College housing causes turmoil among students
NEWS Olivia Stephansen, Social Media Editor NEWS Olivia Stephansen, Social Media Editor

College housing causes turmoil among students

Students struggle with financial stability, mental health and academic performance as they struggle to pay for their dorms or off-campus housing because of inflation.

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In-State: Deciding on your college path (Copy)
CENTERSPREAD Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) CENTERSPREAD Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

In-State: Deciding on your college path (Copy)

For any Samo student, not staying in-state would be a waste of the colleges and overall resources available to them. As California residents, Samo students have the privilege of living near an impressive list of state schools that should certainly be considered in their application process.

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Out-of-State: Deciding on your college path
CENTERSPREAD Olivia Stephansen, Social Media Editor CENTERSPREAD Olivia Stephansen, Social Media Editor

Out-of-State: Deciding on your college path

During the college application process, many different factors go into choosing where to go such as location, price, and overall academic opportunity. For many, location, and whether to stay in-state or out-of-state can be the deciding factor in their decision. While going to college in-state might seem like the easier option for students heading off to college, leaving the state for college can prove more beneficial.

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What's going on around Samo?
NEWS Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) NEWS Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

What's going on around Samo?

New superintendent; search for new I House Principle; approval of Team Marine’s climate literacy resolution; annual club row

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Sexual harassment highlighted in the sports world
SPORTS Koi Lerner, Staff Writer SPORTS Koi Lerner, Staff Writer

Sexual harassment highlighted in the sports world

On Aug. 28, a sexual harassment case arose in professional womens soccer when sexual harassment allegations were charged after Jenni Hermoso, a player for the Spanish Women’s National Soccer Team and the Mexican club Pachuca, was sexually harassed.

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Day of the Dead inspires Samo’s annual art gallery
A&E Former 2024 Staff Member A&E Former 2024 Staff Member

Day of the Dead inspires Samo’s annual art gallery

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Samo hosted its annual Roberts Art Gallery, with a themed focus on the following celebration of Day of the Dead. The walls were decked with pictures, paintings and multimedia pieces with mediums like fabric, string, paper mache and more.

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Dazzling duets and fundraising feats at Sweet Serenade
A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor

Dazzling duets and fundraising feats at Sweet Serenade

The Samo choir students serenaded the audience on Saturday, Oct. 21 at their first concert of the school year. Apart from the showcase of talented singers at Samo, Sweet Serenade–fittingly–provided arrays of handmade dessert trays as well as an auction/raffle fundraiser.

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School to studio: the power of making music
A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor

School to studio: the power of making music

Finding time to make music while also balancing responsibilities personally and academically can be a challenge, however it’s not just about juggling tasks, it’s about finding time to express themselves, and ultimately harmonizing their multifaceted lives.

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Trying to be cool about boygenius’ new album
A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor

Trying to be cool about boygenius’ new album

Boygenius has established itself as an icon of the indie music scene. Building upon the themes presented in their first full-length album released in March, Boygenius’ Oct. EP “The Rest” continues their tradition of melancholic melodies that emphasize a sense of community and love.

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Samo band kicks off the year with their fall concert
A&E Sia Kresch, Staff Writer A&E Sia Kresch, Staff Writer

Samo band kicks off the year with their fall concert

On Nov. 7, the Samo band held their annual fall concert, bringing together the five levels of the band led under directors Kevin McKeown and Terry Sakow. The concert was an impressive showcase of the band’s first few months of practice and only foreshadows the coming performances.

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Examining Biden’s student debt alleviation plan: Hopes and Doubts 
CENTERSPREAD Aili Forster, Editor-in-Chief CENTERSPREAD Aili Forster, Editor-in-Chief

Examining Biden’s student debt alleviation plan: Hopes and Doubts 

In a decisive move to confront the mounting student loan crisis, in the summer of 2023, President Joe Biden announced a plan to alleviate the financial burdens facing current students and recent graduates alike. The student debt crisis has only been compounded in the past decades due to tuition costs outpacing wage increases, leading to more students taking loans and falling deeper into debt. Biden’s plan's focal points include a revamp of income-driven repayment (IDR) programs, an expansion of loan forgiveness initiatives, and a proposal to cap federal student loan interest rates. On Oct.4, Biden also approved nine billion dollars in student debt relief, further pushing to reduce the burden of student debt.

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Students reflect on Israel-Hamas conflict
STUDENT LIFE Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) STUDENT LIFE Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

Students reflect on Israel-Hamas conflict

On Oct. 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance Movement, more widely known as Hamas, led a series of coordinated attacks against the people of Israel… Students at Samo with connections to loved ones in Israel have been adversely affected by the conflict.

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The true value of an Ivy education
CENTERSPREAD Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) CENTERSPREAD Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

The true value of an Ivy education

To thousands of high school students across America, an Ivy League education is the equivalent of a lucid dream. The aura of its prestige and the alumni revered by each school makes it easier to be drawn towards the East Coast. However, there are mixed opinions today on what an Ivy League education can offer in contrast to what it may have previously.

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Smells like Samo spirit: a swell in Viking pride
STUDENT LIFE Koi Lerner, Staff Writer STUDENT LIFE Koi Lerner, Staff Writer

Smells like Samo spirit: a swell in Viking pride

In recent years, school spirit has been dampened due to the COVID-19 pandemic which halted pep rallies, sporting events and school dances. Without these key experiences, it can be challenging for students to connect with Samo. Now, with the full-fledged comeback of school-sanctioned events, there has been an uptick in school spirit.

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Weekend Bags Program Addresses Student Hunger in SMMUSD
NEWS Dalia Puchalt, News Editor NEWS Dalia Puchalt, News Editor

Weekend Bags Program Addresses Student Hunger in SMMUSD

After months of emails, countless meetings with district officials and hours of work, the Weekend Bags program was finally launched in Dec. 2021 with the help of Braun’s co-coordinator, SMMUSD parent and registered dietician Deb Novak.

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“The Bear” season two and the path to healing
A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

“The Bear” season two and the path to healing

Season one of FX’s “The Bear” ended with a joyous discovery of $300,000 hidden in tomato cans, and it seemed like the show with 99% positive ranking from Rotten Tomatoes couldn’t get much better than it already was.

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Girls’ flag football team is the newest ball to catch
SPORTS Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) SPORTS Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

Girls’ flag football team is the newest ball to catch

This year, the CIF-Southern Section voted on adding Girls’ Flag Football as a sanctioned sport for the fall 2023-24 sea son. Ramsey Lambert, who was the strength and conditioning coach, is now the head coach of Samo’s new flag football team.

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Around the World (in LA)
CENTERSPREAD Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) CENTERSPREAD Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

Around the World (in LA)

From Los Angeles natives to those who have just moved to the city, there are endless unique spots—especially restaurants— to explore. L.A. is a vast and diverse city with an abundance of different cultures present in the food scene. To celebrate the range of cuisines in LA, The Samohi has gathered a list of the best food spots from a variety of cultures!

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HOTLB: Favorite L.A Childhood Memories
CENTERSPREAD Kamerin Shakir, Staff Writer CENTERSPREAD Kamerin Shakir, Staff Writer

HOTLB: Favorite L.A Childhood Memories

From the magical American Girl Doll store in #e Grove to Bowlmor Bowling Alley where many Staff Writer birthdays were spent, there are some spots which are quintessential to the classic LA childhood. As high schoolers grow up and mature, certain memories tend to be forgotten while some remain distinctly in their minds.

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The Perfect LA Daytrip
CENTERSPREAD Former 2024 Staff Member CENTERSPREAD Former 2024 Staff Member

The Perfect LA Daytrip

With the weekend right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for me to take you out on an LA day trip. Get your bag ready with sunscreen, a book, your wallet, and maybe a portable charger to make sure you have enough battery for all the pictures we’re gonna take. With so much to do in LA, you can trust that it’s going to be a fun time. But, if you still don’t trust me, let me break down the itinerary for you. 

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Top 6 Markets to Bookmark in LA
CENTERSPREAD Sia Kresch, Staff Writer CENTERSPREAD Sia Kresch, Staff Writer

Top 6 Markets to Bookmark in LA

One of Los Angeles’ biggest draws is its sunny weather, which allows outdoor markets and events to thrive almost all year long. Whether rain or shine, farmers markets’ line the streets of different neighborhoods weekly, and flea markets pop-up every weekend throughout Los Angeles.

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Classifieds
STUDENT LIFE Manny Lopez, Sports Editor STUDENT LIFE Manny Lopez, Sports Editor

Classifieds

Samo students, are you looking for a job? Working can help you get a feel for some of the college duties or jobs beyond school.

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Hollywood on hold until SAG-AFTRA strikes end
A&E Dalia Puchalt, News Editor A&E Dalia Puchalt, News Editor

Hollywood on hold until SAG-AFTRA strikes end

On May 2, the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) closed their laptops, put down their pens and went on strike. Two short months later, an irritated Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the writers for the first time since 1960.

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Lights, camera, karaoke night
STUDENT LIFE Liam Sauer, News Editor STUDENT LIFE Liam Sauer, News Editor

Lights, camera, karaoke night

Samohi Karaoke Night began on a brightly illuminated stage, full of anxious, excited and chattering students. The event, hosted by the Running with Speakers Club, may have been one of the most fun and liberating events to be had on the Samo campus so far this year.

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From novels to kneepads: Meet Pete Barraza
SPORTS Olivia Stephansen, Social Media Editor SPORTS Olivia Stephansen, Social Media Editor

From novels to kneepads: Meet Pete Barraza

This year, Pete Barraza became the new head coach of Samo’s Boys’ Varsity Volleyball team and the coach of JV Girls’ Volleyball. He is also the AP English Literature teacher and a 10th grade English teacher.

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Samo Orchestras’ first concert of the year was (movie) magical
A&E Former 2024 Staff Member A&E Former 2024 Staff Member

Samo Orchestras’ first concert of the year was (movie) magical

With dim and colorful lights, nostalgic film scores, a dramatic piano, Samo’s Orchestra Movie Music Magic concert on Oct. 6 was a hit among all ages. Celebrating 120 years of performances at Samo, the orchestra played to inspire a new generation with timeless songs from the movies we all love.

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Biblical ballads: a review of Mitski’s latest album
A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor

Biblical ballads: a review of Mitski’s latest album

Cosmic. To concisely summarize the seventh and newest album of singer/songwriter Mitsuki Miyawaki, professionally known as Mitski, borders on impossible, but this word most accurately captures its magnitude and nuance.

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Volunteer hours: an unnecessary expectation
OPINION Ryan Kim, News Editor OPINION Ryan Kim, News Editor

Volunteer hours: an unnecessary expectation

Unsurprisingly, volunteering is a good deed that benefits the community. In fact, many Samo students spend their free time participating in a wide range of volunteer organizations. However, should these good acts of service be a requirement within schools?

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Cross country season off to a fast start
SPORTS Ryan Kim, News Editor SPORTS Ryan Kim, News Editor

Cross country season off to a fast start

The Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams have high expectations going into this season. Last year, for the first time in Samo’s history, the girls’ team made it to CIF Finals, advancing to the state meet and finishing 11th in Division I.

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“GUTS”: Album of the year or anticlimatic?
A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor

“GUTS”: Album of the year or anticlimatic?

On Sept. 8, singer-songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo published her latest pop-rock album “GUTS”. Rodrigo’s previous release and debut album, “SOUR”, was incredibly well received and secured her place in the pop world.

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