Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Veritas Shield The Student News Site of Flintridge Sacred Heart ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Stories - [Signing off but stepping up: Class of 2026 sports commits](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6269/sports/signing-off-but-stepping-up-class-of-2026-sports-commits/) - From early morning practices to out-of-state tournaments, six amazing senior athletes, Sophia Tovar, Jacqueline Ward, Charlotte Rodriguez, Lily Waggoner, Ava McGarry, and Mika Kaneko-Grun, are officially taking their talents to the collegiate level. Whether their next chapter leads them to the beaches of Hawaii or the streets of England, each athlete has earned these opportunities - [Reminiscing the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6266/features/reminiscing-the-hill/) - As the class of 2026 approaches their last few days on the Hill, the seniors began reminiscing and reflecting on their personal FSHA journeys. Seniors share how they will remember their time on the Hill, the advice they would pass on, and what they are looking forward to after they graduate. One thing all teachers - [South Asia, unfiltered](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6261/features/south-asia-unfiltered/) - For decades in cinema, global audiences have gotten used to seeing South Asia as an exotic backdrop: visually rich, culturally dense, and yet ultimately secondary to stories that rarely do justice to the region’s history and culture that these countries offer. Films such as The King and I and Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom - [A schedule that never ends](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6259/features/a-schedule-that-never-ends/) - It’s 11:45pm. A student is finishing their homework after practice, sending emails for a club they lead, and trying to study for a test the next day. In just a few hours, they’re going to have to wake up and do it all over again. For many high schoolers, this isn’t unusual. It’s expected. The - [Journalism in the wild](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6254/showcase/journalism-in-the-wild/) - April 22nd is International Earth Day, a day that supports environmental protection and awareness during Earth month. The global recognition of this event imitates the reality of our interconnected natural world. Just as juniors in their retreat learn at Catalina, everything in the world is connected, and the differences between us support the functionality of - [From sacrifice to self definition: how immigrants at FSHA are rewriting what success means for them](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6203/features/from-sacrifice-to-self-definition-how-immigrants-at-fsha-are-rewriting-what-success-means-for-them/) - For many international and immigrant students at Flintridge Sacred Heart, success began long before a transcript or a college list. It began in the difficult decisions families made before leaving home for the possibility of something better. There are stories of parents who sacrificed so much for the relocation of their children, and of professionals - [Our internet childhood: how growing up online has affected late Gen Z](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6250/showcase/our-internet-childhood-how-growing-up-online-has-affected-late-gen-z/) - When I had spare time as a kid, I usually spent it doing three things: reading, playing pretend, or watching YouTube. While my parents made sure I maintained a balance between using devices and spending time offline, using the internet was a part of my childhood that was practically woven into my routines. Every morning - [The life of a FSHA laptop](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6247/features/the-life-of-a-fsha-laptop/) - My earliest memory is of being set up. Staring into the face of my new owner, a nervous freshman, I watched as she came up with passwords and signed into Tolognet for the first time. I tried to tell her that a strong password is an eight-character combination of letters, symbols, and numbers, but she - [Caught in the scroll: the trends shaping (and stealing) Tologs’ time](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6243/arts-and-culture/caught-in-the-scroll-the-trends-shaping-and-stealing-tologs-time/) - Short-form content apps have no doubt captured our Tologs, even though going down this rabbit hole often results in hours of wasted time. This online trap is not just effortless scrolling from video to video, but the content itself. Jokes that make you laugh, videos that make you cry, and moments of life inspiration keeps - [How internet culture builds connections](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6239/showcase/how-internet-culture-builds-connections/) - Ever since the birth of the internet, online jokes, otherwise known as memes, have been an integral part of online culture. From Vine to TikTok, internet memes have been a form of entertainment, self-expression, and connections to other people. Bigger corporations have taken notice of this and have started using it to their advantage. Today, - [The new political era of consuming news](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6234/features/the-new-political-era-of-consuming-news/) - Between swipes on TikTok, the future is being written. Every scroll is news shaping how people see, and might change, the world. Now, the world fits right into the public’s hands. In headlines, comments, outrage cycles, or tiny sparks of hope. News no longer arrives as a folded newspaper on the porch; it buzzes in - [Swipe, like, then vote?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6230/features/swipe-like-then-vote/) - Can a viral video lead a politician to win an election? This question has emerged today, specifically due to the rise of social media embedded in political campaigns. From city officials to presidential candidates, politicians have increased and expanded their activity on social media platforms like X and Instagram, some even launching their own platforms - [Mr. Ribordy’s conversation with AI](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6225/showcase/mr-ribordys-conversation-with-ai/) - I’ve always been an avid reader of the Veritas Shield since my arrival at FSHA almost four years ago. I read the newspaper cover to cover, even stories in which I am not particularly interested, like: The Funniest Memes of 2023 (Tell me again, who are the Memes?), Fashion Tips for Prom (Easy: here’s 20 - [AI’s impact on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6223/features/ais-impact-on-the-hill/) - As AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is seamlessly integrating itself into our daily lives. It seems to be inescapable. You can’t spend much time on social media without consuming AI content of some sort, whether that’s watching a generative AI video with an inconspicuous Sora label, or having an amusing - [How screens affect teen health](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6220/features/how-screens-affect-teen-health/) - For students today, screens are part of everyday life. Most homework is assigned and submitted online, group projects happen through shared documents, and communication with teachers and classmates usually involves some type of app or platform. Because technology is built into school routines, doctors are not focused on eliminating screens. Instead, they are studying how - [Connection through deconnecting](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6213/features/connection-through-deconnecting/) - Today, the constant use and dependence on phones is normal. Many people rely on phones for communication, to build connections, and has become the primary means of self-expression through social media apps. With the new implementation of Yondr pouches, a lockable case that keeps phones secure and inaccessible until unlocked, the Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy - [Too online to unwind](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6217/features/too-online-to-unwind/) - We live in a world where relaxation is just another “tab” we forget to close. The second the school bell rings, we do not sign off, we just switch screens. Howework on MyMathLab, communicating with teachers through emails, TikTok breaks that turn into hours of scrolling, and notifications that are often stacked. Being constantly connected - [Instruction through a screen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6208/showcase/instruction-through-a-screen/) - Going into senior year, I wanted to continue taking a foreign language, but since I had already taken the highest Spanish courses FSHA offered, I decided to enroll in an online course through FSHA’s Online School for Girls (OSG), which partners with OneSchoolhouse. There, I signed up for AP Spanish Literature, an online course my - [5 unforgettable Kairos moments](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6198/showcase/5-unforgettable-kairos-moments/) - Kairos was more than just a four-day retreat from campus. For me and many in the Class of 2026, it became a series of moments that challenged me to reflect, connect, and step outside daily routines. From the excitement of leaving campus to the quiet moments of journaling and late-night conversations in the cabins, the - [The best places to eat and drink: Altadena](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6193/opinion/the-best-places-to-eat-and-drink-altadena/) - More than a year after the Eaton Fire, many Altadena restaurants continue to operate despite the destruction of homes and businesses in the surrounding area. While national attention and press move away from Altadena, over one year later, local businesses continue to face fire-related challenges, from the buildings that sustained major damage or were completely - [Birds of the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6187/features/birds-of-the-hill/) - The population of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy numbers roughly five-hundred and thirty: four hundred and four students, one hundred faculty and staff, and twenty-two different varieties of bird. Deceptively intelligent and complicated creatures, FSHA’s birds are as interesting and diverse as its people. “Springtime is the best time [for bird watching],” says Mrs. Candace Toogood, - [“ILLUMINATE”: A look into this year’s dance concert](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6190/features/illuminate-a-look-into-this-years-dance-concert/) - On the weekend of February 5th to the 7th, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s Visual and Performing Arts, or VAPA program, presented its annual dance concert, Illuminate. As the theater lights dim and the first notes of music fill the room, the stage comes alive in a glow of movement and emotion through artistry. For seniors, - [Lost Girl](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6176/comics/lost-girl/) - ['Lost Girl' finds home on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6173/features/lost-girl-finds-home-on-the-hill/) - On Sunday, November 9th, the cast and crew of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s Lost Girl took their final bows in the sold-out FSHA theater. Lost Girl, a play about first heartbreak written by Kimberly Belflower, recounts Wendy Darling’s adjustment to grown-up life after she returns from Neverland with Peter Pan. This month, Lost Girl came - [Junior Ring 2025](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6169/video/junior-ring-2025/) - Join Victoria Wilczek '27 as she vlogs one of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy's most cherished traditions, the Junior Ring Ceremony! Follow along as the Class of 2027 celebrates this special milestone of becoming official upperclassmen with friends, laughter, and heartfelt moments. Experience the excitement and sisterhood that make this event unforgettable. To learn more about - [Learning to care in a world that feels unsteady](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6164/opinion/learning-to-care-in-a-world-that-feels-unsteady/) - There are days when I scroll through the news and feel like I’m standing on quicksand. Whether it is a court ruling, protests, or policy reversals, it’s hard not to feel like the ground beneath me is shifting faster than I can process. If you’re like me and still in high school, still figuring out - [Dig Pink 2025](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6162/video/dig-pink-2025/) - Join Victoria Wilczek '27 and Charlotte Wilson '27 as they vlog the annual Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy vs. Mayfield Senior School's Dig Pink volleyball game. Get ready to see some student spirit, pink pride, and court side energy as our community rallies to support breast cancer awareness! Starring: FSHA and Mayfield students. Directed and Edited - [Cute or creepy? FSHA’s Labubu craze](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6090/arts-and-culture/cute-or-creepy-fshas-labubu-craze/) - As we are well into the fall school year, we carry along with them the hottest summer trends. One of the major trends of the summer of 2025 was Labubus. Labubus are collectible vinyl and plush toys that originated as characters in Kasing Lung's “The Monsters” picture book series. Pop Mart, a toy company based - [Mic Check](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6095/comics/mic-check/) - [Over Yondr: life beyond the screen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6111/news/over-yondr-life-beyond-the-screen/) - Phones have become an extension of almost every modern human, especially teenagers. Generation Z, or Gen Z heavily associate themselves with technology and social media. For many it has become a part of their identity, like in humor. But it could also be exactly what is blocking this generation from success both in and outside - [Powderpuff 2025](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6144/comics/powderpuff-2025/) - [We read banned books!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6122/features/we-read-banned-books/) - Since Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s inception in 1931, rare instances of book banning in California have tested FSHA’s commitment to Veritas, the pursuit of truth. By consistently reinforcing its pledge to Veritas, however, FSHA has successfully resisted pressure to ban books and fostered a culture of intellectual freedom on the Hill. In the late 1930s - [FSHOCO Vlog '25](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6115/showcase/fshoco-vlog-25/) - Join Charlotte Wilson '27 as she vlogs our school’s very first FSHA Homecoming! From tacos and movies to dancing, karaoke, and so much more, this night was packed with fun. Watch to see all the highlights and memories we made! Starring: FSHA students. Directed by: Charlotte Wilson '27 - [Class of 2027 goes off the grid](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6085/features/class-of-2027-goes-off-the-grid/) - The week of September 9th through September 12th, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s class of 2027 set off on our junior retreat to Catalina Island, filled with excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of uncertainty about what they were getting themselves into. Their days were filled with activities, late-night conversations, and some unexpected challenges. For some, - [Tologs take on leadership: a look back at the inaugural Student Leadership Conference](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6076/features/tologs-take-on-leadership-a-look-back-at-the-inaugural-student-leadership-conference/) - As I drove back up the Hill five days into summer break, I asked myself two questions: why am I wearing my polo? And, more importantly, why am I coming back to school? It was hard to imagine, but I was giving up two days of freedom to come back to school and learn about - [ASB’s latest updates](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6079/news/asbs-latest-updates/) - The 2025-2026 school year brings several changes to the FSHA community, and with it new ASB updates. “This year we switched from morning announcements to intercom announcements because of the new schedule and the fear of running into class time,” Elise Schoettler ‘26, president of ASB, said. Last year, the morning Zoom announcements dragged into - [Love for live music: how much are you willing to pay?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6073/features/love-for-live-music-how-much-are-you-willing-to-pay/) - Summer is coming to a close, and so is the prime time for music festivals and concerts. Even for fans of live music, it’s hard not to notice the increase in ticket and merchandise prices. This makes it increasingly difficult for fans to get tickets to see their favorite artists live, especially because most artists - [Making STEM-emories at FSHA](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6064/features/making-stem-emories-at-fsha/) - As the 2025-2026 school year begins at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, new opportunities for hands-on science learning abound. Through experiments, demonstrations, and projects, Tologs will lead in their STEM classes and take away cherished memories. For freshmen taking Biology, dead rats await dissection. Catalina Quispe ‘28 remembers the joy of beheading one. “We crushed [the - [New year, new faces: meet the Hill’s new staff](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6058/news/new-year-new-faces-meet-the-hills-new-staff/) - This school year Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy welcomes 17 new additions to its faculty and staff. The Hill is proud to welcome Dr. Ingrid Leventhal; Ms. Joanna Cecilio, Associate Director of Residential Life; Mr. Anthony Martinez, Safety and Facilities Employee; Mr. Angel Quinonez, Safety and Facilities Employee; and Ms. Brittany Adkins-Williams, Director of Technology. They - [Reminiscing on the summer of sisterhood](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5234/features/reminiscing-on-the-summer-of-sisterhood/) - Last summer, record-breaking events like the “Barbie” movie and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour took over mainstream media, showing that female empowerment and sisterhood are stronger than ever. While the mainstream may have recently embraced female-empowered camaraderie, Flintridge Sacred Heart has been living it since its inception in 1931. Fueled by the power of sisterhood, "Barbie" broke - [Seniors Last Day 2025](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6042/showcase/seniors-last-day-2025/) - It’s officially the end of an era! Watch as the FSHA Class of 2025 celebrates their very last day of high school — from decorating cars and running through the halls to saying goodbye to teachers and making one final splash (literally). Get ready for a chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable send-off. Starring: Class of '25 - [The class of 2025’s top 5 things to know about senior year](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6039/opinion/the-class-of-2025s-top-5-things-to-know-about-senior-year/) - Senior year is the culmination of your entire high school career. All the work you have put in over the years is leading up to graduation. It’s the year of last firsts, making memories, and major decisions. While it’s exciting to be so close to graduation, it can also be overwhelming as everything seems to - [FSHA’s day ones](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6033/features/fshas-day-ones/) - Throughout our years at FSHA, we’ve all made countless friendships on the Hill. But there’s a special group of girls at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy who have shared a bond since kindergarten. They’re known as the St. Bede Eight and they originally met in first grade at St. Bede the Vulnerable in the fall of - [Toon by Jun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6030/comics/toon-by-jun-5/) - Cartoon by Jun Zhang ’25. - [Next stop: college! Celebrating our exceptional athletes](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6022/sports/next-stop-college-celebrating-our-exceptional-athletes/) - Four senior athletes, Ava Nawrocki, Reese Artura, Sophia Astacaan, and Marisol Cowles, have committed to play NCAA athletics at colleges and universities next year. Ava is heading off to Wagner College in the state of New York for softball. Reese is going to attend Santa Clara University to carry on with her water polo journey. - [Hustling as a hostess: Balancing FSHA senioritis with CPK shifts](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6020/features/hustling-as-a-hostess-balancing-fsha-senioritis-with-cpk-shifts/) - Senior year is often considered the most overwhelming yet rewarding year of high school. Not only are you presenting all of your hard work from the last four years to colleges, you're also preparing to leave the nest. Spring semester is typically associated with senioritis and an abundance of free time on your hands, but - [What sticks from slapstick? Everything the seniors learned on ComedySportz](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6016/features/what-sticks-from-slapstick-everything-the-seniors-learned-on-comedysportz/) - ComedySportz, a style of competitive improv, usually functions to generate laughs. For the five seniors on the ComedySportz team here at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, however, it also serves as a way of life that has guided them through high school and their transition to adulthood. Though improv doesn’t immediately translate to improved academics, several - [The DEI dilemma](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6013/news/the-dei-dilemma/) - Controversy arose during this year's college decision season when colleges began eliminating their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The reverse DEI programs began on January 20, 2025, when President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” This marked the beginning of a systematic effort to - [Splashing into tradition: the senior game with a new name](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6010/features/splashing-into-tradition-the-senior-game-with-a-new-name/) - After years of anticipation, the high-stakes game that senior classes at schools around the country have come to cherish has finally made its way up to the Hill - but with a twist. This spring, FSHA seniors are participating in Senior Splash, a reimagined version of the popular Senior Assassin game. In Senior Assassin, players - [Dolores Mission: the impact of empathy and gratitude](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5993/features/dolores-mission-the-impact-of-empathy-and-gratitude/) - Over spring break I was able to attend the Dolores Mission Trip and work at Homeboy Industries and the Guadalupe Homeless Project. On this immersion trip, 11 fellow Tologs and I were able to serve food for the homeless, help in the classrooms at the Dolores Mission School, take a tour of the Homeboy Industries - [Farewells and new beginnings](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/6007/features/farewells-and-new-beginnings/) - As seniors near the end of their four years on the Hill, the school community gathers one final time at the traditional year-end Candle Rose farewell mass in May. While the exchange of candles and roses between upperclassmen is a yearly tradition that seniors anticipate, one may wonder about the history of this event. How - [More than just a getaway: how the sophomore retreat impacted the class of 2027](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5976/features/more-than-just-a-getaway-how-the-sophomore-retreat-impacted-the-class-of-2027/) - On March 20th and 21st, our sophomore class traveled to Forest Home Ojai Valley Center for a retreat that was more than just a break from the classroom. Surrounded by nature and away from daily distractions such as our phones, we had the chance to connect, forgive and grow as a class. From significant talks - [The small but mighty class of 2024](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5602/news/the-small-but-mighty-class-of-2024/) - From the start, the graduating class of 2024 has been special. This year’s seniors experienced their freshman year over Zoom due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being the smallest class with 86 total students on campus, its members have cultivated life-long friendships and irreplaceable bonds with each other. Brianna Barragan ‘24 appreciates the small class - [Feminism in action: breaking stereotypes, building equality](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5972/opinion/feminism-in-action-breaking-stereotypes-building-equality/) - This year is off to a fast start, and March has arrived, bringing Women’s History Month with it. From a young age, I have always appreciated women's outstanding contributions to society. Strong women have been great in my life. I grew up with a hard-working mother and a sister who fought for everything she believed - [SNL 50: predictable, repetitive, but fun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5969/opinion/5969/) - Last month, NBC aired SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, a three hour tribute to Saturday Night Live, the late-night comedy variety show that has been causing cultural shock waves since 1975. The Anniversary Special was a fitting celebration of half a century of SNL. If a bit overstuffed, it certainly delivered on promises made. Featuring - [Kairos 2025: Facing the Eaton fire during Retreat](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5954/features/kairos-2025-facing-the-eaton-fire-during-retreat/) - After the seniors' first retreat in Wrightwood was canceled because of fires earlier this fall, our retreat, known as Kairos, was rescheduled to take place in Ojai from January 7-10. On the morning of January 7th, many trees had already fallen into the road as we made our way to school. As we waited to - [FSHA evacuation rattles new students](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5966/news/fsha-evacuation-rattles-new-students/) - Though the recent fires are finally under control, Los Angeles continues to be in a state of transition. While many Angelenos are questioning how they will rebuild their old lives, in the Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy residential hall a handful of students are trying to build new lives here on campus. They are the latest - [Residential Life evacuates to Long Beach](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5960/news/residential-life-evacuates-to-long-beach/) - After the unexpected wildfires of early January 2025, the residential life students and faculty safely evacuated from Flintridge Sacred Hearts’s campus. The residential life students, some of whom had arrived on campus that same day, quickly repacked their bags and headed to a hotel in Long Beach. “I was on my way to campus when - [Eaton Fire destroys Altadena landmarks](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5958/news/eaton-fire-destroys-altadena-landmarks/) - Altadena, a city near the FSHA campus that many Tologs and their families call home, has a welcoming history and long been a refuge for black families seeking asylum from racism. Today, sadly, as a result of the Eaton Fire, much of Altadena is gone, and many Tologs’ homes are severely damaged or completely destroyed. - [Heroes among us: FSHA firefighters brave the blaze](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5933/features/heroes-among-us-fsha-firefighters-brave-the-blaze/) - As the Eaton and Palisades fires burned through thousands of acres, the FSHA community found itself deeply connected to the crisis. Students, faculty, and families watched as flames threatened homes, schools, and familiar landscapes. For some, the danger was even more personal. Several members of the FSHA community who are firefighters found themselves on the - [Extinguishing your inner flame: the mental health impact of the Eaton fire](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5949/features/extinguishing-your-inner-flame-the-mental-health-impact-of-the-eaton-fire/) - In early January, the Eaton fire swept into our own community in Altadena, California, leaving a trail of devastation not only in the physical environment but also in the mental well-being of our community. While attention is often focused on the immediate physical damage caused by such disasters, the psychological aftermath can be just as - [More than a dorm: how campus housing became my home](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5946/showcase/more-than-a-dorm-how-campus-housing-became-my-home/) - When my family and I were forced to evacuate from our home during the Eaton Canyon fires, we did not know how long we’d be away from home. Expecting to return within a couple of days, we packed little to nothing. But two weeks later, we were still displaced, and it became clear that our - [Tologs use music to bring people together](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5941/features/tologs-use-music-to-bring-people-together/) - The great musician Prince once said, "Music is healing. Music holds things together." For students here at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, that is a true testament. Recently, Tologs have begun utilizing the special powers of music to aid those affected by the Eaton fire with the project the Altadena Relief Show. Founded by Mercy Bruchey - [Burned but not broken: the story of losing my childhood home](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5936/showcase/burned-but-not-broken-the-story-of-losing-my-childhood-home/) - It was 6:30 at night on Tuesday, January 7th. The power had been out all day and the wind was kicking up a storm. My mom came into my room, eyes wide, with a lantern, and told me that there was a fire in Eaton Canyon and we had to evacuate. I froze and immediately - [Styling the FSHA winter uniform](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5873/showcase/styling-the-fsha-winter-uniform/) - Bundle up, Tologs! The winter season has arrived and the Veritas Shield is here to help you style the FSHA winter uniform while staying cute and cozy. With a little creativity, you can express yourself while staying within the dress code's boundaries. One of the easiest ways to style the winter uniform is layering. Whether - [Curls without the burn](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5876/showcase/curls-without-the-burn/) - Heat curling irons were once the preferred method of acquiring jaw-dropping curls, but now heatless curls have joined the picture. With these new trending curling methods, Tologs have considered tossing aside their damaging heat curlers and turning to the viral heatless curl option. The question is, which curling method is better? “I really like the - [Peppermint vs. Pumpkin Spice](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5885/showcase/peppermint-vs-pumpkin-spice/) - As Tologs change into their winter uniforms, something else is also changing on the Hill. Tologs are replacing their Starbucks Pumpkin Spice lattes with Peppermint Mochas. The fall drinks at Starbucks have been replaced by the chain’s winter drinks - and a lot of Tologs are disappointed. During the fall, the Starbucks seasonal menu contains - ["Wicked"–A new look on an old story](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5899/showcase/wicked-a-new-look-on-an-old-story/) - The film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked," starring Grammy winner Ariana Grande and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, was released in theaters on November 22. The movie has been a hot topic all over social media and among many Tologs. Grace Fuller ‘26 went this past weekend with her friends. “It was very inspiring - [From studio to school: how female artists transform learning for girls](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5892/features/from-studio-to-school-how-female-artists-transform-learning-for-girls/) - Music often reflects personal aspirations, and the influence of female artists like Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish on an all-girls school is profound. These artists inspire people all around the world, including Tologs, to embrace their identities. The impact of these performers goes beyond the music itself, creating a space for self-expression and - ["Who is Green Day?" Tologs confused by Coachella lineup](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5909/showcase/who-is-green-day-tologs-confused-by-coachella-lineup/) - The 2025 Coachella lineup has caused a good amount of commotion here on the Hill. This year the three main performers will be Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone. These headliners, who seem to be aimed at a more mature audience, have surprised many young music enthusiasts. By comparison, last year’s headliners were Lana - [Game day matters: FSHA seniors pick schools with football](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5868/features/game-day-matters-fsha-seniors-pick-schools-with-football/) - As the college application season comes to a close, senior Tologs have applied to a wide variety of schools across the country. While every senior considers many different factors when deciding which schools to apply to, such as academics, location, and class sizes, something that many students feel shapes the college experience is football. “I'm - [Tennis team achieves historic first](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5859/sports/tennis-team-achieves-historic-first/) - This fall, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy sent its tennis team to CIF finals for the first time in school history. The season began in September with the team battling local high schools for a spot in CIF playoffs. It culminated this November with playoffs lasting roughly two weeks, during which the team defeated schools including - [The Veritas Shield goes to Philadelphia](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5856/showcase/the-veritas-shield-goes-to-philadelphia/) - [Bring on the brain freeze! Tologs rank their favorite ice cream stores](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5851/showcase/bring-on-the-brain-freeze-tologs-rank-their-favorite-ice-cream-stores/) - With so many great places to get a sweet treat in our local area, we asked Tologs what their favorite places to get ice cream are. Can you guess the results? The top 5 most popular shops are as follows: Handel’s Yogurtland Salt & Straw Baskin-Robbins Afters Ice Cream Other popular stores among Tologs include - [Bringing spirit back to the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5846/opinion/bringing-spirit-back-to-the-hill/) - Here at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, school spirit is not something we take lightly. Whether we are winning against another school in a basketball game or accepting defeat in Dig Pink, the Tolog school spirit should persist. Although it is not easy to say this, I believe that the 2024-2025 school year has not been - [10 tips to secure your driver's license](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5822/showcase/10-tips-to-secure-your-drivers-license/) - Many Tologs can’t wait to get their driving licenses, especially since they see their fellow upperclassmen friends drive themselves to school every day. However, the process of getting a driver's license is something that cannot be rushed, which is why it is crucial to be aware of the following 10 exam tips before scheduling a - [From aspirations to achievements: FSHA’s record admissions year](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5838/news/from-aspirations-to-achievements-fshas-record-admissions-year/) - This year Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is seeing a massive increase of applicants eager to join the Hill. Shadow Day was completely maxed out, Open House numbers surpassed anything the admissions team could have imagined, and tours for the rest of the year were completely booked. Most notable has been the increase in attendance at - [Seniors stressed as college deadlines approach](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5832/news/seniors-stressed-as-college-deadlines-approach/) - With deadlines fast approaching, seniors at Flintridge Sacred Heart have been hard at work on their college applications. Early action and decision applications were due on November 1st, and the deadline for regular decision applications is January 1st. This crucial time has brought stress to all 89 seniors as they navigate the Common App, UC - [Courage and a pinch of confidence](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5790/features/courage-and-a-pinch-of-confidence/) - There comes a point in life when we realize our failures should never be substandard. Never sins or crimes. Never inferior or inadequate. Never times we wish we could take back. Failure finds kinship with fear and labels perseverance as its enemy. I suppose I should start from the beginning. This year, over four hundred - [Sopho-MORE Students](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5236/news/sopho-more-students/) - This fall, due to the closure of two local Catholic schools, Flintridge Sacred Heart welcomed a record number of students to the sophomore class. When Alverno High School in Sierra Madre and Holy Family High School in Glendale closed down last year, their students were impacted academically and emotionally. Two schools closing at the same - [Cross-country’s unbreakable bond](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5393/sports/cross-countrys-unbreakable-bond/) - 6a.m. morning practices, eating in Nish’s room, Mammoth trips and running in the rain together—these moments forge the strong bonds within Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s cross-country team. While the team is widely recognized for their tight-knit connections with one another, what exactly fuels these close relationships among the runners? “We went to Mammoth together for - [Galentine’s Day: Valuing the Love of Friendships](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5468/news/galentines-day-valuing-the-love-of-friendships/) - As mid-February approaches, many couples begin planning their candle-lit dinners to celebrate their favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day. But what about single people? While couples make special plans to celebrate with one another, singles can plan Galentine’s, a holiday that may be celebrated by anyone who wants to embrace the love of women’s friendships. Though Galentine’s - [Echoes of seniors’ wisdom](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5672/news/echoes-of-seniors-wisdom/) - As part of the seniors’ final show at FSHA, the theater program participates in its annual tradition of senior speeches, which happens behind the scenes amongst the theater program. This tradition is run by the seniors and consists of each senior giving a brief speech to their fellow theater cast and crew, which includes words - [Tologs’ summer plans](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5702/features/tologs-summer-plans/) - Tanning on a sunny day, sleeping in, bike rides along the beach and hanging out with friends are all just around the corner as the bright long summer days are nearing. Tologs are counting down the days until summer break and looking forward to their fun summer plans. Some Tologs will spend a summer away - [New school year, new lunch updates](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5758/news/new-school-year-new-lunch-updates/) - The 2024-2025 school year brings several new updates to Tologcafe, ranging from dumplings for lunch and yogurt parfaits to higher everyday prices. “We’ve added more packaged snack options like Cracker Jacks, gummies, Rice Krispies, and Fruit Roll Ups,” Mr. Chris Chou, the main chef of Tologcafe, said. Thanks to these new items, Tologs will not - [Halloween Horror Nights 2024](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5821/video/halloween-horror-nights-2024/) - [Little Women’s newest edition comes to FSHA](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5811/news/little-womens-newest-edition-comes-to-fsha/) - The story "Little Women" has taken many forms. Originally written in the late 1860s by American author Lousia May Alcott, the celebrated book about the March family has been the subject of numerous adaptations both on and off the screen. Its latest evolution? A feminist retelling by playwright Kate Hamill, which simplifies the lengthy story - [Tologs Take On Study Hall 2024](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5755/showcase/tologs-take-on-study-hall-2024/) - [Five fresh faces: new teachers on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5775/news/five-fresh-faces-new-teachers-on-the-hill/) - Every school year brings change, but the 2024-2025 school year has brought quite a lot, from a new schedule to new lunch offerings at Tologcafe. One of the biggest changes this year, however, the arrival of five new teachers: Ms. Layla Adams, Ms. Claudine Aguilar, Dr. Julie Kim, Mrs. Shawn Mann, and Ms. Katharine Guerrero. - [Toon by Jun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5772/showcase/toon-by-jun-4/) - Cartoon by Jun Zhang '25 - [CIF rule change turns up heat on FSHA sports](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5762/sports/cif-rule-change-turns-up-heat-on-fsha-sports/) - This fall, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy implemented new CIF heat index rules that affect all fall sports teams. In an effort to protect athletes from oppressive temperatures, the new rules force games or practices to be canceled when the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For tennis, both practices and matches have been affected. “Instead - [FSHA summer program sees unprecedented surge in popularity](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5754/news/fsha-summer-program-sees-unprecedented-surge-in-popularity/) - The 2024 Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy summer camp program was the most successful in school history. From art camp to sports camp, every program either sold out or exceeded capacity. For the past 20 years, FSHA has offered summer camps for incoming and prospective students. Originally, only sports and engineering camps were offered, but over - [Tologs take on summer trends](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5750/news/tologs-take-on-summer-trends/) - As Tologs returned to school, I reminisced about the top 2024 summer trends. Summer is a time for individuals to leave their comfort zones and experiment with the best and biggest trends such as catchy songs, viral TV shows, new fashion, and unique food fads. Here’s a closer look at the standout trends that defined - [FSHA’s summer makeover](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5724/news/fshas-summer-makeover/) - Over the summer, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy upgraded the hallways, front office and classrooms in the one outdated wing of the main high school building to match with the rest of the school. A construction crew, led by Mr. Eric Pivovaroff, Director of Facilities and Security, came and gave our school a makeover. FSHA also - [“All Girls School” takes on whole new meaning](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5745/news/all-girls-school-takes-on-whole-new-meaning/) - From the new president of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to U.S. Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, the world is seeing more women in charge. This also holds true here at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. This school year FSHA introduced a new administration team, the first to be all-women and include no sister leaders. - [Tologs vs Winter Slump: Who's winning?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5554/news/tologs-vs-winter-slump-whos-winning/) - As the celebrations of Halloween, Christmas and New Year's become distant memories and the freshness of the second semester fades, Tologs find themselves confronting a formidable enemy: the phenomenon known as the winter slump. Symptoms of this slump, which extends from the end of holiday break to the eagerly awaited arrival of spring break, include - [Tologs vs Tiktok ban](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5699/showcase/tologs-vs-tiktok-ban/) - One of Tologs most used apps, TikTok, might be banned due to concerns over privacy and national security. Join Carly Norton '26 as she interviews Tologs on their thoughts and opinions on this news. Starring: Ena Ramsey '26, Juliette Smith '26, Emma Dolan '27, and Caroline Pieterse '27 Directed and produced by: Carly Norton '26 - [Meet FSHA’s new president, Mrs. Marlena Conroy](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5684/news/meet-fshas-new-president-mrs-marlena-conroy/) - As Flintridge Sacred Heart starts a new year, so does Mrs. Marlena Conroy. Mrs. Conroy joins FSHA as its new president, taking the place of beloved Sr. Caroline. Conroy was born and raised in San Diego and has Canadian and Nicaraguan heritage. She loves to spend time with her husband and dog Charlie hiking and - [How to lose a prom date in 10 days](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5690/opinion/how-to-lose-a-prom-date-in-10-days/) - Between landing the right date, finding the perfect dress and getting your hair and nails done perfectly, prom season can be a stressful time. While a little anxiety or nervousness is perfectly acceptable, there are 10 things you must absolutely not do leading up to prom - because they’ll lead you to lose your date. - [Bridging my two worlds through documentary filmmaking](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5472/news/bridging-my-two-worlds-through-documentary-filmmaking/) - I grew up in two places at once: suburban Los Angeles and the bustling city of Manila. While in the Philippines, where I lived for eight years, I found my calling through the artistic form of filmmaking and gained a profound understanding of bridges that span 8,000 miles. I was seven-years-old when I moved to - [Hey, no slander to the school bus!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5678/uncategorized/hey-no-slander-to-the-school-bus/) - "You’re a senior and you’re still taking the bus?" is a question I hear ever so often. "That’s so embarrassing." When people say this, I don't let it affect me because, truth be told, despite having my driver's license, I love taking the bus. I started riding the bus in second grade and don’t have - [Why I decided to go to community college](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5673/features/why-i-decided-to-go-to-community-college/) - Last summer, before school had even started, I decided that after graduation I’ll be attending Pasadena City College. Having spent most of high school spiraling about how much college did not appeal to me, I was thrilled to at last find a college experience that seemed interesting, new and like it wasn’t about to be - [Ryan & Robb hit the road](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5670/news/ryan-robb-hit-the-road/) - This year we will say goodbye to two teachers who have become staples of campus life: Ms. Jessie Ryan and Mr. John Robb. Mr. Robb, the Mathematics Teacher, has been teaching high school math for 37 years and spent 20 of those years at FSHA. Ms. Jessie, VAPA/Dance Teacher, has been working on the Hill - [Senior year survival guide](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5635/showcase/senior-year-survival-guide/) - Ahh, senior year – a time where the days are long, the friendships are strong, and the memories are endless. It's the grand finale of one's high school adventure, packed with excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of senioritis. Amidst the chaos of college applications and final exams, senior year can also be a blast if - [‘24 at their core: senior favs](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5663/showcase/24-at-their-core-senior-favs/) - Houston Sandford ‘25 and Caroline Krappman ’25 find out what the senior class of 2024’s favorites have been here at FSHA over these past 4 years! Staring: Class of 2024 Directed and produced by: Houston Sandford and Caroline Krappman - [Toon by Jun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5658/showcase/toon-by-jun-3/) - [Riding solo, saying “YOLO”](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5644/showcase/riding-solo-saying-yolo/) - Senior year is usually a year of goodbyes, but Julia Orue ‘24 says hello to getting uniform infractions to complete her senior bucket list! Starring: Julia Orue '24 Directed and produced by: Julia Orue '24 - [Sun rises on class of ‘24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5653/showcase/sun-rises-on-class-of-24/) - Getting up at five a.m. sounds miserable to most Tologs, but it’s worth it when there are coffee, bagels, a sunrise and your entire class waiting for you. Colleen Traver ‘24 vlogs the experience. Starring: Colleen Traver '24 Directed and produced by: Colleen Traver '24 - [More than a dress: the evolution of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s graduation attire](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5637/features/more-than-a-dress-the-evolution-of-flintridge-sacred-heart-academys-graduation-attire/) - Throughout all four years of high school, Tologs eagerly anticipate a seemingly distant celebration: graduation. A representation of a student’s academic, personal and spiritual growth, graduation holds important weight, drawing friends and relatives from various locations and being the subject of pictures that will hang on walls and perch on mantles for years to come. - [Scaling the Hill: the journey for the “perfect” friend group](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5645/showcase/scaling-the-hill-the-journey-for-the-perfect-friend-group/) - When elementary and middle schoolers think of high school, many conjure up images of locker-lined halls, hoping to take impactful classes or engage in meaningful discussions. As kids, we cling to the symbols of youth that popular culture has imposed on us; we can’t wait to join the roaring crowds at football games and dance - [My most helpful advice to freshmen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5607/showcase/my-most-helpful-advice-to-freshmen/) - Entering high school as a naive freshman, I had no idea what to expect. But I sure was intimidated. There’s an expectation to do well in your classes, maintain friendships with your peers, cultivate meaningful relationships with your teachers and stay active in your clubs and activities. As I tried to balance these different components - [Flipping through senior year: AP Lit book reviews](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5615/features/flipping-through-senior-year-ap-lit-book-reviews/) - Senior year brings a wave of novelty into every Tolog’s day. In juggling college applications, a year-long research project, challenging courses and senioritis, seniors are bound to feel pressure. Thankfully, a scientifically proven stress-reliever is part of the senior curriculum: good books. According to WebMD, reading has been proven to reduce stress levels by 68%; - [Little sisters say farewell](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5603/showcase/little-sisters-say-farewell/) - In life, certain moments stand out as unforgettable moments. For many families, it’s the departure of an older sibling for college - a bittersweet transition as the family dynamic shifts and a new chapter begins with both pride and gloominess. This spring on the Hill, many younger sisters are preparing tender farewells for their graduating - [Tologs’ ideal schedule](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5589/news/tologs-ideal-schedule/) - As we kicked off the ‘23-’24 school year, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy instituted a new daily schedule featuring an earlier lunch period, the addition of Tolog Time and an increase in the number of assemblies. But is this new schedule effective? No question has generated more speculation and debate. Earlier this month we at the - [There’s a first time for everything, including voting](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5584/news/theres-a-first-time-for-everything-including-voting/) - With the primaries and caucuses underway, the 2024 election season is in full swing and the media is abuzz with electoral frenzy. They are not the only ones. At FSHA, Tologs' sights are set on the 2024 presidential election, as many students’ eighteenth birthdays will occur in the months before the election, making them eligible - [The Stanley craze hits the Hill, but for how long?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5578/features/the-stanley-craze-hits-the-hill-how-long-will-it-last/) - Is any water bottle worth more than $150? Apparently the Stanley Tumbler is. Everywhere you look, a Tolog is holding one. They are, by all accounts, great at keeping drinks cold and are apparently fun to use, but why is everyone so obsessed with them? Some blame social media. The Stanley brand has been around - [Toon by Jun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5574/showcase/toon-by-jun-2/) - [This Old Campus: the stories behind FSHA’s quirkiest spaces](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5482/news/this-old-campus-the-stories-behind-fshas-quirkiest-spaces/) - Before there was Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, there was the Flintridge Hotel. Opened in 1927, the hotel was designed by Myron Hunt, the same architect who designed the Pasadena Central Library, the Langham Huntington Hotel, the Rose Bowl and Occidental College. With his impressive list of credits, it's no surprise that the buildings here on - [Veritas Shields' February photo contest winner](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5534/news/veritas-shields-february-photo-contest-winner/) - A sincere thanks to everyone who took part in our very first photo contest themed “Vibes.” We really appreciate our fantastic judges, Mr. Ribordy, Mrs. Eisenstein and Ms. Orihuela, for their dedicated effort in reviewing all the submissions. It was a challenging task, but after careful consideration, we’re excited to announce Joanna as the winner. - [The meaning of multiculturalism: a look into FSHA’s newest affinity group](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5397/news/the-meaning-of-multiculturalism-a-look-into-fshas-newest-affinity-group/) - When senior Fifi Joyner encountered Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s affinity group offerings as a freshman, she was unsure if she fit into any of the represented identities. As a half-Latina, half-White student, Joyner feels that she does not belong to just one racial or ethnic category, although she strongly identifies with her Latina heritage. This - [Behind the Scenes of ASB Morning Announcements](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5509/news/behind-the-scenes-of-asb-morning-announcements/) - Get ready to brighten your mornings! Join editor-in-chief Madison Wuu '24 as she takes you behind the scenes of ASB-led morning announcements, featuring and chatting with members of this school year's ASB. Starring: Flintridge's Sacred Heart ASB 2023-2024 Directed and produced by: Madison Wuu '24 Original publication date: 12/1/23 - [Boyfriends at an all-girl's school?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5523/showcase/boyfriends-at-an-all-girls-school/) - How does going to an all-girls school affect high school relationships? This Valentine's Day, Houston Sandford ‘25 and Caroline Krappman ‘25 explore the pros and cons of highschool relationships while attending an all girls school. - [Iggy's playlist](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5463/news/iggys-playlist/) - Even before the clock strikes 8:20 and the school day gets started, the FSHA campus is stirring with energy. Students cramming in the library right before a big test, faculty sipping coffee in their classrooms and out in the parking lot, 80s dance music playing as Tologs pull into their parking spots or get off - [What Tech Week is like for a Dancer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5490/showcase/what-tech-week-is-like-for-a-dancer/) - Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the curtains during dance tech week? Join Maria Boutros '24 as she reports behind the senes of Flintridge Sacred Heart's dance concert 'In Dreams'. Produced/Edited/Starring: Maria Boutros '24 - [Tologs Got Rizz](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5501/news/tologs-got-rizz/) - Do Tologs have W or L rizz? Join staff writer Julia Orue '24 as she interviews fellow Tologs about their rizz. Starring: Isabella Costanzo ‘24 & Gianna Scaturchio ‘26. Directed and produced by: Julia Orue '24 Original publication date: 12/15/2023 - [Hot Ones: Episode 2 | Teacher Edition](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5496/news/hot-ones-episode-2-teacher-edition/) - Is it hot in here, or is it just these wings? Join Isabelle Risha '24 and Julia Orue '24 as they ask spicy questions and indulge in even spicier wings with three Flintridge Sacred Heart teachers. - [Harmful or helpful: Skincare in 2023](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5391/features/harmful-or-helpful-skincare-in-2023/) - Drunk Elephant, Laneige, Fenty Skin, Glow Recipe and Charlotte Tilbury—we all know these products because, well, they are everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and billboards across Los Angeles. It is no doubt that these brands have successfully created a strong presence in the beauty industry. But do they really work? Teenagers are often influenced by - [Should you be scared at concerts? The new concert culture and the violence behind it](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5418/features/should-you-be-scared-at-concerts-the-new-concert-culture-and-the-violence-behind-it/) - Who brings a wheel of cheese to a concert? And who throws it at the performers? Well, certain fans do. From funny signs to BeReals, fans are interacting more and more with artists during concerts, and these interactions are becoming more and more hostile. First Ava Max gets slapped onstage by a fan, then Kelsea - [Toon by Jun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5369/showcase/spotify-wrapped-gone-wrong/) - [Books are back, and with them, BookTok](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5441/news/books-are-back-and-with-them-booktok/) - As I sat taking in the last page of The Goldfinch, a novel by Donna Tartt, enraptured by the beautiful prose, I couldn’t help but think I might never have read it had I not happened upon a 30-second book review on the social media app TikTok. The Goldfinch is just one of the many - [From Santa to menorah: being raised Christian and Jewish](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5387/showcase/from-santa-to-menorah-being-raised-christian-and-jewish/) - Being Jewish has always influenced the way that I live my life. Whether I am surrounded by peers of different faith backgrounds or not, I continue to live my life with the same intent. My family and I have always practiced Jewish traditions, due to my mom’s Jewish faith and my dad’s Christian one. Throughout - [Toon by Jun](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5425/showcase/toon-by-jun/) - [Adios or au revoir: the challenge in choosing a language class](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5428/features/adios-or-au-revoir-the-challenge-in-choosing-a-language-class/) - French language and culture is deeply ingrained in the English language and American culture. For example: you know what “bonjour” means, intuitively. But although French is the foundation for so much of the English language, and French culture has, for hundreds of years, defined what is “in” or not, very few students here on the - [At Erewhon, a smoothie is much more than just a smoothie](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5383/showcase/at-erewhon-a-smoothie-is-much-more-than-just-a-smoothie/) - Last September, the upscale and notoriously expensive grocery market chain Erewhon opened a new location on South Lake Avenue in Pasadena. People gathered by the hundreds at the crack of dawn, hoping to be among the first to enter the store. Since then, dozens of Tologs have made visiting this store part of their routines. - [Prepping for the future: Tologs share insights on the digital SAT](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5398/features/prepping-for-the-future-tologs-share-insights-on-the-digital-sat/) - Since its inception in 1926, the SAT has been a paper-based test. Now, starting in March 2024, U.S. students will take the digital, adaptive SAT. The updated SAT is shorter, lasting two hours and 14 minutes instead of the previous three hours and 15 minutes, and is designed to better accommodate students’ concentration levels. “I - [Howdy Tologs! Country culture takes the Hil](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5403/features/howdy-tologs-country-culture-takes-the-hil/) - When you ask high school students who their favorite artist is, you might be expecting them to list popular rappers such as Travis Scott and SZA. Here on the Hill, however, artists such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan are some of Tologs top played artists. “I definitely noticed that country music has - [Behind the Curtain: FSHA’s theater culture comes to life](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5406/news/behind-the-curtain-fshas-theater-culture-comes-to-life/) - Within the confines of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, a close-knit community distinct from other campus groups emerges in the form of its theater program. Spending extensive time together during rehearsals and lingering in the theater classroom, these students exhibit a unique camaraderie. To understand the underpinnings of the theater culture, I investigated the dynamics that - [Negativity 101](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5380/showcase/negativity-101/) - Is all this negativity bringing you down? Alina Perez '24 (Staff Writer) and Maria Boutros '24 (Social Media Manager) come together to share their feelings about negativity in our daily lives inside and outside school and how this impacts teenagers. They dive into the basics of negativity and also how influencers are seen as "relatable" - [Taking a bite into the Tolog Cafe](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5353/news/taking-a-bite-into-the-tolog-cafe/) - Do the lines seem a little longer at the Tolog Cafe this semester? Well, it’s not your imagination. Sales at the cafe have been surging. According to Food Services Director Omar Rivera, this is due to the Culinarts team’s commitment to menus that feature both new items, like vegetable dumplings and ice cream sundaes, along - [The journey of Sr. Carolyn: from her early years to Flintridge Sacred Heart](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5230/features/the-journey-of-sr-carolyn-from-her-early-years-to-flintridge-sacred-heart/) - As Sr. Carolyn McCormack embarks on her final year of presidency here at Flintridge Sacred Heart, she sat down the Shield to reflect on her beginnings as a sister and her early days on the Hill. Sr. Carolyn's journey has intertwined faith, integrity, and truth within the Flintridge Sacred Heart community. Her life story serves - [Remembering Mrs. Betsy Sauer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5316/features/remembering-mrs-betsy-sauer/) - Mrs. Betsy Sauer, who served as Athletic Director, P.E. and Health teacher and coach on the Hill for 40 years, passed away in November after battling breast cancer for half her life. From 1973 to 2003, she led the transformation of Flintridge Sacred Heart’s athletic landscape, helping it turn from a school with limited facilities - [Student solidarity in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5318/news/student-solidarity-in-the-wga-and-sag-aftra-strikes/) - The 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike drew to a close on November 9th after the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) representatives met in Los Angeles and negotiated a tentative agreement that was felt throughout the FSH community. The strike was triggered - [Affirmative action: What Tologs need to know](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5168/news/affirmative-action-what-tologs-need-to-know/) - This fall, Flintridge Sacred Heart has been grappling with the Supreme Court’s new ruling on affirmative action, as college matriculation could be impacted. The decision to strike down affirmative action in higher education overruled the court’s previous verdict in Grutter v. Bollinger, which permitted the use of race as one of many factors in college - [ChatGPT: Breaking news or breaking rules?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5166/features/chatgpt-breaking-news-or-breaking-rules/) - In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, ChatGPT has emerged as a groundbreaking development, offering a powerful and versatile tool for natural language understanding and conversation generation. Developed by OpenAI, this variant of the renowned GPT model is poised to redefine human-computer interactions, with implications spanning from chatbots to virtual assistants and beyond. Could - [FSH Water Polo rises to higher division for the upcoming season](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5196/sports/fsh-water-polo-rises-to-higher-division-for-the-upcoming-season/) - Swim, splash, score! Due to its outstanding performance last year, The Flintridge Sacred Heart water polo team qualified for a higher division for the upcoming 23-24 season. The team ended last season in CIF playoffs, and as winter sports start their preseason training this fall, members are looking forward to another great year. Every year, - [Cheers of triumph: Tologs return to cheerleading](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5211/sports/cheers-of-triumph-tologs-return-to-cheerleading/) - After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saint Francis cheerleaders returned to kick off the 2024 school year. Ten Tologs joined the team, participating in games under the lights. “I have some good friends on the football team. I thought it would be really fun to be there for them and be on - [Fresh faces on the Hill: their journeys and goals](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5181/uncategorized/fresh-faces-on-the-hill-their-journey-and-goals/) - This academic year, Flintridge Sacred Heart welcomed seven additions to its faculty, including six new teachers and a new Assistant Principal of Student Affairs. Joining us on the Hill this year are Ms. Joo Eun Lee, Algebra I and Honors Geometry teacher; Mr. Linh Tran, honors and regular Chemistry teacher; Ms. Isabel Gutierrez, Physical Education - [New schedule yields surprising health benefits](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5206/news/new-schedule-yields-surprising-health-benefits/) - Are you, like most Tologs, wondering why Flintridge Sacred Heart instituted a radically different daily schedule this year? According to administration officials, it's because these changes—which include an earlier start, an earlier lunch, a daily community block, and a later end to the day—provide a range of benefits to students' mental and physical health. “The - [Dress code unlocked: new uniform options encourage self-expression](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5191/news/dress-code-unlocked-new-uniform-options-encourage-self-expression/) - This fall, for the first time in 12 years, Flintridge Sacred Heart added new uniform pieces to the official wardrobe. These new options include a black polo, mandatory white socks and loafers, and pants and shorts with the FSH logo. Mrs. Rebecca Bostic, school principal, expressed that the uniforms represent much more than just a - [Sustainable changes in the Tolog Cafe](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5186/news/sustainable-changes-in-the-tolog-cafe/) - Thanks to AP Environmental Science students on the Hill, the Tolog Cafe has experienced real change in sustainable packaging and limited plastic use. After finishing their AP exam last May, AP Environmental Science students had the opportunity to pursue a service project of their choice. One block hosted a clothing swap where Tologs received a - [New changes in the library](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5152/news/new-changes-in-the-library/) - Mrs. Katherine Eisenstein and Ms. Caitlin Bury ‘18, the FSH librarians, have changed things around in a variety of ways in the library, in order to foster deeper student engagement this school year. The largest change is noticeable from the moment a student walks in: the front of the library is being used as a - [What’s in store for these outspoken Tologs? FSH Speech and Debate Team enters a new era](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5159/news/whats-in-store-for-these-outspoken-tologs-fsh-speech-and-debate-team-enters-a-new-era/) - Due to an influx of new members this year, the speech and debate team has incorporated a number of changes, affecting everything from the way the team practices to the competitions it enters. FSH’s Speech and Debate team is one of many co-curricular groups on the Hill that allows Tologs’ talents to shine. For those - [A look into the athlete college commitment process](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5066/sports/a-look-into-the-athlete-college-commitment-process/) - The college application process is dreaded by most students in high school. With hours spent on college essays, counseling, volunteering and touring schools, the process is tedious and time consuming. But what if your athletic expertise could do all the work for you? Though the process of committing to a college may seem like an - [A heartfelt goodbye to my laptop](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5021/showcase/a-heartfelt-goodbye-to-my-laptop/) - My dearest friend, my closest confidant, Goodbye has come far too soon. I remember the first day we met. You sat on the triangular desk, waiting for me quietly. I walked in anxiously, side parted hair and bright blue “FSHA” orientation t-shirt on. It was love at first sight. Looking back on the moment makes - [Why physics is the ultimate senior year class](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5027/showcase/why-physics-is-the-ultimate-senior-year-class/) - For Flintridge Sacred Heart’s class of 2023, physics has gone from something daunting to something students love and appreciate, whether it be through lessons, funny moments or big projects. “The labs and hands-on activities help build a lot of students’ love for physics,” Skylar Medina ‘23 said. “In the classes themselves, everybody’s very talkative and - [Sister Celeste says goodbye](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5054/news/sister-celeste-says-goodbye/) - As Flintridge Sacred Heart’s 2022-23 school year comes to a close, many things are the same as they always were. Seniors preparing to head off to college, teachers giving their last lesson plans and somewhere out there, 8th graders ready to become freshmen wait in joyful and nervous anticipation. But one thing is very different - [Why I'm continuing my all-female education in college](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5030/opinion/why-im-continuing-my-all-female-education-in-college/) - When I first told people that I am going to attend Wellesley College, a women's liberal art institution, after attending my all-girls high school, I was confronted with some sharp questions. “Do you hate boys?” “How can you date boys if you are surrounded only by women?” “Won’t you feel a lack of male voices - [A look into the SciSearch experience](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5032/features/a-look-into-the-scisearch-experience/) - It’s been eight years since Dr. Liz Krider (aka my mom) joined the FSH Staffulty and began teaching the Honors Scientific Research (SciSearch) class. Her vision of a class that replicated the graduate school laboratory experience for high school seniors had come to life. Ever since that day, Dr. Krider has taken on eight to - [The bright future of our theater seniors](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5053/news/the-bright-future-of-our-theater-seniors/) - On the closing night of FSH’s spring production of “Little Shop of Horrors”, as the seniors read their farewell speeches, a sense of community pervaded the theater. For many in the cast and crew, this day marked the end of their high school theater career, but certainly not the end of their time in theater. - [Mr. Pals gets ready to move out of his classroom](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5040/news/mr-pals-gets-ready-to-move-out-of-his-classroom/) - In preparing for the 2023-2024 school year, many changes have been set in motion, including some teachers announcing their leave from the school. After 13 years of teaching at FSH, Social Studies Instructor Mr. Eric Pals has announced his retirement. Mr. Pals has been teaching history at FSH since 2010, and for 13 years he - [What will college life look like for ‘23?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5022/news/what-will-college-life-look-like-for-23/) - When it comes to extracurricular activities, college is the land of opportunity. With the backdrop of academic and social freedom, many young adults have the chance to explore their identity and what they love to do. Like many before them, the class of 2023 is curious about a wide range of academic fields of study. - [Living and learning in the pandemic era](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5020/showcase/living-and-learning-in-the-pandemic-era/) - Back in the fall of 2019, the class of 2023, radiating with excitement and a tinge of nervousness, eagerly marched into their first day of high school, ready to meet their new teachers and classmates. But just as they began to settle into a rhythm, fate dealt them an unexpected blow. During February of their - [Treat yo’ self (but only after homework)](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4854/opinion/treat-yo-self-but-only-after-homework/) - Get good grades, make the team, get cast in the play, build your portfolio, pad your resume. Get enough sleep, prioritize your mental health and make choices for yourself. High school students are bombarded with pressure to achieve their highest potential, while simultaneously they are preached the necessity of maintaining positive mental health and self-image. - [Classroom Chatter: Veritas Shield seniors' memories](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5015/showcase/classroom-chatter-veritas-shield-seniors-memories/) - As our year comes to an end, we often look back at previous times and commemorate memorable moments. A new year means a new senior class, but we will never forget the impact our class of 2023 seniors made on the Veritas Shield. Listen as Maria Boutros 24’ takes a trip down memory lane and - [The VSP: Teachers returning to the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5008/showcase/the-vsp-teachers-returning-to-the-hill/) - Many Tologs find themselves on a variety of different career paths after leaving the Hill. However, some choose to return to Flintridge Sacred Heart, but as a teacher. Today, Ms. Candace Toogood and Ms. Marina Francis share some insight on what it’s like to be a teacher at their alma mater, how quarantine has affected - [New government course at FSH: What does it entail?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5011/news/new-government-course-at-fsh-what-does-it-entail/) - Anticipating the 2023-2024 school year, Tologs are getting ready to say goodbye to Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics and welcome a new government SRP class revolving around social justice and advocacy. Though many Tologs have heard about the switch, some are still unsure of what this class really means. “The activism and advocacy government - [FSH Alumni provide a sneak peek into future college life](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/5003/news/fsh-alumni-provide-a-sneak-peek-into-future-college-life/) - From transportation to dining to groceries, to entertainment and most importantly, safety, there are many factors that can affect college life. In December 2022, academic workers at the University of California were protesting due to low wages and soaring housing prices near campus. Three FSH alumni shed light on life at their UC schools. Maia - [Beauty TikTok pushes consumerism](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4982/features/beauty-tiktok-pushes-consumerism/) - With TikTok beauty influencers gaining in popularity, filming product reviews, going on sponsored brand trips or trying new makeup techniques, users are constantly being exposed to new trends. Scrolling through the beauty side of TikTok leads many users, especially teens and young adults, to buy new products and internalize unrealistic beauty standards. “I notice that - [What does the snow in California mean?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4990/news/historic-snow-levels-in-california-represent-a-multitude-of-issues-including-climate-change/) - It’s the last Saturday of February. You wake up, open your curtains and, to your surprise, discover that the brown mountain peaks in the distance are frosted over. This surreal occurrence rarely happens in Southern California, so you take photos and text your friends about it. Smiling, you relish the picturesque view before you, hoping - [Tolog concert essentials](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4987/showcase/tolog-concert-essentials/) - I’d like to consider myself a concert fanatic. I love the atmosphere. I love the culture. I love the outfits. And most of all, I love the music. I’ve been to around seven concerts in the past couple of years, and I think I was quite prepared for each one of them. Being an avid - [The extraordinary history of Valentine’s Day](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4851/news/the-extraordinary-history-of-valentines-day/) - Valentine’s Day is widely regarded as a day of love and romance, celebrated with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, red roses and cheesy greeting cards. But the actual history of the holiday — especially the story of St. Valentine, for whom the holiday is named — is convoluted and confusing. In fact, there is so little - [Mr. Pivovaroff’s not-so-secret hobby](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4979/showcase/mr-pivovaroffs-not-so-secret-hobby/) - Anyone who has seen Mr. Eric Pivovaroff, FSH’s Director of Facilities and Security, on campus recently may have noticed a certain item of clothing he frequently wears. What they may not know is that he made this beautiful dark green scarf himself. Over the past few months, Mr. Pivovaroff has become an enthusiastic partaker-in and - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1522/arts-and-culture/1522/) - As family gatherings happen and acceptance letters are sent, the overwhelming interrogation persists. Questions about when and where have bombarded Tolog seniors for months. “Which colleges have accepted you?” “Did you apply to Harvard?” “You’re going in undecided? Yikes!” The Veritas Shield wanted to check in on how Christmas break went for our admirable seniors - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1649/showcase/1649/) - On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and seven other people were killed in a fatal helicopter crash. Bryant, who spent his entire career playing for the LA Lakers, had millions of fans worldwide. Los Angeles and the rest of the world was in shock, and the Staples Center is now adorned with memorabilia - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1726/showcase/1726/) - With election season underway, tensions are high in terms of which party currently has the upper hand. With insults and jibes being tossed around all forms of media, everyone has her own opinion. Does Sanders' primary victory in New Hampshire make him the frontrunner? Will Bloomberg make a splash on Super Tuesday? With these thoughts - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1797/showcase/1797/) - With New York, Washington, Oregon and California declaring emergencies due to the Coronavirus, many Americans are trying to keep good hygiene, washing their hands or using hand sanitizer constantly. It has become quite hard to find necessities such as toilet paper and plastic water bottles anywhere. Schools, places of worship and major tech companies such - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1820/showcase/what-hobbies-do-you-think-you-will-explore-with-your-newfound-time/) - In an effort to keep the Flintridge Sacred Heart community connected, the Veritas Shield will post questions regularly for as long as we're prevented from being together on campus. Our hope is to use our website to facilitate discussion and fellowship during these crazy times. We encourage students, faculty, staff and whoever else might be - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1841/showcase/1841/) - Starting March 17th, Flintridge Sacred Heart began remote learning in response to the coronavirus. Remote learning is new to both students and teachers, but our community is learning how to transition together. Although many are frustrated with this new reality, the senior class of 2020 is understandably taking it the hardest. As of now, they - [Best regards, Ella and Ford](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1906/showcase/dear-tologs-best-regards-ella-and-ford/) - Welcome to Dear Tologs, a place where faculty, staff, and students not a part of the newspaper staff can share their thoughts with the school community. What shows have you been watching? How are you spending your time? Have you had any deep, introspective revelations while in isolation? We want to know! You can send your submissions - [With love, Mrs. Kent](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1916/showcase/with-love-mrs-kent/) - Welcome to Dear Tologs, a place where faculty, staff, and students not a part of the newspaper staff can share their thoughts with the school community. What shows have you been watching? How are you spending your time? Have you had any deep, introspective revelations while in isolation? We want to know! You can send your submissions - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1904/showcase/1904/) - Governor Newsom issued a stay-at-home order to all Californians on March 19, instructing everyone to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. Californians are still allowed to go to the grocery store, the bank, the pharmacy and other places that provide essential services. As quarantine becomes the new reality, many are left - [Tologs celebrate 5th anniversary of Covid-19 vaccine discovery](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1941/showcase/tologs-celebrate-5th-anniversary-of-covid-19-vaccine-discovery/) - Note: This is a story from the April 13, 2025 issue of the Veritas Shield. Today, on what has become an annual event at Flintridge Sacred Heart, Tologs celebrated the fifth anniversary of the day Sister Carolyn and Sister Celeste inadvertently discovered a cure to the coronavirus. From the porch of their beachfront resort in - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2483/showcase/2483/) - As we head into the seventh month of quarantine, many people have acquired new hobbies to cope with the sheer boredom of isolation. During the early weeks of lockdown, baking banana bread and watching "Tiger King" seemed to be the most popular ways to pass time. The Veritas Shield would like to know if Tologs - [I'm the mum of a TV star!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2535/showcase/im-the-mum-of-a-tv-star/) - Dear Tologs, This has been a very strange summer for us all, but I have been having quite a bit of excitement!!! Those of you who know me are pretty much up to date with the activities of my awesome son, Drew Brandon Jones. In fact, many of you follow him on Instagram and have - [The long, twisted journey of international student insurance](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4754/showcase/the-long-twisted-journey-of-international-student-insurance/) - I paused as I filled out the mandatory medical forms before attending FSH. “Contact information of your family doctor.” I sighed, leaving the section blank. I don’t have a private doctor in the United States, so who would I go to if I get sick? As an international student, I can’t remember how many times - [Much love, Mac](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1952/showcase/much-love-mac/) - Welcome to Dear Tologs, a place where faculty, staff and students can share their thoughts with the school community. What shows have you been watching? How are you spending your time? Have you had any deep, introspective revelations while in isolation? We want to know! You can send your submissions to Mr. Dibblee (tdibblee@fsha.org). Dear - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1959/showcase/1959/) - Spring Break usually means traveling, swimming and spending time with friends. Students have been looking forward to the opportunities Spring Break brings since the beginning of second semester. However, with the unexpected spread of COVID-19, no one will be able to follow through with her plans. Even though it is critical that individuals stay at - [Stay healthy, Claire](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1978/showcase/stay-healthy-claire/) - Dear Tologs, I hope everyone is doing okay in this crazy time. If you were wondering what I have been doing this break, I have been walking A LOT. This may sound cliche, given that everyone in the entire world is talking about her newfound love of walking, but I assure you that my walking - [Stay tuned, Ms. Sarkarati](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1973/showcase/stay-tuned-ms-sarkarati/) - Dear Tologs, Several years ago, a deer head appeared on campus near the junior patio. There was much student speculation that a predator might be prowling the Hill. Since we study death and bones in Forensic Science, I decided to collect the head and perform a skeletonization procedure, which I had learned years ago at - [-buxman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2021/showcase/buxman/) - Dear Tologs, I love good storytelling. I am astounded by minds that can create entire worlds or can paint a picture of an individual's psyche so clearly that I feel I have a new friend (or a new someone to be wary of). I am enchanted by visual artists who bring imagined worlds into reality - [Stay in touch, Katrina & Meg <3](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2034/showcase/stay-in-touch-katrina-meg/) - Dear Tologs, Neither of us can drive (sad, I know). Meg was going to get her license this month, and Katrina in June, but alas! Current conditions have closed the DMV. With our lack of licenses and our mutual experiences with strict parents, it seemed at first like quarantine and self-isolation weren’t going to change - [Hello from the cast of 'Quarantined House'!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2044/showcase/hello-from-the-cast-of-quarantined-house/) - The VS sophomores participated in the #fullhousechallenge. Stay safe, everyone! - [You got this, Ferryn](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2051/showcase/you-got-this-ferryn/) - Dear Tologs, As the class of 2020 and I say our final goodbyes to the college process, I think it would be helpful for future college applicants of FSHA to hear about my unique experience, so that they can learn from it. My college process actually began in the fall of my junior year. Initially, - [Besos, Iris](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2077/showcase/besos-iris/) - Dear Tologs, I've been very busy keeping a nose on campus while you've been away. The construction workers are making lots of heckin noise, but without you the trash cans are sadly empty, and the lizards have taken over the sidewalks. Don't worry, though. I will chase and bork them all away! I miss your - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2060/showcase/2060/) - As COVID-19 continues to spread, various events such as prom and Coachella have either been canceled or postponed. Alas, many of Flintridge Sacred Heart’s students and faculty will be missing out on an event they looked forward to all year. Even though the cancelation/postponement of these events is crucial for the safety of our community, - [Stay reading, Kristen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2107/showcase/stay-reading-kristen/) - Dear Tologs, Welp, here we are. It’s Thursday, April 30, 2020, and let’s just say that, in the beginning of the year, I did not think this was how I was going to spend my last month of school. It’s my senior year, and like seniors all over the country, I am mourning the loss - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2167/showcase/2167/) - Before quarantine, most of us wished we had extra time to possibly pick up a new hobby or just relax. Now that social distancing has given us this opportunity, we find ourselves with more time than we know what to do with. While some are catching up on sleep, others are dedicating this time to - [With all my love (and much Tolog pride), Em](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2194/showcase/with-all-my-love-and-much-tolog-pride-em/) - Dear Tologs, Never in a million years did I think I would be saying my goodbyes to the Hill from behind the wheel of my car, but there I sat, the heat scorching, my air conditioner on the highest setting. Pitbull blasting from my speakers. Hands shaking. Intense wailing punctuated by deep, heaving breaths. Intense - [Cut your hair, Elle](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2252/showcase/cut-your-hair-elle/) - Dear Tologs, Today is May 16, the end of week nine of quarantine, but who is really keeping track at this point? Do we even know what day it is? Who knows? Whatever the case, now seems like a good time to take a trip down memory lane and reminiscence about the first week of - [Wishing you all the best! Ms. Wheaton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2339/showcase/wishing-you-all-the-best-ms-wheaton/) - Dear Tologs, For one of my graduate school classes, I created an Instagram photography contest for Flintridge Sacred Heart faculty, staff and students. To enter the contest, photo submissions needed to feature a California plant or animal. Participants were also asked to write a caption identifying their photography subject, the location and what their picture - [The last Dear Tologs: Shield seniors write open letters to their classmates](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2173/showcase/the-last-dear-tologs-shield-seniors-write-open-letters-to-their-classmates/) - When quarantine started, the Veritas Shield saw that, in addition to providing news and commentary for its readers, the publication could now serve the purpose of keeping Tologs in touch with each other and keeping the FSH community held together. To that end, the Shield introduced a series called Dear Tologs, in which teachers, students - [Best friends and roommates: The sequel](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2736/showcase/best-friends-and-roommates-the-sequel/) - Dear Tologs, After reading the fabulous article about Emmie and Beatriz moving in together, we, Abbie Toth and Sophia Cotman, were inspired to write a sequel. We currently live in the same house (not in the same room), eat dinner together and enjoy the comfort of chips and salsa while standing in the kitchen. We - [](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2769/showcase/2769/) - Wellness Wednesdays, a break from a regular day of classes, are an addition to the remote learning schedule this year. They're designed to ease stress by giving students a break from class, but clubs, co-curriculars, committees, affinity groups, classes, faculty and student council all have the option to schedule meetings on Wellness Wednesdays. Some students - ["Who is...?" Mr. Yaeger](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2809/showcase/who-is-mr-yaeger/) - Dear Tologs, In light of the news on the passing of long-time host Alex Trebek, here is my “Jeopardy!” story. “Where is Zimbabwe?” “What is Catcher in the Rye?” “Who is Adam Levine?” I love playing trivia games and that is how I have spent the past however many months of quarantine — studying trivia - [A holly jolly quarantine Christmas](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3002/showcase/a-holly-jolly-quarantine-christmas/) - This year, holiday traditions are changing -- no more extended family gatherings, no more Santa Claus D'Mello and no more Mr. Pettersson dressed up as an elf. That said, there are still many Christmas staples to look forward to. The Shield reached out to Tologs to find out how they're celebrating, and, in the spirit - [The Great Butera Bake Off: Mr. Butera spends quarantine making delicious food](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3120/showcase/the-great-butera-bake-off-mr-butera-spends-quarantine-making-delicious-food/) - Dear Tologs, It has been a strange year for all of us. Due to Covid-19, I wasn't able to travel and see my family in Italy at all. Like many of you (I assume), I ended up watching a lot of Netflix, and I got into "The Great British Baking Show.” Inspired by this, I - [From brushes to shovels: Ms. O takes up a new hobby to relieve stress](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3285/showcase/from-brushes-to-shovels-ms-o-takes-up-a-new-hobby-to-relieve-stress/) - Dear Tologs, As someone who lives for large sweeping hand gestures and the use of all four limbs to communicate, the transition to online teaching has been a challenge. The physical confinement to a Zoom square is draining. Even with my way-too-large blue light glasses, my eyes ache and sting after a four-block school day. - [The Veritas Shield announces the winners of its writing contest](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3375/showcase/the-veritas-shield-announces-the-winners-to-its-writing-contest/) - For the Veritas Shield’s first writing competition, we asked the Flintridge Sacred Heart community to submit articles that considered whether TikTok has had a positive or negative effect on Generation Z. We received over 20 responses, all from passionate Tologs eager to express their opinions on this heavily debated subject. We read stories about the - [Echoes from the past: Dr. Sanderson's inspiring family tree](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3478/showcase/echoes-from-the-past-dr-sandersons-inspiring-family-tree/) - Dear Tologs, During quarantine, I’ve used my free time to learn more about myself and my family. The mundanity of being stuck at home during much of this past year drove my wife to find new ways to entertain herself and build connections. She decided to perform genealogy research on her family and eventually drew - [Round Square takes on Canada](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4910/showcase/round-square-takes-on-canada/) - Canada was one item I recently crossed off my bucket list. Traveling with Round Square from the warm weather of California to the chilly climate of Ottawa, the nation’s capital, was an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. The Winter Round Square 2023 Conference “Living in the North” brought together teenagers from around the - [One step at a time: Student choreographers on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4896/news/one-step-at-a-time-student-choreographers-on-the-hill/) - With tickets sold out for all four shows, it is clear that Tologs are excited about the upcoming dance concert “Between Shadows and Light.” Including dances from the dance elective students, Veritas Dance Project dancers and Urban Dance Crew dancers, the concert is sure to be an exciting and unforgettable creative event here on the - [Tologs Try: Rom-coms](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4880/showcase/tologs-try-rom-coms/) - Romantic comedies -- we all know them. But do we all love them? Here at the Veritas Shield, Siena Urquiza (Editor-in-Chief), Julia Krider (Managing Editor), and Sara Green (Social Media Manager) have mixed opinions. In an attempt to get to the bottom of our true feelings, we decided to each watch some of the most - [Sara’s Suggestions: Sharing the love](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4874/first-person/saras-suggestions-sharing-the-love/) - I know what you’ve all been thinking: when will Social Media Manager Sara Green ‘23 give us love advice? Luckily for you, the time has come. In January, I asked our loyal @veritasshield Instagram followers for their pressing Valentine’s Day questions. Below is what was submitted, along with my two cents on each question (Disclaimer: - [The top five worst Valentine’s Day gifts](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4870/arts-and-culture/the-top-five-worst-valentines-day-gifts/) - Ah, Valentine’s Day! The holiday that is beloved by couples around the world and pretty much hated by everybody else. As we all know, the tradition on this day is to give and receive gifts from your loved ones. But, let’s be honest. Valentine’s Day is a 700-year-old holiday — these gifts are getting old. - [The perfect duo: On and off stage](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4860/showcase/the-perfect-duo-on-and-off-stage/) - It’s been 23 years since Ms. Jane McEneaney (Ms. Mac), FSH Theatre Teacher, and Mr. John Burton (Johnny), FSH Theatre Technical Director/Stagecraft Teacher, first started creating shows together. Even after all this time, looking back at their first encounter, Ms. Mac still can’t stop smiling. “We met at the theatre. I had my own theatre - [A teenage urge to find “The One”](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4856/first-person/a-teenage-urge-to-find-the-one/) - Being 16 and finding my Prince Charming was always at the top of my bucket list. For a large portion of my childhood, I watched romances unfold between football players and cheerleaders on Disney Channel, dreaming of the day I too would experience my own “High School Musical” romance. Since then, however, my life has - [Has Valentine’s Day changed, or have we?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4847/news/has-valentines-day-changed-or-have-we/) - Nothing beats the excitement of celebrating Valentine’s Day in school in the United States. There’s something truly special about spending the entire day indulging in sweets until your tongue turns bright red or green and exchanging notes in decorative paper bags with your classmates. When we were kids, the celebration was all about spreading love - [Hyphenated heritage: what my multicultural identity means to me](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4843/uncategorized/hyphenated-heritage-what-my-multicultural-identity-means-to-me/) - When I was younger, I had a box of building blocks. The lid of the box had different shapes cut into it, where each respective block could be placed inside. Every day, I would empty the box out and sort the blocks through the lid, even if I didn’t play with the blocks themselves. I - [A day in the life of an international exchange student: traveling day](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4887/showcase/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-international-exchange-student-traveling-day/) - I stopped and looked back through the gates. There they were, smiling and waving at me as I made my way toward international departures. I had never traveled alone, and by looking at my parents’ faces, I could tell they were worried for me. While my mom tried to keep her smile from wavering, my - [New beginnings: Tologs on New Year’s resolutions](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4818/news/new-beginnings-tologs-on-new-years-resolutions/) - The new year is a time for fresh starts. With a new semester for Tologs, January 1 is a natural time to renew personal, social and academic goals. The tradition of setting a New Year’s resolution goes back decades. From eating better to exercising to learning a new hobby, these resolutions all center around improving - [A phenomenal season for varsity water polo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4809/sports/a-phenomenal-season-for-varsity-water-polo/) - Reese Artura '25 seizes the ball during a tense sudden death match against the Notre Dame girls' varsity water polo team. All eyes are on her as she raises her arm to shoot the ball into the goal. The ball seems to be traveling in slow motion before smacking the net with a satisfying force. - [Spotify becomes the new social outlet](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4828/showcase/spotify-becomes-the-new-social-outlet/) - After school one day, you open Spotify and begin listening to your latest playlist. As you click on one of the songs, you catch a glimpse of the playlist title, january. It feels a little too boring for you. You try spicing it up and adding a smiley face to the end of it, but - [A Tolog's guide to the 7 types of health](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4728/showcase/a-tologs-guide-to-the-7-types-of-health/) - Between school, clubs, extracurriculars, sports and college applications, remembering to take care of your health can often be pushed off to the side, especially when you realize that there are seven types of health you should be taking care of. But these seven Tologs are each examples of how you can find time to make - [The VSP: Siblings with Down Syndrome](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4803/showcase/the-vsp-episode-5/) - The Veritas Shield Podcast (the VSP) returns in 2023 with an episode about what it’s like to have a sibling with Down Syndrome. Graciela Tiu ‘23 (Associate Editor), Sara Green ‘23 (Social Media Manager), and Cassie Huston ‘23 come together to share the feelings they have as older siblings: what is it like to be - [Looking back on Sister Celeste’s favorite Halloweens](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4679/showcase/looking-back-on-sister-celestes-favorite-halloweens/) - Halloween on the Hill is a beloved tradition for all Tologs. On October 31, every student, staff and faculty member in sight is dressed up for the holiday. There are games, costume competitions, raffles and food. In past years, Flintridge Sacred Heart’s dance students even led a flash mob. Some groups have certain themes; for - [Media Mania: I can’t get away from my phone!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4732/showcase/media-mania-i-cant-get-away-from-my-phone/) - As embarrassing and cliche as it sounds, I am a screen-ager. I mostly mean this in a post-ironic manner but the harsh reality of phone addiction is an issue in the lives of all teenagers. Even as I’m writing this, I have my phone right next to me just waiting for me to pick it - [The favorite tools of FSHAthletes](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4748/sports/the-favorite-tools-of-fshathletes/) - In the gym’s Health Center, athletes on the Hill have access to helpful athletic tools that help them stay on top of their game. These tools focus on muscle relaxation and injury recovery. One of the most widely used tools is simple: ice. For those times when icing isn’t the most efficient way to relax - [Low-rise jeans and baby tees: Bad for your health?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4730/opinion/low-rise-jeans-and-baby-tees-bad-for-your-health/) - Low-rise jeans, track suits, cargo pants and baby tees are all widely recognized as iconic staples in the 2000s fashion lookbook. Throwback photos of celebrities like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton highlight the unique style of the early 21st century. New technology, classic movies like “Clueless” and “Legally Blonde” and shockingly-thin eyebrows added to what - [Gratitude mindset: Fact or fiction?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4743/showcase/gratitude-mindset-fact-or-fiction/) - I wouldn’t consider myself a cynical person. However, senior year seems to really be bringing out that side of me. Whoever said senior year is easy was lying. Balancing more homework, harder classes and college apps that feel like they’re determining the trajectory of my life is a lot of pressure. So, in my state - [Latest trend gives new meaning to ‘FIT Woman’](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4740/sports/latest-trend-gives-new-meaning-to-fit-woman/) - Since 2021, popular commercial gyms have seen a large increase in the amount of teenagers signing up for memberships. Like FSH, many high schools nationwide provide various opportunities for exercise such as sports teams and P.E. classes. Despite this, many teens still choose the gym as their exercise of choice. Whether it’s in support of - [Coffee lovers will be in trouble when the apocalypse hits](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4727/opinion/coffee-lovers-will-be-in-trouble-when-the-apocalypse-hits/) - Coffee is deeply ingrained in our society as one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Drinking just the right amount can increase our alertness and enhance our mood, but too much can make us anxious. While many Tologs have embraced this caffeinated culture, the health benefits of drinking coffee have long been a - [Finding rest in resistance](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4736/features/finding-rest-in-resistance/) - Social media is a platform for many different kinds of content. From cooking videos to book recommendations, apps like Instagram, Twitter and TikTok allow for users to connect with others who share their interests. Social media is also a common way people, especially teenagers, learn about the world -- whether that’s about other countries’ cultures - [FSH working to combat fentanyl crisis](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4725/news/fsh-working-to-combat-fentanyl-crisis/) - In 2021, 71,238 deaths in the United States were caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl can be used very effectively for pain treatment, but only when administered and formulated by medical professionals. Although highly functional when administered and used properly, fentanyl is incredibly lethal when it doesn’t come from an FDA approved provider. “In - [Spirituality on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4723/news/spirituality-on-the-hill/) - Flintridge Sacred Heart is a Catholic, Dominican, all-girls school. However, not all students at FSH are practicing Catholics. On the Hill, there are many ways that students connect to their spirituality, which is an individual practice carried out to achieve personal peace and purpose. There are also a wide variety of religions amongst the staff, - [Misconceptions surrounding learning disabilities and their harm](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4751/news/misconceptions-surrounding-learning-disabilities-and-their-harm/) - As recently as the 1970s, people with learning disabilities were admitted to mental institutions at large with the hope that they would be ‘cured’. 50 years later, we as a society have made drastic progress, but disparaging misconceptions about learning disabilities still resound throughout everyday life. There continues to be a stigma attached to learning - [Tolog Pioneers: Ready, set, research](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4636/news/tolog-pioneers-ready-set-research/) - This summer, five Flintridge Sacred Heart seniors participated in Pioneer Academics (including me!). Pioneer is a reputable online research program for high school students. It places students with professors in certain academic areas to help foster their intellectual curiosity and research skills. Pioneers work with their professors for two to six months and each student finishes - [Classroom Chatter: Fall](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4710/showcase/classroom-chatter-fall/) - With Thanksgiving break approaching, we at the Veritas Shield are looking forward to all things fall. From pumpkin spice lattes to watching “Gilmore Girls”, listen to Staff Writer Maria Boutros ‘24, Associate Editor Madison Wuu ‘24, Social Media Manager Sara Green ‘23, and Editor-in-Chief Siena Urquiza ‘23 say what they love about the crunchy-leaf-ridden season. - [Classroom Chatter: Nepotism babies](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4447/showcase/classroom-chatter-nepotism-babies/) - "Euphoria," a popular HBO Max original TV show that follows a group of high schoolers and their drama, has been all the internet can talk about since its second season began in January. "Euphoria" has an impressive and talented cast, yet we here at the Veritas Shield are focusing on one actress: Maude Apatow. Apatow - [Consequences of under-representation: the Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4705/features/consequences-of-under-representation-the-armenia-and-azerbaijan-conflict/) - Since September 12, 2022, neighboring countries Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in a violent conflict, resulting in approximately 300 deaths and displacing about 7,600 people. The first Armenia-Azerbaijan war broke out in 1988, continuing on to the full-scale war of 2020 and now, the 2022 disputes. You’d think a conflict this impactful and long-lasting would - [Shakespeare vs. Einstein: STEM and humanities on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4652/features/shakespeare-vs-einstein-stem-and-humanities-on-the-hill/) - Through the Pioneer research program last summer, I was able to explore my interest in humanities, especially anthropology. This experience inspired me to consider pursuing humanities in college. But when I reflected on my experiences at Flintridge Sacred Heart, it seems there are more options available for students who are interested in STEM-related classes. A - [Out of the blue, Sra. Cote sings](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4673/news/out-of-the-blue-sra-cote-sings/) - It’s a sunny Tuesday morning, and Señora Amy Cote is getting ready for a day of teaching. As she mentally reviews her plan for the day, she stops on one event that makes her very happy. This evening, she will be practicing new songs with her band to prepare for their next gig. Though Tologs - [Teaching students social justice remains essential to education](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4658/opinion/teaching-students-social-justice-remains-essential-to-education/) - As I looked up from my laptop and glanced at the board, an overwhelming sense of excitement flooded my body. It was my junior year, about an hour to the lunch bell, and I was sitting in AP Language and Composition. My teacher, Dr. Amara Gero, had just turned on the Smartboard to reveal the - [Meet the new teachers](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4641/news/meet-the-new-teachers/) - Big changes are afoot on the Hill this year. Seven new faces join us this year, including Dr. Kristen Besinque, Ms. Marina Francis, Dr. William Hambleton, Mr. Eric McGee, Dr. Olanna Mills and Mr. Chad Ribordy. There is also one teacher returning to the Hill after five years, Ms. Beth Bauer-Capocci. Teachers and Tologs alike - [Intertwining community and curriculum](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4624/features/intertwining-community-and-curriculum-on-the-hill/) - It’s a new school year– the freshman hallway is remodeled and once-empty faculty/staff positions are filled. Of these changes, the most notable one is a partnership that has formed between our community, led by Mrs. Rebecca Bostic, and curriculum, led by Mr. Daniel Rios. Mrs. Bostic, the new Assistant/Vice Principal of Student Affairs, has special - [Staying green on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4618/news/staying-green-on-the-hill/) - With the windows open and the wind in her hair, a Tolog enjoys the scenic drive up the Hill. As she listens to birds chirping in the distance, she takes in the beauty of her school and the surrounding lush vegetation. As the wind rushes by, she thinks to herself, Who actually looks after these - [BeReal or BeFake?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4611/features/bereal-or-befake/) - After an exhausting cross country practice in the sweltering heat, beads of sweat drip off your face as you board the yellow FSH bus home. Thoughts of the piles of homework waiting for you creep up in your mind, but you are eager to doze off to the familiar turns of the Hill and listen - [Will there be more 'History' for One Direction?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1220/showcase/one-direction-not-just-a-band-but-a-lifestyle/) - Warning: I am about to detail the frenzied life of a complete 1D fangirl. I’m a fan who has posters on her wall and a “What makes you beautiful” decal above her dresser. A fan who had her father drive her to San Diego and back on the same day just to see 1D live - [Annual golf tournament a hole in one](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1245/showcase/annual-golf-tournament-a-hole-in-one/) - The Harry G. Johansing Golf Tournament on Oct. 14 brought families together at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena to raise money for financial aid. The donations from the tournament will go to the Harry G. Johansing Endowed Scholarship Fund, which is Flintridge Sacred Heart’s largest source of financial aid for students. “Typically, the goal - [Christian says goodbye](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1283/news/christian-leaving/) - After five years on the Hill, Christian Hankins, beloved Tolog Cafe employee, has decided to move to San Antonio, Texas in order to better support his family. He'll be working in food service at another school. His last day was Monday, Sept. 30. Tologs knew Christian as the man that would let you buy a - [Athletes say goodbye to sports](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4507/sports/athletes-say-goodbye-to-sports/) - As sports seasons end at Flintridge Sacred Heart, many senior athletes are beginning to process leaving behind their sports for the rest of their lives. Saying their final goodbyes has been both an emotional and a strange experience to deal with. After spending so much time training and playing, seniors have had to adjust to - [Hey! We’ve got some prank ideas](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4525/showcase/hey-weve-got-some-prank-ideas/) - In honor of the unique four years the seniors have experienced at Flintridge Sacred Heart, the Veritas Shield has procured six oddly specific pranks that the senior class can easily pull off as a final hurrah before they head off to college and beyond. Instead of the usual saran-wrapping of doors or the placing of - [Alternative paths for life after FSH](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4504/features/alternative-paths-for-life-after-fsh/) - There are many different options for the graduating class of 2022 after high school, and they aren’t limited to four-year colleges. The majority of FSH alumnae attend a four-year college in the United States from FSH, and the graduating class of 2022 most likely will follow this pattern. There are, however, a number of alternatives, - [Seniors rewind on last four years](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4515/news/seniors-rewind-on-last-four-years/) - Ding-dong. The doorbell rings and with nerves and excitement you rush to the door to see if the long-awaited red admissions box has come to let you know if you have been accepted to Flintridge Sacred Heart. A grin from ear to ear appears on your face as you see it on the floor. Opening - [Leaving the sisterhood - literally](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4501/showcase/leaving-the-sisterhood-literally/) - Getting called the wrong name, wearing matching outfits and being asked if they can hear each other’s thoughts are just a few things being a twin comes with. It may be tiresome when these inevitable moments do occur, but at the end of the day, they’re a small price to pay to experience growing up - [Residential life prepares seniors for college](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4513/news/residential-life-prepares-seniors-for-college/) - A roommate who never stops snoring. Having to wear sandals into the shower. Never being able to enjoy alone time. Stepping all over clothes and trash because your roommate never cleans up after herself. Communal bathrooms. Not having your parents to do the laundry. Downsizing from a queen-bed to a twin XL. Not much closet - [What seniors will miss most about the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4517/news/what-seniors-will-miss-most-about-the-hill/) - On a normal morning at Flintridge Sacred Heart, Tologs all over campus are milling about before class, chatting with friends and frantically doing some last-minute studying. On Senior Patio, twelfth graders congregating know that soon they will be leaving this mayhem behind to find their own paths in college. However, this only encourages them to spend - [Senioritis is real](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4522/showcase/senioritis-is-real/) - It was November 12, 2021, and I was sitting in my statistics class scrolling through my computer when I started pondering college decisions. One of the schools I applied to had rolling admissions, but I still had not heard back. That curiosity prompted me to open my college spreadsheet to check for any updates and - [A legend's impact on the class of '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4510/news/a-legends-impact-on-the-class-of-22/) - Tologs know him as the shuffling, soft-spoken, sweater-vested man who you can catch a glimpse of through the doorway to room 24. He is quiet in the halls, yet in the classroom it’s impossible to ignore the ideas he presents. The intelligence is palpable wherever Mr. Bernstein goes, and this year’s seniors recognize that. For - [On goodbyes](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3771/showcase/on-goodbyes/) - The first time I had the Jersey Mike’s Original Italian sub was at my first layout weekend for the Veritas Shield. A timid sophomore in a room full of juniors and seniors, I picked out the first sandwich I saw on the Postmates menu. Little did I know at the time, I would consume the - [The authenticity of service on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4479/features/the-authenticity-of-service-on-the-hill/) - An eager pack of Tologs equipped with gloves, shovels and trash bags jumps out of the FSH shuttle van after a one-hour drive to the beach. As the sea breeze hits their warm faces, they begin their trek in the sand on their hunt for trash. After a few hours of picking up litter, the - [Nobody likes Instagram](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4471/opinion/nobody-likes-instagram/) - I wake up to the obnoxious, blaring sound of a phone alarm. My hands instinctively fly to my nightstand, desperate to stop the wretched noise. Finally finding my phone, I tap the "turn off alarm" button. My thumbs are moving faster than my mind, and seemingly by muscle memory they enter my password, slide on - [The VSP, Episode 4](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4460/showcase/the-vsp-episode-4/) - The Veritas Shield Podcast (The VSP) is back this semester for a special episode with this year's graduating class. Per the calendr, the annual wave of senioritis has taken over. As we scramble to figure out where we will be for the next four years, our schoolwork has taken a back seat as we wait - [FSHballers? More like FSHbesties](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4474/sports/fshballers-more-like-fshbesties/) - It’s senior year, and I’m back on the court for the first day of practice of my fourth year of basketball. The sound of the buzzer blaring, signaling the start of my practice, is somewhat nostalgic to me. Even though I try to deny it, I’m excited for my final year of basketball, especially since - [Seniors hopeful for the future of soccer program](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4477/sports/seniors-hopeful-for-the-future-of-soccer-program/) - The clock runs out. FSH is down by a goal, and the season is over. After a heartbreaking loss in CIF playoffs, the seniors on Sacred Heart are finished with their high school soccer careers. Now that the season is officially over, the seniors are leaving the team to the juniors and underclassmen. While the - [90 years of uniforms on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4324/showcase/90-years-of-uniforms-on-the-hill/) - When you think of the Flintridge Sacred Heart uniform, specific images spring to mind: the red blazer and white button-up paired with a plaid skirt and black flats on formal dress days; the pink, blue or plaid skirts with navy, green and white polos on regular days. But a school that has been operating for - [Tologs react to changes with the SAT](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4442/news/tologs-react-to-changes-with-the-sat/) - Since the creation of the SAT, students have set their alarms for six in the morning to allow enough time to get settled at their registered testing center. They have prepared several sharpened #2 pencils and verified that their calculator had enough battery to be used throughout the 55-minute calculator math section. This whole routine - [McKenzie Street joins another sisterhood, tiara included](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4424/features/mckenzie-street-joins-another-sisterhood-tiara-included/) - “Why do you want to be on the Royal Court?” Last fall, while trying out for the Tournament of Roses, McKenzie Street '22 pondered this question at the Tournament's headquarters on Orange Grove Blvd. While making eye contact with the judges in black suits, Street understood how one could be intimidated. Refusing to cave, she - [Life Advice, Episode 1](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4383/showcase/life-advice-episode-1/) - Welcome Tologs to the first-ever advice podcast by yours truly, Michelle St. Denis. As the Veritas Shield podcast host, I am coming to you from the comforts of my home studio with advice on what is important to you all. Students are able to submit questions or concerns (email me at michellestdenis22@fsha.org), and I am - [The longlasting love of seventh-grade sweethearts](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4403/features/the-longlasting-love-of-seventh-grade-sweethearts/) - It was a normal day in gym class for a 13-year-old Mr. Roberto Dimas, the Hill's current co-director of college counseling. The air in the gymnasium was hot and stuffy. As a bead of sweat dripped down his forehead, he saw a girl named Sandra wearing a sweater. He noticed a “J” on her sweater - [Tologs spend their lunches in creative ways](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4326/news/tologs-spend-their-lunches-in-creative-ways/) - “Today’s special meal of the day is our school’s popular penne pasta with garlic bread,” ASB board member Emily Zhang '22 reports on morning announcements. A rush of excitement fills the classrooms, and as soon as the bell rings, Tologs can’t wait to get to lunch. Hurriedly, they race out the door and down to - [Celebrity couple obsessions? That 'ship' has sailed](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4311/opinion/celebrity-couple-obsessions-that-ship-has-sailed/) - Celebrity couple obsessions have always been a thing. Whether it’s Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt on the cover of People Magazine (again) or a YouTube video entitled “Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds cute couple moments,” there’s always a popular celebrity couple to follow. The comments below social media posts about popular celebrity couples are always - [FSH doubles down on DEI](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4303/features/fsh-doubles-down-on-dei/) - Social justice has always been part of Catholic Social Teaching, but a focus on racial justice at FSH has gained momentum on campus in the wake of the Black Lives Matter, Stop AAPI Hate movements and Instagram feed called @dearfsha, an account run by a black FSH alumna that in the summer of 2020 started - [How social media affects political polarization](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4285/features/how-social-media-affects-political-polarization/) - It’s a bright and early morning in the 1990s and a teenage Mrs. Nora Murphy, now Flintridge Sacred Heart’s Director of Library Services & Research Program, walks into her living room. She looks out her window and watches her dad walk back into the house, holding the bundle of newspapers he had just bought from - [Senior privileges are underway](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4220/news/senior-privileges-what-are-those/) - The senior class of 2022 kicked off the new semester with their first week on Zoom, but now they are back on campus, meaning they finally get to experience their senior privileges, as FSH initiates senior privileges at the start of the spring semester, upon a formal request from the senior board. This year’s senior - [Composting in the residence hall](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4273/news/composting-in-the-residence-hall/) - A Tolog in the residential life hall serves herself a plate of freshly cooked dinner, eating until she is full. She stands up to discard her used napkin and food leftovers. This, however, is where her process deviates from that of most. Instead of heading to a landfill with the other 6 million tons of - [FSH’s outstanding new water polo player, Marisol Cowles](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4251/sports/fshs-outstanding-new-water-polo-player-marisol-cowles/) - This winter season, varsity water polo has made a splash. FSH’s team has won nine out of 12 games played due to hard work and talented players. In particular, the addition of freshman Marisol Cowles has proven to be a main component of the team's success. As a multi-position player, she scores numerous goals for - [Potterheads on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4261/showcase/potterheads-on-the-hill/) - Expecto Patronum! Sound familiar? "Harry Potter" is a fan favorite for many people all around the world. The legendary movie and book series combines magic with a coming-of-age story that has students on the Hill especially hooked. Twenty years after the first "Harry Potter" film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” premiered, the “Harry Potter - [The life of Sr. Annunciata Auletta](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4248/features/who-is-sister-annunciata/) - It’s 6:10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning in the administration building, and the Flintridge Sacred Heart sisters are doing their morning prayer. Among them is Sister Annunciata Auletta, one of the nine Dominican Sisters on the Hill. After morning prayer, she and the other sisters eat breakfast and attend Mass. After that she walks up - [High school dances: What’s the hype?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4241/news/high-school-dances-whats-the-hype/) - Nerves and excitement fill the air as Tologs gather supplies to create posters with catchy slogans in preparation to ask that special someone the big question. The high school dance season is finally upon us! Freshmen and sophomores at FSH are getting ready for winter formal on January 28, while juniors and seniors are looking - [Dr. Sanderson versus astrology: Science clashes with the stars](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4211/showcase/dr-sanderson-versus-astrology-science-clashes-with-the-stars/) - It was another day in physics when our teacher, Dr. Robert Sanderson, surprised us. Our discussion topic started with kinematic equations and quickly changed to one about astrology. Dr. Sanderson said the word “astrology” with an interesting tone that we just couldn’t ignore. For months, my classmates and I had been trying to find out - [Six-year brace face](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4212/showcase/six-year-brace-face/) - I jumped out of my mom’s car and raced to open the heavy door that I hadn’t seen in six months since my last checkup. I signed in and waited for one of the dental assistants to call me to the back. The time had finally come to get braces! I was in the sixth - [To Christmas past and Christmas present](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4199/showcase/to-christmas-past-and-christmas-present/) - The three weeks between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break weren’t all about the holiday season this year. As a high school student, the Christmas spirit was pushed aside and the shadow of final exams hung over my head, leaving little room for holiday activities. Instead of watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate, my nights - [What’s on top of Tolog Christmas lists?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4160/news/whats-on-top-of-tolog-christmas-lists/) - It’s Christmas morning. For the first time this year, you’re eager to wake up before 8 a.m. You rush to the Christmas tree and make sure the snacks you set up for Santa Claus have been devoured. Your attention immediately shifts to under the tree where you lunge for a present and begin your investigation. - [Seniors spend their last holiday season at home](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4161/news/seniors-spend-their-last-holiday-season-at-home/) - It’s the time of the year when the weather gets colder and department stores are beginning to look like Santa’s workshop. Tologs are in a frenzy, booking tickets to visit their extended families and stocking their carts with presents for all their loved ones. Jacqueline Fitzpatrick ‘22 is back to drinking peppermint mochas, and TVs - [What’s on the holiday table?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4159/showcase/whats-on-the-holiday-table/) - You take off your earbuds as the car comes to a stop, unplugging them from your phone and putting them in your pocket. After a morning full of gift-opening-induced excitement, you excitedly await the next chapter of your Christmas Day: a family celebration. Picking up a bag of food from the trunk, you walk up - [Early decision should be abolished](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4096/opinion/early-decision-should-be-abolished/) - College application season has kicked off for senior Tologs, and for those with a dream school in mind, they might have the option of applying early decision. If accepted early, students make a binding agreement to the school and no longer have to worry about college applications or admissions for the rest of the school - [Inside the mind of an avid saver](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4129/showcase/inside-the-mind-of-an-avid-saver/) - My piggy bank jingles as I take it down from the top of my dresser. It’s 2013, and after emptying the dishwasher as a favor for my mom, I now have a small cash reward as a result of my hard work. For a nine-year-old, it’s pretty exciting to get paid for helping out. When - [The making of 'All Together Now'](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4175/showcase/the-making-of-all-together-now/) - Auditions, rehearsals, tech week, opening night -- all of these were part of the exciting experience that was the fall musical “All Together Now.” From opening night on November 12 to closing night on November 14, students, teachers, friends and family all came out to the FSH theater to support and cheer for the cast - [Tolog side hustles](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4138/showcase/tolog-side-hustles/) - Everyone is familiar with the teenage dream: shopping for new, trendy clothes every weekend with your friends, scream-singing out of your car windows, even attending Coachella. What do all of these things have in common? They all cost money. Why spend hours getting burned by french fry grease, faking a smile and wearing a hairnet when - [What the junior ring means to Tologs](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4130/news/what-the-junior-ring-means-to-tologs/) - “Ringing in junior year.” “Bling bling.” “Junior ring szn.” If you’re in the FSH Instagram loop, these are the types of captions you’ll find just below photos of the new upperclassmen who are excited to show off their junior rings, the time-honored symbol of their new status on campus. Each fall, the juniors and their - [How FSH arrives at its tuition number](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4083/news/how-fsh-arrives-at-its-tuition-number/) - For the 2021-2022 school year, Flintridge Sacred Heart’s tuition is set at $27,650. This figure covers a range of expenses, from employee salaries to campus maintenance and improvements to student programs. The year-long project of arriving at a tuition figure is comprehensive. “The process for annual tuition-setting includes an assessment of our planned program for - [Financial inequity in high school volleyball](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4150/sports/financial-inequity-in-high-school-volleyball/) - It’s 2017, and I’m 13. As I walk into my first-ever volleyball tryout, the sound of shoes squeaking and volleyballs thudding on the ground echoes around me. One of the team volunteers hands me a bright teal tryout jersey with a number written in neon pink and the San Gabriel Elite (SG Elite) volleyball logo - [Is student debt worth it?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4105/opinion/is-student-debt-worth-it/) - It’s college application season here on the Hill, and with the pressure of the unknown future, many students are trying their hardest to get into the best colleges possible. However, good colleges can often be expensive, bringing about the issue of loans and student debt, which about 30% of college students take on according to - [The role financial benefit plays in college major decisions](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4050/features/the-role-financial-benefit-plays-in-college-major-decisions/) - Worldwide, millions of students are going through the process of applying to colleges. Some know exactly what they want to do in life, while others struggle to complete the interest section on an application. Some look forward to the stability of a nine to five. Some dread the monotony. Some only want money to buy - [How Tologs spend their money](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4037/news/how-tologs-spend-their-money/) - “What should I spend my allowance money on?” one Tolog ponders while browsing through online shopping websites. Between a cute top or saving up for a car, you might be wondering what Gen Z teenagers purchase with their money. For my parents, it was baseball cards and vintage clothing. Today, Tologs spend their money in - [Sophomore drivers hit the road](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4097/news/sophomore-drivers-hit-the-road/) - Vroom. Vroom. Watch out for the new sophomore class on the road. These Tologs plan to take life by the wheel and run with their newfound freedom to go wherever and whenever, something they certainly could not do before obtaining their driver’s licenses. At FSH, a large number of students from the class of '24 - [Classroom Chatter: Red (Veritas Shield's Version)](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4064/showcase/classroom-chatter-red-veritas-shields-version/) - Taylor Swift. The woman of the hour. The artist of the decade (at least according to the 2019 American Music Awards). We all know her. We all love her. And now, as she begins to rerecord her genre-changing albums of the past 15 years of her career, the Swiftie inside all of us has been - [Marketing residential life](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4080/features/marketing-residential-life/) - It’s March 2020 on the Hill. Flintridge Sacred Heart students, faculty and staff are packing up their things and preparing for distance learning in order to adjust to a world newly facing a global pandemic. After initially thinking it would only be a few weeks of distance learning, the FSH community saw quarantine turn into - [Can money buy happiness?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4058/opinion/can-money-buy-happiness/) - It’s Sunday morning in sunny California, and a partner at one of the best law firms in LA wakes up in her king-sized bed on the second floor of her multi-million-dollar house with her multi-million-dollar ocean view. She slips on her $250 UGG slippers and walks downstairs where she finds her personal chef who has - [Tologs need to learn financial literacy](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4035/opinion/tologs-need-to-learn-financial-literacy/) - I have a wide smile on my face when I walk out on my first payday after work at Abercrombie Kids in Arcadia. It’s a summer day, and in my hand is my first real paycheck after a hard day on the job. “I may be making minimum wage, but it’s better than nothing,” I - [Eat, sleep, Jamba, repeat](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4031/features/eat-sleep-jamba-repeat/) - The stress of senior year can be frustrating for many. The stress can be even more of a factor for students who have to put on uniforms, clock in and put on their biggest smiles and go to work after class. Such is the case for Aine McConville ‘22, who started working at Jamba - [The VSP, Episode 3](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4023/showcase/the-vsp-episode-3/) - The Veritas Shield Podcast (The VSP) is back for the first time this year with a special episode, in which the Shield’s podcast editor, Michelle St. Denis ‘22, gets together with three senior teachers, Ms. Abby Davitt, Mr. Charlie Tercek and Mr. Ty Buxman, to talk about how they have adjusted their teaching during college - [Residential life develops community with updates to curriculum](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/4013/news/residential-life-develops-community-with-updates-to-curriculum/) - Back in the fall of 2019, Dr. Juli James joined the faculty as the new Director of Residential Life. James came to the FSH community with lots of experience working in residential life, and she hoped to use that experience in order to update the program for the residence hall on the Hill. James had - [The best hangout spots on campus](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3990/news/the-best-hangout-spots-on-campus/) - A student arrives early to school on a bright morning. Birds chirp in the distance as she puts on her backpack. “Where should I go?” the student asks herself. “I could walk over to the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking views. Or, I could go to the library and finish my schoolwork there. Before school - [My name is actually pronounced...](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3953/opinion/my-name-is-actually-pronounced/) - I strain my ears to make sure I hear what’s being announced, the echo of microphones deafening, especially when paired with the restless drum of my heartbeat. As my middle school principal finishes going through the "G" last names and begins the transition to the "H"s, I run the alphabet through my head in a - [Why having an official Gay-Straight Alliance benefits students](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3930/opinion/why-having-an-official-gay-straight-alliance-benefits-students/) - As I walk past the bulletin boards in the senior hallway, I stop to look at one of them in particular. It’s the Gay-Straight Alliance board, decorated with pride flags, informational posters and colorful lettering. Looking at the board, I feel a wave of happiness wash over me. In previous years, seeing a bulletin board - [Never have I ever let a stranger drive my car](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3891/showcase/never-have-i-ever-let-a-stranger-drive-my-car/) - Getting your driver's license is supposed to be a rite of passage for teenage girls, an event that signifies the beginning of adult life and newfound independence. For me, getting my license has meant something entirely different. It was a Thursday afternoon, a week before the start of school and two weeks after I got - [Tologs find wellness without Wellness Wednesday](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3958/news/tologs-find-wellness-without-wellness-wednesday/) - It’s Wednesday morning, and instead of sleeping in like you did last year, you wake up to the abrupt sound of your alarm. A few minutes later, you drag yourself out of bed to get ready for the school day, which you find is filled with classes and homework, leaving no time for the self-care - [Pricey parking](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3947/features/how-much-was-parking/) - For the 2021-22 school year, parking space numbers two, 10 and 11 belong to Remi Hayashi ‘22, Sophia Ospina ‘22 and Cassie Huston ‘23, respectively. These three lucky Tologs -- along with their luckier carpools -- get to drive to school and park in the prestigious senior lot, where no stairs have to be climbed - [Faculty excited about Arts Center remodel](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3934/news/faculty-excited-about-arts-center-remodel/) - Showtunes blare from the theater classroom while music playing in the dance room thumps along to the sound of dance teacher, Ms. Jessie Ryan, counting dancers in. Students in the ceramics classroom lean over pottery, carefully carving elaborate details on their recently sculpted mugs. Across the corridor, the art classroom is filled with gentle chatter - [Tologs love the library](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3903/news/tologs-love-the-library/) - A Tolog walks into the library for the first time after a while away. She smiles and stops to chat with librarians Ms. Nora Murphy and Ms. Katie Eisenstein before going to browse the mystery section. Around her, other students are reading, doing homework and crafting. As she picks out a book and sits down, - [Tennis coach weighs in on the difference between coaching girls and boys](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3883/sports/the-difference-between-coaching-girls-and-boys/) - It's a sunny afternoon, and students are playing tennis after a long day of school. Laughter reverberates across the court, and students high-five one another with their racquets as they work on refining their shots. “Way to go, Tologs,” one player exclaims, her face lighting up with a bright grin. Before continuing to feed balls - [Golf welcomes influx of new players](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3879/sports/golf-welcomes-an-influx-of-new-players/) - In a matter of two years, the Flintridge Sacred Heart golf team has gone from eight to 18 players. New players have many reasons for joining, and as a result, golf on the Hill has the chance to improve. Mia Murillo ‘23 joined the golf team this season. She prepared for the season by playing - [This year’s sophomores feel like freshman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3843/news/this-years-sophomores-feel-like-freshman/) - It’s the first day of a new school year and the once barren parking lot is now the center of excitement and commotion. Girls in pink and blue skirts overcrowd the entrances while parents scramble to take pictures of their kids in uniform. Everyone is thrilled to be back and can’t wait to experience what - [Why I prefer uniforms over free dress](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3845/opinion/why-i-prefer-uniforms-over-free-dress/) - I slam my hand on my alarm clock, forcing my eyes to open and my legs to move out of my comfortable blanket cocoon. I blindly brush my hair, painstakingly force my contacts into my eyes and pack up my lunch and school bag. I glance at the clock and -- shoot! The bus leaves - [Tologs welcome fresh faculty faces](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3835/news/tologs-welcome-fresh-faculty-faces/) - After starting last year on Zoom, Tologs are starting 2021 back on the Hill. Now that they are back, Tologs are seeing many familiar faces, and they are seeing new faces on the faculty as well. This year's new crop of teachers brings a wide set of skills and expertise that they can't wait to - [An ode to senior year](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3671/showcase/an-ode-to-senior-year/) - Senior year is a milestone in the lives of American teenagers. With the pandemic, however, the senior class of 2021 was not able to enjoy all of the traditions that make senior year special at FSH. Though we are grateful for our health and safety during this past year, and we are grateful that we - [The VSP, Episode 2](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3591/showcase/the-vsp-episode-2/) - The Veritas Shield Podcast (The VSP) is back for one more episode, in which the Shield's podcast editor, Michelle St. Denis ‘22, gets together with three graduating seniors, Nikki Monge, Abbie Toth and Emma Hartley, to talk about how they have grown during their four years on campus. With graduation just around the corner, tune - [How college visits looked different for the class of 2021](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3703/news/how-college-visits-looked-different-for-the-class-of-2021/) - We all know the pandemic has turned every aspect of our lives around, and, for high school seniors, this means getting into college has been challenging. The application process has always been difficult, but it became even harder to tackle with all the unanswered questions that the class of 2021 had to face. How could - [Dorm room essentials, according to graduating Tologs](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3641/news/dorm-room-essentials-according-to-graduating-tologs/) - The college decision-making process has come to a close, and seniors on the Hill are getting ready to explore their new homes for the next four years. While thinking of the future may be daunting for some, most Tologs are looking forward to entering this new chapter of their lives. Many are excited to have - [Let’s drive: The teenage escape](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3542/features/lets-drive-the-teenage-escape/) - You turn 16, take your driver's license test once or twice, reroute your maps app to avoid freeways and find yourself -- finally -- behind the wheel on your own. Once you prove yourself to be a relatively safe driver, your parents reluctantly allow you to drive your friends around, which radically changes your social - [Summer plans in the health-care field amidst Covid-19 restrictions](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3500/news/tologs-make-summer-plans-in-the-health-care-field-amidst-covid-19-restrictions/) - At college preparatory schools, students scramble to fill their summers with internships and jobs to impress admissions officers. However, in the age of Covid, things are a little different. Many students are finding opportunities online, while some are trying to secure in-person internships. Three Tologs who are interested in health care have found different opportunities - [My first day of school, take two](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3748/showcase/my-first-day-of-school-take-two/) - The first day of school -- pretty exciting if you ask me, but even more exciting if you get to have two of them. It was Monday morning, April 12, and I was ready to go back to school in person for the first time after a crazy year. I even woke up before my - [Classroom Chatter: Summer plans](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3738/showcase/classroom-chatter-summer-plans/) - Classroom Chatter, for the third and final time this year, is back with an episode about Shield staffers' hopes and concerns for this coming summer, as Covid restrictions lift and more and more people get vaccinated. After more than a year of being quarantined, traveling is looking good to many Tologs, whether to the other - [A book fan’s take on Netflix’s “Shadow and Bone”](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3677/showcase/a-book-fans-take-on-netflixs-shadow-and-bone/) - Every book reader knows that when a TV production company announces that they’re adapting a beloved book to the screen, it could mean heaven or it could mean disaster. Often, it’s the latter, because a lot of the time film adaptations are quite different from the actual books. As a book fan, hearing Netflix’s announce - [Gen Z boys need a reality check](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3710/opinion/gen-z-boys-need-a-reality-check/) - In the last two months, especially April -- which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month -- many girls on social media have come forward to speak about personal experiences with sexual harassment. This chapter of the Me Too Movement became especially popular when a study from the United Nations disclosed that 97% of women in the - [The tension between my faith and my politics](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3662/opinion/the-tension-between-my-faith-and-my-politics/) - Practicing Catholicism has been second nature for as long as I can remember. I went to a private Catholic middle school from kindergarten through eighth grade where I learned about the past and present of my family’s religion. Being Catholic has always been a large part of my identity, and I try to lead my - [Next stop, adulthood](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3712/news/next-stop-adulthood/) - Most juniors in the class of 2022 have already turned 17 and are slowly inching closer and closer to adulthood. Although age is just a number, a year can bring a world of difference in such departments as voting, joining the military, purchasing a lottery ticket and buying insurance policies. Looking towards the future frightens - [How running changed my life](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3670/showcase/how-running-changed-my-life/) - Most people hear the word “quarantine” and think of binging on Netflix alone, eating excessively or attending an agonizing amount of family game nights. But for me, I think about how I spent quarantine turning my life around. As an extrovert, when I heard the word “quarantine” last March, I heard the word “prison” instead. - [Bribes, ‘athletes’ and the side door: An inside look at ‘Operation Varsity Blues’](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3675/showcase/bribes-athletes-and-the-side-door-an-inside-look-at-operation-varsity-blues/) - Getting into college is becoming more and more difficult. Acceptance rates are dropping year after year for schools all across the country, and getting in is especially hard for students who can’t afford expensive resources. Rich elites have an advantage in the form of SAT tutoring, the ability to donate money to schools they want - [Classroom Chatter: Family relationships and silver linings](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3656/showcase/classroom-chatter-family-relationships-and-silver-linings/) - Classroom Chatter is back at it again with a new episode, in which Journalism students discuss everything from family dynamics during quarantine to the new hobbies that students have formed over the last year. Tune in to listen to staffers' takes on how they have actually benefited from Covid and the extra time the pandemic - [America's royal family fixation](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3651/showcase/americas-royal-family-fixation/) - The founding of our country is based on a desire to separate from the British monarchy and establish America as an independent country. One might assume that, because of this, negative attitudes towards the British monarchy might continue into the future. Despite the past, however, many Americans today find themselves fascinated -- maybe even obsessed - [Tologs hope to keep Wellness Wednesdays for next year](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3627/news/tologs-hope-to-keep-wellness-wednesdays-for-next-year/) - You wake up with a start, look over at your clock and start to get up to scramble out of bed. Then, it hits you; it’s Wellness Wednesday. Pulling up the covers, you close your eyes again, knowing you now have the freedom to sleep in, catch up on homework and take a much-needed break from - [Classroom Chatter: Personal growth over a year of Covid](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3617/showcase/classroom-chatter-personal-growth-over-a-year-of-covid/) - Earlier this year, the Veritas Shield created its first-ever official podcast, The VSP, in which teachers and students are interviewed on current events. Now, Journalism has a second podcast to add to the mix, Classroom Chatter, which I, Michelle St.Denis, have the humble privilege of editing. In Classroom Chatter, students in Journalism gather in a - [On the hunt for the best boba in Pasadena](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3600/showcase/on-the-hunt-for-the-best-boba-in-pasadena/) - I am no stranger to boba. As a Pasadena resident, getting boba while hanging out with friends is a rite of passage. There’s Simplee Boba in South Pasadena, Bubble Puff & Tea on Colorado and so much more. Whenever I go, I tend to get pretty much the same thing -- something fruity -- but - [Why can’t I be a feminine feminist?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3535/opinion/why-cant-i-be-a-feminine-feminist/) - Growing up, my favorite plush doll was a pink, sweet-smelling baby that I called my “bebe.” My bebe and I would spend time together reading, cuddling, playing outside and cooking in our faux kitchen, much like a typical mother and her child would. I liked the feeling of being responsible and caring for something, and - [A look inside St. Francis's Chivalry’s Not Dead Club](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3545/features/a-look-inside-st-franciss-chivalrys-not-dead-club/) - When you think of the word "chivalry," there’s a good chance King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table come to mind. The Arthurian legend has spilled over from the quill pens of medieval writers and emerged in modern culture in various forms, from politics (the Kennedy Camelot era) to the silver screen ("Monty - [Class of ‘24 comes up the Hill for the first time](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3521/news/class-of-24-comes-up-the-hill-for-the-first-time/) - After not being able to visit their high school campus for the first six months of the school year, the class of 2024 got to head up the Hill on March 3. The girls got to see and meet not only the faculty and staff but also their classmates in person for the very first - [Tolog achieves overnight TikTok fame](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3517/showcase/tolog-achieves-overnight-tiktok-fame/) - On a random Tuesday in January, Maia Driz-Diaz ‘22 woke up after a long week of Zoom fatigue to the sound of her phone continuously buzzing. She turned over her left shoulder to reach for her phone on her bedside table just to see it swelling with a plethora of text messages and notifications from - [Why I’m excited to go back to school after spring break](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3493/opinion/why-im-excited-to-go-back-to-school-after-spring-break/) - It’s Monday morning. My alarm goes off at 7:45 a.m., and I rub the sleep out of my eyes as I am about to begin another week of online school. I shuffle out of bed and walk to my desk, where I will be spending most of my day glued to a computer screen. Finally, - [New Age spirituality takes off during Covid](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3477/features/new-age-spirituality-takes-off-during-covid/) - Throughout the wars and civil unrest of the 20th century, many Americans turned toward religion as a source of comfort. Up until the 1990s, approximately nine in ten Americans maintained their religious beliefs, with many of them identifying as Christian. During the coronavirus and the social and political upheaval it has spurred, religious Tologs have - [Behind the scenes of this year's dance production](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3434/showcase/behind-the-scenes-of-this-years-dance-production/) - Like all FSH classes, dance on the Hill has taken place through virtual learning since March of 2020. To produce this year's dance performance, "Homebodies," some students have come up to campus to be filmed, while some have filmed themselves dancing at home. The concert, which will take the form of a dance film festival, - [Señora Cross raises her daughter to speak Spanish and English](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3445/news/senora-cross-raises-her-daughter-to-speak-spanish-and-english/) - Spanish teacher Señora Caitlin Cross gets ready to start her first class of the day. She sits down with a cup of coffee and opens her laptop only to hear her baby daughter call for her. As a Spanish teacher and native English speaker, she debates whether to respond in Spanish or English. Señora Cross - [Behind the front line: The changed reality for the healthcare industry](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3451/features/behind-the-frontline-the-changed-reality-for-the-healthcare-industry/) - As my family and I sat around the dinner table, I heard my mom open the front door. Happy that she was finally home from work, I rushed to tell her that I had gotten into college that afternoon. I could tell that she had had a hard day, but I thought my news would - [Virtual learning, you will be missed](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3441/opinion/virtual-learning-you-will-be-missed/) - I slowly open my eyes to the all-too-familiar buzzing sound coming from my phone. After a few snoozes, I look at the time to see 8:29 a.m. Realizing class starts in one minute, I quickly sit up, grab my laptop and make a run to my desk. It’s another day of messy buns and sweatshirts - [To drop or keep: What’s the real purpose of A.P. classes?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3410/features/to-drop-or-keep-whats-the-real-purpose-of-a-p-classes/) - I’m standing in my kitchen a year ago, making my lunch, when all of a sudden my mom walks in. She’s usually in the office, so I assume she’s just going to ask if I have volleyball after school and then leave. I am sadly mistaken. Without warning, she launches into one of her “you - [Tologs anticipate the transition to a new normal](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3388/news/tologs-anticipate-the-transition-to-a-new-normal/) - As I pull up to the park and spot my friend who I haven’t seen in two months, I quickly look for a mask so I can greet her. I walk towards her, and we both go in for a hug before immediately stopping and taking a step back to abide by the six-feet-apart rule. - [Spring sports get into the swing of things](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3393/news/spring-sports-get-into-the-swing-of-things/) - You get out of the car with your mask on and walk to the field to put your bag down. You say hi to your friends from six feet away. The coach blows his whistle in order to get the team to huddle “together,” but you’re still distanced. Then, it’s time to get the practice - [A day in a Covid life: Ms. Denise Bilotta and her family](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3360/news/a-day-in-a-covid-life-ms-denise-bilotta-and-her-family/) - The boiling sun shines over her head, causing sweat to trickle down. She takes a deep breath as she looks down and relishes the beautiful view in front of her. Tired, she grabs her water bottle from her backpack and takes a cold sip. The trees swaying in the wind and the sound of birds - [Nurse Kathy’s experience with the vaccine](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3366/news/nurse-kathys-experience-with-the-vaccine/) - Nurse Kathy Larson is Flintridge Sacred Heart’s expert on all things medical and Covid-19, so it was only so long before she herself got the vaccine. For Larson, life after the vaccine is different in some ways and not in others. “I feel safer going about. I mean, I mostly still stay in my house, - [From woman to woman: Lessons from my mother and our favorite TV show](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3346/showcase/from-woman-to-woman-lessons-from-my-mother-and-our-favorite-tv-show/) - “I wish I'd had a show like this to watch when I was in college,” my mama said to me one overcast afternoon as we started our sixth episode of “Sex and the City” that day. “I could’ve learned a lot from it.” Since quarantine started back in March last year, I have done a - [A new reality for entrance exams](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3327/news/a-new-reality-for-entrance-exams/) - Because of the pandemic, testing has changed for high schoolers applying to college. Colleges have changed their standardized testing requirements, which had been in place for years. Many schools either no longer require applicants to take standardized tests or have made taking standardized tests optional. With the rules changing, many high school students have taken - [Seniors provide advice on the college process](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3331/news/seniors-provide-advice-on-the-college-process/) - The college process is different for everyone. Some students want a big campus in the middle of Boston, while others want to be at a small liberal arts college in upstate New York. Some have their heart set on a dream school, while others just have their heart set on getting into a school, any - [The class of 2020 reflects on going to college during Covid](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3288/features/the-class-of-2020-reflects-on-freshman-year-of-college-during-covid/) - It's December 2019, and the class of 2020 is just beginning to receive its acceptance letters. The envelopes are coming in the mail, and Tologs are imagining big parties, endless football games and forever-lasting friendships. Yes, college, the thing every Tolog looks forward to. Fast forward a few months, and everything looks different. Would Tologs - [With vaccines being distributed, teachers and students look to the future](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3297/news/with-vaccines-being-distributed-teachers-and-students-look-forward-to-the-future/) - As a year of global pandemic approaches, vaccines are starting to be distributed. The vaccination process has prompted teachers and students alike to start thinking about what will happen next. The Biden Administration has said that it is going to push to reopen schools within the next 100 days, a process that includes vaccinating teachers. - [Anti-maskers and the psychology behind them](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3281/news/anti-maskers-and-the-psychology-behind-them/) - Although Los Angeles remains one of the country’s Covid-19 hotspots, many citizens still refuse to wear a mask. This anti-mask ideology has culminated in multiple protests and store raids within Los Angeles County. At these protests, anti-maskers gather in large groups to raid multiple stores where masked shoppers are going about their business. Protesters have - [Covid-19 impacts the budget on the Hill](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3296/news/covid-19-impacts-the-budget-on-the-hill/) - Covid-19 and the economic challenges it has brought have affected private school budgets across the country. Job losses have led to reduced income for some families, which for private schools means either a decrease in enrollment revenue or an increase in financial aid. “We have worked with families who have gone through financial disarray to - [Thank you, Los Angeles](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3250/showcase/thank-you-los-angeles/) - “You’re so lucky,” is the usual response I get when I tell people I’m from Los Angeles. But until recently, I never truly understood the fascination associated with the place I call home. Sure, LA seems glamorous in movies and TV, but when you actually live here, the place can seem dull. The water isn’t - [The LA taco scene: Claire’s hard and soft shell favorites](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3259/showcase/the-la-taco-scene-claires-hard-and-soft-shell-favorites/) - What is the best thing about Los Angeles? Is it world-class entertainment? The beautiful skylines and sunsets? The never-ending Hollywood Walk of Fame? The answer is far more obvious. The best thing about LA is mouth-watering, cheesy, greasy tacos. In LA, there's a taco for every possible occasion. You can get $20 deconstructed lamb-braised tacos - [Construction is over: A tour of the brand new Mozilo Family Center for the Arts](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3229/news/construction-is-over-a-tour-of-the-brand-new-mozilo-family-center-for-the-arts/) - After 16 months of construction, the Mozilo Family Center for the Arts renovation was completed in October of 2020. The renovation added on to the existing Mozilo Family Theatre, which was finished in 2016 during the first phase of the arts center project. In addition to the theater, lobby, backstage area and 3-D art studio - [Tolog family survives health issues during pandemic](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3045/features/tolog-family-survives-health-issues-during-pandemic/) - In between chopping vegetables, Jalen Lee ‘21 pauses to admire the pink clouds mottling the late-afternoon sky outside her kitchen window. Standing nearby, her mother distributes handfuls of spinach into bowls. They catch each other’s eyes and smile before resuming focus on their separate tasks. For Lee and her mother, every moment spent together without - [Covid-19 brings changes to Hollywood filming](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3191/features/covid-19-brings-changes-to-hollywood-filming/) - Lights, camera, now take off your masks! Film is a large part of Los Angeles and Hollywood. These cities are home to many studios, including Universal, Warner Bros. and Disney. During the pandemic, though, the film industry has had to adjust. Kit Hoover, mother of Hayes Sullivan ‘21, is a co-host on multiple television shows, - ["We owe our success to loyal customers”: North Shore Burgers stays afloat during Covid](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3182/news/we-owe-our-success-to-loyal-customers-north-shore-burgers-stays-afloat-during-covid/) - It was a sunny Saturday, and it seemed as if everyone had the same idea: go to North Shore Burgers and eat their delicious food. The restaurant, which is located in La Cañada, is co-owned by Michael Davitt, the father of religion teacher and campus minister Abby Davitt ‘12. Outside the restaurant, people milled about, - [How to make your voice heard](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3187/opinion/how-to-make-your-voice-heard/) - Black squares, hashtags and infographics: what does all of this truly contribute to? If you have social media, you probably have seen countless amounts of people reposting and retweeting messages concerning the issues that are going on in the world, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, climate change, reproductive rights, gun control and voting - [My fry experience: Which one is best?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3163/showcase/my-fry-experience-which-one-is-best/) - As I step into the kitchen, the scent of freshly air-fried potatoes and salt meets my nose. For Christmas, my dad has received an air fryer, and he is giving it its first go. Our whole family gathers around the fryer as the fries finish up, anticipating the big reveal of our first batch of - [Through the eyes of a moderate: The effect of social media on political polarization](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3061/opinion/through-the-eyes-of-a-moderate-the-effect-of-social-media-on-political-polarization/) - Ting-a-ling. You wake up to the sound of a notification from one of the funniest yet most dreaded apps on your phone: Twitter. You pick up your phone off its charger, roll to the other side of your bed and immediately start scrolling through the abundance of tweets, memes and advertisements that are compiled on - [How well did the FSH community handle the election?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3070/news/how-well-did-the-fsh-community-handle-the-election/) - Last year, in preparation for the approaching election, Assistant Principal Ms. Rosemary Johnston had a series of discussions with the class of 2021. Johnston dropped in on every junior social studies class, and the topic of the discussion she had with them was one that is prevalent in the news, that being, of course, politics. - [Tolog starts quarantine vintage shop](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3049/news/tolog-starts-quarantine-vintage-shop/) - Teenagers around the world are dealing with quarantine boredom in different ways. Some have taken up new hobbies like cooking, watching endless amounts of Netflix, going on daily walks or bonding with family members 24/7. Some, on the other hand, are starting businesses. Giuliana Casciani ‘21 has used these drawn-out days to start her own - [Bridget Byrne’s quarantine lifestyle guide](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3074/features/bridget-byrnes-quarantine-lifestyle-guide/) - After transitioning to online school in March because of the coronavirus, students across the country have found themselves in a state of isolation that has created a void. For many of us, filling this void has remained a challenge. First, we tried "Tiger King" and TikTok dances. Then, we tried whipped coffee and charcuterie boards. - [The 12 movie reviews of Christmas](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3082/showcase/the-12-movie-reviews-of-christmas/) - During the holiday season, what better way is there to get in the Christmas spirit than to watch Christmas movies? Nothing beats curling up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate steaming, a fireplace crackling and a Christmas tree glowing to watch some holiday movies with your loved ones. With a seemingly unending - [How the sisters plan to celebrate Christmas in the convent](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3076/news/how-the-sisters-plan-to-celebrate-christmas-in-the-convent/) - Flintridge Sacred Heart’s Dominican sisters are spending Christmas solely in the convent this year due to the coronavirus. Although the nine sisters who live in the convent are not able to leave to spend Christmas with their families as they normally would, they will still celebrate the holiday season with each other by decorating and - [A Gold Award in quarantine](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3066/news/a-gold-award-in-quarantine/) - The Girl Scout Gold Award is a time-consuming project that requires 80 hours of hard work, a sound proposal and dedication to a project the Scout chooses. Some common types of projects include repurposing a room at a women’s shelter or gathering supplies to make kits for the homeless. Girls interact with adults and local - [Covid silver lining: Hunnewell spends quarantine reading poetry to newborn granddaughter](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3054/news/covid-silver-lining-hunnewell-spends-quarantine-reading-poetry-to-newborn-granddaughter/) - Before coronavirus, most of us had crazy busy lives with little time to spend with family. But now, many of us have plenty of time to spare. Ms. Holly Hunnewell, the chair of the English department, has seized this unique opportunity of quarantine to spend time with her newborn granddaughter. “I believe we're going to - [Choir students debate which carol is best](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/3031/news/choir-students-debate-which-carol-is-best/) - With decorations springing up all over Los Angeles, Christmas has finally arrived to soothe the ache that Covid-19 has brought to the nation and world. Although malls and shops won’t be filled with as many patrons as previous years, we still have Christmas carols. You may not be listening to them at Macy’s or Nordstrom’s, - [A disturbing Matthew Morrison makes his comeback in 'The Grinch Musical'](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2972/showcase/a-disturbing-matthew-morrison-makes-his-comeback-in-the-grinch-musical/) - Disturbing smirking, extravagant leaps and off-pitch singing are all things I remember about the creepy glee club director, Mr. Schue, from the series “Glee." Each episode includes Mr. Shue, played by Matthew Morrison, smiling like a maniac as he wildly sways next to one of his students, fully captivated by her dancing. I thought that - [Inside the life of an asynchronous Tolog](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2986/news/the-life-of-an-asynchronous-learning-tolog/) - As the ASB Boarding Council president, a Kairos leader and a member of the Urban Dance Crew, senior Claire Ding is certainly involved with life on the Hill. At the start of the first Covid-19 shutdown, Ding, like many other boarding students, went home. Ding has been living in her hometown of Qingdao, China, since - [Tologs cancel Christmas travel amid surging Covid cases and new travel guidelines](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2995/news/tologs-cancel-christmas-travel-amid-surging-covid-cases-and-new-travel-guidelines/) - Due to an increase in Covid cases and new travel guidelines issued by Governor Newsom, some Tologs have decided to cancel their holiday travel plans. Riley Peterson ‘22 was planning on flying to Salt Lake City, Utah, but due to closures and cases, she and her family have decided that it is safer to stay - [Four-year universities aren’t the only option](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2968/features/four-year-universities-arent-the-only-option/) - Four-year university tuition is at an all time high. Pair this with the uncertainty around Covid, and the future looks pretty complicated to students approaching their college years. The cost of college tuition has increased at a faster rate than wages have, many students are forced to take out loans in order to pay for - [Holiday decorating during Covid? Davitt says yes](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2978/news/holiday-decorating-during-covid-davitt-says-yes/) - Ms. Davitt shuts her laptop after a long day on Zoom. She decides to rest her eyes and take a brisk walk around her block after a long day of teaching. She re-enters her home and finds herself greeted by the crisp pine smell of her authentic Christmas tree positioned perfectly in her living room. - [‘Tis the season for peppermint mochas](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2958/showcase/tis-the-season-for-peppermint-mochas/) - The holiday season is finally here, which means stores are stacking their shelves with everything peppermint. Peppermint is served in a variety of ways, from candy canes to peppermint bark, but the best kind of holiday peppermint -- by far, in my opinion, after trying one (or actually, four) for the first time -- is - [Theater during a pandemic: Ms. Mac spills the tea on ‘The Girl Who Was a Hundred Girls’](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2951/showcase/theater-during-a-pandemic-ms-mac-spills-the-tea-on-the-girl-who-was-a-hundred-girls/) - As a result of Covid-19, theaters across the globe have been forced to cancel their productions and shut their doors to the public. Nevertheless, theater teacher Ms. Jane McEneaney -- known around campus as Ms. Mac -- has ensured that the show will go on, virus or not. On Dec. 2, 5, 9 and 12, - [Tolog survives face-to-face encounter with furry offender](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2945/news/tolog-survives-face-to-face-encounter-with-furry-offender/) - On the afternoon of Friday, October 23, Jacqueline Fitzpatrick ‘22 and Michelle St. Denis ‘22 finished up online school in their comfy sweats and sweatshirts and put on some more suitable going-out clothes. Like many people nowadays, these Tologs were excited for any excuse to get out of the house. They got ready, brushed their - [Thanksgiving will look different this year for the Vennes](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2925/news/thanksgiving-will-look-different-this-year-for-the-vennes/) - The year is 2019. It is Thanksgiving day at the house of Ella Venne ‘22. Venne gets dressed up in her best fall colors, cooks the day away and heads over to her aunt’s house in the afternoon. Everyone is there -- grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins -- and they hug one another and talk in - [Trial and error: My evolution from freshman to senior](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2544/showcase/trial-and-error-my-evolution-from-freshman-to-senior/) - Back in the fall of 2017, a whirlwind of screaming girls and joyful laughter hit me as I exited the bus and made my first few steps onto campus. There were so many new faces to meet and so many new names to learn. I walked over to my locker in the middle of all - [‘Two Personas’: The beginning of a modern-day Renaissance](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2880/features/two-personas-the-beginning-of-a-modern-day-renaissance/) - Pandemics, ignorance and division: the Dark Ages were not so different from modern-day America. Starting in the 14th century, however, European society found a way forward from its troubling times to an explosion of art and culture, thus establishing the Renaissance. As Covid-19 continues to affect millions of people worldwide, Christina Costanzo ‘21 has decided - [‘Julie and the Phantoms’ saves 2020 with music, entertainment and a really cute ghost](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2910/showcase/julie-and-the-phantoms-saves-2020-with-music-entertainment-and-a-really-cute-ghost/) - It was another typical fall day of procrastination after school when I was scrolling aimlessly through Netflix. I wanted a show or movie to play in the background while I finished my assignments. After a few minutes of nothing catching my eye, my mouse grazed upon a show called “Julie And The Phantoms” in the - [Coastal elites, please stop criticizing 'Coastal Elites'](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2898/showcase/coastal-elites-please-stop-criticizing-coastal-elites/) - Penned the worst film of the year by The Guardian, “Coastal Elites” is playwright Paul Rudnick’s newest project. Originally produced for Broadway, the play moved to the digital format due to the pandemic. The movie consists of five separate monologues, each delivered by a character with a personal story to tell about the current political - [The VSP, Episode 1](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2847/showcase/the-vsp-episode-1/) - The Veritas Shield Podcast (aka, The VSP) is the official podcast of this publication, and today, we're proud to release our first ever episode. Every episode, Ella Kitt, the Shield's editor-in-chief, and Claire McDonald, the managing editor, will discuss current events with an FSH faculty member and a fellow student and then conclude with a - [Questions about teaching I’ve always wanted to ask my mom, Dr. Liz Krider](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2858/news/questions-about-teaching-ive-always-wanted-to-ask-my-mom-dr-liz-krider/) - While Dr. Liz Krider (aka, my mom) and I share a living space, we don’t share everything. Between her SciSearch class with seniors and her first year teaching freshman biology alongside Ms. Tennity, my family and I always get a daily update on my mom’s classes during family dinner, but she doesn’t always share the - [Nish adjusts to online teaching](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2855/news/nish-adjusts-to-online-teaching/) - “No...no...NO! IF YOU CAN’T FACTOR, DIE!” The voice screams from my computer at 8:30 a.m. in the morning. The sound bounces off the walls of my bedroom. Startled, I make eye contact with my beloved math teacher, who is gesturing wildly towards the camera. “Remember your special cases from last year? Use them now!!!” I - [Student mental health in the age of Zoom](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2618/features/student-mental-health-in-the-age-of-zoom/) - To say the least, 2020 has been a stressful year. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life, which for students primarily means school. When quarantine first began in March, no one anticipated spending the rest of 2020 -- and possibly longer -- inside the home, going to school from behind a screen. Now, - [Trader Joe’s does pumpkin best](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2829/showcase/trader-joes-does-pumpkin-best/) - In the midst of this fall season, Trader Joe’s seasonal items are in full swing. If you have ever stepped foot inside a Trader Joe’s during the fall, you can understand the joy and excitement this season brings to the store’s customers. You get the full experience as soon as you walk up to the - [Athletics make their comeback](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2620/news/athletics-make-their-comeback/) - Though classes at FSH remain on Zoom, athletics have, at least partly, come back to campus. The volleyball, basketball, water polo and cross country teams have begun optional outdoor conditioning exercises, even as the pandemic continues. During these conditioning sessions, students must wear a face mask at all times and must physically distance themselves. In - [A conservative tries watching CNN](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2699/opinion/a-conservative-tries-watching-cnn/) - “Dad, can we watch something else,” I say as I roll my eyes listening to Tucker Carlson make a sarcastic remark. “Jessie, I am watching the news. I want to know what’s going on.” “But can’t we watch sports? Or literally anything else?” Up until 7th grade, I would sit on the couch multiple nights - [@dear_fsha sparks diversity and inclusivity changes on campus](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2614/opinion/dear_fsha-sparks-diversity-and-inclusivity-changes-on-campus/) - A number of changes are in motion at Flintridge Sacred Heart in order for the school to become a more diverse and inclusive place. The school has hired a new diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, Dr. Christina Hale-Elliot. Allyship is raging across our virtual campus. And the school now has multiple venues for marginalized students - [Teachers talk politics](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2762/news/teachers-talk-politics/) - In the weeks leading up to the election, Americans have been engaging in political discussion more frequently, and high school students have been no exception. In the classroom, teachers have been tasked with the job of helping students understand politics without exposing their own political views. But how is it possible in an environment as - [The socially conscious joys of thrift shopping](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2701/opinion/the-socially-conscious-joys-of-thrift-shopping/) - Today, thrift shopping has become one of the top trends amongst teenagers and young adults. Over the past few years, my friends and I have made countless trips to Goodwill. Famous YouTubers and TikTokers have definitely added to thrifting’s fame as well. Thrifting is a great way to hang out with friends while going on - [The evolution of my TikTok taste](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2730/opinion/the-evolution-of-my-tiktok-taste/) - You open TikTok after a long day of school, and the first thing you see on your For You page is a video of a 17-year-old boy with frosted tips dancing in a group of poorly dressed teens with tattoos on their arms and legs. These are the Sway Boys of TikTok, the social media - [Justice on the internet: Who’s in charge?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2703/opinion/justice-on-the-internet-whos-in-charge/) - If you know anything about Gen Z’s relationship with its media stars, you have probably heard about cancel culture. Cancelling a creator is a way of calling her out for something offensive or hurtful she has done. The reasons content creators get cancelled tend to have to do with racist, misogynistic or homophobic remarks or - [What it’s like to raise a sister during a pandemic](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2692/showcase/what-its-like-to-raise-a-sister-during-a-pandemic/) - Four years ago, I was comfortably lying in bed when my eight-year-old sister, Dulce, burst through my door and pounced on me. “Get off my bed!” I screamed, dodging her sticky hands and dirty feet, protecting my plush, white comforter. Growing up in a small apartment, you’d think I would spend a lot of time - [‘All Gas No Brakes’ presents an honest view of America and its oddities](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2553/showcase/all-gas-no-brakes-presents-an-honest-view-of-america-and-its-oddities/) - In the middle of the desert, Andrew Callaghan, the face of the YouTube channel “All Gas No Brakes,” stands clad in an American flag shirt and holds a microphone. He interviews a man who, dressed in a light blue button-down with a camera around his neck, appears incredibly normal. They discuss aliens. “How do you - [Does college advice help? Juniors react to senior wisdom](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2178/news/does-college-advice-help-juniors-react-to-senior-wisdom/) - Applying to college is stressful and all-consuming. Starting as early as freshman year, students read countless articles online about how to create the perfect application and write the best essay. They watch YouTube videos entitled “How to write the best college essay” and “How I got into Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, and Princeton.” Videos like - [On camera, students aren’t always what they appear](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2610/showcase/on-camera-students-arent-always-what-they-appear/) - Zoom class has forced students to combine the intimacy of home with the facades they use for school. As a result, students have become experts at cherrypicking which details of their lives they display to their teachers and classmates. Rather than showing off three-day-old bowls of cereal and messy beds, students strategically angle their cameras - [Freshmen find innovative ways to make friends during a start to high school like no other](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2611/news/freshmen-find-innovative-ways-to-make-friends-during-a-start-to-high-school-like-no-other/) - You’re a freshman, and before you turn on your laptop to join Zoom for your very first day of high school, you organize all your books and papers for the 10th time, making sure everything is perfectly set. Then you spend the whole day going through first-day introductions and chit chat about how summer went, - [From classmates to sisters: A boarder moves in with her best friend](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2542/features/from-classmates-to-sisters-a-boarder-moves-in-with-her-best-friend/) - Stress pervaded the boarding hall during the first weeks of the pandemic back in March. The news featured crowded airports filled with terrified people trying to get home. For boarding students, seeing all this chaos on TV was especially worrisome, as the residence hall was closing for summer. Some of FSH’s international students were able - ['Past Forward': Behind the scenes of this year's dance concert](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1722/showcase/past-forward-behind-the-scenes-of-this-years-dance-concert/) - It’s dark as you weave past other dancers to find your place on stage. The clapping has stopped and you can almost hear your heartbeat in the stillness of the auditorium. The lights go on, the music starts and, suddenly, you feel centered, serene, ready. You have done this so many times before that your - [@dear_fsha: The Tolog community reacts](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2521/features/dear_fsha-the-tolog-community-reacts/) - Spurred by the fervor of the Black Lives Matter protests that swept the nation starting in May, activists have taken to social media to continue to raise awareness for their causes. As a result of this wave of activist zeal, advocacy-themed social media accounts have surged in popularity. One such account, @dear_fsha on Instagram, publishes - [New coaches take the helm for volleyball](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1086/showcase/new-coaches-take-the-helm-for-volleyball/) - The volleyball teams welcomed new coaches, Hannah Tedrow and Kathy McKiernan, for the 2019-2020 season. Coach Hannah currently coaches the varsity team alongside Coach Trent Tcheng, who is also the returning frosh coach. Coach Kathy coaches the JV team. In addition to helping the girls with the physical elements of the sport, Coach Hannah introduces - [Volleyball survives departure of key players](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1091/showcase/volleyball-freshman-transfers-to-la-salle/) - Despite losing eight seniors as well as freshman star Dani Thomas-Nathan to La Salle, varsity volleyball is thriving. New varsity head coach, Hannah Tedrow, is helping Tologs strive to win every game. Thomas-Nathan said she left for social reasons. “I wasn’t making true friendships at FSHA. I felt out of place most of the time,” - [Varsity tennis a family affair: Garritys step onto the court](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1149/showcase/varsity-tennis-a-family-affair-garritys-step-onto-the-court/) - Mother and daughter duo, Meghan Garrity ‘23 and Coach Amy Garrity, have taken varsity tennis by storm. The Garritys, along with several seasoned players and Head Coach Ron Zambrano, are helping FSHA tennis toward its goal of surpassing last year’s second place trophy and winning a league championship. Meghan Garrity has come in hot this - [Will technology revolutionize the world of fitness?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1342/arts-and-culture/will-technology-revolutionize-the-world-of-fitness/) - According to a study in Forbes, obesity in America is at an all-time high, affecting 39.6 percent of adults and 18.5 percent of children, a considerable jump from 30.5 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively, in 2000. Since 2008, the number of fitness centers in the US has increased from about 30,000 locations to 38,000, making - [Editorial: The Veritas Shield reviews the class of 2020](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2143/opinion/editorial-the-veritas-shield-reviews-the-class-of-2020/) - Over the years, the Veritas Shield has covered topics large and small. Should prom be held at the zoo? Should ice cream have pepper in it? Should we all buy Instant Pots? We’ve written about Gen Z, the future, the Rose Court, both sides of the political spectrum, the secret truth of the FSH golf - [‘Great Expectations’: The novel, the reality](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2121/features/great-expectations-the-novel-the-reality/) - Does anyone else recognize that coming-of-age movie cliche where the protagonist’s current dilemma happens to correlate perfectly with the book she’s reading in English class?1 Say what you will, but I have always enjoyed playing into this trope in my daily life, relating my own petty dramas to the storylines of English class reading material. - [Quarantine is a time for crafting](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2376/opinion/quarantine-is-a-time-for-crafting/) - If there is one thing that everyone can agree on during quarantine, it’s that being stuck at home stinks. It can get quite boring, and it's hard to keep busy because there are fewer and fewer things to do. Well, if you need a few ideas for fun activities for quarantine, this list has got - [A thank you letter to her teachers from Olivia Spina '20](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2373/opinion/a-thank-you-letter-to-her-teachers-from-olivia-spina-20/) - Over the past eight weeks, I’ve found myself daydreaming about my time on the Hill, wondering why I’m suddenly begging to not just go back to high school but to go back to Flintridge Sacred Heart. I certainly don’t miss waking up at 6:50 a.m. every day or getting stuck behind the bus while winding - [What’s in a Tolog bag?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2183/opinion/whats-in-a-tolog-bag/) - In the tradition of Us Weekly, the Veritas Shield has conducted its very own edition of What’s In My Bag, except instead of looking inside a celebrity’s bag, we’ve consulted a handful of Tolog seniors to compile the most typical Tolog bag possible. Since Tologs often like to follow celebrity trends, why not compare ourselves - [Seniors try on new names for college](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2122/features/seniors-try-on-new-names-for-college/) - As the senior class of 2020 begins counting down the remaining days of high school, students have begun to daydream about their lives as college freshmen: Greek life, college parties, game days and freedom (if this quarantine ever ends). College brings many opportunities for a fresh start, and some Tologs are questioning how they will - [An application of JRP advice to life after high school](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2145/opinion/an-application-of-jrp-advice-to-life-after-high-school/) - The concept of elders giving younger generations advice isn’t anything new. As seniors rise, giving advice to underclassmen often becomes their new favorite thing, since giving advice lets seniors feel genuinely helpful while subtly affirming their superiority. Luckily, the JRP, one of FSH’s most significant academic events, gives seniors an ideal venue for advice giving: - [FSH graduation, COVID-19 style](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2382/news/fsh-graduation-covid-19-style/) - From the beginning of high school, the seniors had been looking forward to the white dresses and rose petals that announced that high school was officially over. We'd planned on having the traditional graduation ceremony for four years, we'd spent hours working with Ms. Ortega deciding what our dresses should look like, and then, COVID-19 - [COVID-19 can't distance Tologs from their faith](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2369/news/covid-19-cant-distance-tologs-from-their-faith/) - In the age of COVID-19, face masks are a necessary article of clothing, businesses deemed nonessential are closed, and people are cooped up inside their homes, restlessly waiting for a return to normalcy. Daily life has gone through some drastic changes because of this pandemic, and religious life is no exception. While the FSH student - ['Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey': A waste of $18](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2359/showcase/harley-quinn-birds-of-prey-a-waste-of-18/) - Hyenas, confetti cannons, roller skates, laxatives: these are just a few of the many painful, chaotic details that make “Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” a terrible movie. Five minutes in, I had to stop myself from leaving the theater, an urge I have never experienced so early into a - [Differences and similarities between FSH and LCHS's approaches to remote learning](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2356/news/differences-and-similarities-between-fsh-and-lchss-approaches-to-remote-learning/) - As a result of the global pandemic, schools all around the world have been tasked with the responsibility of educating their students remotely. Both public and private schools are grappling with the changes brought about by this pandemic and have modified the traditional school day to keep students learning during this unprecedented time. Here at - [I am a Birkenstocks convert, and you should be, too](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2309/showcase/i-am-a-birkenstock-convert-and-you-should-be-too/) - Historically, I've been a sneakers gal, through and through. If you take a peek into my closet, it’s filled with Nikes, Converse and Vans. I have an obligatory pair of Rainbow flip-flops, but that’s about it as far as sandals go. Or at least, that was about it, until recently. Thanks to some enlightenment from - [Is Led Zeppelin the official sound of quarantine?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2305/opinion/is-led-zeppelin-the-official-sound-of-quarantine/) - It was another groggy morning in quarantine. Dragging my feet out of bed and to my desk, I signed into Journalism a minute before it started. Once on the Google Meet, I heard two juniors in the class, Ella Kitt and Angelina Arevalos, talking about Led Zeppelin being their official sound of the coronavirus quarantine. - [A blogger considers the differences between writing for herself and writing for the Shield](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2277/opinion/blogging-vs-journalism/) - When I first joined the Veritas Shield, I thought I knew what to expect because of my background in blogging. I started my fashion blog back in 2017, blogging about fashion trends, product reviews and anything to do with style. But after reflecting on this year, I have learned that there are many differences between - [Letter of Recommendation: Themed Dinners](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2115/opinion/letter-of-recommendation-themed-dinners/) - Not too long ago, while mindlessly scrolling through the TikTok “for you” page, I kept seeing videos come up for themed family dinners. People walk into their dining room dressed as Joe Burrow, Audrey Hepburn, Ariana Grande -- basically any celebrity, athlete or character from a movie that follows the theme of the dinner. To - [EDM Music and CPK? Count us in](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2240/showcase/edm-music-and-cpk-count-us-in/) - There are a lot of big questions that I get asked on a daily basis: What’s the weather like? Have you decided where you’re going to college? Have you left your house today? Do you have a mask I could borrow? The question I want to get asked, though, is the one I used to - [Los Angeles during COVID-19: A video essay on the new normal](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2243/showcase/los-angeles-during-covid-19-a-video-essay-on-the-new-normal/) - Before quarantine, LA was a place that was constantly buzzing with activity. The downtown farmers' market was filled with people feverishly buying celery and arugula, trendy brunch places were packed and traffic crowded the freeways. Everyone acted like they had somewhere to be and something important to do. During the age of the coronavirus, however, - [The Luggage Room: Your go-to to-go restaurant](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2217/opinion/the-luggage-room-your-go-to-to-go-restaurant/) - COVID-19 has changed many things, but nothing has been affected quite as much as the food industry. Restaurants across the country are laying off workers and applying for PPP loans. Some restaurants are adapting by developing family deals, investing in food items that can be reheated and even selling their own materials so that you - [From Stagecoach to Stagecouch: Live music during quarantine](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2215/showcase/from-stagecoach-to-stagecouch-live-music-during-quarantine/) - April 24-26 was supposed to be one of the best weekends of 2020. The smell of BBQ mixed with the sweet sound of country music and a friend’s laughter is the best recipe for the perfect weekend. But, the dream weekend faded as fast as my dreams had started. COVID-19 caused one of the best - [Letter of Recommendation: 'Some Good News' with John Krasinski](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2200/opinion/letter-of-recommendation-some-good-news-with-john-krasinski/) - I was scrolling through Instagram not too long ago when I saw a new post from John Krasinski. The video featured Steve Carell, who is famously remembered as Michael from “The Office.” I was intrigued to see the two of these actors together and immediately watched the video, and the video was about… good news? - [Sofia Algorri takes over TikTok](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1862/features/sofia-algorri-takes-over-tiktok/) - It was a random day during winter break, an overcast day with a slight breeze, the sun peeking through intermittently. In a big empty home in Sierra Madre, Sofia Algorri ‘20 had nothing to do. Netflix, YouTube and every other form of entertainment had started to look bleak. She simply couldn’t bring herself to watch - [Senior car parade video!!!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2204/news/senior-car-parade-video/) - In the tradition of the seniors who came before them, on Tuesday, May 5, the class of 2020 drove their cars, decorated with the mascots of the colleges they'll attend, up to the Hill. Though this year's seniors weren't able to get out of their cars thanks to COVID-19, they were able to drive laps - [Dating during the coronavirus: How to stay in touch with your boo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2160/showcase/dating-during-the-coronavirus-how-to-stay-in-touch-with-your-boo/) - Quarantine is currently keeping us from seeing many people in our lives. These people not only include friends, family, teachers and fellow peers but also the significant others (SOs) of the world. Not being able to spend time with our SOs may be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways to - [The story behind Yubo: Tinder for teens unraveled](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2134/features/the-story-behind-yubo-tinder-for-teens-unraveled/) - Laden with innocence, the name “Yubo” could belong to a family-friendly cartoon or a plush stuffed animal. Attached to the name is an icon that exudes warmth. A white semicircle sits atop a yellow backdrop, and if you look at this geometric configuration for long enough it begins to form a cutesie, half-cocked smile. Yubo - [Boys are not bright: A Valentine's Day disappointment](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1764/opinion/boys-are-not-bright-a-valentines-day-disappointment/) - I wake up to the sound of my alarm at 6:15 a.m. and grudgingly roll over to hit snooze. I check the time on my phone and notice today’s date; it’s February 14, which means it’s Valentine’s Day. I rush to the bathroom to complete my morning routine and quickly rush back to my room - [The tea on Timothée Chalamet and the skinny white heartthrob](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2071/features/the-tea-on-timothee-chalamet-and-the-skinny-white-heartthrob/) - Their legs go on for miles, making up what seems like at least 75% of their body structure. Whether they’re tall or not, they always look it because they’re built like poles but have the structural integrity of a straw house. They’re pasty white like sunscreen, something that is imperative when they go out into - [Eisenstein and Cronkhite dominate crime contest](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2089/news/eisenstein-and-cronkhite-dominate-crime-contest/) - Every year as a part of her Forensic Science class, Ms. Diane Sarkarati sets up a fake crime scene near the entrance to the high school building. The crime scene is closed off by bright yellow police tape, and if you look over the tape, you will see a chalk outline of a body with - [First-time voter Elle Nawrocki '20 gets serious about politics](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1979/news/first-time-voter-elle-nawrocki-20-gets-serious-about-politics/) - She gets home from school and hops on the couch immediately to watch the debate. She watches carefully, because she cares about actually understanding the candidates’ beliefs. After the debate, she goes to bed. She wakes up in the morning and opens up her phone. She looks at the Top Stories section in Apple News - [The Veritas Shield's pop culture guide for the apocalypse](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/2011/showcase/the-veritas-shields-pop-culture-guide-for-the-apocalypse/) - Wake up. Google Meet. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Part of the reason why this time is so difficult, besides the fact that we can’t leave our house, is that we have all this time on our hands when we’d usually be hanging out with friends, stuck in traffic or at games and practices, and we simply don’t - [Salt and Straw reimagines ice cream. But is that good?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1976/showcase/salt-and-straw-reimagines-ice-cream-but-is-that-good/) - As a Pasadena local, there are few things that define my childhood more than 21 Choices. I remember patiently waiting in the long line that circled around the block to finally reach the counter and stand on my tippy toes to order my chocolate ice cream with Oreos, chocolate chips and brownie bites on top. - [Ms. Contreras shakes it up](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1853/news/ms-contreras-shakes-it-up/) - The buzzing sound of the alarm clock wakes her. She gets up and heads to the kitchen. It’s time to make one of the daily breakfast shakes she has made for the previous 29 days. Feeling a craving for vanilla today, she adds the flavored powder into the blender along with two cups of frozen - [Life as a dancer (for 80 minutes)](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1856/showcase/life-as-a-dancer-for-80-minutes/) - In the journalism room for the Veritas Shield, we were all casually discussing the upcoming dance concert when someone brought up the idea to join in on one of the dance classes. Being in need of something to write, I hesitantly volunteered. Even though I would have a few days to prepare myself, the thought - [Minimalism: My five-day experiment](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1771/features/minimalism-my-five-day-experiment/) - Videos about tiny houses and minimalist apartment tours -- white walls, super small wardrobes and only a few pieces of furniture -- fill my YouTube recommendations. I catch myself watching hours of tiny home tours and listening to guys in their thirties tell me how they quit their jobs and now backpack around Europe full - [Editorial: Take care of yourselves, Tologs](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1809/opinion/editorial-take-care-of-yourselves-tologs/) - As the pandemic of the coronavirus rages on, in order to quell the dissemination, many schools, including ours, have taken drastic measures. At Flintridge Sacred Heart, first we postponed St. Paddies with Daddies and the Mother-Daughter luncheon and cancelled the sophomore retreat. These disruptions caused a huge wave of anxiety and disappointment for Tologs. Then, - [COVID-19 shuts down Flintridge Sacred Heart](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1807/news/covid-19-shuts-down-flintridge-sacred-heart/) - In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Flintridge Sacred Heart mandated on March 13 that students move to online learning while campus is temporarily closed for three weeks. Amid widespread fear of the coronavirus, the administration is working to make this transition as smooth as possible. “Everything will be the same. You will - [How the 'Rise of Skywalker' ruined Poe Dameron](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1543/opinion/how-the-rise-of-skywalker-ruined-poe-dameron/) - In December of 2019, Disney released “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the latest installment in the “Star Wars” franchise. Suffice it to say, I was incredibly excited to see it. Back in 2015 when “The Force Awakens” was released, I got attached to the leads, Finn, Rey and Poe. Most important to me of - [Kim Kardashian: Reality star, fashion icon and... lawyer??](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1677/opinion/kim-kardashian-reality-star-fashion-icon-and-lawyer/) - Kim Kardashian is becoming a lawyer. I repeat: Kim Kardashian is becoming a lawyer. According to an announcement she made on April 10, 2019 in Vogue Magazine, Kim K has decided to place her focus on something other than her reality show and her business empire and step into the world of law. Kim K’s - [Iggy’s Garden: The not-so-secret garden that needs more recognition](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1769/news/iggys-garden-the-not-so-secret-garden-that-needs-more-recognition/) - At the entrance of Flintridge Sacred Heart, right next to his booth, our beloved security guard Ignacio Navarro, better known as Iggy, has been putting together a “little museum of art,” as he calls it, since December 2019. Currently, featuring 18 lucky adopted statues that have been saved from the ceramics studio, fill Iggy's garden. - [Talking about cystic fibrosis](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1757/features/talking-about-cystic-fibrosis/) - For those who do not know me, my family dynamic is unusual. Two of the biggest pieces of the puzzle are the fact that my sister, Becca, has Down syndrome and my brother, Will, has cystic fibrosis, a disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs. My whole life I’ve grown up knowing - [Relatability now: Emma Chamberlain](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1755/showcase/relatability-now-emma-chamberlain/) - Relatability is the driving force that makes YouTube the platform it is. YouTube is not like network television or other media forms that strictly regulate the content that viewers see. Rather, it’s less formal and has a more behind-the-scenes feel. Creators have the opportunity to showcase their personality, skills and creativity, and the audience subscribes - [The science department sizes up the coronavirus](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1739/news/the-science-department-sizes-up-the-coronavirus/) - With nearly 71,000 confirmed cases and over 1,700 deaths in 25 countries as of press time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus a “public health emergency of international concern.” In order to prevent the spread of the virus, many countries have taken safety precautions such as quarantining citizens who have recently - [Marc Jacobs’ spring 2020 collection stands out](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1673/showcase/marc-jacobs-spring-2020-collection-stands-out/) - Marc Jacobs’ colorful and elaborate spring 2020 collection has fashionistas going crazy. As a new fan of Marc Jacobs, when I was watching the collection debut on the New York Fashion Week runway last September on YouTube, I freaked out. This collection really stands out, because it shows how Jacobs makes decisions without thinking about - [Can you really find love on 'The Bachelor'?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1671/showcase/can-you-really-find-love-on-the-bachelor/) - It’s January 6. You are sitting on the couch, wrapped in blankets, surrounded by friends. The lights are dimmed low and the sound of the TV fills the room. Food and beverages lie on the table in front of your eyes, but nothing draws them from the screen. As the clock strikes 7:59 p.m., feelings - [I stand with Tyler Brash](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1669/showcase/i-stand-with-tyler-brash/) - If you’ve ever been on TikTok, I guarantee you’ve come across at least one of Tyler Brash’s “cringey” point-of-view videos. It’s surprising the amount of hate this revolutionary ‘Toker has received from so-called comedians online like YouTuber Cody Ko and TikToker Max Dressler. Many have been fooled into thinking he is just some cringe-worthy, try-hard - [Joe Jonas: The best brother](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1675/showcase/joe-jonas-the-best-brother/) - The night of the Jonas Brothers concert in October was unforgettable. The pre-concert hype started as I was walking to dinner in Glendale, and I looked up at the sky and saw a plane writing words across the blue sky. What could it be? Was the plane really writing “Happiness Begins,” the name of the - [Triple Beam: The not-so-secret gem of Highland Park](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1666/showcase/triple-beam-the-not-so-secret-gem-of-highland-park/) - An unassuming dark hallway off Figueroa Street in Highland Park leads to a rather small and crowded communal space -- cement floors, high ceilings, colorful chairs -- that houses Triple Beam. Once inside, the smell of foot-long pizzas cooking in the oven and the sounds of aggressively loud '90s hip hop give off a vibe - [Obsessive college disorder: The post-acceptance edition](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1585/showcase/obsessive-college-disorder-the-post-acceptance-edition/) - A yellow arrow screamed at me at the top of the screen, pointing to a subject line: An Important Update from NYU is Ready to View. I wasn’t nervous that day at all; I wasn’t expecting an email from NYU for another three days. I read the subject line, closed my eyes, internalized the fact - ['You' will love season two](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1583/showcase/you-will-love-season-two/) - Is asking someone her kill count an appropriate first date question? Welcome to “You,” a Netflix original series about Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a New York native and bookshop manager with a haunting past. In the show’s first season, viewers watched him fall in and out of love with Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), only to - [Tologs weigh in on the US-Iran tension](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1560/news/tologs-weigh-in-on-the-us-iran-tension/) - Airstrikes, holy sites, protests and an assassination are just a few elements of the crazy situation unfolding between the U.S. and Iran. Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise since 2018, but they escalated significantly after the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, on Jan. 3. The - [Señor Fish? More like Se[NO]r flavor](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1635/showcase/senor-fish-more-like-senor-flavor/) - I grew up on seafood, sun, and yacht rock. My favorite memories feel like a piece of sunshine lodged in my soul -- sitting on the warm sand after a refreshing shower, the cool evening sun beating down on my body, exhausted from swimming in the ocean. They sound like Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” overlapped - ['High School Musical: The Musical - The Series': Catchy songs, lots of drama and at least one very cute boy](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1551/showcase/high-school-musical-the-musical-the-series-is-it-really-not-too-bad/) - “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is definitely, as Gabriella and Troy sing at the beginning of the original movie upon which the new TV series is based, “the start of something new.” In this series, which airs on Disney+, a group of teens put on their own theater production of the original “High - [LA’s The Smell: An affordable way to rock out](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1554/showcase/las-the-smell-an-affordable-way-to-rock-out/) - Downtown LA’s The Smell is a low-key punk-rock venue that is the very portrait of teen angst. If I had to describe the embodiment of teen angst, I would say it’s a phase most teenagers go through that is full of stress and anxiety, bad moods and emo music. A few weeks ago, on a - ['Honey Boy' ain’t so sweet: Shia LaBeouf’s flawed return to Hollywood](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1552/showcase/honey-boy-aint-so-sweet-shia-labeoufs-flawed-return-to-hollywood/) - “They’ve got cameras everywhere, you dummy! I’ve got more millionaire lawyers than you know what to do with!” yells a man from the backseat of a police car. An officer outside of the car calmly flips through a pile of papers. The man continues to scream. Many know him as Stanley from “Holes” or as - [Charli XCX forms a band. The public doesn't approve](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1548/showcase/charli-xcx-forms-a-band-the-public-doesnt-approve/) - They have it all. The platform. The connections. The image. And, of course, the talent. But what’s missing? Why is there no buzz about Nasty Cherry, the four-piece all-female band created by Charli XCX? Usually, I am extremely aware of pop culture happenings like this because of Twitter and such, but I had not heard - [The must-watch influencers of YouTube](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1537/showcase/the-must-watch-influencers-of-youtube/) - In a world filled with instant messages, constant posts and numerous vlogs, we can often find ourselves overwhelmed and lost in the digital age. With new drama sparking every day, it can be hard to catch up on our favorite influencers. To help Tologs navigate the vast sea of internet culture, we accumulated a list - [The Veritas Shield's ultimate guide to Christmas movies](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1503/showcase/the-veritas-shields-ultimate-guide-to-christmas-movies/) - ‘Tis the season to watch the iconic movies of Christmas. With new movies coming out each year, it is hard to watch every single one. But, there's no time like the present to start the fa-la-la-lidays, so snuggle up next to an open fire with some hot chocolate, because the staff of the Veritas Shield - [The least wonderful time of the year](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1469/opinion/the-least-wonderful-time-of-the-year/) - The smell of Pillsbury sugar cookies baking in the oven warms my house as my mom carefully organizes her Santa figurine collection. My dad is outside on the ladder stringing the roofline with multi-colored lights while my brother and I sit in the family room watching “Elf.” This is Christmas and I hate it. Sure, - [Coming to terms with the body positivity movement](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1346/opinion/coming-to-terms-with-the-body-positivity-movement/) - The summer of 2019 was one for the books, and the most memorable part about it was the fact that it was referred to as “Hot Girl Summer.” The purpose of hot girl summer, which was started by the rapper Megan Thee Stallion, was to make all different types of girls, of all different shapes - [Has college tuition reached its breaking point?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1414/news/has-college-tuition-reached-its-breaking-point/) - The cost of tuition in America, on average, totals $38,330 annually for public college and $49,870 for private college, according to The College Board. Student loans have taken a major toll on Americans, who altogether owe an estimated $1.5 trillion in college debt. A recent survey from the Department of Education revealed that graduates take - [Comedy gets personal](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1348/features/comedy-gets-personal/) - Ten years ago, Todd Phillips’ “The Hangover” raked in $467.5 million at the box office. In 2019, the same director created the dark and violent new portrayal of “The Joker.” Why did Phillips transition genres? According to the director’s own words: “Go try to be funny nowadays with this woke culture.” Comedy is at a - [Gen Z shapes its wishlist for the Catholic Church](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1344/news/gen-z-shapes-its-wishlist-for-the-catholic-church/) - The numbers are down. According to a study conducted by Gallup in 2018, 73 percent of young Catholics attended church in 1955, but now that number has dropped to 25 percent, putting the future of the Church in a precarious position. While various well-publicized crises have dominated the headlines, many Tologs have more personal reasons - [Conservatism must overcome roadblocks](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1416/opinion/conservatism-must-overcome-roadblocks/) - Conservatism has been a controversial topic of discussion lately, especially around such issues as the border, abortion and Donald Trump’s presidency. The United States has become more divided politically, and people are becoming less tolerant of differing perspectives. The rise of the progressive movement and Donald Trump’s presidency have made conservatism a charged topic, bringing - [AP Lang students spit fire in Eisenstein rap class](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/621/news/ap-lang-students-spit-fire-in-eisenstein-rap-class/) - You stand up, walk to the front of the classroom, heart pounding like a hammer against your ribs, sweat gleaming on your forehead. You look out into the crowd of twelve expectant faces, trying to maintain your rapper swagger. Not too far in front of you, your teacher, Mr. Drew Eisenstein, pulls out his Google - [Looking ahead to joining the workforce](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1412/features/future-of-work/) - The year is 2024, and this year’s seniors are graduating from college and getting ready to join the workforce. What will their work life look like compared to millennials? Is work in 2024 being a YouTuber or a professional TikToker? Is everything run by robots? Or are our jobs just the same as they are - [An interview with a Disney executive about tokenism](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1359/arts-and-culture/an-interview-with-a-disney-executive-about-tokenism/) - Last year, I wrote a piece for our previous special issue on tokenism, which is the “practice of making only a symbolic effort to do a particular thing, especially by recruiting a small number of people from underrepresented groups in order to give the appearance of sexual or racial equality,” according to Medium, an online - [Goodbye Netflix, hello network](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1356/news/goodbye-netflix-hello-network/) - When Netflix launched its streaming app in 2007, it set out to simplify television by creating a space where subscribers could easily access all of their favorite shows from different networks. After more than a decade of watching Netflix dominate online TV streaming, television networks such as Walt Disney Television (which owns ABC) and NBC - [Growing up Catholic in the least religious generation](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1350/showcase/growing-up-catholic-in-the-least-religious-generation/) - I was sitting in Mass on a typical Sunday morning. I was actually altar serving that day and had a perfect view from the altar of the rest of the congregation. Getting up to give his Homily, the priest stood confidently in front of the congregation, knowing he had their undivided attention, that his words - [Insert title. For postmodernism article. Read article. Comedy. Ironyyy. Cynicism. Hopelessness :o but hopefulness. And more!](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1243/showcase/insert-title-for-postmodernism-article-read-article-comedy-ironyyy-cynicism-hopelessness-o-but-hopefulness-and-more/) - I’m scrolling through Instagram and I come upon the longest caption I’ve ever seen. Some Insta baddie has just poured her heart out over the state of the world, a paragraph of sheer vulnerability as she grapples with the violent issues of today. She is utterly upset. Climate change! Racism??? Homophobia!$! Puppies aren’t being adopted? - [Liberals need to unite](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1352/opinion/liberals-need-to-unite/) - Pink knitted hats, trigger warnings, safe spaces, Buzzfeed videos, white guilt: I grew up in Studio City, which is a liberal bubble. At my previous school, they recently started Drag Queen Story Hour (where drag queens come and read stories to fourth-graders), and they also started calling the chapel on campus “Community,” because they felt - [Have prescription drugs peaked?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1354/news/prescription-drugs-have-they-peaked/) - Back in the old days, the average American looked forward to a warm plate of pancakes and eggs with a side of bacon for breakfast. These days, Americans take their breakfasts with a side of pills. Since the early 2000s, prescription drugs, specifically for anxiety and depression, have increased by 22 percent, according to the - ['Euphoria': A gateway drug to happiness in high school](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1073/showcase/euphoria-a-gateway-drug-to-happiness-in-high-school/) - As a girl whose parents are constantly berating her for her TV preferences, claiming certain themes are “corrupting her innocence,” I am dedicated to defending“Euphoria.” Even while the show gets praise from every teenage girl I know, it’s also being torn apart by Baby Boomers who don’t understand it. So, to combat such ignorance, here’s - [Day in the life of a cross country star](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1194/features/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-cross-country-star/) - On a typical November Tuesday, cross country star Lauren Nettels ‘20 rises as dawn breaks and debates whether to stay snuggled up in bed, covers over her face, or to get up, throw on a pair of Mizuno shoes and spend the first hour of her day running. Of course, Nettels decides to get up. - [Time measured in New Music Fridays](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1216/showcase/time-is-measured-in-new-music-fridays/) - To some, Friday may mean the weekend, but to me it means more than that. It means the New Music Friday playlist on Spotify has been updated with a completely fresh lineup of music that has been released within the past week. For me, listening to this playlist leads to a hyper-awareness of the constant - [Test-optional schools add stress to college season](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1249/features/stress-added-to-college-season-by-test-optional-schools/) - Shuffling nervously, Emma Condit ‘20 enters Dr. Navarro’s office to discuss plans for her future. Navarro’s room has a welcoming feeling, but all of the pennants on the wall stress Condit out. She thinks to herself, is my GPA high enough? Will I have enough time to complete my applications while also in the play? - [Mr. Tercek a happy camper](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1301/showcase/comedy-sportz/) - ComedySportz practices are underway in Portable 2. The team is getting down and dirty, embodying their characters, perfecting their improv skills and riffing their Beastie Raps. In the corner, someone voices her impression of an elderly woman from New Jersey at the grocery store. In the middle of the room, another Tolog reenacts the dance - [Tologs respond to vaping illness outbreak](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1222/news/tologs-respond-to-vaping-illness-outbreak/) - You’re walking down Colorado Blvd. in Old Town Pasadena and all of a sudden, you smell cotton candy out of nowhere. You continue walking, and the smell gets even fresher and stronger. You start to get excited; you’ve never seen a cotton candy vendor in this area before, and there’s nothing you’d rather sink your - [Tologs or F(i)sh? FSHA rebrands](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/806/features/fsha-rebrands/) - Last year, Flintridge Sacred Heart partnered with Mission Minded, a company that helps nonprofit organizations mold their marketing image, in an effort to reshape how the school advertises itself to the world beyond the Hill. "We wanted to find a way to better articulate our school's most deeply held values," Rachel Russell, the marketing department's - [Billie Eilish is fueling your sadness](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1218/opinion/billie-eilish-is-fueling-your-sadness/) - It’s a lonesome Tuesday evening, and you’re lying in bed sporting a messy bun and an oversized sweatshirt. Your room lights are off, but your multi-colored LED lights are on. You grab your Billie Eilish vinyl and toss it on to your Urban Outfitters record player. The slow crackling of the needle fills the emptiness - [Sleep is for the smart](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1190/opinion/ill-sleep-when-im-dead/) - I will be the first to tell you that I don’t sleep enough. More often than not, I come to school, coffee cup in hand, looking like an extra from “The Walking Dead.” I frequently feel like my eyelids are heavier than two semi-trucks, and on numerous occasions I have had to shake myself from - [Fall play preview: It's a must see](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1184/showcase/fall-play-preview-its-a-must-see/) - The fall play for 2019, “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing,” by Finegan Kruckemeyer will bring an uplifting story and a focus on the craft of acting to the Hill as the theater department debuts its first outdoor show, under the night sky. The play, which will run from Nov. 7 - [Football, pizza and small talk: Yup, it's the freshman mixer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1192/features/football-pizza-and-small-talk-yup-its-the-freshman-mixer/) - You approach St. Francis High School, stumble inside the quad and stand with the huddle of teenage girls backed into a corner. You see upperclassmen laughing. Are they laughing at you or at this entire situation? You awkwardly find your way to the table with enough brownies and cookies to feed a football team. “Oh - [Tall girls react to 'Tall Girl'](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1152/showcase/tall-girls-react-to-tall-girl/) - “Tall Girl,” a Netflix Original that came out on September 13, is about a tall girl named Jodie, played by Ava Michelle, who stands at 6'1" and struggles with living a normal teenage life because of her height. The movie focuses on teen girl insecurity. Jodie struggles to make connections with many of her classmates, - [Anxiety apps calm Tologs](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1142/news/anxiety-apps-calm-tologs/) - According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, only about 37% of those diagnosed with anxiety disorders actually receive treatment. Luckily, multiple apps have recently been designed to help relieve anxiety. These apps are a form of portable therapy, accessible at any time. Currently, the most popular apps are Headspace, Pacifica, Happify and Stop, - [Art department makes the most of transition](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1154/news/art-department-makes-the-most-of-its-transition/) - Theater, ceramics, and studio art have temporarily moved down to the administration building because of renovations to the Mozilo Family Theater. Even though the art department is going through changes, the teachers are happy with the reorganization. “I teach now in the Green Room this year, and I love it, because there is nature, the - [Risha appointed member of Royal Court](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1133/news/risha-appointed-member-of-royal-court/) - Emilie Risha '20 was selected to join the Tournament of Roses' Royal Court on Monday, September 30. She was chosen out of hundreds of girls that tried out to be one of seven Court members. Her next step in the process will be to wait until Oct. 22 to see if she is chosen to be - [Tologs try out for Rose Court for different reasons](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1101/news/tologs-try-out-for-the-rose-court-for-different-reasons/) - According to our very own FSHA seniors, there are many different reasons to try out for the Tournament of Roses' Royal Court. Some do it because their mom told them to. Some, because they want the experience of something that has been around for so long. Others, because they want to attend the Royal Ball, - [Ms. Jones pledges allegiance](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1080/news/ms-jones-pledges-allegiance/) - Dynamic mother-son duo, Ms. Carol Jones, our math teacher, and her son, Drew Brandon Jones, made the last step towards gaining their United States citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance at the Los Angeles Convention Center on August 21, 2019. Jones wanted U.S. citizenship primarily for work opportunities. She also humorously remarked about the - [Joaquin Phoenix to play the Joker](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1036/arts-and-culture/dont-joke-with-the-joker/) - “Joker,” which premiers in theaters on Oct. 4, is a film about a failed comedian who transforms into a gritty criminal after being neglected by society. Joaquin Phoenix is set to play Arthur Fleck, better known as the Joker. This role has been portrayed various times in the past, most notably by Heath Ledger in - [Staying afloat on the Netflix deluge](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1034/showcase/staying-afloat-on-the-netflix-deluge/) - It’s Friday night, which means I’ll probably crash before 10 p.m. as a result of a stress-filled week. But, not before a little entertainment. What do I feel like today? An art-house A24-style indie? Psychological drama? Slap-happy comedy? Rom-com? I’m scrolling and I’m scrolling and I’m scrolling. I look at the clock and 15 minutes - [Who wears the pants at FSHA?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1028/showcase/who-wears-the-pants-at-fsha/) - Before first-wave feminism took hold in the 1920s, there were pants for powerful men and there were skirts for docile women. Then World War II came along and women joined the workforce and donned denim. Being one of the first women to wear pants in America could have been nothing other than terrifying and empowering - [Hi, I'm Hilary Duff, and you're watching 'Lizzie McGuire'](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/964/showcase/hi-im-hilary-duff-and-youre-watching-lizzie-mcguire/) - "Good Luck Charlie." "Sonny with a Chance." "Jonas." These are all iconic television series that make up the golden era of the Disney Channel, the early 2000s, which, quite frankly, is the only era that should ever be viewed. It is extremely disappointing to see the tragically underwhelming shows that are on display now. However, - [Tologs join the climate strike](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/1011/news/tologs-join-the-climate-strike/) - Students stood in solidarity on Friday, Sept. 20 with climate protesters in 150 countries around the world. The strikes were designed to get the United Nations to pay attention to climate change. Students gathered outside during the protest, which took place before morning break, and were urged to hug a friend, hug a tree and - [Softball wins Sunshine League](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/616/sports/softball-wins-sunshine/) - After an eventful and historic season of FSHA softball, the Tologs lost to Redondo Union 6-0 in the third round of CIF Division V playoffs. “It was heartbreaking, because I knew we could beat them. But they played a better game, and they deserved it,” Coach Schnieds said. The game started off slow: three up, - ['Root to Rise' showcases Tolog talent](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/655/arts-and-culture/root-to-rise-showcases-tolog-talent/) - FSHA dancers showcased their talent and hard work over the course of four shows of “Root to Rise.” The show ran from Thursday, March 7 to Saturday, March 9. This is the company’s first show with its new director, Ms. Jessie Ryan. The concert pushed boundaries as it featured visual effects and utilized props to - ['Euphoria' gets real about the high school experience](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/967/opinion/euphoria-pushes-boundaries/) - When I stumbled upon “Euphoria,” a new series on HBO starring and narrated by the actress Zendaya, my perspective on portrayals of high school in media took a sharp turn. After consuming a massive amount of high school-centered content in my lifetime, I could tell that “Euphoria” was very different from almost all of it. - [Kaldi Coffee lives up to the hype](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/974/showcase/kaldi/) - In the center of South Pasadena, Kaldi Coffee sits on the corner of a tree-lined section of El Centro Street, just south of Mission. South Pasadena locals surround the cafe, many relaxing on the lawn of the public library across the street or sipping espresso on the sidewalk tables. Kaldi Coffee was recommended to me - [Tologs dust off their backpacks](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/812/news/tologs-dust-off-their-backpacks/) - [Another year brings new faces](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/782/news/new-year-on-the-hill-brings-new-faces/) - We Tologs have returned to the Hill, and we're joined by five fresh faculty members. On the long journey down to the portables, you might run into Mr. Dimas or Ms. Bostic, new members of the religion department. You might spot Dr. Sanderson, our new edition to the math and science department, or Dr. Callejas, - [CJ reveals the truth behind man buns and athleisure](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/646/showcase/cj-reveals-the-truth-behind-man-buns-and-athleisure/) - Imagine walking into a 105-degree-or-above room and doing yoga for an hour. Sound fun? If yes, hot yoga is something you should consider. Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, takes place in a hot and humid room, typically including a ton of perspiring shirtless people and a male instructor rocking a sweaty man bun. - [A deep dive into Jan Broberg’s relationship with her parents](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/658/features/a-deep-dive-into-jan-brobergs-relationship-with-her-parents/) - Rooted in fact, documentaries don’t often create a national conversation. Their commitment to nonfiction makes them a snooze to many, but “Abducted in Plain Sight” has just as much drama and suspense as a science-fiction movie. The buzz surrounding this horrifyingly true story has been especially intense for Tologs, as the abducted girl spent three - [Enlightenment Saloon drops a hot new track](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/643/news/enlightenment-saloon-drops-a-hot-new-track/) - Little known to the FSHA student body, Mr. Eric Pals has a hidden and mysterious band called Enlightenment Saloon. The band has recently released a new jazzy upbeat single, “Nowhere Near Paris,” a song about pursuing happiness and making progress toward a better society rather than focusing on consumerism. The mysterious Enlightenment Saloon has more - [A bittersweet goodbye to a classic car](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/652/showcase/a-bittersweet-goodbye-to-a-classic-car/) - Being told by the mechanic that “painting your car costs more than it’s worth” is a humbling experience. So are the occasions in which rides are desperately needed, but, after offering, people respond with, “Thanks for offering to drive, Mila, but I just don’t feel safe in your car.” Another character-building moment is when I - [Coachella: More than an experience... I swear](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/638/opinion/coachella-more-than-an-experience-i-swear/) - Some may say Coachella is my writing area of expertise. Having written about the festival twice in this fine publication and experienced this three-day desert excursion first hand, I can say that I know a lot about the happenings of Coachella. So, when Mr. Dibblee even briefly mentioned potentially doing an interview about festivals with - [Cheating college admissions: Reactions to the scandal](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/634/opinion/cheating-college-admissions-reactions-to-the-scandal/) - There comes a point in high school, usually at the most trying of times -- exam tomorrow, one or several assignments expected to be completed promptly by 7 a.m., application due tonight, playoff game tomorrow -- when you start to consider yourself amongst not just your fellow classmates, but every other student in America. Students - [Teachers reflect on the class of 2019](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/641/news/teachers-reflect-on-the-class-of-2019/) - As another year approaches its end, Tologs are filled with a certain bittersweet feeling. Yes, on the Hill everyone aches for summertime, but at the same time, a sense of melancholy surrounds the seniors’ final weeks on campus. Who will be there next year to awkwardly sing, dance and jump around on announcements? Who will - [Is Ms. Miller an alien?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/650/news/is-ms-miller-an-alien/) - In a recent AP Biology class, Ms. Kayla Tennity and her students swabbed their cheeks and tested their DNA to find out whether they were morning or night people. Ms. Leslie Miller decided to get involved as well, and the results of her DNA test were shocking: her sample revealed no sign of DNA of - [Does the Hill need a body positivity movement?](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/630/news/does-the-hill-need-a-body-positivity-movement/) - 6:30 a.m.: the piercing sound of your alarm jolts you from a deep sleep. Exhausted, you snooze your phone and scroll through your Instagram feed, liking a picture of Kourtney Kardashian promoting “slimming teas” and waist trainers. You skip breakfast, ignoring the ominous voice of your mom saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of - [JRP and SRP to change for next year](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/628/news/jrp-and-srp-to-change-for-next-year/) - Next year will be very different for rising juniors and seniors. The curriculum board has shortened the JRP and incorporated it into the second semester of religion and has embedded the SRP into a series of senior seminars. The changes will give juniors and seniors more scheduled course time and structure within which to complete - [Zoo prom location sparks controversy](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/623/news/zoo-prom-location-sparks-controversy/) - As Tologs stood in line watching their wide-eyed dates get patted down by a few bulky security guards, they collectively took a deep breath in, the distinct smell of manure tickling their noses. After a short ride past the reptile exhibit and into the zoo, girls stepped out of the three-car tram and shook hands ## Pages - [About](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/about/) - Welcome to the Veritas Shield, the student-run news publication at Flintridge Sacred Heart, an all-girls, Catholic, Dominican, independent, college-preparatory day and boarding high school in La Cañada Flintridge, California. At the Veritas Shield, we aim to create a space where members of the Flintridge Sacred Heart community can exchange ideas and contribute to the growth - [Print Issues](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff/print-issues/) - [Print Issue](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/about/print-issue/) - [Contact Us](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/contact-us/) - [Topics](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/topics/) - [discussion_topics] [new_topic_button] - [Staff](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff/) ## Infobox - [AMAZING infobox](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/infobox/amazing-infobox/) ## Staff Profiles - [Natalia Rosales](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/natalia-rosales-3/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Mara Ocampo-Trazo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/mara-ocampo-trazo/) - Staff Writer - [Lucia Lee](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/lucia-lee/) - Staff Writer - [Analisa Sanchez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/analisa-sanchez/) - Staff Writer - [Carly Norton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/carly-norton-3/) - Managing Editor - [Daniela Munguia](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/daniela-munguia-2/) - Associate Editor - [Victoria Wilczek](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/victoria-wilczek-2/) - Social Media Manager - [Payoja Verma](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/payoja-verma/) - Staff Writer - [Charlotte Wilson](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/charlotte-wilson-2/) - Social Media Manager - [Sophia Bogdjalian](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/sophia-bogdjalian/) - Staff Writer - [Carly Norton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/carly-norton-2/) - Managing Editor - [Caroline Krappman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/caroline-krappman-2/) - Social Media Manager - [Houston Sandford](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/houston-sandford-2/) - Social Media Manager - [Isabella Kim](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/isabella-kim/) - Staff Writer - [Amelie Kock](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/amelie-kock/) - Staff Writer - [Ave Jones](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/ave-jones/) - Staff Writer - [Charlotte Wilson](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/charlotte-wilson/) - Staff Writer - [Daniela Munguia](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/daniela-munguia/) - Staff Writer - [Natalia Rosales](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/natalia-rosales-2/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Victoria Wilczek](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/victoria-wilczek/) - Staff writer - [Jun Zhang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/jun-zhang/) - Digital Illustrator - [Leah Green](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/leah-green-2/) - Graphics Editor and Illustrator - [Leah Green](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/leah-green/) - Graphics Editor and Illustrator - [Nyree Aghayan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/nyree-aghayan/) - Multi-Media Manager - [Tyler Frey](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/tyler-frey/) - Associate Editor - [Maria Boutros](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/maria-boutros/) - Social Media Manager - [Alina Perez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/alina-perez/) - Staff Writer - [Elle Gilhooly](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/elle-gilhooly/) - Staff Writer - [Houston Sandford](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/houston-sandford/) - Staff Writer - [Julia Orue](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/julia-orue/) - Staff Writer - [Colleen Traver](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/colleen-traver/) - Staff Writer - [Caroline Krappman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/caroline-krappman/) - Staff Writer - [Claudia Lee](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/claudia-lee/) - Managing Editor - [Carly Norton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/carly-norton/) - Staff Writer - [Natalia Rosales](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/natalia-rosales/) - Staff Writer - [Daniela Mungia](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/daniela-mungia/) - Staff Writer - [Madison Wuu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/madison-wuu-2/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Isabelle Risha](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/isabelle-risha/) - Staff Writer - [Olenka Villacorta](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/olenka-villacorta/) - Olenka Villacorta, a senior, is a visiting staff writer from Peru. She is an exchange student at FSH who will only be staying for a short period of the year and is excited to share her journey and experiences on the school’s paper during her stay. Olenka enjoys developing her artistic skills and spending time - [Lena Hwang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/lena-hwang/) - Associate Editor - [Siena Urquiza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/siena-urquiza/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Julia Krider](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/managing-editor/) - Managing Editor - [Wen Dian Wang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/wen-dian-wendy-wang/) - Staff Writer - [Sara Green](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/sara-green/) - Social Media Manager - [Madison Wuu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/madison-wuu/) - Associate Editor - [Graciela Tiu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/graciela-tiu/) - Associate Editor - [Michelle St. Denis](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/michelle-st-denis/) - Podcast Editor - [Angelina Cao](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/angelina-cao/) - News Editor - [Kailey Cullen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/kailey-cullen/) - Associate Editor - [Jacqueline Fitzpatrick](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/jacqueline-fitzpatrick/) - News-in-Brief Editor - [Caitlin Cruz](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/caitlin-cruz/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Jessie Mysza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/jessie-mysza/) - Managing Editor - [Natalie Oktanyan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/natalie-oktanyan/) - Graphics Editor - [Christine Orihuela](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/christine-orihuela/) - [Mr. Butera](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/mr-butera/) - [Simone Butera](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/simone-butera/) - [Ella Kitt](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/ella-kitt/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Mr. Yaeger](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/mr-yaeger/) - [Carisa Joyner](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/carisa-joyner/) - Social Media Editor - [Sophia Cotman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/sophia-cotman/) - [Mrs. Jones](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/mrs-jones/) - [Angelina Arevalos](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/angelina-arevalos/) - Community Editor - [Claire McDonald](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/claire-mcdonald/) - Managing Editor - [Sarah McGrory](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/sarah-mcgrory/) - Staff Writer - [Gabi Miller](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/gabi-miller/) - Staff Writer - [Elle Nawrocki](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/elle-nawrocki/) - [Emily Cupo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/emily-cupo/) - [Kristen Asmar](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/kristen-asmar/) - [Kayla Tennity](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/kayla-tennity/) - [Ferryn Drake](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/ferryn-drake/) - [Katrina Manaloto and Meg Kalaw](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/katrina-manaloto-and-meg-kalaw/) - [Katrina Manaloto](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/katrina-manaloto/) - [Ty Buxman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/ty-buxman/) - [Diane Sarkarati](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/diane-sarkarati/) - [Jane McEneaney](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/jane-mceneaney/) - [Charlie Tercek](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/charlie-tercek/) - [Heather Kent](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/heather-kent/) - [Cerys Davies, Nikki Godinez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/cerys-davies-nikki-godinez/) - [CJ Huston](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/cj-huston/) - Arts and Culture Editor - [Nikki Godinez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/editor-in-chief/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Cerys Davies](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/editor-in-chief-2/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Georgia Kisob](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/georgia-kisob/) - Opinion Editor - [Liza Pyle](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/liza-pyle/) - Layout Editor - [Kiara Hosseinion](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/kiara-hosseinion/) - Staff Writer - [Lea Lopez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/lea-lopez/) - Staff Writer - [OIivia Spina](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/olivia-spina/) - Staff Writer - [Katia Stavropoulos](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/katia-stavropoulos/) - Staff Writer - [Julia Yellen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/julia-yellen/) - Staff Writer - [Elizabeth Rosenberger](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/elizabeth-rosenberger/) - Pop Culture Editor - [Isabella Ibarra](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/isabella-ibarra/) - Staff Writer - [Campbell Sullivan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/campbell-sullivan/) - Staff Writer - [Catherine Bauer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/catherine-bauer/) - Staff Writer - [Amanda Wagner](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/amanda-wagner/) - Layout Editor - [Nellie Ayala](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/nellie-ayala/) - Staff Writer - [Mila Mendoza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/mila-mendoza/) - Editor-in-Chief - [Sample Student](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/sample-student-biography/) - News Editor - [Sample Staff Member](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_profile/student-biography/) - Staff Writer ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/uncategorized/) - Do NOT delete or rename this category. - [Features](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/features/) - [Sports](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/sports/) - [News](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/news/) - [Opinion](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/opinion/) - [Showcase](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/showcase/) - [Video](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/video/) - [Culture](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/arts-and-culture/) - [First Person](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/first-person/) - [Podcasts](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/podcasts/) - [Comics](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/category/comics/) ## Tags - [deartologs](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/deartologs/) - [Claudia Lee](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/claudia-lee/) - [Jacqueline Fitzpatrick](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/jacqueline-fitzpatrick/) - [Sara Green](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/sara-green/) - [Caitlin Cruz](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/caitlin-cruz/) - [Madison Wuu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/madison-wuu/) - [Michelle St. Denis](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/michelle-st-denis/) - [Jessie Mysza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/jessie-mysza/) - [Angelina Cao](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/angelina-cao/) - [Jessica Mysza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/jessica-mysza/) - [Siena Urquiza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/siena-urquiza/) - [Lena Hwang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/lena-hwang/) - [Graciela Tiu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/tag/graciela-tiu/) ## Contributors - [Sample Student](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sample-student/) - [Sample Staff Member](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sample-staff-member/) - [Nikki Godinez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/nikki-godinez/) - [Cerys Davies](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cerys-davies/) - [Mila Mendoza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mila-mendoza/) - [Nellie Ayala](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/nellie-ayala/) - [Georgia Kisob](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/georgia-kisob/) - [Elizabeth Rosenberger](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/elizabeth-rosenberger/) - [Isabella Ibarra](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/isabella-ibarra/) - [Amanda Wagner](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/amanda-wagner/) - [Catherine Bauer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/catherine-bauer/) - [CJ Huston](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cj-huston/) - [Campbell Sullivan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/campbell-sullivan/) - [Liza Pyle](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/liza-pyle/) - [Claire McDonald](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/claire-mcdonald/) - [Ella Kitt](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ella-kitt/) - [Angelina Arevalos](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/angelina-arevalos/) - [Caitlin Cruz](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/caitlin-cruz/) - [Jacqueline Fitzpatrick](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jacqueline-fitzpatrick/) - [Kiara Hosseinion](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/kiara-hosseinion/) - [Carisa Joyner](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/carisa-joyner/) - [Lea Lopez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/lea-lopez/) - [Jessie Mysza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jessie-mysza/) - [OIivia Spina](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/oiivia-spina/) - [Michelle St. Denis](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/michelle-st-denis/) - [Katia Stavropoulos](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/katia-stavropoulos/) - [Julia Yellen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julia-yellen/) - [SNO sites](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sno-sites/) - [Author](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/author/) - [Olivia Spina](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/olivia-spina/) - [Test photographer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/test-photographer/) - [Photographer](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/photographer/) - [Andi Mysza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/andi-mysza/) - [Gabie Garibyan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/gabie-garibyan/) - [Cassie Huston ‘23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cassie-huston-‘23/) - [Rachel Russel](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/rachel-russel/) - [John Doe](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/john-doe/) - [Rachel Russell](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/rachel-russell/) - [Julia Yellen '20](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julia-yellen-'20/) - [Nikki Godinez '20](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/nikki-godinez-'20/) - [CJ Huston '20](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cj-huston-'20/) - [Caitlin Cruz '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/caitlin-cruz-'22/) - [Cerys Davies '20](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cerys-davies-'20/) - [Carisa Joyner '21](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/carisa-joyner-'21/) - [Liza Pyle '20](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/liza-pyle-'20/) - [Katia Stavropoulos '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/katia-stavropoulos-'22/) - [Michelle St.Denis '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/michelle-st.denis-'22/) - [Jessie Mysza '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jessie-mysza-'22/) - [Angelina Arevalos '21](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/angelina-arevalos-'21/) - [Ella Kitt '21](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ella-kitt-'21/) - [Rosemary Johnston](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/rosemary-johnston/) - [Creative Commons](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/creative-commons/) - [Michelle St.Denis](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/michelle-st.denis/) - [Laurence Lopez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/laurence-lopez/) - [Drew Jones](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/drew-jones/) - [Victor Balao](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/victor-balao/) - [Zoe Grace](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/zoe-grace/) - [??](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/??/) - [Christy Yellen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/christy-yellen/) - [Trent Tcheng](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/trent-tcheng/) - [Sam Godinez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sam-godinez/) - [Olivia Ocon](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/olivia-ocon/) - [Julianne McLane '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julianne-mclane-'23/) - [Anonymus](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/anonymus/) - [Anonymous](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/anonymous/) - [Cassandra Huston '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cassandra-huston-'23/) - [Brigitta Carlsson](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/brigitta-carlsson/) - [Ang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ang/) - [Walt Disney Television](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/walt-disney-television/) - [Claire](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/claire/) - [Wikimedia Commons](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/wikimedia-commons/) - [Cerys Davies, Nikki Godinez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cerys-davies-nikki-godinez/) - [Kailey Cullen](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/kailey-cullen/) - [@nastycherry](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/nastycherry/) - [The Editorial Board](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/the-editorial-board/) - [Heather Kent](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/heather-kent/) - [Ms. Jessie Ryan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ms-jessie-ryan/) - [Charlie Tercek](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/charlie-tercek/) - [Jane McEneaney](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jane-mceneaney/) - [Diane Sarkarati](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/diane-sarkarati/) - [Ty Buxman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ty-buxman/) - [Katrina Manaloto](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/katrina-manaloto/) - [Katrina Manaloto and Meg Kalaw](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/katrina-manaloto-and-meg-kalaw/) - [Ferryn Drake](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ferryn-drake/) - [Kayla Tennity](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/kayla-tennity/) - [Kristen Asmar](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/kristen-asmar/) - [Peter Stavropoulos](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/peter-stavropoulos/) - [Emily Cupo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/emily-cupo/) - [Grace Cupo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/grace-cupo/) - [Elle Nawrocki](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/elle-nawrocki/) - [Christine Wheaton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/christine-wheaton/) - [Cassie Huston](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/cassie-huston/) - [Clockwise from left: Cerys Davies, Sam Godinez, Olivia Spina, Julia Yellen, Spina, AJ Lopez, Spina, Cameron Kisob](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/clockwise-from-left-cerys-davies-sam-godinez-olivia-spina-julia-yellen-spina-aj-lopez-spina-cameron-kisob/) - [Clockwise from left: Cerys Davies, Olivia Spina, AJ Lopez, Spina, Julia Yellen, Sam Godinez, Spina, Cameron Kisob.](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/clockwise-from-left-cerys-davies-olivia-spina-aj-lopez-spina-julia-yellen-sam-godinez-spina-cameron-kisob/) - [Angelina Cao](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/angelina-cao/) - [Julia Krider](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julia-krider/) - [Siena Urquiza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/siena-urquiza/) - [Mary Jane Von der Ahe](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mary-jane-von-der-ahe/) - [Sarah McGrory](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sarah-mcgrory/) - [Gabi Miller](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/gabi-miller/) - [Mrs. Jones](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mrs-jones/) - [Natalie Oktanyan '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/natalie-oktanyan-22/) - [Natalie Oktanyan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/natalie-oktanyan/) - [Krista-Belle Arevalos](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/krista-belle-arevalos/) - [Abigail Toth](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/abigail-toth/) - [Sophia Cotman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sophia-cotman/) - [Mr. Yaeger](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mr-yaeger/) - [@julieandthephantoms](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julieandthephantoms/) - [John Burton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/john-burton/) - [Bridget Byrne](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/bridget-byrne/) - [Bridget Byrne 21'](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/bridget-byrne-21/) - [Simone Butera](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/simone-butera/) - [Mr. Butera](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mr-butera/) - [MIchelle St. Denis '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/michelle-st-denis-22/) - [Mrs. Heather Kent](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mrs-heather-kent/) - [Christine Orihuela](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/christine-orihuela/) - [Denise Bilotta](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/denise-bilotta/) - [Ms. Orihuela](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ms-orihuela/) - [Sofia Joyner '24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sofia-joyner-24/) - [Dr. Sanderson](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/dr-sanderson/) - [Liana Yamasaki](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/liana-yamasaki/) - [Julia Krider '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julia-krider-23/) - [Pilar Sanabria Urquiza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/pilar-sanabria-urquiza/) - [Siena Urquiza '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/siena-urquiza-23/) - [Berit Oxley '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/berit-oxley-22/) - [Claudia Lee](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/claudia-lee/) - [Lena Hwang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/lena-hwang/) - [Madison Wuu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/madison-wuu/) - [Sara Green](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sara-green/) - [Graciela Tiu](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/graciela-tiu/) - [Angelina Cao ‘22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/angelina-cao-22/) - [Madison Wuu ‘24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/madison-wuu-24/) - [Jacqueline Fitzpatrick '22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jacqueline-fitzpatrick-22/) - [Claudia Lee ‘24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/claudia-lee-24/) - [Graciela Tiu '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/graciela-tiu-23/) - [Lena Hwang '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/lena-hwang-23/) - [Sara Green '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sara-green-23/) - [Dr. Juli James](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/dr-juli-james/) - [Jessica Mysza](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jessica-mysza/) - [Caitlin Cruz ‘22](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/caitlin-cruz-22/) - [Nyree Aghayan](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/nyree-aghayan/) - [Maria Boutros](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/maria-boutros/) - [Tyler Frey](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/tyler-frey/) - [Wen Dian Wang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/wen-dian-wendy-wang/) - [Maria Boutros '24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/maria-boutros-24/) - [Tyler Frey '25](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/tyler-frey-25/) - [Leah Green](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/leah-green/) - [Carlos Alpuerto](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/carlos-alpuerto/) - [Olenka Villacorta](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/olenka-villacorta/) - [Nyree Aghayan '24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/nyree-aghayan-24/) - [Wen Dian Wang '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/wen-dian-wang-23/) - [Gaby Munguia ‘23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/gaby-munguia-23/) - [Sara Guttierrez '23](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sara-guttierrez-23/) - [Jonathan Harper](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jonathan-harper/) - [Elle Gilhooly](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/elle-gilhooly/) - [Houston Sandford](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/houston-sandford/) - [Caroline Krappman](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/caroline-krappman/) - [Colleen Traver](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/colleen-traver/) - [Daniela Mungia](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/daniela-mungia/) - [Carly Norton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/carly-norton/) - [Julia Orue](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/julia-orue/) - [Alina Perez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/alina-perez/) - [Isabelle Risha](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/isabelle-risha/) - [Natalia Rosales](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/natalia-rosales/) - [Elle Gilhooly '24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/elle-gilhooly-24/) - [Daniela Mungia '26](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/daniela-mungia-26/) - [William Hambleton](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/william-hambleton/) - [Jun Zhang](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/jun-zhang/) - [Fifi Joyner '24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/fifi-joyner-24/) - [Isabelle Risha '24](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/isabelle-risha-24/) - [Victoria Wilczek](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/victoria-wilczek/) - [Houston Sandford](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/houstan-sandford/) - [Daniela Munguia](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/daniela-munguia/) - [Isabella Kim](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/isabella-kim/) - [Amelie Kock](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/amelie-kock/) - [Gabriella Gamboa](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/gabriella-gamboa/) - [Lucia Lee](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/lucia-lee/) - [Charlotte Wilson](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/charlotte-wilson/) - [Lyla Bostic](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/lyla-bostic/) - [Diamara Chavez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/diamara-chavez/) - [Mara Ocampo-Trazo](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mara-ocampo-trazo/) - [Analisa Sanchez](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/analisa-sanchez/) - [Payoja Verma](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/payoja-verma/) - [Ave Jones](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ave-jones/) - [Sophia Bogdjalian](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/sophia-bogdjalian/) - [Ellie Schroth](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/ellie-schroth/) - [Mr. Chad Ribordy](https://veritasshield.fsha.org/staff_name/mr-chad-ribordy/)