Articles
Israel-Hamas War: Student perspectives
November 2023
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In response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Scot Scoop opened up a subcategory under the news category for students to produce stories or share their views on the conflict. As a Jewish individual, I decided to share my views and write about experiences I've encountered along with my emotions overall regarding the conflict.
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In the personal narrative, I write about the ignorance of my peers. Initially, I was agitated and angry that people did not check in on me, given that being Jewish is a huge part of my identity and I have ffamily in Israel. However, I found an outlet within my Jewish community, which really helped.
Editorial: Equity for extracurriculars
November 2023
The SUHSD, along with most districts in the Bay Area, award Physical Education credit for participation in school sports. This involvement is noted on students' transcripts, offering a potential advantage in the college admissions process by highlighting their commitment beyond regular school hours all while receiving graduation credit.
However, despite a comparable time commitment, the SUHSD currently does not provide art credits for students engaged in school productions, nor does it reflect this participation on their transcripts. If the district wants to value equity, they must award credit for the thespians work.
Celebrate the Music 2023
May 2023
This multimedia-packaged article involved the participation of many other students other than myself. "Celebrate the Music 2023" won second place for "Multimedia News Story" of the year for 2023 at the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) national convention.
The Belmont community celebrated the 19th annual Celebrate the Music festival, which was created in 2002 to raise money for the Belmont Redwood Shores School District’s music program. SchoolForce, the organization behind the festival, changed its name from Save the Music to Celebrate the Music in 2021, reflecting the program's success. The festival showcases local performers' talents and brings the community together.
San Carlos Youth Center blooms with students’ interests
March 2023
The San Carlos Youth Center is a free facility located next to Burton Park that offers a variety of staff-led programs, including video games, ping pong, basketball, and homework help. The center also offers summer camps that cater to a range of interests. High school students can participate in the Youth Center's LITE training program to become staff members or camp counselors. The center receives more funding from San Carlos than most cities on the peninsula and provides a positive environment for students of all ages.
Healthy Cities Tutoring plans to launch middle school math program
March 2023
Healthy Cities Tutoring (HCT) is a non-profit organization that offers free one-on-one tutoring to students from kindergarten to eighth grade. They have found that math is generally students' weakest area, and many students struggle to keep up with grade-level math due to missing basic math skills in prior classes. As a result, HCT is launching a middle school math program in the fall of 2023, working with local school districts to create a curriculum that targets the areas of math that students find the most challenging. They plan to use existing qualified teen tutors and find new students passionate about math to become new tutors.
Therapy Stores encourage practical and positive shopping
January 2023
Therapy Stores is a unique retail chain that goes beyond typical stores by offering a positive shopping experience for people from all backgrounds. Founded by Jing Chen, a first-generation Chinese American, Therapy Stores aims to use products to foster connections through words, designs, color, and scent. The store attracts both locals and tourists who are drawn to its intriguing exterior and unique shopping experience. The products in Therapy Stores are carefully hand-picked from trade shows, ensuring a diverse range of items such as books, candles, clothing, games, jewelry, and more.
Stuck in your sibling’s shadows
January 2023
This feature discusses the experiences of Miraj Bhalala, a student who feels overshadowed by his brother's accomplishments. It highlights the prevalence of sibling comparisons and the impact they can have on academic pressure and mental health. The constant need to measure up to a sibling's achievements leads to stress and a lack of self-motivation. The feature emphasizes the negative consequences of frequent comparisons and the difficulty of escaping them, especially when siblings are similar. It concludes by pointing out that sibling comparisons can shape one's perception of their future and hinder their own accomplishments.
Iranian government blocks US’ shot at solidarity
December 2022
During the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT distorted the Iranian flag on social media to show support for women's rights in Iran. This led to a request from Iran's media team to expel the USMNT from the tournament. The incident sparked debate, with criticism of the USMNT's approach and suggestions that it was a government-driven response. FIFA did not expel the USMNT, but they were eventually eliminated from the tournament.
Lunardi’s preventative measures leave students waiting and backpack-less
November 2022
Lunardi's Markets has implemented new policies to deal with the large number of students flooding into the store after school. The market now requires students to wait in line and leave their backpacks in a designated area near the front of the store. These rules aim to prevent theft incidents and create a less chaotic shopping environment. While some students find the system frustrating and worry about their belongings, other shoppers appreciate the improved shopping experience. Despite the frustrations, students still frequent the market after school.
Family owned café brings quality treats to Redwood Shores
October 2022
Sweet U is located in Redwood Shores. The café opened in August 2022 and offers bubble tea, customizable desserts, and savory options. The owners prioritize quality and creating a friendly working environment. Sweet U has been successful and received positive reviews. The café is known for its aesthetically pleasing and delicious cakes, which have gained popularity. It has become a gathering place for the community, particularly the local Asian community, and is seen as a home away from home. The café aims to contribute to the community and has made an impact by bringing people together. The article highlights the hard work and inspiration of working at a family-owned business.