March 9, 2021 Vol. 59 No. 4

Image By Jaime Chen

Keeping Up with the Seeing Eye to Eye: A Blast into the Past: Football Team and The Power of Camera Usage Teachers as High COVID Spectating Reconciliation Through A Student School Students Guidelines pages 14-16 Lens pages 6-7 pages 10-11 page 21

4333 Factoria Blvd. SE // Bellevue, WA // 98006 2 News March 9, 2021

MARCH-APRIL

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

8 9 10 11 12 13 International Women's Day

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Daylight Savings St. Patrick's Day Regular school March Equinox Time starts day

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Senior Grad Item Distribution

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Easter Sunday Easter Monday

The Stock Market's COVID-19 Craziness MAGGIE MALLEY Reporter It came as a mighty shock for many when the stock market continued to thrive regardless of the pandemic and economic struggles that followed. As stated by CNN, “the stock market is never exactly indicative of the economy, but right now the stock market seems to be operating on its own planet.” The United States economy has been declared as in a recession according to the AARP, with “more than 40 million people…out of work, a global pandemic [raging]” and “economists [predicting] that the gross domestic product fall” significantly. The AARP describes this as “a time when sober Wall Street investors rub their eyes and say, ‘what on Images courtesy of Google Images. Investors have faced some unanticipated outcomes earth is going on?’” throughout the pandemic. The answer lies in a few factors, with CNBC claiming one of them is that “the a chief market strategist of the U.S. equity strategy for CFRA, agreed with this market has theory, claiming that “it all boils down to optimism surrounding the reopening powered of the economy.” AARP notes another potential factor of the surging stock higher” market could be that “the Federal Reserve has pushed short-term interest due to the rates to near zero”, thus making “it cheaper for businesses to borrow and “expectations expand” which also positively impacts the market. Adam Rashwan (12), of a period an active stock investor, stated that stocks “struggled when the pandemic first of strong happened but later on lots of stocks had their perks like Bitcoin.” A few other growth after stocks that impressed Rashwan with “a blowup out of nowhere” included AMC vaccines and GameStop, “but they dropped later, so it is kind of 50/50.” His ultimate are widely recommendation was to avoid “[investing] in Doge coin [though] Fisker will distributed blow up in 2022 for their new car release.” He also predicted that XLM is and the the up-and-coming Bitcoin. For these investors’ sake, may the stock market economy full continue an unprecedented path of success in this pandemic. However, reopens." another dip has occurred in recent days and there is limited certainty on Sam Stoval, where the stock market is headed. MARCH 8, 2021 News 3

GAVIN FRITZ Editor A Mutating Threat

As the world tentatively begins to hope become the dominant strain of COVID. the question of whether or not we will ever for the end COVID-19 and the return of Thankfully, vaccines have shown about the fully eradicate COVID-19. Will it simply normal human life with the widespread same efficacy against the British variant. be something we have to live with for the rollout of vaccines, there is still a lurking However, there is new evidence showing foreseeable future or will the arrival of threat. Variants of COVID-19. In Britain a significant reduction in the efficacy of vaccines fully eradicate COVID-19? and South Africa, two alarming variants of certain vaccines against the South African COVID-19 have appeared in recent months, Variant. Pfizer and Moderna have claimed casting doubt on the efficacy of vaccines and that their vaccines, while still effective, will our ability to move on from the pandemic probably have slightly diminished efficacy in the near future. Christine Cui (10) “is against the South African variant. The concerned with the new variants of COVID” AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being used because she has heard that “they are more around the world, saw drastic reduction in contagious and could possibly increase the its efficacy in preventing infection from the risk of death.” South African COVID variant. Both variants seem to be significantly What this means for our hopes of ending more contagious, anywhere from 30-70 the pandemic is still relatively unknown. If percent more. This has sparked massive vaccines continue to prevent severe illness Source: Google Images. spikes in COVID cases and deaths in and death from COVID, then life will likely countries where these new variants have be able to continue as normal. This poses Black History Month Made Optional at Utah School KATHERINE CHANG Reporter

With the end of this February, another Black History Month their childrens’ education. How much power, if any, should parents has gone by. With last year’s developments in the Black Lives have over their students’ curriculum? Many worry that parent bias, Matter movement, Black History Month became even more crucial coupled with the power to control school material, could hinder in celebrating Black heritage and educating people about the their children’s studies, while others believe that parent critique extensive struggles Black people have faced in America. Schools, could help improve their students’ learning experiences. Sixty-one companies, and public figures across the country brought attention percent of Knightlife survey respondents concurred that parents to this significant event. However, one public charter school in should have a little control, while 24% said they should have a Utah did quite the opposite and sparked controversy after allowing good amount, and 15% believed parents should have no control. parents to withdraw their children from Black History Month No respondents thought that parents should have full control over curriculum. their childrens’ education. Kirkpatrick agreed with the majority of Maria Montessori Academy, an elementary and junior high Newport, saying that “there should be a balance between listening school in North Ogden, Utah, sent out an opt-out form to parents to the voices of parents and the voices of educated and committed who had requested the option for students to not partake in Black professionals.” She also added that “although most parents believe History Month. However, the school quickly changed its mind and that they have what’s best in mind for their children, districts need removed the option, describing the episode as “alarming.” While to draw the line if such feedback jeopardizes a school’s purpose the school is publicly funded, it is a charter school, so it has an of promoting growth, empathy, and an open view on our world independent board and can control its own curriculum. among students.” This debate seems to be far from ending, but Micah Hirokawa, the director of the academy, said that the hopefully, controversies such as Maria Montessori Academy’s families “that initially had questions and concerns have willingly curriculum policies will allow for more discussion and solutions to come to the table to resolve any differences” and that “at this time be discovered in the future. no families are opting out of our planned activities, and we have removed this option.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of North Ogden has a population of around 20,000, more than 94% of whom are white. Black people make up less than 0.9% of North Ogden’s population, and only three of Maria Montessori Academy’s 322 students are Black. Lauren Kirkpatrick (11), a leadership member of Newport’s Black Student Union, expressed her frustration on the situation, saying, “that district has not only failed its Black students but students of all identities. If a student can opt out of Black history, they’ve ultimately opted out of American history altogether.” When asked about his thoughts on the issue, Conner Anderson (10) said, “I personally wouldn’t [opt out of Black History Month], but I believe opting out of any education should be a right.” This brings to light the larger issue of a parent’s control over Source: Google Images. Maria Montessori Academy in North Ogden, Utah 4 News MARCH 9, 2021 The Future of Office Spaces

GAVIN FRITZ Editor

As COVID-19 shut down the world about one year ago, one of the first things to go was in person office work for companies that were able to move online. People began to work from their homes full time to eliminate any chance of spreading the virus at the workplace. Meetings over Zoom began and one year later they seem to be going just as they were one year ago. Many people still work full time from home and those that are going into their offices are doing with new safety measures including a much-reduced capacity for office buildings which still reduces the need for large office spaces. This has upended downtown areas, with demand for office space plummeting without Image courtesy of Google Images. An Uber driver starts their workday by opening the Uber app. the usual bustle and economic activity of those who work downtown. There is uncertainty surrounding the way forward, whether this workers. According to a survey conducted by work is done at home. While the return to a change will be permanent and remote work will Mercer, a human resources firm, 94 percent of a sense of normalcy from COVID-19 appears to be become dominant or people will eventually get survey of 800 employers reported that employee on the horizon, the future of downtown America tired of working from home and be itching to productivity was higher or the same as before. does not seem as clear. Companies will have to fully return to the office once it is safe to do so. However, there are certainly two sides to this determine whether or not to dump massive sums There is also the question of whether working issue, with many people reporting a lack of of money into office space for their employees or from home actually increases the productivity of boundaries between work and home when one’s if that money would be better spent elsewhere.

NING WEI Washington Weighs Ranked Choice Voting Editor

Proponents claim it boosts voter turnout and implement the new voting system. their preferred candidate first without strengthens democracy. Opponents say it is Linda Brewster, chair of the democratic feeling like their votes are wasted, third party expensive and confusing to voters. reform organization Fix Democracy First, supporters are thus free to elect their favorite Ranked-choice voting, one of the hot topic testified in favor of the bill, arguing that it would candidate without worrying that their vote will political issues of 2020, is making its way to increase voter engagement. spoil the election outcome. the Washington House of Representatives. In “Rather than being forced to choose what Though the bill was well-received, it also faced January, Representative Kirsten Talley-Harris sometimes feels like the lesser of two evils, I considerable criticism. Jay Jennings, Legislative put ranked-choice voting on the horizon with could give voice to my priorities. I could better Director for Washington’s Secretary of State’s House Bill 1156. represent my concerns using this method. And office, noted the potentially high cost required The ranked-choice voting electoral system voters feel[ing] more engaged is priceless... to implement RCV, stating that the bill would allows people to rank multiple candidates in It’ll increase voter turnout and decrease voter require up to $8.2 million for the Secretary of order of preference. Instead of just choosing cynicism,” said Brewster. State’s Office. who they want to win, voters fill out the ballot Supporters of ranked choice voting also say Opponents of RCV also argue that the system saying who is their first choice, second choice, that it will decrease negative campaigning. can make elections unnecessarily confusing, third choice and so on. Once voters’ first- Because candidates also compete for second which can in turn intimidate voters and choice votes are counted, the candidate with choice votes from their opponents’ supporters, disenfranchise them. Voters would have to be the lowest number of votes is eliminated. there is less of an incentive to run a negative completely familiar with the candidates on their Subsequently, votes for the eliminated candidate campaign. A 2020 study by the University of ballot to make an informed ranking. “I fear that are transferred to the next ranked candidate on Technology Sydney found that the introduction [RCV] can lead to inaccuracies if people are not those ballots. Votes are retallied, and the process of ranked choice voting improved the civility of completely sure of their choices,” Eric Chen continues until one candidate reaches a winning debates with candidates in some municipalities. (12) stated. threshold. Newport student Kevin Xu (12), a supporter "I think some folks are scared of change just If HB 1156 were to be passed, elections for of ranked-choice voting, additionally pointed out because they're scared of change," Rep. Talley- offices in counties, cities, towns, school districts, that the electoral system can allow for alternative Harris said. "But what we've always seen is that fire districts, and port districts would be eligible political parties to gain momentum. Because through change we have found ways to make our for ranked-choice voting. Localities would decide ranked-choice voting allows supporters of third systems better, more efficient, more accessible. for which, if any, local elections they would parties and minor candidates to sincerely rank That's what a healthy democracy does." MARCH 8, 2021 News 5 Drug Abuse During the Pandemic MAGGIE MALLEY Reporter emotions,” as opposed to a 10 percent average for the rest of Trigger warning: drug use and age groups. Despite this alarming mental health topics discussed. information, Anvie Gowshrinkar Times have been difficult for (12) felt that “within Newport’s many during the pandemic and have Image Courtesy of Google Images. A girl praying with her mother at population drug usage has a temple during Lunar New Year. been shown to disproportionately decreased” based on her personal impact the wellbeing of our teenage observations. She stated that “party and young adult populations. A culture has tamed around Newport survey conducted by the CDC because of the pandemic” and Lunar New Year During Covid had some disconcerting results social distance practicing, but that with 62.9 percent of those in the general media, “drug usage KATHERINE CHANG aged 18-24 experiencing an in teenagers is becoming super Reporter anxiety or depressive disorder normalized, especially with social Olivia Ding (10). On the other and 25.5 percent “seriously media and shows like Euphoria or Lunar New Year is celebrated hand, some shared that their considering suicide in past 30 Skins.” Cooper Thomas (11) had each year to observe the first new Lunar New Year was no different days.” Additionally, limitations a different perspective. He stated, moon on the lunisolar calendar. from previous years. “My on socialization inevitably leads “that since March of last year a This holiday is often not only extended family’s in China, and to boredom and potentially, lot more people [he knows] have enjoyed in Asian countries we normally call [them] every experimentation. Perhaps this started experimenting with or using but also in the many Asian other year, so, this year wasn’t explains why the survey also drugs regularly which” he feels immigrant households across much different,” noted Kevin concluded that 24.7 percent of is mostly used as a mean to the world. The holiday is very Xu (12). people aged 18-24 have “started handle the “depression that prominent at Newport as well, Along with the many families or increased substance use to cope a lot of [teenagers] faced in with 36% of Knightlife survey that were affected this Lunar with pandemic-related stress or quarantine.” Either way, it seems respondents saying that they New Year, businesses also that drug abuse in celebrate Lunar New Year. In the encountered many changes. teenagers is a growing past, communities celebrated the Seattle’s Chinatown is normally issue that has yet to holiday with large festivals, and bustling with activity around receive attention or be families would cross state--or Lunar New Year, but due addressed. even country--borders to spend to COVID-19, Chinatowns Drug abuse is also time together. However, this worldwide have become ghost particularly dangerous year, the celebrations were quite towns. According to the National during these times, different. Bureau of Economic Research, considering that the COVID-19 placed many Asian-owned business activity National Institute on restrictions on what activities fell 26% during the pandemic, Drug Abuse stated and festivities were able to take and the remaining businesses that “smoking, place. The streets that would are fighting an uphill battle vaping, using meth, or have been filled with fireworks to survive 2021. Chinatowns misusing opioids can and music were instead replaced have been hit harder than all have an impact on with emptiness as everyone other regions, “partly due to the lungs” which can socially distanced. Large dinner xenophobia related to the origins make you particularly tables were replaced with smaller of COVID-19, which led to an vulnerable and at a ones, and extended families avoidance of the area,” said “higher risk of serious reunited via FaceTime instead of economist Paul Ong from the complications from in-person. Sixty-seven percent University of California, Los COVID-19,” so check of survey respondents who Angeles. Although the current in on loved ones and replied that they celebrated situation looks bleak, businesses seek support when Lunar New Year also said that are still optimistic. “Chinatown struggling because, their festivities were affected by will bounce back post-COVID, no ultimately, drugs COVID-19. “Instead of gathering doubt about that at all,” assured will not be there for with friends and family and Tse-Mitchell, whose father you and will not be having potlucks or going to founded SeeWoo, an Asian food worth the emotional restaurants, I just stayed home retailer. Lunar New Year and the detriment and with my parents who made fresh start it offers have inspired physical dangers. Stay dumplings. We also traded this same optimism as people safe out there! food with one of our neighbors across the world hope for a better who celebrated, too,” explained new year. 6 Feature March 9, 2021 A Blast into the Past: Teachers in High School CAROLYN HAN For many Newport students, the worlds of high school teachers and students can seem far removed. However, it can be quite Editor interesting, and sometimes inspiring, to realize that just a few years ago, our teachers were students just like us. Ms. Lopus self-worth, and happiness up in other a student. “My favorite class was Socially, Mr. Dirks formed “a tight people,” she confirmed. Noting the nutrition/advanced nutrition because group of close friends, many of whom turbulence students face, Ms. Lopus we got to cook!” she exclaimed. In [he] still hangs out with regularly.” Located several miles from further emphasized the growth addition, Ms. Church initially wanted Outside of school, Mr. Dirks Newport, Mercer Island High students experience after high school to be an “elementary school teacher,” explored his love of the arts by School was where Ms. Lopus spent by leaving off with one anecdote. before nannying “for that age group watching “a lot of plays and operas her high school years. At Mercer “Around the end of first semester and definitely [changing her] mind.” through the Seattle Center TeenTix Island, an academic environment senior year, my friend group Looking back on high school, Ms. program,” which provides (according similar to Newport prevailed. “I was imploded. I made temporary second Church recognized, “I still like people to the TeenTix website) “affordable peer pressured into taking an AP semester friends and then moved and like to help others.” Her love of tickets [for teenages] to arts and exam when I wasn’t planning on it to college and restarted,” shared “volleyball, cooking, and spending cultural events in our community.” originally,” corroborated Ms. Lopus Ms. Lopus, concluding that “it’s ok time with family and friends” also A common milestone of many with a sarcastic smile. to move on from relationships and persists. Throughout the years, students’ high school careers is Despite the high-pressure restart – temporary failure leads to however, Ms. Church has also opened applying to college, an option Mr. environment, she found a space in long term growth.” up. “I’m not quiet by any means,” Dirks took as well. “I applied to about school. Being the choir president she affirmed, “I speak my mind a lot ten colleges,” he shared, including and member of the debate team, Ms. Ms. more,” and “like new “a few stretches and a lot of ‘safety Lopus shared, “I was [also] a pretty adventures/traveling.” schools.’” typical nerd.” Ms. Lopus elaborated Church Ultimately, Ms. When asked to impart any life by illustrating her love of reading, Church remembers the lessons to the Newport student body, saying, “I didn’t like eating in the high school moments Mr. Dirks continued in the vein of cafeteria with so many people, so my Like Ms. that have, or will, be in post-high school life. “It’s okay to not best friend and I would eat lunch in Lopus, Ms. the making for many know right now what you want to do the hallway and talk about the fantasy Church Newport students. or be in the future. It’s okay if you books we were reading or which Lord attended school Referencing a few don’t get into your top choice schools,” of the Rings character we thought was in Washington, memorable experiences, Mr. Dirks emphasized, “Relax a bit the most handsome.” at Jackson High Ms. Church shared, and enjoy your high school life.” As a government teacher, Ms. School. As a “[I] had a [volleyball] Lopus seemed to have found her high schooler, tournament in Las Ms. Gray passion in high school. “I took all Ms. Church Vegas,” “I got detention honors humanities” and “was a TA considered once (for a dumb for my favorite history class for two herself as a Image courtesy of Ms. Church. Pictured in reason),” and “Senior From “bonfires at the beach” to “a years,” she explained, adding that she quiet person. “If the middle, Ms. Church hangs out with year, my friends and I tag football/shaving cream war,” Ms. returned to that favorite class when I was known, I some friends in her senior year. went to every football Gray left her high school in California she “was training to be a teacher” to was known for game and got IHOP with many memorable experiences. shadow that history teacher. being smart/nice,” she shared. afterwards.” “I had crazy energy and was always Though Ms. Lopus has many fond In high school, Ms. Church on the go,” she shared. Matching this memories of her high school years, explored many activities, from sports Mr. Dirks was an open personality: Ms. Gray was she also recognized that she went to tutoring. She detailed, “I played ”friends with a lot of people in a lot of through a lot of growth after: “I didn’t volleyball for school and club, I different cliques.” understand healthy boundaries with skied, and was in honor society...I In high school, Mr. Dirks “worked Similar to Newport students, Ms. people in high school,” began Ms. also volunteered a lot, nannied after hard” and “took interesting classes.” Gray actively participated in a variety Lopus, “[I] spent a lot of time in school my senior year, and tutored Having explored a range of topics, he of extracurriculars, like “drill team, college and post-college learning that elementary kids.” Despite the packed particularly enjoyed “band, AP US drama, ASB, and National Honor I needed to be my own independent schedule, Ms. Church always made History, British Literature, Calculus, Society” and by competing in events person and not wrap my identity, time for homework and social time. Spanish, and Latin,” some of which like the “Science Olympiad and “Weeknights, I did homework and are classes Newport students can Academic Decathlon.” The Academic hung out with family if I wasn’t at try out, too. In contrast to Newport, Decathlon, according to its website, practice. however, Mr. Dirks went to is a competition that challenges Weekends a small school with a less students through speech, exam, and were for intense academic culture. “I interviewed-based events. friends or didn’t work nearly as hard Reflecting, Ms. Gray noted that tournaments,” as most Newport students after the thrilling ride of high school, she noted. seem to,” he emphasized, she has “learned to slow down and Now, as a “Y’all are under a lot of savor life a little more.” She also high school pressure!” highlighted that one can reflect and culinary On the extracurricular- develop in high school. “One mistake I teacher, side of things, Mr. Dirks was made early on was to try to conform to Ms. Church involved in many activities. different groups,” Ms. Gray revealed, finds herself In addition to being a speaking of a struggle students face having similar member of “Knowledge today. “By my senior year, I was more aspirations Bowl,” he “played piano and true to myself...if we can let our true Image courtesy of Ms. Lopus. Ms. Lopus to when she trombone in the jazz band self be known, we find happiness” Ms. and a friend in high school, dressed was still Image courtesy of Mr. Dirks. A yearbook and the concert band.” Gray concluded. up and looking fancy! picture from high school. Continued on page 7 March 9, 2021 Feature 7 A Blast into the Past: Teachers in High School CAROLYN HAN For many Newport students, the worlds of high school teachers and students can seem far removed. However, it can be quite Editor interesting, and sometimes inspiring, to realize that just a few years ago, our teachers were students just like us.

Continued from page 8 to me! I never had people come to my father...made a huge impression on into Western and majored in French,” house.” me,” as “I grew up without one.” Ms. Eastman said, underscoring a Ms. Eastman It is evident that studying French Though moving to Canada, Ms. particularly meaningful life event, has changed Ms. Eastman’s life for the Eastman’s teacher continued to play a as she is a first generation college better. Ms. Eastman’s French teacher significant role in Ms. Eastman’s life. graduate. Graduating near Tacoma, Ms. was a large reason why. “Before [my teacher] moved to Now, Ms. Eastman calls her French Eastman valued learning and “To this day, my French teacher Canada, she made sure I learned two teacher maman, the French word admired her teachers. Being “a strong remains the person who has made important things. First, that she was for mom, further highlighting the learner,” she “loved English classes” the biggest impact on my life and my my guardian angel, that she would significance of their relationship. and “thrived in French class.” With identity,” Ms. Eastman always be in my Given this, it is no surprise that her French teacher’s encouragement, gushed, “Within the life,” Ms. Eastman Ms. Eastman “wanted to be just like Ms. Eastman even “took the French first semester of my informed, “And [her] French teacher.” Overcoming AP exam,” which was “an exceptional freshman year, she second, that I was many obstacles, like “a life-altering experience” as there were no AP recognized my strengths going to go to college.” car accident,” Ms. Eastman pursued classes offered at her school. in learning a language As evidenced by her goal for many years before finally Ms. Eastmain laid low in the social as well as my personal Ms. Eastman, her achieving it. Of her job, she exclaimed, scene. “I had a very low self-esteem” challenges socially and teacher went to great “Here I am, doing the greatest work I and “was shy,” she said. “I went to in my home life.” lengths to encourage could ever dream of doing!” maybe three football games in those From there, an Ms. Eastman to attend When asked how she changed and/ four years and a couple of school inspiring and lifelong college. “She made me or stayed the same from high school, dances,” Ms. Eastman detailed, “But relationship would grow. apply to college and Ms. Eastman had a few thoughts. “I mostly, I went home and watched TV Ms. Eastman’s French for scholarships and still love French,” she noted with a and ate Twinkies alone.” teacher continued to grants. Then she drove smile, “But now I recognize potential However, Ms. Eastman’s passion look out for her. “She me to [the Western that I was blind to...I [now] know Image courtesy of Ms. Eastman. A for French led her to join her school’s paid me out of her Washington people can accomplish big things yearbook portrait from high school. International Club, which brought own pocket” to “be a University] despite big challenges.” students together to share, explore, teacher’s aid and [to] tutor” students, campus so I could stand in the space Continuing, Ms. Eastman parted and understand different cultures. It Ms. Eastman revealed, “[I was invited] and imagine myself as a student,” with a final piece of advice: “a student was at International Club where Ms. to her home once in a while for dinner Ms. Eastman shared, “And [once I whom others judge for whatever Eastman found “a few friends” by her with her family.” This act had an attended college,] she sent me $100 reason is someone who has yet to be senior year. “Occasionally, [I was] especially important impact on Ms. every month so I could have some known for his/her/their strengths...we invited over to their houses to hang Eastman, who elaborated, “Eating money.” are all better when we can appreciate out,” she noted, “That was a big deal dinner at a table in the presence of a “Thanks to Madame Woodard, I got the value of other perspectives.” Newport’s Thoughts on the COVID-19 Vaccine ELIZABETH HWANG Reporter Quarantine has many of us stuck make [her] really happy.” Huang and first heard about ARK through a friend account called knights.of.newport at home, and we can see it negatively Situ were inspired by what others have and wanted to be a part of a chill (https://www.instagram.com/ impacting our motivation for school done for them, and wanted to do the club held on Fridays. He has been in knights.of.newport/). This account and our mental health because we feel same for the community through ARK. the club for a couple of months and posts positive stories and shoutouts disconnected from our community. ARK only had a few in-person shared that “ark is a home outside of that students or staff submit through However, one thing that can bring meetings before COVID, but they home” and that “it’s a place I can go to a Microsoft form. Although after some positivity is Newport’s Acts of were able to do activities like passing if I had a super sad or bad day,” saying COVID, ARK plans to do fundraising Random Kindness (ARK) club, which around kindness lollipops during that it instantly and more environmentally- aims to bring people together and finals week and posting kindness makes him feel kind “arktivities” like create a more positive environment. sticky notes around the school. During better. He noted positivity posters, they ARK at Newport was started in quarantine, they have continued that ARK has had are currently focusing on January of 2020 by Meghan Huang spreading positivity through kindness a positive impact spreading the word about this (11), Ayla Karmali, Arthi Venkatesh, rocks and mindfulness meetings. on his health account and obtaining new and Athena Situ (11). The idea ARK takes time to paint rocks with and lifestyle, submissions. You can submit for the club came from noticing encouraging messages like “smile” and and he is excited your own story or shoutout that the smallest things can make a put them out to the streets in hope for when he here (https://tinyurl.com/ huge difference, as Situ stated that that it can brighten up someone’s can meet the KnightsofNewp). To join “freshmen year was a pretty rough day. Mindfulness meetings are also a members in ARK, which meets on Fridays year and my friends and the little good place to build a community as real life and not from 3:30 – 4:00 pm, you things they did for me, like giving members talk about their highs and behind a screen. can DM them on Instagram me hugs or asking if I was ok, always lows and connect with each other. Another way (https://www.instagram. cheered me up.” Huang added that she One activity that Tanish ARK is trying com/arknewport/) or email “just wanted to spread… kindness and Telukunta (10), a member of ARK, to reach out Image courtesy of Athena Situ (11). [email protected]. positivity because [she] noticed that especially liked was making stuffed is through an Kindness lollipops that ARK passed Stay positive, Newport (not the smallest things could genuinely toys for an animal shelter. Telukunta Instagram around last year during finals week. for COVID, of course)! 8 Feature March 9, 2021 Tune in for Newport’s Spotify Artists ELIZABETH HWANG Reporter Whether it is playing while you fin- Lee has been interested in music music every day.” long as he finds inspiration. He is also ish an assignment, do the dishes, or his whole life but began songwriting Cooper Brandli (11), who releas- excited for what the future holds as go for a walk, music is something that when he was 15. His music mainly es music under the name Space Coop, he branches out into genres like R&B, people love and find comfort in. Lis- features his ukulele. Lee would label is another outstanding Newport artist alternative indie, and rock. tening to music is calming for many it as indie, although he likes to “keep (https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ky- During quarantine, many students and is a great substitute for company it as natural and raw as possible to qDdeAoPh75vAbdLxImS?si=BSylEx- are wondering what to spend during quarantine. Some people even keep the intimacy of [his] music there BoRn6QWJkenpqmXw&nd=1). He time doing. Looking into some of find greater comfort in making music for [his] audience to experience.” Lee started writing songs six years ago Newport’s artists is certainly a great themselves, composing songs or writ- thinks the idea of being able to inspire and began releasing full songs under way to explore new music and support ing their own lyrics to express them- others with his music is inspiring his current name in December of our community. For releases coming selves. Newport has its own unique for himself and finds himself writing 2020 after only releasing rough drafts soon, Lee plans on doing a collab with artists that release music on Spotify, about his relationship with other or demos under a different artist a friend for a single called “Please which, according to BusinessofApps, people the most. Out of his several name. At the moment, his main genre Fall for Me” and Brandli has an EP of is the world’s biggest music streaming releases, his favorite is “Take Me to is Conan Gray and Clairo-inspired demos for this year, as well as an LP platform with 286 million monthly Prom on a Penny Board,” which he bedroom pop. Brandli stated that (Long Play) coming out in May that active users. With wrote after one of his he writes songs because “it’s thera- features more bedroom pop and DIY over 50 million best friends said that peutic and fulfilling for [him] to turn indie music. Check out these unique tracks available, it would be a cool song [his] deepest, darkest thoughts and artists and keep an eye out for their Spotify is a great title. It was released in emotions into writing.” Each song he future releases! place to discover March of 2020 as part released comes from a relationship, new music. of an EP (Extended memory, or overall combination One amazing Play) and is now his of feelings he experienced. Brandli artist from New- most streamed song stated that his favorite release is one port is Aaron Lee on Spotify. As for his coming soon in March called “Lost in (12), who started future plans in music, Traffic Thoughts.”He wrote this while releasing music his Lee stated, “It would stuck in traffic at the Canadian bor- sophomore year of be a dream to make der, and it is about longing for some- high school (https:// Images courtesy of Spotify. Above: this into something one and how the anxiety of distance the cover for the EP released open.spotify.com/ bigger, but even if I can manifest into a more existential March 2020 by Aaron Lee. Right: artist/5lPKqOVFi- the cover for Cooper Brandli’s first keep it as a hobby, anxiety. Similar to Lee, Brandli plans jsXFvh7U1szoR). single, “flood,” released in 2020. I’ll still enjoy making to continue releasing music for as

ERICThe HAN Bloodworks Project: A Student Initiative Reporter While most of us have avoided blood to hospitals in Washington, By reaching out to clubs, Yang is currently organizing a virtual blood contracting COVID-19, none of Oregon, and Idaho, restrictions on wishes to reach the youth, who are drive with Seattle ARK. This blood us have escaped the isolation and social gatherings mean that their potentially life-long blood donors. drive will be held from March 22nd disruption brought by this devastating operations have been restricted. The The issue of blood shortages is to April 5th. All donors should follow pandemic. Schools and office days of high school blood drives and often overlooked by civic-minded these steps: buildings, once used almost daily, mobile blood drives are long gone, individuals in favor of more “popular” 1. Schedule an appointment lay empty. For most, restrictions on and, as a result, a large demographic issues. To Yang, the lack of discussion between March 22nd to April 5th at social gatherings mean no school, of potential blood donors are and urgency surrounding the issue of bloodworksnw.org/donate sports, or restaurants. But for some, unreachable. blood donation is a major motivating 2. Mention the organization they can mean the difference between So what has the Bloodworks factor in why he founded the “Greater Seattle ARK” to the registrar living another day and dying. Project, established at the beginning Bloodworks Project. Another reason when you arrive at the donation Thankfully, Newport students love of the COVID-19 pandemic, done why Yang is working with Bloodworks center. starting projects. The Bloodworks to educate people? How do they NW is because having a diverse blood 3. Donate blood! Project, a student-led initiative recruit blood donors? “We [have supply is incredibly important to founded by Richard Yang (12) reached] out to local organizations hospitals. If an Asian person, like and Bloodworks NW, aims to raise and partner[ed] with them, we’ve Yang, needed a blood transfusion, awareness within the community held webinars regarding blood the best option would be to transfuse about blood donation and to convince donation, and we have held our own blood from an Asian donor. However, people to donate blood. “We focus blood drive,” revealed Yang. “In the majority of blood donors in the on the Asian community, but we are total, we’ve reached out to several United States are Caucasian. Blood open for everyone to donate, as each thousand people.” Currently, Yang’s transfused from donors of other pint of donated blood can save three team is reaching out to high school ethnicities has a higher chance of lives,” said Yang. Though Yang’s clubs in order to educate youth. Yang being rejected by the recipient, and project cannot solve the persisting explained that most people who are for this reason, Yang has decided to blood shortage, it has certainly helped eligible to donate do not. Most people target the Asian community, as Asians to mitigate it. can donate blood, and if more people statistically donate the least blood. Image courtesy of Richard Yang (12). Trigger For organizations like Bloodworks were educated about blood donation, For any potential blood donors warning: blood. A picture of Yang’s NW, a local blood bank that supplies perhaps there would be more donors. reading this, the Bloodworks Project recent visit to donate blood. March 9, 2021 Feature 9 From Newport’s Perspective: All-State Music ERIC HAN Reporter A fond memory from days past: between teachers and fellow enrolled in a credited school music an instrument has also helped me trumpets blaring, the ra-ta-ta musicians,” explained Sabrina class. Usually, applicants apply develop discipline—practicing can be of marching snares, and the low Radabaugh (9), who was accepted through their teachers. However, frustrating and grueling at times, but rumbling from the low brass. Once into All-State orchestra last year and this year, “WMEA (Washington keeping the end goal in mind makes it a proud Newport tradition, this once again this year. Radabaugh plays Music Educators Association) worth it.” The program certainly helps year’s virtual assemblies have fallen the viola. She believes the audition allowed musicians to record at home to supplement the online school music flat without the electric atmosphere process for All-State Orchestra/Band on a secure website,” according to experience, with Yu explaining that “ created by Newport’s band. The is incredibly selective, saying, “many Radabaugh. Youth symphonies seem it’s impossible to replicate the feeling same feeling is felt with Newport’s students all around Washington State to be an important extracurricular of playing in person with others.” orchestra. This year marks the first audition into this orchestra, and few for any All-State hopefuls, with both For any All-State hopefuls reading, February in a while without Knights in are accepted.” But this does not mean Radabaugh and Jeffrey Kwan (10), the steps to admission are simple. Vienna. the application process is inherently a french horn player who also was Step one would be to enroll in a Newport’s performing arts are a “fair.” Maggie Yu (12), who plays accepted into 2021’s All State Band/ band, orchestra, or choir class. Step cornerstone of the school’s culture. violin, believes that since the audition Orchestra, stating that they have two would be to practice vigorously. But this would not be the case if process is entirely online, factors like had experience in WMEA All-State audition it were not for the talent and hard “body language, posture, and overall BYSO. Yu, who is material consists of scales, work of the musicians in these expressivity are greatly diminished,” also Co-president contrasting excerpts, and a programs. Fortunately, opportunities and as a result, talented, deserving, of Newport’s short piece of your choice. for recognition are plentiful. Just and often overqualified musicians are Orchestra Having a private tutor may recently, Knightlife was made aware of excluded from All-State every year. Council, is a part help. Radabaugh, Kwan, and the select few Newport musicians who Yu was also accepted into All-State of the Seattle Youth Yu believe tutors are a great were accepted into this year’s All-State Orchestra. This year, seven musicians Symphony’s Flagship way to expedite progress in Band and Orchestra. from Newport were selected to be a orchestra. mastering your instrument. The All-State is Washington’s most part of 2021’s All-State Orchestra and Being in final step would be to complete well-known band and orchestra Band. All-State has the audition and submit online. organization. Like clockwork, every Though All-State is an incredibly many benefits, Good luck to all! middle to high school musician well-known organization, it differs according to Image courtesy of Sabrina Radabaugh will hear about All-State from their from more local names such as the those accepted (9). A picture of Radabaugh, a directors. Being a part of All-State Bellevue Youth Symphony (BYSO) in into the program. violist accepted into All-State. allows for musicians to “[bond] that prospective attendees must be Yu said, “playing

Mike & Ike’s “The Column” We answer questions from you, the reader. Please continue to fund us by asking more. What is your favorite Mr. Glow Life is a dance. Don’t stop had 8 extra hours every day? quote from this year? dancing. actually I can tell you right now I “The broccoli just cleans your as long as lauv is playing i will not DONT sleep 8 hours a day and as colon!” stop dancing. hi dr leff a result I am a very humble 6’4” 3 sport varsity athlete (with abs) When you pour milk into cereal, and I now have a 4 gpa not to brag does it become a soup, broth, or of course sauce? Why? i eat cereal with water RISKY RISKY WIGGY WIGI THIS IS AN EMERGENCY

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Are pears worse than apples? I have always wondered how productive we could be if we Not a-PEAR-antly so ahahahaha- didn’t have to sleep. What would hahaha we be able to accomplish if we 10 Sports March 9, 2021 Keeping Up with the Football Team and COVID Spectating Guidelines JAIME CHEN defensive back and running back Editor Garrett Young (12). “I think the team’s main goal this season is to Friday night football games may make it feel some sort of normal not be as rowdy as in past years, but again and win some games.” as the football season commences, Recent Sacramento State commit the team’s players will likely and offensive and defensive lineman have enough excitement among Jackson Slater (12) shared a themselves to make up for these new similar attitude to Young, saying, COVID restrictions. “I’m looking forward to playing other teams and doing something that is The Schedule normal.” Angelo Santos (12), varsity The Newport football players’ linebacker and running back, spoke season began on February 24th, a on his personal excitement to finally week earlier than all other traditional play; Santos said, “It feels great fall sports. KingCo athletics has split knowing that I get to put it all on the its division into subdivisions in order field.” to reduce the amount of cross-school Despite the return to normalcy, competitions. The Bellevue School Slater also added that he anticipates District schools, along with Mercer that the team will be challenged when Island, compose of “getting back into a good the typical division rhythm, as everyone has for all sports but “We go on been out of football for Image by Shine Crazy. Coach Oliver looking on as his offensive line practices. football; Newport’s despite the so long.” But he keeps his football team falls chin high, and he shared have one last fun season with my long time and has played through into a division with adversity.” his goal to “go undefeated friends that I’ve grown up playing the ups and downs of previous Hazen, Liberty, and in [their] three games.” football with; for most of us, it’s our seasons, giving us great chemistry Mercer Island. That is not to say that last season, and we don’t have much and relationships.” The similarity in On Newport’s new athletics the team is out of shape. “A lot of of it, so might as well make it count,” these three seniors’ responses serve website, newportknights.org, the people and myself have been doing said Young. Adding on to that, he to exemplify just how in-tune each of varsity football schedule reports that home workouts since the these teammates are with each other. the Knights will be playing their first gyms were closed most of “The importance of brotherhood game of the season on March 12th the time,” Young mentioned. “The importance of and family on the team, that’s against Mercer Island. Their games As varsity athletes, many brotherhood and family something our coaches are always for the rest of this month-long season of these players are restless talking about. They engrave it in your have also been scheduled: March without the action and on the team... it really brain, and it really sticks with you. 19th against Hazen, March 26th routine of daily practices. sticks with you. Let’s you Let’s you know that you have a family against Liberty, and April 2nd against Many of them have created no matter what,” Young added. Mercer Island again. their own challenges, often know that you have a The team is largely made up of training on their own. seniors, but that does not inhibit the Slater, as an example, filled family no matter what.” overall team from bonding. While The Team his schedule with lifting and typical team bonding events like the field drills to stay in shape and on his weekly Thursday pasta feeds have When we take a look at the believes that “the group of seniors” feet. been difficult to host amidst the players, many of them have been this year is what makes this team so As three of the seniors on the pandemic, junior Colin Chang (11) itching to jump back into the game. special to him. He said, “A lot of us team, Young, Slater, and Santos look explained, “When we do conditioning “The last time we played football have been playing with each other to cherish their last season with their or are struggling together, it is was, like, fifteen months ago,” said since we were kids.” other senior teammates. “[I want] to Santos even referred empowering when the team comes to his teammates as together and supports one another.” Date Event Location his “brothers” when he Like Santos, he also calls his expressed that he looks teammates his “brothers.” forward to “[having] a “I think every single player and March 12th vs. Mercer Island High School Home great senior season and coach who goes the extra mile to [having] a blast with all show up to practice and give effort March 19th vs. Hazen High School Home [his] brothers.” is what makes this team special,” Slater also discussed Chang added. “We go on despite the the special group of adversity.” March 26th vs. Liberty High School Away seniors on the team, saying, “This group has [continued on page 11] April 2nd vs. Mercer Island High School Away played together for a