Cross-country on road to CIF
Halfway through the 2024 cross-country season, the varsity teams have made a name for themselves in their first year in the Ocean League. So far, the boys have won two meets and the girls have won one, coming second in others. With performances like these, the team is on track to qualify for the CIF Preliminaries, needing a top-three finish in Ocean League to do so.
The end of California legacy admissions
On Sept. 30, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1780, prohibiting legacy and donor preference admissions for private universities in California.
What’s going on around Samo?
Metro expands its “TAP-to-exit” program to Santa Monica, Samo elects new Student Board Representative, and College Fair lets students explore schools
Girls’ golf team captains shine amidst league struggles
The Santa Monica High School girls' varsity golf team finished the 2024 fall season with a final record of 1-6, ending 5th out of 5 in the league. Despite the team’s inconsistency, both team captains, Frances Aguilar (’26) and Cash Henton (’25) made it to league finals, with Aguilar additionally advancing to the first round of CIF.
Lights, camera, Viking TV
The new elective Film & Video has brought a fresh set of skills to Samo students. Film and Video teacher Ruth Carters’ classes are dedicated to teaching students film & video production. The Film & Video elective is currently working on a show, set to broadcast in the spring, enlightening students on the goings on at Samo.
Boys’ waterpolo advances in CIF Playoffs
Samo varsity boys’ water polo ended their regular league season with a win on Wednesday, Oct. 23 against Malibu High School. They are now moving forward into Division lll CIF playoffs. Boys’ water polo will go into CIF with a record of 16-14 in overall play, and 2-4 in league play.
Cross-Country on road to CIF
Halfway through the 2024 cross-country season, the varsity teams have made a name for themselves in their first year in the Ocean League. So far, the boys have won two meets and the girls have won one, coming second in others. With performances like these, the team is on track to qualify for the CIF Preliminaries, needing a top-three finish in Ocean League to do so.
Historic spending helps Dodgers reach World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers finished the 2024 regular season with the best record in Major League Baseball (MLB) at 98-64, and booked themselves a trip to the World Series after the most expensive spending spree in the team's history.
HOTLB: College Fear Hits Seniors
The college application process is in full swing at Samo, with seniors sending in applications as soon as Nov. 1. As Samo seniors write essays, assemble their applications and visit potential colleges, worries about life away from home arise. Moving across the country, leaving family and friends and simply surviving alone are common fears of the college-bound class.
A guide to chic thrifting & antique stores
The LA area for Samo students is a hub for antique and vintage furniture. With that though, comes the issue of rising prices at the thrift. The Samohi has compiled a list of some of the best stores tailored to your aesthetic preferences.
SMRR: the renters’ rights organization pulling the ropes
Santa Monicans For Renters’ Rights (SMRR) has doubled as a renters’ rights organization and the leading voting slate in Santa Monica for the past 40 years.
Bergamot Station: Train tracks to masterpieces
In a world where nothing good seems to be free, Bergamot Station Arts Center, located on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and 26th St, somehow seems to slip the mind of every high schooler in Santa Monica. Funded by the city of Santa Monica, the former train depot has managed to stay free to the public for its entire 30-year existence while simultaneously staying firmly atop the West Side art scene.
Elevating Athletics: Samo’s New Gold gym
With the new Exploration Building officially open, students are looking forward to the opening of the new Gold Gym. The Gold Gym was originally planned to open for the 2024-2025 school year, but it has experienced some recent delays. At it’s time of opening, the new gym will expand Samo’s athletic programs tremendously. The Gold Gym will house two gyms, a dance studio, outdoor workout areas, a yoga room, a fitness room, new locker rooms and a third auxiliary court for both volleyball and basketball. The gym’s large size and modernization makes it unique to the other gyms on campus. Featuring well-lit spaces and outdoor areas, the new Gold Gym is designed to be an ideal and productive environment for student-athletes.
Kids with Iphones need a wakeup call
A child getting their first phone has become a modern-day rite of passage, sparking debates at the dinner table, stirring up opinions in the classroom and leaving parents wondering if they're handing over a lifeline or a pandora’s box of problems. While the convenience and safety offered by smartphones are undeniable, there are significant developmental concerns that come with giving children access to these devices at a young age.
Team Splash: a Look Into This Season of boys’ water polo
The Samo boys’ water polo team had a very successful 23-24 season and is looking to replicate that again this year. The team, now 8-5, has their next home game on Sept. 24 against Culver City High School.
Coconut trees, chartreuse green and 'Brat' politics
Since the start of an unprecedented presidential campaign in late July, Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris has repeatedly gone viral online. Kickstarted by British singer Charli XCX's tweet "kamala IS brat," and now with over 4 million followers on Tiktok, Harris' campaign platform is utilizing social media trends to reach out to the crucial 41 million Gen Z voters across the country.
New coaches and captains propel cross country team to new heights
During Samo’s historic run last season, the Vikings were stopped short in the CIF Southern Sectional championship, ending in a 27-29 loss to Rio Hondo Prep.
samo’s fashionistas stitch it to fast fashion
In a world dominated by fast fashion, a growing number of Samo students are taking matters into their own hands - literally. Whether it's driven by a desire for sustainability, personalized style or creative expression, these students are joining a movement that values individuality and mindful consumption. Beyond creating handmade pieces it can also foster a deeper connection with both the clothes they craft as well as purchase, it makes them think about the longevity of their clothes and quality.
A guide to chic thrifting & antique stores
The LA area for Samo students is a hub for antique and vintage furniture. With that though, comes the issue of rising prices at the thrift. The Samohi has compiled a list of some of the best stores tailored to your aesthetic preferences.
What’s going on around Samo?
Santa Monica Fire Department welcomes new chief, 2024 Club Row introduces new clubs to Samo, Samo brothers make scientific strides, PBL holds their student government elections, and Waymo: Is the future in safer "hands?"