November

Adjusting Again: The recent change to Standard Time

November 2, 2025

By Alisha Yanez

Sunday, November 2, standard saving time officially came into effect across nations. Standard Time across most countries will last until March 14, where the time will then again switch to daylight savings.  

Many states in North America participate in the annual time changes, excluding Hawaii and Arizona. As well as North America, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia also participate in these time changes, including regions like the United Kingdom, parts of the Caribbean and Latin America, and some countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as New Zealand and parts of South America. 

Changes between standard time and daylight savings were first implemented in Germany during World World 1, specifically in 1916. Germany implemented daylight savings to save fuel for war production and allow for more working daylight hours. The United States later adapted to this change in 1918.

The switching from daylight savings to standard time causes many changes in people's day-to-day  life, including adaptations on their schedule, mainly affecting sleep.

Kaley Lopez (‘27) expressed how the time change was nice because she was able to get an extra hour of sleep, “making me have more energy to focus during class time.”

This personally affected Lopez because as of now, she has less hours for daytime activities. Lopez expressed that she misses daylight savings and doesn't like when the time changes back to the standard. 

Seanray Sepagan (‘27) additionally stated how the time change allows for more sleep for those who are in need of it during school and for extracurricular activities. “It's more convenient for me because I can get more sleep.” Sepagan moreover prefers daylight savings because of the saved daylight and cooler nights. 

Similar to previous students' responses, Anthony Cabrera (‘27) also shared how he was able to have an extra hour of sleep and was useful for him because he takes a zero period and allows him to feel more energized in the morning.  

Cabrera feels the time change makes the day go by slower because when he arrives home it's already dark, “which is good for when I need to do homework.” However, Cabrera prefers daylight savings more because he doesn't like it getting dark at 5:00pm.

Overall, many people, specifically students, prefer daylight savings over standard time. This time change will affect many of the participating countries.

Volleyball Quarter Finals 

By Sofia Custodio 

11-05-25

Monterey High School’s girls volleyball team saw their impressive playoff run come to an end after facing the Santa Cruz Cardinals in the second round of the Central Coast Section playoffs on November 4. The matchup at Monterey High ended in a 3-0 win for Santa Cruz, with set scores of 25-23, 25-17, and 25-19.

The match was tightly contested, especially in the first set, when Monterey matched Santa Cruz point for point and nearly edged out a win before falling 25-23. Senior Morgan Kristy led the Dores with eight kills, supported by setter Sofia Custodio who tallied 12 assists, and middle blocker Asia Fulp, who anchored the defense with five blocks. It was a night of determined rallies and spirited team play, with Monterey fighting hard to stay in contention each set.​

After the match, Right side hitter Morgan Kristy reflected on the team’s journey, 

“We played as hard as we could. Even though it didn’t go our way, I wouldn’t trade the effort or the bond this team has built for anything. Everyone kept fighting, every single point,” Kristy said.​

Middle blocker Asia Fulp shared, “I felt like we really pushed ourselves, especially in the first set. The energy was amazing, and the crowd was with us the whole way. Even on defense, we tried to keep everyone hyped and focused. I’m grateful for this run and for my teammates.”

Coach reactions highlighted both the disappointment of the loss and the pride in Monterey’s progress. Head coach Ellie Mitchell praised the team’s spirit:

“Our girls showed a lot of grit tonight. Santa Cruz is tough, they have some powerful hitters, but we showed heart and unity. Making it to the second round and battling like that is something to be proud of.”

Santa Cruz, with this victory, advances to the CCS quarterfinals, riding a strong run of five wins in their last six matches and a solid 21-10 record for the season. Monterey, now at 23-8, closes a season filled with memorable wins and a six-game streak leading up to the playoffs. For many seniors, these final moments on the court were bittersweet, yet filled with gratitude for a successful campaign.

Kristy summed up the team’s mood: “We’re disappointed, but also grateful. This group has had so much fun together. We’ve supported each other through tough practices and huge games. I know everyone is going to remember this season.”

Lizzy Simpson (26’) echoed the sentiment, “We gave it everything and left it all on the floor. That’s all you can ask for. Monterey volleyball means family to me, and I know the underclassmen will step up and carry that forward.”

Monterey High might not have advanced, but their performance in the CCS

The tournament will be remembered for its competitiveness, teamwork, and the close knit spirit of its athletes.​

Gear Up Grade Checks                      

By Norya Arsala

11/8/25

This week at Monterey High School, the Gear Up program continued its efforts to support student success by rewarding students who earned A, B, or C grades on their report cards. Students who met the goal received a free snack as recognition for their hard work. 

The reward took place in Room Six during lunch, where students could stop by to show their grades and talk with the Gear Up staff. Snacks included chips, fruit snacks, and granola bars, giving students a small but meaningful celebration of their hard work.

Rahmah Hamid (‘26) “It reminded me to keep checking my grades and not fall behind. Even something small like a snack made me feel recognized.”

Many students appreciated the motivation. 

Nahira Sangar (‘27) said she values the support Gear Up provides, “I love Gear Up because it has helped me so much throughout my high school years, so for them to reward us with snacks is great.”

For a lot of students, the reward system encouraged them to check their grades more often and stay caught up, creating a positive and supportive environment around schoolwork.

Shabnam Qayumi (‘27) “The snacks were delicious and I am so glad I am getting rewarded,” showing how even small recognition can make students feel proud of their progress.

Gear Up is a program designed to help students prepare for college by offering tutoring, grade check-ins, workshops, and academic support. As next semester approaches, make sure you get your grades up so you can enjoy a snack, too!

Veterans Day 

November 11, 2025

By Alisha Yanez

On November 11, 2025, Veterans Day was held on Tuesday for the first time since 2014. Students were able to have a day off in almost the middle of the week.

Before officially naming the holiday, it was called Armistice Day, to specifically celebrate the end of World War I and those who served, which took place on November 11, on the 11th hour. This was later changed to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans after World War II and the Korean War. 

In 1978, Veterans Day was permanently signed by congress when President Gerald Ford held a meeting to reinstate its original date. Before the law was officially passed, a previous law had been signed in 1968 to hold Veterans Day on the fourth Monday of October to create more three-day weekends, causing public confusion.   

Now with the holiday taking place on its original date of the event, it felt strange to many students for it to take place on a Tuesday rather than having a three-day weekend.   

Kaley Lopez (’27) was very insightful, expressing, “Veterans Day is an important day that unfortunately doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s not just a day off; it’s a day to respect those who fought for our country.”

Anthony Cabrera (‘27) shared that the holiday allowed him to have a chance to rest and catch up on school work and other necessities. 

“It does feel odd that it fell on a Tuesday but it was a good switch from the usual Mondays off when there are holidays.”

Although students are allowed and honored to have an extra day off, it is still important to show your respect to the veterans who have fought long and hard for our country.

Unaware Seniors 

By Sofia Custodio 

11-12-25

As the yearbook deadline approaches, many seniors have yet to turn in their baby photos and senior quotes and it’s not just procrastination causing the problem. A growing number of students say they didn’t know when or where to submit their materials. “I didn't even know that there was a place to turn in this stuff” said Keira Prakash (26’) 

Several seniors admitted they never saw the announcements or emails about due dates. Others mentioned that reminders were easy to miss among the flood of school messages each week. The result? The yearbook team now faces a major shortage of senior content, putting parts of the book at risk of being incomplete.

To address the issue, yearbook staff and advisors are exploring better ways to spread the word. Options include posting clearer reminders on social media, making in-person announcements during homeroom or senior assemblies, and extending the submission window to give students another chance to participate.

Senior Dina Hamid (26’)  explained, “We want every senior represented. These photos and quotes are more than just pages in a book, they’re memories that last long after graduation.”

Students are encouraged to check their school email and class announcements for updated deadlines and submission links. Turning in materials on time ensures everyone’s story is captured in this year’s edition.

First Few Weeks of Girls' Basketball

By: Dariele Ramirez

November 19, 2025 

While the winter sports season has started, the girls' basketball team, in the past few weeks, has already held tryouts and given out JV/Varsity rosters. 

Amelia Reeder(‘28) expresses happiness for the upcoming season, saying: “Basketball has started and I am so excited to play this year! To me, the team is more like family because of how close all of us are. I’m so excited to play basketball this season, and I can’t wait for the future of our team!” 

Reeder(‘28) also participates in swimming in the spring season, and says she hopes basketball allows her to stay in condition before the swim season starts.

Beatrice Woltman(‘28), who is currently on the track to become an Iron Athlete, participating in water polo during the fall, basketball during the winter, and swim during the spring, brings in a hopeful mindset to the upcoming season: “Basketball is off to a really good start this year, and I am excited for games to start up. We have so many new things for our program, and I am ready for what’s to come.” 

Woltman(‘28) is optimistic for the season, after her amazing season she had in the fall, playing water polo. 

Sasha Brown(‘27) says: “Basketball is going well, we are a very young team, but I think that is good because we will grow and learn together. I really like this team and hope we can be really good.”

Brown(‘27) continues to say she wants to team more with her teammates and gain experience from her new and previous teammates.

The first girls’ basketball game will be held a week after we get back from Thanksgiving Break. Against North Monterey County at Randall Gym, December 9th, JV at 5:30 and Varsity at 7:00. Come show your support by watching the games.

Father and 7 Year Old Daughter Lost to Dangerous Waves

By Shelby Kristy

November 21, 2025

A heartbreaking accident took place recently on Monday, November 17, 2025 in Monterey Bay, California, when a 7 year old girl and her father from Canada both lost their lives after being swept into the ocean by very powerful waves. The family had been visiting Garrapata State Beach, a spot known for its beautiful views but also for its strong and unpredictable surf. What was meant to be a relaxing fun day at the beach quickly turned into a tragedy. 

According to officials, the young girl was standing near the shoreline when a huge wave suddenly rushed in and pulled her into the water. Her father immediately jumped in after her, trying to save her. Witnesses said he never hesitated to go in for her, and his first instinct was to reach for his daughter. Unfortunately, the waves were extremely strong that day, and both of them were dragged farther out into the rough waters. 

Rescue teams responded quickly, including state park rangers, firefighters, and the Coast Guard. The father was pulled from the water and attempts were made to revive him, but he did not survive. A large search effort continued for the young girl, and her body was later found by a diver a short distance away from where she was swept in. 

Family members, who had come to the beach together, were left devastated. The girl’s mother survived after trying to help but was treated for hypothermia. Officials explained that the waves that day were unusually dangerous due to weather conditions, and they had already issued warnings about strong surf. 

This tragic event serves as a reminder of how powerful the ocean can be, even when it looks calm. It also shows the bravery and love of a father who gave everything to try to save his daughter.