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Building Our Future: A Work in Progress

Bella Chiodo & Samuel Parigela

If you’ve noticed the hum of drills or the sight of fencing surrounding the staircases, you’re not alone. Big changes are on the way and our school is getting a major facelift. To update students, Evolution sat down with Principal Michael Ciecek to get the latest on the current construction at OCSA.

The project kicks off with part one, he explained, which includes the construction of the Grand Staircase leading from the container lot to the second-floor cafeteria. The new staircase isn’t just for show, Ciecek added, it is “to add more seating for students, but also another egress point into and out of the building.” Additionally, we’re getting a student lounge built in the breezeway. “How we’re going to use that is yet to be defined,” he commented, but it has the possibility to provide a cozy hangout spot for late start seniors on rainy mornings or a place for students to wait after school—like an expanded homework club, only with a better view. 

So when can we expect these exciting changes? While Ciecek added that delays, specifically permitting issues or weather disruptions, may arise, the aim is to finish part one by the end of winter break. If everything goes according to plan, students could be using these new spaces by the start of next semester. “That’s the hope!” Ciecek emphasized. 

Part two will come next, and this phase is based on overall school security. The idea is to enclose the Tower, Annex, and Media Arts Center with a perimeter fence similar to the DMS plaza. This will create a safer space for students to hang out before and after school, as well as provide more visitor control here on campus. Ciecek foresees Part two to be finished by the end of next semester, scheduled to open to students at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. 

While construction can be disruptive, Ciecek assured us that “what students are experiencing now will be the largest footprint of the construction,” explaining that while it’s a bit of a hassle, OCSA does not predict a larger expansion of the construction fencing than the current size. Thankfully, this means that the currently extended walk periods to class will not get any longer.

As for other construction projects? Right now, there is nothing bigger in the works, although OCSA is working with the Culinary Arts and Hospitality conservatory to build a new culinary lab on the second floor. However, the lab is under construction within a confined space and should be relatively quiet compared to the other projects at OCSA. Anything major will not pop up unexpectedly—future projects will stay within the school’s budget, focusing on necessary maintenance first.

So, while we will have a few more months of barricades and longer waits to make it to class, the end goal is within sight. The grand staircase and student lounge will open up new areas for OCSA students, making the campus more accessible and comfortable. Stay on the lookout!

Speed Candi-dating Potential Presidents

Isabelle Ng

The debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 9, likely reaffirmed most citizens’ allegiance to their preferred candidate, however, others still remain torn between the two. This article will briefly explore the policies of both candidates for the following issues: immigration, reproductive rights and climate change. 

Committed to serving his second term to “Make America Great Again,” former President Trump represents the Republican party while Vice President Harris represents the Democratic Party to create “A New Way Forward.” 

Beginning with one of the most divisive issues in this election, the two candidates share almost opposite ideas regarding immigration. During their time in office, both increased border security, then later handled things differently. For this election, Trump states on his official website that he will “seal the border and stop the migrant invasion,” while Harris states on her official website that she will “...secure the border, keep communities safe, and reform our broken immigration system.” Additionally, Trump plans to implement mass deportation of undocumented individuals and continue to expand the “public charge” rule, which would make it more difficult for immigrants to obtain a green card when using public services. Despite Harris not sharing the specifics of her immigration policy plans yet, she stated during the DNC that she plans to “bring back the bipartisan border security bill that [Trump] killed” and will sign it back into law after she repeatedly called the current immigration system “broken.”

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the constitutional right to an abortion ended, sparking intense debates between the two parties, eventually culminating in 14 states having a total abortion ban. This left only nine states and the District of Columbia to have no abortion ban or restriction. Since 1999, Trump has been changing his position regarding abortion and doesn’t directly address reproductive rights within his Agenda 47. He has claimed credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but later asserted during the debate that he “...believes in the exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.” Harris, on the other hand, has extensively shown her support for abortion rights since her time in the Senate. As she frequently recites in her stump speech, if elected President, she will “never allow a national abortion ban to become law” and “when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom,” she will sign it. 

Neither Trump nor Harris has released detailed plans to address climate change, but from various news outlets, such as The Washington Post and The New York Times, the two seem to have significantly diverging views on the issue. Trump previously called climate change a “hoax.” Also, during his campaign rallies, he often shares the line, “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his enthusiasm for oil drilling. Harris has highlighted the threat of climate change and its damage to communities but somewhat inconsistently. In 2019, Harris supported the banning of fracking, which transforms gas and oil drilling, causing safety hazards like poisonous groundwater. But since 2020, she has stated that she will not be banning fracking if she becomes president.

Both candidates have shown their determination to win in different ways. Harris has been working to garner support from unions, minorities and women since President Biden dropped out of the race in July. Trump persevered through 34 felony counts and two impeachments, focusing on strengthening his “MAGA” base in the hopes they can help him win the 2024 election.

For eligible voters: Because this article only provided basic details on complex topics, it’s imperative to read both candidates' policies in detail on their websites and understand their character and morals overall. Additionally, please look at what their running mates’ standpoints are. Voting in this election is extremely crucial to take a step towards improving this country for ourselves and future generations. Make sure your voice is heard and go vote. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Adriana Perez

Hispanic and Latino. Both are words that have been used to describe people of Latino-American descent. But what is the difference and why do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage?

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 in the U.S. and celebrates the culture and history of American citizens whose descendants came from Spanish-speaking countries. While it may seem that Sept. 15 is a random day to start the month, it’s a very significant date since it’s the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

What makes someone Hispanic? Well, Hispanic is defined as “a Spanish-speaking person living in the U.S. who may or may not be of Latin American descent. This includes countries like Mexico, Spain, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Equatorial Guinea and Puerto Rico, plus the countries mentioned above. 

On the other hand, Latino refers to someone who comes from Latin American countries, whether they are Spanish-speaking or not. This includes countries like Brazil, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin, and would exclude Spain and Equatorial Guinea. 

The terms Hispanic and Latino tend to get mixed due to the overlap of countries that qualify as both, such as Mexico which is primarily Spanish-speaking AND part of Latin America. And while all of these countries are rightfully celebrated throughout this month, it is important to remember the differences between the two terms. 

So what is Hispanic culture and how can we celebrate Heritage Month? While Hispanic culture can’t be defined by one experience due to the variety of cultures that are celebrated within the month, it is usually celebrated throughout the month with activities like parades, performances, programs, and exhibitions, and it is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions that Hispanic people have made to the U.S.. Some examples are civil rights activists Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who founded the National Farm Workers Association, associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic appointed to the Supreme Court, and artists from all disciplines, like paintress Frida Khalo, Queen of Tejano Music Selena Quintanilla, and actor, composer and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda. I mean, where would we be without “Hamilton”?

On a more serious note, however, it is important to remember the struggles that Hispanics have overcome, along with understanding and learning about these vast and beautiful cultures. This not only increases appreciation of these cultures, but also respect and unity between all members of society; while it is important to focus on the future, we can use this time to look back at our roots and cherish those who have come before and have brought us this far.

You can learn more about Hispanic and Latino cultures at OCSA through clubs like Cultura Mexicana, Latinx Student Union, Folklorico With Friends, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán, and Spanish Honor Society.

Introducing OCSA's Academic Decathletes

Annika Petras

From our Mock Trial team, which was crowned fourth place in the state in 2022 to our Model United Nations team, which received an award for Best Large Delegation at a recent conference, OCSA’s competitive academic teams have not only been able to gain school-wide credibility but also local and regional recognition. 

This year, a new team will represent OCSA in competition against other schools. To be co-led by Chloe Woo (IM-S ‘27) and Jiwon Chung (IM-S ‘27), OCSA’s academic decathlon team will offer students the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic learning and competition outside of the classroom. The team, featuring nine main members as well as several alternates, will begin in the third division of academic decathlon competition. It involves seven tests in math, literature, science, music, art, economics and social science, as well as a speech, interview and essay portion. “It seems overwhelming at first,” said Meghan Linney, who teaches Math 2, Math 3 and Integrated 2 and is the new team’s advisor this year. “But the fact that it includes art, music and reactive writing means that it’s perfect for our student body.”

Searching for clubs they would be interested in bringing to the school, Woo and Chung stumbled upon academic decathlon, intrigued by what it offered. With spots for students of all academic achievements, both students expressed that they felt that decathlon was unique in that it gave students with different backgrounds and strengths the opportunity to participate. “We realized that this was not available at OCSA, so we took the initiative and wanted to make it,” explained Woo. 

Requiring strong teamwork, presentational and communication skills, as well as a lot of commitment, academic decathlon is suited for students with the ability to both contribute their own personal academic strengths and learn from those of others. “I love learning, and I feel like I’m good at working with people,” says Aldrix Moletti (CW ‘27), who is planning on applying to the academic decathlon, which involves taking an entrance exam. “I’ve been wanting to try and join a club. …I thought that this would be for me because I’ll be surrounded by people who also like learning. Even in the subjects I’m not so good at, I’m going to learn so much just by being in this club. That’s one of the main appeals for me.” 

Taking part in academic decathlon promotes public speaking skills, critical thinking and analysis, interviewing, writing, study skills and of course, encourages working as a team unit, with data showing that 92 percent of participating students in Orange County felt that they were able to build stronger connections with their peers according to the Orange County Department of Education. Beyond that, “It’s a chance to compete in something that isn’t just about you and your own strengths,” explained Linney. “It’s a chance to learn from others and see other people’s strengths and skills that you never knew they had, to benefit from that and to make your own personal contribution to something that is bigger than just you.” 

“I’m just excited to compete and for everyone to showcase their abilities,” says Woo. The team, once formed, will begin competition at the local level in January, and if advanced, will continue on to the state and national competitions. Like OCSA’s other academic teams, academic decathlon will be meeting in Ms. Linney’s room after school on Fridays, though it requires a lot of personal studying as well. Students interested in participating in the new team can join the Google Classroom with the code ur5tuev. 

Unprecedented Controversy Characterizes Presidential Race

Gigi Kim

Former United States President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign unfolds with a myriad of legal challenges, including four indictments, as he seeks to return to the White House. From 2017 to 2024, Trump has been indicted on four counts, including falsifying business records (he was ultimately found guilty on 34 charges), efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, and violating Georgia state’s RICO act. 

Although one would think that the most pressing concerns for former President Trump’s supporters are his legal battles, poll aggregator FiveThirtyEight observed that Trump’s positive numbers among the GOP primary polls actually increased following the indictments in 2023. A majority of Republican voters view his indictments as politically motivated, or as a “witch hunt,” as Trump has called the investigations in past speeches and tweets. His Make America Great Again supporters remain largely undeterred, and their support has solidified. 

When United States Vice President Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election on July 21, Trump’s response was an attack on her character, proclaiming “I think she is no better than him [Biden]. She could be far less competent, which is hard to believe.” Initially, Trump had refused to engage in a debate with Harris, claiming potential bias from the debate moderators, sparking criticism and speculation from the Democratic party that he was avoiding potential disadvantage to his presidential campaign. After changes were made to the debate format, Trump agreed to participate in a debate with Harris, with the first debate occurring on Sept. 9 moderated by ABC News. 

Both presidential candidates addressed topics of abortion rights, immigration, foreign policy and economic policy. During the debate, a key moment that sparked public scrutiny and controversy was Trump’s since-debunked claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating pets. He remarked, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats.” Although Ohio officials quickly refuted this claim, the rumor has been negatively affecting the small Haitian community in Springfield, exacerbating racism and tensions and even leading to school closures and bomb threats. Trump’s vice president running mate JD Vance later admitted on a morning talk show that they had been “creating stories” in order to attract media attention to the immigration crisis.

Even the celebrity endorsements have not been without controversy. On Sept. 10, pop singer Taylor Swift took to Instagram to announce her support and endorsement for Harris, and to address the slew of AI-generated images of Swift and her fans that Trump had posted to garner support for his campaign. A week later, Trump took to Truth Social to attack Swift, declaring “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” 

As of recent, according to NBC News national polls, Harris has been taking a five-point lead over Trump among registered voters. However, the race for the support of swing states remains competitive, with Trump gaining an advantage through his stances on immigration and foreign policies. No matter where one falls on the political spectrum, it can’t be denied that this current election cycle has seen unprecedented levels of legal drama, personal attacks, and even violence (as of this writing, there have been two recent assassination attempts on Trump’s life). We can only hope that once voting concludes on Nov. 5, these vast divisions in our country can finally begin to heal.

 Getting to Know OCSA’s New Teachers

Naomi Herthel

OCSA is not like other schools. 

For those of us who have been here for years, we may be accustomed to it, but it’s easy to forget how intimidating it can be for those just beginning their OCSA journeys. Luckily, new student Gandohm Ghaffari (IA ‘30) had a good initial experience. Her first day was “really fun,” and the process of making friends happened “way faster than [she] expected.” 

Many new students–specifically the seventh graders–take comfort in knowing that they are not alone. All of their seventh-grade classes are filled with fellow new students, with whom they can figure out OCSA: the stairs, the cookies, the 10th street extravaganzas, the Friday schedule. 

For new teachers, the experience is quite different. They often face the challenge of integrating into a well-established system with far fewer colleagues in the same situation. 

This year OCSA welcomed roughly 30 new teachers, interns and coordinators, the vast majority working within various conservatory departments. Here is a brief profile of OCSA’s three new academic teachers. 

Chris Vue is originally from Fresno where he taught high school math for 18 years. For his last three years there, he was also a district coach, supporting math instruction from Kindergarten through 12th grade. After moving to Southern California to be closer to family, Vue “got lucky” and secured a position teaching Integrated Math I and Integrated Math II at OCSA.  

Vue’s first impression of OCSA was not what he expected. “I was blown away by the level of the students,” he explains. “I’m very used to high schools where you’re trying to drag kids into the classroom and get them to turn in work. Here, I feel like everyone’s ready to do the stuff." 

Outside of the classroom, Vue is very passionate about football. He is excited about this year’s season, especially because he participates in Fantasy Football. He also has a 12-year-old daughter, and they’ve been spending time trying to find “places and things to do” in their new area.  

Eugene Mun is a new Integrated III teacher. He has eight years of experience teaching math, first at LA Unified School District and then at Laguna Hills High School. When he first found out about the opportunity to teach at OCSA, he figured there was “no way [he was] going to get this job because [he has] no artistic experience whatsoever.” It was “really cool” for him to find out that he didn’t need any! 

Beyond teaching, Mun loves basketball, video games (especially League of Legends) and collecting cool sneakers. Mun enjoys a unique tradition where he and his best friend from high school visit different stadiums each year to watch the Lakers play. He also has a three-month-old daughter! 

Matt Cowan is here to teach Lit and Comp 1 and AP Lang and Comp. He spent the last four years in the Saddleback Unified School District, serving as a ToSA (Teacher on Special Assignment). In that position, he worked with teachers outside of the classroom to help them improve. Similar to Vue, Cowan was pleasantly surprised by the high caliber of his new students. He says, “Being able to juggle thousands of balls in the air is super impressive. … The respect is crazy. Everyone has been super welcoming with open arms.” 

Since he lives near the beach, Cowan spends his free time boogie boarding, snorkeling, and bodysurfing with his son. He also boasts being a “professional sleeper.” 

It’s now October, and we have mostly figured out the swing of things, but it’s not too late to introduce yourself to these new faces, especially if you, too, are starting out at OCSA. Cowan explained that one goal in meeting people is to “learn the OCSA way,” a conversation to which we can all contribute.

 RIP Brat Summer

Angie Kidder

Well, it’s over. Summer has officially ended, the leaves are changing and the temperature has slightly dropped out here in Southern California. But one thing I’m not ready to let go of is the cultural reset that was Brat by Charli XCX. Its polarizing, messy girl aesthetic captured the hearts of people all over the world and even inspired presidential campaigns.

On June 7, Charli XCX released the album “BRAT.” Later, her song “Girl So Confusing” featuring Lorde was released on June 21, and “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish was released two months later on Aug. 1. This was the hit singer’s sixth studio album, and drew inspiration from club and rave music, while balancing intimate and bold songwriting.

The one thing that stuck with many fans was the album cover’s specific shade of lime green and the album’s title in a sans-serif font. According to Charli, the album had to look “unfriendly and uncool.” This resulted in less of an emphasis on Charli as a face or brand, and put more focus on her music. Her team made hundreds of versions and shades of green before they settled on what we know today. To further promote the upcoming album, Charli changed all of her previous album covers to match the appearance of BRAT.

BRAT not only became the album of the summer, capturing the eyes of millions across social media, but has even gone as far as becoming the face of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. After the current U.S. president, Joe Biden, dropped out of the presidential race this July, she received endorsement from many celebrities, one of the most recognized being Charli XCX. Quickly after Charli tweeted the phrase “kamala IS brat” online, Harris’s social media headquarters quickly made her new brand fit the “BRAT aesthetic,” as their profiles turned bold lime green. This led to increased support for Kamala from younger voters, generating enthusiasm for her campaign. 

But all good things must come to an end, right? Now that school has begun again, the weather is cooling down, and the nights are becoming longer. People have lost the energy for the “BRAT” lifestyle. On Labor Day Monday, Charli XCX posted online “goodbye forever brat summer.” BRAT summer may have officially ended, but this surely won’t be the last time we see Charli XCX. 

Spiced Chai and Cinnamon Apple Strudel Recipe

Asmi Aggarwal & Celine Curtis

With the weather getting colder, these comforting fall recipes are perfect for warming you up!

Asmi’s Homemade Spiced Chai:

Ingredients:

2 cloves

1 pinch cinnamon

3 green cardamoms

1 peppercorn

½ teaspoon grated ginger

2 tablespoons loose tea leaves (Tata Tea Gold, Lipton, etc.)

1 ½ cups water

6 teaspoons sugar

⅓ cup milk

Directions:

1. Crush the cloves, cardamoms and peppercorn with a mortar and pestle.

2. Heat 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan.

3. Add crushed spices, grated ginger, cinnamon and tea leaves into the water.

4. Let the tea heat up on a medium flame.

5. Once the water is boiling and has bubbled up to the top of the pan, add sugar and milk. Adjust to liking.

6. Bring the tea to a rolling boil. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

7. Turn the heat off and strain the chai into your tea cups.

8. Enjoy your chai, warm or hot!

MatPat We Miss You

Kate Chung

It’s been a while since the founding father of internet lore, MatPat, took a step back from his usual content creation to retire and spend time with his family. While we understand that dedicating time to his 5-year-old son is selfless and understandable, the internet is missing its “online father.” 

With the spooky season in mind, curious pockets of the internet are surfacing, and any well-seasoned mind on the web knows that MatPat is the one we need to dissect it all. Although some might argue that the beloved YouTuber already reached his peak during the pandemic with the world’s large online presence, many say that without his content, the internet has lost its spark– or something else? Since MatPat retired, the web feels like a classroom without a teacher. With the unexpected resurgence of the “Gravity Falls” fandom, armies of chronically online teens have been searching for answers in “The Book of Bill,” the newest work of the show’s creator, Alex Hirsch. Many theorists, including MatPat’s former YouTube team, have been analyzing this piece, but have yet to bring back his charm. Theories are growing faster than anyone can keep up with, but without MatPat’s signature mystery-solving approach, we’ve all been left guessing. 

In his absence, many viewers are left to miss his videos, not just for the theories, but also the comforting community he built as well. When asked in an interview what set the YouTuber apart from other content creators, John Kuli (ACT ‘26) shared that he had been a MatPat viewer for at least 5 years and that “his content is entertaining, but it also provides a sense of comfort.” According to Kuli, “No one had the same kind of energy or commitment.” 

In the upcoming year, a few exciting events are set to take place. With the announcement of the “Five Night at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic” movie, fans will surely add fresh ideas to the already massive series, and we can bet that new theories are coming our way. On the same note, director Jared Hess’s film, “A Minecraft Movie,” featuring an all-star cast, is hurling towards us, whether we like it or not. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come off as complex enough to need any analysis at all. But who knows, that’s just a theory.

The internet is buzzing with ideas, now more than ever, and no one is better equipped than our teacher to dive into their stories, connect the dots, and bring clarity to the chaos. MatPat, if you’re out there, consider this your official invitation to return to the frontlines of the madness.

 So, please, MatPat, come home.

 Why Fall is the Best Season

Ava Park

The wind is sharp and cold, the trees are vibrantly warm and a familiar scent of cinnamon and vanilla fills the air. These shifts can only mean one thing: the arrival of the best season of all, fall. 

You may say that this is a highly idealized depiction of fall, and to that, I say, “Yeah probably!” But if you think that was idealized, just hear me out until the end of this article. With the help of my autumnal descriptions (and my total bias towards this subject), I hope that you will learn to appreciate fall a fraction as much as I do. 

Fall is a blanket of crunchy leaves beneath your feet, the scent of apple pastries wafting through the air, and the thrill of watching horror movies or the entire Harry Potter series in the comfort of a well-loved sweater. The weather settles at a perfect temperature—not too hot, not too cold. Seasonal drinks are at their peak, and the films are heartwarming. The music is iconic, and most importantly, the fashion is on point. Downtown-girls dust off their striped Brandy Melville shirts and dark-wash jeans, while Uggs make their seasonal comeback. We see more Frazzled-English-Woman-chic and less La-Dolce-Vita. And let’s not forget the beauty of layering! Fall lets us wear all our favorite pieces at once, making it easy to mix and match without having to choose just one style. It’s the ultimate season for enjoying everything we love all at once.

But that’s not all. 

From the annual revival of Dracotok to the hundreds of “sad girl autumn” playlists that manifest during the season, it seems that the cold breeze brings forth a sense of nostalgia and melancholy within us. 

The crisp air seems to make everything feel more vivid, almost as if the world is taking a deep breath before the cold winter months set in. It's a season that inspires reflection, inviting us to linger and appreciate the small, fleeting moments we often overlook. As we walk through parks and leaf-strewn sidewalks, the rustling of leaves and golden hues of the landscape provides a backdrop to our memories. It’s a time for old playlists, heartfelt conversations, and embracing the bittersweetness of change. In the end, autumn offers a gentle reminder that even amidst life’s hustle, there’s beauty in slowing down, reflecting, and finding comfort in the simple things that bring you joy.

As if that wasn’t enough, fall is also a season of academic prowess. According to the UK Department of Education, babies born in autumn tend to excel in school, which adds another layer of charm to this vibrant season.

From the thrill of Halloween to the warmth of Thanksgiving gatherings, fall’s holidays also emphasize togetherness, comfort and joy. 

Hopefully, by now you agree that fall highlights some of the most beautiful aspects of nature and is a time for growth and prosperity. So drink your pumpkin chai lattes and settle into the soothing comforts of this wonderful autumn season. 

 El hombre, el mito, la leyenda; Senor Lopez

Sydney Lee & Sophie Sukendro

Five teachers, one school year. With MC Fasheh out on maternity leave for the 2023-24 school year, Spanish four honors had a permanent substitute, then three more. Assistant Principal of Instruction Kim Lyons was deeply involved in supporting the students of Spanish four honors, assisting with grading essays for the entire school year. Fasheh’s spot was difficult to fill, even temporarily. After two substitutes came and went, OCSA Spanish teachers graciously stepped in, taking a block each for the remainder of the first semester. Cecilia Cummaudo, who taught one block of Spanish four honors, described the experience as challenging, but enjoyable, as it gave her the opportunity to “collaborate with other teachers” and “see some of the students [she] had for Spanish three.” 

The constant changes, however, made it difficult for students to find stability in the classroom (especially in a class described by many as more challenging than AP Spanish). Sailee Charlu (CW ‘27) mentioned, “It was very chaotic in the first semester because we had four teachers. …The progress that we made was hindered because we would have to keep changing our teachers.”

Spring semester, Juan Lopez was finally introduced as the long-term substitute. Lopez immediately had a positive effect on the classroom environment. His classroom doors were always open to those in need of clarification, support, a compassionate listener or even a Pop-Tart. While the guidance of the OCSA Spanish teachers and other substitutes during the first semester was greatly appreciated, it was never permanent. His arrival was the stability that students needed. 

Brayden Bittel (IA ‘26) stated that Lopez “made [students] feel very comfortable learning, speaking, and making mistakes in Spanish.” Bittel further added that Lopez “created a community in the classroom.” Annika Petras (IA ‘25) shared similar sentiments: “I think that he just brought a sense of fun and excitement to the class while still ensuring that we have the resources to succeed.” Lopez supported his students academically and emotionally, a quality that most students wish for in their teachers. Petras also recounted connecting with Lopez as they “bonded over being Lana Del Rey fans.”

Lopez’s impact wasn’t exclusive to students. Spanish three and AP Spanish teacher Katelyn Wu, whose classroom was just across the hall, described Lopez as “a very positive presence.” Wu “really enjoyed having him as [her] neighbor.”

While his time at OCSA was short-lived, Lopez’s role in the Spanish four honors class was transformative. After a chaotic first semester, the stability and sense of community he brought to the classroom were exactly what students needed. 

 The Necessary Evils of Modern Day Living

Sofie Dooley

Recently, especially for us teenagers, it is easy to feel torn between our morals and societal norms; there are cultural pressures and norms that we feel like we must conform to, even if we don’t agree with them, leading us to feel that we sometimes “can’t win.” These are the necessary evils, the most prominent I believe are a driver’s license, sunscreen and social media. 

As soon as you turn 15, the pressure is put upon you to start studying for your permit test. Once you get it, it’s expected for teens to be jumping in their seats waiting to get their license the moment the clock strikes midnight on their 16th birthday. But what about the kids who would rather take a nap in the car, be in charge of music, or simply feel that they aren’t ready to operate heavy machinery, taking on the responsibility of everyone’s safety, in addition to their own? Unfortunately, these kids can’t catch a break. Although California has decent public transportation, it is inarguable that in this day and age, you need a car. Plus, if you don’t get your license, your friends, parents and older siblings will slowly grow resentment towards you for having to be your chauffeur. 

Little is known about the true dangers of sunscreen. In the summer, teens in California either refuse to wear sunscreen to get their tan on or are consistent in using sunscreen in fear of skin cancer. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you increase your chances of getting skin cancer and if you do, you are exposing yourself to a whole world of possible negativity. Many people don’t know that much of our sunscreen immensely damages our coral reefs with a chemical called oxybenzone which bleaches coral when exposed to the sun along with damaging coral DNA and coral larvae. Oxybenzone and other chemicals are said to cause hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Aside from the actual ingredients in sunscreen, to actually protect yourself from the sun, it is recommended to use about one shot glass of sunscreen on your face a day. That is just crazy considering that at that rate, we would all be buying new sunscreen once a week (and the good ones are not cheap). It has also been said by dermatologists that for sunscreen to be fully effective you cannot mix it with any makeup in products, like tinted moisturizing SPF. So say goodbye to lightweight sun protection because through the dermatologist's eyes, you must either go all in or all the way home. 

And I think we all know by now that we should cool it with social media. It eats up our time, can become pretty self-centered, and has the potential to spread false information. Yet, somehow we all can’t live without it. Aside from teenager’s recent addictions to short-form content, we as artists, in particular, can’t really share our work or make connections without social media. I would argue that social media, especially Instagram, has become the biggest networking ground for aspiring musicians, artists, writers, etc. Similarly, some of the biggest musicians of the past five or so years have blown up on TikTok because of catchy choruses and visually-pleasing videos. It is much less work than going to open mics, playing a full set, and actually introducing yourself to the people around you. This has led to a rapid increase in TikTok-famous musicians who are well-liked but lacking in authenticity. 

Do your research before buying sunscreen, resist getting your license and ride your bike everywhere just to prove you can. Delete Instagram, get out in the real world and introduce yourself! These things may feel out of your way and inconvenient, but if we all work together to squash these norms, we can create more options for future generations! I truly do believe that we can do it if we try. 

 Disney Box Office Boom

Celine Curtis

“Inside Out 2” was the hero Disney needed this summer. The movie was a raving success, grossing over $1.5 billion in box office revenue, and was crowned the highest-grossing animated film in history, ahead of “Frozen 2.”

Following suit was “Deadpool & Wolverine,” crossing the billion-dollar threshold in only 19 days after a $211 million debut. It has become the highest-grossing R-rated film in history, overtaking “Joker” which previously held that record.

Though meager by comparison, “Alien: Romulus,” even brought in $314 million globally, far surpassing its $120 million budget.

Up until this summer, though, the head Mouse was in hot water. Social media was not kind to Disney’s slew of live-action remakes, and their box office performance has been lackluster since COVID. Disney’s animated movie “Wish” was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company, but was reported to have a net loss of $131 million. To make matters worse, “The Marvels,” released just before “Wish,” ended up being the lowest-grossing movie in MCU history. So it was no surprise when in April, as a desperate measure to secure the future of the company, Disney underwent a proxy battle for the CEO position between Bob Iger, the previous and current CEO, and Nelson Peltz, a billionaire investor. Though Iger won the battle, doubt remained as to the future of the company.

That was all before summer 2024.

With this summer’s success stories, Disney has proven that they can connect with audiences and satisfy their shareholders. The only question now is: Will Disney be able to keep up the winning streak? 

Its next film, “Moana 2,” is slated to be released this November. However, online audiences’ doubts have exceeded their anticipation due to the messy production of the film thus far. Originally, the production was set to be a TV mini-series for Disney Plus, titled “Moana: The Series.” Then, in February, Disney suddenly announced it would be reworked into a full-feature film instead, set to release only 8 months later. 

Pixar has changed direction, too. Pete Docter, writer of “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Up,” recently said in an interview with Bloomberg that Pixar will focus on creating the “most relatable” films, rather than those that are personal to their directors, citing “Luca” and “Elemental” as films not to be replicated. 

This approach of “mass appeal” is the method the larger Disney company seems to be relying on for future success. Its movie lineup so far includes sequels and remakes of audience favorites: “Mufasa: The Lion King,” the highly anticipated “Snow White,” “Toy Story 5,” “Frozen 3” and “Avengers: Doomsday.” The success of the sequels released this summer seems to have only solidified that mantra in the eyes of Disney executives.

Will audiences connect with these films as much as they have connected with “Inside Out 2”? Or will sequel-fatigue soon set in? Will the success of “Inside Out 2” be Disney’s new standard or the exception? Only time will tell how audiences respond in the long run.

 Crossing the Street With Jeri Stein

Jeri Stein

As people, we wear many hats; you know—husband, child, student, teacher, eyewitness account to that little girl who went missing in the summer of ‘86. But I think one of the worst hats we wear as people is the hat of a pedestrian. If pedestrianism was a hat, it would be a Mets baseball cap full of used needles. I mean, when do you feel more like a cretin than when you’re crossing the street? Sure, you have the right of way and all of the other cars have a red light so they couldn't even go if they wanted to. But yet, I still can’t shake the feeling that somehow I'm the schmuck.

Tell me another situation where more eyes are on you than when walking through a busy intersection. I've never been more insecure than when walking in front of a family of five in a 2009 Kia sedan. I can feel their road-rage eyes and hear their internal monologues about me. “Look at this lanky, short, weird pedestrian. Why are you walking so weird? Were you shot in the legs 50 times and started rejecting your transplant legs because you were too lazy to get up and go to physical therapy JUST LIKE HOW YOU’RE TOO LAZY TO GET UP AND GET YOUR LICENSE.” I just wanna yell back “HEY I HAVE MY LICENSE! I JUST MAY HAVE GOTTEN INTO A CRASH BUT THAT’S BEYOND THE POINT. MAYBE I JUST WANTED SOME FRESH AIR, AND THE WALK IS GENETIC!”

But I can’t really stand there and yell because I've got six seconds left on the walk sign and some driver is trying to make a right on a red, so now I gotta do the stiff little jog across. Again, even though I am totally in the right because what am I supposed to do, stop in the middle of the street so you can make your right on a red? You're supposed to yield to ME! But even with all that logic, I do the stupid gallop so they can make their right. I make it across the crosswalk and a wave of relief washes over me because I've never felt more hated and insecure than in this 15-second crosswalk. 

 Top 10 Halloween Costumes

Brendan Knox

Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by Halloween–the creative concepts, bright colors and fabulous costumes. OCSA Halloween has taken this interest to another level. Now, deciding what to be is no easy task and should be handled tenderly, so I thought I’d share a few of my personal ideas to hopefully inspire your looks and get you feeling runway ready for the “Thriller” flash mob!

1. OCSA Phone Chart: Despite being at number ten, this is sure to send chills down the spine of Tenth Street.

1. Jack Black: From Steve, to Bowser, to every Tik Tok he's ever posted, this look offers a variety of different takes depending on which era of Jack Black you feel like sporting!

1. Kordell Beckham (Love Island): Did you come here for love? Grab a suitcase, your favorite neon bathing suit and spin around carelessly as you enter the villa!

1. Chris Pratt: As the world's best and most versatile voice actor, who is there not to dress up as? Master build as Emmett, save a princess as Mario or don’t come to school and tell your friends you’re Garfield.

1. The Duolingo Bird: Nothing is more terrifying than losing your streak.

1. North West (The Lion King LIVE at The Hollywood Bowl): Despite being a nepo baby, the fit kinda goes hard.

1. Channing Tatum (Gambit): Ready to make a name for yourself? Get a dialect coach before taking on this one, but if you can’t get the hang of it, there's always Magic Mike!

1. A Tree and The Coconut That Fell Out (Couple Costume): “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” -Kamala Harris, 2023

1. Blake Lively (It Ends With Us): Not much to say about this one, just stop using conditioner and raid grandma's closet.   

1. Raygun (Olympic Breakdancing Candidate): This one's ambitious, but if you have the time to learn her entire routine, including the bunny hop, you win.

There are plenty of other fabulous and enticing choices for all Halloween connoisseurs this year, and making a list of the top 10 was no easy task. I hope at least one of these has inspired you to make a change and stop dressing up as recycled Disney characters. 

 Olympic Sports Based on How Well I’d Do

Jeri Stein

Courage, sportsmanship, resilience and athleticism: the qualities it takes to be an Olympic athlete, and even more so, an Olympic CHAMPION.

I have ALL of those traits tenfold but sadly have decided to take the route as an artist in my life. Regardless, here are the Olympic sports ranked based on how well I would do in each if my parents had locked in and made me a 5-year-old sports prodigy.

5. Coming in at number five is track and field. I am genetically shorter than most, so when it comes to the Swedish runners, I stand no chance against their genetically perfectly long legs and pure blondeness. I also am just not very quick. It didn't take the Jews 400 years to escape Egypt for no reason. We simply aren’t very quick people. But hey, there's no shame in taking the scenic route in life. Smell the daisies once in a while you quick tall Swedes.

4. For number four, I am going to go with swimming. I am not the best at swimming, but if the doggy paddle and flailing your body so you don't drown is allowed in the freestyle event I think I have a good chance here. I also believe my lungs are better suited for swimming, and I could handle all the water I would inevitably swallow because fun fact–I can drink a water bottle in one second. If you don't believe me, find me in person and hand me a water bottle,I will do it.

3. For the bronze and insecurity that comes with third place, I am going to put diving. I don't have a fear of heights, which I think is useful because I wouldn’t get nervous. I can also do a pretty good cannonball (the foundation of every good diving skill), so I think I could easily win bronze.

2. For silver, I am going to go with gymnastics. I have spent a good amount of my childhood tumbling and cartwheeling and doing all of those good things, so I think I could win Team USA a silver in floorwork if given the chance. The only reason I don't think I could win gold is that I cannot backflip. But once those “How to Backflip in 5 Minutes” TikToks pay off, trust I'm winning gold.

1. For the gold and the glory, the Olympic sport I would be best at is javelin throwing. In my life, I throw many things, so I believe that javelin throwing falls into my everyday life skills. I also have great eye-hand coordination, which would come in handy when throwing a big stick off my shoulders. I was once described as having the hands of a surgeon and the steadiness of a dove on a dewy Sunday morning.

Tune in to the 2028 LA Olympics because you can bet your lucky penny, I will be in every event bringing our great nation home the gold.

 Leaked: 2028 Olympic Games Locations

Madeline Tran

4x400 Relay: The I-405 and I-5 during peak Rush Hour 

Even from downtown Santa Ana, the effects of LA rush hour traffic are noticeable. And as lines of cars stretch out across these sister highways, they make the perfect runway for the Olympic relay events. In a La La Land-esque fashion, competitors must navigate the sea of vehicles and find their teammates in the mayhem. 

Alternative: Each relay team must work together in a large industrial semi-truck trailer to navigate through traffic, armed with nothing but Waze, and once through traffic, they must find parking in Koreatown or any parking garage off of Third Street Promenade. 

Fencing: Erewhon 

Having found fame in their smoothies ($20) and olive oil ($30), what better place to host the lesser-known sport than the overpriced influencer supermarket? In an almost mutualistic relationship, fencing gains some more fans and brand-deals, and Erewhon gains a newer audience to sell their tote bags ($225) to. 

Gymnastics: So-fi Stadium

With an Olympic team consisting of the great Simone Biles and upcomers like Stephen Nedoroscik, naturally these gymnasts require a stadium fit for their stardom. And what better place for said stardom than the glorious So-Fi stadium, which previously housed the elaborate Circus Maximus and Eras Tour? With 360-views and a killer-sound system, gymnastics events are further glamorized into a full-fledged performance. 

Cycling: Mulholland Drive

This iconic staple of LA history will become even more iconic with the image of cyclists speeding up and down it. Due to the road’s narrowness and twists, cyclists are constantly on edge as they compete to make it to the finish line while also coming out alive. And if the road proves to be too much? Feel free to stop by any of the celebrity homes that reside on the iconic Mulholland drive address. I’m sure Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton would love to host a sweaty cyclist. 

Marathon: LAX traffic 

Picture this: cars honking, lost Ubers and Lyfts making illegal U-turns, parents yelling at their children to hurry up and get out of the car, and 160 marathon runners racing

 The History Of Asian-American Representation in Film

Gigi Kim

While Hollywood has taken steps to increase the inclusion of Asian Americans in recent years, Asian American actors are still heavily underrepresented. The history of Asian American representation in Hollywood is deeply rooted in harmful stereotypes and racial discrimination. 

The diverse and rich cultural history maintained by the Asian American community is often reduced to meek and flat portrayals that generalize Asian cultures. The wrongful depictions of Asian Americans on screen can be dangerously influential on young Asian American viewers, perpetuating the notion that the stereotypical representations and limited roles they see are the only ones available to them. 

Today, Asian American characters are most commonly subjected to the model minority myth, a detrimental stereotype that Asian Americans are more intelligent, hard working and financially high-achieving than other minority groups. Reducing Asian Americans into a homogeneous group strips them of their identities and reinforces the image of Asian Americans being “better” than other minorities. The stereotypes aren’t limited to the model minority myth; Asian men are often depicted as weak, subservient, and emasculated, while Asian women are seen with either the helpless “Lotus Blossom” or seductive “Dragon Lady” trope. 

Historically, Asian roles have been performed by non-Asian actors in “yellowface,” which refers to the practice of white actors wearing facial makeup to portray an East Asian character. Movies and shows like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), “The Good Earth” (1937)  and “Kung Fu” (1972) used white actors for character roles scripted as Asian. In “The Good Earth,” Chinese American actress Anna May Wong was replaced by Austrian American actress Luise Rainer for the leading role of Chinese character O-Lan. The role of Wang Lung, a Chinese farmer in the film, was, too, portrayed by a white actor (Paul Muni). Anti-miscegenation laws during the time period that criminalized interracial intimacy prevented O-Lan from being played by an Asian actress. White actor Mickey Rooney played the role of “Mr. Yunioshi” in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” where he was portrayed as a Japanese man with an exaggerated thick accent, taped-back squinted eyes and prosthetic buck teeth. Offering Asian roles to non-Asian performers among the already limited opportunities for Asian actors to star in Hollywood deepened the underrepresentation of Asian individuals. 

Today, a gradual shift towards more enlightened narratives has emerged, with movies such as “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018), “Minari” (2020) and “Parasite” (2019), achieving new frontiers. Despite the blooming success of new-age films with full Asian castings, though, there are still horrific barriers for Asian American actors and filmmakers. There is still a wide deficit of the stories being told, with the main focus of many films being on cultural identity or the model minority myth. This suffocates the Asian American experience, as well as the opportunities available for Asian American portrayals in cinema. 

While efforts for progress are continuously being made both in front and behind the camera, the hiring of more Asian American writers, producers and directors could help bring the authentic voices and complex stories of Asian Americans to light. The conversation about diversity and inclusion must be kept alive in the film industry, as the fight for dismantling Asian American stereotypes has long ways to go. 

 October Horoscopes

Ava Park