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
Shiori Chen

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer

Shiori Chen (Class of 2026) is a junior and an editor for the Highlander Magazine. Outside of writing news beats, she enjoys playing the saxophone and running her youth art magazine club at Carlmont, Art Showcase Club. You can always find her either eating good food or watching Studio Ghibli films.

 

All content by Shiori Chen
Federal funding cuts under the Trump administration have left researchers uncertain about their futures and the value placed on science. Government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are hit with layoffs, grant cuts, and cancellations due to budget threats. "The way that it's going to impact science in America is that there isn't going to be any science in America," said Colette Delawalla, founder and president of Stand Up for Science, a nonprofit organization.

Delaying progress: federal research funding on the chopping block

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • May 5, 2025

Shiorichen · Delaying progress: federal research funding on the chopping block With the dismantling of scientific institutions nationwide due to broad reforms to federal science policy under the Trump...

Keyu Peng performs a traditional fan dance as part of the Chinese Culture Club. Through acrobatic movements and coordinated gestures, Peng was able to leave the audience in awe. This was her second year performing at the Heritage Fair.

Roots and rhythm: Heritage Fair 2025

Shiori Chen, Naomi Hsu, Gregoire Scherrer, Nathan Turnbeaugh, and Kathryn Winters • April 6, 2025

The annual game of "Senior Assassin" has started again on Carlmont's campus. While many students see it as an exciting tradition to mark the end of their final year, some administrators and school officials have expressed concerns about potential safety risks to students and their communities. "The incidences of extreme violence in public and private high school settings change the conversation about what's now considered appropriate. I would argue that this is no longer appropriate because of the reality of the world that we're living in," said Principal Gay Buckland-Murray.

Water guns and restrictions: ‘Senior Assassin’ sparks debate off school grounds

Shiori Chen, Kiana Chen, and Isabelle Ling • March 31, 2025

Water guns in hand, seniors across the nation — including those at Carlmont High School — are joining “Senior Assassin,” a multi-week game that marks the countdown to summer. The thrilling,...

Health professionals urge stronger federal messaging following a recent measles outbreak, as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s complex stance on vaccines and public health policy guides the national conversation. Kennedy has previously suggested that COVID-19 could be an ethnically-targeted bioweapon and that Lyme disease may be a militarily-engineered bioweapon. "I think it's unfortunate that vaccines are viewed negatively. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many of my colleagues, vaccines are a modern miracle — a marvel of medicine," said Bryan Chiem, a pharmacist with a master’s in public health.

Measles outbreak intensifies vaccine debate as trust in health care wavers

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • March 15, 2025

The recent passing of an unvaccinated child amid a measles outbreak last week has brought the United State's increasingly divisive stance on vaccinations to the forefront. Western Texas and New Mexico...

President Donald Trump has signed a series of climate-related executive decisions, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, efforts to roll back environmental protections, and a renewed focus on expanding fossil fuel development. "We're going to need fossil fuels. As a matter of fact, you cannot get rid of all fossil fuels—it's impossible. Certain modes of transportation cannot run on solar or electric power," said James Bohac, the engineering and green technology teacher at Carlmont High School.

Youth weigh in on concerns over Trump’s climate executive decisions

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • February 17, 2025

Since his return to office, President Donald Trump has signed over 50 executive orders, including a series of climate-related decisions aimed at revoking policies enacted by former President Joe Biden. Amidst...

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement after months of negotiations, initiating a three-stage plan that includes the release of hostages, Israeli troops withdrawing from populated areas, and daily aid deliveries to Gaza. "As a community, we want a ceasefire and an end to the war. We believe you make peace and treaties with your enemies; it's clear that they are our enemies, but we still need to find a solution that allows people to live" said Dafna Akiva, a current Jewish resident of Tel Aviv, Israel.

Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas brings fragile peace

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • January 26, 2025

A ceasefire deal and hostage release agreement have been struck between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist militant organization Hamas, setting in motion a tentative three-phase plan. The Israeli government...

A teenager scrolls endlessly on a social media app on her phone, trapped in a cycle of digital pressure. "In my opinion, social media impacts teens mental health more than other screen time. I have seen teens gain more anxiety from the constant need to check their social media and see what type of interactions they are getting," said Jennel Pena, a practicing mental health therapist.

Behind the screen

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • December 3, 2024

Bottle after bottle. The hiss of a beer can opening. The clink of empty glasses. After a messy breakup, Jason Lee* found himself in a downward spiral. His drinking problems worsened, leading him into...

The treatment of turkeys on commercial farms often involves inhumane practices, such as extreme overcrowding and painful procedures like beak trimming, causing significant physical and emotional suffering. "They are often caged to the point where they don't even have space to spread their wings," said Kent Stein, a policy specialist in the Humane Society's Farm Animal Protection Department.

Hatchery to hell: turkey suffering in commercial farming

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • November 26, 2024

On a factory farm, a turkey spends its entire life confined to a space averaging just 2.5 cubic feet — about the size of a mini fridge. Every year, 245 million turkeys are slaughtered nationwide,...

The San Francisco Zoo is facing heightened scrutiny after a report raised concerns about the conditions of animal enclosures amid their plans to introduce pandas from China next year. "It's a great financial expense; we're looking at millions and millions of dollars,” said Michael Angelo Torres, chairman of the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare.

Panda-monium: concerns surface over San Francisco Zoo conditions

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • October 29, 2024

The San Francisco Zoo faces renewed scrutiny after a recommendation report raised concerns about animal welfare as the city prepares to bring in pandas from China next year — a financial venture that...

Many individuals of Native American ancestry remain distrustful of the state and skeptical about the actual impact of Gov. Newsom's legislation requiring California public schools to teach the historical maltreatment of Native Americans. "I wouldn’t expect anything to happen in the next four to six years, and I'd be lucky if it does within that time frame," said Lloyd Mathiesen, the tribal chairman for the Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California. "They often pass measures they have no intention of implementing, just to silence people.”

Questioning progress: Native American skepticism surrounding California’s new educational mandate

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • October 8, 2024

Winston Churchill famously remarked that history is written by the victors, a truth that reflects the complexities of America’s historical narratives. The past of the United States is marked by the...

The San Bernardino County Line Fire, caused by arson and worsened by extreme heat, has devastated Southern California, consuming over 38,000 acres and prompting widespread evacuations. "With rising temperatures worldwide, we are experiencing massive heat waves. As these heat waves get more severe every summer, they contribute to the risk of wildfires," said Clara Keough, a freshman currently studying Society and Environment at University of California, Berkeley.

Southern California Line Fire sparks burning concerns over climate change

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • September 16, 2024

Flames from the San Bernardino County Line Fire have erupted across Southern California, swallowing over 38,421 acres of land in just ten days. Residents in affected areas have been forced to evacuate...

As students return to school, they encounter new or updated cell phone policies that often restrict their use completely in classrooms. "So far, the teachers, staff, and parents have been very supportive of our intentional enforcement of the policy. It is too early to tell how effective we have been, but from informal conversations with teachers, they indicate there has been increased student engagement in the classroom," said Grant Steunenberg, the administrative vice principal at Carlmont.

San Mateo high schools adopt ongoing nationwide phone restrictions

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • August 26, 2024

Ninety-seven percent of students use their phones during school hours, with a median use time of 43 minutes per day, according to a study by Common Sense Media. Teachers and school administrators have...

Bruce Bennett, Valentino Bennett, and Lorenzo Bianchi play music in Carlmont's band room. The three are among the handful of Nesbit Middle School students that went on to join Carlmont's music program.

Breaking the silence on BRSSD music education disparities

Shiori Chen, Kara Kim, Isabella Zarzar, Katherine A. Zhang, and Arianna Zhu • May 30, 2024

Like those in San Francisco, local roads, witness daily traffic, collisions, and speeding. However, San Francisco has seen a multitude of complaints, such as its poorly maintained roads, prompting calls for redesigning. "Traffic patterns in this area are less chaotic, and streets are easier to navigate. I can learn at my own pace, with less cars and less chaos to worry about. Even larger roads rarely have high levels of traffic," said Brant Chung, a sophomore at Carlmont High School who recently passed his permit test.

Traffic ticket trends show shifts within city law enforcement

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • April 26, 2024

Total traffic citations were issued over 9000 times in December 2014. However, nine years later, in 2023, the number plunged to just 336. An analysis conducted by the San Francisco Municipal Transit...

The 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom is set to occur in April in San Francisco, attracting over 220,000 attendees to celebrate Japanese traditions and the blossoming of the iconic pink flowers.

Japanese Americans embrace heritage through Cherry Blossom Festival

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • March 29, 2024

Sky-blue flyers adorn Japantown in San Francisco as stores promote the upcoming 57th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. In a couple of weeks, the city streets will soon be dotted with sakura...

Macy's Union Square, an iconic location, is now part of the current trend of store closures in San Francisco. "As a result of the pandemic, many AAPI folks also hesitate to spend time and money in the city for safety reasons. The increase cost of living and state taxes have probably forced many small businesses to move out of state as well," said Regina Tong, a home-visiting social worker in San Francisco.

Macy’s closes amid a changing San Francisco

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • March 9, 2024

Union Square Macy’s is the latest to the ongoing pattern of retail stores shutting down their downtown San Francisco locations since the pandemic.  The iconic store, spanning nearly an entire block...

Hatred and misinformation, concerning the Israel-Hamas war, flood Instagram comment sections.

[Photo] The web of misinformation

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024

Hatred and misinformation, concerning the Israel-Hamas war, flood Instagram comment sections.

Implementing new solar energy policies has contributed to a substantial decrease in demand, causing concern for solar installation companies. "People are seeking cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels and energy independence, especially with our grid quality and stability," said Aleksei Petrovski, the owner of solar installation company Solar Engineering.

The solar shutdown: new PV policies deter customers

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024

California’s revised photovoltaic (PV) solar energy policies are causing decreased demand for solar panel installations and a corresponding increase in layoffs and bankruptcy. NEM 3.0, the new net...

Former Junior Minister Gabriel Attal, now French Prime Minister, addresses the audience at the Discovery Awards ceremony during the Angoulême International Comics Festival on Jan. 24, 2019.

Gabriel Attal personifies LGBTQ+ progress

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • January 21, 2024

At 34 years old, Gabriel Attal was recently named the new French prime minister, achieving a political milestone as he became the youngest and first openly gay individual to serve in this position. Attal...

Studio Ghibli initially promoted “The Boy and The Heron” with just one poster to allow fans a full immersive experience while watching the film. “I’ve not seen a single advertisement. I think that’s Studio Ghibli’s magic because they don’t need advertisements. They just need the fan base,” said Derek Shoji, a sophomore at Carlmont High School.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ U.S. debut takes flight

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • December 8, 2023

Loyal Studio Ghibli fans fill out local theaters as they purchase their advance tickets in anticipation of “The Boy and the Heron.” The film will be released Friday, Dec. 8, in North American theaters. According...

Emily Winston, founder of Boichik Bagels, takes customers on a private factory tour. "Bagels just came out of my obsessive hobby to recreate the one I wanted to eat because it was gone from the world forever," Winston said.

Boichik Bagels founder Emily Winston builds a minority-owned enterprise

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • November 10, 2023

Early in the morning at the Berkeley plant of Boichik Bagels, the wafting scent of freshly baked bread brings in locals who file in line for the shop’s renowned New York-style bagels. This store is just...

Customers bustle in and out of Doc's Bagels, a local bagel shop in Belmont, Calif., on a Sunday afternoon. "We get a lot of customers on Friday morning and on weekends," said Sonia Yoon, the managing director of the shop.

Belmont raises a toast to bagel culture

Shiori Chen, Staff Writer • October 24, 2023

Bustling bagel stores and a new bagel club at Carlmont High School all show the rising popularity of bagels in the Bay Area. This doughnut-shaped bread brings together students and local residents alike. Bagels...

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