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
Valerie Pilipenko

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer

Valerie (class of 2026) is a junior and this is her second year in Carlmont’s journalism program. She is currently covering social media, as practice for her interest in graphic design. Outside of class, she enjoys going to the gym, watching new movies, and skiing.

All content by Valerie Pilipenko
The futures of millions of Americans rest in the hands of individuals whose clocks are ticking. Cognitive decline and unconventional decisions are prevalent in today's politics as government officials continue to hold power despite their old ages.

Opinion: Retirement should be enforced for government officials

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • March 27, 2025

Mandatory retirement ages for professionals such as pilots, judges, and judicial officers have been in effect for decades, primarily to ensure that these individuals can effectively perform their duties...

Despite being advertised as conservation efforts, some zoos are considered unethical as they prevent animals from living fulfilling lives, often harming their physical and psychological health.

Opinion: Keeping animals in zoos is unethical

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025

Behind the glass, onlookers watch in awe as animals from around the world are displayed as living exhibits, oblivious to the harsh realities of their confinement. Many zoos today advertise their facilities...

Adopting a vegan lifestyle isn't always as eco-friendly as it seems. Many plant-based substitutes, like soy-based products and almonds, require extensive land and water resources, often contributing to deforestation and resource depletion.

Opinion: Veganism doesn’t always support sustainability

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • February 16, 2025

"Go vegan, stop the climate crisis. Switch to a plant-based diet; improve your health." About 1% of the U.S. population call themselves vegan, giving up meat and dairy products.  Most people believe...

A military cadet shows up at the bar and attempts to buy a drink despite being underage. Instead of alcohol, he's handed a gun -- an item he is old enough to carry and bear the responsibility of.

Opinion: If you’re old enough to fight, you’re old enough to drink

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • January 18, 2025

The transition from adolescence to adulthood brings forth a plethora of new rights and responsibilities. According to the California Lawyers Foundation, when one reaches the age of 18, they acquire the...

Social activist Ron Blake struggles with suicidal thoughts after experiencing sexual trauma and feelings of abandonment by society that offered him no closure. “For some reason, I looked at the TV and it was this late-night comedy show called The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and something made me laugh. That was the moment I said, ‘I'm going to get on this show,’” Blake said.

Toxic masculinity: Poisoning the minds of generations

Isabelle Ling and Valerie Pilipenko • December 17, 2024

A dimmed bedroom filled with the soft hum of fluorescent lights and the faint laughter from the television screen showing "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was social activist Ron Blake's turning point...

Coach Zach explains a drill he wants his swimmers to complete before swimming their last set of the day.

Coach Profile: Zach Wolfe’s innovative approach to swimming

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • May 21, 2024

For many athletes, the demanding nature of sports often leads to burnouts, often caused by the immense pressure imposed on them by their coaches. However, Highlands Dolphins swim coach Zach Wolfe effectively...

Ballroom dancing is a sport meant for two people. Allison does her warmup routine without a partner, simulating being led by another dancer.

Athlete Profile: Allison Young balances discipline and art

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • May 20, 2024

Pair sports like ballroom dancing and ice skating are often treated as an art, even though they demand a similar level of rigorous discipline and mental resilience as other sports. Allison Young,...

Lauren Elliott leads a cheer to keep team spirits high at a meet against Mills High School.

Athlete Profile: Lauren Elliott makes a big splash

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • April 22, 2024

Every athlete reaches a point in their career where they overcome a challenge in order to become the best version of themselves. Senior team captain Lauren Elliott is no stranger to overcoming such obstacles.  Elliott...

Conrad Hsu executes a serve following a changeover.

Athlete Profile: Conrad Hsu serves up competition

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • March 13, 2024

Despite the many sports offered in high schools across the United States, few require the combination of skill, athleticism, and discipline like tennis. Conrad Hsu, a senior at Carlmont, started playing...

Nathan Gonzales and Mikhail Tikhonov team up on an opposing player.

Scots outplay Cindy Avitia Jaguars

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • January 25, 2024

The Carlmont freshman boys soccer team secured yet another victory on Jan. 23, this time against Cindy Avitia High School. With a score of 3-1, Carlmont showcased their skill and teamwork on the field,...

JV soccer players Anika Bock and Zara Dijcks do some drills together before their practice starts.

Empowering wellness: the impact of sports

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • December 7, 2023

From boosting mental and physical resilience to fostering social skills, sports are often overlooked in their benefits regarding one's well-being. Being actively involved in a sport holds significant...

Jasyn Chidester demonstrates how to perform stretches to heal an athletes lower back injury.

Staff Profile: Ex-EMT Jasyn Chidester succeeds in sports medicine

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • November 14, 2023

The typical Carlmont student won't take much notice of the man standing on the sidelines of football games, but Jasyn Chidester is what keeps the athletic department running. Literally. Chidester had...

Ameena Mohammed gets ready to play defense as the first quarter of the game begins.

Athlete Profile: Ameena Mohammed’s debut in her first flag football season

Valerie Pilipenko, Staff Writer • October 17, 2023

During her first season playing flag football at Carlmont, sophomore Ameena Mohammed never expected to be featured alongside her team in the San Mateo Daily Journal. Mohammed previously played the sport...

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