Op-Ed Section

OP-ED: Bringing Home A Real Tree: A Tradition Fake Ones Can't Replace

December 3, 2025

By Alisha Yanez

The Christmas experience is what most look forward to during the Winter season, celebrating with family, giving to others, and presents for yourself from those closest to you. Along with the experience of gift giving, most also look forward to decorating with family or amongst themselves but a major part of this Christmas tradition is decorating your christmas tree with ornaments. 

Picking out a tree is a fun and graceful activity, especially when it creates memories with family or friends. Picking out the perfect tree with friends and family creates the beginning memories of the special and jolly holiday. Each individual tree for each year adds its own unique charm and creates a nostalgic atmosphere. 

Bringing a real pine tree into your home additionally floods the home with a warm and festive atmosphere, along with the strong pine smell. With the addition to your home, you get a more authentic and cozy Christmas, creating the traditional and nostalgic holiday feeling that most people prefer. 

Although a real Christmas tree brings more holiday spirit and warmth, others might argue that a fake tree is a more affordable option in their home. While that may be true, the average cost of a 7-8 foot tree ranges from $80 to $100 while a fake tree averages from $100 to $400. On top of the price ranges, pulling out a fake tree from your storage doesn’t add any special memories or nostalgia with friends or family.

Although a real and false Christmas tree can be decorated the same, the fake tree can’t replace the nostalgic smell and authenticity of a real one. Not only that, it doesn’t fill your home with the warmth and memories an authentic one does . 

Additionally, after the holidays come to an end, real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be turned into mulch or given back to nature, whilst fake ones only add more towards plastic pollution. All in all, fake Christmas trees take away the traditional memories you make with family or friends. 

Op-ed: Should gender neutral bathrooms exist

By Norya Arsala

12/5/2025

Gender-neutral bathrooms may sound nice to some people,  but in reality some people just don’t want them. Bathrooms are one of the few places where privacy really matters, especially for women, who don’t feel comfortable sharing that space with everyone. 

It’s not about being intolerant, it’s about the boundaries. There can also be a safety issue;, even if nothing bad usually happens, the point of a public restroom is that people should feel safe.

 If a space makes people anxious or on edge, that should be a problem. The system for these types of bathrooms may not always work. When everyone uses the same room, lines get longer, and everything gets crowded.

 A way to fix this problem in places is to keep men’s and women’s bathrooms and add a single stall, all-gender option for people who need it. That way, everyone has a place where they feel comfortable.

OP-ED: Why Students Should Have a Longer Break

By: Dariele Ramirez

December 9, 2025

I believe that students should have a longer break from Thanksgiving to New Year's. While yes, I know that there is a set amount of instructional days and hours students need to be at school. But I think it’s weird we have so many vacation weeks a couple of weeks apart from each other, we have fall break in October, and Thanksgiving break about 6 weeks after, with Christmas break(with New Year’s Break) only 3 weeks after Thanksgiving break.

As a student, it’s exhausting to have to go to 3 weeks of school after mainly doing nothing for a week, not only that, but the fact that those 3 weeks are the busiest of the semester, with finals week. Yes, a 6-week break is unrealistic for a school year, but school districts creating the calendar school year should know how hard it is to come back from a break just to be thrust with so much work in a span of 3 weeks. 

While yes, I wouldn’t be accounting for the classes students are taking, as they can be taking easier courses with a lesser workload, even then, they would still have a class or multiple classes that are doing finals, but still having a longer break in between semesters would be so nice for students. 

I also think that having a break right before finals week is somewhat detrimental for students. As the class workload would increase for all of the classes they are taking, and having to come back to a school schedule after not doing anything is just a difficult thing to adjust to. 

Realistically speaking, we wouldn’t be able to take such a long break as the major holidays are so sadly spread apart, but I still think that the break should be 6 weeks, students would like it, parents would like it, and teachers would even like it the most.

OP-ED: International Fair

By Emilia Marquard

December 1st 2025

This year's international fair was on November 21st at Monterey High School. It was in the cos and clubs could get together and sell various foods from their cultures there. 

Although the food was delicious there were many downsides, it being in the cos made it very crowded and hard to get things or talk to people. It was so loud that some people couldn't even hear what you wanted to buy. 2 years ago it was in the gym and that was so much better and even though it was inside a building making it more loud there was at least more space so you could walk 2 feet without stepping on someone or tripping. 

Many announcements about this festival had varied information regarding the payment for the food sold. I was told only cash and you had to buy tickets before the event to be able to get anything. It took a whole lunch time to be able to buy tickets and some people used cards and other people said you could only pay using card and cash for buying on the day of the event, after being told that you couldn't buy anything the day of the event. Later people were told you can still buy tickets on friday but when it was friday there was no place to buy them. Most people used cash to buy the food there so the tickets ended up being almost completely useless. It was really confusing and I don't think anyone really knew what to say about the tickets.

The food was really good but the lines were super long and most people cut in line and there weren't really any lines, just crowds of people, making it almost impossible to get out after getting your food. And near the end many of them ran out of stuff to make the food, but it was really yummy so maybe that makes the experience a lot better. I will be looking forward to next year's festival.

Banning Cheddar Jalepeño bagels in the cafe

By Sofia Custodio 

11-17-25 

Banning jalapeño cheddar bagels from Monterey High School’s cafeteria would be a misguided approach that ignores student choice, misses an educational opportunity about healthy eating, and underestimates the school community’s capability to make balanced decisions for themselves.

First, there’s the smell. When toasted, the melted cheddar releases a pungent odor that seeps into every corner of the cafe. Students sitting quietly with their breakfast are suddenly assaulted by a wall of synthetic spice and dairy. The cafeteria, which should feel like a space of comfort and community,. One student’s snack shouldn’t ruin another’s appetite.

Then there’s the issue of fairness. Some students at Monterey High can’t eat spicy food, whether for dietary, religious, or medical reasons. Yet these bagels sit front and center in the cafeteria like a challenge rather than a choice. Why must students be forced to dodge droplets of melted cheddar or endure peer pressure to “try one”? Inclusivity means offering foods everyone can enjoy, not a spicy stunt disguised as breakfast.

It’s not too late for Monterey High to correct the course. Keep the classics plain, sesame, and everything bagel on a rotation. Save the jalapeños for nachos or chili during a school event, Sometimes progress means acknowledging that not every food innovation deserves a spot in the lunch line.

​​

Schools Should Teach Life Skills, Not Just Academics 

By Norya Arsala

11/14/2025

When students think about school, they usually picture math tests, science labs, and English essays. But what about the skills we actually need to live independently? Skills like cooking a healthy meal, managing a budget, or even doing laundry are rarely taught in schools, but they should be. 

Life skills classes prepare students for the real world. Learning to cook or manage money doesn’t just save time and stress later it builds confidence and independence. For example, financial literacy can prevent future debt and teach students how to save, invest, and make smart decisions with their money. Cooking classes promote healthier eating habits, which can improve both physical and mental well-being. 

Some may argue that parents should teach life skills, but not all students have the same opportunities at home. Many parents work long hours or multiple jobs and may not have the time or resources to teach skills like budgeting, cooking, or basic financial planning. Schools can fill this gap by providing structured, hands-on learning experiences that ensure all students, regardless of their home environment, are prepared to manage everyday responsibilities. 

Offering life skills in school helps level the playing field so every student has the tools to succeed in college, careers, and independent life. Schools shouldn’t just prepare students for tests, they should also prepare them for life. Teaching practical skills like cooking, budgeting, and self-care is not just helpful, it's essential.

Op-Ed: Time Change

By: Dariele Ramirez

November 5, 2025

On Saturday, November 2, 2025, we had a time change, where the clock “fell back”. With many across the country upset with how it gets dark later. But personally, this time change is my favorite time of year, with the holiday season coming close, it just makes me think of Christmas and staying home and being cold. 

During the winter sports season, I swim on a club team, and I love when it gets dark early when we swim. And when I tell my friends, they all think it's weird, and they just don't like it getting dark early. It just makes me feel energetic while it’s dark.

What I will say is that, yes, there are downsides, like the fact that it gets so bright so early in the morning, and that it gets colder a lot faster. And during the school day, it’s only slightly unmotivating that it looks like it's 6 pm when it’s 2 in the afternoon. It gets me tired for my last two classes of the day after lunch. 

Going home after school sucks because of the time change, too. If I don’t have homework to do or don’t go to practice, the day feels so long, and it makes me want to go to bed by 8 or 9 pm. Which, in the end, is good for me in the sense that I can get more sleep, but after getting home, especially when it gets darker earlier, it makes me so unmotivated to do anything at home.

While I enjoy the time change for one aspect of my life, I can’t say I enjoy it for a lot of other aspects of my life outside of swim. But I also think that is the reason it overrides my dislike of the time change.

Government shutdown and the price of healthcare for millions of Americans

By Alisha Yanez

October 14, 2025

As of October 1, 2025, the government officially shut down under Trump's presidency due to Republicans and Democrats not agreeing to pass a bill funding government services. During Trump's first presidency, the longest Government shutdown was recorded in U.S. history lasting a total of 35 days. This previous shutdown was due to a dispute over expanding barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border. 

This current shutdown is primarily due to Democrats demanding extensions of Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced subsidies and reversal of proposed Medicaid cuts. However, Republicans refuse to accept a counter offer to their funding bill, resulting in both parties being deadlocked. The Republican bill has failed to pass in the Senate seven times in the past few weeks.

In 2024, the government spent $125 billion on enhanced subsidies for the ACA. This resulted in 20.8 million Americans enrolling in the ACA, 93% receiving subsidies. These enhanced tax credits initially passed under the American Rescue Plan are active through December 31, 2025, and are set to expire. If these enhanced subsidies expire millions of Americans will lose their health coverage due to significantly higher premiums that they cannot afford to pay. The amount of financial assistance will go back to the pre-2021 levels for 2026 coverage. 

In the government shutdown, there was also an increase in disputes for Medicaid spending for low income families who depend on support. These cuts also threaten millions of people including children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities.  These individuals will be forced to make impossible choices that put their health at risk. 

In my opinion, the Republicans should be willing to discuss and try to come to an agreement in regards to healthcare for millions of Americans who are in jeopardy of losing their health coverage. If this bill is not willing to be compromised, these families can lose an exceedingly large amount of government premiums that help yearly and will cause millions of people to lose or give up their insurance. 

Op-Ed: It’s Time to Pave the Walkways at MHS 

By Michael Daoud

9-10-25

Every day, hundreds of students walk across the uneven, pothole-ridden, gravel paths at MHS. These walkways, once intended to be regular routes for students and staff to walk over, have now become a source of frustration and inconvenience. It's time we stop ignoring the problem and start paving the way toward a safer and more functional campus.

Let’s be honest, the current condition of the walkways is unacceptable. Loose gravel shifts especially during rainy days when mud turns the ground into a slippery mess. Deep holes fill with water, soaking shoes and not allowing for any effort to stay clean and dry. We wouldn’t allow classrooms with broken chairs or desks. Why are we allowing unsafe paths?

Paving the walkways would solve multiple problems at once. Firstly, it would increase safety. A smooth, level surface would reduce the risk of trips, falls, or injury. Secondly, paved paths are more accessible. Students using crutches or wheelchairs need stable ground to move freely and independently. Paved walkways allow for safer travel around campus.

Beyond that, paved paths would enhance the look and feel of our school. A cleaner, more organized campus grows the school spirit and sets a nice look and professionalism. It shows that we care about our environment.

Some might argue that paving is too expensive or not a top priority. But what are we doing, if basic safety and accessibility are considered “extras” We don’t need expensive roads, just simple, durable pavement that supports the needs of our students and staff.

We often talk about building a better future. So let’s do it right and pave the roads at MHS. It’s not just about concrete and asphalt, it’s about care, respect, and progress.

OP-ED: Why Monterey High School Should Get a New Pool

By Dariele Ramirez

9-9-25

As most students know, our aquatics program at MHS is quite successful, which is most surprising, knowing that our pool is not the best, in the nicest terms. The Monterey High School pool was built in 1924, making the pool a little over 100 years old. 

During the fall, both boys' and girls' water polo teams use the pool; often, the pool breaks down. It has overflows and water covers the deck, or it has gotten so cold that athletes can’t get in the pool. Swim and Dive are during the spring, and while Dive practices are at Santa Catalina with their Diving team, as both teams share a coach. Athletes participating in Swim(who don’t swim on a club team during the season) have to swim at the MHS pool, though many times during last season, the pool broke down.

As an athlete of both Water Polo and Swim, it really upsets me to have a facility in such horrible conditions. I believe one of the main reasons people don’t join Swim or Water Polo is because they either don’t know we have a pool or know how horrible it is to swim in. If we had a nicer pool and facility, it would influence people to actually join. The aquatics at MHS is slowly dying; the girls’ Water Polo team has a total of 19 athletes on it. 

There have been debates on where the new pool should be, where the current tennis courts are, or where the empty upper field is. Personally, I think we should have the new pool in the vacant field, which is big enough to most likely have a 50m x 25m pool, and MHS could actually host home games and meets at the pool, which we can’t do because our pool is actually too small to host anything with a large crowd. 

Every year, MHS hosts the ‘Green & Gold’ meet, where all the MHS Swimmers and Divers compete against each other in a mock meet with silly events. Even then, the pool deck is full of athletes and viewers. I think if MHS gets a new pool, it would bring more people into the aquatic sports Monterey has.

The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers’ Self-Esteem and Friendships

By Marina Davis 

9-5-25

In today’s digital age, social media is inseparable from teenage life. While it opens doors for connections and expressivity, it also casts long shadows over teenagers self-esteem and friendships. Teens are vulnerable to the curated perfection showcased online through an endless list of flawless selfies and highlights reels that really set a set of unrealistic standards. This constant comparison chips away their confidence and fuels many with anxiety. 

Cyberbullying adds another dark layer, turning what should be a space for socializing into a place of fear and exclusion for many. The pressure to gain likes and followers can overshadow authentic interactions, twisting what a true friendship means. Yet, social media is not all bad. It can provide communities where shy or excluded teens need to find support, helping them build pride and strength they need. 

The main challenge is having a balance. Parents, educators and social media platforms must work together to cultivate digital spaces that promote mental wellness rather than jeopardize it. Equipping teens with media literacy and self care tools can empower them to use social media positively. After all, it's not just about the endless scrolling on a screen, it's about building connections, finding new friends on these platforms that mean well, and creating a sense of community.

OP-ED: The negative future of photography with AI

By Alisha Yanez

9-2-25 

As of recently, photography is about the art or practice of taking and processing photographs. With AI now improving and appearing more in the media, we now see images with extreme enhancement. Along with this, we also view many fake videos and images made with AI, taking away from the real beauty of photography and the effort photographers put into their work to share to people around the world. 

Because of the recent spike in AI activity across various platforms, it's often difficult to tell if images are authentic or artificial. This causes many people to often be wary or lose trust in photographs that are presented to them online. 

People who generate AI photos diminish real photographers who have dedicated years learning simple things like lighting, compositions, timing, and storytelling through their photographs. AI only takes seconds to create whatever image you can imagine, while photographers try to capture real and significant moments to share concepts with people. 

AI is starting to get used more in stock photography, commercial shoots, and even some art exhibitions, instead of photography created by actual professionals. Along with these creative economies, many industries like fashion and advertisement like to incorporate small AI details into their campaigns to avoid spending more money than needed for actual authenticity. Not only is this ignorant, but it also eliminates many job opportunities and incomes for working photographers.

Along with false advertisement, there are many privacy violations. Because AI is easy to access, almost anyone can fabricate fake images of real people without their consent, which can also lead to fabricated news based on these AI images. AI lacks the context, emotion and intention that real photography produced by actual people hold. This takes away from photographers real life experiences and genuine relationship with their passion.

Photography is all about the genuine and authenticity of capturing an artist's experience and reality, whilst AI is a generative concept used to produce fake visual images. Because of the up-bringing of AI, photography has overall developed, even if it's disappointing and undesirable

Speaker Use at Monterey High

By Sofia Custodio 

08-27-25

Monterey High School is at the heart of our community, not just geographically, but as a symbol of pride, tradition, and opportunity for generations of students. From Friday night football games to band performances, our stadium isn't just a field; it's where young people learn leadership, discipline, and teamwork. It's where memories are made, school spirit comes alive, and the community gathers. And now that we installed lights, FNL will be better than ever at the home of the Toreadors.

However, the school has faced mounting criticism from some residents living near the stadium. Complaints about loudspeaker use and recently upgraded field lights have surfaced, with some neighbors arguing that the noise and brightness disrupt their evening peace.

Monterey High’s events are a sign of a thriving student body. The games, the cheers, the music— they’re not disturbances, they’re signs of a healthy, active youth community. And that’s something we should all be proud of.

As for the lights, they installed newer models not to inconvenience anyone, but to improve energy efficiency, reduce glare, and make evening events safer for students, athletes, and families. In fact, these modern LED systems are often less intrusive than the portable ones the school used to use, with more controlled beams and timers to ensure they’re not left on unnecessarily.

And the speakers? They’re part of a high school experience. Announcers, pep rallies, and halftime shows have long been staples of student life. While volume levels should, of course, be reasonable, let’s not forget we are talking about a few hours per week, mostly in the evenings.

To those who are frustrated, we hear you. Your comfort and peace matter. But so does the vitality of our schools. Why choose to live near a school and not expect the students to yell and have fun? This isn’t just about football or school pride; it's about recognizing the role Monterey High plays in shaping the lives of young people. In a time when teens are facing growing mental health struggles, digital overload, and isolation. The chance to belong to something bigger,like a team or a band, or a student section, is more important than ever.

Instead of turning down the volume on youth voices, let’s turn up the support for our schools. That may mean compromise like better scheduling, improved communication with neighbors, and continued investment in sound and light technology. But banning or heavily restricting events isn’t the answer.

Let the lights shine, let the speakers speak, and let Monterey High continue to be the heart of our community, loud, proud, and full of life.

People Should Learn Languages Young

By Rachel De Los Santos

August 26, 2025

I walk into my French class, awaiting the learning about to begin. I hear my French teacher speak and immediately lose all hope of being bilingual. I then go online, seeing kids from other countries speak both their native language and English almost perfectly. These kids are half my age; how?

The developmental stage is a time where kids begin learning the language that surrounds them. When they start to pick up words from their parents, friends, and strangers alike. In fact, studies show that kids, from infant to 10, have the most impressionable years in their life. Therefore, the best time to teach another language. Kids around this age are able to pick up things easier than those in their teenage to adult years and have more capacity to retain knowledge, like grammatical structuring in different languages. Kids, in their younger years, also have less of an accent and don’t have the habit of pronouncing letters in a certain way. They are, in a sense, the perfect blank canvas, ready to capture any knowledge you throw at them.

Learning two languages can also improve brain function, and at this more impressionable age, its benefits increase tenfold. Studies show that it increases cognitive flexibility, the ability to shift your attention, adaptation to change, and the ability to make different solutions. It also increases your neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming neural connections by having these brain exercises through learning multiple languages. It also improves creativity.

Now, imagine you see a foreigner looking at the stores and signs around them in utter confusion. Instead of ignoring them or playing an awkward game of charades, you could simply go up to them and speak in one of the many languages you know. The skill of knowing two or more languages not only helps yourself but other people. Now you can help this person find their way around. I really think that while English is supposed to be the ‘Universal Language’, we shouldn’t just let it be the only language we know fluently. We should have multiple ways of communicating with others, seeing how many different languages and dialects there are in the world. Why would I want to close myself off to only one language?

Speaking multiple languages could also be that turning point that lands you a job. Many companies offer an additional pay to those who can fluently speak other languages, having the ability to speak two or more could help not only your brain but your financial state as well.

As a society, I have to wonder, why are we waiting till high school to learn another language while other countries begin teaching it as soon as ages 6 to 9? Many people notice that they can remember their second-learned language a lot more the younger they are taught it, proven by how many people in other continents like Europe and Asia have many people who can fluently speak English and more. While there is no specific number of people forgetting their second language after high school, studies and surveys show that at least 70% of Americans regret letting their knowledge of their second language slip after high school. Also, as one of the most diverse countries in the world, I think we should be more aware of other cultures and the people who live in our country. I think that learning a second language will both help in our developmental phase but also bring us together. It will show us that while we are all different in our respective ways, at the end of the day, we are all just people. 

And maybe in another life, I’ll greet my friend in perfect French. Without shame, nor spitting in her face from trying to pronounce a word with an R in it.

Roundabouts/OP-ED

By Sunny Pelton 

08-29-25

Over the past ten years, Monterey County has started using more roundabouts to help solve traffic problems in a smarter, safer way.  One of the first big projects was the Holman Highway 68 roundabout near the Highway 1 ramps. This roundabout was built to fix heavy traffic, make it easier for emergency vehicles to reach CHOMP, lower air pollution, and protect local nature areas like the Monterey pines. 

More recently, the Imjin Parkway Widening & Roundabout Project between Marina and Seaside added four new roundabouts. It also included better sidewalks, bike lanes, and landscaping, all paid for by Measure X and state funding. Another roundabout, at Castroville Boulevard and San Miguel Canyon Road in Prunedale, is currently being reviewed by the public, showing the county’s plans to keep adding more roundabouts.

Roundabouts have many benefits compared to regular intersections. For one, they’re much safer. Research shows they can reduce deadly and injury causing crashes by up to 75%, and they also lower the number of pedestrian accidents. They help traffic flow better as well, since drivers just yield when entering instead of stopping completely. This cuts down delays by a lot,  saving drivers lots of time that would’ve been spent sitting in traffic. 

Roundabouts are also better for the environment and save money. They don’t need traffic signals, which saves around $5,000 per year in electricity and maintenance costs. Plus, they reduce fuel use and harmful emissions. 

Overall, Monterey County is making a big move toward smarter, greener, and safer roads. Roundabouts are a big part of that transformation.

Credit Recovery 

By Marina Davis 

08-25-25

Credit recovery in American High Schools was designed to give students a lifeline, a pathway back to graduation for those who failed essential coursework. Yes, as these programs continue to grow and spread across many districts, one common topic is how credit recovery is implemented, its wearing down the “real value” of a high school diploma 

The illusion of success, Schools do praise these programs because it raises graduation rates, thanks to this program but it is a hollow win when students “recover” credits by completing online modules in days that were meant to represent a semester's worth of learning, teamwork, and much more. This shortcut approach produces diplomas that say little about the mastery or readiness for adulthood. For instance, a student who skipped an entire semester of biology somehow passes by clicking through online assignments and never mentioning that they never stepped foot in a lab or went through the action of one.

The cost of cutting corners, the widespread overuse of credit recovery does not just not only mislead families and communities, it betrays students. When districts, eager to boost stats and avoid the accountability that needs to be held, guide teens into credit recovery before they're even properly failed, education turns into two options: either passing the class or failing and trying to pass by credit recovery. Data show that schools serving the most at risk youth lean hardest on credit recovery, maintaining inequity by teaching less and certifying more. Teachers report that some students treated their classwork/homework as a choice, knowing a quick and faster online module can be done if they fall behind. 

A “real” education requires real work, we must confront the fact learning is messy, demanding, and sometimes slow. A credible education system values authentic effort, resilience, and true understanding over expedient fixes. Until credit recovery prioritizes these goals through careful standards, meaningful learning, and a real teacher that encourages participation. Graduation should mean achievement, not just a paper, it's time to reassess credit recovery and recommit to giving students a diploma that means what it says: readiness, growth, and real life skills 

Op-Ed: Animation Cancellation

By Harlow Gil

October 11, 2023

In recent years, there has been an animation renaissance. While animated movies from Disney, Pixar, and other big animation companies have been popular since these companies’ foundings, there has been a significant spike in the 21tst century of animation’s popularity not just for young children, but adults and older teens due to streaming sites' animated shows. For example, Rick and Morty, Gravity Falls, South Park, Bob’s Burgers, Clone Wars, and more have all garnered massive fanbases since the creation of online streaming services.

With all the love and fanfare, it's a shame many projects with so much potential are getting canceled after only a couple of seasons.The victims of digital execution I will be discussing are Dead End: Paranormal Park and The Owl House.

Dead End: Paranormal Park was a Netflix original series that ran from June to October in 2022.The show, and graphic novel it was based on, were written by Hamish Steele. The show follows two teenagers, Barney and Norma, working at a theme park based on a Dolly Parton-esqe celebrity Pauline Phoenix. Many strange paranormal things begin to happen as they start working there: demons living in the attractions, magic spell books, and Barney’s dog Pugsley being possessed by a king of the underworld. Together, Barney, Norma and the other employees try to get things under control, as well as unraveling the mysteries of the park and Pauline Phoenix. 

The Owl House is about a human teenager, Luz Noceda, who stumbles into a magical realm of witches and demons. Despite not having any magical abilities, she is determined to learn magic via a mentorship with a rogue witch, Eda the Owl Lady. The show was created by Dana Terrace and ran from 2020 to 2023 on Disney Channel and Disney +.

Inside Job was an adult animated Netflix original that aired from 2021 to 2022. It centered around Reagan and Bret, employees of an Area 51-esqe shadow government called Cognito Inc. The show was created by Shion Takeuchi.

One big, and unfortunate, reason for animated kids shows being canceled is homophobia. Both The Owl House and Dead End: Paranormal Park had very good and genuine LGBTQ+ representation, while also being made by queer creators..

The Owl House featured a plethora of queer characters during its run, and unlike other shows who boast “representation” by creating one-dimensional background characters, this show had LGBTQ+ characters at its forefront. Luz Noceda is bisexual and is in a relationship with a witch girl named Amity Blight, her mentor Eda is in a relationship with a non-binary character (voiced by a non-binary actor.) Many characters were confirmed to be queer outside of the show by Dana Terrace;  Lillith Clawthorne is aromantic and asexual, and Willow Park is pansexual.

The shows’ third season was cut short into only three 45 minute specials. This greatly impacted the story, events becoming way more rushed and less fleshed out. While I did think the final episode was a lovely send off for the show, the bittersweetness ended up tasting more bitter knowing the potential the show could have had if it was given a full final season. 

The reason why The Owl House was cut short is because the show “didn't fit the Disney brand.” While Dana Terrace has spoken out said that is not because of the LGBTQ+ representation, rather the show was targeted at older teens instead of young kids and tended to have a darker theme, I am very skeptical of this explanation, considering another Disney show, Gravity Falls, also had much darker themes and was typically watched by older audiences, but never received the backlash that The Owl House did. 

Dead End: Paranormal Park also had loads of representation, and made a big leap by having an openly trans main character. It also included bisexual, pansexual and gay characters, as well as characters in queer relationships.The show was axed before a third season even began. While the main reason it ended is unclear, the idiodic negative stigma around trans individuals, specifically trans youth, had a big part to play. The creator Hammish Steele, a trans man himself, was devastated that the story of these characters could not continue: “Obviously, we never wanted this to be the case. In fact, we did a writers’ room for season three. We have scripts and designs and outlines ready to go. It was always the plan to give these characters the proper ending they deserve. But sadly, the power that be don’t want any more.”

The backlash of queer characters in media happens way more in those created for younger audiences than for adults, because of the stigma around queer relationships and characters being “inappropriate” for children. That's infuriating for queer kids who want to see themselves represented in media, and for queer creators who want to give the representation they never got to see as kids.

Art has long been held as an unstable career. Many artists remember their parents' warnings about how they “won't make any money,” and that “maybe you should keep art as a hobby.” The “starving artist” stereotype plagues the minds of young creatives.

In this day and age, animation is finally being taken seriously as a career. So when a show is going strong only for it to get canceled, its devastating for both creator and fan 

A big reason shows are getting canceled is lack of streams; sometimes due to people boycotting the show. If a show you like is at risk of being canceled, watch it often! Make streaming sites know people are enjoying the show!

You can also use your online platforms: to promote the show, spread awareness about it being canceled, interact with the creator, etc.

Many people start online petitions as well, but in my opinion these don't tend to make much of a difference.

Art and media are extremely important in our society. Through shows and movies, we can interact with each other, understand each other, and tell our stories. Don’t let the voices of creatives be silenced!

Op-Ed: Debunking Movies in the Classroom

By Amber Kane

October 17, 2023 

Every student knows the excitement of walking into a class at the end of a long day and seeing the words “Movie Day!” across the whiteboard. However, the real question is, is it even worth it? Whether it’s a book the class has been reading, a movie with a good lesson, or even a way to just kill time at the end of the unit, I believe students can learn many valuable things from films shown in class.

Many teachers at Monterey High have been known to show movies, familiar and unfamiliar, in their classrooms. Freshman Seminar, English, Social Studies, Drama, and many more classes have shown films as part of their curriculum. After speaking with two teachers on this topic, differing opinions still lead to a clear verdict.

After talking with Ms. de Leuw, one of Monterey High’s English teachers, her opinion was very clear.

“I’m very much pro movies in class,” de Leuw shared with me. She stated that it was easier for her to incorporate movies into her curriculum since she is “teaching literature” and the movies she plays can more easily relate to what the class is learning. “I think it enhances the learning.”

Recently, in de Leuw’s 10th grade class, they are studying the dystopian genre. She has played both Wall-E as well as another short film series in the classroom. 

After being asked if she thought other teachers could incorporate movies into their class, Ms. de Leuw believed that she wasn’t sure about outside of English classes. However, “especially non-fiction type movies… I think it’s just good for the kids cause it helps them visualize.”

However, for another MHS staff member, movies aren’t always favored. Mr. Bourgeois, who teaches World History, Civics, and Economics, shared that he is almost always “against it” but “in certain situations, it can be super beneficial.” 

Bourgeois shared that he doesn’t believe students retain the information in movies, especially when it comes to history. “You can retain the entertainment part of it, which is why a lot of history teachers will call movies edutainment.” 

However, he also shared that visual learners could very easily benefit from in class movies. It helps them “understand or see a concept in the movie”.

Just like Ms. de Leuw, he agreed that movies could be incorporated into any teacher’s curriculum, but some classes would be much harder than others.

After evaluation, I can see that MHS staff lean more towards being open to playing films in class, even if they don’t participate in playing movies themselves. Studies show that playing films in the classroom can give students examples of different types of people, experiences, time periods, and to give cultural awareness.

In an English class, films can do a great job at demonstrating literary devices. Recognizable films that many students know can be a fun way for students to connect new subjects to something that is already familiar to them. 

However, there’s always a downside. Many Toreadors have been reported falling asleep during class, and this can become more likely while watching a movie. The lights are low, the classroom is quiet, and it can be easy to lose focus.

Overall, films in class can be a useful tool for many teachers here at MHS. So, next time you walk into class and “Movie Day!” is written across the board, maybe consider staying awake- the lesson might be more valuable than you think!

Op-Ed: Is Academic Pressure A Real Thing?

By Xaria Cisneros

October 17, 2023

Every student has a different high school experience. Some find it really easy to get through, and some truthfully don’t care much. However, there are students who suffer from some sort of stress or pressure revolving around their academic life, mainly by focusing on their grades. Because of the way students put so much importance on their performance in school, how present is academic pressure in the lives of students?

Academic pressure is pretty much exactly as it sounds: the pressure put on students to perform well in school that can come from many different sources. This can come from many different places such as the pressure put on students by parents, the need for academic validation, the ability to successfully balance academic life with social and personal lives, etc. Students all over the world suffer from academic pressure, without a doubt. Many studies and data points consistently prove that high percentages of students, primarily high school students, suffer from academic stress due to a variety of factors, which are listed above. According to the website “Cross River Therapy,” 61% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 feel an abundant load of stress attempting to do exceptionally well in school. 

So what does academic pressure actually entail? Well, the obsession with wanting to succeed in school and the pressure we encounter can actually have a negative effect on one’s mental and physical well-being. Students who suffer from academic pressure ultimately can also experience signs of depression, mental fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Ironically, by forcing pressure on students to do well in school, it can actually cause apathy, resulting in students not doing anything at all.

It’s unfortunate that students face so much pressure trying to do well in school. The external pressure we face can soon turn into internal pressure, which can easily change our mindset and work ethic. It’s important to realize that it’s okay to not always ace every test or turn in every homework assignment on time. Mental health should always be a priority, which I think is a concept that many people look down on. 

Academic pressure can look like something difficult to beat, but there are ways to stop feeling it. For instance, focusing on what can be controlled narrows down a lot of worries a student may have. Focusing on the things that really matter and learning how to balance time properly can save a lot of stress and fatigue. Another strategy could be talking to trusted friends, parents, and consulting resources about the pressure being felt. Reaching out and asking for help can never go wrong, and there are people who are there to help and support. 

Ultimately, remembering that it’s okay to make mistakes and take breaks is very important, and learning to make a schedule that fits your personal needs can make a big difference in your high school experience. 

Op-Ed: Does Social Media Create Unreal Expectations?

Clive Potter 

Oct 31st 2023 

Social media, something so normalized now no one seems to think twice about the information it feeds us. We take in and put out information on a scale never seen before. Only in the past decade or so social media has existed, but already much of our modern lives are made up of it. While many see social media as a tool for fun and social activity, is it possible that chronic social media use can hurt people’s mental health and distort their self expectations? The answer is a definite yes. 

Growing up in an almost chronically online environment, gen Z has felt the brunt of its harmful effects on development and mental health. Studies have shown at least 88% of gen Z uses social media daily. 

Some of the biggest apps for social media are Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok. All of these apps have video and photo reels, direct messaging, and algorithms to keep you engaged on the app. In social media, people can share information via posting, DMing, and going live. 

On social media, these influencers do their best to get people’s attention. As it is their job to fight against tough competition, these influencers will often go to extreme lengths to distort reality in their favor. This distortion of reality combined with the chronic exposure to the developing brains of gen Z create extremely high expectations associated with the bare minimum of their reality. Along with the instant gratification that social media presents, this can be detrimental to a developing person’s mental health. 

A big example seen on social media is fitness. Fitness is one of the most influential topics on social media now, especially for teenage boys. The fitness influencers that these teenagers see all the time only post the best pictures and videos of themselves. Usually in perfect lighting and often with filters. Fitness influencers also often dedicate all their energy into their craft, after all it is their job. Along with this, fitness influencers are also almost always on performance enhancing drugs, which have detrimental effects on real health. 

Teenagers always seeing these influencers who are muscular and aesthetic can make them think that having a physique that takes many years of incredible dedication and sacrifice is an average thing. 

Obviously unless a teenager is a genetic specimen, it is nearly impossible for one to get to the level of these influencers, almost all of which are on steroids. These distorted expectations can cause many problems for teenagers mental health such as decreased confidence, increased insecurity, and the belief that they are inadequate. It can also lead to self obsession that can become dangerous if not worked through properly. 

Because of all this, teenagers need to know that these expectations they have created are not often not even physically obtainable. They also need to know that they need to be patient and love themselves if they want to make progress. Mental health should be a big concern on social media, and raising awareness of these facts should be pushed on these apps. People need to realize that what they are seeing isn’t obtainable, healthy, or often even real.  

In conclusion, as social media continues to grow, so does the desensitization to what reality really is. Something needs to be done soon, or the mental health epidemic of gen Z may get a lot worse. Many people who use social media, especially teenagers, need to understand the facts and commit to their mental health instead of getting an impossible physique.

Op-Ed: Music Taste in Friendships

By Daphne DeCarlo

October 17, 2023

According to an article published by SWNS media agency, 4 in 5 people say music helps them cope with stress. And so, it’s no surprise that with the hectic environment that is high school, many students care a lot about the music they listen to. But how much do they care? Enough to possibly dictate who they form friendships with? 

For myself and many of my peers, music taste is a big part of our identity as students, but also as people in general. An article released by the National Library of Medicine reveals that “Through music, adolescents are drawn to specific crowds varying in externalizing behavior…”

As high school students, there are many things in our lives that we cannot control. Music, on the other hand, is something that we have complete control over. I believe this is why many feel so strongly about the music they listen to. However, sometimes these strong feelings can lead to unnecessary conflict. 

Sienna Grant (‘25) comments that when being among her peers, she sometimes encounters people who put stigma onto certain artists/genres, so much so that they don’t want to be friends with people who listen to those artists or genres. Grant finds this frustrating and remarks that she personally doesn’t let conflicting music tastes dictate her friendships.

In my experience, music can often be a way to connect with new people and make friends, whether you listen to the same artists and genres or not. Xaria Cisneros (‘26) finds that having the same music taste can help her bond with new friends, mentioning that what kind of music someone listens to is “one of the first questions [she] asks when getting to know someone.” But also says it is fun to interact with people who have different tastes because she “get[s] a taste of other interests that people have.”

In my opinion, being friends or even just interacting with people who are different from you or who like different things from you is a very valuable part of life. Music is a beautiful art form that has the potential to bring people together. And so, I think that people should keep an open mind to learning about new music, as well as new ideas in general because of all of the amazing lessons music has to teach.

Op-Ed: Free Gaza.

By Mariella Campo 

November 2nd, 2023 

According to AP News, in the last three weeks, over 9,000 Palestinian lives have been lost due to Israeli air strikes . Many people believe these air strikes are justified after the Hamas attack that killed over 1,000 Israelis. 

There is no excuse for killing innocent people, but Hamas did not attack unprovoked. 

For over 16 years, Palestinian people have been kept in an open air prison. They have been denied leave from their country, even for medical emergencies. Their food, water and electricity have all been monitored by the Israeli government. 

Now that Gaza is under siege, all of their resources have been cut off almost completely. The people of Gaza have minimal to no contact with the outside world. They have no voice. 

Palestinian social media influencer Plestia (@byplestia on all platforms)  is one of the few people able to post from Gaza. She is a journalist and many of her recent videos have featured her in war gear reporting around Gaza. 

In one of her videos, she is in her home and turns the camera to face outside her window, everything is covered in a thick sheet of smoke and there can be planes and bombs heard outside. 

One of Plestias recent captions reads, “I don't feel safe… either in the morning or at night… either I'm sleeping or awake… either I'm in the north or in the south… I don't know what to report or what to say anymore.” Plestia is 19.

She is not even the youngest person affected by this conflict. Another creator @shaunking shares videos of children being carried out from under rubble, pleading with people on the streets, and some videos even show parents holding their children's limp bodies. 

This is not a political issue, but a human rights issue. No child or person should have to live in these conditions. This is unjust and inhumane. Speak up. Wake up.

From the river to the sea, Gaza will be free. 

Op-Ed: Money Gifts: Efficient or Cop Out?

By Harlow Gil

November 28, 2023

Have you ever received a gift you adored? Something that you desperately wanted, or the perfect surprise? A gift from a loved one that was chosen with thought and care? With the holiday season fast approaching, those who celebrate Christmas are waiting in anticipation to give and receive presents between family and friends. Though some dread the inevitable arrival of “bad gifts,” like socks, generic hygiene products, and of course the thoughtless and tacky Christmas gift staple; cash. But is being gifted money really as heartless as it seems?

While most wish that they could be given gifts that all cater to current interests, this may be hard to do for geographically distant or less spoken to relatives. This can lead to said relatives guessing and assuming what their family members want.

According to Forbes, studies show that over 35% of Christmas gifts are returned each year. But when you are given money instead, you can buy anything you want, and don't have to worry about returning items. In my opinion, I would much rather receive money that could go toward something I really wanted, rather than have someone guess and then feel disappointment and go through a tedious return process.

Contributing to a loved-one's savings fund is another way to give money as a gift. Let’s say someone wants to save up for something expensive, like a house appliance or a vacation. Wouldn't it be amazing if someone were to contribute even a bit of money to those savings? This also ensures that your gift will be meaningful and useful. 

Plus, there are actually quite a few approaches to money that can be gifted creatively and thoughtfully. Users on Pinterest have given many ideas on giving money in fun ways, like folding dollars into christmas trees and taping them on a card, or creating a “money tree” by wrapping bills around a potted plant’s leaves. 

And if you are really set on not wanting money for Christmas, you could do what I like to do with my loved ones: make and exchange wish lists. That way, they know what to look for. Fair warning, though, if you send the same list to many people, you could end up with a duplicate. Communicate to your loved ones which type of present you'd like to receive!

Op-Ed: Do The Opinions Of Others Really Matter?

By Xaria Cisneros

November 16, 2023

As people, we’re surrounded by the opinions of others everyday. Opinions are shared online, in person, and everywhere in between. However, the opinions that people share with others should always be taken with a grain of salt. Sure, there are positive opinions that make people feel confident, but what about the opinions that people share that aren’t really worth sharing?

According to a recent survey sent out by the Newport Academy, young teenagers are more likely to see what others believe about them according to their appearance or personalities, more than young adults. This is dangerous because it can ultimately make one lose their own sense of who they are and how they would like to be perceived.

Speaking from personal experience, it’s difficult to block out harmful words from others. It takes strength to focus on ourselves, without changing anything about us to feel validated by people. For me, it’s taken a while to dismiss negative thoughts about myself, and I still continue to struggle with it at times. I feel like it’s specifically harder for teenagers to overcome these opinions because we’re growing and learning, and we naturally want to be liked. It can put one in a vulnerable position, especially when we let ourselves care too much.

Maybe some people truly don’t care for the thoughts of other people, but there are people who take others' opinions into consideration often.  Perhaps the opinions of people who are against you simply don’t understand the context in your life. The thoughts and the way people perceive one in a way that is negative without a doubt has the ability to negatively impact how one defines themselves and their personal viewing of themself. In other words, it can destroy one’s self-image, but only if we let it. 

As humans, it’s normal to critique ourselves, and at some point, the opinions of others don’t help with that. Whether people have an opinion on appearances, humor, or status, they really don’t matter. At the end of the day, as long as we’re able to remember what makes one special and have self-confidence, we can make our lives so much better by focusing on ourselves. 

Op-Ed: Teacher’s Payment Problem

By Scarlett King

December 5, 2023

The job of a teacher is to assist their students in education. They are the ones that show young children how to read and write, recognize a function, label the different parts of a cell, as well as how to do more practical things, like argue a position or prepare for the future. 

Despite the massive help teachers provide, they only receive so much in return. It's common to hear teachers complain about their wages, though to one not well acquainted with exactly what they mean, there is only so much sympathy to spare. 

In California, a teacher's starting salary is between 38,000-42,000 USD. Depending on the district, years of experience, and time spent in college, those numbers might fluctuate. While a starting salary tends to be lower than usual wages, considering the housing and living expenses in California, it would only be natural that those who do so much in assisting with education would receive higher pay. 

Other countries in similar financial states as America pay educators more than what is common here. Additionally, America is one of the top spenders on education, yet, that money often goes towards buying things that don't necessarily pertain to learning. Meanwhile, the needs of the educators are held less important than new playground equipment.

At some point schools usually come into a sum of money, either it is collected from parents, raised in an event, or won in a kind of raffle. However, while schools will occasionally allow students to choose what the funds go to, the result is more likely than not some kind of needless addition. 

While hearing the opinions of students is taken into account while organizing and coordinating events, the opinions of the staff tends to be of lesser importance. There are plenty of after school responsibilities educators have to worry about. These responsibilities include both personal matters as well as those of students. 

Late assignments are commonplace in the classroom. Deadlines can be stressful, however it would be even more stressful if you were to be forced to rely on an entire group of twenty five or more to be able to meet those deadlines. 

Grading is another part of a teacher’s job, and they, too, have periods in which they are expected to complete work. These deadlines are resolute, just as any other one must abide by in a learning environment such as this. Seeing as this is the case, it is only natural to give credit to those who support, teach, and assist with the education process.

Considering all that teachers do, the corresponding wages should reflect that. However, the reality is that there are still plenty of teachers that are not paid nearly enough. This becomes even more relevant when you consider the poor behaviors of students that educators are made to deal with. 

All and all, even if there is little opportunity to insert one’s own views into the payment system, the least that can be done as students is to do the best to lessen the workload of those who are so active in our own education. This can be achieved through making an effort to turn in assignments on time, putting your best foot forward, and treating educators with deserving respect, even if you may have contrasting views. 

Op-Ed: Are Zoos Ethical?

By: Grace Kitchens

November 27th, 2023

Can zoos really be deemed ethical? While it can vary depending on the zoo the majority answer is no.

While many zoos may seem reliable since they attempt to recreate the wild setting for animals. However, animals that are deprived of their natural habitat can often suffer physical and psychological conditions that their counterparts in the wild have never and will never experience, ultimately harming the animal more than doing any good. 

An example of this is zoochosis, which is a type of psychosis found in animals that are held in zoos. It is mostly shown in stereotypic behaviors which can often be monotonous, obsessive, and repetitive motions that serve no purpose. It is a clear indicator of mental anguish and a common sign of poor welfare. Animals that stay in their natural habitats are able to roam freely, have social interactions, problem-solve, and more. Animals in zoos are denied this which often leads to zoochosis.

Some may try to argue that zoos are justified because many of their animals are endangered or threatened in the wild, but a report done in 2020 shows that the majority of species held in zoos are not. An evaluation of thirteen of “the most progressive zoos” showed that around only 25% were threatened and the larger 62% were of “least concern.” Worldwide only 18% of captive animals are endangered or threatened. 

Overall most zoos are more worried about gaining money from the animals than worrying about their wellbeing. The animals are there more for our entertainment than for their survival. 

In the end, zoos cannot be ethical or right. Animals are held in captivity and forced to live miserable, horrid lives pacing in the same cage until death all because we find them entertaining and educational. To help end animal cruelty in zoos you can donate to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA), PETA, The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), and more.

Op-Ed: Uniforms In School 

By Ryan Spencer

November 28th, 2023

Students at Monterey High School wear a variety of clothes to school, but students in many schools can't wear comfortable clothing like pajamas because of dress codes restrictions. I believe that students should wear whatever they like instead of a uniform assigned by the schools. It is important not just for the students but for the faculty to have some dress code formality but overall most of the students want to be comfortable when they are in school like wearing pajamas or baggy pants.

Monterey High School is one of the safe schools from harsh dress codes. The idea that students have to be restricted to one uniform is outdated because besides clothes that promote violence or gangs, students have been wearing pajamas and baggy pants without worry for a long time now that it has been widely accepted in schools like ours. Freedom of expression is the most important privilege Monterey High students have, if they want to wear loose pants they should be able to. 

Seaside High School, middle schools like Colton, and many other public schools aren’t safe from strict dressing codes. They all require students to wear uniforms so students don’t have the same freedom as Monterey High students who have no such uniform requirements. One student who has strong feelings about this, Constantine Garganta (‘26) days he feels it’s important to have freedoms and to enjoy the freedoms this school offers. 

Constantine said “...other schools have uniforms that restrict my freedoms. I’d prefer if more schools allowed you to wear whatever you want that’s not actively harmful.” Though he doesn’t wear baggy pants or pajamas, he believes more students shouldn’t be restricted by school uniforms and that they are outdated. This shows that many students feel it’s time to get rid of mandated uniforms in school.

Kian Crews (‘26) believes that wearing pajamas and baggy pants to school isn’t professional, but that schools should not require students to wear a uniform. Not everyone agrees that you should wear anything you want that's comfortable, but they also agree that uniforms are a bad idea. While some students disagree that you should wear whatever you feel like wearing because you still need to show up to school dressed somewhat to the dress code, there is no school uniform and even though both viewpoints are comparable, the best choice for student freedom is still the ability to dress however one pleases.

The dressing code for students at Monterey high is that the attire does not affect any student’s health or safety and it does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student. The school board wants students to be free to wear anything they choose to class without worrying about being punished or having their bodies shamed. Students’ attire should always conceal undergarments at all times, and at an appropriate length.

The majority of students are happy with the fact that they don’t have to wear uniforms, and it boosts the morale at the school since the students can express themselves. However, other schools don’t have such morale, and it would be great to one day have all schools have freedom to wear whatever comfortable clothing they want. Remember to make some noise on this issue!

Op-Ed: How Beneficial is Technology to Our Learning?

By Daphne DeCarlo

November 30, 2023

We all know that technology plays a huge part in education at Monterey High School, as well as across the US as a whole. According to online publishing platform THE Journal, 94% of public schools in the US provided access to digital services (laptops, tablets, etc) in the 2022-2023 school year. So this suggests that we ask ourselves; how helpful is technology to our learning?

Some may argue that the high accessibility to technology most students are granted is very beneficial to classroom learning, while others may argue that this comes at the detriment of learning in schools. As a high school student, I find that technology offers many wonderful opportunities that would not be possible otherwise. However, I also believe that nothing comes without a price and I think we need to find a better way to balance technology in our school.

When I am doing school work in a classroom or at home using a laptop or while having my phone nearby, I find myself getting distracted often. Whether that be texting, checking Instagram, or watching Netflix, it makes staying focused while doing work very difficult. 

A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that students’ ability to perform complex tasks suffers when their cell phones are visible in a classroom setting compared to when their cell phones are not visible. This demonstrates the main way I believe the increased prominence of technology in educational settings is actually causing harm to students’ learning in some situations.

On the other hand, the ways in which technology has the potential to enhance learning cannot be ignored. One major benefit to including technology in classrooms is the ability to more easily adapt teaching to specific students' needs, actually allowing them to learn more. Education-focused think tank Brookings Institution has stated that technology usage in classrooms has facilitated differentiated learning as well as increased student engagement. 

Not to mention how the wealth of knowledge that we have available at our fingertips infinitely expands the possibilities of what we are able to learn and accomplish, thereby amplifying what students can gain from their educational experiences.

Overall, I believe that technology can provide vast benefits to classroom learning as long as it is used in an intentional way. I think this can be accomplished in our school and others if we were to instate more balanced usage of technology in classrooms.

Op-Ed: AMP Expansion

By Amber Kane

December 5, 2023 

Monterey High School’s Art Media Performance academy (AMP) has two known pathways; performing arts and visual arts. However, when looking at the opportunities within the visual arts pathway, the possibilities are endless. But the performing arts pathway is limited to one option: theater.

As many know, performing arts is much more than just plays and musicals. Performing arts includes (and is not limited to) singing, dancing, and musical instruments. But as you may have noticed, these subjects are not affiliated with the academy.

Monterey High offers choir, a number of band and instrumental affiliated classes, and dance. However none of these art courses count towards the AMP requirements. In order to graduate as an AMP member, students must take an elective within the pathways. 

During last year’s elective fair, I was faced with this issue. I was set on taking journalism, but I also was very interested in taking advanced dance. However, after speaking with the head teacher of AMP, Mrs. McMercury, it would not be possible for me to take dance as my performing arts elective.

So, what is holding back the academy from expanding their performing arts pathway? Mrs. McMercury herself had her own information on the matter.

“AMP is a California Partnership Academy which has certain requirements,” she informed me. Because of this partnership, the AMP academy is required to have three Career Technical Education (CTE) courses that can be taken consecutively. (For example: Acting 1, Stage and Studio, and Pro Actors).

Monterey High’s music department classes are not CTE classes, therefore have no possible way of becoming affiliated with AMP. However, dance is different. According to McMercury, dance was previously a CTE course. From 2019 until 2021, dance was declared a non-CTE course. But, last year dance became CTE once again. “We just never brought it back,” McMercury commented.

Despite the fact that dance is not affiliated with AMP currently, there is no longer anything that is preventing it from being a part of the performing arts pathway. “It is definitely something we can begin to rebuild,” McMercury shared.

If you believe that dance should rejoin the AMP curriculum, maybe it’s your turn to reach out to your teachers in the academy and voice that!

Should Abortion be Allowed?

By: Kathryn Combs

Abortion is something that women should be allowed if needed. Taking abortion away from women makes not only life but their health further harmed. Women have only recently in these last few decades had rights and taking away their reproductive rights is taking away their right to their own body.

To start off I want to talk about women's reproductive rights. Many argue that women shouldn’t have the right to make decisions about their own bodies including whether or not to have an abortion. They believe that it is a matter of personal autonomy and that women should or should not have the freedom to choose what is the best for their lives. 

Continuing on, women's health and safety is at risk if abortion isn’t available. Legalizing abortion can help ensure that it is performed in a safe and regulated manner, which reduces the risks of women’s health. When abortion is inaccessible or illegal, some women may resort to unsafe methods or the stress of carrying a baby can lead to a misscarriage which can lead to further health consequences. 

Especially for teenagers with unplanned pregnancies abortion is the most important in those cases. I would argue that allowing abortion provides an option for women facing unplanned pregnancies, financial difficulties or other challenging circumstances. This gives women the opportunity to make the decision that is best for them in their own situations and aspirations. 

The final important point with allowing abortion for women is resource allocation and overpopulation. Supporters of abortion like myself, argue that it can help address issues of overpopulation and resource allocation. We believe that allowing women to choose when to have children can help contribute to a better and more sustainable future for them and everyone around them. 

So in my opinion, abortion should be an option for women so they have the choice to live their life the way they want to. 

Op-Ed: Movie Dates - Yay or Nay?

By Sophia Ruttschow

February 2, 2024

Going to the movies may be a popular idea for a first date when you’ve asked someone out, but is it really the best idea? No. A movie date, by definition, is going out to see a movie with someone you’re romantically interested in. There’s no room in there to really talk with someone and get to know them better in person. Sure, you’re spending roughly 2 to 3 hours together, which could be a lot, but that whole time? You aren’t speaking to each other, just sitting in a quiet theater at a movie. 

The idea of a movie date isn’t a horrible idea in general however, as it can be modified or done at different stages in a relationship. For example, a movie date like that would likely go better once the pair has been together for quite some time. That way, you know each other well enough to know the kinds of movies you’d each enjoy. 

Another way a movie date can go well is if another activity is included. Make time for yourselves, to spend quality time with each other and talk. Some possibilities include, going to dinner/lunch or on a picnic before or after the movie, or walking around a public area before or after. If you’re farther into the relationship, you could even go to one of each other’s homes afterwards.

Meeting and talking after a movie can be much better than just seeing a movie, or even just meeting beforehand. The movie you’ve seen gives you something to talk about afterwards, and the themes and characters can lead to deeper conversations between you and your date. 

Overall, movie dates are a poor choice for a first date, and a decent choice if you have time to spend together afterwards. So, be creative! Find out the kinds of dates you and your partner might like, and if you’re interested in asking someone out, go somewhere where you can get to know each other better. 

Op-Ed: Dealing With Bullies

By Ryan Spencer

January 19th, 2024

Teachers at Monterey High face the daily problem of problematic students, from bullying to uncooperativeness, the teachers who struggle to help these students out have their own unique way of doing what needs to be done. Mr. John Jenkins, a world history teacher, has a unique way of dealing with problematic students that is fair and more teachers should try to implement as well. He is generous to these students as he is aware of how problematic students have problems of their own, he is dedicated to each student and tries to improve the problematic students he has.

Jenkins' world history classroom is known for being a fair and kind environment to all students who put in the effort in his class. If he notices someone lacking behind, maybe because of something personal, he goes out of his way daily to check up on them and guide them back to being a diligent student. When the problematic student starts bullying, that is when he’ll get their parents, class monitors, or other similar forms of dealing with them, because above all else he wants his classroom to be safe.

Jenkins listens and checks in on students who seem to be upset or struggling with something, sometimes all students need is a short break or a talk, and he tries his best to help these students. If a student is caught bullying another student, he will warn the students not to do it again. There are many options that he has to preventing further bullying such as seat changes, contacting parents, or getting campus monitors to remove students, however uses some of these harsh methods sparingly and rarely.

Campus monitors, Staff, and faculty have to deal with problematic students too, so it is in everyone’s interests, even the students themselves, to improve themselves. Some don’t do school work, and some are against the teachers themselves for whatever reason. Problematic students can also bully other students by continuously bothering them and disturbing them while they are working on an assignment.. 

There are also those who argue that there is too much of a distraction when problematic students disrupt students' learning and should be switched to a new class. Remi Morgan (´25) believes that being a bully on school campus shouldn’t be tolerated, as everyone should “‘…have equal respect and a safe classroom space.’” Such actions should be taken to ensure safety for all students, and to create a fun, interactive learning environment.

Those like Jenkins argue that listening to student’s problems will help students calm down when stressed and that improves learning, this method will give problematic students a fair shot. No one way of taking care of problematic students is inherently wrong, but Jenkins method of taking his time with students is more effective. However, bullying will not be tolerated: “‘I deal with bullies firmly and directly referring to admin when needed.’”

Jenkins is a kind teacher who puts his students well being first and foremost. His methods are fair and understandable, he understands that problematic students can be helped. Overall, more teachers should treat their students, even the more problematic ones, like how Jenkins does it.

Op-Ed: Grammys 2024: A Night of Music and Controversy

By Xaria Cisneros

February 5, 2024

The Recording Academy hosted the 66th annual Grammy awards on February 5, 2024, which many A-list artists attended in Los Angeles, CA. But what if the Grammys given to these artists should have been given to other nominees?  Were artists really robbed of their nominations?

A number of important awards were given out to these artists for their outstanding work which included Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and much more. However, this year was no different in the sense that controversial ideas circulated amongst fans on social media and artists have followed the event once again.

Many big artists attended the Grammys this year such as Taylor Swift, Billie Elish, Lana Del Rey, Olivia Rodrigo, and more. We also can’t forget about the people who work to make these artists’ music the way it is, such as producers like Jack Antonoff, Sheryl Crow, and Stevie Wonder. 

The night was filled with exciting moments. One example would be that when Taylor Swift won her award for Best Pop Vocal Album, she not only took to the stage to give thanks to the fans, but also proudly announced the release date of her new album “The Tortured Poets Department,” which is April 19th. 

Although the night of the Grammys is filled with acknowledgements for these successful artists and their hard work, there always are upsets and disappointments coming from fans all over the world who were rooting for the artists who did not win. The biggest argument that sparks around the time of the award ceremony is if the Grammy awards should be voted on by the fans instead of the Recording Academy. 

Believe it or not, this argument has been sparked due to speculations of allegations of favoritism and racism. According to knightcrier.org, the article states, “When the study was conducted in 2020, it showed that only 4 artists have won awards in the categories of Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist in the past 9 years.” You can see how numbers like this, which seem lopsided, can create controversy and lead people to believe that the Grammys are rigged. “In 9 years, there are 36 different opportunities for non-white musicians to win these awards. 32 of those times, a white person was declared the winner.” 

It might seem rational that such an important award reflects the popular choice of the people, but in reality the selection process is restricted to a few, including other record companies. Some vocal artists of color, famously including Kanye (ye) West and now Jay-Z have publicly called out the industry for excluding black artists. We must ask if the selection process, because it is so restrictive, is also biased. According to msnbc.com, Jay-Z stated the following as he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award, “Beyonce has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year,” he said. “So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work. Think about that. The most Grammys, never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.”

There’s also been moments where celebrities not only voice their opinions, but also act on it. The Weeknd, for instance, has been boycotting the Grammys since 2021. It’s speculated that his reasoning is due to the unfairness and racism the Recording Academy has to offer.

Over the years, the fans have carefully observed the patterns of artists being robbed of their works, soon nicknaming the Grammys as the “Scammys.” This is because as mentioned, there are many successful artists who have put a tremendous amount of effort and care into their music, but have not been recognized by the Academy. Another upset that occurred this year was Lana Del Rey losing in every category she was nominated in for her latest album “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard.” This album winning an award was highly anticipated by many of Del Rey's fans, especially because streams and publicity for the album were high, so it was disappointing to see it lose in every category. Additionally, she won lots of awards for singles on the album from other record companies.

Unfortunately, there has been little to no effort given from the Recording Academy to come up with solutions as to how to make the ceremony fair for all artists and producers. As mentioned, however, a number of artists have boycotted and called out the Academy for the unfairness, and it’s understandable these artists are upset. I think the fans should have the opportunity to vote for the awards given out, not the Recording Academy. Unfortunately, however, it’s likely artists will continue to do this until justice is brought to all artists who have been robbed of their works. 

Op-Ed: Politicians and Music

By Grace Kitchens

January 26th, 2024

Recently, a clip of a Donald Trump rally in South Dakota last year has emerged. In the clip, you can hear “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths playing distinctly in the background. The post originated from reporter Ben Jacobs who wrote, “As Trump is scheduled to take the stage in Laconia, the new addition to his pre-rally music is The Smiths.” 

The Smiths did not agree to their music being played and from what is known, were not aware it was being played at all. Lead guitarist Johnny Marr responded to the clip tweeting, “Ahh…right…OK. I never in a million years would’ve thought this could come to pass. Consider this s— shut right down right now.” This begs the question, should politicians be allowed to use artist's music at rallies without permission? The answer is no.

Often, when music is being played at political events it can give the idea that musicians support the candidate. This isn’t fair to the artist as sometimes the association can severely harm their reputation. There was an example of this with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. He was able to get Trump to stop using the band's music when his attorney argued that using it gave a false impression that Tyler supported Trump when he did not. Politicians shouldn’t be able to use artists' music without permission to boost their own image when it can ultimately harm the artists. 

Sometimes musicians can’t even legally fight their music being played without it benefitting the politician involved. If there’s a long legal battle between a political candidate and a well-known artist, in the end, it could just bring more publicity to the politician than there would have been if the campaign was left uninterrupted. This means that when people play musician's music without permission, they can’t even fight it without sometimes making the situation worse, often leaving artists feeling powerless in the face of their own work.

Also, whenever politicians refuse to contact the owners of the music they wish to play, it can often just lead to a much more embarrassing situation. For example, in 1984 Bruce Springsteen reprimanded former president Ronald Reagan when he announced that he was planning to install “Born in the U.S.A” as the backdrop for his reelection campaign. Instead of the song helping him in his campaign, it only led to the press making jokes at Reagan’s expense and Sprigsteen's annoyance, leading to the question, what is the point of politicians even using artists' music if it could just end up hurting their campaign?

In the end, politicians should not use artists' music without permission. It rarely ends well for either of the parties involved and often leads to embarrassment on the politician's side and damage to the artist's reputation.

Op-Ed: Sub Verses Dub

By Scarlett King

December 5th, 2024

For the most part, whether an anime should be watched as the sub, or its dubbed counterpart, is subjective. Depending on the anime, the provided dub may not meet all the requirements of a good voice-over. Sometimes the voices are uncharacteristically high, or simply don't encapsulate the essence one has imagined. Should this be the case, then the sub may be the superior option. 

Additionally, anime that's aiming to be funny or provide a mostly lighthearted experience is better when viewed as a dub. Not only does the dub do a superior job of making cultural references one will understand, it also gives the enjoyment of the line's delivery. In contrast to Japan, the country anime is catered to, the US holds views and cultural norms which are unlikely to be represented in anime. 

One example of an adaptation made in the dub of an anime can be found in Horimiya when Hori's younger brother, Souta, refers to Miyamura as ‘oniisan’, the Japanese term for brother. This title was adapted as ‘bro’ in the English dub; which not only adds comedy to their interactions, but also relates better to the casual nature of their relationship using terms the audience understands.

Some anime, like Ouran HighSchool Host Club, have the most iconic and hilarious lines which can generate a multitude of inside jokes the fans can laugh about endlessly. Some of these iconic lines include ‘commoner’s coffee’ and ‘the homosexual supporting cast.’ While not all jokes age well in an anime from the 2000s, the memory of its ridiculousness goes down in history. 

While dubbed anime serves a comedic role, the original Japanese voice acting accompanied by subtitles, still serves its purpose. While dubs can be hilarious, they often don't manifest the characters well or feature women that have needlessly high voices that undermine everything the character represents. 

For example, Yona, the main character of Yona of The Dawn is acted with a high pitched voice in the dub, with lines that undermine the character’s struggle as she works to reclaim her kingdom. While Yona may have been a childish 16-year-old during the beginning of the series. She was ill suited to the dub’s unflattering portrayal. The original Japanese does a better job of speaking to her years as a naive princess and her desire to better herself.

To summarize, both the sudden and dub versions of anime have their uses as an entertainment device. To solely rely upon a single means would be denying oneself the opertunity to enjoy anime to its fullest. If anything is to be taken away from my previous statements, it's that. In the future, explore your options before settling for one which could harm your enjoyment.

Op-Ed: Should The Use of Plastic be Banned?

By Alliah Mendoza

January 23, 2024

Do you know that Rwanda became the world's first 'plastic-free' nation, 10 years after it introduced a ban on all plastic bags and plastic packaging and anyone who is caught with a plastic item will be sentenced to jail for 6 months? According to “linkedin”, “Approximately 593,043,485 pounds of plastic pollution float on the ocean's surface in year 2023”. Throught the years plastic pollution had become bigger and bigger problems. 

Unlike other materials plastic does not biodegrate. It means that plastic waste can take up to 1,000 years before it break down. That also meant that before one plastic even break down millions of millions of plastic is added in our environment. 

Worsening Climate Change, endangering marine wildlife and polluting ground water that may cause health problems are some of the causes of plastic pollution. “Every year, 11 million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean on top of the estimated 200 million metric tons that currently circulate our marine environments”, stated by “Ocean Conservancy”. 

Marine life is the most affected one in plastic pollution. Thousands of seabirds and turtles are killed and their natural habitant are being destroyed. “100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone. 100,000 marine animals die from getting entangled in plastic yearly (“100+ Ocean Pollution Statistics & Facts 2023”)”. Plastic had become part of our daily lives, but we never look at the many consequence that it may cause to our marine life and how it greatly affects our environment. It also contribute in climate change which is one of the major we also faces.

It is true that plastic had become one of the big issues we are facing today, because it doesn’t just affect marine life but it also affects us human beings. Based by the study that the “Earth Day” have done “...microplastics significantly damage cells in the human body, leading to serious health effects, including cancers, lung disease, and birth defects.” Plastic waste does not only affect our health but it can also affect our livelihoods.

 Just like I said in the previous paragraph a lot of marine animals die which can affect food production capabillities. Because of the execcsive use of plastic not only our environment and animals takes the consequences, but also us who created it.

Considering this harmful effects that banning the used of plastic would be a great help in our environment but, it’s also hard to imagine the world without it. I believe that with proper awareness in use of plastic and the strict ban of plastic bags will help to reduce and scale down the effect of plastic pollution.

This is some of the actions we can do is we lessen our use of plastic in our daily life such us bringing our own grocery bags instead of using plastic bags that is offer in the store. Recycle and separate recyclable materials and throw it in right trashcan.  Instead of buying water bottles that are single-use bring your own water bottle. Stop littering and spread awareness about plastic.

Op-Ed: Can We Benefit From Heartbreak?

By Amber Kane

January 12, 2024

Oftentimes in high school, students will find themselves infatuated with and wrapped up in a romantic relationship with another person, even including their first love. Everyone wants to be loved, but is dating worth the pain that could sometimes come along with it? From my perspective and many other students, yes, it is. 

Regardless of age, relationships are great ways to get to know someone on a deeper level, learn lessons, and find a voice for yourself. Love has both petals and thorns, but with the proper level of maturity and patience, teenage love can bloom.

According to ACT for Youth, it is a fact that 63% of high school students have gone on a date before the time they reach their graduation. Along with this, ACT’s studies have shown that high schoolers who are 16 years old on average have relationships that last six months, and 17-18 year olds have relationships that last up to or more than one year. 

Students from Monterey High shared their opinions on the subject anonymously, and of the ones that participated, most would agree that high school dating is valuable and part of life.

One student anonymously shared their belief that you can have “new experiences and discover what you want if you’re ready before you graduate.” Similarly, many other students agreed that high school dating can help you establish your likes and dislikes.

Among all the poll takers, many of them gave a similar piece of advice: communication. Communication is the most important thing that a relationship can have, especially at a young age. If you don’t communicate, how will your partner know what you want?

From personal experience, communication is a make or break in a relationship. If there is an issue, it must be addressed. I also know what it’s like to be scared to talk to your partner about something, but in the long run, it will help and not hurt. 

However, it is no secret that love often comes with an ugly side: jealousy, attachment, and heartbreak. 

Students shared their experiences with love as well. Majority of the poll takers shared that they had been heartbroken, and at least 50% would say that they had experienced being in love.

After undergoing a breakup myself, I can say that it’s important to remember that you aren’t in this alone. Whether your former partner may be grieving the loss of you, a friend may be feeling the same way, or an adult may understand your pain. Broken hearts are all around us, but it may be hard to recognize.

Although heartbreak and hardship are common in young love, there is definitely a beauty that it brings. I, and many others, can look back on young relationships and appreciate the lessons and experiences they brought. However, great things never come without a challenge. 

At the end of the day, dating is not for everyone and it is inevitably your choice to do so. But with that choice, be mature, be smart, and don’t forget, “There’s always more fish in the sea,” (anonymous Toreador).

Op-Ed: Ten Year Olds at Sephora

By Shelby Kristy

January 23, 2024

As kid, you’re known to be playing with dolls or remote control cars. Maybe going to the park every weekend with your family just to get some fresh air. Now in 2024, there are a lot of advancements in technology. Meaning kids aren't going outside and instead are sitting at home playing games or watching shows on either their T.V or tablets. 

Now, kids are somehow getting their own phones. Personally I think the right age to get a phone is around 11 or 12. Obviously all parents parent differently. Some kids are now getting tik tok and making “GRWM videos” GRWM stands for “get ready with me”. GRWM videos are people doing their skincare routine or doing their makeup for a night out. That's how it started, just young adults getting ready to go anywhere. But as kids now have access to social media, they started seeing the trends that were going on.  

Back then, 10 girls were wanting to collect E.O.S lip balms or wanting a little makeup set from Claires. Now 10 year old girls are wanting to buy retinol creams from Sephora for over 40 dollars. As Sephora workers are letting the children know that retinol is very harmful for young skin and that they shouldn't buy it, the girls insist they get it just because it is trending all over social media. “When you walk into Sephora, all you see is little girls looking at Drunk Elephant.” stated Kathryn Combs (‘26) Some of these kids are known to be very aggressive and very set on what they want to buy, so when seeing them I just say keep to yourself if you don't want to be yelled at by a little girl half your age.

As kids nowadays are very set in their ways, I don't think they should be spending 100 plus dollars of their parents money on makeup and skincare just to make short videos on social media that will probably only get you hate since people are tired of seeing 10 year olds on there for you page. Obviously, I have a feeling that all of this was just started because of social media, and the fact that parents are now letting their young kids get on social media isn't good. There should definitely be more limits on what children have access to nowadays, like young kids should have any access to social media because clearly it has a lot of influence. 

Op-Ed: Missing School for Field Trips

By Daphne DeCarlo

January 8, 2024

Field trips have become highly anticipated by students of the academies at Monterey High. When a new trip is announced, students excitedly rush to fill out their permission slips and secure a spot on the bus. However, these field trips often cause classroom interruptions. 

Typically, these trips happen during school hours. Some teachers find this frustrating as they have students missing class time. Language Acquisition teacher Ms. Nolan comments that, because of the block schedule we currently have, the amount of class time and content being missed due to field trips is “detrimental to [students’] academic performance.”

Social Studies teacher Mr. Petersen also remarks that “in-depth concepts and detailed skills are what is missed with the interruptions to the scheduled time.” It seems that excessive field trips often limit what students can gain from their classes. Petersen also notes that field trips result in “providing less instruction to students in one subject to provide greater amounts in other subjects.”

On the other hand, some students find that the opportunities that field trips provide are well worth the few hours of lost classes. These trips take students all around California to not only different colleges and universities, but also art museums, science museums, plays, zoos, and more.

For junior Amelia Carlino (‘25), the most valuable field trip she has been on with Monterey High thus far has been to Cal Poly. On this field trip, Carlino found that all the Cal Poly students looked happy to be there and thought the campus environment “looked lovely.” Carlino also feels that in general, college field trips have helped her “grow [her] knowledge of what some colleges are like and their campuses as well as their environment,” while also commenting that she thought they would have been more beneficial if they had more interactive elements. 

Nolan comments that field trips “give students a chance to see real-world connections to the class content” and Petersen notes that field trips can be beneficial in many ways such as “encouraging a first generation college student through campus visits, providing real-world, first-hand looks at possible careers, seeing the methods used by actors and scientists can be inspiring to students in ways the classroom is not.” 

Sienna Grant (‘25) commented that her favorite field trip was to see Mean Girls the Musical in San Francisco. This was a unique opportunity and a bonding experience for her and her classmates that widened their realm of creativity possibility. 

Overall, the wonderful opportunities field trips provided cannot be denied. But it is also clear that in order for students to still be able to reach their full potential for academic achievement and success, a balance needs to be struck. Petersen suggests that some policies that MHS previously had in place would make a good solution to this issue such as limiting the number of field trips students can go on, making sure students are in good academic standing, and requiring students to get approval from all teachers. Nolan recommends providing teachers with a comprehensive schedule of all field trips during class time to allow teachers to plan ahead. I believe that a combination of all of these suggestions as well as input from students will allow for a balance that would provide the most positive outcome for students and teachers.

Can Money Buy Happiness?

By Layla Castillo

September 3, 2024

A very controversial topic among people is whether money can buy happiness or not, and I’d say yes, but no. It depends on the person you are, whether you are rich, poor, happy, depressed, or any further. 

The truth is, the more wealth you have, the more things you can buy that you enjoy, and the more satisfied and content you will get. But then again, you can’t just buy happiness. You can buy things that interest you, but it’s not like it will cure depression. It will not help manage your toxic relationship, health, or overall life satisfaction. 

 But I think it’s better to put it this way; you can buy things that you enjoy or keep you satisfied. Everyone has a passion that they enjoy and want to fulfill, whether it’s shopping, cleaning, cooking, traveling, etc, so you’ll spend money on that passion. Money can buy things that lead to happiness but can’t guarantee happiness.

“I would say yeah, money can buy happiness in different types of forms, it can definitely spike your dopamine to make you feel excitement and happiness. But money definitely can’t buy a family or anything long-term.” said Adrian Garcia (‘26)

“In my opinion, money can buy happiness. I’ve never seen anyone that’s come back from a trip to Mexico sad. I’ve also never seen Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos looking sad. If you have a lot of money then I think there are enough things that can distract you from being sad. I know that if I had a lot of money, I wouldn’t be stressed and my life would be set. That would make me happy.” said Calista Neves (‘27)

To analyze this quote, it is true that if you do have a lot of money, your life probably would be set for the future. Once you are out there in the world on your own, you will have taxes, bills, and college to pay for, and those are some of the main causes of stress and depression. But if you happen to be very wealthy, you’ll be able to pay for these things with ease and with little to no stress. Of course, it is 100% possible to be happy without money. Happiness comes from factors like healthy relationships, good health, positive experiences, and personal fulfillment. 

The Importance of Drinking Water

By Laila Graijlava 

September 30, 2024

In a world where energy drinks, sugar-filled drinks, and new health fads are everywhere, it's simple to forget one of the most important aspects of human health: water. Maintaining our physical well-being requires drinking plenty of water, yet many of us don't get enough each day. Let's pause to consider why water is more than a drink, it's a lifeline as we manage our busy lives. 

Around 60% of our body weight is made up of water, which is required for almost all bodily functions. Water is essential to the proper functioning of our body systems because it nourishes joints and controls body temperature. We run the risk of losing our ability for clear thinking, effective digestion, and even comfortable movement if we don't drink enough water.

Did you know that your brain can be affected by even a small amount of dehydration? Based to studies, dehydration can cause changes in mood, increased anxiety, and trouble focusing.  Water is necessary to sustain the best possible brain function.  Drinking enough water during the day can improve our mental health, focus, and productivity.

As we think about the importance of water, let's decide to prioritize being hydrated throughout every day of our lives.  Carry a reusable water bottle, make water your go-to beverage, and set reminders to sip it throughout the day. We can better our performance, improve our health, and have a good impact on the environment by making these little changes. 

Personalities and Politics

Olivia Wolfe

Sep 17th 2024

Unfortunately, our world is overrun by political conflict that causes hate between friends, families, communities, and nations. Politics are a way we handle democracy, socialize our countries, and decide our leaders. However, it breaks apart all we worked for, as many support the Democratic party and the other half of America support the Republican party. In the past ten years, our country has been divided by which party is more superior. 

The Republican party has included Presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, George Bush, and most recently Donald Trump. Despite starting off as a peaceful, non-prejudice party, following the Grant Administration, the Republican party has been considered to be the more corrupt of the two. Most presidential candidates who ran as a registered Republican are stereotypically known as racists, sexists, or war criminals. Keeping these accusations in mind, many Americans believe that the Republican party is meant exclusively for white supremacists, which is why many southern states vote Republican candidates. 

As for the Democratic party, which has consisted of Presidents like Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and recently Joe Biden, is stereotypically the calmer, more down to Earth party. But that isn’t entirely true, as there have been many scandals, especially revolving around former President Bill Clinton, as well as some issues with more Democratic voters being a little too headstrong about being a Democrat. Most Democratic voters, however, have more up-to-date ideologies and believe that Democratic presidents will be the key to a more progressive America. Because of these reasons most western and northern states vote Democratically.

Due to the fact that most of these parties get stereotyped, the American people are also victims of the political party stereotypes. Typically most Californians are victims of being accused of being a Democrat because they’re “so woke,” while those in Alabama are accused of being Republicans because they’re all “yeehaw” and “hillbillies.”. These stereotypes make most Americans feel like they’re required to fit into these political stereotypes. Many American families have now made politics a usual conversation in times where they are not needed, like family reunions. Everyone apparently has a “Republican Uncle” or “Liberal Aunt” due to the stereotype that these family members make their political identities their entire personality.

Now, as a result, most of the time Americans make their political choices their complete identity, which causes conflict between friends, families, and nations. In order to solve this problem, most Americans should try to understand that these are just some political stereotypes and they are not required to feed into them. 

Do Multiple Realities Exist?

By Arianna Randazzo

September 15, 2024

In the film Dr Strange: Multiverse of Madness, we see how he can go to different places and at other times. Also in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is a movie called Spiderman: No Way Home, and in this movie, we see that there is more than one universe and more than one Spiderman. 

The Multiverse Theory is the idea that other universes may also exist beyond the observable universe. An example of this is; if I was trying to decide if I wanted a coffee or a hot chocolate. If I chose a hot chocolate in this universe then in a different universe I chose coffee, what would happen in that other universe because of the other choice I made?

Now this brings up the question, is this fiction or reality? Now I know the example I used was from a piece of fiction so let me give a different example. In space, there are stars, planets, asteroids, and other unknown things, all of which make up the Milky Way. What would you see, for lack of better words, if you zoom out on the Milky Way? 

Here is my theory, what if there are multiple Milky Ways? I believe that if you travel out of our Milky Way you will find others and in that Milky Way you will see another Earth. I believe that, just like the ocean, space has yet to be fully explored.  

This is a topic that is debated by many people. Some people are very skeptical and scientists are researching to try and figure out if this is possible. I am one of the people who believe that this theory has a very high chance of being correct.

We also need to remember the fact that space is infinite. Who are we to say there is nothing and no one else out there? If we are sure that there is unfound life in the ocean, why can't the same be said for space? 

Even if you don't believe in the multiverse theory, it's worth exploring because of the possibilities. Just think, if other realities existed then there should be a reality where a cure to cancer exists, where time travel exists, and there may be other universes that know about our existence and know about the future of our world. The possibilities are endless. 

Just imagine if we had the technology to travel into space and try to detect other universes and other Earths. What things would they know? Would their society be as developed or more developed than ours?

Overall, multiple realities exist and we don't have the technology to explore right now, but just because we don't have proof that other universes exist doesn't mean it's not true. It's good to be open-minded to ideas and opinions different than your own.

Op-Ed: The Legal Loophole in Required 0 Periods

By Sophia Ruttschow 

August 23, 2024

Due to the schedule change this year, Monterey High is displaying the use of a clear legal loophole in California State law: according to the New York Times, a law passed in California in 2019 requiring high schools to start at 8:30. At Monterey High, students have for years had the option of a 0 period in the mornings before day classes start. This period is 55 minutes long and starts at 7:30 am.

Last year, before the major schedule change, there were very few academic 0 period classes; however, there have been quite a few extracurricular, “fun,” 0 period classes. The seven period schedule has made it so that many students, especially DP students, are required to take a 0 period. 

Mr. Harber, an English teacher here at Monterey High, has an academic 0 period Monday through Thursday for IB English HL 2. 78% of his students are in the DP program, and 92% of the class was forced to take an academic 0 period that they didn’t have to take last year.

That is exactly the issue. If a student is required to show up for an academic 0 period class, as it was automatically placed on their schedule, that is against California state law. The way MHS is getting away with this is because 0 periods are still technically “optional classes.”

Many people I have spoken to were given their schedules on the very first day, and at the top, it listed an academic 0 period. This is not a choice. For these students to complete their required classes, they are required to show up to school at 7:30 am, a full hour before the legal start time. 

One MHS junior in the DP program confided their feelings about this subject to me, though wishes to remain anonymous. They take a 0 period class every morning Monday through Thursday that is a required DP class not available within a time that they can take it during the day, along with their other classes. 

However, if we had remained at an 8 period schedule, this student would not be required to take this 0 period. This student agreed that if we had remained with the same schedule as last year, there would be more availability for them to take their required 0 period class during the day schedule. They also must take this class as a 0 period and not an after school 8th period due to the extracurricular activities they participate in. 

This definitely affects this student’s learning experience. “It affects my learning throughout the day. All my classes blend together since I start so early in the morning, and I feel way more tired in my afternoon classes this year than last year,” they noted. 

Doesn’t this completely prove the reasoning behind making the legal high school start time later, showing that students likely feel more tired and less motivated in their later day classes when they start academics earlier in the day? “When I get home it’s like bleh–I’m so so tired.”

This student not only feels their academic schedule has been skewed, but also their bodily routine. “I can’t eat that early in the morning so I usually come to school hungry for my 0 period.” They also can no longer do the 1 day a week extracurricular 0 period they took last year.

You may think that there shouldn’t be much of a difference between their past 0 period activity and their current one. However, a 1 day a week “fun” activity in the morning cannot be compared to a high level academic class every day in the morning–the effects are simply different.

MHS Schedule Change

By Kat Balco

August 27, 2024

The Monterey High School schedule has changed drastically from the 2022-2023 school year to the 2024-2025 school year. This change has affected me and others on how they view the school week. The way the school district voted for this was put together by all of the MPUSD school districts and they all agreed that this would be the best option for this year.

Monterey High School's schedule has not been the same for more than one year and they cannot decide what would be best for them. From the beginning when I started at this school, the schedule has gone from four classes a day now to 7 a day with less time in class. Along with that, there are the Odd and Even days, where we have all of our even-numbered classes on one day and all of our odd ones on another. The school district also requires the schools to have a flex or advisory class once a week.

This year I have mixed opinions. I like the fact that we have shorter classes because last year I felt as if I would just get so bored in class that I would stop paying attention. This caused me to fall behind in my classes and struggle in school more than I should've been. I like that now the classes are nice and short just enough time to go through a lesson and do a worksheet and sometimes the worksheet can be given out as homework. The thing I dislike about this schedule is the odd and even days. The odd and even days are out there so that we can still get in those longer classes and get that longer work time, but it is so confusing to go from 7 classes a day to 3 or 4 a day just for 2 days a week. It feels unnecessary and like we should just have the 7-period day every day of the week. 

If I were to fix this schedule I would have either kept it the same as it was last year with the A and B days, or just have the whole week the 7-day classes. The long classes still make me so bored and not entertained or wanting to focus. I've heard that some people like the longer classes more and are upset about how we have shorter classes because they don't feel like they have enough time to learn or to get stuff done. But if these people feel that way then there is the flex period that they can sign up for to go get help with that class and catch up. 

I feel this year's schedule is better than last year's, and next year if they are going to change it then they should work on getting rid of the long days completely.

Do You Know How To Prepare For Dia De Los Muertos?

By Sofia Lopez

October 17, 2024

Hundreds of thousands to millions of people worldwide celebrate Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead from November 1st to the 2nd. While Dia de los Muertos is more so celebrated in Mexico and other Catholic countries, there are many of the same types of celebrations in other countries celebrated at around the same time. For example in Haiti, their version of this holiday is called Fèt Gede, or the Festival of the Dead and it is celebrated during the same time as Dia de los Muertos. The only problem with the holiday is the amount of people who want to celebrate it but don’t know how.

This is a problem because Dia de los Muertos is a widely celebrated tradition and is believed to be a day when dead loved ones can pass over the land of the living. Everyone should celebrate this day to honor loved ones who passed away. 

To prepare for Dia de los Muertos families set up altars for the dead. These altars are decorated with candles, fresh flowers, bread, chocolate, fruit, beverages, and framed photographs of those who have passed on. Some altars also contain sugar skulls, papel picado (tissue paper with cut-out shapes), pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and incense. There is also a special flower for this day that people decorate their altars with and they are called cempasúchiles in Mexican culture but, in English, they are called marigolds. 

There are many ways people can celebrate this day including visiting the cemetery, eating pan de muerto, making sugar skulls, attending festivals, and throwing a party with loved ones. There are also many other reasons why and ways to celebrate this day. But, people should celebrate the Day of the Dead to heal us from loss, help us honor our culture, and to learn about life and death.

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep: Why We Should Prioritize Rest

By Layla Castillo

October 14, 2024

There are many ways that sleep affects productivity, mood, and overall health. And there are ways to improve sleep habits in an increasingly sleepless world. It’s time to stop treating sleep like a negotiable commodity and recognize its vital role in our well-being.

In today's fast-paced world, sleep is often turned down or completely ignored by many individuals. Studies show that teens should get at least 9 hours of sleep to support their developing brains, but up to 70% of teens in high school don’t get the right amount of sleep that they need. 

Ollie Wolfe (‘26) states, “People need to get a good night's sleep because it improves mental health and stability, your brain without sleep will not be able to function, when your brain rests your body rests.”

Lack of sleep can also drastically impact your mood. Studies show that people who are sleep-deprived report increases in negative moods such as anger, frustration, irritability, and sadness. If you are sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, and controlling your behavior and emotions. Sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression and an increased risk of suicidal or violent behavior.

  Ryan Harber, a teacher here at Monterey High, states, “Getting a good night's sleep is important; especially if you're in a learning environment, you won't be able to think correctly, and that may lead to failure.”

Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the importance of sleep, many people treat it as an afterthought. The use of technology has only exaggerated the issue, with screens, notifications, and late-night scrolling keeping us up far later than what is healthy. About one in three adults in the U.S. don't get enough sleep on a regular basis.

Kat Balco (‘26) says, “If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it can really impact your energy the next day and makes it harder for you to focus in the setting you’re in.”

Getting enough sleep isn't just about feeling refreshed or avoiding the occasional grumpy mood, it's a cornerstone of overall health, well-being, and success. In a word that loves to glorify busyness and hustle, it's crucial to remember that true productivity, creativity, and happiness begin with a good night's sleep. Let's start treating sleep like the necessity it is, your future self will thank you.

Final Girl No More: The Rise of Complex Female Protagonists in Horror

By Layla Castillo

November 8, 2024

For decades, the “final girl” has been a central figure in horror films. She's the one who outsmarts the killer, survives the night, and often, stands alone at the film’s conclusion–bloodied, but victorious. 

Originating from slasher films of the 70s and 80s, like Halloween’s Laurie Strode and A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Nancy Thompson, the final girl archetype has become a staple of the genre. But as horror evolves, so do its female protagonists.

Today, the final girl is being replaced–or, more accurately, reimagined–into characters with greater complexity, emotional depth, and agency, reflecting a broader cultural shift in how women are portrayed in the media.

The traditional final girl was more than a survivor. She was a moral archetype. Often depicted as virginal, bookish, or “good”, she was a stark contrast to the other female characters–those who partied, had sex or made careless decisions and met grisly ends as a result. Her survival was framed as a reward for her purity and smart brain. 

However, this model reduced women to simplistic binaries: good girls survive, bad girls perish. The slasher sub-genre used this formula to reinforce conservative ideas about femininity and punishment, where morality dictated survival. 

But recent horror films are rewriting this script.

Consider The Babadook (2014), where Amelia, a grieving single mother, faces a supernatural manifestation of her unresolved trauma and depression. Her journey is not one of mere survival but a deeply psychological battle with her inner demons. Or Hereditary (2018), where Toni Collette’s Annie Grapples, with generational trauma, grief, and guilt, ultimately becomes a tragic figure consumed by forces far beyond her control.

These women aren't “final girls” in the traditional sense. They are flawed, complex, and driven by their own personal battles rather than by an external killer they must defeat. In the majority of these films, survival is no longer the primary metric of strength. Instead, horror is being used to explore the messy, painful, and sometimes destructive aspects of womanhood, motherhood, and personal identity as a woman.

Rather than being chased by a masked villain on the loose, these protagonists are grappling with psychological trauma, grief, and mental illness. Horror has always been a mirror for societal fears, and these films reflect a shift from physical threats to emotional and internal ones. 

Mental Health Struggles During the Fall Semester

By Ashley McGee

November 15, 2024

As days get shorter and the nights get colder, it’s easy to feel like the fall semester is in an infinite and endless cycle. For many of us, the stress of midterms, assignments, and finals can take a toll on our mental health. But does everyone know the reality of mental health struggles?

Normal feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout tend to catch up to us during this time, and ignoring these feelings could make things worse. Some may even struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can cause them to feel low in energy, lose interest in everyday activities, and become angry or feeling despair. SAD symptoms begin in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, which can make some people feel upset about the shorter, darker days.

According to a recent study, nearly one in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or worthlessness, which increased as the year progressed. This number tends to rise and fall as workloads increase and daylight hours decrease.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, it is important to recognize when you may need help. Whether it is talking to a counselor, reconnecting with a close friend, or taking a day off for self-care, any of these options are a step in the right direction. 

If you or someone you know needs emotional support beyond your control, encourage them to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, or text BRAVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. A trained crisis counselor will receive it and respond within minutes. Then, the crisis counselor will help you minimize your situation and connect you to help locally.  Since its launch in mid-2022, 988 has received 10.8 million calls, texts, and chats.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness are two very meaningful topics to me due to my familiarity with them. This makes me want to spread even more awareness for individuals with these struggles because high school does not make teenage mental health issues any easier, nor does it only end in high school.

Half of all mental health conditions in adults start before the age of 14 and 75% before the age of 24. Mental health is something we will carry into our adult years, so we must learn what it takes to understand and overcome those challenges.

Does Class Size Matter?

By Sofia Lopez 

November 21, 2024

Do you know how large is the average class size at a high school? Do you think it is more beneficial to a student’s learning to be in a larger or smaller class size? These are questions we should all be asking ourselves, especially if we are all looking for a quality education. According to the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) website, smaller class sizes mean more possibilities for students. 

In addition, the AASA website also shares that there is conclusive research showing the benefits of class sizes that consist of 1 teacher for every 15 students. The 15:1 ratio is especially important for elementary students. Early studies and projects from the 1980s that focused on low student to teacher ratios, found that students in smaller class sizes compared to students in larger class sizes “obtained higher test scores, participated more in school, demonstrated improved behavior, and retained many benefits of early class-size reductions in the later years of schooling.” Many of these studies were done by a large-scale project in Indiana, a major experiment in Tennessee, and numerous smaller studies and evaluations of projects. 

Furthermore validating this information is Katherine Schulten, in a 2011 article, where she mentions the written passage of Sam Dillon. “Teachers and many other educators have embraced research finding that smaller classes foster higher achievement.” Dillon also gave a possible explanation as to why class sizes have increased over the last several years and decades. He stated that “Tight budgets mean squeezing in classrooms.”

Therefore, when asking ourselves,  is it necessary to have smaller classes for students to have the most benefit? The answer is yes. Research shows that students have the most growth academically, socially, and emotionally when their school and classroom environment consists of a lower student to teacher ratio. While the current class sizes at school can’t change, students should take this new information with them as they start to apply to college.

Abortion Should Not Be Illegal 

By Arianna Randazzo 

18, November 2024

There is a lot of debate over if abortion should be outlawed, and there are people who genuinely believe that abortion is murder. I believe that abortion is not murder and that it is not a privilege, but a right.

It should be up to the person who is pregnant to decide if they want an abortion or not. There should be no situation where anyone should ever have to worry about laws preventing them from making decisions about their own body. 

I agree that we shouldn't have late-term abortions. I believe that abortions should only be allowed up to a certain point. However, I do believe that people should have the choice early on in their pregnancy whether or not they want an abortion. We should all agree that no state law should tell people who've had an abortion that they should go to jail for having one.

I believe that contraceptives should be easily accessible and that it should be allowed for people to prevent pregnancy. Such as being able to get Plan B, condoms, and be able to get an IUD. 

Pro-Lifers often argue that human life starts with contraception. This is not a worthy argument because it assumes we grant moral consideration to people. After all, they're alive when in reality we grant moral consideration to people because of their sentience. 

Unsafe abortions are the third leading cause of preventable maternal deaths worldwide. They are also the cause of five million largely preventable disabilities, according to the World Health Organization. 

Denying abortion is a form of gender discrimination against women and girls, and anyone else who can get pregnant. Gender discrimination is when someone is treated unequally or disadvantageously based on their gender but not necessarily in a sexual nature. Why should it be up to anyone else but the person who is pregnant what they do with their bodies?

Forcing someone to carry on an unwanted pregnancy, or forcing them to seek out an unsafe abortion, is a violation of their human rights, including the rights to privacy and bodily and reproductive autonomy.  There should be no situation where someone has to worry about their rights as a person being taken away and yet it is a debate whether or not people should be allowed to choose between having an abortion. 

What if the government was trying to pass a law that all men should get a vasectomy past a certain age to prevent pregnancies? People can all agree that the government should not be making these decisions for people. 

This isn't even a worry because they would never propose this considering a majority of the government agrees that men should have the right to choose when to have a vasectomy and yet when it comes to women's reproductive rights we are questioning whether or not it is murder. 

Overall women should have the right to make decisions about their healthcare and it should not be anyone's decision but their own on what they should do with their bodies. Abortion is a human right and it would be cruel to deny people of having options when it comes to a pregnancy. 

Why is Football So Dangerous For Players?

By Sofia Lopez 

January 8, 2025

Studies of American football players by the National Institutes of Health have identified a serious consequence of repeated traumatic brain injuries. In a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, tangles of a protein called tau build up in the brain after repeated head impacts.

There are many reasons why this sport is dangerous. According to Harvard Medical School, there is growing evidence linking football and brain disease. In addition to having an impact on the mental health of professional athletes and their families, the findings have caused some parents to wonder if they should prevent their kids from participating in contact sports similar to football.

Harvard Medical School also contained football-related injuries including sprained ankles, concussions, ACL injuries, pulled hamstrings, knee injuries, fractures, tearing of the meniscus, ankle injuries, shoulder dislocations. Other injuries are achilles tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, jumper's knee, hand injuries, foot fractures, shin splints, nerve injury, foot injury, back injury, elbow injury, and groin strain. 

Furthermore, there are many ways to prevent injuries while playing football. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the best way to prevent injuries in football is to make sure you are in good physical shape at the beginning of the football season. An athlete can do this by maintaining a well-rounded fitness regimen that includes strength training, flexibility, and aerobic exercise during the off-season. 

This will increase their exercise level gradually and work their way back up to a greater level of fitness if they’re not in shape at the beginning of the season. Additionally, a player should always warm up and stretch, paying particular attention to their thighs, calves, hips, and knees. Studies done by Harvard have indicated that cold muscles are more vulnerable to damage. Spending three to five minutes walking in place, sprinting, or performing jumping jacks to warm up. After that, they should stretch slowly and softly, holding each position for 30 seconds.

Teachers VS Teaching Styles

By Ollie Wolfe 

January 24, 2025

Teachers have been around since the beginning of time. The ideas of teaching have since expanded significantly since Confucius’ time. However, within recent years, teachers have begun to discover new and personalized ways to teach; these ways of teaching have bettered the school environment while simultaneously destroying it.

Many teachers, specifically at Monterey High, have gained a good sense of respect between their students based upon their relaxed way of teaching. Typically, the teachers who show the most lenience, empathy, and compassion are the younger generation of teachers. While this statement isn’t entirely true; as there are plenty of the older teachers who act kind towards students, it's simply easy to recognize that the younger teachers are more “hip with the kids,” making their ways of teaching more tempered. 

On the other hand, there's been a rise in “never in my (blank years) of teaching…” types of teachers. These teachers are usually a little older considering their traditional teaching techniques. Teachers like this don’t build very strong relationships with their students as a result of their harsh and formal lessons. While these teachers can still be very cool and cooperative based on the way they casually treat their students.

Unfortunately, some of the more “experienced” teachers will use their “experience” to try and keep their students far below them. Teachers like this don’t build good connections with students. These teachers also usually act erratically when their students are “misbehaving.” While sometimes these teachers create the best taught students, they also create the worst relationships.

Overall, from a student perspective, it’s best to adapt to the modern environment of Monterey High; this especially applies to teachers. With more relaxed teaching, students will feel more safe learning, making comprehension feel more natural, rather than having them learn in a tense environment. If you have anything you’d like to add or comment, please consider reaching out to the Galleon on instagram @montereygalleon.

Music at School Dances

By Sophia Ruttschow

January 30, 2025

The music at school dances should be curated by the student body. Now of course there would have to be some form of supervision, but overall, the playlists should be formed by student opinion. 

After almost every dance, there are people saying things like, “I wish they played this song,” or “I would’ve liked it if the music was more like this,” and more. Overall, the clear message is often, “I wish the music was better.” And honestly, who is better at determining good music for a dance than the dancers themselves. 

Many students around campus have proposed the idea of either a student made playlist, or at the very least, a DJ that accepts suggestions. There are a few ways to go about improving the music choice systems for dances. 

One of these options is simply the addition of a suggestion sheet. By the DJ booth, there could a couple sheets of paper on a clipboard where any student could come up and write down a song request. Then, the DJ can periodically check the list and play  some student suggestions, which would likely up the mood for the people who enjoy the song or recommended it. This is a very possible option, as song request sheets are not an uncommon occurrence, and are clearly a much better and more logical alternative to having students just try shouting at the DJ which song they think should be played. 

A student-made playlist is another good option to increase the general enjoyment of school dance music. The playlist could be reserved to the student committee/leadership class that started planning the dance, and then it can be reviewed by teacher supervisors ahead of time to make sure everything chosen is up to standard. This allows the playlist to be fully catered towards the students at MHS, as many adults(DJs) don’t really know the kind of music or specific songs students are excited to hear at a dance. 

Another possibility along these lines is having a student song suggestion form. This was done a couple of years ago for one of the MHS school dances, and many people had their recommendations actually played at the dance. Having someone monitor and create a playlist out of a mix of DJ/school adult chosen songs and student requests would help the music recieve more positive remarks than negative. 

Truthfully, a couple hours of loud music should include a huge amount of student-chosen music. This would elevate the whole event itself as well as get people excited about being interactive with the dance itself. 

Is AI worth it when it comes to the costs?

By Hosuh Hernandez Stelmakh

1/27/25

Within the first year of the new presidency there is already plenty of news; one such major topic that keeps getting brought up, though, is the AI business. With companies and people buying into AI´s potential and making more datasets, the AI business is booming. But with the rise in AI, it also brings to light the major question of the additional costs; that using AI brings, and it isn't only for jobs.

Now plenty of people are already aware of the AI problem for how it can take people's jobs away, how it is being used to cheat in schools, and create AI art, but there is another downside, one that is environmental. 

When people use AI websites for inputs like ChatGPT for example, in its data centers, it needs a lot of water to prevent overheating. According to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the amount needed to prevent such situations can easily cost up to 68,100 liters a day and that’s for smaller data centers.  Larger data centers can even consume up enough water that is equivalent to how much 4,200 people use water on a daily basis. So water is often being consumed a lot for something as simple as generating an answer for how to do a math equation. 

However, there is also another side to this problem that affects people on a wider scale and personally, that being how AI affects our utility bills. While using AI itself doesn’t directly make your bills skyrocket, what it does is drain out a resource we often take for granted; electricity. 

Bringing back the example of ChatGPT, it uses so much electricity that the US has reserved its course on coal and gas usage to make up for it. Another instance is in Santa Clara; according to the LA Times, data centers used 60% of the entire city’s electricity. With so much electricity being used, energy demands are brought up higher which make electricity bills go higher. 

AI is a very layered issue from both ends of the argument. On one hand, AI does have the potential to make our lives more convenient and efficient; there is no denying that. However, as seen in previous examples, this luxury of more convenience comes at big costs, some worse and more long lasting than others. Now to add up all of the concerns like AI taking our jobs and creativity, especially with the idea of higher utilities in this economy, AI really doesn’t seem to be worth it in the long run. 

Works Cited

Privette, Ana Pinheiro. “AI's Challenging Waters | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Illinois.” Civil & Environmental Engineering, 11 October 2024, https://cee.illinois.edu/news/AIs-Challenging-Waters.  Accessed 31 January 2025.

Petersen, Melody. “Power-hungry AI data centers are raising electric bills and blackout risk.” LATimes, 12 August 2024, https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-08-12/california-data-centers-could-derail-clean-energy-goals.  Accessed 31 January 2025.

Think Before You Speak 

By Arianna Randazzo 

February 7, 2025

How often has someone said something to you that you wish they didn't say? I think it's not that hard to keep your opinions to yourself, especially if they are not kind. A lot of people don't think before they speak, and they don't think about how what they say or do can affect other people. 

The phrase ¨If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it¨ is very common and many people are told this at a young age. Throughout my life, I have noticed how quick people can be about noticing the negative things and pointing them out rather than seeing something good and acknowledging it. 

I'm not saying that you should never talk about something that bothers you, but if you walk by someone in the halls and you don't like their outfit then you should keep it to yourself because their outfit does not affect your day, but your comment will affect them and their feelings.

A mean comment can affect someone's entire day, and you never know how hard what you're going to say will hit. You may not mean for something to hurt a person as badly as it does, but that doesn't change the fact that what you say can genuinely hurt other people. It doesn't take a lot of energy to think before you speak, but it can save you from causing someone else unintentional pain. 

Then there's intentionally saying something mean to someone to hurt them. There is nothing you will gain from hurting another person other than gaining the reputation of being a mean and vile person. It takes nothing to be kind but it costs a lot to be mean. 

Imagine if your best friend came to you distressed because someone intentionally hurt them in some way. Wouldn't you feel hurt for them? You would have some sympathy for that friend. However, if you had treated a stranger rudely would you care about how it affected their day? I hope you answered that question by saying yes. The amount of empathy you have for a stranger shows what kind of person you are.

Everyone matters, especially how they feel. Everyone has their own life and their own family and something that they care about. All it takes is one kind gesture or word from everyone a day to make the world a more positive place. A mean comment could genuinely cost someone their life. 

If someone asks you if you are a good person or a bad person wouldn't you want to be able to say that you are a good person? All it takes to be a good person is to think before you speak or act. It doesn't take a lot to be kind and it doesn't take a lot to keep a negative thought to yourself. So I challenge you. I challenge you to compliment someone today. I challenge you to intentionally do one act of kindness for another person every day. 

Punxsutawney Phil is a Fraud 

By Ollie Wolfe 

February 3, 2025

On February 2, 1877, roughly 148 years ago, the United States of America and Canada began to acknowledge the bizarre entity known as Punxsutawney Phil. This mysterious groundhog is apparently “immortal” and has the power to decide how long winter will last. The legend goes as follows: on the morning of the second day of February, the groundhog, aka Punxsutawney Phil, will rise from his hole and if he sees his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. However, Punxsutawney Phil is fake.

Within the 148 years of Punxsutawney Phil, he is usually not right. According to KREM-TV, Punxsutawney Phil is only right 30% of the time. That's only 44 years of getting it right-- little suspicious, right? Right! Punxsutawney Phil who is supposed to be the all-knowing groundhog, who is never wrong; has been wrong 104 times. With stats like that, why would people believe this creature’s potential?

Considering the statistics of how wrong Punxsutawney Phil actually is, let's also consider the statistics of the lifespan of a groundhog. A groundhog’s typical lifespan is only 8 to 9 years, so why would it make sense that a groundhog would live for 140 years longer than supposed to? Realistically, there has to have been at least 16 Phils. My personal hypothesis includes that the Groundhog Committee of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania have been breeding the same groundhog since the late 1800s. 

While the Punxsutawney Phil legend is mostly for young children, there are some adults and teens that have put their whole trust into this stupid rodent. Of course, people can have their fun, even if the rest of us think this is dumb. Overall, I just feel as though Groundhog Day truly isn’t that important, especially if the groundhog in question is a liar. If you feel similarly, or not, you can let us know how to feel on instagram @montereygalleon.

The Price of Prom: One Night At What Cost?

By Ashley McGee

Prom season is here! Social media feeds are flooded with glittery gowns, tuxedo fittings, thoughtful promposals, and smiling teens posing in front of expensive cars. It’s a celebration many students look forward to for years, but for too many, it’s also a financial burden and a painful reminder of who gets to fit in and who gets left out. Prom is supposed to be the most magical night of your high school experience, but the growing cost of participating in prom culture reflects our class inequality. 

A typical prom night outfit can easily cost hundreds of dollars, from designer dresses, tailored suits, hair, nails, makeup, shoes, accessories, all added to the price of the ticket alone, which often run from $50-$150, transportation costs, professional photos, dinner, and an after party. A 2023 national survey found that families spend an average of $1,000 on prom expenses. That’s not a small amount of money, especially in a country where many families live paycheck to paycheck.

Social media only makes things worse. The rise of promposals, over the top, wedding-inspired promposals, has turned a simple question into a whole event. Students feel pressured not just to attend prom, but to look the part. Those who can’t afford to keep up are often left out or feel less than. Students without romantic partners also feel left out of a culture built around couples. Those who don’t conform to traditional gender roles may struggle to feel seen or accepted. 

Some schools try to make prom more inclusive, like offering discounted tickets, hosting prom dress and suit donation drives, and creating fundraisers to help pay for student tickets. While these steps improve some symptoms, they don’t reach the issue's root. Students don't only feel left out on their own, but also from their friends who don't see the money it takes just to go to prom. The idea that making memories requires maxing out a credit card and buying the most expensive outfit should be thrown out; the real meaning of prom is to celebrate the end of a high school chapter with friends for the last time. 

Easter: The Holiday of Hope in a Changing World

By Ashley McGee

Easter arrives quietly and powerfully every spring, bringing a sense of renewal, rebirth, and reflection. For some, it’s a joyful day of family gatherings, pastel eggs, and sweet treats. For others, it’s a deeply sacred Christian celebration commemorating Jesus Christ's resurrection. No matter how you celebrate, Easter continues to resonate across cultures as a symbol of hope.

In a world filled with uncertainty, where division, war, and climate anxiety often dominate the headlines, Easter offers a pause. It reminds us that whether you are inspired by the resurrection story at the heart of Christian beliefs or simply by the blooming flowers and longer days, the message stays the same: things can begin again.

Of course, like many holidays, Easter has not escaped commercialism. Over-the-top egg hunts and gifts sometimes overshadow the more meaningful aspects of the day. But that's okay, we just need to take a moment to look beyond the surface. There is a lot of beauty in traditions, even the silly ones. Dyeing eggs, for instance, is more about bonding with loved ones than creating the perfect shades of pastel colors.

What makes Easter so special isn’t what we buy or how we decorate, it’s the small, quiet moments like a shared meal or a walk in the sunshine, a reminder that life is worth celebrating. As we step into spring, maybe we can hold onto that feeling. The world will keep turning, the chaos won’t stop, but we can carry the little Easter spirit with us: believing that better days are possible and that new beginnings are always around the corner.

What Teachers Wish Students Knew

By Layla Castillo

Ever wonder what teachers really think about their students? While they spend hours grading papers, planning lessons, and answering endless questions, there’s a lot that they don’t say out loud. We spoke to a few teachers at Monterey High to get their unfiltered thoughts on what they wish students knew.

While it may seem like teachers live at school, they have lives outside of the classroom, too. “I think one of the biggest things is that teachers also have a life outside of school,” says Chemistry teacher Ms. Herrera. “Sometimes people will ask, ‘Hey, did you grade that?’ when they just turned it in last period. In reality, I’m busy with my own life and don’t always have time to grade it.” 

Another common theme among teachers is that students don’t realize they were also in their shoes at one point. “We’ve been in your shoes before,” quotes Spanish teacher Diana Almaraz. We sat at those desks, stressed about tests, forgot our homework, and counted down the minutes until the bell rang. We understand.”

It’s also easy to forget that teachers are people, too. They might be juggling lesson plans, grading, and even personal struggles–just like students. One thing teachers mentioned? How much does it mean when a student takes the time to ask them how they are doing?

 “The number of times anyone ever asked me how my break was is not very often,” states math teacher Carly Schaeffer. “When a student just says, ‘How’s your day going?’ it can simply turn things around.”

At the end of the day, teachers want students to feel comfortable, ask questions, and put in their best effort. So next time you think a teacher is being too unfair or strict, just remember–they’re probably rooting for you more than you realize.

Are In-School Break Times More Beneficial?

By Hosuh Hernandez Stelmakh

Within almost everyone’s childhood years, there seems to be the widely held experience of hating being at school. The long hours of sitting in a class to gaze at subjects you may not be interested in, to being with teachers you may not like…And eventually you’ll get a break or lunch period, but to hang out with friends might seem too short. But every now and then a question arises: what about longer breaks or lunch periods?

Now to some the idea may sound surprising, especially since throughout American schools there is an expectation that most of school hours should be dedicated to learning. However, beyond America and into European countries, places like France and Spain have such periods for their students. While they might end their school days at 3 or 4PM, some schools have a 2 hour lunch break. Some schools even stop at 2PM just for kids to go home to have food. With this, students have more time to eat and even hang out with friends. 

So with the idea of longer lunch/break periods, plenty good can come from it. On one hand, there is less food waste. Plenty of kids and students take a while to eat so they will have time to actively finish it without leaving too many scraps so less to clean up.

Along with that, shorter lunch periods are noted to be tied to higher rates of unhealthy eating habits, according to the National Library of Medicine. With short lunch periods, especially when students have to wait in cafeteria lines, they are often driven to either eat very quickly or sometimes not eat at all. Either way, it isn’t  good for kids’ health in their schools, especially since it also promotes similar behaviors in the future that may lead to things like obesity. 

And one last aspect that proves to be beneficial is longer hours. Longer hours to eat also means that after a student may be done eating, they can do other activities to break away from the monotony of school. Students have more time to hang or talk with friends and even more time to do physical activity, which after sitting for hours in classes, is really good health-wise. 

So in the end, having longer lunch periods/breaks is beneficial for students- mentally and physically but also from the present day to their futures. 

The Ugly Truth About Botox

By Layla Castillo

In today’s society, where beauty standards seem impossibly high, many people turn to Botox as a “quick fix” for wrinkles and fine lines. But is it worth it? While Botox is often advertised as a simple, effective solution to aging, the truth is that it comes with risks, side effects, and a deeper problem–our obsession with perfection.

First, let us discuss the physical risks. Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles to smooth out wrinkles, but it doesn’t always go as planned. In severe cases, people have reported droopy eyelids, facial asymmetry, and even difficulty swallowing or breathing. The effects wear off in a few months, meaning people must keep getting the injections to maintain the results. This repeated use can lead to muscle weakness and, ironically, make aging more noticeable over time.

Beyond the physical risks, Botox promotes an unhealthy mindset. Instead of embracing natural beauty and aging gracefully, it fuels the idea that wrinkles are flaws that must be erased. High school students are already bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards on social media, and Botox only adds to the pressure. If adults are constantly trying to “fix” their faces, what message does that send to younger generations? It tells us that looking older is something to be ashamed of–when in reality, aging is completely natural and even beautiful.

Lastly, Botox isn’t just about appearance; it’s about money. The beauty industry profits from insecurity, convincing people to spend thousands of dollars on procedures that don’t last. Wouldn’t that money be better spent on things that improve our lives, like education, hobbies, or experiences? Instead of chasing an impossible standard, we should be focusing on self-confidence and self-care that doesn’t involve needles. At the end of the day, Botox isn’t just a personal choice–it’s part of a bigger issue.

Is Taking The SAT Worth It?

By Sofia Lopez 

As high school juniors prepare for applying to colleges they come across a major dilemma, “Should I or should I not take the SAT”. Around 21% of high school students in California end up taking the SAT. The average test score is 1083 for the California SAT. But, about 70% of California highschool students opt out of taking the test just because they don’t have to take the test to go to a state school. In UC and CSU systems they no longer require or consider SAT or ACT scores for admission decisions or scholarships. 

While the majority of schools don’t require SAT or ACT scores for college admissions, just about every other state requires testing. According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education “Difficulty accessing test centers, a problem that reached its peak during the pandemic, is just one of the reasons colleges and universities have adopted test-optional admission policies. Data shows that students from high-income families on average score higher than those who come from lower-income families. Recent research from Opportunity Insights, a team of Harvard-based researchers and policy analysts, which set out to examine if highly selective colleges perpetuate privilege across generations, reveals how wide the score gap is”. 

While the data from Harvard shows reasons to take the SAT the information from the New York Times shows reasons why students don’t need to “Given the data, why haven’t colleges reinstated their test requirements? For one thing, standardized tests are easy to dislike. They create stress for millions of teenagers. The tests seem to reduce the talent and potential of a human being to a single number. The SAT’s original name, the Scholastic Aptitude Test, implied a rigor that even its current defenders would not claim”

Which brings us back to the original question: should students take the SAT and ACT? The University of California Admissions website states that “UC no longer considers SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. But, if they choose to take the tests and apply to a UC that “Students can self-report ACT and/or SAT scores in the admission application, but they must first submit the application without scores. Once the application has been submitted, the student can log back into the application to report ACT or SAT scores. If a student self-reports a test score, they should provide the official score report when they receive an offer of admission from UC.” So the best course of action that a student should take would be to take the SAT and ACT if they would like to apply to an out-of-state school or a private university. Otherwise there would be no harm if a student should choose not to take the test and apply to a California college or university of their choice.

The Importance Within Educational Children's Shows

By Hosuh Hernandez Stelmakh

Earlier this week on the 8th of May, the Trump administration has targeted new organizations to cut their funding, and this time it is the media. PBS and NPR are now the next ones to be affected, and the reasoning for this comes down again to ignorance. 

Now as the world has heard time and time again, this isn't the first time that Trump's administration has cut funding or had conflicts with certain organizations because of political beliefs. Yet now organizations of media like PBS and NPR are now next, due to political disagreements over the teaching and giving of information.

According to USA Today, Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, states: "This is not aligned with Administration priorities. The Trump Department of Education will prioritize funding that supports meaningful learning and improving student outcomes, not divisive ideologies and woke propaganda.¨ It further states in the article how reasons for defunding PBS and NPR was due to their bias. And yet again, this is majorly ignorant and hypocritical. 

NPR has done a great service as a news outlet. They have provided credible articles and sources of information for the public, the same is with PBS. But it especially hits home for PBS kids because it means educational kids shows like Sesame Street and Wild Kratts will also be defunded. Many children in this generation have grown up on such shows, which are sometimes the biggest blueprint for how children navigate the world–from understanding social situations, how to solve problems, and the basic lessons of life. So to cut funding all because the outlets discussed some topics that the administration wants to erase and disagree on is downright sickening.

As a result, both adults and children will be affected by this cut in funding–adequate sources of learning and understanding will be hurt by this. But what can be done? Giving support to such outlets is now one of the more important jobs to do within this political climate. If donations can be given, support NPR and PBS. If not then tune into them to support viewership. Remember to not let the Trump administration win over how you get your knowledge and understanding of the world.

Canada´s Possible Annexation?

By Hosuh Hernandez Stelmakh

As the year continues, the world hears more and more ridiculous plans to come from Donald Trump. Yet again the topic of America annexing Canada is amongst discussion but King Charles III and the entirety of Canada has come to remind that the option isn't on the table. 

According to The Independent, in a speech made by the King, he states, ¨Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect…as the anthem reminds us: The true north is indeed strong and free.¨

It also declared how Canada already had its own anthem, parliament and history- further driving it in how Canada doesn't want to be annexed. It especially adds onto the fact of how everyday Canadians are protesting against Trump's plan from boycotting American products to voting for Mark Carney for prime minister and his liberal party. 

It has been made clear over and over by Canada's population that they don't wish to be a part of the United States and frankly I don't blame them. The frustrating part in all of this however is how Donald Trump still refuses to yield in his ideas for the north´s annexation, even calling for Greenland to become a part of the United States despite many refusing it. 

From the time that Trump said he desired to be a king to the controversy of him in an AI picture as the pope after Pope Francis died, and many other different occasions, it is no secret that Trump likes to stroke his ego and maintain high power. But for those in high power, to respect other nations is very important, something that he is fumbling a lot this year in his ego-motivated power-trip. Canada needs to be left alone, plain and simple. They don't wish to be a part of the United States, and with how everything is going, it is no surprise. So in conflicts like these, it is best to speak out against such corrupt political choices and make it clear that it all should stop, and focus on actual important matters.