The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice
The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice
The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice
Celina Lee

Celina Lee, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Celina Lee
Students shelter beneath desks after a lockdown was issued at 11:24 a.m. for Palo Alto High School. According to Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson, a similar lockdown occurred at Gunn two minutes before the order to lockdown at Paly. “We got a call from a violence hotline that informed us that someone had mentioned in a chat that they were going to commit violence at our school,” Berkson said.

School issues all-clear after lockdown

Celina Lee and Ava Knapp
November 12, 2024
Nicole Chiu-Wang is running for her second time as a Palo Alto Board of Education candidate. According to Chiu-Wang, her priorities lie in increasing diversity and representation of all cultures for students, especially in the community. “It’s important to understand that people can be parts of many communities,” Chiu-Wang said. “I wish that we did better in helping our students find time to figure out their self-identity.”

Board candidate Chiu-Wang champions representation, persistence

Celina Lee and Sophie Zhang
October 29, 2024

Spirit Week 2024 Timeline

Ava Knapp and Celina Lee
October 28, 2024
Dressed in Y2K attire, the seniors at Palo Alto High School shout pridefully during last year's Spirit Week rally. This year, sophomore vice president Leilani Chen is ready to lead her class in full spirit. "I’m most excited to see the energy that the sophomores will bring this year,” Chen said. “We were super energized at the first rally and I have a feeling that if we bring the same energy, we will do well this year.”

Spirit Week 2024: More events split across two weeks

Kristine Lin and Celina Lee
October 10, 2024
The Palo Alto High School Media Arts Center will be filled with hundreds of students for the Journalism Education Association of Northern California’s annual NorCal Media Day on Saturday. Jami Lim, editor-in-chief of Monta Vista High School's El Estoque, said that the event will inspire students to pursue different aspects of journalism. “NorCal Media Day encourages students to go deeper into journalism and empowers them to pursue various topics that they might not have felt confident or knowledgeable enough to do before,” Lim said.

Paly to host 11th annual NorCal Media Day

Celina Lee, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2024
Julian Hong, Associated Student Body president and event organizer, speaks to classmates about the upcoming event “AAPI Youth Mental Health: Opening Intergenerational Conversations.” The panel discussion will be held at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., tommorow in the Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center. According to Hong, he has been planning this event since February, and he is looking forward to hearing the speakers discuss how to deal with mental health in the workplace and college. “I'm excited to have TAAF and Third State as partners,” Hong said. “They have been incredibly helpful in organizing the line-up of speakers who can speak to both Asian American experiences and professional experiences.”

ASB to host Asian American youth mental health panel

Celina Lee, Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2024
Student encampments protesting for the divestment of funds at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). The banner spread across the building calls for a "Free Palestine Encampment until UC Divests. Glory to the Martyrs, Victory to the Resistance!" The second banner hung below outlines the protest demands: "1. End the Silence," "2. Financial Divestment," "3. Academic Boycott," and "4. Stop the Repression."

College protests, encampments through the eyes of Paly alumni

Celina Lee, Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2024
Palo Alto High School sophomore Connor Lee speaks on the district's new AI policy during the board meeting on Tuesday. According to Dr. Jeong Choe, AI/Tech ad hoc committee lead, it is important to address how technology should be used, as it holds large implications for the future of students’ learning experiences. “The integration of new educational tools, such as Generative AI and other AI tools, has the potential to significantly level the playing field in education, offering diverse learners more opportunities for personalized and inclusive learning experiences,” Choe said. “The development of more sophisticated algorithms, coupled with the exponential growth of computational power, has really surprised everyone, even experts in the field. The world is changing fast and education needs to change with it.”

[Photo] District stresses open communication with new AI guidelines

Kristine Lin, Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2024
Dressed in Y2K attire, the seniors at Palo Alto High School shout pridefully during last year's Spirit Week rally. This year, sophomore vice president Leilani Chen is ready to lead her class in full spirit. "I’m most excited to see the energy that the sophomores will bring this year,” Chen said. “We were super energized at the first rally and I have a feeling that if we bring the same energy, we will do well this year.”

2024-2025 Election Results

Celina Lee, Editor-in-Chief
March 18, 2024
ASB elections begin for 2024-2025

ASB elections begin for 2024-2025

Celina Lee and Veronica Qiu
March 14, 2024
Palo Alto High School Principal Brent Kline responds to questions during a conversation with The Paly Voice on Feb. 29 in the Media Arts Center. According to Kline, he plans to host a "School Culture Workshop" in April that will improve Paly's student culture. "There has been a plan into continuing providing our students with opportunities to be part of creating and maintaining a positive culture," Kline said. (Photo: Celina Lee)

Principal plans to host ‘School Culture Workshop’ in April

Celina Lee and Motoko Iwata
March 13, 2024
Senior Rori Escudero waves towards the crowd during rehearsal in preparation for the Palo Alto High School Choirs' Pops Concert. Paly Choirs will perform their annual concert to the theme of "Make-up/Break-up” at 7 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Performing Arts Center. Escudero said she is excited to hear her classmates sing. “I am looking forward to hearing everyone's solos, especially the underclassmen and people who haven't had solos before,” Escudero said. “It's cool getting to hear people have their big moment for the first time on stage.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Choirs to perform ‘Make-up/Break-up’ Pops Concert

Celina Lee and Ava Knapp
February 8, 2024
Beginning this fall, the Palo Alto Unified School District will begin offering the Middle College High School program at the Foothill Community College campus. According to Superintendent Jeong Choe, the program will empower students to achieve their academic potential through a nurturing and supportive classroom environment. “Our goals for Middle College High School students are that they will: have an easier transition between high school and college, motivation to pursue interests and graduate high school, explore career options and opportunities, [and] earn career certification and work experience skills,” Choe stated in an email to the Paly Voice. (Photo: Kofi Kim)

District launches new Middle College High School

Celina Lee and Anna Feng
February 6, 2024
Palo Alto High School Viking junior small forward Jorell Clark attempts a layup while two Henry M. Gunn High School Titan defenders attempt to block the shot Saturday night during a crosstown rivalry match. The Vikings edged out the Titans, 62-57, in a game that nearly saw a comeback by the Titans in the fourth quarter. According to Vikings head coach Jeff LaMere, the team’s effort in their practices leading up to this game really showed in their performance. “Our guys really played hard,” LaMere said. “Hats off to Gunn [the Titans] because that was a great high school basketball game. They have very good players who can make tough shots.”

[Photo] Vikings narrowly defeat Titans in first rivalry match

Maxwell Zhang and Kevin O'Brien
January 16, 2024
Senior Jason Auzenne drives the ball towards the basket as therapist Ryan Fabie plays defense against him. At Wednesday's Winter Rally, seniors defeated staff 27-25, in the annual staff-student basketball game. According to Education Specialist Dan Gallucio, he was glad to have been a part of the staff team during the winter rally, where he saw many students' enthusiasm. “It unites the whole school a little bit and gets everyone hyped up for the winter," Gallucio said.

[Photo] Seniors baffle staff with basketball buzzer-beater

Allison Ma and Veronica Qiu
February 1, 2024
Board of Education members Jennifer DiBrienza and Jesse Ladomirak during a board meeting on Oct. 27. Ladomirak, the former vice president, was appointed as board president during a board meeting on Dec 12th. According to Ladomirak, the district is equipped with the right tools to ensure that all students can achieve academic success. “We have resources, we have a well educated community, and there's a certain level of success,” Ladomirak said. “I continue to believe that in public education, schools should be judged by how well you do educating the students who have the least amount of privilege too.” (Photo: Kensie Pao)

New board president to promote diverse student culture

Celina Lee and Andrew Zhao
January 24, 2024
Students are participating in 'Breaking Down the Walls' Tuesday through Friday in an effort to promote student culture and unity. According to Palo Alto High School Principal Brent Kline, the event will allow student connectedness through activities. "It's a lot of team building exercises," Kline said, "You'll learn chants and cheers, and it's an opportunity to have fun." (Photo: Veronica Qiu)

‘Breaking Down the Walls’ aims to encourage student unity

Celina Lee and Carissa Tsui
January 23, 2024
Social studies teacher Daniel Shelton helps a student during World History class. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the Palo Alto Unified School District will integrate Ethnic Studies into 9th-grade curriculum. According to Social Studies Instructional Lead Mary Sano, the course helps foster acceptance and inclusion for ninth-graders because of the discussions about identity. “The data shows that if a school offers ethnic studies the first thing for ninth-graders is that they have more belonging as they go through high school,” Sano said. “Because if it's done in a good way, kids feel more included in the conversation about who we are.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Ethnic studies to become graduation requirement

Sophia Yang and Celina Lee
November 3, 2023
Community members watch apprehensively, awaiting the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education to pass joint resolutions condemning discrimination Friday morning. According to board member Shana Segal, the board's intention with passing the resolutions was to help demonstrate support for the school and wider community. "We are committed to the education and well being of our students," Segal said. "That is our primary purpose and we share the belief that it is education that leads to positive and constructive change. I'm hopeful that our actions this morning will demonstrate our collective capacity for compassion, empathy, respect, and cooperation in pursuit of the safety and well being of our entire school district and community." (Photo: Kensie Pao)

Board unanimously passes joint resolutions

Celina Lee and Sophia Yang
October 30, 2023
Members of the Palo Alto community who attended the emotional school board meeting Tuesday night listen to comments during open forum. Many of the speakers urged the board to release a statement speaking out against antisemitism and Islamophobia in light of recent events. According to senior Anna Ghereghlou, students need support during this difficult situation. “Both sides need somebody to stand up for them, and that's what the students are doing, especially the students that are from those countries,” Ghereghlou said. (Photo: Celina Lee)

Board to hold special meeting denouncing hatred regarding Hamas attacks

Celina Lee and Nathan Jiang
October 27, 2023
Dressed in floral skirts and collared button-ups, Palo Alto High School seniors eagerly watch the Spirit Week rally during lunch today at the Earl Hansen Viking Stadium. According to senior Sophie Robinson, the spirit at the rallies is unmatchable. "Those [rallies] are definitely the best," Robinson said. "They're just so hype. The vibes are amazing." (Photo: Celina Lee)

Teachers bust moves, seniors lead in ‘Generations Day’ rally

Kristine Lin and Celina Lee
October 5, 2023
Seniors pull ahead further in first Spirit Week rally

Seniors pull ahead further in first Spirit Week rally

Celina Lee and Carissa Tsui
October 2, 2023
Math teacher to return to ‘Jeopardy!’

Math teacher to return to ‘Jeopardy!’

Sophia Yang and Celina Lee
October 2, 2023
A Palo Alto Fire Department truck parked outside Palo Alto High School at 2:15 p.m., after a fog machine triggered a fire alarm and school-wide evacuation. (Photo: Maxwell Zhang)

Breaking: Fog machine triggers school-wide evacuation

Celina Lee and Anna Feng
September 14, 2023
Review: Beyond kebab; Meyhouse’s unique Turkish flavors

Review: Beyond kebab; Meyhouse’s unique Turkish flavors

Sophia Yang and Celina Lee
September 14, 2023
Referring to a design of the proposed affordable housing units on 3265 El Camino Real, developer Jason Matlof details his efforts to Palo Alto High School Journalism Incubator students during class on Aug. 29 at the Media Arts Center. According to Matlof, his housing proposal will bring improvements to the Palo Alto community. “Community benefits mean a lot of different things,” Matlof said. “But basically, the developer can do some good for the community by bringing in affordable housing.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Resident spearheads affordable housing initiative for teachers

Celina Lee and Anna Feng
September 10, 2023
The Palo Alto High School Vikings clash with the Fremont High School Firebirds at the line of scrimmage during the first home match of the season Friday night. The Vikings defeated the Firebirds 28-10 in a dominant performance, showcasing excellence in both their defense and offense. According to junior wide receiver Jeremiah Fung, despite having a new roster, the team shows a lot of potential. "We have a pretty solid roster,” Fung said. “It’s a small team but everyone is good, and I feel like we can go as far as we want to.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Vikings defeat Firebirds in first home game of the season

Maxwell Zhang and Celina Lee
August 27, 2023
Math teacher Daniel Nguyen answers senior Shamsheer Singh's question during an AP Statistics class at Palo Alto High School. The Math Department recently changed the math grading scale for a standard A-? to be 90%, rather than the previous 88%. According to Nguyen, students are adapting to the new grading policy well. “Based on what I saw in my classes when I went over the new cutoffs on the first day to school, it seemed students were initially unhappy with the change but quickly took it in stride,” Nguyen said. (Photo: Celina Lee)

Students surprised by new math grading system

Celina Lee, Editor-in-Chief
August 24, 2023
Palo Alto High School was announced as one of the top 10 schools for Innovation in the World's Best School Prizes awards by T4 Education. According to Principal Brent Kline, this is a great opportunity for Paly to display its stellar journalism program. "Most of my role was just supporting staff members that were interested in applying and the students and ensuring that there's no roadblocks," Kline said. "[We get to] showcase what goes on great at our school, and one of those is the is the media arts program. So I was excited to be able to share such great things to the world." (Photo: T4 Education)

On strength of media arts program, Paly places in top 10 for ‘innovation’ in global contest

Celina Lee and Maxwell Zhang
June 17, 2023
Playing the role of high school student Jim Wang, Asian American actor Ben Wang delivers an announcement in the newly released TV show "American Born Chinese." According to Rosalie Chiang, an actress who plays Suzy Nakamura in the show, the increase in cultural representation in Hollywood has had a positive impact. “The Asian community in Hollywood is expanding, [and] the film industry is definitely going in the right direction,” Chiang said. (Photo: Disney Plus)

Students react to increase in Asian media

Celina Lee, Jonathan Chen, and Benjamin Grimes
May 26, 2023
Sophomore Jacob Kinsky drinks water from one of Palo Alto High School's water fountains. Kinsky said he is not concerned about the quality of Paly's water. “I get thirsty a lot and I like to drink water but I don't really know very much about lead poisoning and how that problem works," Kinsky said.  “I don’t really notice anything and I feel like the water is perfectly fine as is." According to previous testing from 2018, Paly's lead levels have all been reported to be under five ppb.

[Photo] Bill aims to assure safety of school drinking water

Kasmira Lada, Reporter
May 16, 2023
The Palo Alto High School Girls and Boys Swim and Dive team are preparing for the California Interscholastic Federation state championships following their second Central Coast Section win in a row Saturday and Sunday at the Santa Clara Swim Club. According to sophomore Blake Wang, the supportive environment at CCS provides motivation in advancing and doing well. “I went to CCS last year as well, and it was a really competitive atmosphere,” Wang said. “There are faster swimmers to race compared to dual meets [swim meets between two teams]. CCS is all about the team, everyone cheers and hypes each other up before races [and] I also get to see many of my friends from club swimming there.” (Photo: Caleb Wong)

Swim and Dive advances to State Championships after CCS win

Celina Lee, Leena Hussein, and Payton Anderson
May 10, 2023
Newly opened restaurant at Town and Country Village, Palmettos Superfoods, boasts fully customizable açaí bowls and fruit smoothies. Palmettos offers a wide variety of delicious choices. According to CEO Charles Lee, Palmettos has been a hit among customers and students at Palo Alto High School. “I think everyone's been liking it,” Lee said. “It's a great addition, especially because you guys [students at Paly] haven't had that here.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Palmetto Superfoods brings delicious açaí to Town and Country

Celina Lee and Leena Hussein
May 8, 2023
Palo Alto Unified School District Superintendent Don Austin speaks at a press conference on a range of education-related issues last Friday in the MAC. Among other topics, Austin clarified the reasoning behind his stance on ChatGPT from the previous week's announcement. “We’re focusing on ChatGPT,” Austin said. “It’s one of thousands of AI programs that are out there right now. When it first got attention, there was already more coming up that will help students, and more coming up that would harm students and create safety issues.”

[Photo] Superintendent clarifies stance on ChatGPT: ‘Not going to hide from it’

Benjamin Grimes, Christopher Choi, and Evan Chien
May 5, 2023
Superintendent Don Austin speaks to student journalists in a press conference this morning in the Media Arts Center regarding the shelter-in-place Tuesday at Palo Alto High School. According to Austin, clearer communication by the district to staff and students is needed in case of similar future events, as some teachers were unsure of what defined a shelter-in-place protocol. “What is important to know in these situations is the kind of communication you should expect,” Austin said. “If there's a serious situation, you're gonna hear an announcement about it.”

[Photo] Superintendent responds to shelter-in-place incident

Payton Anderson, Senior Staff Writer
April 28, 2023
Junior and co-president and junior Bella Nguyen (right) hands a denim patch to junior Ellie Roth (left) during lunch on the Quad today as a part of this year’s Responsive Inclusive Safe Environment Club National Denim Day. According to Nguyen, the national day began through a movement to prevent victim blaming in sexual assault cases. “This day is supposed to hold power,” Nguyen said. “This day carries weight by spreading awareness and advocating against sexual assault by wearing denim and we encourage all students to do so.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Denim Day sparks student solidarity

Celina Lee and Leena Hussein
April 26, 2023
Sophomore Briar Dorogusker (left) cheers on her sophomore team during the cup-stacking section of the relay race today during lunch at the Viking Stadium, one of several of this week’s Spring Spirit events. Dorogusker said she loved seeing the excitement during the events and being able to bond with her peers. “I really enjoyed the race and hearing the music and chatting with people,” Dorogusker said. “It was super fun because I talked to people who I had never talked to [before].” (Photo: Kristine Lin)

Freshmen lead in Spring Spirit rally

Celina Lee and Kristine Lin
April 20, 2023
Palo Alto High School students flaunt unconventional items carrying their school supplies today during brunch across the Quad for “Anything but a Backpack” Day. The Spring Spirit Week theme left students with room for creativity as suitcases, grills and garbage cans covered the campus. Best-dressed participant and sophomore Briar Dorogusker, who brought a Santa Claus suit and sack, said she is excited to continue dressing up for the remainder of the week with her class. “I think that we [sophomores] have been doing a great job.” Dorogusker said. “During Fall Spirit Week I was so proud of [our class] and from what I've seen for the dress up days, we are having a great turn out. It seems like most sophomores have been doing something to reflect the theme.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

‘Anything but a Backpack’ Day showcases spirit

Leena Hussein and Celina Lee
April 18, 2023
Deborah Liu (right) speaks to students in the Palo Alto High School Media Arts Center and Julian Hong (left) helps facilitate the discussion. Liu is the CEO of Ancestry.com and has held various positions in large Silicon Valley companies such as Facebook over the course of her career. According to Liu, she had little idea what she wanted to do when she was a high schooler. "it was really hard for me to to figure out what I wanted to do with my life," Liu said. "This is an opportunity to show the next generation that anything is possible."

[Photo] Ancestry.com CEO shares inspirational advice

Carissa Tsui and Kasmira Lada
April 15, 2023
Muwekma Ohlone Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh speaks to students during sixth period in Palo Alto High School's Performing Arts Center on her initiative to get federal re-recognition. According to Nijmeh, the tribe's efforts thus far have not been well received by government officials. “Politicians are creating this system where we [the Muwekma and other tribes] are pitted against each other for economic development," Nijmeh said.

[Photo] Muwekma Ohlone leader promotes federal recognition

Payton Anderson and Brennen Ho
April 15, 2023
Junior Rori Escudero buys Girl Scout cookies from junior Anushka Junnakar during brunch, Friday, at Palo Alto High School. According to a New York Times article, prices for Girl Scout cookies are at an all time high. A box of core Girl Scout cookies flavors increased from $5 to $6 a box, with unauthorized platforms selling boxes online for more than 6 times the original price. However, Paly students are still excited to purchase their favorite cookie flavors. According to Junnakar, balancing cookie orders is difficult yet rewarding. “It’s a bit stressful during cookie season because I need to manage all of my online and in person orders,” Junnakar said. “I [also] need to estimate the right amount of each cookie to order from the warehouse. However, I think cookie season is fun because people are so happy when I deliver their cookies.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

Girl Scout cookies back with new flavor, price increases

Celina Lee and Leena Hussein
April 1, 2023
Palo Alto High School students pick up lunches from the Student Center cafeteria staff. According to Sophomore Sophia Ahn, the food is serviceable, but improvements could be made through a brand new system. “Considering they’re free, they’re alright,” Ahn remarks. “I think they could definitely be more nutritious and cut down on the fats and stuff, though.” (Photo: Daniel Garepis-Holland)

Could Los Gatos’ new lunch program expand?

Celina Lee and Evan Chien
March 6, 2023
Junior Annalise Belle Klenow (right), and Seniors Arielle Blumenfeld (center) and Rebecca Helft (left) rehearse a scene from Palo Alto High School’s theater program’s “Mamma Mia!”. According to Blumenfeld, a struggle in producing a musical with many students involved is getting to know everyone on a deeper level. “Because [“Mamma Mia!”] is so big, getting to know every single person and everyone's styles and techniques is hard, although it's definitely also the most rewarding part of it,” Blumenfeld said. “Being able to work with so many new people, and also developing those relationships [with everyone] because that needs to happen before opening night.” (Photo: Leena Hussein)

Preview: ‘Mamma Mia!’ takes the stage

Celina Lee and Leena Hussein
March 1, 2023
Students line up for the Associated Student Body’s distribution of Matchomatics questionnaire results during lunch on Monday at room 502. Palo Alto High School’s administration recently approved the previously banned questionnaire to return as a new Love Week tradition. Students who completed the questionnaire receive lists of their most compatible classmates. The matches are printed out, sorted by grade and distributed to students by ASB officers. According to sophomore Clara Fesslmeier, the event opens the opportunity for students to create new friendships. “I’m happy with my results,” Fesslmeier said. “It’s fun, and you can meet new people.” (Photo: Celina Lee)

ASB distributes Matchomatics results

Celina Lee and Kasmira Lada
February 15, 2023
Palo Alto High School Environmental Science teacher Nicole Loomis lectures to her Advanced Placement Environmental Science class Wednesday morning. Loomis is the creator and teacher of the new dual enrollment Environmental Science class which will be available for students to take beginning next school year. According to Loomis, she hopes students will consider taking this class if it meets their preferred standards as opposed to APES. “We really are encouraging all students to consider it [dual enrollment Environmental Science],” Loomis said. “The math requirement is a little bit less than APES, which I think has been a sticking point for some folks and it [dual enrollment] actually is approved by CSU and UC for a transfer program. If you wanted to major in environmental science, these courses would count if you were to go to UC or any of the CSUs.” (Photo: Leena Hussein)

New dual enrollment Environmental Science class to start next year

Leena Hussein and Celina Lee
February 10, 2023
ASB successfully revives Matchomatics

ASB successfully revives Matchomatics

Payton Anderson and Celina Lee
January 27, 2023
Depleted girls' soccer team falls short against Santa Clara

Depleted girls’ soccer team falls short against Santa Clara

Maxwell Zhang, Ketan Altekar-Okazaki, and Celina Lee
January 22, 2023
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