Student Life

  • Shirley Temples are surely enjoyable

    For many years, I have been fond of the refreshing mocktail known as a Shirley Temple, which typically consists of lemon-lime soda, grenadine and a Maraschino cherry on top. Whether I find myself at a wedding, or a restaurant with my friends, this concoction always quenches my thirst. My ideal Shirley Temple would consist…

  • Contreras makes history at NPHS

    Contreras makes history at NPHS

    Behind the mind of government economics and psychology teacher, Micheal Contreras, there is a complex world traveler and engaging storyteller who is constantly bridging the gap between the past and the now. Contreras was not always a social science teacher here at NPHS, but was inspired to come back to education after a near…

  • Falling in love with seasonal snacks

    November is truly one of the most breathtaking months as winter creeps in, and fall slowly comes to an end. As Trader Joe’s is famously affordable and privately labeled, there is immense popularity among their seasonal foods–especially the hospitable and warm fall flavors.  I wanted to focus my tastebuds on cozy flavors and foods…

  • Riley Shin races towards creative goals

    Riley Shin races towards creative goals

    High school is often a journey of discovering one’s interests and possible careers. What someone wants as a freshman may be wildly different by the time they graduate as they explore different sports, clubs, or other interests.  For Riley Shin, junior, this year has been defined by a shift away from resume-building and toward…

  • Jill Magnante enjoys a fine balance in last year of teaching

    Jill Magnante enjoys a fine balance in last year of teaching

    Rohinton Mistry, the author of “A Fine Balance,” says that there is “no such thing as an uninteresting life.” Jill Magnante, the Middle Years Program [MYP] Coordinator and IB Literature teacher at Newbury Park High School [NPHS], is living proof of this quote. As an avid reader, former theater star and Midwesterner, Magnante has…

  • Magnus Alt philosophizes through senior year

    Magnus Alt philosophizes through senior year

    Plato, Aristotle and Socrates are known as the greatest philosophers of all time. Although he is still developing his skills as a young philosopher, Magnus Alt, senior, enjoys engaging in lively discussions in International Baccalaureate [IB] Philosophy, learning about the divided line and the Tripartite soul. Beyond philosophy, Alt has many diverse interests, including…

  • New teacher travels to success at NPHS

    New teacher travels to success at NPHS

    From the East Coast to the West Coast, Megan DaRold, Advanced Placement [AP] World History teacher, has shared her passion for history with students for four years. In addition to AP World History, she teaches a hybrid, seventh-period College Prep Government and Economics class that meets in person every Tuesday. On July 30, DaRold…

  • Falling in love with seasonal snacks

    Ghosts & Bats Crispy Potato Snacks, 8/10, $2.99 As the only savory treat I picked out, I had high expectations for the intricately shaped potato chips. These chips are a great light snack that satisfy the common recurrence of desiring a salty snack. I strongly recommend purchasing these chips. Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s Cookies, 8/10, $2.99…

  • Ms. Bond shares her passion for teaching

    Ms. Bond shares her passion for teaching

    Starting every day on the right foot, Alana Bond, English teacher, gets a brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso from Starbucks. Having earned her teaching credential from Dartmouth, Bond now teaches IB Language and Literature, year one, and advises full IB students on the extended essay. Growing up, Bond enjoyed attending school and learning about…

  • Krish Devgania enters his senior year

    Krish Devgania enters his senior year

    With over 2,000 students on campus, each with their own unique interests, passions and motivations, they all have something to offer within the NPHS community. Krish Devgania, senior, enters his fourth year enrolled at Newbury Park High School [NPHS]. Each year, Devgania has taken a course of Chinese taught by Jing Hu here at…