Countdown to 2030: Trump’s climate crisis
The White House might be able to handle four more years of Trump, but can the climate? Last time Trump was in office, his administration rolled back over 100 environmental rules and his win is predicted to add 4 billion tons of carbon emissions to the environment by 2023.
Boys waterpolo faces heartbreaking CIF semi-final loss
The Samo boys’ varsity water polo team capped off their season on Nov. 12, 2024. The Vikings’ made it all the way to the CIF Semifinals and ended the season with an overall record of 19 wins and 16 losses and a record of 3-5 in league play. Despite losing 11 crucial seniors last year, this year’s team adapted and exceeded expectations.
School abroad vs. America: students share their experiences
The student body at Santa Monica High School reflects a diverse community of peers from different cultures, backgrounds, and even countries. While many students have lived in America their whole lives, others have been students around the world, bringing an international perspective to their education at Samo.
Pride, health and the inclusivity crisis
In recent years, healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals, such as gender-affirming surgeries, hormone replacement therapy, and non-heterosexual sex education, has faced growing restrictions. Given President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming administration, and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement's influence, LGBTQ+ healthcare has become a focal point for political and societal dispute.
The unseen struggles of the Samo surf team
Samo students have a plethora of opportunities and communities available to them through the school; many of which provide room for freedom and expression that aren’t necessarily centered on campus. The Samo surf team embodies all of these qualities and offers students a chance to represent their school up and down the California coast, still without being considered a CIF sport.
LA Galaxy to conference final, LAFC fall short
The Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club were battling it out for first place in the MLS Western Conference throughout the 2024 regular season, in what has been the most competitive year for the rivalry since LAFC’s establishment a decade ago. The Galaxy spent much of the year in the driver's seat, but it was LAFC who came out on top during the dying embers of the season.
Disney and decisions: Stepping stones in Samo music
Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) is an exclusive choir event held at the University of Redlands that brings together some of the most talented young singers. After the selective audition process, performances were held Nov. 7-9. This event offers incredible experiences to perform alongside students from all over Southern California. This year, eight Samo students auditioned and got accepted to participate in this selective competition. Students who perform well during regionals have the opportunity to move on to the next level: a state competition. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their vocal skills and experience performing with a talented group of peers. For these students, SCVA is not just about the competition, but a chance to pursue singing outside the classroom and push themselves as musicians.
Should political differences impact friendships?
In today’s polarized climate, political divisions have never felt more personal. As many believe that people’s values and beliefs often align with their political choices, it raises the issue pf how much disagreement is too much when it comes to maintaining meaningful relationships.
HOTLB: how does a good coach impact highschool sports?
The impact of a coach can make or break a students' experience with a sport, especially in high school. A good coach can instill values of hard work, teamwork and discipline, all of which contribute to an athlete's life outside the game.
Behind The Scenes: From prep to plate - serving thousands
Diving into the behind-the-scenes of the school cafeteria.
What’s going on around Samo?
Pier Bridge to undergo construction, Big Blue Bus to implement new law for safety, Annual Ice Rink opens in Santa Monica, New wellness fairs at Samo
Love, Acceptance and Equality: “The Prom”
“The Prom,” at Santa Monica's Morgan Wixson Theater had their opening show on Nov. 9 featuring Samo students Walden Sullivan (’25), Andy Rowles (’25), Sahar Aguilar (’26), Sterling Inatsugu (’27), Maia Goldberg (’28), Cole Huang (’28), Mia Negrete (’28) and Ethan Schwartz (’28). They created an atmosphere of compassion and acceptance that gave the audience an inspired and heartwarming feeling.
Rumbles and rivalries: Samo Theater’s “The Outsiders”
Captivating. Heartfelt. Truly immersive. Samo theater’s adaptation of “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton drew the audience into the complex emotional struggles of the young Greasers and Socials. In a mix of poignant and uplifting moments, Samo’s Humanities Center was filled with laughter, gasps, and sorrow.
Cross Country Wrap Up
Samo cross country is wrapping up their 2024 season as the Ocean-League Champions and historic qualifiers for the CIF Southern Section Finals. For the first time in Samo history, both the boys’ and girls’ teams qualified for CIF finals.
Different ThanksGiving Cultures
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and community , whether you visit Marelle Santa Monica for their famous thanksgiving brunch or have a large gathering with loved ones and a traditional dinner , thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in America, which is celebrated in various forms that reflect diverse cultural values and traditions. American Thanksgiving is traditionally marked by the huge turkey sitting on the table for Thanksgiving dinner, pumpkin pie , gatherings between family and friends and traditional decorations such as accents of brown and orange to represent the fall leaves, and mini pilgrim hats and turkeys to showcase American history. However, many other cultures have various ways of representing thanks and celebrating their harvest. From the vibrant festivals of India to the communal feasts in Japan, each celebration offers a glimpse into the heart of its people and now explores the different ways cultures celebrate Thanksgiving, delving into their unique traditions, foods, rituals, and festivals that embody the spirit of thankfulness.
Samo students found first SM Youth Advisory Board
Created by Samo students, the City of Santa Monica’s new Youth Advisory Board aims to give a voice to the juvenile demographic of Santa Monica. The board was officially created in May with approval from the former Santa Monica mayor, Phil Brock.
Behind The Scenes: Inside ASB’s event planning process
Every school year, ASB puts in the hard work and commitment for the entertainment of students. Through the pep rallies and dressing up for Spirit Week, ASB does a lot more than students see.
Football looks to next season after missing playoffs
The Samo Vikings’ football season officially started on Aug. 23 with their 26-0 win against Chino Hills High School. After ten games in the regular season, the Vikings ended with an overall record of 4-6 and a record of 1-5 in the Pioneer League.