After the event, Bieber earned the title as the artist with most monthly listeners on Spotify.

Coachella was all over social media for days, with clips of Bieber singing alongside  videos of his younger self. Many old Bieber fans found it really addictive, giving them that nostalgic feeling after seeing Bieber singing his old songs once again.

Many say that watching Bieber’s performance “healed their inner child.” Seeing him brought many back to their younger selves. It wasn’t just about just watching him perform, it was also about all those childhood memories and nostalgia. 

At the beginning of 2026, people all over TikTok were saying that 2026 was about to be the new 2016. This refers to bringing back many popular things that were trendy back then, including Bieber, who was at the peak of his career. During that year, Bieber released hits like “Sorry” and “Love Yourself.” “Love Yourself” was the most played song on U.S. radio in 2016 and also received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Bieber sang that song at Coachella giving many people that feeling of remembrance from 2016. 

Even though his performance was a success, there were many people who judged it, saying that with that kind of stage and budget, you’d expect something far more of a “moment,” with more theatrics and effort. Some even said his performance was “unserious” for using YouTube videos as backing visuals. Despite the negative reactions, Bieber’s supporters praised his performance for being authentic, considering it a successful nostalgic comeback.

Students living around the area have mixed feelings about the hotel shutting down. Some think that it’s sad to see such a recognizable place go away, while others think that the new housing will benefit the community greatly.

“It’s kind of strange knowing it’s going away because it’s been there since I can remember,” said ninth grader Jackson Ortiz. “Even people who didn’t live near the area still knew about El Rancho.”

Jonathan Hernandez, a ninth grade student from Capuchino High School, said that the new housing could be good for the city.

“I think adding more housing could be really good and help a lot of people,” said Hernandez. “But it is still sad to see a place like that go.”

Even though the hotel is closing, the new development will be a big change for the city. As Millbrae continues to build and close many different structures, long lasting buildings like El Rancho Inn will never be forgotten by the community.

Alejandra Hernandez, a senior at Mills and the president of LMP shared her insight on what she thought and felt about the recent controversy. She said, “When I first found out, it was shocking, but also I didn’t want to believe the internet so easily because people always make up lies and accusations. But when I heard about this girl who spoke about her experience, I wasn’t sure how to feel … I couldn’t believe it because he fought for people’s rights, but he also did the things he did.”

This really goes to show how impactful the legacy Chavez initially left for Hernandez. When finally asked how she thought the recent accusations affected Mills’s Latino community, she had this to say. “Finding out what he did I think left the community in shock, and for the Mills community I think it’s a big deal because we learn about him in our classes.” 

With this in mind, questions arise on how these accusations change how Chavez’s legacy is taught and viewed in classrooms. Alexandra Dove, a history teacher and activity director at Mills, shared her thoughts on the accusations. She said, “It’s really upsetting on a personal level … knowing that someone committed all these crimes. It’s also really upsetting on an institutional level, because he’s been someone that our state [who] has really [been] a beacon for advocating for equality, advocating for more rights [and] advocating for especially our marginalized communities.”

Like Dove said, people’s views on Chavez, who was idealized by so many, completely changed the way he is viewed from the harm he caused with his actions. On how she thought this would change the way The Farmworker’s Movement would be taught, she said, ”Maybe this is a chance to decentralize our celebration … from the individual and focus more on the community. So that’s what I would hope we do moving forward. And I think about as far as teaching it and in the classroom, that tends to be more the focus.” 

Chavez played a big role in the rights we see nowadays for migrant farmworkers, but this is a clear example on how uplifting a singular person and idolizing that person can backfire. As humans, no one is perfect and there are always two sides to a story. What Chavez was accused of is a horrible, harmful thing. This goes to show how instead of praising a singular person, praising a community that is behind the movement can be less harmful, more impactful and have a broader outreach for that community. When it comes to the learning aspect of an iconic activist like Chavez, it is important to be able to find the line between making someone a hero and allowing the spotlight to be shined on the community behind that movement and not just one person.

For years, FCCLA has been a national student organization focused on exercising leadership, preparing for future careers, and providing community services through the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). According to the FCCLA official website, the organization was founded and established in 1945 and is currently active with more than 200,000 members across the nation. FCCLA has continuously provided many students with opportunities, such as competing in state and regional events and expanding their leadership skills. Members also participate in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events and competitions, which are primarily focused on areas such as culinary arts, public speaking, entrepreneurship and many more. 

With numerous students participating in competitions, meetings and community events, the organization encouraged students to become active within their community, whether that was on or off campus, while helping them develop leadership, communication and career skills. Many students expressed disappointment over the sudden discontinuation of FCCLA at Mills, particularly because the organization had been a popular and welcoming club on the school campus for many years. The club’s discontinuation left many dedicated members, including former teachers and students, saddened by the loss of this program.

 Amber Chan (‘22), a former student at Mills, was an active member in FCCLA for all four years of her high school career.  During her time in the club, she held many leadership positions at the regional and state levels and competed in STAR events. Chan reflected on the lasting impact the club had on her life both through her last few years of high school and as a young adult.

“The club not only provided me with friends and a community, but lifelong skills that I attribute my success throughout college, too,” Chan explained. “From leadership opportunities to events that allow students to explore different career paths and interests, I felt that FCCLA had provided a lot of guidance to me both throughout high school and college.”

Another member of FCCLA, Krystal Ma (11), also expressed significant disappointment over the discontinuation of the club. As a current member of the organization, Ma explained she initially joined the club after hearing about the opportunities FCCLA offered, such as connections to community building, as well as the organization’s overall takeover of California. 

“My best memory was when we went to [State Leadership Conference], which brought together all the FCCLA regions within California down at Riverside in my sophomore year,” Ma adds. “I went with a lot of peers and had the opportunity to talk to other people out of the Bay Area.”

Eleanor Hulse, an adviser for FCCLA during the past two years, explained that the club’s disbandment reflects the constant changes in student interests and the demands that are placed on both the advisers and students. 

“I think that the club disbanding is reflective of the trajectory of student interests at Mills and high schoolers as a whole,” Hulse says. “What used to be a common and robust program at high schools up and down the Peninsula is now few and far between, leaving Mills as the only chapter on the Peninsula, in San Francisco or in the South Bay.” 

Hulse mentions that many other schools have also closed their chapters with FCCLA for the same reason: shifts between student interests and the overall commitment needed from both faculty and students. She explains that when organizing out-of-town travels to competitions, it was essential to hold several-hour meetings in order to ensure everything is settled before the trips. 

“FCCLA demands a lot of its chapter officers, region officers and competitors. Many of our students are involved in many demanding extracurriculars at Mills, making it difficult for our members to contribute what is required of a CTE [Career and Technical Education] organization like FCCLA,” Hulse says.

Additionally, with an overwhelming amount of disappointment among former and current members, many hope for the club to make its comeback. 

Dylan Hui (11), a member of FCCLA for two years, states, “I really hope that one day the club will make a comeback.” Hui explains one of his biggest accomplishments while being in FCCLA was raising over $2,000 by selling chocolate bars, showcasing the effects of FCCLA’s program to assist student leadership and confidence.

 Nika Eskandarian (12), who joined her sophomore year, wishes that members are able to find or create brand new spaces at Mills in which there are opportunities similar to ones FCCLA introduced. “I know we’ve had a lot of competitors in the fashion and culinary arts divisions who all placed really well and had a lot of fun creating their products, so I just hope that another space at Mills is created where students can explore and experience different career paths!” Eskandarian states. 

The discontinuation of FCCLA marks an end to a club that positively impacted many students through community involvement and leadership. As reflected in many of the students’ experiences, FCCLA was more than just a school organization, it was a space where students could grow academically while also forming many meaningful connections with peers. Its absence will forever leave a gap within the Mills community which highlights the importance of conserving programs that encourage both leadership and engagement.

For the frosh-soph team, this season has driven incredible success, as they held onto an undefeated record in all the dual meets. Freshman Olivia Cruz explained how her season was enjoyable, as she experienced things in a new light. “I was originally not going to do track, but I’m really glad I did. I was able to meet a lot of new people, and I ended up trying a lot of new things that I didn’t realize I would enjoy doing,” Cruz said. She further emphasized how she improved a lot throughout the season, both physically and mentally. Cruz believes that track is a mental sport, and learned to work mentally with herself, especially when participating in jumping events. 

The team also found recent success in the PAL Championships, as they accumulated more than 100 points in both the boys and girls divisions, beating all other schools by more than 40 points. Regarding PALs, Joel Cabrera (10) says, “It was fun competing with the top athletes in PALs. And to be at the top of the top is an accomplishment in itself for everybody, and I’m proud of [the team].” However, this achievement didn’t come easily, as Cabrera explained how they put in a lot of effort to reach this goal. 

“Everybody works hard and shows up through the practices. And the practices are not easy, they’re really hard. We were able to improve throughout the season and execute at the frosh-soph meet because of our training,” he states.

Kaylee Wong (11) reflects on her personal achievements by saying, “Throughout the season, I didn’t improve as much as I hoped to improve, but I’m proud of my progress so far.” This season, she felt more connected to the team, and believed that going to practice helped her grow closer to her teammates. 

Furthermore, many highlighted the importance of community in track and field. Cruz described the community as welcoming and supportive, as everyone wants to see each other succeed. Nicolas Carrozzi (10) adds, “Track is for the people who make the experience better. I would not be showing up to every single practice if my friends weren’t there to be with me,” emphasizing the bond between him and his teammates.

For senior and team captain Kevin Ren, friendships have been solidified throughout his four years on the track team. As one of this season’s captains, he aimed to make sure everyone looked forward to practices, as well as felt included as part of the team. “This year’s track season was my most memorable and most fun [season], because I’m not only a senior, but I got to improve in my times, and I got to lead all the underclassmen in practices while mentoring them,” Ren exclaimed. Alongside his fellow teammates, Ren made it to the Stanford Invitational, a feat that had not been achieved yet. He explained that what truly made it exceptional was participating as a team, instead of individually.

As a last remark, Ren mentions, “It’s really special, because I can actually appreciate every day and the time remaining that I have left [with this team], but I know my teammates are going to continue to grow and lead the younger freshmen.” 

With the track and field season winding down and coming to a stop, athletes are already looking forward to the coming season and finding new areas to improve in. To end, Cruz expresses, “I definitely think I’m going to return. We had a really good team this season, and I think it’s definitely worth it to come back.”

Every day after lunch, I see excessive amounts of trash left everywhere except where it should be: the trash bins. Although the school provides a sufficient number of bins, students still seem unable to resist throwing their trash on the floor. Walking through the courtyards as lunch is ending, I often see students throw their wrappers straight onto the ground. 

This issue would be concerning even if it involved only a few students, but unfortunately, it does not. It involves multiple students, many of whom are repeat offenders. 

This should not be taken lightly for many valid reasons, including its impact on wildlife. The other day, I was walking to class after lunch and was shocked to see a seagull with its mouth full of plastic after picking it up from center court. This upset me so much because it showed just how extreme the littering problem has become. It has gotten to the point where it is harming innocent animals and damaging the natural environment around our school. 

Littering in our school is an important issue that deserves to be discussed and controlled. The impacts have become far too extreme to continue pushing aside. Although our school has held several assemblies about littering, it clearly has not been effective. Students still do it because they know they won’t face any consequences, therefore becoming normalized in our school. 

Additionally, our custodians shouldn’t be picking up ridiculous amounts of trash after every lunch break. They are being overworked, and it is exhausting seeing them cleaning up our mess, even though we are the real problem. Not only do custodians have to pick up trash in center court every day after lunch, but also the bathrooms. Students often eat their lunch in the bathrooms and throw their trash directly onto the floor. There have been countless times when I’ve walked into a stall and have been shocked by the amount of food and trash thrown into the toilets and on the floor. Custodians shouldn’t have to be dealing with our laziness, and it’s, in my opinion, way above their pay grade. 

We as students are taking advantage of the privilege to have staff clean up after us. We shouldn’t just leave our trash on the floor because we can. There really is no excuse since trash cans are literally everywhere. 

So, littering is more than just a wild mess. It affects our campus, harms wildlife and places unnecessary pressure on our custodians who work so hard to keep our school clean. If we continue to ignore the problem, nothing will change. It’s time for both the students and the school to start taking responsibility. 

Athletes all around try to be the best of the best out of thousands of people who want to be recognized. Mills has seen many famous sports alumni, one being Paul Fanaika. Fanaika was an offensive guard for the National Football League (NFL) who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played for teams like the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders), Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

“Anything is possible, just keep working hard,” said sophomore Gina Hillman. Hillman is currently on the Mills varsity softball team as a pitcher. Recently, she has been getting invited to college camps around the US. Starting softball at the age of five years old, Hillman hasn’t ever stopped playing. “I just think that hard work and a good attitude can do a lot for you. It shouldn’t matter where you are, who is on the other side, or who is watching, always just play to your best ability,” Hillman added. Along with that, she was also nominated for Bay Area News Group Athlete of the Week this year. 

Another student who has been scouted is junior Dylan Yang. Ranked number one at Mills High School and ranked 20th in the entire state of California in swimming, Yang was incredibly proud of himself after getting an official visit from college scouts. His advice to people who are trying to get noticed is, “You can get noticed in a variety of ways, the easiest one is by reaching out. I found that filling out recruiting questionnaires before schools are allowed to contact you helps a lot, along with texting and emailing coaches directly.”

Lastly, another student who got scouted is sophomore Derek Moon. Moon was accepted to LA Galaxy Academy, a top-tier Major League Soccer (MLS) academy. He has been playing soccer for over 10 years and is known for always encouraging his teammates on the field. Moon advises the best way to get noticed by a scout is to,“Show yourself in the most authentic way possible on the field since that’s the only time scouts are able to look at you. Try your best and work hard, anything is possible.”

Getting scouted is a major accomplishment for a student athlete. But after hearing the stories of Hillman, Moon and Yang, it shows that it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of dedication, sacrifice and passion. Their stories show that working hard and staying committed can help them achieve their goal.

*At the time of writing on May 13, 2026, Yang’s ranking was top 20 and is subject to change.

*On May 20, 2026, The Thunderbolt published in print a photo claiming to be Yang, when in fact it was not him. We acknowledge this error and take accountability for this oversight.

When Poliakova was younger, she was deeply fascinated by performers on stage and the energy they brought to music. Her younger self often imagined herself in the shoes of a performer, hoping to have the same stage experience one day. Her first inspiration to pursue music grew from that early childhood interest that eventually led her to her passion in performing arts. 

That inspiration led her to help create her student punk rock band, ‘404,’ which came together last year. As stated from Poliakova, the band’s name came from her previous band in Russia as it means “mistake.” “I got inspired by a group named Mindless Self Indulgence,” she added, referring to an American electropunk band that 404 resonates with. The idea of the band first started when one of her friends suggested creating a little group while they were at school. Although getting the band together took some time, Poliakova said it took around two months or so before the group began to play. 

As the leader of the band, Poliakova describes the group as very collaborative, with members sharing similar passions and working hard together throughout each rehearsal and performance. Beyond just music, the band also helped create strong friendships and a sense of community between the members. 

“It’s really hard to be in a band,” Poliakova said. She explained that one of the biggest challenges is finding members who will commit, since many students have busy schedules filled with other hobbies and responsibilities. An additional challenge Poliakova mentioned was finding a consistent place to practice. The group has faced changes that required the band to relocate their rehearsals to another member’s house, as it was the only space with a drum set available for their use. Since drum sets are difficult to move, the group has learned to adapt to limited practice spaces and make the most of what is available. 

Despite the challenges that come along with being in a student band, Poliakova wishes to continue music in the future, even if only as a hobby rather than a career. For students interested in performing arts, it’s more than just an extracurricular activity. It creates opportunities for self-expression, community and an emotional bond while still forming campus culture in original and meaningful ways.

Lai said getting to the tournament took “a lot of consistency and patience.” After school, he  would spend as much time as he could. “Mostly working on my short game, putting, and staying accurate off the tee. I also tried to play full rounds whenever possible so I could get used to handling pressure and making smarter decisions on the course,” Lai said. Adding onto what he mentioned, he explained how qualifying for the PAL Individuals meant a lot to him because it showed that all of his hard work paid off. He also said it feels good to represent his team and prove to himself that he can compete against strong golfers.

During tough rounds, especially at Crystal Springs, Lai stayed focused by thinking about hitting one shot at a time. He believes that one bad hole should not ruin the rest of his game. He understands that Crystal Springs is a difficult course, so he focuses on staying calm, being patient, and making smart decisions instead of taking risky shots. 

Lastly, Lai shared that he had to sacrifice a lot of his weekends and time after school in order to continue practicing. One moment that pushed him to take golf more seriously was after a rough match earlier in the season. He realized that the key to winning in golf is not only talent, but also preparation and mindset.

Chan, a fellow teammate of Lai also explained how much dedication it takes to be a golfer. He mentioned, “It took me lots of dedication and practice to reach the tournament.” Chan brought up one moment that motivated him saying it was when he “did horribly his first ever game.” After that experience, he wanted to improve and work harder at golf. 

To stay mentally focused during rounds, he thinks about what he will do after the match is over. Chan also talked about the sacrifices he had to make, including spending a lot of money on golf equipment. When he steps onto the course, he keeps his thoughts simple and focuses on “hitting the ball straight and putting it in the hole fast.”

Throughout the golf season, both Lai and Chan showed that success in golf comes from consistency and staying strong mentally. Their dedication helped them earn a spot at the PAL Individuals and compete at Crystal Springs this season.