The vital careers within national parks
CENTERSPREAD Hope Wang, Staff Writer CENTERSPREAD Hope Wang, Staff Writer

The vital careers within national parks

National parks aren't just places to visit—they’re national treasures that hold the majority of California's history. Yosemite and Sequoia have played vital roles in environmental conservation, showcasing the diverse natural beauty and biodiversity of California. These parks have conserved ancient ecosystems and indigenous history, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Native American tribes that have inhabited these lands for centuries.

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ASB elections bring new leadership
STUDENT LIFE Hope Wang, Staff Writer STUDENT LIFE Hope Wang, Staff Writer

ASB elections bring new leadership

The results of the 2025-2026 school year’s Associated Student Body (ASB) elections came out on Feb. 18, and with them, a shift in school leadership will shape the direction of student life and planned events for the upcoming school year. After many weeks of campaigning, speeches and unique media pushes, such as specialized campaign videos and posters, the new ASB board is now in place, ready to take on the newfound responsibilities of properly and effectively representing their peers.

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Music
CENTERSPREAD Hope Wang, Staff Writer CENTERSPREAD Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Music

Music is a universal language, transcending beyond borders and time. Despite disconnects in language, culture and generations, music has the power to bring people together, something everyone has in common. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Beyonce—each artist defines a generation. Music is more than just a sound; it is a bridge between generations, a shared experience that connects people across time. The songs of each era influence how society views the world and communicates with one another. Kloe Taheri (’26) noticed how songs from all generations always come back, to refine and benefit society. 

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Small acts make big impacts
STUDENT LIFE Hope Wang, Staff Writer STUDENT LIFE Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Small acts make big impacts

As the holiday season approaches, students can agree on the importance of giving back. Volunteering allows you to give back to the community by helping others or making a positive impact, no matter how small. It offers a meaningful opportunity to help others and make a positive impact on the community. Nevertheless, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Here are some great places to volunteer and make the most of your winter break!

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Disney and decisions: Stepping stones in Samo music
A&E Hope Wang, Staff Writer A&E Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Disney and decisions: Stepping stones in Samo music

Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) is an exclusive choir event held at the University of Redlands that brings together some of the most talented young singers. After the selective audition process, performances were held Nov. 7-9. This event offers incredible experiences to perform alongside students from all over Southern California. This year, eight Samo students auditioned and got accepted to participate in this selective competition. Students who perform well during regionals have the opportunity to move on to the next level: a state competition. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their vocal skills and experience performing with a talented group of peers. For these students, SCVA is not just about the competition, but a chance to pursue singing outside the classroom and push themselves as musicians. 

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Day of the Dead gallery
A&E Hope Wang, Staff Writer A&E Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Day of the Dead gallery

On Oct. 24 from 4-6 PM, Roberts Art Gallary at Samo hosted a vibrant Dia De Los Muertos art exhibition. The event showcased an array of artistic expressions, featuring Ofrendas, artwork from AP art, drawing, ceramics and film, along with contributions from John Adams Middle School.

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Girls’ golf team captains shine amidst league struggles
SPORTS Hope Wang, Staff Writer SPORTS Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Girls’ golf team captains shine amidst league struggles

The Santa Monica High School girls' varsity golf team finished the 2024 fall season with a final record of 1-6, ending 5th out of 5 in the league. Despite the team’s inconsistency, both team captains, Frances Aguilar (’26) and Cash Henton (’25) made it to league finals, with Aguilar additionally advancing to the first round of CIF. 

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Girls’ golf has put in the work: Ready to shine
SPORTS Hope Wang, Staff Writer SPORTS Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Girls’ golf has put in the work: Ready to shine

Last year, the Samo girl's varsity golf team faced various challenges that impacted their performance. Despite the best efforts of the players and their coach, Roshni Mejia, the team often found themselves forfeiting matches due to insufficient team members. This persistent issue overshadowed their potential on the course and the team only managed to get one win last year, against Redondo Union. However, the team still made a huge accomplishment last year, with the current team captain Cash Henton (’25) making League Finals

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