The Hackathon: An Informatics competition exploring topics of equity

By: Rowan Santos 

With the rise of students interest in computer science, various events have taken place. On April 5, the Informatics School at the University of Washington held the Hackathon event. The UW Informatics School forged this event to establish the possibilities of an informatics career. It truly showed how equity is a crucial component of informatics.

Together with teams, individuals choose a prominent adversity and work to combat the issue. Topics vary from gender inequality to education and corruption. Individuals had an hour and thirty minutes to forge an artificial intelligence-based solution to these problems. Each group had an informatics mentor who guided them through the process. Those who attended learned how to create positive social impact through informatics. This was the main event and was structured effectively, keeping individuals engaged.

Another highlight of the event was the guest speakers. Individuals at the UW Informatics School shared their passion for informatics. You truly learn how diverse informatics careers are, and there are vast opportunities you can pursue within the informatics realm. They also shared various groups associated with the Informatics school, including subgroups for women, Asians, black, queer, and Muslim students. It was astounding to see their electric passion for informatics, and it was a pleasure to learn about the diversity within this broad major. 

A group from Auburn Mountainview and three students emerged victorious from the competition event. The winning students were Samuel Chan, Prableen Kaur, and Rowan Santos. They forged an app model that encouraged diversity within professional fields. 

All in all, the UW Informatics event informed individuals about the diversity of informatics while also engaging students in equity in the informatics field. 

A Breakdown of the Amazing Black History Month Assembly

By: Eliezer Mordo 

 Auburn Mountainview’s Black Student Union held its annual Black History Month assembly this past Friday. The assembly featured an impactful speech, various displays of poetry, biographies, and showstopping musical performances by Joshua William-Ajaero aka 253 RPL, a current Senior, and ‘16 alum Vic Daggs II; as well as the Black national anthem being sung by Mariah Vann.

Members of the B.S.U. used their platform to showcase the importance of Black history, with an emphasis on college education and creativity. It was amusing to see how they put different disciplines together to convey their overall message. Alina Davis, President of the student union, opened the assembly with a speech addressing the significance of Black history in schools. Davis specifically mentions that she hopes listeners will leave the assembly knowing that Black history is essential to our everyday lives. Vice President, Aijah King shared her original poem encompassing the importance of a college education and how she’ll use it to support her family. The poem also addresses what this would personally mean to her ancestors, as she is truly “The reality to Dr. King’s dream”.The second poem was read by Rya, a Sophomore at Spanaway high school. Her poem was centered around the Black experience and how she stays true to her Blackness. Two biographies about Alice Coachman and Robert S. Abbott were then expressed by Treasurer Nyree Mccall, and Secretary Ndaye Mar. 

I would say that the highlights of the assembly were undoubtedly the two incredible musical acts. Starting with Vic Daggs II, the first song he played titled “Royal” emitted immense energy into the audience even though it was 9 am! To maintain the enthusiasm in the crowd while finishing his set, Daggs II performed “Blackout”. Matching the title of the song, all the lights in the gym were shut off and students were invited to join him on the court to enjoy this song. The assembly closed on a high note with 253 RPL performing his original song “Replacing You” featuring live instrumentation from the AMHS Orchestra which has numerously collaborated with the singer in the past.  In addition to his own music, 253 RPL’s covered songs such as  “One Dance” by Drake which in turn inclined audience members to dance and sing along.

In retrospect, the Black History Month assembly was a success. The participants showed off their talents while sharing important messages through speeches, poetry, music, and discussions of famous figures. The event beautifully celebrated Black culture and taught everyone the importance of Black history, education, and creativity. This assembly helped people appreciate the greatness of Black people and their ability to persevere through tough times. Overall, it was a meaningful experience for all who attended.

The Celebration of Modern Day Valentines: If You're Single Don't be a Pringle!

By: Dohly Yu

You don’t have to have a romantic partner to be able to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Go and celebrate the month of love with family and friends.

 The month of February is associated with love because of its highlighted day which is the 14th day of the month. This is when you will see red and pink paired up together, balloons, hearts, chocolates and gifts given to loved ones. Although Valentine’s Day is a cultural celebration that is celebrated in many regions, it does not have to be Valentine’s Day to be able to show your love. 

Make everyday a day of love for your loved ones! In our modern world we celebrate by giving gifts but back then it was much more different. Legend says that it came from the feast of St. Valentines where men and women would be paired up together. Legend also says that back then it was also celebrated for fertility and to welcome spring. I mean…we prefer the modern version right? 

The person who invented Valentine’s Day was Pope Gelacius. He declared in the 5th century that February 14 is St. Valentine’s. Though, it was more religious than romantic. There is no sure fact about when and why Valentine’s Day became associated with love. There was also a very ominous rumor that on the 21st day of February is break up day. May that rumor stay a rumor for those people who have partners. Let’s keep this month a month of love and not heartbreaks! 

Auburn’s First Step Towards Inclusiveness in School Sports

By: Prableen Kaur

A Unified Sports game was held at Auburn Senior High School, on Tuesday, February 6th. This “Pack the Gym!” night was free to attend, open to all. This was our Auburn Mountainview Unified Sports team’s first game. To summarize, it was absolutely astounding and is a highly notable thing that our school has started. 

Special Olympics Unified Sports is a fully inclusive program. Differently abled athletes are brought together with equal opportunities to compete in sports teams. They work in tandem towards the same purpose of playing sports: Preconceptions, prejudice, and false ideas are thrown away. Shoulder-to-shoulder, play as teammates together. 

They decided for this event to play a game of Basketball against the opposing Auburn High Unified team. The game was exceedingly entertaining and we were able to see all these wonderful athletes. I would say you could no doubt see their passion shine through.  Their smiles and joy from playing illuminated the dim lighted gym. The crowd was fully immersed and went wild for the athletes, especially from the opposing team. It was heart-warming to see students take time out of their day to show support for the unified team's first game. In the end, the Lions had victory!

It is remarkable to see inclusion in a sports team at Auburn Mountainview. It’s always daunting to join a sport because of the overwhelming pressures, but the unified team accepts all no matter your abilities. We’re absolutely thrilled we get to witness the beginning of this passionate team. Coach Rocha has done tremendously influential work, as this is Mountainview’s first step into an equitable environment. Hopefully, this team will open doors for more to pursue a sport they are interested in, and is a wake-up call for more inclusion at Auburn Mountainview.