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
Kiana Chen

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer

Kiana is a junior (Class of 2026) in her second year of journalism and currently edits for the Highlander. She enjoys taking pictures and connecting with others in her community. Outside of school, Kiana can be found on the soccer field or running for Carlmont’s track team. Check out her portfolio here.

All content by Kiana Chen
Jerri Scaife helps a customer try on one of her scarves. Scaife is the owner of JerrisCreations and has been designing since the age of 12, creating textiles from scarves to wraps to dresses.

ART on the Square crafts art for all

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • December 4, 2024

Amid the gift-giving season, artists in the Bay Area came together at Redwood City’s annual holiday show, ART on the Square, showcasing local talent with a diverse range of arts and crafts, from intricate...

A wheelchair sits before a big staircase. While helpful for most, stairs make moving up and down hard for those with mobility issues.

Obstacles in plain sight: navigating accessibility issues at Carlmont

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • December 4, 2024

Fighting quiet battles Stairs. For most, each step doesn’t take a second thought. However, for others, those same steps can be a barrier and source of frustration.   According to the Sequoia...

An incarcerated person mops the floor while looking outside of their cell and sees a desk and lightbulb. Many people in prison are unable to prioritize rehabilitation and education due to prisons having them work instead.

Opinion: California needs to prioritize rehabilitation in its prisons

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • November 16, 2024

It has been 159 years since the 13th Amendment was passed to end slavery. Yet, here in California, prisons are still exploiting the work of people who would much more benefit from rehabilitation, training,...

A hand attached to a chain is bound by a paintbrush drawing "Prop 6," signifying the restrictions of the current California amendment. With California Proposition 6, people who are incarcerated will be able to choose what work or programs they would like to be in rather than be forced to work on jobs assigned to them.

Proposition 6’s failure prevents ending involuntary servitude in California prisons

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • November 12, 2024

California's Proposition 6 was one of 10 statewide ballot propositions included on the 2024 election ballot. Proposition 6 would amend the California Constitution to prohibit both slavery and involuntary...

Different people voting for change at Carlmont. "I don't think education is a Republican or Democrat issue. I'm taking time out of my life, out of my retirement, because I want to invest in our next generation of students," said Daniel Torunian, one of the candidates running in the local election.

Local elections: SUHSD board election holds power to drive change

Isabelle Ling and Kiana Chen • October 18, 2024

Local elections trudge along as presidential elections steal the spotlight with all the glitz and glamour.  With the election season underway, local elections are often overlooked under the craze of...

Gov. Gavin Newsom cuts a legacy tree down symbolizing the signing of AB 1780 into law. This bill will ban legacy and donor preferences in California college applications starting in 2025.

Gov. Gavin Newsom chops college legacy admissions with new bill 

Kiana Chen and Isabelle Ling • October 16, 2024

California officially banned legacy and donor preferences in private college admissions with the new Assembly Bill (AB) 1780. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Sept. 30, making it effective...

Caltrain's new electric train stops at the Belmont Station and picks up passengers. Since its first study looking into a possibility of electric trains in 1992, Caltrain's newest fleet allow for trains that are faster, more frequent, and better for the environment. Along with their new fares, these trains are connecting commuters from San Francisco to Gilroy.

Next stop: electrifying the future of Caltrain

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • September 25, 2024

Public transportation in the Bay Area reached an exciting milestone with Caltrain’s new fleet of 23 electric trains, promising bigger, faster, and more frequent trains while reducing its carbon footprint. A...

Actor Chris Charonis entertains the audience in a Greek mythology play produced by youth members of the Holy Cross Church titled "Echoes of Gold." This play follows the journey of greedy King Midas, who wishes for everything he touches to turn to gold, accidentally turning his daughter into gold, emphasizing the importance of family and friends over earthly possessions. "I love performing for my church in the festival and entertaining the people going," said Jared So'oto, the actor for King Midas.

Belmont Greek Festival shares a taste of Greece

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • September 3, 2024

The 52nd annual Belmont Greek Festival celebrated Greek culture with traditional dances, songs, food, and more.  The event was held on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend at the Greek Orthodox...

Middle ground: Reconciling free speech and university response to pro-Palestinian protests

Middle ground: Reconciling free speech and university response to pro-Palestinian protests

Elaine Jiang, Isabelle Ling, Kiana Chen, Isabella Zarzar, and Franklin Kuo • May 31, 2024

Junior Monika Mukerji and other members of the Indian Club stage choreography for a popular Bollywood song named "What Jhumka?" The performers wore colorful and intricate traditional Indian dresses that added to the expressional mood. The use of emotion, movement, and hand gestures made this performance energetic and happy.

Embracing diversity: Heritage Fair 2024

Isabella Rice, Elaine Jiang, Rachel Alcazar, Kiana Chen, and Jackson Sneeringer • March 19, 2024

Senator Josh Becker speaks at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center. His donation at the beginning of February provides a permanent home for the museum, allowing it to be open year-round.

Sen. Josh Becker funds local Black History museum

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • February 29, 2024

California State Sen. Josh Becker of District 13 spoke at a press conference at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center. Becker's messages during the conference took place after his...

The Hayden apartment complex, proposed in 2020, is nearing the end of construction, providing 177 new apartments on Old County Road where the former Belmont Iceland was located.

High-density housing raises concerns in Belmont neighborhoods

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • February 1, 2024

Multiple new housing development proposals on properties east of El Camino Real have been completed or are under review by the City of Belmont, causing numerous concerns, particularly from residents of...

'Offsetting the green': companies avoid path to sustainability

‘Offsetting the green’: companies avoid path to sustainability

Kiana Chen and Reina Subramanian • January 10, 2024

It’s a Sunday at 2 p.m.-- Jenny clicks the buy button on her computer to get the new skirt from Amazon that she’s had her eye on. After Jenny clicks buy, the fulfillment center employees get to work. They...

Christmas trees of all sizes are lined up to be sold for the holidays at ABC Tree Farms in San Carlos.

Christmas shoppers tackle the tree question

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • December 5, 2023

As the first week of December unfolds, families celebrating Christmas put up their lights and decorate their real or fake trees. For Christmas tree shoppers, a big question remains whether buying a...

As part of Samaritan House’s holiday toy distribution, toys are kept unwrapped and unopened so that children may choose their own toys. (Courtesy of Samaritan House)

Food and toy drives enable holiday festivities for all

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • November 7, 2023

The ending of Halloween marks the start of the next holiday craze. And while most families welcome the season with big gatherings full of food and toys, others find themselves having a more challenging...

Travis Gienger stands proudly alongside his world record pumpkin at the 50th annual Safeway World Championship Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay championship weigh-off crowns new world record pumpkin champion

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • October 12, 2023

Travis Gienger set a new world record with his 2,749-pound pumpkin called “Michael Jordan.” Gienger took home the crown at Half Moon Bay’s 50th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off...

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