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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

Ava Richards

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor

Ava Richards is a senior at Carlmont High School that loves storytelling and coffee. As managing editor of podcasts, she adores audio production and recently produced a radio story during her internship at KALW Public Radio. In addition to journalism, Ava is the president of the Carlmont Technical Theatre Association and editor-in-chief of a literary magazine called “All That’s Lit to Print.” To check out her portfolio, click here.

All content by Ava Richards

The Senior Scoop Ep. 14: The end of a chapter

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards May 24, 2021

It's finally review week, which means seniors are done with classes and are graduating next week. In the final episode of The Senior Scoop, join hosts Ava Richards and Mari Ramirez as they reflect on their...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 13: College commitments

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards May 3, 2021

As the end of the school year approaches, seniors are committing to colleges and creating new lives for themselves. It's definitely a time to celebrate. In this episode of The Senior Scoop, join hosts...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 12: AP exams strike again

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards April 16, 2021

A major part of academic life is taking AP classes and the exams that come with them. In this episode of The Senior Scoop, join hosts Ava Richards and Mari Ramirez in a discussion with senior Lauren Chong...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 11: Appreciating the assemblies

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards March 12, 2021

Under normal conditions, students and performers alike would be getting ready for the Heritage Fair, one of many annual events that ASB has to offer. In this episode of The Senior Scoop, join hosts Ava...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 10: Adulting

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards March 1, 2021

Growing up comes with more responsibilities, and in high school that often means finding your first job or learning how to budget money. In this episode of The Senior Scoop, join hosts Ava Richards and...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 9: Break a leg!

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards February 5, 2021

Welcome to February! If this were a typical year, the performing arts department would be entangled with the shenanigans of musical season, finalizing set pieces, reworking lighting cues, and rehearsing...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 8: Senioritis season

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards January 23, 2021

Just like that, semester one is done and semester two has begun! For our seniors, this means college decisions and graduation are just around the corner. But that's not all! Around this time frame, senioritis...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 7: Holly jolly season

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards December 5, 2020

The end of the year is approaching fast! That means the December holidays and the new year are around the corner, but at the same time, so are finals. Finals are always a stressful time for students, and...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 6: College apps and Thanksgiving scraps

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards November 17, 2020

The end of November is looming, which only means one thing for high school seniors: college applications are due. Whether students decide to apply for early action or regular decision, this time of the...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 5: Hocus pocus, revive our senior year!

Ava Richards and Mari Ramirez October 30, 2020

With our senior year being moved online, it's easy for us to dwell on what we could have had. As the end of October is just around the corner, we've already missed things like Homecoming, football games,...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 4: Atypical activities

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards October 16, 2020

Extracurriculars are one of the special opportunities that allow students to pursue their interests. Whether they’re career orientated or just for fun, these activities help make the high school experience...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 3: Work hard, play hard

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards October 2, 2020

Long, grueling practices, high-intensity games, and cheering crowds. Sports are, undoubtedly, a large aspect of Carlmont culture, and play a crucial role in many student's lives. However, this is truly...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 2: Coursework and self-worth

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards September 18, 2020

Homework and home-life don’t always go hand-in-hand. Sometimes we forget that we can’t compromise on our mental health, even if it means excelling in school. In the second of The Senior Scoop, join...

The Senior Scoop Ep. 1: School’s in session

Mari Ramirez and Ava Richards September 4, 2020

Every August, students everywhere dread hearing that "school's back in session." With summer coming to an end, the hard work and endless nights of homework begin. While some students have an easy time...

Reap What You Sew

“Reap What You Sew” tells the story of a 17-year-old girl named Auva Soheili with a drive to fix social injustice around the world… through clothing! In 2019, Auva started her own clothing line,...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Episode 8: A Final Farewell

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards May 24, 2020

Every series must eventually come to an end, and it is often bittersweet to part with. This episode is all about what we appreciate the most about technical theater, and tying up everything we've talked...

Quaran-Tea Time Ep. 6: Scones

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor May 17, 2020

Scones can be eaten plain or with a myriad of fillings and toppings, which makes them so easy and fun to make! In the final episode of Quaran-Tea Time, join host Ava Richards as she shares her favorite...

Quaran-Tea Time Ep. 5: Cinnamon rolls

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor May 10, 2020

Cinnamon rolls are a very classic and tasty dessert, but they take a lot of time to perfect. The professionals can take hours to mix the ingredients correctly and make sure the dough has risen sufficiently....

Quaran-Tea Time Ep. 4: Bread pudding

Ava Richards and Ruya Yaman May 3, 2020

Bread pudding is an extremely simple and modifiable dessert. It can be made with any type of bread, fillings, or toppings that you might have lying in your kitchen, which is perfect for quarantine! In...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Episode 7: Passions to professions

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards April 30, 2020
With the end of the school year nearing, many students have began to think more intricately about what they might want to pursue, a majority of them being pressured to pick something practical. However, some fields of work allow people to embrace their passions as professions, and technical theater just happens to be one of them! This episode is all about how tech can be pursued as a versatile and intriguing career, featuring guest speakers Jillian Yong, Gloria Capulong, and Jules Marshall.

Quaran-Tea Time Ep. 3: No yeast bread

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor April 17, 2020

Due to the quarantine, yeast has become a rare item at some grocery stores as many people have decided to spend this time baking. In this episode of Quaran-Tea Time, follow along as Ava Richards prepares...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Episode 6: Closures and cancellations

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards April 15, 2020

Theatrical shows have always been top-rated attractions, with millions attending performances each year. However, in the light of a pandemic, stages across the world have been going dark. This episode,...

Quaran-Tea Time Ep. 2: Chocolate chip cookies

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor April 10, 2020

Chocolate chip cookies are a staple in American culture and one of the most widely loved comfort foods. But with hundreds of recipes and techniques to choose from, which one is truly the best? In the second...

Quaran-Tea Time Ep. 1: Mille-feuille

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor March 27, 2020

Instead of wasting the hours away scrolling through social media during this period of quarantine caused by COVID-19, why not bake a delicious treat? In this first episode of Quaran-Tea Time, follow along...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Episode 5: Relations and reliability

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards March 27, 2020

Despite the name, not everything about technical theater is quite so technical — one of the lesser known, yet equally essential, steps to a successful production is to create connections with the people...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Episode 4: The many faces of the mountain

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards March 11, 2020

"The many faces of the mountain" is a textbook term that describes how technical theater can take a simple performance and transform it into an elaborate, intriguing story that is sure to be memorable...

ASB’s Publicity Commission paints a colorful scene for Heritage Fair

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor March 4, 2020

During the weeks leading up to the Heritage Fair, ASB's Publicity Commission paints posters to bring the assembly to life with colorful decor. This year, the commission was tasked with recreating famous...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Episode 3: Risks and Responsibilities

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards February 27, 2020

Technical theater is a very demanding job, as others’ lives often depend on it. This episode covers topics such as rigging, battens, and the orchestra pit, illustrating the many dangers that theaters...

ASB’s Publicity Commission paints a colorful scene for Heritage Fair

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor February 13, 2020

During the weeks leading up to the Heritage Fair, ASB's Publicity Commission paints posters to bring the assembly to life with colorful decor. This year, the commission was tasked to recreate famous artwork...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult Podcast Episode 1: Technical… heater?

Ruya Yaman and Ava Richards January 29, 2020

“Technical heater?” is one of the many baffled responses received when a handful of random people were asked the main question this episode revolves around: What is technical theater? This introductory...

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Theatricult is a podcast devoted to the unseen magic of technical theater.

Yearbook’s dedication is often disregarded

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor January 17, 2020

Despite being an integral part of welcoming summer vacation, many remain unaware of the work that goes into creating the yearbook. The lengthy process starts and ends with Carlmont’s dedicated yearbook...

Therapy dogs and bunnies bring dif-fur-ent relaxation methods before dead week

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor December 10, 2019

ASB's Human Relations Commission hosted their biannual Dogs in the Quad event on Friday, Dec 6. to help students relax before the stress of dead week and finals. But this year there was an additional surprise...

‘The End Of The F***ing World 2’ ruins its already perfect ending

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor December 3, 2019

Ava Richards offers her thoughts on the second season of "The End Of The F***ing World," explaining its major faults and minimals assets. Some of her talking points include the purpose, visual appeal,...

Great Glass Pumpkin Patch melds art and community

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor October 22, 2019

The annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch allows the participating artists to showcase and sell their work to the Palo Alto community; it likewise gives the Bay Area a space to appreciate each other's glass...

Football season kicks off a year of student pride

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor September 19, 2019

The beginning of the football season marks a new year for members of the Screamin' Scots to show off their school spirit, creating a nonjudgemental and welcoming community for all.

Hating on the VSCO trend wrongfully shames girls

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor September 7, 2019

Ava Richards expresses her opinion on the negativity that the "VSCO girl" aesthetic has recently gained on social media, and encourages the community to be more welcoming and accepting towards their peers.

Choir luau celebrates friendships and accomplishments

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor June 6, 2019

Ava Richards reports on the luau that the Carlmont Choirs held. The party honored several students with awards and concluded with a homemade video full of photos and memories from the entire year.

Car show fuels a fun afternoon

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor May 15, 2019

Ava Richards reports on the car show that Car Club held in the senior parking lot over the weekend.  

Carlmont’s Varsity Badminton smashes the competition

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor May 12, 2019

Ava Richards reports on Carlmont's win against Hillsdale High School, the final score being 14-1.

Sticky notes with kind messages are posted on every locker.

[Video] Kindness Week warms school environment

Maya Lip, Staff Writer March 24, 2019

Students gathered in the quad to make bracelets for Kindness Week, a week-long event filled with small activities to promote goodwill and spread positivity. To kick off the week, colorful notes with...

Varsity Badminton falls short in first game against Westmoor

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor March 7, 2019

Ava Richards reports on Carlmont's loss to Westmoor High School during the first badminton game of the season. The final score was 9-6.  

San Franciso celebrates MLK and the civil rights movement

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor January 25, 2019

Ava Richards reports on the march held in San Francisco on Jan. 21 to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and to fight for equality for all.

Interested in both business and photography, Lauren Chong is one of the many students faced with the difficult decision of pursuing profit or passion.

Passions ignored while choosing a college major

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor January 17, 2019

Only 10 percent of art graduates in 2012 reported that they earned a living primarily based on being an artist, making Paul Shields a rarity. Shields is a Scottish photographer currently working for...

Kenny Lee and Adrian Tongthaworn play a match against their friends.

Badminton Club trains members before tryouts

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor December 5, 2018

With tryouts beginning early next semester, Badminton Club welcomes those that want to improve their skills before the season starts. Badminton tryouts at Carlmont are very competitive due to the vast...

The executive board for the Russian Unity Club works hard to create fun activities for its members.

Russian Unity Club executives work to break stereotypes

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor November 7, 2018

The introduction of the Russian Unity Club (RUC) this year has created a welcoming environment for students of Russian heritage. Ethan Torban and Misha Shkolnik, the freshmen co-presidents, began work...

Children enjoy one of Key Club's many games at the Save the Music festival.

Key Club creates leaders of service and impact

Ava Richards, Podcast Managing Editor October 17, 2018

From helping at food banks to running events in the Belmont-Redwood Shores community, Carlmont's Key Club does it all. Key Club International is a global organization that promotes volunteering, service,...

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