ASB leadership chaos: Are we really a STUDENT body?
From the change in advisor leadership, to the questionable election mishaps, the Samo Associative Student Body (ASB) has suffered from much internal turmoil. This has prompted many questions about the leadership in the class and transparency within the association itself.
Chicago is truly, all that jazz
Samo Theater’s performance of “Chicago” by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb perfectly encapsulated the musical’s iconic energy and bold acting. From Feb. 28 to March 9, Barnum Hall was alive with the intoxicating sounds of “Chicago.”
Swinging into action: A look at boys’ baseball’s spring season
Samo varsity baseball has gotten off to a solid start this season, posting a 5-4 record in spring training with the regular season set to begin on Tuesday, March 11. Samo’s 2024 campaign ended in heartbreak following a 4-1 loss to Chino Hills in the Division 5 CIF championship game. The Vikings took the momentum from a third place Bay League finish into playoff season, leading to victories over Nogales, Ganesha, Adelanto and Pacifica en route to the final. Unfortunately, a trip to Chino on May 17 saw them fall just short of their CIF dream.
Boys’ soccer makes deep postseason run
Samo boys varsity soccer enjoyed a near flawless 2024/25 campaign, going a perfect 9-0 in league and becoming league tournament champions. Their undefeated season secured a spot in the CIF Southern Section Open Division, where they dramatically beat Crossroads 3-2 on aggregate. After a 1-0 home victory, D1 recruit Gabriel Sherman (’25) scored both goals for Samo in the second leg to propel the Vikings to a historic semifinal against JSerra Lions, the top ranked school in the United States.
Dončić to Lakers in blockbuster
On Feb. 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the sports world after landing Slovenian Superstar Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks which sent all-star forward Anthony Davis the other way. Mavericks general manager (GM) Nico Harrison, amidst immense backlash from fans after trading their franchise cornerstone, believes that bringing in a top-tier rim protector in Davis is a win-now move. For the Lakers, GM Rob Pelinka took a gamble on a generational talent that will alter the outlook of the franchise for years to come.
Samo students walkout against Trump administration
On Feb. 5, Samo students along with other schools walked out against President Donald Trump and the policies he introduced to America as the new president.
Girls’ basketball makes CIF, exits first round
The Samo girls’ basketball team ended their season on Feb. 13 after a 32-34 loss to Lawndale in the first round of the CIF playoffs. The team finished with an overall record of 11-15 and a league record of 6-4.
Trump’s second term kicks off with controversy
In the month since his second term as president of the United States began, Donald Trump has taken action on a multitude of issues such as foreign and social policy as well as immigration and the economy. In less than 30 days, Trump’s controversial executive orders, cabinet picks and pardons have shaken up the country and world.
SM Airport takes its final landing: Great Park takes off
Clover Park, interlaced with play structures, swing sets, bike paths and more, is the quintessential site for local gatherings. Located in the heart of Santa Monica, there isn't a natural space that’s more widely loved. This is why I was shocked to discover that Clover Park was once embedded in a park over 10 times its size and that there is a possibility of it returning.
Samo girls’ soccer falls short in first round of CIF’s
With the Samo girls’ soccer season coming to an end, finishing second in the Ocean League, the team is proud of their accomplished run. The team ended their regular season with a record of 7-2, a notable achievement after switching from the Bay League.
Samo cheer returns to competition after four year hiatus
On Jan. 25, the Samo cheerleading team took part in four Double A Medium Division CIF competitions at Riverside’s Martin Luther King High School. The event marked the teams return to competition after more than four years of not participating, due to the instability in coaching.
Signing Day: 12 Samo athletes make their college commitments official
On Feb. 5, Samo hosted their school-wide edition of national signing day for 12 committing senior athletes in the North Gym. Various sports teams came to support the athletes signing and cheer them on from afar. Surrounded by friends, family, coaches and staff, these athletes officially committed to their respective colleges, with putting pen to paper. They celebrated years of dedication and hard work. The event highlighted some of the athletes achievements and each respective coach gave a short speech commending the dedication they had given these past four years. As they embark on the next chapter, they look ahead to the next level of competition, ready to bring the same dedication and hard work to their college teams.
Our Last Names
Last names, commonly seen as family identifiers, can carry different meanings, structures and significance depending on each family’s traditions. Traditionally passed down from generation to generation in America, typically on the father’s side, last names can hold various meanings. Across the world, different countries have different cultural significance in their surnames, bringing people together while telling stories through waves of each generation. Samo’s diverse student body shares the stories behind their last names.
Music
Music is a universal language, transcending beyond borders and time. Despite disconnects in language, culture and generations, music has the power to bring people together, something everyone has in common. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Beyonce—each artist defines a generation. Music is more than just a sound; it is a bridge between generations, a shared experience that connects people across time. The songs of each era influence how society views the world and communicates with one another. Kloe Taheri (’26) noticed how songs from all generations always come back, to refine and benefit society.