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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

Clementine Cunningham

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor

Clementine Cunningham (class of 2024) is a student at Carlmont High School, a staff writer for Scot Scoop, and a managing editor for The Highlander. She is passionate about covering a variety of topics that bring awareness to pressing issues in our ever-changing society. In her free time, you can find her dancing at Heartbeat Dance studio, obsessing over books, or testing out a new recipe.

To view her portfolio, click here.

Twitter: @clecunningham

All content by Clementine Cunningham
A good cozy book is essential for the winter ambiance.

[Photo] Book recommendations for winter

Avery Wong, Staff Writer May 31, 2024

A good cozy book is essential for the winter ambiance.

Cozy up this fall with a good book!

Book recommendations for fall

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor May 31, 2024

When the leaves start to fall, and the weather gets colder, curling up with a good book is the perfect autumn activity.  Grab a warm cup of tea and a cozy blanket, and get ready to dive into some fall...

The development of the tech industry takes a massive toll on miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tech companies must be held accountable for their involvement in the exploitation of these miners.

Opinion: Mineral sourcing has human cost for Congo

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor December 7, 2023

The batteries in electric vehicles, smartphones, and computers come from minerals sourced from a war zone. What many see as the hallmarks of technological development doom others to a life of modern-day...

A growing number of people are turning away from the news, claiming it is overly negative and sensational. This practice is coined "news avoidance" and is becoming increasingly common.

Opinion: News avoidance fuels societal inaction

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor November 13, 2023

"The news is too negative." "I cannot stand politics." The term "selective news avoidance" refers to a growing practice of steering away from the news, and it's an alarming trend. A survey conducted by...

The science of catching Z’s

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor November 2, 2023

A poor memory, weak immune system, risky decision-making, and increased anxiety and depression are all possible symptoms of sleep deprivation. It is estimated that about one in three adults are sleep-deprived...

Many people post their opinions and reactions to current events on social media. However, this can become a significant issue when these posts stem from uneducated views. It is essential that people properly inform themselves before posting.

Opinion: Educate yourself before posting

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor October 21, 2023

It seems there is no place where misinformation spreads faster than on social media. It has been proven many times, through the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, and now the Israel-Palestinian war,...

Mandatory voting would significantly increase voter turnout in the U.S., especially amongs younger citizens and minorities. Countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Peru have successfully implemented mandatory voting, a step that the United States should follow in the footsteps of.

Opinion: Voting should be mandatory

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor September 29, 2023

66% of the U.S. population voted in the 2020 U.S. general elections. With 158.4 million ballots, voter turnout reached record numbers. While this seems like an optimistic increase in turnout, it still...

The "Barbenheimer" map shows whether "Barbie" or "Oppenheimer" is trending more in states of the U.S. Interestingly, "Barbie" had a greater viewership in the Southern states, while "Oppenheimer" had more success on the coasts.

Opinion: ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ draw a map of political values

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor September 6, 2023

The "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" movies were certainly the iconic duo of the summer.  Both blockbusters were met with smashing success, generating a combined $235.5 million in ticket sales on opening...

The Midwife and the Baker bakery sells baked goods across the Bay Area.

On the Job: Baking up a bakery business

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor April 24, 2023

The aromas of bread waft around the bakery. It is 4 a.m., and Mac McConnell has just started his work day. Founder of the Midwife and the Baker bakery, McConnell loves spending every day surrounded by...

The inside of AcureX's labs where pharmaceutical drugs are tested.

On the Job: The path to becoming a biotech CEO

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor April 23, 2023

William Shrader is on the path to curing an incurable disease. Parkinson’s disease, which currently affects more than 10 million people worldwide, is just one of the neurodegenerative conditions that...

To understand careers and their implications with more clarity, this article will dive into the specifications of being a flight attendant.

On the job: Day in the life of a flight attendant

Thirty-six thousand feet in the air, we sat down with Southwest flight attendant Brooke Pierce. Literally. We were in our seats (the seatbelt sign was on) while Pierce knelt in the aisle between us.  We...

The environmental and health repercussions of the train derailment are far worse than the EPA is making them out to be.

Opinion: Contamination and corruption go off the rails in East Palestine

Avery Wong and Clementine Cunningham March 6, 2023

Unlike what they state on their website, East Palestine, Ohio, is not the place you want to be.  In light of the East Palestine train derailment, which caused released hazardous chemicals to be released...

When California saw some of the most rainfall it had seen since El Niño, many communities faced new challenges, including the Belmont Trailer Park.

The chaos after the storm

While many people celebrated New Year’s Eve with relaxing, rainy night-ins, Belmont and San Carlos’ emergency response teams were on call around the clock to manage the impacts of the biggest storm...

Angela Birnschein finds peace and stability within yoga.

[Photo] On the Job: the life of a yoga instructor

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor February 9, 2023

Angela Birnschein finds peace and stability within yoga.

The storm on New Year's Eve leaves many homes in the Belmont Trailer Park damaged.

[Photo] Flood invades Belmont Trailer Park

February 10, 2023

Businesses on El Camino faced inches and—in some cases—feet of rain, which resulted in major water damage for some.

Flooding occurs on New Year's Eve outside of Olsen Nolte Saddle Shop on the corner of Central Avenue and El Camino Real in San Carlos.

[Photo] Breaking News: Fatal series of storms surge across the Bay Area

January 5, 2023

Flooding occurs on New Year's Eve outside of Olsen Nolte Saddle Shop on the corner of Central Avenue and El Camino Real in San Carlos.

The congress is split between a Democratic Senate, a Republican House, and a Democratic presidency.

The split Congress may pause political progress

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor December 14, 2022

A Democratic Senate. A Republican House. A Democratic presidency. A divided national government.  A disunited government, for some, is synonymous with a lack of progress. It’s a standstill in...

Sex traffickers hold their victims in physical and mental ties.

Out of the shadows: Untying the realities of sex trafficking

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor December 12, 2022

Every year, 1.2 million children fall victim to human trafficking.  Every year, human trafficking generates $150.2 billion in illegal profits.  Every year, children are living behind brothel walls,...

The Redwood City police fatally shot a man on Tuesday afternoon. Further investigation is still undergoing.

Breaking News: Redwood City police fatally shoots an armed man

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor November 16, 2022

An armed man, Abran Gutierrez, was fatally shot by Redwood City police on Nov. 15. At around 3 p.m., the Redwood City police's 911 dispatch received an unresponsive emergency call, according to a press...

The US Geological Survey's map of the 5.1 magnitude earthquake.

Breaking News: 5.1 magnitude earthquake shakes the Bay Area

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor October 25, 2022

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the Bay Area at 11:42 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 12.3 miles east of San Jose, Calif., according to the US Geological Survey...

Nobel Prizes

Carlmont faculty reacts to the Nobel Prizes

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor October 18, 2022

Just as founder Alfred Nobel intended in 1909, the Nobel Prizes are awarded to "those who have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind." This year is no exception.  The Nobel Prize committees award...

A memorial has been set up near Karina Castro’s apartment in San Carlos.

[Photo] Breaking News: Woman beheaded on a San Carlos street

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor September 8, 2022

A memorial has been set up near Karina Castro’s apartment in San Carlos.

As summer approaches , the drought turns the Californian landscape yellow.

Water conservation: A little goes a long way

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor May 18, 2022

181 gallons. That is the amount of water a Californian uses every day on average, according to the California Water Science Center. As summer approaches, the ground underneath the Californian sun...

A surfer catches a big wave on a sunny day at Huntington Beach.

Beyond the board: Healing the mind and planet

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor April 24, 2022

Bill Shrader feels the wave building behind him, staying concentrated on the shoreline ahead. The wave’s growing momentum pushes him faster and faster as he paddles through the cold water, pushing his...

Some people with dyslexia may have a hard time differentiating a “B” and a “D”. A “3” and an “E” may also look the same.

Dyslexia: Defeating misreading

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor March 16, 2022

For one in five kids, the world is written in a confusing font. An A, B, and a D can look the same. The spaces between words shrink. Phrases blend together. This is what reading is like for those who struggle...

Bees are facing many problems, contributing to the decline of their population.

The Silence of the Bees: The changing world endangers pollinators

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor March 16, 2022

As spring begins to bloom, so do flowers, trees, and plants. Take a closer look and see a network of small insects working hard to keep the world alive. In fact, the entire population relies on a single...

Wordle draws millions of players to the New York Times every day.

Wordle ‘puzzles’ millions daily

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor February 14, 2022

Ninety daily players may not sound like a promising start to a game's beginning, but it is exactly where Wordle, a viral word game, started last November. Wordle, developed by Josh Wardle, was released...

The boxes used for prepared food at Whole Foods are made of compostable materials.

New local initiatives encourage sustainability

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor January 28, 2022

Of the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced each year, only 9% gets recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recently,...

Nordic Nest, in downtown San Carlos, sells a host of gifts for holiday shopping. "We have great items like jewelry, candles, home decor, and crafting kits," Téa Carranza-Doyle said.

Local shops serve as a source for holiday gifts

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor December 4, 2021

Whether it is for a last-minute gift for a holiday party or a perfect secret Santa present, local shops are filled with unique gifts that give people the opportunity to support small businesses.  Many...

Halloween often leaves behind millions of dollars worth of uneaten candy.

Whoppers and waste: locals identify ways to use leftover Halloween candy

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor November 13, 2021

As Halloween night comes to an end across America, $400 million worth of candy is left at the bottom of the bowls, uneaten.  According to Next Gen Personal Finance, this is approximately $5 of uneaten...

Local artist, Sarah Ricchiuti, observes the projections at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit San Francisco. “The exhibit succeeded in letting visitors see the world through the eyes of Van Gogh. I watched [the presentation] three times,” Ricchiuti said.

Van Gogh swirls to life in San Francisco

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor October 21, 2021

Bright blues and sunny yellows swirl around the room as visitors sit mesmerized as Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork swims across the walls of the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in San Francisco.  Since its...

A bridge across Fern Creek trail offers views of the redwood trees in Muir Woods.

National Public Lands Day attracts visitors to Muir Woods

Clementine Cunningham, Highlander Managing Editor October 5, 2021

Free access to the Muir Woods National Monument trails draws visitors from all over the United States every year on the fourth Saturday of September.  National Public Lands Day, which took place last...

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