By Liliana Chai Feb 14, 2026 When lights dim, neon takes over. Glowsticks flicker across the room while music echoes through the cafeteria, weaving together crowds of students in bright fluorescent tops and jeans from Leland and Pioneer High School. The Leland and Pioneer Mixer, a glow-in-the-dark themed dance bringing together students from both schools, will take place on Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Leland’s campus. Similar to Homecoming, foo —including

By Srihita Madiraju Feb 14, 2026 Dilara Varoglu Art Every few years, students and staff undergo an event that can shape the school’s future: WASC accreditation. For students, these visits may sound like just another administrative process, but these checks—from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)—are vital in maintaining the quality of education received. WASC is a regional accreditation organization that evaluates schools across the West Coast

By Brandon Koo Dec. 11, 2025 Ryan Park Art As the doors swing open to the band room of Rian Rodriguez , Visual Performing Arts Department, the vivid soundscape is impossible to ignore—the brass warmups blaring and the vocal scales filling the room. The collage of notes is a kind of organized chaos that only happens when three major music groups work together—a collaboration between Band, Choir and Orchestra.  “I feel more connected because I am working with peop

By Isabell Zhu Dec. 11, 2025 Ryan Park Art The stage lights dim, the orchestra hums a quiet melody and a hush falls over the audience. A single spotlight makes its way on stage—just in time for the school’s long-awaited production of “Chicago” to begin with a jazzy, scandalous and ritzy adaptation of Velma Kelly’s “All That Jazz.”  The school’s rendition of “Chicago” premiered on Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m., followed by evening performances on Nov. 13, Nov. 14, Nov. 20

By Ariel Lee Nov. 12, 2025 Eleanor Wang Art In an effort to bring students closer together, the school planned day-long workshops designed to strengthen the community from Sept. 3 through 5, called Breaking Down the Walls. However, despite its positive goals, low participation levels and scheduling challenges ultimately led to the program’s cancellation.  Breaking Down the Walls is a school-based initiative run by Ignite2Unite that focuses on building empathy, un

By Amie Ahn Nov. 12, 2025 Eleanor Wang Art Beneath illuminated jellyfish decor glowing in dreamy hues of blue and green, students stream into the cafeteria, greeted by pounding music and excited cheers. Outside, cameras flash as friends crowd together and pose at photobooths, while others sip on Mermaid Fizz drinks and bite into Krabby Patty sliders. This scene brings to life a Homecoming under the sea—but of course, with a price.  Homecoming, a classic high scho

With this volume marking my third year writing for the music column, I was faced with a decision: continue reviewing music or...