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, Highlander Managing Editor

Kiana is a senior (class of 2026) in her third year of journalism and is a Managing Editor for the Highlander. She enjoys taking pictures and connecting with others in her community. Other than researching for her next news beat, Kiana can be found running circles for Carlmont’s track and field team. Outside of school, she also relishes binge-watching TV shows and consuming odd amounts of Menchies froyo. Check out her portfolio here. She also loves Naomi Hsu.

All content by Kiana Chen
Corazon Caldejon, a paid caregiver, helps a patient with his morning medicine and breakfast. As a caregiver, Caldejon assists with medications, schedules, and accompanies patients to appointments, and helps with daily tasks such as bathing and laundry. “I’ve devoted my heart to caregiving,” Caldejon said.

The weight of caregiving

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • November 13, 2025

Caretaking is a passion, not just a job, taking many forms from professional support to everyday care provided by dedicated family members. Every day, millions of Americans provide long-term care...

Co-owners Courtney Tomioka and Michele DeSmet cut the opening ribbon alongside Belmont Mayor Julia Mates to celebrate the grand opening of The Local Spot. The new space is a permanent home for their bakery, Made Out Of Dough, and offers room for local vendors to sell crafts, food, and more.

Belmont’s new spot shines light on local vendors

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • September 6, 2025

The grand opening of The Local Spot in Belmont has brought over 20 small businesses to one place, allowing customers to shop for all kinds of crafts and goods while supporting local works.  Created...

A young visitor blows a large bubble using a string wand provided by the Hiller Aviation Museum. Families were able to spend time together and meet new friends while enjoying the simplicity of the bubbles. The Bubble Bonanza also allowed for the youth to learn about the scientific properties of bubbles, such as surface tension.

Bubble Bonanza brings a pop of joy

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • March 28, 2025

Mixing bubbly fun and hands-on learning, Hiller Aviation Museum’s Bubble Bonanza in San Carlos brought together families and friends to create bubbles of all sizes this past weekend.  This event...

The Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) campus is located on Ralston Avenue in Belmont. Since 2021, it has been working on selling its campus to Stanford University, but this project has recently been overturned. "NDNU's leadership has expressed its gratitude for the working relationship with Stanford to develop their plans for the Belmont campus, and for their interest in the property," said Lizbeth Martin, the president of NDNU.

Stanford drops Notre Dame de Namur campus purchase

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • March 7, 2025

Stanford University has decided not to proceed with the purchase of the Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) campus in Belmont. According to the Stanford Report, the university had been undergoing...

A customer grabs the last carton of eggs in the store. With a shortage of eggs, some supermarkets, such as Safeway, are limiting the amount of eggs you can buy at one time. “I feel like we’re back in the pandemic, and eggs are toilet paper. And even though we have eggs at home, we still need to buy eggs anytime we see eggs now,” said Kristin Behling, a customer at Mollie Stones. 

Scrambling for eggs

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • January 18, 2025

Egg prices have increased significantly throughout the 2024-25 winter due to the soaring cases of Avian flu, leaving shelves bare and customers seeking affordable prices.  Rising cases of Avian influenza...

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, Highlander Managing Editor • 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...

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, Highlander Managing Editor • 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, Highlander Managing Editor • 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...

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, Highlander Managing Editor • 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...

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, Highlander Managing Editor • 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...

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