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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

Sophia Schreiber

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer

Sophia Schreiber is a senior at Carlmont High School. This is her third year in the journalism program. She plays for her school’s volleyball team and loves going out and exploring.

 

All content by Sophia Schreiber
A blend of purple and blue haze washes over the night sky of San Francisco, courtesy of the city lights below. Although the urban skyline creates a captivating view, the night sky’s true beauty lies in its natural state: deep, starry blackness. Large cities like this struggle to grapple with the consequences of light pollution, impacting both human and animal inhabitants.

[Photo] Our disappearing night

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer December 14, 2023

A blend of purple and blue haze washes over the night sky of San Francisco, courtesy of the city lights below. Although the urban skyline creates a captivating view, the night sky’s true beauty lies...

Two students laugh at Cate, who tries to eat the information card about herself. Each dog had printed cards made by their handler which explained their breed, biography, and certifications. Cate loves to play fetch, run, hike, and swim.

In Photos: Therapy dogs ease finals stress

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer December 18, 2023

Each year, Carlmont’s Associated Student Body brings in therapy dogs for students to pet and play with during review week (the week preceding finals week). This initiative is greatly appreciated...

Smiles are seen and excitement is heard as people wait in anticipation to see the dogs. “Over 100 people came out today at lunch to participate,” ASB president Rohan Haldanker said as he helped overlook the event. “We are in a stressful couple of weeks and I think this is a great way to allow the student body to relax.”

Smiles are seen and excitement is heard as people wait in anticipation to see the dogs. “Over 100 people came out today at lunch to participate,” ASB president Rohan Haldanker said as he helped overlook...

Seniors Sarah Shalita and Deianarah Machicado pet golden retriever Cooper, who is 4 years old. “The dogs were so adorable and I had a lot of fun petting them. I feel de-stressed,” Shalita said.

Seniors Sarah Shalita and Deianarah Machicado pet golden retriever Cooper, who is 4 years old. “The dogs were so adorable and I had a lot of fun petting them. I feel de-stressed,” Shalita said.

Two students pet Zoe, a 4-year-old golden retriever. Zoe’s known to be a great therapy dog. She even posed for the camera.

Two students pet Zoe, a 4-year-old golden retriever. Zoe’s known to be a great therapy dog. She even posed for the camera.

Jazzlin Yee smiles at Sadie, a black lab. Despite being local resident’s personal dogs, they have to get certified and pass many tests before they can become a therapy dog. “The dogs were very cute and it was a great way to de-stress before finals,” Yee said.

Jazzlin Yee smiles at Sadie, a black lab. Despite being local resident’s personal dogs, they have to get certified and pass many tests before they can become a therapy dog. “The dogs were very cute...

Sophomore Ashlynn Son and her friend pet Cooper, a certified therapy dog. “I think dogs just give a lot of serotonin. Especially during review week, everything can be very stressful so it’s a really cool activity,” Son said.

Sophomore Ashlynn Son and her friend pet Cooper, a certified therapy dog. “I think dogs just give a lot of serotonin. Especially during review week, everything can be very stressful so it’s a really...

ASB representative Elisa Lou-Wimmer sits with Cate, a black labrador golden retriever mix. “It’s so calming to be around these dogs. They are really well-behaved and so cute,” Lou-Wimmer said.

ASB representative Elisa Lou-Wimmer sits with Cate, a black labrador golden retriever mix. “It’s so calming to be around these dogs. They are really well-behaved and so cute,” Lou-Wimmer said.

Two students sit with Meru, a black labrador. Meru started life as a puppy in the Guide Dogs for the Blind training program. He is now certified in “Pet Assisted Therapy” and is a “Canine Good Citizen.”

Two students sit with Meru, a black labrador. Meru started life as a puppy in the Guide Dogs for the Blind training program. He is now certified in “Pet Assisted Therapy” and is a “Canine Good Citizen.”...

Freshman Clara Lewis and Kailee Doeey pet labrador Vegas. Vegas loves working with both children and adults, and his hobbies include long walks, sleeping, and family road trips. “He looks just like my dog!” Lewis said.

Freshman Clara Lewis and Kailee Doeey pet labrador Vegas. Vegas loves working with both children and adults, and his hobbies include long walks, sleeping, and family road trips. “He looks just like my...

Two students pet Vegas, a black labrador who rolls on his back in order to get a belly rub. Dogs, like humans, release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection.

Two students pet Vegas, a black labrador who rolls on his back in order to get a belly rub. Dogs, like humans, release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help...

In the second quarter, Sydney Tao shoots and scores a free throw, making the score 24-14. Tao is a senior point guard for the team. The Scots maintained their lead in the second quarter with the help of a large number of free throws.

In the second quarter, Sydney Tao shoots and scores a free throw, making the score 24-14. Tao is a senior point guard for the team. The Scots maintained their lead in the second quarter with the help of...

Willow Ishibashi-To makes a strategic move on the court to avoid the opposing team in the third quarter. Ishibashi-To is a junior point guard. Point guards try to steal the ball and are usually one of the team's best dribblers and passers.

Willow Ishibashi-To makes a strategic move on the court to avoid the opposing team in the third quarter. Ishibashi-To is a junior point guard. Point guards try to steal the ball and are usually one of...

The Scots huddle during a timeout in the fourth quarter. Tensions were rising for the Scots as the Notre Dame Tigers began to catch up in score. Despite this, the Scots remained in good spirits as they returned to the court.

The Scots huddle during a timeout in the fourth quarter. Tensions were rising for the Scots as the Notre Dame Tigers began to catch up in score. Despite this, the Scots remained in good spirits as they...

The players watch as the ball sails into the hoop in the third quarter, a score by senior Inaaya Omer. Omer is a power center, meaning that she plays near the basket while rebounding and defending taller players. The Scots were ahead 37-29 in the third quarter.

The players watch as the ball sails into the hoop in the third quarter, a score by senior Inaaya Omer. Omer is a power center, meaning that she plays near the basket while rebounding and defending taller...

Mischa Duggal hands a ball to Charlotte Lin, who laughs with Willow Ishibashi-To. Both teams get time right before halftime ends to warm up again. The Scots were leading by 32-18 before the third quarter started.

Mischa Duggal hands a ball to Charlotte Lin, who laughs with Willow Ishibashi-To. Both teams get time right before halftime ends to warm up again. The Scots were leading by 32-18 before the third quarter...

In the last minutes of the game, the Scots yell words of encouragement towards the players on the court. Losing by 42-40 at this point, it was hard for the team to not be stressed. Despite their loss, the entire team worked together to play a hard-fought game.

In the last minutes of the game, the Scots yell words of encouragement towards the players on the court. Losing by 42-40 at this point, it was hard for the team to not be stressed. Despite their loss,...

Senior running back Braeden Kumer takes off his helmet and mouth guard after scoring the second touchdown for the Scots in the first quarter. The Scots take the lead with a score of 15-14.

In Photos: Scots emerge victorious in Pink Out game

Inaaya Omer and Sophia Schreiber October 29, 2023

The Carlmont Scots bounced back after a tough loss on the road last Friday, winning by a score of 43-33 against the Fremont Firebirds on Oct. 27. The theme of the night was “Pink Out,” supporting...

Haldankar leads the cheers for the student section. "I'm so hyped up that the team got a win. We were able to get loud and show a ton of spirit for pink out," Haldankar said.

Haldankar leads the cheers for the student section. "I'm so hyped up that the team got a win. We were able to get loud and show a ton of spirit for pink out," Haldankar said.

Juniors Katie Peacock and Zirelli lead the Screamin' Scot cheers as the game nears the end. "It was so much fun. I love getting to be a Screamin Scot leader and being in the student section with my friends," Peacock said.

Juniors Katie Peacock and Zirelli lead the Screamin' Scot cheers as the game nears the end. "It was so much fun. I love getting to be a Screamin Scot leader and being in the student section with my friends,"...

Offensive lineman Erik Chaparro-Hernandez roars in support of his team in the third quarter. The Scots were ahead 30-14 in the beginning of the quarter. They maintained a lead all the way to the end of the game.

Offensive lineman Erik Chaparro-Hernandez roars in support of his team in the third quarter. The Scots were ahead 30-14 in the beginning of the quarter. They maintained a lead all the way to the end of...

Junior Victoria Jung cheers happily for the Scots after the football team scored another touchdown. "I am so proud of our performance with the mini cheerleaders. I can't wait to see the future generation of Carlmont Cheer," Jung said.

Junior Victoria Jung cheers happily for the Scots after the football team scored another touchdown. "I am so proud of our performance with the mini cheerleaders. I can't wait to see the future generation...

Juniors Mahika Reddy, Audrey Wong, Luana Tellez, and Masha Rozenburg take a selfie, decked out in pink attire. "I always love football games at Carlmont. It was fun to be right at the rail with a bunch of friends," Wong said.

Juniors Mahika Reddy, Audrey Wong, Luana Tellez, and Masha Rozenburg take a selfie, decked out in pink attire. "I always love football games at Carlmont. It was fun to be right at the rail with a bunch...

The cheer team brings a surprise guest out for their halftime performance: "Mini Monty's," a group of young cheerleaders from the community. Third grader Cecile Rotner shared her enthusiasm. "I like flying and doing the cheers a lot."

The cheer team brings a surprise guest out for their halftime performance: "Mini Monty's," a group of young cheerleaders from the community. Third grader Cecile Rotner shared her enthusiasm. "I like flying...

Senior Lilian Fox high-fives her friend right after the throwing of colored powder. This tradition of throwing colored baby powder has happened at every Carlmont football game as a way to show spirit. "I loved the theme of the game. I thought it was really sweet," Fox said.

Senior Lilian Fox high-fives her friend right after the throwing of colored powder. This tradition of throwing colored baby powder has happened at every Carlmont football game as a way to show spirit....

Senior and ASB executive Nicholas Tolod yells in excitement towards the crowd. Tolod spends his time at football games on the track, leading cheers and hyping up the student section. “Friday Night Lights bring the best spirit and I love being a part of it,” Tolod said.

Senior and ASB executive Nicholas Tolod yells in excitement towards the crowd. Tolod spends his time at football games on the track, leading cheers and hyping up the student section. “Friday Night Lights...

Senior Paige Mayo and her friends chant in support of the Scots. “The football games are so fun to be at. We always cheer our hearts out and try to be as spirited as possible,” Mayo said.

Senior Paige Mayo and her friends chant in support of the Scots. “The football games are so fun to be at. We always cheer our hearts out and try to be as spirited as possible,” Mayo said.

The Carlmont dance team performs their routine at halftime. Junior Alissa Zirelli and sophomore Ashlynn Son lead in front. The audience cheered loudly for their compelling performance.

The Carlmont dance team performs their routine at halftime. Junior Alissa Zirelli and sophomore Ashlynn Son lead in front. The audience cheered loudly for their compelling performance.

The Carlmont cheer team dazzles the crowd during halftime with their high-flying routine. Senior flyer Sarah Shalita remarked on their performance. “Our routine went very smoothly and it was one of the best games I think we’ve performed at," Shalita said.

The Carlmont cheer team dazzles the crowd during halftime with their high-flying routine. Senior flyer Sarah Shalita remarked on their performance. “Our routine went very smoothly and it was one of the...

Senior running back Braeden Kumer rests on the sidelines after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter. Kumer rushed for 331 yards and got four touchdowns, making it a victorious night for him. “I love my offensive line,” Kumer said.

Senior running back Braeden Kumer rests on the sidelines after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter. Kumer rushed for 331 yards and got four touchdowns, making it a victorious night for him. “I love...

Seniors joyously scream and cheer at the top of their lungs, celebrating the senior class homecoming float. They ran along the track after breaking out of the float. Their theme was “Senior’s Last Rodeo,” which was a creative title to commemorate their last homecoming game.

Seniors joyously scream and cheer at the top of their lungs, celebrating the senior class homecoming float. They ran along the track after breaking out of the float. Their theme was “Senior’s Last...

Junior Kimberly Garcia Cancio holds up a handmade sign during the homecoming float parade. The junior class theme was “Junior Jail,” following the western theme of the Homecoming dance. The signs were creatively decorated with their year of graduation, 2025.

Junior Kimberly Garcia Cancio holds up a handmade sign during the homecoming float parade. The junior class theme was “Junior Jail,” following the western theme of the Homecoming dance. The signs were...

The Scots set up for the PAT after scoring a hard-earned touchdown. In the first quarter, they got three touchdowns and 400 yards. This play led them to earn another touchdown.

The Scots set up for the PAT after scoring a hard-earned touchdown. In the first quarter, they got three touchdowns and 400 yards. This play led them to earn another touchdown.

The student section watches in anticipation and excitement as the game unfolds, with students decked out in blue and Scots gear for the "Bleed Blue" theme. Their vibrant display of school pride made for an unforgettable experience.

The student section watches in anticipation and excitement as the game unfolds, with students decked out in blue and Scots gear for the "Bleed Blue" theme. Their vibrant display of school pride made for...

Sophomore slot receiver Bella Wilson runs with the ball in hand, trying to avoid the opposing team. Despite her efforts, her flag was quickly ripped off. Overall, Wilson was able to rush 25 yards and obtain one tackle.

In Photos: Varsity flag football crushes Aragon in first official match

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer September 14, 2023

Carlmont's varsity flag football team triumphed in a 27-0 victory against the Aragon Dons on Thursday evening. Being their first official game, the team faced initial anxiety among several members....

Sunscreen may protect you from the sun, but who's going to protect marine animals from the sunscreen? Many ingredients in sunscreen are harmful to our environment, but scientists and consumers can both help to address this issue.

Opinion: Sunscreen needs a shift

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer May 15, 2023

With summer just around the corner, the image of sunny beaches and blue water is in many people's heads. Coming along with them are the necessities: sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. But one of those items...

Countless ingredients that are found in common American foods are banned in other countries because of health concerns.

Opinion: American food standards are not up to par

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer April 17, 2023

You start your day with a cup of coffee flavored with your favorite Coffee mate creamer. You pour a bowl of your favorite cereal: Frosted Flakes, your go-to pick from your local Safeway. As the clock reads...

Pornography is not just "harmless entertainment." It can have serious effects on our society.

Opinion: Pornography perpetuates a culture of violence

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer March 23, 2023

Pornography: a taboo topic that prompts disapproving looks and makes for an awkward conversation. However, it’s a more common activity than people may think, with a reported 58% of Americans and the...

A 2016 review estimates by 2050, as many as ten million people could die each year because of antimicrobial resistance.

Opinion: Antibiotic resistance is a major crisis

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer March 5, 2023

Imagine a world where a simple infection such as strep throat, which affects more than 600 million people annually, is deadly. This was the case until the late 1920s when the invention of penicillin sparked...

True crime is one of the fastest-growing forms of media. However, the consumption of it may have serious risks.

Opinion: The accessibility of true crime does more harm than good

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer February 1, 2023

Murder, torture, and crime: three words you might never expect to describe the most popular genre of documentaries and the fourth most popular genre of podcasts. Over half of Americans enjoy true-crime...

Scholarships can be very beneficial in helping students afford and achieve their goals of obtaining a higher education. For University of California admissions, grants and scholarships are awarded through a variety of programs, including the federal Pell Grant program, the Cal Grant program, the Middle Class Scholarship program and the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.

9 free scholarships students can apply to

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer January 9, 2023

Scholarships provide financial support for students to help pay for a college degree. They can be spent toward tuition, books, housing, food, and other resources, depending on the scholarship. In many...

Solve this back-to-school puzzle!

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer January 5, 2023

   

Redwood trees stand miles tall at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just under an hour away from central Belmont. Going outside in nature is a great way to spend some free time during the break.

A guide to staying happy and healthy during winter break

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer December 28, 2022

1. Stick to a routine With the absence of school forcing one to get up at a certain time, it can be easy to fall into unproductive patterns. By setting and sticking to a routine such as getting up at...

(From left to right) Sonia Freedman, a junior at Menlo Atherton High School, Elisa Lou-Wimmer, a junior at Carlmont High School, Marcus Quinn, a sophomore at Nueva High School, and Aimee Barriga-Rojas, a junior at Carlmont High School, wear trending outfits that showcase features of '90s fashion.

How ’90s fashion is returning

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer December 19, 2022

Carlmont's winter break begins Dec. 23, two days before Christmas. Students will be returning to school Jan. 10th.

[Photo] What are you most excited for during winter break?

December 17, 2022

Carlmont's winter break begins Dec. 23, two days before Christmas. Students will be returning to school Jan. 10th.

The ruins of a section of Mare Island Naval Shipyard lay covered in bright graffiti and broken furniture. Mare Island was the first United States Navy base established on the Pacific Ocean, opening in 1862. Despite being completely closed down by 1996, it remains a popular spot for urban exploration.

Do not enter: Urban exploration promises adventure, poses risk

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer December 8, 2022

A "no trespassing" sign will stop most people in their tracks. For others, a sign telling them to keep out has the opposite effect. The thrill of being where they are not supposed to be is drawing teens...

Freshman Alyssa Ison jumps high into the air to hit a backrow spike to the other team. Carlmont Varsity Girls Volleyball beat Sequoia in a close match.

Quiz: Which sport are you?

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer November 25, 2022

No matter what time of year it is, sports are a great way to stay healthy, make new friends, have new experiences, and stay entertained. Through participation in sports, you are likely to mature physically,...

A student at Carlmont blows his nose as he recovers from a cold.

[Photo] 5 different cultures’ home remedies for sickness

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer October 26, 2022

A student at Carlmont blows his nose as he recovers from a cold.

Posters around Carlmont showcase the sweet details of Homecoming.

Poll: Are you going to homecoming?

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer October 3, 2022

Inspired by Day of the Dead, celebrated in November, these colorful skull planters are available for purchase.

Inspired by Day of the Dead, celebrated in November, these colorful skull planters are available for purchase.

Pumpkin waffles are another seasonal favorite of Trader Joe's shoppers.

Pumpkin waffles are another seasonal favorite of Trader Joe's shoppers.

Different soups stock the shelves as "Soup Season" rolls around.

Different soups stock the shelves as "Soup Season" rolls around.

Different varieties of pumpkin-flavored cookies line the shelves.

Different varieties of pumpkin-flavored cookies line the shelves.

A variety of mini pumpkins and gourds are available this fall for less than $1.

A variety of mini pumpkins and gourds are available this fall for less than $1.

Trader Joe's is flooded with seasonal fall foods. One popular item is their Organic Canned Pumpkin, commonly used to make pumpkin pie.

Trader Joe's is flooded with seasonal fall foods. One popular item is their Organic Canned Pumpkin, commonly used to make pumpkin pie.

The sun beats down on a Belmont street. California hit record high temperatures this week as the heat wave drags on.

[Photo] 7 ways to beat the heat

Sophia Schreiber, Staff Writer September 8, 2022

Students from Carlmont High School beat the heat by heading to Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay after school. This September week was recorded as the hottest week in California this year, making the coast...

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