21) this year’s seniors got the short end of the in cast A and Julia Rotgin (’21) in cast B) as stick, as they did not get to perform together she grapples with the death of her young- with their friends. er sister Tilly (Nadia Goosby (’21) in cast A “We couldn’t make connections with our and Mikey Inatsugu (’21) in cast B) through cast members in the same way that we could an adventure laid out in Tilly’s Dungeons and Photo from Samohitheatre.org in person. As a senior, I think that this play Dragons notebook. The play was written for [TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT] Diya Rao (’21), Nadia Goosby (’21), Karly Kato (’21) have a conversa- was a bittersweet goodbye,” Rao said. Zoom by Qui Nguyen, meaning that the story tion during a campaign. [BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT] Mateo Marquez (’21), Spencer Newman Whether it lived up to expectations or not, was intended for a virtual setting. (’21) and Sila Akora (’22) also participate in the campaign. the fall play was a diversion from the norm, The story handled topics like death, preju- side characters like Farrah the Faerie (Endure students’ audio leaked through in certain re- and that’s all Barraza was aiming for. dice and LGBTQ+ acceptance with surprising Barnett (’22)) and Mage Steve (Teddy Robert- cordings, or the lighting wasn’t right because “The goal of it was to have it be an entertain- grace for a high school production. Emotional son (’23) and Leo Patel (’22)) countered the it couldn’t be controlled, yet with a lot of re-re- ing, fun new experience. Get them out of their moments still felt authentic even if the actors heavy topics well. cordings and scheduling struggles, things COVID funk. I think that we accomplished were not talking directly to each other. Agnes’s On top of excellent performances, the show were ironed out nicely. It might not have been that goal,” Barraza said. monologue about grief was performed espe- was also exceptionally edited considering the a Hollywood-level film, but it reflected seri- cially well by Rao, and the humor brought by difficulties filming over Zoom. Often other ous time and dedication from both Katheryne [email protected] The orchestra program ends on a high note Gwendolyn Warren dents expressing gratitude for the program. ed the orchestra program. spiring and magical! The bonds I have formed Staff Writer The event was topped off with hot chocolate “Being a part of an orchestra during the pan- with my musician peers are instantly revived On May 29, the Samo orchestra program and tea for all the seniors. demic was very different and at times, quite as we hear each other play live and communi- had a Senior Gala, a night to acknowledge Jason Aiello and Jim Wang, directors of the tough to get used to. Many assignments were cate through song,” Chugh said. senior musicians and to show a recording of orchestra program, spoke about the impor- focused on our individual playing rather than The Senior Gala recognized seniors’ accom- performances. The night was an in-person tance of student video-editors and parents the group as a whole,” Chugh said. plishments as musicians and their new jour- event for musicians only and parents watched volunteers that helped organize the event. Not During the second semester, many other neys after high school. Some will continue on Zoom or a Youtube Premiere to follow the only that, Aiello and Wang gave a big thanks schools were opening up to in-person learn- orchestra and others won’t, but the orches- COVID-19 safety guidelines. to all the seniors that struggled with the ing and activities, such as orchestra. Chugh tra program has impacted many students by This event was in-person for orchestra se- COVID-19 school year. explains the impact of being able to play or- showing the importance of music. niors only and live streamed for the public. Shapouri, a musician who performed in the chestra in-person. The seniors gathered in the innovation quad, recording, will end her four year journey with “Being able to play in an orchestra, in-per- where they were greeted with personalized the orchestra program, which she says has im- son, these past few months has been so in- [email protected] goodie bags. In line with the Senior Gala that pacted her greatly throughout high school. happens in a normal year, seniors gathered “The orchestra program made the large cam- around tables and watched solo and a quartet pus of Samohi smaller. I was given the oppor- performance. tunity to make close friends of all classes and Due to COVID, the performances were build our relationships for the coming years. pre-recorded and projected on a screen. The I’m very thankful for the chance to make my performances opened with a quartet consist- closest friends and the privilege to perform in- ing of Kaya Ralls (’21), Emily Taylor (’21), credible music alongside them,” Shapouri said. Rubani Chugh (’21) and Layla Shapouri (’21). Even though COVID-19 made it difficult for Seniors Leo Gilman (’21), Noah Sakour (’21), the class of ’21 to finish their last year of school, JJ Raymond (’21) and Chris Vargas (’21) each the orchestra program remained a big role for Jorge Ontiveros / The Samohi performed solos following the quartet. The the musicians involved. Chugh has been part A photo of seniors recording a video for the Gala. All the orchestra seniors came to school a week musical performances were interspersed with of the orchestra program all of high school and prior to the event to record “Hedwigs Theme” from “Harry Potter”. This video was then projected sentimental videos sent in by orchestra stu- describes how the impact of COVID-19 affect- at the event Choir celebrates the effort of their seniors Noor Memarzadeh “My experience in choir has been life changing. Lovett (’21) were disappointed to leave their ex- winter concert, but I’m grateful for the last con- Staff Writer Without it I wouldn’t be following my passions perience online during the pandemic instead of cert we had to dedicate to our hard work and On Monday, May, 31, the Samo choir program of teaching students. I am so happy to have been the normal goodbye other seniors have experi- dedication” Lovett said. hosted their senior choir night over zoom. The a part of such an incredible program and I can’t enced. presentation included words from both Mr.Hulls, wait to see how it thrives when I leave,” Barrett “Although it was tough to do choir online, *coverage of Band’s senior night can be found the choir director, as well as words from senior said. we were able to do concerts and make music on our website, thesamohi.com* choir students themselves. Choir has touched the hearts of many of the through a virtual setting. I am sad that we weren’t Mr. Hulls began the presentation by announc- senior class and the choir seniors such as Dixie able to do our normal performances, like our [email protected] ing the recipients for many different awards. He went through the winners of the directors award, the teachers service award, the Bel Canto award, the Linda Allen Anderson Award, etc. He followed this with a slideshow of baby pictures of the seniors and photos of their memories throughout the years. Next, the spotlight was given to the seniors when selected students gave speeches answering the question “why choir?”. Many choir students gave their speeches including Ethan Dale (’21) They reminisced about the past four years in choir and explained what choir meant to them and how it changed their lives. “Choir to me was a built-in outlet for all my creative productivity and a truly fulfilling gap of time between the tedium of most of my oth- er classes throughout all of high school. It’s also where I made friendships that will last me a life- time, and memories that will make me smile ev- ery time. I wouldn’t trade my participation in the choir program for anything,” Dale said. Jorge Ontiveros / The Samohi Co-choir president Emily Barrett(’21) is among The choir seniors with their flowers and medals awarded to those who have particpated in Samo’s choir program for four years. Over the years, this group of seniors the few in choir whose choir experience pushed has put on many concerts and shows for the Samo community, including student-run performances like Cafe Samo in the Humanities Center and official concerts in her to pursue choral music education in college. Barnum Hall. Page 6 | Senior Issue | thesamohi.com | June 7, 2021 where do we go now? With the 2020-2021 school year concluding, we’ve catalogued where the senior class will be continuing their education after graduation. Below is a map,locating where the class of 2021 is headed: international • DEAKIN UNIVERSITY (AUSTRALIA) • LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION • MONASH COLLEGE (AUSTRALIA) minnesota • NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY (EN- • UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, TWIN CITIES GLAND) • THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PARIS (2)

washington • UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (2)

oregon • UNIVERSITY OF OREGON (10) california • AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • BIOLA UNIVERSITY • CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY • CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO (13) • CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA (4) • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHANNEL ISLANDS (2) • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO (2) • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITU, DOMINGUEZ HILLS nevada • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY. EAST BAY • COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO NEVADA • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON (2) utah • UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, •SOUTHERN UTAH • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH (8) colorado RENO UNIVERSITY • COLORADO COLLEGE • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, (4) • UNIVERSITY OF • COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, MARITIME ACADEMY UTAH FOR COLLINS • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY. MONTEREY BAY • UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE (23) BOULDER (10) • CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS • UNIVERSITY OF DENVER • CAL STATE LONG BEACH • CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE (2) • EL CAMINO COLLEGE (2) • GNOMON • HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE • LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE • LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY (5) • LOS ANGELES BARBER COLLEGE • LOS ANGELES PIERCE COLLEGE • LOS ANGELES TRADE TECHNICAL COLLEGE • MENLO COLLEGE • MILLS COLLEGE • MOUNT ST. MARY’S COLLEGE (2) • OCCIDENTAL UNIVERSITY • PAUL MITCHELL COLLEGE • PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY • PITZER COLLEGE • BAYLOR UNIVERSITY • SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (4) • TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY • SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY (2) • PRARIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY • SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY (5) • SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE (4) • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE (100) • STANFORD UNIVERSITY (5) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY (32) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS (11) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE (7) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES (15) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED (4) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE (4) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (11) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA (15) • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ (22) • UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (11) • VANGUARD UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA hawaii • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I, MANOA • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I, HILO arizona • ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (2) • UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (2) June 7, 2021| thesamohi.com | Senior Issue | Page 7|

minnesota maine • UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, TWIN CITIES • BOWDOIN UNIVERSITY pennsylvania • LEHIGH UNIVERSITY massachusetts • BABSON COLLEGE (9) wisconsin • PENN STATE • BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC (3) • UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON • UPENN (4) • BOSTON UNIVERSITY • SETON HILL UNIVERSITY • BOSTON CONSERVITORY AT BERKLEE michigan • SWARTHMORE COLLEGE • UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (2) • EMERSON COLLEGE (2) • YORK COLLEGE OF • MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF PENNSYLVANIA TECHNOLOGY • NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY • SALEM UNIVERSITY • SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY • TUFTS UNIVERSITY ohio • THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER rhode island • BROWN UNIVERISTY (2) • RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN connecticut •WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

new york indiana new jersey • BARD COLLEGE (2) illinois • INDIANA • PRINCETON UNIVERSITY • CORNELL UNIVERSITY (3) • DEPAUL UNIVERSITY (3) • FORDHAM UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY(2) • PURDUE (2) • NORTHWEST- UNIVERSITY (2) • NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (5) ERN • ROSE HULMAN maryland • PACE UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY OF INSTITUTE OF • JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY• PRATT INSTITUTE missouri CHICAGO (2) TECHNOLOOGY • MORGAN STATE UNIVER- • SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY (3) • COTTEY SITY • UNION COLLEGE COLLEGE • ST. JOHN”S COLLEGE • VASSAR COLLEGE (2)

washington, d.c. • AMERICAN UNIVERSITY tennessee • GEORGE WASHINGTON • PELLISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY (3) COMMUNITY COLLEGE • HOWARD UNIVERSITY • VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY • COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

• BAYLOR UNIVERSITY georgia • TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY • EMORY UNIVERSITY • PRARIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY • SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

alabama • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA louisiana • TULANE (4) • SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI INFO COMPILED BY COLLEGE CENTER. STUDENT REPORTED. COLLECTED ON JUNE 1. a map of senior destinations for fall 2021 The Samohi 08 June 7, 2021 sports Senior athletes reminisce on best sports memories Jeremy Platt over the last four years,” Jacobs said. team,” Ramirez-Hernandez said. One of the most popular sports at Samo is foot- Staff Writer Samo’s soccer teams have really stood out While soccer has been one of Samo’s strongest ball. In 2019, Samo’s football team made it to the this season. The boys team is going after a CIF sports the past four years, they aren’t the only CIF playoffs for the first time in a decade. Joey The past four years have been filled with many championship and the girls team made it to the sport that has had success. The boys’ basketball Montanez (’21) referenced moments from that great athletic accomplishments for Samo. There third round of the playoffs. The girls team is team has had many triumphs led by seniors particular season. have been different highlights from every sport, filled with studs, including Samo senior Melisa Quentin Price (’21), Tanner Clark (’21) and Nic- “My favorite memory from football is making but these seniors highlighted just a few. Ramirez-Hernandez (’21). ki Reiterer (’21). All three players had a certain it to the playoffs my junior year with the class of The Samo boys’ soccer team, who are facing “My favorite memory was winning the pres- affinity for beating our school’s rival, Beverly 2020. Nobody expected us to win a playoff game, Palmdale at El Segundo on Friday, May 28, in the tigious South Torrance Tournament during my Hills. Clark and Price both mentioned Samo but we were able to defeat St. Bernards in the CIF championship, first round and prove are having their best a lot of people wrong. season in five years. Playing with [the class Samo seniors: Mi- of 2020] made me a guel Picazo (’21) and much better player Zach Jacobs (’21) all and I am so grateful I had great experienc- was able to play with es playing soccer at those guys,” Mon- Samo. tanez said. “My favorite memo- There have been ries from soccer were plenty of great mo- the long bus rides ments at Samo in the home after winning past four years, and it’s tough games with all just a beautiful thing my teammates, who how sports brings I’ve grown to love like everyone together. brothers,” Picazo said. Art by Isabella Rodriguez Journalism thanks “My favorite memory over the past four years sophomore year [2019]. We were down [0-2] at alum, Malachi Jones’ (’20) buzzer beater as their every senior athlete at isn’t anything specific but just the day in and day halftime, but ended up flipping the score to win favorite memory. Reiterer’s favorite memory also the school for their hard work and dedication to out grind, training and working hard with the 4-2. Winning that tournament was super spe- involved beating Beverly Hills. their craft. boys, and to see that effort all finally now pay cial to me because it grew my confidence as an “Win or lose, Beverly games were always the Read more about Samo athletes’ favorite senior off with the run we are on right now has been underclassmen. Although I had been starting best. In one particular game, we came back af- memories on The Samohi website. pretty special, and then also just the banter and on varsity since my freshman year, those games ter being down for the entire time. The team was the jokes we are always making. The best part of challenged me to bring out a new level of effort exhausted, but we put on the afterburners and soccer for me has always just been my teammates and consistency that resulted in me being the hustled our asses off. We ended up winning the especially the seniors and the fun we have had only sophomore selected for the all-tournament game, which put us into first place,” Reiterer said. [email protected] A look back on Samo’s Division I senior sports commits Gwendolyn Warren After participating in lacrosse for four years at Samo, Miner Guerra has grown to be a hardworking and dedicated athlete in Staff Writer is continuing the sport into college at Quinnipiac University on beach volleyball, where her athletic skills will continue at Tulane. their Division I team. Miner expresses his comfortability with Another athlete that will pursue beach volleyball is Mitchell at As graduation approaches and the class of ’21 anticipates sum- Quinnipiac University’s lacrosse team. UC Davis. mer, Samo athletes who have committed to college for Division I “I feel great about the school and the program that I am going to. Dreibholz has committed to Berkeley for the Division I beach sports have something special to celebrate. Many outstanding ath- It’s going to be great to be there because I will have other friends volleyball team. Dreibholz explains how the athletic program at letes, including Kalana Ortega-Hoefner (’21), Evan Miner (’21), that I have played lacrosse with in the past going there,” Miner Berkeley fits her expectations for everything in a volleyball team. Kristen Bartlett (’21) and Jasmine Sofowara (’21), have committed said. “It is the perfect fit for me. The beach volleyball team is D1 and to their preferred college for, respectively, crew, lacrosse, swim and The lacrosse team at Samo is fortunate to have an athlete like the coaches really push you in practices. I am excited to be able to softball. Athletes Ella Dreibholz (’21), Tabitha Mitchell (’21), Al- Miner continue lacrosse for another four years. play for my school!” Dreibholz said. ana Witting (’21) and Ava Guerra (’21) committed to volleyball. Starting at a very young age, Bartlett has trained to become a Along with all of these Division I commits, there are many A new coxswain athlete at Loyola Marymount, Ortega-Hoefner, strong, collegiate athlete. Through swimming on the Samo team, Samo seniors that get to celebrate committing to Divisions III has committed to the Marine Aquatic Center. Ortega-Hoefner ex- she has achieved that goal in her commitment to UCSB. Bartlett’s sports. London Wilkes (’21) is committed to Vassar for soccer, presses her passion for commiting to the sport at a Division I level. commitment to UCSB means that she will become a team mem- Ethan Docter (’21) is committed to University of Chicago for “This commitment is very important to me because it shows ber of their NCAA Division I swim team. baseball, Kai Tanabe is committed to Pitzer College for their how hard I have worked to be a great coxswain and how well I Swim and Dive teams, Cormac Flanders (’21) is committed to have performed academically. Coxing is my passion and it means Another Samo athlete that gets to celebrate committing to play California Lutheran University for water polo, Audrey Marcus the world to me to be able to continue to participate and compete a sport at a Division I level is Samo softball player, Sofowora. So- (’21) is committed to Babson College for swim and Madison Mi- at the D1 level for the next four years,” Ortega-Hoefner said. fowora is committed to play for Loyola Marymount University, moun (’21) will be playing volleyball at Mills College. With dedication in both Ortega-Hoefner’s sport and academics, something she has been working towards not only through her With the preparation of the athletes departure during the sum- it’s exciting to see a member of the Samo community commit to four years on Samo’s softball team, but for years prior to her high mer to go to college, it is important that Samo acknowledges the a unique sport. school athletics career. athletes that committed to their preferred college for sports, espe- cially during COVID-19. [email protected] An outline of Samo athletics’ 2021 CIF successes Juliet Swimmer King High and lost 1-2 in the quarter Copy Editor finals. The Samo boys’ soccer team went 10-7 For many Samo seniors, this past sports season was their last during their season and placed third in chance to play competitively for their school. However, Many the Bay League. In their first CIF game, teams have shined bright in their final games and given current they came out strong and won 3-1 seniors a great end to their senior season. against Pasadena, knocked out Calaba- One Samo sport that has recently ended its season is boys’ base- sas 3-1, crushed Fillmore 4-2 and then ball, who, unfortunately for Samo, went 2-8 during the season and beat Arroyo Valley 3-2. Sadly, at the CIF did not make it to CIF playoffs. However, during their season, Championship, the boys faced a devas- they were able to beat Culver City and Palos Verdes High School. tating loss against Palmdale 1-4 at the Coaches, Jordan Sigman and Dylan Early, honored the graduating El Segundo High School field. Howev- seniors at boys’ basketball’s senior night on May 27. er, their overall standings still qualified For softball, the girls went 2-8 and placed fifth in the Bay League them for CIF SoCal Regionals where and eventually did not make it to CIF playoffs. All athletes fought they beat Highland High School 1-0 hard and reflected on their most prominent wins against Peninsula and then defeated Citrus Hill 3-2. On Denel Smith / Contributor and Mira Costa. June 7, they played in the SoCal Region- Similarly, girls’ basketball went 2-8 and placed sixth in the Bay Samo varsity boys’ soccer poses with their Division IV CIF SoCal Regional Championship plaque al Championship, where they avenged after their 3-2 win against Palmdale. League for their league season and unfortunately did not make it their previous loss against Palmdale 3-2, to CIF playoffs. Samo’s only loss in CIF. Fly, 57.06 sec! Next, boys’ basketball also did not make it into CIF after facing a Similarly, Samo girls’ lacrosse won their first game of CIF against The Division III boys’ swimming CIF has yet to happen and devastating loss against Culver City that tore their chances of mak- Santa Barbara 17-4, but they sadly lost in the second round of CIF Brandon Wu (’22) and Kyle Kim (’23) will be going. Wu placed ing it to the playoffs. For seniors, this was their last high school with a score of 5-10 against Vista Murrieta. 14th in the 500 yard freestyle, dropping nearly five seconds from basketball game ever. Lastly, Samo’s varsity boys’ lacrosse team lost their first game of his seed time. Kim placed fifth in the 100 yard backstroke and 10th Varsity girls’ track placed sixth in their race for CIF. CIF 4-14 after going 5-6-1 during league play. For many seniors in the 50 yard freestyle. For boys’ track and field, it was a very different story. After win- this was their last competitive lacrosse game for a long time, but And lastly, the varsity boys’ wrestling team won the Bay League, ning the Bay League Championship and crushing their meets not for Division I commit, Evan Miner (’21), who is committed to but sadly, they were knocked out in the second round of CIF by during the season, the varsity boys’ track and field team placed first play lacrosse at Quinnipiac University. Arroyo High School. in CIF and JV placed second. What a way to end the season, espe- For swimming, the Division II girls’ swimming CIF has ad- Similarly for the girls, Samo placed first in the Bay League and cially for seniors who most likely ran at their last meet. journed. Summer Liu (’23), Lena Siering (’22), Kristin Bartlett was knocked out in the second round of CIF. The Samo girls’ soccer team went 4-4-2 overall in their season (’21), Kae Tanabe (’21) and Audrey Marcus (’21) went. Bartlett, Huge congratulations to all the seniors who finished their sports and headed into CIF looking strong. First they beat Apple Valley UCSB commit, set a Samo and Bay League record in the 100 yard season strong. We will miss you dearly and cannot wait to see 4-1 and Knight High School 7-1, until they faced Martin Luther where you end up in the future. [email protected] The Samohi thesamohi.com june 7, 2021 09

podcast and every article written through- mission statement that outlined the prin- A letter from out the course of the year amongst our 40 ciples we would base our leadership of this staff members can be read. For any web- newspaper on. It reads as follows: site, not just one of a publication, easy ac- cess is vital. We are proud to acknowledge the editors that thesamohi.com is now much more As a publication, The Samohi is dedi- timely and much more accessible than it cated to producing professional, relevant To the Samo community, Our digital approach to the journalistic has ever been. content that represents all voices of the process encouraged us to develop multi- Sharing a reflective letter this year grants Samo community. Our staff, who embody Typically, this is a letter written from the media content in addition to our newspa- us the opportunity to acknowledge the the core values of honesty, accountability Editor-in-Chiefs at the very beginning of per issue each cycle, the most notable of major downside to our digital “glow-up”: and curiosity, are committed to providing the school year—the first cycle of our pa- which was our publication’s new podcast, we could not print our newspaper. The a holistic and unbiased take on local news per. Its goal is to share the vision that we “Samo Unmuted.” Newspapers often give Samohi is void of school funding—our via our student-run website, social media as Editor-in-Chiefs have for The Samohi communities they cover a voice, and in a publication self-funds each cycle’s pro- accounts and print newspaper. We look to in the upcoming year and to elaborate on time where our Samo community couldn’t duction through advertising and sub- support our staff by perpetuating strong why maintaining a high school newspaper get their hands on our printed newspa- scription fees, with the majority of those relationships built on mutual trust and re- is ineffably valuable. While we do not want pers, a podcast was the best alternative to subscriptions sold at school functions like spect, and to support our community by to minimize what this letter traditionally capture the plethora of voices and senti- Open House and Freshmen Orientation, practicing an open-minded and commu- stands for, this year we have opted to turn nication-driven approach to journalism. this historically-prospective letter into a We will utilize our press freedoms granted reflective one; this unorthodoxy is highly by the First Amendment and California representative of how a pandemic year has Ed Code 48907, while promoting a strong catalyzed our publication’s evolution. ethical environment. Through engaging When we joined The Samohi in 2018, and cogent multi-media coverage, The our team’s focus was on our printed news- Samohi promises to maintain a platform paper. Weeks of writing and editing arti- that fosters the spread of creativity, accu- cles would culminate in intense in-person rate information and positive change. “paste-up” and “send-off” sessions every three to five weeks. Journalism students could be found huddled around comput- As we reflect on this year, despite all the ers, editing and formatting articles into COVID-19-related setbacks we encoun- InDesign to absolute perfection—by each tered, we believe we held true to our mis- night’s end, marked-up papers would be sion statement to produce professional, scattered around the classroom as evi- relevant content about the Samo commu- dence of the tedious and tireless work nity. It is important to note that this was which never failed to bring our cherished entirely due to the effort and assiduity publication to fruition. The hands-on of our staff, and we want to express our process was concluded with an assembly gratitude. Thank you to the writers for line-like process in order to efficient- compiling information for articles and ly stuff papers into bright orange manila responding to edits timely despite such envelopes and address them for shipping. weird circumstances. Thank you to all the Hours upon hours of work went into pro- editors for thriving as leaders in our class, ducing our paper each cycle, and our team both verbally and by example. Thank you was fortunate enough to foster a strong to Ms. Faas and our Managing Editor So- community in our journalism classroom phie Rosenblum, without whom we could during these times. not have completed a digital evolution for It goes without saying that it would have The Samohi. been impossible to continue functioning Lastly, thank you to The Samohi itself. in this manner in a year so atypical. We became improved writers, clear com- So, The Samohi’s 2020-2021 campaign municators and stronger leaders due to was a year of digital adaptation. This ul- our experience here on our school publi- timate shift in focus was inevitable—it’s cation. So, for the final time, thank you for where the world is heading and more reading our newspaper. We are excited to importantly, where journalism has been see the continued growth and success of trending for a little while now. In a pan- The Samohi. demic year filled with thorns, we have been able to find a rose in the push it gave Sincerely, us to catch up with the times. Our first hurdle was trying to preserve Sam Kohn our in-person processes over a Zoom for- Co-Editor-in-Chief mat. Tasked with brainstorming for just how to brainstorm article ideas, we ulti- mately settled on commencing each cycle with three separate “Beats and Brainstorm” sessions in different Zoom breakout Ella Rose / The Samohi rooms. Article assigning days—rather ments we knew were out there. We believe neither of which occurred this year. It is than having staff writers scramble to the that, across the 15 different students that bittersweet to recognize that our success Julia Rotgin class whiteboard—became characterized appeared on the podcast and the 526 total in evolving into a more multimedia heavy Co-Editor-in-Chief by a virtual scramble of writers rushing plays on Spotify and Apple Podcasts over publication was in part due to the sacri- to a first come-first serve Google Spread- the last six months, we were able to cap- fice of our printed publication. As Samo sheet. Once “paste-up” rolled around, our ture and share what it meant to be a Samo returns to in-person schooling for next section editors diligently crafted InDesign student during the COVID-19 pandemic. year, we encourage our i202 family to re- layouts from their bedrooms. Every three Although the organization, recording and vive the traditions of print journalism that weeks, we compiled the pages and pub- editing of this podcast was a large under- have defined The Samohi’s history. The lished them as completed issues to our taking, we hope The Samohi will contin- satisfaction of holding the newspaper in website (thesamohi.com) for easy access. ue to produce episodes that represent the your hands—a month’s worth of meticu- Sprinkled in between these steps were core values of our Samo community. lous, diligent work—is a big component of team-bonding exercises to build the sense With a focus on our online newspaper is- what has made this class a formative high of community that our journalism fam- sues and newfound multimedia presence, school experience for both of us over these ily had grown accustomed to in previous our website required updating to match. last three years. years. On our website now, the “Samo Unmuted” At the beginning of the year, we wrote a

Staff Writers Faculty Adviser Centerspread Editors Student Life Editors Comedy Editor Alani Kanan, Daniel Hernandez, Kathleen Faas Paige Prodonovich Justine Recor Tom Wickline Ella Rose, Genevieve Nevius, The Samohi is a monthly newspaper by, for and Alana Witting Alana Witting about Santa Monica High School students. Our Grace Gyepes, Gwendolyn goal is to empower the student body through Managing Editor Opinion Editors A&E Editor Copy Editors information. We do not represent the views of Warren, Isabella Rodriguez, the administration or staff. We do not endorse Sophie Rosenblum Erkki Forster Claudia Sherman Auden Koetters Jadyn Miyahira, Jeremy Platt, advertisements placed in our paper. Rhea Garten Benjamin Adler Juliet Swimmer Jorge Ontiveros, Kendra Editors-in-Chief News Editors Sports Editors Art Editors Riya Khatod Martinez, Noor Memarzadeh, Sam Kohn Olivia Mayers Sophia Falk Veronica Gerlach Megan Suchet Nori Quist, Sakura Amano, Julia Rotgin Lindzi Hutchinson Mallory North Leslie Garcia Rachel Levin Salena Hajidamji, Sophie Salem The Samohi 10 June 7, 2021 Comedy Long-awaited Samo Prom 2021 comes to a gruesome end Ava Bordeau smoothly, with a discharge date lost her grip on her phone, which horrifying. One of the things was how I should’ve worn a dif- Staff Writer set the day before prom. Trix- smacked hard against her eye. she had most looked forward to ferent colored dress; I’m not re- Teenagers spend years excitedly ibelle had no intentions of let- Immediately, she felt a burst of was dancing. An excitable extra- ally one to freak out over these awaiting their senior prom. Im- ting this stop her, making up pain, followed by a throbbing vert, Trixibelle planned to spend things,” Trixibelle said. ages of glittering dresses, stel- her mind to ignore her doctor’s which could only mean that this the night moving with reckless As all eyes glued themselves to lar decorations and a gorgeous instructions to take it easy. Her would leave a mark. Indeed, Trix- abandon to her favorite popular Samohi’s resident Carrie, Trixi- date twirl their ways through the friends and family also worried, ibelle awoke the next morning songs. What she failed to take belle found herself growing an- minds of young people expecting but knew they would into account was the gry. Her night was not about to be to make lasting memories of the be unable to prevent a As the music stopped and eyes turned to fact that she had fresh ruined by a little bit (okay, maybe dance. Fifi Trixibelle (’21) was determined Trixibelle her, Trixibelle looked down to see blood stitches up the side of more than a little bit) of blood. among these starry-eyed youth. from attending the oozing out of her dress and pooling onto her torso. As Trixibelle She began angrily shouting into Trixibelle spent weeks planning event. gyrated to the beat, the crowd, accusing them of ru- the perfect night: from a fabulous “Once Fifi T makes up the floor at her feet. she felt a sudden tug ining her night, and demanding sushi dinner before the dance to a her mind about some- on her side. Before she the music be turned back on. The karaoke after party, all while her thing, there’s no stopping her… with an angry black eye. could even realize what was go- other guests were so terrified by and her posse would be bedecked we were worried but also knew “I was shocked when I saw her at ing on, one of her friends point- Trixibelle’s bloody, battered ap- in matching tones of blush pink. she would go to prom no matter the dance… she looked like she ed at her and started screaming. pearance that they ran from the Unfortunately for Fifi, the night what,” said Semaj James (’21), got into a fight,” said dance chap- As the music stopped and eyes gym. Fifi Trixibelle’s big night had other things in store. Trixibelle’s date. erone and Samohi English teach- turned to her, Trixibelle looked ended with her standing alone in Two weeks prior to prom, Trixi- On the night before prom, Trix- er Geraldine Tress. down to see blood oozing out of the space, blood dripping down belle found herself in the emer- ibelle eagerly messaged James Unbeknownst to the guests at her dress and pooling onto the her torso, as she wished she had gency room with a ruptured about plans for the following prom, Trixibelle’s appearance floor at her feet. worn black. appendix. Her operation went day. As she lay on her bed, she was about to become even more “All I could really think about [email protected] Samohi’s latest (100% legitimate) sports commits!!! Jeremy Platt way. I want to make my competitors regret ever gauntlet. I can smell those truffles from a mile ter the ball rolls back to him. He also brought up Staff Writer stepping into the rink. I want their parents to re- away,” Glamoraclops II said. that he loves sinking and kicking a “fifa” in dye. Randull Bowallie (’21) will be taking his talents to gret even birthing them. My life motto is to live, Meetloaf (’21) will be taking her talents to Uni- Right now, Hanks’ focus is mostly on preparing the University of Miami (OH) and play for their laugh and love,” Doncheadle said. versity of Alabama and will compete in Jiu Jit- in the summer workouts. spikeball team. Bowallie accredits his success D’Twixen Glamoraclops II (’21) will be taking su. She credits her success to the hours spent “Loved ones, white boy summer is here. Just fin- to God, his family and everyone who has ever his talents to the University of Florence in Italy. training one-on-one with her family members. ished my 60 day workout challenge and now I’m doubted him. He’s looking forward to proving Glamoraclops II is one of the world’s top truffle She always had an affinity towards the state of stoked for white boy summer. Next year is about all of his haters wrong and “spiking some ball”. hunting prospects. An interesting fact Alabama. Meetloaf also mentioned that to be legendary,” Hanks said. Originally, Bowalie committed to Miami because about Glamoraclops II is that he going vegan allowed her body to Guhreeney-Duhsweeney Ladingschlong (’21) is he thought he was going to South Beach, but af- is actually named after his recover faster and persevere taking her talents to the University of Santa Bar- ter being informed that it is not in Florida, he has mom, D’Twixen Glam- through injuries. bara for her skills in Slam Poetry. Duhsweeney been second guessing his decision. oraclops Sr.. The reason “A vegan in Alabama? Nev- Ladingschlong’s nickname is “GDL” because it “I’ve spent so much time spiking ball in the past that Glamoraclops II got er heard of her! I’m excited is artsy. She started working on her Slam Poetry three years (since spikeball has existed) on the into truffle hunting in the to get down to Tuscaloosa skills after watching “22 Jumpstreet” and listen- beach with friends, I didn’t realize that the Uni- first place was due to the and beat someone’s ing to Jonah Hill’s poem. UCSB actually offered versity of Miami (OH) had a spikeball team. Do song “Suit and Tie” by Jus- ass! Roll tide!” GDL a full-ride after listening to her recite the they even have beaches in Ohio?” Bowallie said. tin Timberlake featuring Meetloaf said. following poem. Lesquivius Doncheadle (’21) will be taking her Jay-Z. He mentioned that Chet Hanks “Poopy-di scoop talents to Slippery Rock University in Pennsylva- Jay-Z’s line “it’s truffle season, Tom Ford (’21) is excited to go to Santa Scoop-diddy-whoop nia and participate on their figure skating team. tuxedos for no reason” made him pursue the Monica College (SMC) and be on Whoop-di-scoop-di-poop Doncheadle was born in Kansas City Missouri sport. Glamoraclops II has two pigs, Jim and Jon, their professional beer pong and dye team. The Poop-di-scoopty before moving to Santa Monica just last year. as well as a golden retriever named Demetrius. two-sport athlete is the son of legendary actor, Scoopty-whoop She says that her dream is to be the next Junior Those three animals are his prized possessions, Tom Hanks, and is finally getting ready for col- Whoopity-scoop, whoop-poop” Ladingschlong Downey Robert, who is her biggest inspiration in but he said that his biggest advantage is actually lege after six years at Santa Monica High school. said. figure skating. In the rink, her nickname is “War his nose. Hanks mentioned that he is planning on rushing Jeremy Platt (’21) will be playing golf at Brigham Machine ‘’ because of her killer mindset. “My trick is that I have a nose for those damn the fraternity SAE at SMC, despite the college Young University. “When I’m in the rink, I go into attack mode. I truffles. Every now and then, I’ll bear crawl not having any greek life. Hanks’ favorite part of want to absolutely murder whoever comes in my across the dirt putting my nose through the beer pong is shooting a behind the back shot af- [email protected]

Kendra Martinez Staff Writer Class of ‘21’s 10-year plan: where we are now If you’ve been at Samo since the 9th grade, you have definitely taken Freshman Seminar. Aside from being utterly useless, Freshman Seminar forces students to create a ten year plan for their future. I barely knew how to tie my shoes my freshman year. I definitely did not know my life’s true calling, so how was I supposed to make a ten year plan? We asked a couple of graduating seniors how their ten year plan is going, and this is what they said: “I’m a try-hard. I’ve al- “In my ten year plan I “I planned on going “My plan was to finish ways been a try-hard. My was supposed to go to to college for religious high school and start ten year plan is going just college and make it to studies, marrying a working at Taco Bell. I like how I planned it. I’m was rejected from Taco graduating high school the NFL. Unfortunate- fine young man, and Bell (major loss on as a salutatorian and with ly, I had to drop out starting a family of their part) and applied a perfect GPA. My next of high school to sup- six. Now, I’m gay and step is to continue my going to a liberal arts to McDonalds. I’m glad port my nana. I never to say I was hired and academic career at a very college . My family prestigious university got to know the epic will begin working at and major in computer highs and lows of high isn’t very happy about McDonalds this sum- school football.” that but I’m ecstatic.” science. After that, I shall mer, like a hard work- find a decent job with my ing American citizen.” degree.” -Quentin Tarantino (’21) -Kaitlin Bennett (’21) -Christian Walker (’21) -Ted Bundy (’21)