Mid-Year Message from our ASB President
Hello Science Academy!
I hope you are all rejuvenated and ready for an exciting journey ahead as we kick off the Spring semester. As we step into this new chapter of our academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to every student! The Spring semester is a time of renewal and a chance for us to build on the successes and experiences of the past. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the contributions each of you will make to our vibrant school community. As we step into the Spring semester, I’d like to reflect on the journey we have had in the first half of the school year. Serving as your ASB President has been an honor, and I want to share our collective achievements and aspirations moving forward.
In the beginning of the year, we successfully hosted Club Rush. With more than 40 unique clubs participating, this event was a wonderful showcase of the diverse interests and talents within our student body. Shortly after, we hosted our first Movie Night featuring “Spiderman Across the Spider-Verse.” It was a resounding success, not only helping raise money for the graduating class, but also providing an opportunity for students to unwind, connect, and enjoy some time together. Moving into October, we had Halloween grams, a spooky Haunted House in the locker rooms hosted by EVHS, our Students vs. Teachers Halloween Kickball game, and the biggest event of 2023 — our Homecoming! Three months of planning, a pep rally, and a football game later, we successfully hosted our Homecoming Dance with its stunning silver and purple theme. With Quinney as our DJ, a photo booth, free food, beautiful decorations, and a turnout of more than 200 people, I think it’s safe to say that our dance was a success. October was also a very special time to roam in our hallways as ASB spent the weekend decorating the middle hallway for Halloween. With blacked out windows, balloon towers, and other Halloween items covering the walls, I think our hallways have never looked more spooky! Moving into the month of giving, the ASB also worked to give back to the community. With your help, we were able to host a Thanksgiving food drive to help both EVHS and SASM families in need. During the last month of the 2023 school year, the ASB fostered holiday spirit by hosting our Winter Wonderland Contests. The students were able to engage in a Winter Art Contest with gift card prizes to various restaurants and our teachers participated in a Winter Door Decoration Contest to win candy canes for their 7th period class. Both events were a hit and some remnants of the Door Decoration Contest can still be seen in our hallways.
Now that we’ve reminisced about the moments we’ve already created together, it’s time to shift gears and talk about what’s on the horizon. This semester is our blank canvas, waiting for us to splash it with the colors of new experiences and exciting initiatives. Firstly, an update about our WATER FOUNTAIN PROJECT. For those of you who did not know, the ASB and I have been working very diligently to get the water fountains in our school replaced with better ones that include bottle-filling stations. We are officially in the last steps of getting the project approved by all the necessary administration, so construction should begin very soon. Other events to look forward to include a Lunar New Year celebration by the school’s parent organization in early February as well as a Masquerade Ball for the high schoolers some time in late February. The middle schoolers are also scheduled to have a dance on Friday, January 20. I am also excited to announce that ASB will be conducting a school-wide murder mystery game some time in February or March where students will have to go from class to class solving puzzles in order to find who committed the crime. Other events to look forward to include more Movie Nights (details TBD). We are also scheduled to have our beloved Pi Day in March. I also hope to bring a blood drive to our school. The Los Angeles region is currently experiencing a critical blood supply shortage and I think our school can help alleviate some of that strain by mobilizing our age 16+ student and teacher population. Finally, I plan on delivering on my campaign promise of bringing food trucks to the school sometime near the end of May to celebrate the end of our stressful AP Exam testing season. In addition to everything discussed above, there’s a treasure trove of upcoming events that promise even more fun and surprises. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated ASB team, faculty advisor Mr. Parks, and each student and teacher who has contributed to the success of our initiatives. Your passion and support truly mean the world to me, and are instrumental in making the Science Academy a vibrant and dynamic place to learn and grow.
As we navigate the second half of the school year, I encourage you all to share your ideas and suggestions; QR codes for the ASB’s suggestion box should be going up soon. Also, always feel free to come up to me in the hallways with any questions or concerns. The ASB and I sincerely appreciate your input. Together, let’s continue making the Science Academy a community we are all proud to call our own.
Here’s to an inspiring and fulfilling Spring semester filled with growth, learning, and fun! I can’t wait to see this year’s yearbook!
Your ASB President,
Daniel Svediani
Join a Science Academy Club!
By Andi Villamor
Want to make the most of your time at school? Joining a club is the perfect opportunity to explore the world beyond the classroom, meet people who share your interests, develop new skills, and make unforgettable memories. Not to mention, clubs can give you valuable experiences that allow you to develop strong interpersonal and leadership skills, as well as boost your caliber on college applications.
If you went to Club Rush in September but decided that none of the clubs were for you, maybe you just lack the relevant information! This article will detail many of Science Academy’s amazing clubs – and how to join them – through the words of their presidents. Remember, it wouldn’t hurt to simply try out a club by going to a meeting. If you end up changing your mind, then you can always back out, so why not give it a shot? Without further ado, here are some of our most popular clubs and everything you might want to know about them.
Biology Club
Joining this club has major academic benefits, especially for our seventh and ninth graders taking Pre-AP or AP Biology. If you hope to pursue a major or career in biology, being in this club could help you get a great head start and continue to drive your interest in the field.
The club meets during lunch every Monday in Ms. Musial’s room (N313). As the President of Biology Club Ryan Lee says, his club’s goal is to “empower those who wish to pursue biology and to provide a common hub for anything biology-related. If you are having trouble with biology or if you want to pursue a biology-related competition or career, you should join Biology Club in order to enhance your understanding.” During meetings, club officers give biology lectures and extra assistance for students needing help in class.
Interested? Come to the next meeting and join their Schoology Group with this access code: 3WGH-8PX9-XNDND.
Journalism Club
Members of this club write school-appropriate articles of their choice for The Science Academy NewsFlash on the school’s official website. What I personally love about this club is that it is incredibly versatile. Since it only meets from 5:30 – 6:00 PM every other Tuesday on Zoom, members don’t need to worry so much about fitting it into their day and can write at their own pace about nearly anything they want. Additionally, students in this club get the opportunity to express themselves through writing and showcase their articles on the school’s website.
The President of Journalism Club, Milan Riley, encourages you to join: “Members are free to choose any appropriate topics for an article and can write at their own pace. Joining this club will improve writing skills, look good on college applications, and give back to the Science Academy community!”
If you think this club is right for you, join the Journalism Club Schoology Group with this code, FVT4-9PG2-RWPFZ, and stay tuned for the next Zoom meeting!
International Food Club
President of IFC Andi Villamor states, “Our club’s goal is to expose its members to food from all over the world and to give students a safe space where they can share dishes from their own cultures.” Meetings are usually potlucks, during which members bring food to share with one another. Club officers introduce these dishes (ingredients, origins, etc.) before encouraging students to taste the food. However, on some meetings, members – with the officers’ help – may work together to prepare a simple dish, which not only immerses students in foreign cuisines, but also gives them a great time.
International Food Club meets every other Friday at lunch in Ms. Musial’s room (N313). Andi reminds anyone interested in joining that “participation from our members is key. Without sharers or people willing to help out, the club can’t continue. So if you’re thinking about joining, be ready to participate and keep in mind that we’re not just a lunch program. We’re a community dedicated to sharing the world’s food with the students of the Science Academy.”
Want to join the fun? Come to their next meeting and contact them at internationalfoodclub371@gmail.com for information on how to join their Schoology Group.
Martial Arts Club
Esther Chong, President of Martial Arts Club, tells us, “Every meeting follows a flexible schedule. We begin with a respectful bow to one another, followed by 10 minutes of stretching and warm-ups. The next 10-15 minutes are devoted to specific techniques or fundamentals associated with a particular martial art. This can include strikes, blocks, kicks, or other movements, with the goal of improving sparring and form techniques. Of course, students are welcome to eat their lunch before the meeting begins. The main objective of this club is to refine techniques of martial arts, placing emphasis on not only the physical aspects, but also the mental/spiritual qualities of martial arts, promoting values of discipline and perseverance. Through guidance and encouragement in meetings, students are able to improve physical fitness, self-defense skills, and overall well being. In addition, this club is intended to generate interest in martial arts, spreading its values and benefits that may impact one’s life significantly.”
“Overall, joining the Martial Arts club offers a holistic approach to well-being and provides an opportunity for students to engage with other martial artists, or even learn new techniques. Hope to see you at our next meeting!”
Martial Arts Club meets every Wednesday during lunch in the Cardio Room. Join their Schoology group with this code: N7GJ-NWGJ-M65T3.
Ethics Club
This club strives to provide members with impactful insights about themselves and the world around them while allowing students to develop a strong moral compass, a trait that could benefit them for the rest of their lives. During meetings, which occur during lunch every Tuesday in Mr. Nuno’s room N307, members discuss ethical dilemmas and topics.
According to Jordin Lim, Co-President of Ethics Club, “Through this club, we hope to provide students with a place where they can discuss–or do some friendly arguing–with their peers about ethical topics and dilemmas they may find interesting. It really is great fun! You can even come just to listen in on what everyone else has to say; you don’t have to participate in discussion if you don’t want to. Sometimes we even bring little snacks 🙂 We will also be sending out a team to compete in the National Ethics Bowl and although the competition is only open to high schoolers, both middle school and high school students are more than welcome to join our club. If you would like to check out some examples of ethical dilemmas provided by the National Ethics Bowl, look through these https://nhseb.org/case-library. If you’d be excited to approach these cases with your peers or even if you’re curious to find out exactly what ethics is, consider giving the Ethics Club a try!”
Interested? The access code for joining their Schoology Group is N47D-ZK6N-SC3H6 and feel free to drop in to the next meeting.
Volleyball Club
Joining this club is a great opportunity to practice volleyball in a more casual and fun setting and meet new people. The club may be of particular interest to players on the varsity or junior varsity volleyball teams that are looking to get some extra practice in as well as to students who want to try out for those teams some day. The club meets every Friday during lunch on the volleyball courts.
Daniel Shin, Co-President of Volleyball Club, says that his club’s goal is to “bring the community together,” and adds, “If you want to get better at volleyball and make some new friends, join us!”
If you’re interested, come to the next meeting and talk to either Dillon Reeves or Daniel Shin to join their Discord server.
Armenian Club
Milena Karagezyan, President of Armenian Club, tells us, “During meetings, we talk and learn about Armenian history and its future–sharing any new information discovered such as historical events that occurred in Armenia and Greater Armenia. We also watch educational videos and mvoies, listen to and learn authentic Armenian songs, and we may even have a special guest joining us as we did last year. The goal of my club is to teach and inform as many people as possible about Armenia and its history, and hopefully try to help Artsakh and the people from Artsakh through fundraisers and any other ways we can. Members also do fun activities such as playing Kahoot, sharing Armenian food, and so much more. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about a culture that has survived for thousands of years and is one of the oldest surviving countries in the world”
Armenian Club meets every other Thursday during lunch. If you decide to join, you should come to their next meeting in room N313.
Environmental Club
Give back to the environment by joining Environmental Club! This club is great for earning volunteering hours to put on your college application and have a great time earning them. Attend beach and park clean-ups with fellow students as you help care for our planet and maybe even have some lunch with them afterwards. President of Environmental Club Daniel Said says, “The goal of the club is to foster environmental awareness in high schoolers and to make a positive impact in our local environment.”
Interested? Join their Schoology group with this code: 5ZHN-3DS7-B8X3C.
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Among the most popular clubs on campus, Dungeons & Dragons Club is dedicated to bringing our students together through friendly game play. They welcome players of all levels of experience and are open to teach you everything you need to know about this wonderful game. As President of Dungeons & Dragons Club Aidan Khan says, “We are a community of people who do not judge, have fun, and exercise our imaginations.”
The club meets every Wednesday during lunch in room W202 (Mr. Lewis’ room) on the second floor. If you’re interested, come to the next meeting and consult with the club officers.
Read MoreFrom Twitter to X
Opinion by Azfar Hasin
The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has had a rocky year since billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk decided to take it over after a messy purchase finalized in October 2022 for $44 billion. Musk has taken several actions since the acquisition in his efforts to prevent spam bots and remove what he termed as unconstitutional censorship; he has also instituted new subscription options as well as massive layoffs in his efforts to make the platform profitable.
Musk’s stated reason for the purchase was to, in his own words, “reinstate free speech.” He has called himself a free speech absolutist and has unbanned several accounts related to controversial actions or beliefs. One such account that has been unbanned is former President Donald Trump’s, which was suspended in the days following the January 6th attack on the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. He has also reinstated other accounts that were banned for violations of the terms of service relating to hate speech and disinformation. Mr. Musk’s decision to reinstate these accounts have drawn the ire and scrutiny of critics, who have claimed that his actions have supported the far right. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate noticed a significant uptick in the rate of hateful comments on the platform since the takeover. This has in turn caused many advertisers to pull their ads from the site, greatly affecting its financial well-being.
The platform previously known as Twitter has also affected Musk’s other companies, such as Tesla, which underwent a steep decline in stock price in the months following the purchase of Twitter. Tesla, an established brand in the electric vehicle industry, faced a sharp decline in its stock due to market concern following the Twitter takeover. The decline was also exacerbated by other considerations, such as the global chip shortage that developed during the early stages of the COVID pandemic. Mr. Musk has reportedly lost 80-90% of Twitter/X’s worth since its purchase, meaning that X is now only worth $4 billion.
To be fair, Twitter has never been a profitable company; instead, its value came from its essential role in the world of news and content generation. In an effort to stop declining profits that have plagued the company since its inception, Elon Musk has pushed Twitter Blue, a subscription service where paid members get access to more features, such as the ability to edit posts and preferential placement, as well as the highly prestigious blue checkmark. Previously, accounts had to go through a formal vetting process to receive such verification. Critics of the platform have derided these changes as opening up the possibilities of impersonation and bot activity while decreasing the prestige of the blue checkmark.
As X’s ad revenue continues to decline, Mr. Musk has threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League, an organization advocating against antisemitism and hate speech that has been critical of the changes on the platform. Many folks criticized this turn as antisemitic and pointed to the delighted reaction of many confirmed antisemites and neo-Nazis on and off the platform.
Fortunately, those using X and other social media platforms are able to moderate their experiences through a few tools available to them. These tools include making your account private, which limits those who can interact with your posts; blocking or muting unwanted users; and reporting content such as hate speech. In addition, X still includes the Community Notes feature, in which vetted users add clarifying context on posts with disinformation (deliberate falsehoods) and misinformation (incorrect facts). In this way, users can tailor their social media interactions to limit contact with distressing content.
Elon Musk’s leadership over Twitter/X have raised important concerns over the importance of moderation and how far freedom of speech should reach, as well as renewed debate over how social media companies should deal with increasing hate speech. Whether or not Elon Musk’s approach to running a social media platform will be successful, we will have to wait and see.
Read More