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How's it Going So Far, 2025?

Irene Son

The countdowns ended, the calendars flipped and the confetti has now been swept away. Now that we’re officially one month into 2025, it’s time to reflect: How’s it going so far? 

Following a year as dramatic as 2024—chanted by many as “2024theplot” —2025 is already beginning to take on a distinct personality. The year is rapidly establishing itself, from the newest social media trends to popular New Year’s resolutions and even a new presidential term. 

Though 2025 is presenting a new angle on the custom, New Year’s resolutions remain a staple of January’s energy. The trend of the season has become defined as micro-habits rather than big, drastic life changes. Smaller, more manageable goals are becoming more popular, such as journaling for five minutes daily and doom-scrolling less on social media. 

But not every early 2025 incident has been lighthearted. For instance, the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles serve as a sobering reminder of climate change. The catastrophe spurred new discussions about climate resilience, as communities came together to support those impacted, and emergency personnel put in endless hours of work. Social media emerged as a crucial tool in increasing charitable contributions and raising awareness of the short and long-term effects of climate change. These wildfires serve as a reminder that resolutions may and should go beyond individual objectives to include global responsibilities, highlighting the need for coordinating mindfulness and sustainability practices with practical change.

The shift in executive power from Joe Biden to now-President Donald Trump has also been a pivotal plot point. With just a few hours in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders—such as dismantling federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement—that may greatly affect the future of the U.S. 

Of course, each year has its own cultural quirks, too. The once-glorified hustle culture is dwindling even more as the silent quitting mindset turns into a categorical rejection of burnout. As sustainability continues to gain popularity, fast fashion is becoming less popular. Echoing the concepts of the "de-influencing" movement, authenticity is beginning to replace highly polished and produced information.

Though it is still very early into 2025, it already seems like a year full of both possibilities and change. You can feel the energy—movement without perfection, trends that encourage simplicity and a shared emphasis on living intentionally—whether you're keeping your resolutions or taking things day by day. How is it going thus far? That is for you to figure out. There is plenty of time to make this year one to remember and be personally proud of because it is a blank canvas.

OCSA Parallels on Television

Angie Kidder

OCSA doesn’t quite fit in with the stereotype of other typical high schools across the country. While we operate like a normal school and take the same classes as other high school students from 8:30 to 1:35 each day, the atmosphere completely changes once Office Hours come to an end. Math classrooms turn into Musical Theater rehearsal spaces, English classrooms turn into studios for visual artists and the DMS becomes a hub for dancers across multiple conservatories. The only thing missing in our unique atmosphere is a lack of media that accurately represents us! But, there are a few TV shows over the years that have shown parallels to OCSA, and might help us glamorize the experience a little more (and show our non-OCSA friends what our school is really like)!

1. Glee (2009)

Glee is a staple of television from the early 2010s, following a group of students from different backgrounds all joining together for their love of performing. And yes, the school that Glee takes place in is considered to be a traditional American high school. But by the end of the series, the school is transformed into a performing arts school, similar to OCSA. The TV series also features an alumni from OCSA, lMatthew Morrison (MT ‘97 who plays their teacher). There are some speculations that Glee was also inspired by OCSA at its origin at Los Alamitos high school due to parallels in the plot, but there is no clear evidence that confirms this rumor. Nonetheless, students all across our student body have watched this television show, possibly without realizing the parallels it has to the OCSA experience.

2. Victorious (2010)

Probably the most similar to OCSA out of any of the TV series on the list, Victorious takes place at Hollywood Arts, which (unlike Glee) specializes in all different forms of art. In fact, the fictional school even specializes in arts that OCSA doesn’t offer, like ventriloquism! Although we don’t have nearly as much fun with our locker decorations, Hollywood Arts has a similar class structure to OCSA, with the chance to learn about different forms of art that we otherwise might have never been exposed to.

3. Fame (1982)

The original art school television series! Fame follows the lives of students at the elite New York Academy for the Performing Arts, and unlike other art school shows, also follows the lives of faculty. Although it was a very popular series, especially in the UK, it was cancelled after only two seasons due to poor reviews. But if you ever want motivation for art school activities, I definitely recommend this title. 

Update on the War in Ukraine

Samuel Parigela

As we approach the three-year mark of the war in Ukraine, it’s important to stay informed on the conflict. Despite not making the front page of the news recently, the conflict continues to profoundly impact the lives of millions of civilians in Eastern Europe.

Around the middle of 2023, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in response to Russia’s initial invasion in February 2022. Although a number of Ukrainian villages were recaptured, the counteroffensive was generally regarded as unsuccessful, resulting in a stalemate. The frontline remained mostly unchanged by the end of 2023. However, 2024 brought change to the war, with Russia launching renewed offensive action in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, leading to Russian territorial gains and advancement. Additionally, Ukraine launched their own offensive a few months later, which achieved some success as well. 

In the latter part of 2024, Russian forces intensified their advancement through the eastern portion of Ukraine, capturing cities, despite suffering heavy losses of their own. While Russia may have made gains that put them in a favorable spot in 2024, the situation was still a deadlock by New Year’s, with no significant progress made by either side. 2025 has seen similar developments—momentum seems to be behind Russia, whose troops have continued marching through Ukraine, conducting drone and air-strikes. But Ukrainian troops have also been capturing Russian villages and striking military installments. 

While there is no clear winner of the war so far, there has been an interesting development in the past few months. It was discovered that North Korea has been sending troops to fight on Russia’s behalf in Ukraine, something that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke about in October. However, in early January, it was reported that over 300 North Koreans had been killed in the war, with another 2,700 injured. The effects of another country participating on the ground in this conflict—something that could potentially spark other countries to send troops on Ukraine’s behalf—are yet to be seen. 

The war has previously been characterized as a war of attrition, and that notion has held true over the past few months, with artillery barrages, drone strikes and trench warfare being extensively used on the battlefield. If the war were to continue like this without any successful negotiation, the outcome would likely depend on sheer manpower and resources. Whichever country starts running out of said resources first would be at an extreme disadvantage-–which is why Ukraine and Russia are seeking aid from their respective allies, in the form of money, equipment and troops. In this scenario, both nations would suffer great losses, and would be faced with the prospect of substantial destruction and casualties for both nations. But hopefully, it doesn’t continue down that path. 

Salary Negotiations Between Teachers and Administrators

Sophie Sukendro

At the heart of every school are teachers who work tirelessly to shape future generations. Yet, fair teacher compensation remains a national concern. In the US, teachers earn 23 percent less than comparable professionals, heightening challenges in recruitment and retention. Low salaries exacerbate heavy workloads that extend beyond contracted hours without additional compensation—making burnout common.

This issue has now reached us here at OCSA. Ranked the number one public charter school in California, OCSA exceeds Orange County schools in most regards—except teacher salaries. Public records show that OCSA teachers earn, on average, 6.25 percent less than their counterparts at the school districts of Irvine, Huntington Beach, Tustin and Anaheim—with disparities reaching 13 percent in some cases. Teachers at CSArts-San Gabriel Valley, OCSA’s sister school, earn approximately 4.5 percent more than OCSA teachers.

Nevertheless, Chief Operations Officer (COO) Greg Endelman asserted OCSA strives to keep teacher salaries competitive. He highlights that OCSA “doesn’t set limits for years of experience,” unlike most districts that cap experience at seven years and favor “affordability over experience.” OCSA’s goal is to align teacher salaries with county averages, but numbers illustrate OCSA is falling behind. Responding to teachers’ requests for raises, Endelman cited limited resources as a key obstacle: “OCSA relies heavily on state funding and community support, which can limit flexibility despite the desire to do so.” 

In contrast, OCSA outperforms its counterparts in terms of administrator salaries. Compared to nearby districts, OCSA’s assistant principals and principals earn the most; the salaries of OCSA’s sixth-year assistant principals are greater than the starting salaries of principals elsewhere. Likewise, OCSA’s CEO and COO salaries resemble those of superintendents governing over dozens of schools. Endelman said that OCSA “deeply value[s] all employees [...] and [they] continuously explore ways to support them,” but Ryan Madden, OCSA teacher union (OCSATA) president and math teacher, urged Executive Management to back their words with action through fair compensation.

“Each year, OCSA and the OCSATA engage in collective bargaining to establish mutually agreed upon salaries, benefits and working conditions,” stated Endelman. Yet, after over 220 days without a contract agreed upon by both sides, Madden described the ongoing process as riddled with “countless meetings and broken promises.” He adds that Executive Management’s unwillingness to bargain demonstrates a “lack of respect for the collective bargaining process” and that “[teachers] are not a priority.” After a year and half delay, a salary offer came after OCSATA informed Executive Management of their decision to collectively exercise their right to a duty-free lunch, leading to the temporary suspension of many student clubs. Because of this delay, “teachers are feeling undervalued and staff morale is low,” shared English teacher Katie Rush. 

Madden warned that despite “teachers want[ing] nothing more than to continue working at this amazing school, the status quo is not sustainable; if OCSA’s management and Board of Trustees don’t start prioritizing teacher salaries in their budgets, student learning will suffer because we will start to lose the wonderful teachers that make OCSA the incredible school it is today.” 

According to Endelman, OCSA is “partnering with Edgility, an independent compensation consulting firm, to conduct a compensation analysis to help ensure fair compensation practices for all of our employees, including the academic teachers.” The results will be publicly reported at a future school board meeting. 

“We are advocating for a very modest salary increase [...] it’s not about asking for more than what is fair—it’s about keeping up with economic realities,” said Rush. When education is deprioritized, it shows that the profession responsible for cultivating the world’s changemakers is undervalued. Teachers are the backbone of educational institutions and by extension, society. OCSATA remains committed to working with Executive Management through collective bargaining to secure a fair contract that honors teachers' dedication and ensures they can continue providing high-quality education for students.

Immigration & Border Patrol Raids

Adriana Perez

“I’ll use the word animal because that’s what they are.”

This is a statement from newly inaugurated President Donald Trump about undocumented immigrants at a Trump rally in Michigan while campaigning for reelection this term. Trump’s views on illegal immigration are central to his political agenda, with his promise of building a wall in between the U.S. and Mexico as one of the most notable points of his 2016 campaign. However, Trump’s formerly pending, now confirmed, return to office seems to have called immigration officers to action. 

Prior to Trump’s inauguration, there were substantial reports, both through news and social media, of Border Patrol Agents in Central California in January in an operation titled “Operation Return to Sender.” While the Border Patrol claimed that this operation went after people suspected of “drug trafficking, burglary, and child abuse” community members in those areas did not feel that that was the case, and instead felt there was a sense of racial profiling when it came to the arrests made. Border Patrol also stated that over the four days that they detained 78 individuals, yet in LA Times columnist Micheal Hiltzik’s article about these raids “the UFW and other sources estimate that some 200 people were detained in just the first two days, and 1,000 in all may have been detained and released.”

California’s population is 40 percent Latino, and has been one of the 11 sanctuary states in the U.S. since 2017 when State Bill 54 was passed. The bill prohibited state and local police, in the absence of federal agents, from being able to question someone’s immigration status or hold undocumented immigrants until they could be transferred into federal custody. It also forbade federal agents from working with local authorities as immigration officers. However, the domains of federal agents extend beyond state law, which is why these local operations are able to be followed through. 

The debate over immigration reinforcement has elicited strong reactions, particularly amid rising concerns about xenophobia. It is important to remember that undocumented immigrants aren’t aliens or animals but people trying to build a better life for themselves. And while security of the nation is rightfully a definite priority, it has recently come at the cost of many individuals’ lives and families, which is arguably way too far. 

The History of Valentine's Day

Asmi Aggarwal & Sara Bradecich

Is Valentine’s Day a celebration of capitalism… or love? Cynical boyfriends around the world complain that Valentine’s Day is just a ploy constructed by Hallmark to sell overpriced chocolates and tacky greeting cards. But… might it be deeper than that? Let’s explore the actual origins of this holiday!

Valentine’s Day is ultimately celebrated each year in remembrance of Saint Valentine, a revered figure in both Western Christianity and Eastern Orthodoxy. On Feb. 14, 270 AD, the date of our modern holiday, the Roman Prefect sentenced him to death by means of clubbing and decapitation. The exact reason as to why the Christian martyr was executed still remains murky, but the most common theory remains the idea that Valentine openly defied a decree issued by Emperor Claudius II.

Believing that family life was a distraction, Claudius II banned the marriage of young soldiers to boost productivity and increase the number of available soldiers for his campaign. However, Saint Valentine, maintaining his faith in the sanctity of love, secretly continued to marry couples in honor of his Christian roots—even though it would lead to his eventual death.

The public had extremely varied reactions to the passing of Valentine; Roman officials believed that his execution was crucial to keep society in order, Christians viewed his martyrdom as inspirational, and citizens—especially couples—later romanticized his sacrifice as a symbol of love and compassion amidst oppression.

Widespread conviction finally led Pope Gelasius I to replace Lupercalia, the original February holiday in Rome entailing more violent celebrations of fertility, courtship, purity and prosperity, with Valentine’s Day in the 5th century.

Today, the holiday has lost a lot of its sacrificial connotations while lovers joyously celebrate with gifts and acts of affection. We’ll never really know if Cupid is the one who’s actually behind this complex scheme, but we hope you’ve learned a little more about the celebration’s history. Happy Valentine’s Day!

A Guide to Being Single on Valentine's Day

Isabella Chiodo & Olivia Lee

Valentine’s Day often feels like a celebration reserved for couples, with stores overflowing with heart-shaped chocolates and restaurants packed with candlelit tables for two. But what if you’re single? We've created a guide to help turn this holiday into an opportunity to embrace self-love, friendship and fun. 

Daytime itinerary: 

Treat yourself

Who says you need a partner to enjoy life’s luxuries? Take yourself out for a spa day, splurge on a fancy dinner or buy that item you’ve been eyeing for weeks, make the day special by indulging in what makes you happy.

Enjoy the Freedom

Being single means you don’t have to stress over finding the perfect gift or planning a flawless evening. Revel in the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Watch your favorite movie, order takeout and embrace solitude without pressure.

Remember, Love is Everywhere

Valentine’s Day isn’t reserved for romance between two partners; it’s a day to appreciate all forms of love. Whether it’s the joy of helping a friend, the comfort of a pet’s affection or the satisfaction of completing a personal goal, love exists in countless ways.

Nighttime Itinerary:

Set the Stage

Start by creating a clean, inviting space. Tidy up your room, organize your desk and put away clutter. A fresh environment sets the tone for a fresh mind.

Refresh Yourself

Take the ultimate “everything” shower. Use a fun body wash, a face mask, and try that lotion you’ve been saving since Christmas. This is your time to recharge.

Set the Mood

Create a romantic atmosphere just for you. Light a candle, grab a fluffy blanket and get cozy. Put on your favorite movie, podcast or playlist, and savor a delicious meal.

End on a High Note

Wind down in your cozy, clean room with a book or soothing meditation. Let positivity guide you into a restful night.

Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a drag. It’s a chance to redefine the holiday, celebrate your independence and prioritize yourself. So, this February 14th, ditch the pity party and make it a day worth remembering—you deserve it.

Girl Scout Cookie Ranking

Ava Park

Depending on your location, the highly-anticipated Girl Scout cookie-selling season runs roughly from January to April, so it’s essential to plan ahead. 

With a decade of experience as a Girl Scout, I bring a unique perspective to the list of must-try boxes. So here is a Girl Scout's Review of Every Girl Scout Cookie (for the 2025 season). 

Lemonades: 8/10

• I liked these tart, lemony shortbreads a lot more than I thought I would. They’re not too sweet, and the lemon flavor is nicer than other lemon-flavored foods I’ve had. 

Adventurefuls: 4/10

• These cookies, inspired by brownies, have a crunchier texture than expected. Personally, I found them overly sweet, which was quite disappointing. 

 Peanut Butter Patties: 10/10

• Where do I begin? These are hands down the best Girl Scout cookies. The soft chocolate and peanut butter complement the hard cookie and make for a wonderful cookie experience. It's like a Reese's Cup’s more fun and accomplished cousin. I feel sorry for anyone with a peanut allergy.

Peanut Butter Sandwich: 5/10

• They are solid. Sometimes I crave them. 

Trefoils: 8/10

• It took me a while to try these cookies because I wasn't exactly jumping off the walls to try shortbread, but I regret that. Trefoils get an 8/10 for their soft texture and versatility. You can eat these for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and they won't feel out of place. 

Thin Mints: 3/10

• This might be a controversial opinion, but I don't like Thin Mints. Maybe I'm not a fan of mint chocolate, but I don't think that's the case since I like Andes Mints. Something about the crunchy mint chocolate of a Thin Mint grosses me out. 

Toast-Yay!: 6/10

• I didn't know what I expected these to taste like, but it certainly wasn’t that. A lot of people compare Toast-Yays to Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but in my opinion, Cinnamon Toast Crunch is better. The cookie is kind of gingerbready and has a layer of icing that isn't too sickening. 

Caramel deLites: 10/10

• These cookies live up to their name 100 percent. They are deLite-ful. Each cookie has the perfect texture, the chocolate is chewy and soft, and I'm not even a coconut fan, but the coconut flakes in these cookies are so incredible. I love you, Caramel deLites.

 Ranking Superbowl Halftime Shows

Zach Willis

The Super Bowl averages over 100 million viewers annually from nearly 130 countries worldwide. Such numbers wouldn’t be possible without the 1967 implementation of the now-fabled halftime show. Choosing the best five from performances ranging from The Rolling Stones to Lady Gaga should be theoretically impossible, but I'm doing it anyway. Enjoy this objective ranking.

5. Diana Ross (1996): A remarkably underrated performance with maybe the most dancers I have ever seen in one place. Despite rarely being talked about, this show is electrically Diana. Her major hits are performed flawlessly, setting a new standard for what the world should expect from a halftime show.

4. Madonna (2012): A golden performance. Although far past her prime, Madonna gives a show I still find hard to believe is from 2012. Specifically for this show, the production design was outstanding, creating the definitive spectacle necessary for the Super Bowl. Vogue.

3. Beyonce (2013): The very next year, Beyonce upped the bar even further. Even while silhouetted, her stage presence was enough to let the audience know who was there. The live instrumental renditions of some of the most classic R&B songs of our time made this production such a thrill. This performance truly had everything; from a flaming guitar solo to incredible choreography, it was unmistakably Beyonce.

2. Michael Jackson (1993): For 72 seconds, Michael Jackson stood completely still on the Super Bowl stage to an overwhelming stadium of applause. An unforgettable and intoxicating performance followed, arguably with the most replay value of any halftime show. This year redefined the halftime show, largely due to Michael’s undeniable stage presence. 

1. Prince (2007): The energy. The silhouette. The rain. Prince was always going to be number one. For any other artist, a downpour of rain would be detrimental for such a gig, but not for Prince. The magic of “Purple Rain” being performed in an actual storm seems almost too perfect to be real. It's truly as legendary for music as it was for the NFL. 

Due to the objectivity of my reviews, this list cannot be argued with. However, with Kendrick Lamar’s performance on the horizon in 2025, who knows how this list will change with time!

 Maria Callas and Biopics

Celine Curtis

The Academy Awards love a dramatic biopic. Over the 96 years of the Oscars, biopic films have been nominated for the Best Picture category 125 times and for the Best Actor and Best Actress categories over 356 times. 

The genre is a never-ending rabbit hole of films, from “The Social Network” to “Bohemian Rhapsody” and more recently, to Pablo Larraín’s “Maria.” Larraín is a connoisseur of the genre, with “Maria” being his final installment in three films that explore the lives of important 20th century women. Larraín’s story is as tragic as it is cinematic, displaying the personal struggles of Greek-American opera-singer Maria Callas for the world to witness. 

In an interview, Larraín stated, “Icons have always been involved in shaping their own legends, but often it ends up going somewhere else where they can’t control it. … There’s a gap, and that gap is the uncontrollable moment, and that’s what you want to look at.” But who gets to tell these people’s stories, and should we even look?

Nevertheless, “Maria,” like many biopics, is an incredible showcase of acting. Angelina Jolie mimics the mannerisms and vocal quality of the real Maria Callas very well, and while I respect her taking 6 months of vocal lessons to be able to sing like La Callas, I find the difference of her voice quite noticeable when her voice is more prominently featured. Nobody will ever sound like Maria Callas—that is what made her voice such a gift. I only wish that the movie showed more of the brilliance of Maria’s career: how she was a master of character through song and attached intention to every note she sang. As a classical singer myself, I would have rather examined the strengths of her career in more depth throughout the film, rather than through a lens of tragedy and downfall. Especially to those outside of the opera world, Maria Callas may not be the most recognizable name.

What I hope most about the film is that the people who see it become curious about the great La Callas’ life and discover a love for her incredible artistry for themselves. As the great diva once said, “The beauty of opera lies not only in the music but in the ability of the performer to breathe life into the character they portray. It is through this transformation that we, as audience members, are transported to another world.”

 Go Watch “The Whale”

Dax Philips

“The Whale” is a cinematic masterpiece.

Throughout the film, the central character’s physical, financial and emotional struggles are intertwined to create a compelling narrative which displays a window into the lives of people whose stories are seldom told. 

The film centers on Charlie (portrayed by Brendan Fraser), a morbidly obese college professor with a part-time caretaker, who is struck by a weight-induced near-death experience. His health and relationship with his estranged daughter become increasingly more difficult to handle as the movie progresses, forcing him and his caretaker to unpack the death of a shared loved one. 

The first evidence that someone seriously cooked here is director Darren Aronofsky’s decision to force the audience into the same room as Charlie for the duration of the movie. From the moment we meet Charlie, we never see the outside world again; we are forced into his life and surroundings. We feel exactly how he does, unable to experience anything but an insufferable environment. We are just as trapped in his depression as he is.

The film tackles topics like homophobia, religious trauma, family trauma and teen drug use, which are notoriously hard topics to capture, especially when only using five actors throughout the film (one of which is Sadie Sink, so there’s another reason to watch). Despite this, the movie is able to seamlessly capture so many different types of struggle; and of course, this makes it a difficult watch as some of its sensitive topics can hit you hard.

Because of these details, it is extremely difficult to pin down an all-encompassing message, but the film definitely focuses on empowering viewers to realize that they may have a life where they are able to appreciate their loved ones before it’s too late.

 In Defense of TLOP Cover

Maddie Tran

Recently, the Rolling Stones Magazine classified Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo” album cover as the seventh worst cover of all time.

If you are unfamiliar with the album cover, imagine a Google Slides presentation that you forgot to complete and had to frantically compile together in the hallway during passing period. Across a bright orange background is an assortment of “THE LIFE OF PABLO” bolded phrases, photos of Kanye’s family and a woman’s posterior and a collection of text reading “WHICH/ONE.” 

What works about “The Life of Pablo” musically is its lack of consistency. Songs can go from emotional, spiritual ballads as chorused through “Ultralight Beam” and “Saint Pablo,” then just as quickly transition to light-hearted, simple production and lyrics as in “I Love Kanye.” 

The most representative song of this duality is encompassed in the most popular track on the album, “Father Stretch My Hands pt. 1,” which opens with an undoubtedly cinematic chorus sample, a Metro Boomin’ producer tag, the iconic beat drop and a following verse about models, bleach, T-shirts and you know the rest. 

It is well known that a large part of Kanye’s brand name can be attributed to his controversial public reputation. From his interrupting Taylor Swift at the VMAs to his anti-Semitic remarks and problematic digital footprint, he has remained just as prominent in the world of controversy as he stands in the world of music production. 

And in summation of its parts, the oranges, repeated text and images of family and posterior, “The Life of Pablo” encapsulates every aspect of Kanye. Along with his string of controversies and music achievement, the artist has had a public battle with his bipolar disorder. Although his controversies—and even his failed presidential run—can be partially explained by this, does it by any means justify his actions?

For Kanye, the concept of separating the art from the artist is stretched. In a way, the emphasis on “WHICH/ONE” is a question to both the listeners and Kanye. Which one? Genius or madman, prophet or lunatic, “Famous” or infamous? Which one? 

 If OCSA Had a Real Mascot

Celine Ngo

If a stranger were to step into OCSA, they’d immediately absorb the campus energy of unlimited artistic dreams and cultural diversity. David Lyons  (MT ‘25) explained that "OCSA has a culture and a sense of community and camaraderie that unites its students to be passionate, excited, capable and ready for the future."  

But as one further walks down the sidewalk, they see OCSA's mascot: a set of squares.

Squares are sharp and rigid. They leave no room for warmth or artistic freedom.

For decades, students and faculty at OCSA have lived through the confusing identity their mascot represents; students often wonder what OCSA’s mascot would be if it were more conventional, namely an animal. After randomly surveying 56 students, potential passion animals have been discovered, ones that overall reflect the dynamic spirit OCSA brings. 

The options posed were Starfish, Flying Squirrel and Chameleon. Starfish and Chameleon tied with 24 votes each, while Flying Squirrel resulted in 8 votes. 

The appeal to each animal differed, but one aspect they all had in common was a new artistic reveal in their school community. 

1. Starfish: Whether academically or artistically, students are shooting stars, working hard toward their future. Abriella Nicolalde (MT ‘25) and Brooke Kabashima (MT ‘25) felt so passionate about this animal that they both "could not imagine another option!"

2. Chameleon: Ana Sofia Gomez Garza (MT ‘25) explains how chameleons are "versatile, adaptable and diverse," just like the OCSA community and atmosphere.

3. Flying Squirrel: Although this animal wasn't the popular vote, one might consider flying squirrels to represent the playful, risk-taking personality of many OCSA students. 

Despite the square's existence, this survey sparked new ideas within the OCSA community. Do they now crave a mascot to align with their bubbly personalities and vibrant culture?

It is now for you to think. Do the squares represent you? What other animal do you think would better represent you and your community here at OCSA?

 Energy Drink Personality Quiz

Sofie Dooley

Stop The Pretty Little Lies

Jeri Stein

Pretty Little Liars is the most ANNOYING show I have ever watched. Needless to say spoilers ahead but come on, this show came out in 2010. If you haven't watched it yet, you ain’t. So just read this article so I can save you from the TV garbage I sat through for SEVEN seasons.

I mean, first of all, can they STOP LYING. I know the show is called Pretty Little Liars. I understand that but it gets to a point. Like come on they keep saying stuff like “This is going to be my biggest lie yet.” LIKE NO JUST TELL THE TRUTH WHAT ARE YOU DOING. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “biggest lie yet.” YOU ARE IN A MURDER INVESTIGATION. YOU CAN'T JUST BE LYING. Or that whole storyline where Hanana was trying to go to jail for her mom talking about “I can't just tell this lie, I need to live it.” SHUT UP YOUR MOM DIDN'T EVEN DO IT, WHY IS YOU GOING TO JAIL THE BEST OPTION YOU CAN CREATE IN YOUR HEAD? Hey what happened to just NOT involving yourself in murder investigations? I have not seen ONE of you study for a class.

Speaking on common sense, the fact that they were just getting threatened on the daily and just like NEVER told the police or just ANYONE. Before you say “Jeri they couldn't tell! “A” was threatening to reveal their secrets!” I DONT CAREEEE, YOU ARE GETTING THREATENED ON THE DAILY. Also, speaking on that, you KNOW that somebody is watching your every move and waiting to take you down and you STILL go around LYING and then get ALL SHOCKED when “A” comes and threatens to reveal the lie. LIKE COME ON, THIS HAS HAPPENED LIKE A MILLION TIMES BEFORE, WHEN WILL YOU LEARN? 

So anyways, I hope I was able to save you from this IRRITATING and AWFUL show and I was also able to save you from having to see Emily's character because she would make any sane person chuck their TV at the wall. Also please sign my petition for my new, less irritating reboot idea, Ugly Large Truth Tellers.  

Who Peels Your Orange?

Kate Chung

Dedicated to Sophie Kim (ACT ‘26)

The world felt lighter the moment I realized that love doesn’t need to be bold to matter. Sometimes, love is found in quiet, unassuming and humble sacrifices. Often unspoken, love’s careful attention goes unnoticed—the result being a thriving relationship between two people. 

A popular expression circulated the internet last year. The Orange Peel Theory—who would you peel an orange for? The act requires sacrifice. Rind under your nails, sticky residue from the fruit juice, time spent carefully unraveling the jewel. To peel someone’s orange is to care. And so, love, I’ve realized, is care found in the common task, love so ordinary that we forget it is even love at all, love given to us so naturally, so generously, that it becomes part of the air we breathe. It is acts of service wrapped in the mundane, a thousand tiny gestures that speak in a language that we often forget to translate. This is love. 

It was in a single act, so simple yet so meaningful, that I found myself marveling at the depth of platonic love. I remember my best friend peeling off the little white bits of an orange slice for me. A gift in the form of a small baby slice of fruit, stripped clean of every imperfection, offered to me with a tenderness that words could never capture. The scent lingered, fresh and sweet, on her hands, a fragrant symbol of the care she poured into that moment. I don’t think there’s ever been a time when we’ve truly given platonic love the credit it deserves. We think of love as romantic, monumental, as something grand. But here, in the quiet spaces of friendship, it thrives. 

Love is at the risk of messy hands, in the quiet sacrifices that demand no recognition. It hides in plain sight, so present that it becomes invisible to our eye. Platonic love isn’t adorned with ribbons or drenched in perfume, and it doesn’t arrive with the ceremony of roses and a box of chocolate. It comes in the sticky residue and the scent that lingers. It shows itself in the pauses between conversations, in the laughter shared over everyday tasks, in the way someone hears your silence and understands it without question. 

The moment my friend peeled my orange wasn’t just an act of kindness. It was a language of love, spoken so naturally that it could have been overlooked. It was a reminder that love, given without condition, is as precious as it is rare. My friend showed me a kind of love that endures. This is the love we need to notice. The kind we need to hold sacred. The kind that reminds us that platonic love, in all its quiet simplicity and stickiest moments, is always a gift. She’s worth the time and effort. I’d peel a thousand oranges for her.

Women Previously Snubbed at Grammys

Lucy Hunter

With the Grammy Awards falling just a month before Women’s History Month in March, it’s the perfect time to revisit the women who have been historically snubbed—forgotten or not even nominated—by the Recording Academy.

The threshold at which an artist should receive a nomination is widely controversial. Typically, the song or album must chart for multiple consecutive weeks, have strong production value, commercial value and more. However, when it comes to women taking home one of the five main categories, the Recording Academy has continuously fallen short in recent years.

Beyoncé’s 2022 album “Renaissance” was projected to take home at least one of the major categories at the 2023 Grammys, considering the album’s record-breaking success and her status as the most awarded artist in Grammy history, with 32 Grammys. However, “Best Album” ended up going to Harry Styles for his album “Harry’s House.” Time Magazine, reflecting back on Grammy night 2023, wrote, “When Harry Styles was announced as the winner, there was what appeared to be a brief pause before the room erupted into applause.”

Katy Perry had five number one singles from her album “Teenage Dream,” and despite being one of the most commercially successful pop stars in the industry, with a cohesive album cycle that shows off her vocal brilliance, she has not yet won a Grammy! 

Ariana Grande’s relationship with the Recording Academy has been strained since 2016. Since then, she’s put out a plethora of albums that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for dozens of consecutive weeks, along with selling out stadiums across the globe. Despite these accomplishments, Grande has won only two Grammy Awards. Last year, following the release of her seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine,” the internet was convinced she’d at least be nominated for a few of the most highly esteemed categories. The result? Three nominations, but not a single one in a big-name category.

This isn’t to diminish the accomplishments of male rappers, popstars, indie artists and more, but given that women have been the backbone of the international music scene for decades yet rarely get proper recognition, I look forward to the 2025 Grammy Awards with the hope that women are able to take home the awards they deserve.