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

Gem Kryhina

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer

Gem Kryhina is a senior in journalism. On Scot Scoop, they write features as part of their senior project. Meanwhile, as a staff writer for the Highlander, they write on different topics. Gem is also co-president of Thespian Society, Carlmont's drama club.

Twitter: @gkryhina

All content by Gem Kryhina
As with most media representation, how LGBTQ+ people are portrayed in the mainstream media varies in quality and accuracy.

The Power of Relatable Media Pt. 3: Telling LGBTQ+ stories

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer May 28, 2022

Content warning: this article mentions death and contains other sensitive content related to being LGBTQ+. This article contains spoilers for “Supernatural” and “Killing Eve” and may contain...

Students’ hair color radiates facets of their personality and shapes their identity.

Hair colors identity

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer May 26, 2022

Content warning: this article mentions anti-LGBTQ+ harassment.  Hair color is just another form of self-expression, right? Well, not exactly. When someone chooses to dye their hair, they aim to...

The media has yet to depict mental health as a normal part of life and portray mental health issues accurately. (Brain art by Seona Sherman.)

The Power of Relatable Media Pt. 2: Depicting mental health

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer May 26, 2022

Content warning: this article mentions trauma and contains other sensitive content related to mental health.  This article may contain minor spoilers for “I Wish You All the Best,” “Euphoria,”...

We aren’t there yet, but fair representation of written communication will further normalize its use.

The Power of Relatable Media Pt. 1: Normalizing written communication

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer May 22, 2022

Portraying characters that people can relate to should be the entertainment industry’s biggest priority. But it isn’t. Time and time again, entertainment media, including movies, TV shows, and books,...

The altar of María Valle-Remond, a senior who uses any pronouns, includes spiritual items such as crystals, candles, and incense. Students like Valle-Remond notice a connection between their spiritual and LGBTQ+ identities.

Spirituality welcomes LGBTQ+ people

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer February 28, 2022

Spirituality — the development of beliefs around purpose, connection, and peace, without set universal values — offers LGBTQ+ people the chance to learn more about themselves and the universe and find...

“I love you a pumpkin spice latte” is a nod to the cultural significance of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Its influence has expanded to inspire sentiments and products unrelated to coffee. “The Pumpkin Spice Latte has become more than just a beverage. It has become a harbinger of the season,” Peter Dukes, Pumpkin Spice Latte product manager, said.

The truth behind the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer December 16, 2021

Think back to Aug. 24. Nearly two weeks after the fall semester began, the weather was still warm on this late summer day.  On this day, Starbucks chose to release the Pumpkin Spice Latte this year,...

Quiz: Which fall color are you?

Quiz: Which fall color are you?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer November 29, 2021

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Quiz: Which fall activity should you participate in?

Quiz: Which fall activity should you participate in?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer November 11, 2021

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Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos promises elaborately decorated houses for trick-or-treaters and passersby to view on Halloween.

Poll: How did you celebrate Halloween?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer November 1, 2021

A ghost costume is easy to make and requires only fabric from a sheet or tablecloth and scissors. “Get old school spooky and patch your costume together from things you already have in the house,” said London-based charity Hubbub, as part of its Sew Spooky campaign.

Last-minute Halloween costumes to top your spookiest expectations

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer October 26, 2021

Whether you’re scrambling to find a Halloween costume less than a week before the festivities or a die-hard fan already scavenging for inspiration for your costume for next year, you’ve come to the...

Cheerleaders line the edge of the football field during a football game in 2019.

[Photo] Which homecoming event are you planning on participating in?

October 18, 2021

Cheerleaders line the edge of the football field during a football game in 2019.

Quiz: How should you celebrate the end of the first quarter?

Quiz: How should you celebrate the end of the first quarter?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer October 12, 2021

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As the back-to-school season gets underway, some Scots may be lacking motivation. Luckily, there are some strategies for students to remain motivated.

Motivation tips to beat the back-to-school blues

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer October 7, 2021

Have the back-to-school blues got you down? Maintaining your motivation can be challenging, but a couple of things are sure to do the trick. Whether you lack motivation or are hoping to stay motivated,...

Remember these four symbols—representing breaks, sleep, homework, and health—when you think about how to succeed in the back-to-school season.

Back-to-school tips for success

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer September 28, 2021

Being back to school is hard enough, and our current circumstances aren’t making it any easier. Tackle the back-to-school season with some advice from yours truly, a seasoned veteran of high school.  Ease...

Quiz: Which class matches your personality?

Quiz: Which class matches your personality?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer September 27, 2021

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A student leans on their wrist as they start to fall asleep in class.

Poll: How tired are you?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer September 20, 2021

Quiz: Which back-to-school student are you?

Quiz: Which back-to-school student are you?

Gem Kryhina, Staff Writer August 31, 2021

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Masks with an exhalation valve or vent release viral droplets if the wearer is infected, putting others at risk.

Do masks with valves help reduce the spread of COVID-19?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer December 1, 2020

Belief: Masks with valves are effective in helping reduce the spread of COVID-19. Reality: Because masks with valves release unfiltered air, which may contain viral droplets, they are not effective...

On Sept. 10, the sepia tint caused by the active California wild fires reflects off of the water beside Oracle headquarters.

Water

Water.  It covers nearly three-fourths of the entire planet and is vital to all life on Earth.  Although it may seem too vast and uncontrollable to be impacted, it is not in actuality an indestructible...

The Santa Rosa Glass Fire burned over 1,517 buildings and was active for 23 days. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Earth

As we delve deeper into a state of climate disaster, the best way to see the ramifications is simple - just look around. Our Earth is struggling, and it’s evident in everything from the...

According to the CDC, cloth masks are most protective when they are two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, and fit snugly against the sides of the face.

Do cloth masks protect against COVID-19?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer November 4, 2020

Belief: Cloth masks are ineffective at protecting from COVID-19.  Reality: Some factors make cloth masks less effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19, but they are still helpful. A study...

Q: Will we be able to celebrate Halloween?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer October 19, 2020

A: Yes! While Halloween will look different this year, the San Mateo County Department of Public Health has outlined safety guidelines and ideas for how to celebrate. Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged...

Q: What should I do with my face covering after returning home?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer October 19, 2020

A: When you return home, you should remove your face covering carefully. Untie the strings or stretch the ear loops and remove the mask, handling only the ear loops or ties. Wash your hands before...

According to the CDC, being outdoors lowers your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Still, it is necessary to take other precautions, such as wearing a mask and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

Can COVID-19 spread outdoors?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer October 13, 2020

Belief: I cannot get exposed to COVID-19 outdoors. Reality: Being outdoors can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19, but it is essential to avoid crowded spaces and take other precautions. Wearing...

Members of an agreed-upon social bubble do not need to social distance or wear masks if they are meeting outdoors.

Does meeting in small groups reduce the spread of COVID-19?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer October 10, 2020

Belief: I will not become infected with COVID-19 if I meet with people in small groups. Reality: While meeting with small groups of people can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to limit...

The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings. In situations where one cannot wear a mask, it suggests keeping a social distance of at least 6 feet from others.

Does wearing a mask lower your oxygen levels?

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer September 26, 2020

Belief: Wearing a mask lowers your oxygen levels. Reality: Wearing a surgical mask or cloth face-covering does not lower your oxygen levels.  Dr. Megan Hall, a pediatrician in South Carolina, and...

The Olympic pool at SMAC is available for those who make an appointment ahead of time. According to the SMAC website, members using the pool may experience higher chlorine levels in alignment with U.S. swimming recommendations.

SMAC is back: San Mateo Athletic Center opens outdoor fitness space

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer September 11, 2020

In an effort to adjust to the new normal, San Mateo Athletic Center (SMAC) had the solution of creating an outdoor fitness center to allow members to continue their workouts while staying safe, after being...

Melina Dimick holds up a Carlmont Class of 2020 yard sign and cheers as her family drives through the quad.

Carlmont’s Class of 2020 graduates virtually

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer June 10, 2020

Students submitted their final projects and exams online, and the 2019-2020 school year came to a close.  Twelfth-graders put on their caps and gowns and joined their family to tune in to their virtual...

Mia Yoch and Madsen LePelley are featured with artistic renderings of their parents.

At an intersection of cultures

Jenny Arrellin and Hanna Kryhina May 8, 2020

It’s common knowledge that some Americans doubt the benefits of the country’s growing diversity. Although Pew Research Center discovered that most people see a positive impact, that doesn’t shield...

I find that FaceTiming a friend while catching up and painting is a great creative outlet while stuck at home.

Try Something New: How art has benefited my life

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer May 7, 2020

A head made of clay. Dozens of landscapes and portraits. A collage made from construction paper cutouts. These were just a few of the art projects my classmates and I created while enrolled...

Recently I made a meatless lasagna without a recipe. To my surprise, it was successful.

[Photo] Try Something New: Cooking is good for the soul

April 23, 2020

Recently I made a meatless lasagna without a recipe. To my surprise, it was successful.

How COVID-19 affects upcoming 2020 Presidential Elections

How COVID-19 affects upcoming 2020 Presidential Elections

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer April 19, 2020

COVID-19 has changed the lives of people worldwide. The pandemic's effects have extended to many aspects of life and changing the way everything is done. As federal, state, and local governments enact...

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended Michigans stay-at-home order through April 30. The extension prompted a protest by frustrated residents of Michigan.

Michigan’s stay-at-home order provokes protest

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer April 18, 2020

Frustrated, residents of Michigan protested against the extension of the state's stay-at-home order. The Michigan Conservative Coalition (MCC) and Michigan Freedom Fund organized a protest that attracted...

My friend and I say goodbye at the end of a FaceTime call.

Try Something New: De-stressing is a journey

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer April 11, 2020

COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty and anxiety for many, and I’m no exception.  Even before the virus spread and disrupted our regular lives, the beginning of the spring semester brought high...

Libraries, amongst other public areas, are closed due to COVID-19, leaving its workers with compromised or nonexistent hours for an indefinite period.

[Photo] Low-wage earners suffer the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic

April 10, 2020

Libraries, amongst other public areas, are closed due to COVID-19, leaving its workers with compromised or nonexistent hours for an indefinite period.

Libraries, amongst other public areas, are closed due to COVID-19, leaving their staff on compromised or nonexistent hours for an indefinite period.

[Photo]

Libraries, amongst other public areas, are closed due to COVID-19, leaving their staff on compromised or nonexistent hours for an indefinite period.

Libraries, like many other businesses, are closed in an effort to stop the virus spreading. This leaves their workers without a job for an indefinite period.

[Photo]

Libraries, like many other businesses, are closed in an effort to stop the virus spreading. This leaves their workers without a job for an indefinite period.

Roll call of the states during the third day of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Democratic convention postponed until August

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer April 3, 2020

Concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have influenced the scheduling of the Democratic National Convention. The Democratic National Committee (DNC), the formal governing body for the U.S. Democratic...

As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase worldwide, Whole Foods Market restricts the quantity of certain products that customers can purchase.

US surpasses other nations in COVID-19 cases

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer March 27, 2020

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States surpass the number of cases in other nations.  Just over 83,500 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the U.S., which include over 1,000 deaths, according...

The ice resurfacer machine prepares the rink of Nazareth Ice Oasis for their next skating session.

Try Something New: Ice skating is not as scary as it seems

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer March 26, 2020

Someone might ask you: What are your hobbies?  It seems like such an innocent question. But take a minute, really think about it, do you have any hobbies? Taking a look at my life, I would say that...

Having a schedule, planner, and the necessary class materials will ensure that students are successful with distance learning.

Keep calm and check Canvas

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer March 18, 2020

Students are facing a time of uncertainty. With the loss of in-person classes, students worry about not seeing their teachers and not being able to succeed in online learning.  But, according to the...

Gavin Newsom speaking at the 2019 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, California.

California governor advises against large gatherings

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer March 12, 2020

The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has recommended that event coordinators cancel large gatherings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Under a new policy, the California Department of Public Health...

ASB seniors met to brainstorm ideas for their senior class t-shirt designs. “I feel passionate about exploring the design, because I love art and fashion and it’s a good way to combine that.” said Isabella Mattioli, a senior in ASB.

T-shirt designs kick up a storm of senior activities

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer February 28, 2020

As the second semester progresses, some students have another year, two, or three to enjoy the high school experience. Seniors have 14 weeks.  It’s a tradition that Carlmont’s Associated Student...

Members of ASB pour lemonade, orange juice, and fruit punch for students participating in waste-free week. Originally, we only bought a little bit of juice and after seeing how much participation we had on Wednesday, I went out and bought more juice, said Melina Dimick, a senior in ASB.

ASB’s waste-free week reduces excess disposables

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer January 24, 2020

Free hot chocolate. Free juice. Free popcorn.  That’s right. Free. If you bring a reusable container. During waste-free week, the Spirit commission of Carlmont’s Associated Student Body (ASB)...

The mocha tesora is a signature Philz drink with medium-blend coffee and chocolate and caramel flavors. It can be optionally garnished with a sprig of mint.

Philz Coffee serves up sustainability but lacks holiday spirit

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer December 13, 2019

Light jazz music plays, and an ever-changing rhythm beats in the background.  But the sounds aren’t from a band concert; the music comes from a speaker in the corner, the beat from the fast-typing...

Guest judge Sylvia Weinstock, center, poses with Alexander Nichols and Dr. Brendon Stiles at the Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s 13th annual awareness luncheon.

‘¡Nailed It! México’ takes the cake for comedic baking fails

Hanna Kryhina, Staff Writer November 15, 2019

Pastry chefs anticipate the start of the bake-off, listening closely for the countdown.  But they’re not professionals. They’re just regular people who love to bake -- and they aren’t exactly...

A specials menu and seasonal flowers decorate the checkout counter at  Cup of Blooms.

Cup of Blooms offers more than its competitors

Hanna Kryhina October 4, 2019

Boba shops like Teaspoon, Gong Cha, and BAMBU pack the streets of downtown San Mateo. But tucked away, outside of the main area, Cup of Blooms adorns the quiet street. Eleven months after its opening,...

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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.
Gem Kryhina