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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
Sophia Bella

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief

Sophia Bella is a senior at Burlingame High School and a dedicated fourth-year journalism student, thrilled to serve as this year’s editor-in-chief of the Burlingame B. When she’s not editing, you can find her designing newspaper layouts, creating graphics, and practicing photography. Outside the newsroom, Sophia is an avid reader who enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

All content by Sophia Bella
Due to county reccomendations after 2018, Burlingame no longer conducts Lockdown/Barricade drills for students or staff.

‘Never truly prepared’

Connie Lu, Zachary Newman, and Sophia Bella
October 28, 2024

The B asked students and staff to reflect on their personal sense of safety on campus in an anonymous survey. This is what they said:  “Our community can be deemed safe. However, every single community...

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In 2008, voters approved a $10 billion bond to build a high-speed rail connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles, projected to be completed by 2020. However, four years later, the project remains unfinished, with costs soaring nearly $100 billion over the original budget.

California has to rid itself of a ‘no’ mentality to change its relationship with cars

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
April 23, 2024

Streamlining public transportation has long been a favored approach to combat climate change, and rightfully so. The advent of the automobile completely changed our relationship with space, redesigning...

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The Blitz: Resurgence of old music

The Blitz: Resurgence of old music

Sophia Bella and Jeannine Chiang
March 26, 2024

Music attribution: Audio courtesy of Incompetech

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According to the B's survey, 71% of students feel they do not get enough sleep.

[Photo] Sleep deprivation takes a toll on students

Arda Inegol, Business Manager
November 16, 2023

According to the B's survey, 71% of students feel they do not get enough sleep.

On June 29, the Supreme Court ended affirmative action throughout all U.S. colleges and universities by stating that colleges cannot consider race in admissions.

[Photo] Navigating college admissions in a post-affirmative action world

Arda Inegol, Business Manager
October 5, 2023

On June 29, the Supreme Court ended affirmative action throughout all U.S. colleges and universities by stating that colleges cannot consider race in admissions.

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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Whether motivated by insecurity, peer pressure or enjoyment, the way students beautify themselves is entirely up to them and some may choose not to do it at all.

[Photo] ChapStick or Lipstick? The Choice Is Yours

Joelle Huysmans, Design Editor
May 1, 2023

Whether motivated by insecurity, peer pressure or enjoyment, the way students beautify themselves is entirely up to them and some may choose not to do it at all.

Teenagers experience pressure to conform to the unrealistic body types diet culture promotes, which makes them feel obligated to restrict their calorie intake.

[Photo] How self-esteem becomes dependent on the numbers on the scale

Joelle Huysmans, Design Editor
April 8, 2023

Teenagers experience pressure to conform to the unrealistic body types diet culture promotes, which makes them feel obligated to restrict their calorie intake.

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

[Photo] Burlingame girls report widespread mental health crisis

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

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

This year, Burlingame’s administration implemented the course selection map to encourage students to explore the course catalog and envision their next steps and goals.

[Photo] New four year map lets freshmen plan courses early

Athena Bostonmaer, Staff Reporter
February 27, 2023

This year, Burlingame’s administration implemented the course selection map to encourage students to explore the course catalog and envision their next steps and goals.

The school library has quickly become a hub for chess matches, attracting a variety of players during lunchtime and after school.

[Photo] Chess is trending at school — here’s why

Arda Inegol, Business Manager
February 24, 2023

The school library has quickly become a hub for chess matches, attracting a variety of players during lunchtime and after school.

Where ChatGPT can be helpful, it also can be misused and threaten academic integrity — especially in classes that involve writing, such as English or history classes.

[Photo] ChatGPT can do your homework. Now what?

Jake Rothstein, Managing Editor
February 14, 2023

Where ChatGPT can be helpful, it also can be misused and threaten academic integrity — especially in classes that involve writing, such as English or history classes.

“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.”

[Photo] Community shocked by public lunchtime altercation

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

“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...

This winter, California has been plagued by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with drainage water flooding streets and forming small lakes outside houses.

[Photo] California deluge wreaks havoc on local houses and businesses

Brinda Iyer and Athena Bostonmaer
January 24, 2023

This winter, California has been plagued by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with drainage water flooding streets and forming small lakes outside houses.

The majority of respondents to the poll reported they had heard slurs, offensive jokes and insults that degrade someone’s gender identity, sexuality, race, abilities, culture or ethnicity on campus.

[Photo] Why is hate speech a part of Burlingame’s vocabulary?

Abby Knight, Social Media Manager
November 18, 2022

The majority of respondents to the poll reported they had heard slurs, offensive jokes and insults that degrade someone’s gender identity, sexuality, race, abilities, culture or ethnicity on campus.

Artboard 1

[Photo] Live Updates: 2022 Elections

The Burlingame B Staff
November 8, 2022

California Propositions 1, 28, and 31 are all found on the midterm election ballot, affecting students’ lives.

[Photo] A closer look at propositions on this year’s ballot

Alex Kelly and Ana Lunaparra
November 8, 2022

California Propositions 1, 28, and 31 are all found on the midterm election ballot, affecting students’ lives.

The Women’s Coaching Alliance's (WCA) central mission is to grow the presence of women in the sports coaching field.

A level playing field: local organization empowers women in sports leadership

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
September 6, 2022

While athletes are often at the center of discussions about gender disparity in sports, the coaching industry frequently lacks the same attention. A Burlingame-based organization has their sights set on...

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Five Burlingame students placed in the Directing Change film contest with public service announcements covering various mental health issues.

Mental health in motion: Five Burlingame students recognized in Directing Change film contest

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
May 9, 2022

After submitting films intended to raise awareness of the multi-faceted topic of mental health, five young filmmakers from Burlingame were recognized for their public service announcements at the statewide...

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Track and field athletes practice daily after school to prepare for competition, with the first meet coming up on March 9.

Track and field: off to the races

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
March 9, 2022

After a difficult year of navigating through the hurdles of the pandemic, Burlingame track and field is off to a fresh start. The team is training for their opening meet, set to take place on March 9 at...

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San Francisco’s Chinatown features a large display of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

Lunar New Years 2022: Welcoming the Year of the Tiger with festivities

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
February 13, 2022

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The Recology composting program is providing single and multifamily homes in Burlingame with green bins.

New California composting mandate aims to free up landfills, combat climate change

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
February 10, 2022

On Jan. 1, California implemented the first stage of a multi-level initiative to divert organic waste from landfills. Senate Bill 1383 states that residents, businesses and state-run schools are mandated...

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Juniors Kate Bauer and Tate Nelson cut tissue paper for the Papel Picado lunch activity on Sept. 15.

[Photo] Table talk with ASB President Elisenne Yun

Farah Caban, Business Manager
December 24, 2021

Juniors Kate Bauer and Tate Nelson cut tissue paper for the Papel Picado lunch activity on Sept. 15.

Preston’s Candy and Ice Cream on Broadway has been serving customers for 75 years and counting.

A sweet celebration: Preston’s Candy and Ice Cream turns 75

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
December 12, 2021

On Saturday, Oct. 16, Preston’s Candy and Ice Cream on Broadway hosted a birthday party to celebrate 75 years of business. Over 200 guests visited throughout the day, eager to try the free handmade confections...

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RethinkWaste environmental educators Raquel Asi and Chiara Barasuky-Da Silva deliver a presentation on the impacts of the fast fashion industry.

Burlingame senior hosts environmental workshops targeting food and textile waste

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
November 24, 2021

On Sunday, Nov. 14, senior Elena Hung hosted the No-Sew Upcycled T-Shirt Reusable Face Mask workshop over Zoom as part of her work on Burlingame Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board. Hung, along with...

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Reema Asia

Reema Asia

Sophia Bella, Editor-in-chief
October 7, 2021

When Reema Asia was younger, she viewed reading and writing as a complete waste of time.   "I absolutely hated school —  I didn't want to do any of it," Asia said.   Now, Burlingame...

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