Stella Pavao

Whether through sports, community service, or the performing arts, Carlmont students have found many different ways to share their strengths to better the community.

It is no secret that Carlmont students are involved in more than just the classroom. As the first academic quarter wraps up, here are just a few examples of Scots’ contributions to the Carlmont community.

Blood Drive

Carlmont’s first biannual blood drive of the school year will occur on Oct. 26. The Community Service Commission of Carlmont’s Associated Student Body (ASB) organized the event. 

Phlebotomists from Vitalant, a nonprofit organization specializing in blood donations, will set up the donation center in the Student Union. 

To give blood, students and staff must schedule an appointment in advance, and minors must also provide a parental consent form. Everyone who donates must also be at least 16 years old and meet the minimum height and weight requirements.

On Sept. 11, the American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage. The blood drive is an effort to allow the Carlmont community to help those in need. 

“Donating blood allows students to make a difference within their community. The blood donated is sent to hospitals after being tested where it helps patients significantly,” said ASB senior Isabelle Kraemer.

Drama

This year, the annual fall play staged by Carlmont Drama is William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The show opens on Oct. 19, with subsequent performances on Oct. 20, 21, and 22.

The comedy was chosen in accordance with the Carlmont Thespian Society’s tradition of producing a Shakespearean play once every four years, ensuring that any student can participate in a Shakespearean production during their time at Carlmont.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the kickoff to the 2023-2024 Carlmont Drama season and the return to the main stage in Carlmont’s Performing Arts Center. In this production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the cast will perform the entire show without microphones.

“This is very unique to Carlmont. We have not had a play on Carlmont’s main stage since Covid, and without mics is certainly something new. It makes it more difficult for the actors to project, but creates a much more intimate experience for the actors and audience,” said cast member Sam Dechaine. 

Despite the production changes, the cast’s camaraderie and excitement remain. 

“Like always, Carlmont drama is an extremely supportive environment, and it’s transferred over wonderfully to Midsummer. Everyone is always happy to see each other, and everyone is bringing 100% effort to get this show ready,” Dechaine said.

Fall Sports

Carlmont athletics have reached new heights this fall season as girls varsity tennis and girls flag football boast undefeated records. Girls varsity golf also completed their season ranked first in the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) with a record of 10-1. 

In the team’s first year as a Carlmont sport, girls flag football is looking to close their regular season schedule undefeated in their final matchup on Oct. 21 against the Mills Knights.

“I think people didn’t expect us to go undefeated in our first season,” said sophomore linebacker Emerson Barajas. “And I think it’s surprising to us.”

Girls varsity tennis finished their regular season on Oct. 19 with a 6-1 victory against the Sequoia Ravens. The undefeated record of both girls varsity tennis and girls flag football has garnered new support and viewership from the Carlmont community.

“The team has been a lot more passionate recently,” said Miyu Ikeda, a senior tennis player. “Usually, we don’t have a lot of people come to our matches, but because we’ve been winning, more people have been showing interest in the season.”