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

Rachel Borshchenko

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer

Rachel Borshchenko is a senior in her third year of journalism. She is also an editor for the Highlander and a member of ASB. She enjoys good food and volunteering.

All content by Rachel Borshchenko
The dumplings served at Hong Kong Seafood never fail to impress.

Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant provides staple Chinese fare

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer May 30, 2018

Nearly every family seems to have a restaurant that they can go to when they are hungry and don't know where to go. For my family, this restaurant has always been Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant in San...

The rigatoni carbonara had a great mix of flavors and textures.

Locanda serves out of this world Italian cusine

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer May 3, 2018

San Francisco is a hub for delicious restaurants serving food from a variety of cultures, and the up and coming Mission district is full of them, including the Italian restaurant Locanda. Locanda was...

The heaping bowl of ramen was pilled high with toppings.

Nikka Ramen serves great food for hungry travelers

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer April 18, 2018

Finding a great place to eat in an unfamiliar area can sometimes be challenging. For those traveling to Southern California, Nikka Ramen in Goleta is a delicious option Located in an unassuming strip...

My bowl, on the right, and my friends bowl, on the left, made for a great and filling lunch.

Go Fish Poke tops all other poke places

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer March 28, 2018

There is no shortage of poke places in the so-called trendy Bay Area. Go Fish Poke in Redwood City happens to be one of them. The small restaurant is located parallel to the Redwood City movie...

The burger I ordered looked and tasted good, but was not cooked well.

The Counter impresses in taste, lacks in quality

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer March 14, 2018

Customizing your food makes everything so much better. The Counter, located in San Mateo, makes it easy to get exactly what you want on a burger, and avoid exactly what you don't. The restaurant,...

The small Teriyaki Quinoa bowl was loaded with flavor but not enough rice.

True Food Kitchen cooks truly delicious food

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer February 28, 2018

At True Food Kitchen, eating unhealthy is nearly impossible. Located in Palo Alto, the restaurant chain prides itself on serving only seasonal, fresh foods, including foods that accommodate many dietary...

The large plate of pad thai had interesting decorations and great flavor.

Sweet Basil Thai serves modern, comforting plates

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer February 5, 2018

At Sweet Basil Thai, any Thai food lover can find beautifully plated food at a reasonable price. The restaurant, located in an unassuming strip mall in Foster City, frequently boasts a large line...

The delicious mac and cheese impressed me in all aspects other than the wait time it took to get it.

Custom mac and cheese at MAC’D adds unique twist

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer January 23, 2018

San Francisco has always been a hub for unique and trendy foods: avocado toast, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and, now, custom mac and cheese. At MAC’D, customers are encouraged to get outside their...

This seemingly peaceful pier in San Francisco was the site of a shooting back in July of 2015.

Acquittal in Kate Steinle case reignites controversy

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer December 7, 2017

San Francisco residents were left with mixed feelings when the man who killed a woman on Pier 14 was found innocent by a grand jury. On July 1, 2015, Jose Ines Garcia Zarate shot and killed Kate Steinle...

The San Andreas fault is where many minor earthquakes happen and where a major earthquake could occur in the future.

Minor California earthquake furthers fear of natural disasters

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer November 15, 2017

Fires. Floods. Earthquakes. This is what residents in the Bay Area and California have been forced to prepare for and may have to endure. In the recent years, California’s threat for a major earthquake...

Great America is transformed into the frightening attraction, the Haunt, during the month of October. This is where thefts perpetrated by teens occurred the weekend before Halloween.

Great America terrorized by a mob of teenagers

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer November 1, 2017

Many Bay Area residents’ nights came to a shocking end when mobs of thieves went on a rampage at Great America’s Haunt. Exact numbers are unknown, but police believe that 15-20 boys were involved...

Food drive donations, like these for the Thanksgiving US Navy food drive, can make a big impact but can also overwhelm charities.

Donations leave fire victims’ needs unfulfilled

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer October 19, 2017

By now, most of the country knows that California has been facing one of the worst fires in the state’s history. The fire has destroyed numerous houses, killed 41 and counting, nearly harmed the exotic...

People in the state of California will not be able to use marijuana legally at the start of the year, as they had originally hoped.

Plans for legalization of marijuana go up in smoke

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer October 4, 2017

Some Bay Area residents’ wishes of buying marijuana legally are going up in smoke. In the November 2016 election, California residents voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Medical marijuana...

The Bay Bridge stands with the uncertainty of increased tolls that frustrate some and appeal to others.

Lawmakers seek to fund transportation programs with increased tolls

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer September 21, 2017

Crossing the Bay Bridge will soon cost as much as buying three double-doubles at In-N-Out. As of the week of Sept. 16, lawmakers have decided to put an option on the next local election’s ballot...

As the Bay Area experienced extreme heat, many San Francisco residents were treated to fiery, red sunsets that occurred as a result of the heat.

Bay Area boils during weekend heat wave

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer September 7, 2017

106 degrees in San Francisco. That’s a statement most Bay Area residents would not expect to hear, but it became reality on Sept. 1. Scorching hot weather plagued the whole Bay Area as temperatures...

Sign and telephones hang along the Golden Gate Bridge to help stop those considering suicide from committing the act.

New plan aims to cut down Golden Gate Bridge suicides

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer February 1, 2017

Over 1,600 people. That is the number of bodies recovered due to suicide from the Golden Gate Bridge since its construction. Tall barbed wire fences stand on both ends of the bridge, preventing those...

The Warriors play a game at Oracle Arena, which will not be their home stadium for much longer.

Warriors make historic move to San Francisco

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer January 18, 2017

The Golden State Warriors have found a new home. They will be moving from Oracle Arena to Chase Center in San Francisco. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new site of the...

Participants at a rally in New York CIty demonstrate their support for Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood funding protected under new ruling

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer December 17, 2016

The United States Department of Health and Human Services ruled on Wednesday, Dec. 14 that states are not allowed to restrict federal funding to clinics which provide birth control-related services. This...

Ohio State University stands strong during the aftermath of a violent attack on campus.

Tragedy hits Ohio State University

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer December 1, 2016

On Nov. 28, an Ohio State University student drove his car onto a sidewalk full of students and faculty on campus and attacked them with a knife. The attack was over in less than a minute when campus...

Students in Minnesota protest Donald Trumps discourse during the election.

Bay Area students protest Trump victory

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer November 11, 2016

Even people who can't legally vote have chosen to share their opinions after Donald Trump's victory. On Nov. 9, the day after Trump won the election, students in various East Bay high schools walked...

At 22 percent, the number of English language learners in California is over double the national average of 9 percent, making Proposition 58 especially important to Californian voters.

New proposition aims to accommodate language learners

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer October 27, 2016

California voters have the opportunity to make a big decision regarding the education of thousands of students across the state. Proposition 58, which will be on the statewide ballot on Nov. 8, overturns...

Joint Task Force Matthew distributes relief supplies to hurricane-stricken areas.

Hurricane Matthew devastates America’s southeast coast

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer October 14, 2016

Another natural disaster has broken apart communities in the southeast portion of the United States. On Oct. 8, Hurricane Matthew made landfall on the South Carolina coast after coming near Florida...

The Loma Fire burns in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Sept. 26.

Loma fire causes destruction across Santa Cruz Mountains

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer September 30, 2016

A devastating fire has been raging through the Santa Cruz Mountains since Sept. 26 and has grown to nearly 4,000 acres in size. At least one home has been destroyed so far, and over 300 others are...

A Duke University player makes a basket during a game against the Miami Hurricanes. One of Dukes opponents was scheduled to play at the university, located in North Carolina. However, the game was canceled due to controversy over the HB2 law.

NCAA removes championship games from North Carolina

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer September 18, 2016

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) decided to withdraw seven championships from North Carolina, including the well-known March Madness basketball tournament, because of a law passed by...

Women protest a rape case in New York City. The case of Brock Turner is not the first controversial rape case in the United States.

California passes law creating mandatory rape sentence

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer September 1, 2016

Lawmakers in California voted unanimously to pass a law imposing a mandatory three-year sentence upon anyone convicted of rape using force. This bill comes in response to the controversial Stanford...

Sophomore and Do Something commissioner in ASB,  Katie Wong catalogues a dress that was donated to Gowns for Girls.

Gowns for Girls benefits Carlmont community

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer May 11, 2016

A new and unique kind of drive is occurring at Carlmont during the month of May. Gowns for Girls is a drive which, unlike many other drives put on by ASB including the blood drive and the food drive,...

Montys Pitches sing an a capella mix, inspired by Drakes album Views, which had dropped the night before their performance. Montys Pitches won first in Carlmonts Got Talent, and will be moving on to perform in the celebration assembly in May.

Carlmont’s Got Talent showcases student voices

Rachel Borshchenko and Minh-Han Vu May 5, 2016

Senior and ASB Vice President Lukas Kelly checks the quad sound system in preparation for day one of Carlmont's Got Talent. (Minh-Han...

Carlmont senior Chris Tang performs a song on the piano on April 26.

[Photo]

Carlmont senior Chris Tang performs a song on the piano on April 26.

Student Rhea Subramanian rushes to finish her work as she settles back into the routine of school.

Stress-free break turns into stressful academics

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer April 12, 2016

Say goodbye to warm, sandy beaches and hello to textbooks, AP tests, and homework. Spring break has officially ended for Carlmont students, and the next break isn't until summer. With the warm weather...

Sophomore Isabel Mayoss studies for the National Exam so that she can receive a gold medal.

Foreign language national exams stump students

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer March 24, 2016

Carlmont students were able to compete with other foreign language speakers during the month of March. Students in French III or higher took the National French Contest, and students in Spanish...

Seniors Erin Alonso and Elena Mateus go in for a painful dive during a Carlmont volleyball game.

High school athletes crumble under pressure

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer March 14, 2016

According to the National Alliance for Sports, 70 percent of student athletes quit sports by the time they enter high school. With their rigorous high school schedules, many students quit the sports...

A poster hangs near C-hall reminding students of the activities going on during the week.

World Peace Week unifies students

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer March 8, 2016

Carlmont students are conducting celebrations and experiencing unity in a unique way during the week of March 7. ASB’s Culture commission is putting on World Peace Week from March 7 through March...

The counseling office is busy during this time of the year with class scheduling appointments.

Counselor appointments are accompanied by stress

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer February 23, 2016

Preparations for the 2016-2017 school year are already well on their way. During the months of Feb., March, and April, all students at Carlmont, except seniors, will have an appointment with their counselor...

Sophomore Katie Fetterman writes a valentine to her friend.

Scots express mixed opinions about Valentine’s Day

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer February 14, 2016

It is a day when shelves are full of chocolate, everyone is holding roses, and love is abound. Valentine’s Day. On Feb. 14, many plan to dedicate the day to love and affection for a special someone,...

Students will have to rethink their decision to take AP English now that it is no longer being offered to juniors at Carlmont.

Changes come to the English department

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer January 27, 2016

Big changes are coming to the English program for those entering their junior year. In past years, juniors have always had the choice between regular English, AS English III, and AP English Language...

Students wait in line to purchase formal tickets on Jan. 12.

Formal promises to be out of this world

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer January 13, 2016

With winter formal quickly approaching, students are deciding whether they want to attend one of the biggest dances of the year. This year, Carlmont’s formal will be held at Fox Theater in Redwood...

Carlmont student Michelle Tenin lays surrounded by her schoolwork.

Dead week comes alive

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer December 7, 2015

Dead week: a time when students expect to prepare for finals without stress of new material. This week, however, can seem to be a time that requires zombie students to come back to life to work their...

A poster imitating Campbells Soup hangs on Carlmont campus to urge students to donate to the food drive.

Food drive helps students make a difference

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer November 16, 2015

Saving people from hunger is as easy as bringing a can to school. From Nov. 9 through Nov. 20, students can bring canned food and other non-perishables into their fourth period classes in order to...

Sophomores Aliana El Shawa and Oliver Golden show off their deer costumes during the first round of the contest.

Carlmont competes for best costumes

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer November 3, 2015

The Halloween Costume Contest brought spirit out of the Carlmont student body the day before Halloween. Spirit, spooks and laughs were abundant in the quad during lunch on Oct. 30. The Costume Contest...

Posters for Tie-Dye Wednesday hang on the first day of Spirit Week.

Spirit Week pumps up the Scots

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer October 20, 2015

It’s the week when it’s normal to wear onesies to school, when no item of clothing is too wacky, and when the overwhelming feeling is spirit: Homecoming Spirit Week. Homecoming Spirit Week is a...

A crowd of students gathers to buy lunch right after the bell rings.

Students endure long waits for food

Rachel Borshchenko, Staff Writer October 6, 2015

The first few minutes after the lunch bell rings feature a common sight: people running out of their classrooms toward the lunch line. If they don’t get there in time, they know they’ll be stuck in...

Carlmont students follow Hawkins in a short activity.

[Photo]

Carlmont students follow Hawkins in a short activity.

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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.
Rachel Borshchenko