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The Student News Site of Burlingame High School

The Burlingame B
Senior Nico Bennett poses with his Lead Actor trophy at the Rita Moreno Awards. He now moves on to the Jimmy Awards in New York City.
Bennett wins Lead Actor at Rita Moreno Awards, advances to Broadway’s Jimmy Awards
Trump administration freezes billions in private university funding
Trump administration freezes billions in private university funding
The elevator in the C-Building is one of the several out-of-service elevators on campus, complicating mobility for junior Adam Zimmer, who broke his ankle and now relies on crutches.
Out-of-service elevators restrict class access for injured students
The event, held in the San Mateo County Event Center on Saturday, April 26, heard from 19 speakers and featured 40 booths covering a wide range of disaster preparedness topics.
San Mateo County hosts wildfire preparedness event
Recent collegiate sports cuts have left students such as sophomore Alexa Chang, freshman Elaina Newman, and senior Giana Johnson contemplating their decision to play sports in college.
Sports budget cuts affect student-athlete recruits
From firefighting to tattoo art, students pursue alternative pathways
From firefighting to tattoo art, students pursue alternative pathways
As first-generation college students, Wang, Chieppe, and Song pave the way for their siblings and family.
First generation students forge new pathways
Bleviss, Balmy, Erle, and Skelton are retiring from Burlingame this year.
Farewell to familiar faces: teachers retire after years in the classroom
Senior Nico Bennett poses with his Lead Actor trophy at the Rita Moreno Awards. He now moves on to the Jimmy Awards in New York City.
Bennett wins Lead Actor at Rita Moreno Awards, advances to Broadway’s Jimmy Awards
Guest speaker Jenna Smith presents to parents at a meeting on Monday, April 28.
RISE group connects parents of neurodivergent students
President Donald Trump passed an executive order on March 1 declaring English as the United States’ national language, reversing the policies of former administrations and setting a new precedent for the country.
The US shouldn’t have an official language
According to NBC News, as of April 16, government authorities have revoked the visas of international students across 32 states by citing “a seldom-used 1952 foreign policy statute to take aim at their activism” or for past charges.
Editorial: Revoking student visas violates First Amendment
‘They don’t make them like they used to’: TV shows from the early 2000s are better than the ones now
‘They don’t make them like they used to’: TV shows from the early 2000s are better than the ones now
In 2024, Louisiana passed a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom within the state.
Editorial: Religious doctrine has no place in school
Despite facing various issues including homelessness and trailing job growth, San Francisco has proven to be resilient across history. © Frank Schulenburg / CC BY-SA 4.0
A city of resilience: SF’s fate is not sealed
‘They don’t make them like they used to’: TV shows from the early 2000s are better than the ones now
‘They don’t make them like they used to’: TV shows from the early 2000s are better than the ones now
Goodthing Coffee opened in October 2024 and is a popular spot on Burlingame Avenue for trending desserts and decadent drinks.
Review: Goodthing Coffee serves up unique and fast-selling drinks and desserts
Player 456, Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, finds himself playing in the Squid Game once again. This time, however, he is determined to save as many players as possible and put an end to the games once and for all.
Why Squid Game season two outshines the original
Holiday train ride drives down Burlingame Avenue.
Annual Winterfest brings holiday spirit to community
Auliʻi Cravalho returns to voice all favorite Polynesian princess Moana, in the movie “Moana 2”.
‘Moana 2’ delivers a heartwarming Disney sequel despite familiar formula
Junior Grayson Howard lays a bunt down the third base line.
Baseball ends season without playoff berth
Freshman Alvin Feng Heng Ho became the first player to qualify for the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs in Burlingame history.
Badminton thrives in postseason, caps off successful season
In his No. 3 singles match against Menlo-Atherton, junior Alex Bozinovic clinched 4-6, 6-4, 10-6.
Boys’ tennis settles the score with Menlo-Atherton, extends season to CCS
Senior defender Ella Wang pushes up the field during the first quarter of a game against Los Gatos on Tuesday, May 13.
Girls’ lacrosse ends season in CCS quarterfinals against Los Gatos
Senior midfielder Henry Bradley winds up for a shot during the third quarter of the Panthers’ CCS matchup against Archbishop Mitty.
Boys’ lacrosse’s historic season comes to an end against Archbishop Mitty
Students gather on the dance floor during Pride Prom, celebrating in an atmosphere designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all.
District celebrates Pride Prom as LGBTQ+ community faces pushback
Community members gather around the buffet table during the Ramadan Iftar potluck, an event hosted by the SMUHSD Family Engagement Program.
Beyond fasting: students share significance of Ramadan
The signature lion dance is performed during Lunar New Year to scare off demons. In Chinese culture, stroking the lion's head blesses people with extra luck and prosperity.
Students celebrate Lunar New Year through tradition, food, and family
Holiday train ride drives down Burlingame Avenue.
Annual Winterfest brings holiday spirit to community
Around the dinner table: students share holiday recipes rooted in tradition
Around the dinner table: students share holiday recipes rooted in tradition
Screen time management tools: helpful or harmful?
Screen time management tools: helpful or harmful?
The Blitz: March Madness predictions
The Blitz: March Madness predictions
The Blitz: Follow up on the Grammys
The Blitz: Follow up on the Grammys
The Blitz: Grammy predictions
The Blitz: Grammy predictions
Music Department showcases 101st annual winter concert
Music Department showcases 101st annual winter concert
February Issue Crossword
February Issue Crossword
December Issue Crossword
December Issue Crossword
October Issue Crossword
October Issue Crossword
Weekly Crossword (#2)
Weekly Crossword (#2)
Weekly Crossword
Weekly Crossword
The Student News Site of Burlingame High School

The Burlingame B
The Student News Site of Burlingame High School

The Burlingame B
Elise Spenner

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief

Elise Spenner is a senior at Burlingame High School and is so excited to be this year’s editor-in-chief. When she’s not reporting on investigative pieces, you can find her blogging about the Supreme Court, writing columns in the local San Mateo Daily Journal, or working on political campaigns. She’s a big fan of sports (especially soccer, cross country, and track), watching Netflix, and spending time with friends.

All content by Elise Spenner
Sophomore Samantha Tom returns a deep shot in her doubles match against a pair of Mills twins that played almost “telepathically,” she and partner Evelyn Du said.

Girls’ tennis showcases depth in impressive season

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
November 5, 2023

“It’s good tennis.”  Listen closely, and that’s what senior Mila Mulready’s dad says the most while she’s playing. She might close out a point with a devious slice backhand, and he won’t...

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GSA President Violet Hansma speaks at the Friday, Sept. 15 “Welcome Back Rally” following the removal of the Harry Potter theme for spirit week due to concerns over author J.K. Rowling’s transphobic views.

GSA, leadership lead positive change after divisive Harry Potter-themed spirit week

Elise Spenner, Jake Rothstein, and Sophia Bella
September 16, 2023

The School Advisory Council (SAC) hosted a public meeting after school on Wednesday, Sept. 13, with a focus on addressing the fallout caused by the Harry Potter-themed spirit week and its relation to author...

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Posters protesting J.K. Rowling, the controversial author of the Harry Potter series upon which the upcoming rally is based, were found around campus on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Protest posters spark controversy over Harry Potter-themed spirit week

Elise Spenner and Sophia Bella
September 13, 2023

Art teacher Eislyn Wolf-Noyes printed and displayed posters during and after lunch on Tuesday, Sept. 12, denouncing leadership’s Harry Potter-themed spirit week and rally as an endorsement of author...

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Senior co-captain Mimi Cacciato leads the Panthers in goals this season, contributing seven against Priory and four against Sequoia.

Girls’ lacrosse storms (or screams) to top of WBAL

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
April 26, 2023

No one, not even head coach Phil Wang, expected Burlingame girls’ varsity lacrosse to be undefeated in the WBAL Skyline Division (10-0) with a week left in league play. Their star player, senior Elizabeth...

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Freshman Haleh Ansari, a standout addition to the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, wields off two defenders in Burlingame’s overtime victory against Sequoia High School.

Girls’ varsity lacrosse dominates at top of league standings

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
April 7, 2023

Just how much does a season opener actually matter? If you ask any player on the Burlingame girls’ varsity lacrosse team, the answer is “quite a lot.” Consider this year’s first league game...

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Each student we talked to said that pressure at school — where perfection seems to be the only option — exacerbated their mental health struggles.

Burlingame girls report widespread mental health crisis

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
March 13, 2023

“All of my female friends have struggled with eating disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, self harm, or general anxiety.” “I personally know multiple females who have attempted or successfully...

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Girls’ Lacrosse

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
February 28, 2023

Head coach Phil Wang looks for two things in his girls’ varsity lacrosse players: athleticism and coachability.  “And I guess lacrosse experience would be the third of the three,” Wang admitted....

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Star senior starting pitcher Holden Glavin works in the bullpen during a preseason practice.

2023 Spring Sports Preview: New leaders and lofty goals

Michelle Moshkovoy, Athena Bostonmaer, Elise Spenner, Jake Rothstein, Zachary Newman, Arshia Chakravartti, Alex Kelly, Zach Shapiro, Amanda Nolan, and Will Kriner
February 28, 2023

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“I felt the pain from everybody,” music director Kyoko Yamamoto said after Friday's incident. “Everybody was in so much pain — except those people who were laughing, and spectating, and even taking videos.”

Community shocked by public lunchtime altercation

Jackson Spenner, Elise Spenner, and Jake Rothstein
February 3, 2023

At lunchtime on Thursday, Feb. 2, an altercation between two students in the quad quickly escalated into a violent situation prompting intervention by several administrators and safety officials, including...

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Head coach Bill Smith offered advice to senior Ella Rafferty during her No. 1 singles match against Varsha Jawadi, Aragon’s top player.

Girls’ tennis rises to occasion in tight match against Aragon

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
October 12, 2022

Despite missing two of their top-10 players, the girls’ tennis team eked out a 4-3 victory over Aragon High School on Monday afternoon to solidify a third place finish in the Peninsula Athletic League...

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Junior and No. 1 singles player Mila Mulready won her match easily (6-0, 6-1) against Carlmont’s top competition. Last season, she won the Peninsula Athletic League’s individual tournament.

Girls’ tennis shows potential for an energized playoff run after close season opener

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
September 14, 2022

I’m not quite sure what the secret to the success of the girls’ tennis team is. It could be a head coach who will drive six hours round-trip from Chico for an impromptu Saturday morning practice...

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Trees line Burlingame's main entrance on Mar. 12, 2021. On Tuesday, graffiti was discovered in the C-Building boys’ bathroom.

Racist, Anti-Semitic graffiti discovered on campus

Elise Spenner and Jackson Spenner
August 31, 2022

 

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Although the mask mandate will remain in place until the end of May, summer school sessions will operate according to the policy of the California Department of Health in June.

District keeps mask mandate through school year, to align with CDPH in June

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
May 5, 2022

The San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees voted 4-1 on the evening of May 5 to keep its indoor mask mandate in place for the remainder of the school year. On June 1, in advance of summer...

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Students at Burlingame will be required to wear masks at least through April 21.

Board keeps mask mandate, to reconsider in late April

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
March 13, 2022

The San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on the night of Thursday, March 10 to keep the indoor mask mandate in place for all campuses. In doing so, the trustees rejected...

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Leaver chats with Matthew Gallegos, a social science teacher at Peninsula. Both Leaver and Sacdalan spoke to the support and kindness of staff.

Peninsula High School: navigating inequity

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
February 24, 2022

My conversation with Peninsula High School guidance counselor Elaine Llaguno and wellness counselor Lara Montoya took place in a counselor’s office at Burlingame. Even though the room is surrounded by...

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The new Peninsula campus sits near the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame. The location aims to offer a more accessible campus for students.

Peninsula High School: “a Lego-built school”

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
February 23, 2022

The new Peninsula campus sits near the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame. The location aims to offer a more accessible campus for students.

The students at Peninsula moved into their new school, located in Burlingame, in March 2021. The one-acre campus has 10 classrooms.

Peninsula High School: speaking out against neglect

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
February 22, 2022

On Sept. 20, 2021, the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Peninsula High School to celebrate the opening of a state-of-the-art facility for the continuation...

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Draft 102 divides the map according to feeder school districts in an attempt to keep neighborhoods grouped together.

Board hears update on student performance, weighs redistricting maps at recent meeting

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
February 20, 2022

Yancy Hawkins, the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) Chief Business Officer, presented extensive data on the results of the Panoramic survey and other metrics to gauge student performance at...

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Teachers, parents, administrators and SMUHSD Board members attended the Unity in the Community Town Hall on Jan. 11 to share and hear perspectives on social justice, equity and representation for Black students.

Unity in the Community Town Hall presents Capuchino mural, touches on social justice and hate speech in the district

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
January 16, 2022

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, the Black Parents Association held the second Unity in the Community Virtual Town Hall of the school year, with presentations from Black Student Union (BSU) leaders across the San...

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Model UN club members discuss Bear MUN in a meeting on Oct. 26.

[Photo] In conversation with Model UN co-president Alex Kelly

Arda Inegol, Business Manager
December 17, 2021

Model UN club members discuss Bear MUN in a meeting on Oct. 26.

The majority of the Educator Block Grant will be spent on an in-house induction program intended to support new teachers in the District and school climate initiatives related to anti-bias and improving culture.

Educator Effectiveness Block Grant for professional development aims to support induction program, school climate initiatives

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
December 5, 2021

Over the next five years, the San Mateo Union High School District will invest more than $2.2 million in professional development through the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant, with an emphasis on supporting...

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Burlingame runners Evan Kim and Lucas Keeley, both from the boys’ varsity team, competed at CCS against 13 other schools.

[Photo] Cross country wraps up season at CCS

Wali Chaudry, Staff Reporter
November 23, 2021

Burlingame runners Evan Kim and Lucas Keeley, both from the boys’ varsity team, competed at CCS against 13 other schools.

The Student COVID-19 Vaccination or Testing Requirement for Participation in Extracurricular Activities will cover events with large numbers of participants, like school dances, but spectators at extracurriculars will not have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Board unanimously approves extracurricular testing policy and hears student perspectives at recent meeting

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
November 1, 2021

Testing Policy: After months of deliberation, the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a COVID-19 testing policy for extracurricular activities on Thursday night. The...

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Despite two Board meetings largely devoted to public comment and deliberation over an extracurricular vaccine and testing mandate, the trustees have yet to reach an agreement. As of Sept. 26, 86% of students in the district were vaccinated for COVID-19.

Board of Trustees punts again on a vaccine and testing mandate for extracurricular activities

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
September 30, 2021

The San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees again postponed a vote on a mandate that would require a COVID-19 vaccination or a weekly negative test for all extracurricular participants by...

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With 82% of students in the district vaccinated, the proposal to mandate vaccines for extracurricular activities aims to bolster COVID-19 mitigation in schools.

School board tables decision on extracurricular vaccine mandates

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
September 14, 2021

At the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday night, the trustees delayed voting on a proposed vaccination requirement for students participating in extracurricular...

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Sophomore Mila Mulready, Burlingame’s No. 1 singles player, returns the ball on her way to a 6-0, 6-1 victory in the first match of the season.

Camaraderie leads girls’ tennis to first win of the season over Lick Wilmerding

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
September 8, 2021

Burlingame’s girls’ tennis team swiftly conquered the junior varsity and varsity teams from Lick Wilmerding High School on Aug. 31, winning all 14 singles and doubles matches.  The match signaled...

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Burlingame and El Camino boys start a grueling 1600-meter race. While El Camino nabbed first place, Burlingame senior Bing Lin achieved a new personal record in the event.

Track and field sprints, jumps and somersaults into a new season

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
April 22, 2021

When Burlingame hosted its first track meet of the season last Monday, April 19, the team’s running prowess, camaraderie, and determination were on full display — as was their startling gymnastic...

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The intergenerational cookbook project allows isolated populations to bond and make lasting connections, while also producing a tangible product.

Cookbook project to spark connection between generations and assist broader community

Elise Spenner and Julianna Oliver
April 19, 2021

Before the pandemic, senior citizen Gertrude Stopper would go to church multiple times a week. Occasionally, she would go downstairs and have a glass of wine at the senior living facility, but when the...

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Juniors Annika Ganguly (left) and Molly Wachhorst (right) high five with rackets during their doubles match.

Girls tennis aces the season, on and off the court

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
March 19, 2021

Before each match, the girls tennis team has a routine they follow religiously. They gather in a circle — distantly. The entire team begins to clap slowly — a raucous but organized beat. Over time,...

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In the Easton Addition, many of the streets are named for early conquistadors and explorers who brought genocide and colonization to the Americas.

Schools and statues. Why not streets?

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
March 4, 2021

In my 14 years on this planet, our society has grown more aware of the people we put on pedestals, glorify in textbooks and immortalize with monuments. Slowly, we have realized that the history we celebrate...

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During practices, tennis players must wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing. Although these practices don’t feel normal to players, they provide both physical activity and social interaction.

Girls tennis bounces back onto the court

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
February 12, 2021

Tennis coach Bill Smith knows the joke. The two week shut-down announced by the district in March of last year? Well, that quickly shifted from a brief hiatus to a temporary aberration to a year-long,...

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This January, the second full semester of distance learning begins. While pods and conditioning practices bring a portion of students back on campus, the vast majority remain at home.

Students forge on in distance learning

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
January 27, 2021

When freshman Cora Haggarty pictured her freshman year at Burlingame High School (BHS), the first few months would be fast-paced and rushed, chaotic and stressful – the growing pains that come with...

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An altered high school classroom at Crystal Springs. At the end of October, Crystal Springs returned to a hybrid learning schedule, with students on campus for four days and off for 10.

As private schools head back to campus, education disparities widen

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
December 14, 2020

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11th and 12th graders at Crystal Springs Uplands School, commonly referred to as Crystal, walked onto campus for the first time in seven months. The same day, San Mateo County dropped...

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94-year-old naturalist David Attenborough takes a stand on climate change in his recent documentary, which can be viewed on Netflix.

Listen to the voice of nature, Attenborough’s new documentary warns

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
November 18, 2020

In a recent documentary, the voice of nature has, at long last, spoken out. It’s weathered, deep and gravelly. It’s angry, upset and frightened. But, it is simultaneously uplifting, energized and confident...

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The SMUHSD Board of Trustees are in the midst of an election for 2 open spots.

The SMUHSD Board of Trustees candidates: Why they matter and what matters to them

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
November 1, 2020

With two days until a major national election, attention and publicity has been drawn to one small corner of the ballot. But for students, parents and other constituents within the San Mateo Union High...

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On a Friday night, the library shines bright despite challenging times.

In a time of crisis, the Burlingame Public Library forges on

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
October 20, 2020

For six months, the Burlingame Public Library has been quiet. No guests peek through the windows or tug at the heavy door, waiting for the lights to turn on. No toddlers jump around in excitement for story...

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Joshua Knudson, Assistant Principal, brings a unique perspective to Burlingame High School.

Joshua Knudson: Much More than a Suit and a Tie

Elise Spenner, Editor-In-Chief
October 10, 2020

In an entertaining anecdote, Joshua Knudson, the new assistant principal at Burlingame High School, compared our bizarre situation to “The Twilight Zone.”  “I’m working at a high school, but...

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