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San Dieguito Academy Newspaper

The Mustang

San Dieguito Academy Newspaper

The Mustang

San Dieguito Academy Newspaper

The Mustang

Jenna Wilson-Levin

Jenna Wilson-Levin, Editor-In-Chief/News/Opinions Editor

Hello, World!

All content by Jenna Wilson-Levin
2023 Senior Map

2023 Senior Map

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Editor-in-Chief/Opinions Editor
May 25, 2023

Stats: 101 SCHOOLS 39 IN-STATE 3 STUDENTS PER SCHOOL ON AVERAGE 29 STATES + DC 5 COUNTRIES 20 OF THE TOP 50 SCHOOLS IN THE US MOST COMMON SCHOOLS CAL POLY SLO, CAL STATE SAN MARCOS,...

The victims of the Idaho murders.

Murder of Idaho college students

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Editor-in-Chief/Opinions Editor
January 27, 2023

In November 2022, the United States was rocked by the brutal stabbing of four college students as they slept in their beds in Moscow, Idaho. Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Gonclaves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20;...

Money-Saving Holiday Tips

Money-Saving Holiday Tips

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Editor-in-Chief & News/Opinions Editor
December 8, 2022

The holiday season can be stressful for many reasons: seeing family, buying gifts, cooking, and more. As students, this anxiety can be intense since we don’t have steady incomes. I hope to relieve some...

Should words hurt?

The controversy over diction

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, News/Opinions Editor/Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2022

Words hurt; it’s true. The way you express yourself through language can cause a myriad of feelings in another person. It is always important to watch what you say and how you say it. However, how crucial...

Advertisement for Welcome Back Dance.

Dance postponed

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Opinions & News Editor
September 8, 2022

Arghh. The Pirates of the Carribean-themed Welcome Back Dance was aptly postponed by the scourge of the sea, a hurricane. Hurricane Kay, now a tropical storm, is supposed to cause rain in Encinitas on...

A set of bathrooms at San Dieguito Academy.

Going to the bathroom at school

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, News/Opinions Editor/Editor-in-Chief
August 25, 2022

Many teachers face their students abusing their bathroom “privileges”, however, going to the toilet should not be a privilege; it’s a right. In workplaces, according to California law, an employer...

Norma McCorvey, left, who was Jane Roe in the 1973 Roe v. Wade case, with her attorney, Gloria Allred, outside the Supreme Court in April 1989, where the Court heard arguments in a case that could have overturned the Roe v. Wade decision. Courtesy of Lorie Shaull.

Roe vs. Wade to be overturned

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Opinions Editor
May 3, 2022

On May 2nd, a draft majority opinion written by Supreme Court Justice Samual Alito was leaked. The opinion states that “…Roe and Casey must be overturned.” Referring to the 1973 Supreme Court...

Some of my skincare products.

Skincare Guide

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Opinions Editor
April 25, 2022

To be clear: I am not an expert and the best thing to do if you are having skin troubles is to see a dermatologist if you can. They know best and can prescribe the good stuff. Wink wink. I am going...

Regina George (Rachel McAdams) (far right) spreads rumors in "Mean Girls".

Don’t believe the rumors

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Opinions Editor
January 18, 2022

While the narrative spun by high school movies differs entirely from the real experience of high school, a usual truth of both is the prevalence of gossip. Gossip to me is fascinating–probably because...

Segment of SDA's dress code.

Opinion: How dress codes affect students

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
November 5, 2021

While dress codes are supposed to foster a better learning environment, it often forces students to waste time being checked for rule conformance, taken out of class, and serving detention or suspension. Those...

Cheryl James-Ward reading to children. Courtesy of @CJamesWard4Brd on Twitter.

SDUHSD’s new superintendent

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
October 11, 2021

After months of searching due to the resignation of former superintendent Dr. Robert Haley, San Dieguito Union High School District has selected its sole finalist for the superintendent position: Dr. Cheryl...

Menstrual products. Courtesy of Flickr

California schools’ new menstrual health law

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
October 11, 2021

A bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 8 requires public schools and colleges in California to provide free menstruation products in their restrooms. California's latest initiative strengthens...

Quiz: What activity should you do in fall?

Quiz: What activity should you do in fall?

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
October 8, 2021

Quiz: Which classic halloween costume are you?

Quiz: Which classic halloween costume are you?

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
October 1, 2021

Governor Gavin Newsom announces his mandate at James Denman Middle School in San Francisco. Courtesy of AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

California school vaccination mandate

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
October 1, 2021

On October 1st, 2021, California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, mandated vaccines for all public and private school children who are eligible in California to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All of those...

Forum advert for the first meeting of the 2021-2022 school year

September Forum

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions editor
September 3, 2021

On Sept. 3rd, ASB hosted the first forum of the year and the first in-person forum in over 18 months in the AH quad. The comments and questions mostly centered on the upset caused by scheduling changes,...

Press conference held by Taliban officials over Sharia law. Courtesy of The Associated Press

Opinion: The Taliban have retaken Afghanistan

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
August 30, 2021

The Taliban, an Islamic extremist group in Afghanistan, are infamous for harboring terrorists involved in the orchestration of the 9/11 attacks. They have been also known to behead those they deem to be...

A vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. Courtesy of REUTERS/Dado Ruvic

First COVID vaccine gets full FDA authorization

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Managing/Politics/Opinions Editor
August 23, 2021

The FDA gave full approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on August 23rd. The Pfizer vaccine is the first COVID vaccine to receive this approval. It is the only vaccine approved for those between...

Tourists at the United States Capitol, Washington D.C., USA

Opinion: What it means if California loses a seat for Democrats

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Fall Arts Editor
May 13, 2021

It was revealed that California would lose one congressional seat on April 26 after the slowest population growth recorded in a 20 year period. All over the country, formerly blue-state-held seats were...

Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden looks on during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Inauguration Day

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
January 20, 2021
Kamala D. Harris was inaugurated as the first woman, Black, South Asian vice president in US history. Following this historic moment, Joseph R. Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts. President Biden then delivered a speech in which he called for the country's uniting and equality for all on Jan. 20
Education Biden Pick

Who Are Biden’s Cabinet Picks?

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
January 19, 2021

President-Elect Joe Biden has spent November and December announcing his nominations for the various administration and cabinet positions under his presidency. While it's not yet official until confirmed...

It's time that we abolished the death penalty

Opinion: The death penalty is not ethical

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
January 5, 2021

The morality and ethics of the death penalty have been debated across the globe for thousands of years. The first recorded death penalty laws date to the 8th century BC in King Hammurabi of Babylon’s...

Dr. Jill Biden speaks to reporters during a campaign event  in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Nov. 3.

Opinion: Is There a Doctor in the White House? Yes.

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
December 31, 2020

The Wall Street Journal recently published an op-ed by Joseph Epstein titled Is There a Doctor in the White House? Not if You Need an M.D. In this article, addressing First Lady-to-be Jill Biden as “kiddo,”...

Tomato

Opinion: The Only Correct Pronunciation of “Tomato”

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
December 8, 2020

Imagine you are at a restaurant (before the pandemic). It is a lovely night, and the lighting is soft and soothing. There is light music in the background and the quiet ambiance of those around you. You...

Democratic president-elect Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States

Joe Biden has won the presidency

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
November 7, 2020

Joe Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump to become the 46th President of the United States of America on Saturday, Nov. 7th. Biden won the Presidency after winning Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes....

Junior Skyler Martin  drinking a nice, cool drink while hanging out with a friend

What did journalism students do during the election?

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
November 4, 2020
Election Day is both an exciting and stressful time for many as Americans wait with bated breath to see who the next president of the United States will be. Journalism students shared what they did on this Election Day
The SDUHSD building sign

The public speaks out about school reopening in second quarter

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
October 26, 2020
Public comments and opinions on schools reopening
Mail-in Ballots and the USPS are a big thing now

The USPS and Mail-In Voting

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
October 19, 2020
The founding of the postal service even predates that of the United States.
President Donald Trump stands on stage with first lady Melania Trump after the first presidential debate at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio on Sept. 29, 2020

President Trump and the First Lady Test Positive for Coronavirus

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
October 2, 2020

The White House announced early Friday morning that President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for Coronavirus. This shortly followed an announcement that they would quarantine after...

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden faced off in a chaotic debate on Tuesday

“Will you shut up, man?”: The First Presidential Debate

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
October 1, 2020
What happened during the first presidential debate? Find out all about it here
The Notre Dame law school grad and mother of seven is expected to unite the conservatives in the justice system

RBG’s Possible Replacement: Amy Coney Barrett

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Arts Editor
September 29, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett, a nominee for Supreme Court Justice may be taking over RBG's spot
Protestors take part in Brussels, on October 1, 2019 on the day of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China, in a protest organized by the World Uyghur Congress, the International Campaign for Tibet, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation, the Belgian Uyghur Association and the Tibetan Community in Belgium.

The Uighurs of China: A Silent Genocide

By Matthew Hagan and Jenna Wilson-Levin
September 21, 2020

The Uighurs (pronounced WE-GERS) are an ethnic minority group that primarily speaks Turkish and practices Islam. 12 million Uighurs live in China, with 11 million in the North-East region of Xinjiang....

Trump says he’s given his blessings to TikTok’s deal

Trump approves Oracle and Walmart deal for TikTok

By Jenna Wilson-Levin and Sydney Randolph
September 21, 2020

President Trump announced Saturday that he gave the acquisition deal between TikTok and Oracle “his blessing." The deal would possibly avert a ban on TikTok in the U.S.  Companies Oracle and Walmart...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (born 1933) unfortunately passed on Friday September 18th, 2020.

A Champion of Equality has Passed: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Kylie Schwartz and Jenna Wilson-Levin
September 18, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday evening at age 87 due to complications related to pancreatic cancer. She passed surrounded by her family in her Washington, D.C. home. Her granddaughter stated that her last words were, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.”
Apps TikTok and WeChat to be removed from U.S. app stores on Monday at midnight EST

Tick tock for TikTok (and WeChat): Trump Administration to ban the apps

By Jenna Wilson-Levin and Sydney Randolph
September 18, 2020

The Trump Administration announced Friday morning that Chinese company ByteDance owned apps WeChat and TikTok will be banned from U.S. app stores beginning Sunday at 9 PM PST (Monday at 12 AM EST). Downloads...

The Democratic Party and Republican Party emblems facing off in a duel.

A Tale of Two Parties

By Jenna Wilson-Levin
September 18, 2020

For the first time in history, the Democratic National Convention and Republic National Convention were held virtually. Both drew huge audiences and featured many important figures in each party. With...

A successful sourdough starter.

Easy AP-Flour Sourdough Starter

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
May 5, 2020

With baking on the rise, yeast has become a hot commodity. Both flour and yeast have become scarce, but flour has restocked at grocery stores at a higher rate than yeast. The reason behind this is that...

A delicious, crusty, and easy French baguette!

Quick Quarantine Recipes

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
April 23, 2020

Baking and cooking are becoming very popular during self-isolation, but it is also harder to find ingredients and harder to stay healthy at this time. I am sharing with you a few easy and/or popular recipes...


The presumptive 2020 Democratic Nominee: Joe Biden

The Democrats’ Nominee: Joe Biden

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
April 15, 2020

After Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign on April 8th, former Vice President Joe Biden was the last man standing in the race for the Democratic nomination. Biden is, therefore, the presumptive nominee...

The remaining 2020 presidential candidates: Senator Bernie Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden, and President Donald Trump.

State of the race

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
April 2, 2020

States, including New York, Kentucky, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, Delaware, Connecticut, and Georgia, have postponed their presidential primaries. The last Democratic...

Joe Biden addresses his supporters after monumental victories on Super Tuesday

A Surprising Super Tuesday

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
March 5, 2020

Former Vice President Joe Biden had many astounding victories on Super Tuesday, making him the front runner in terms of delegates for the Democratic nomination. Fourteen states and one American territory...

A poster made by senior Zella Garido to celebrate SDA’s accepting culture.

We love Love Lunch

By Jenna Wilson-Levin and Sydney Randolph
February 5, 2020

San Dieguito Academy held its first Love Lunch today, Feb. 5. Hosted by the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), it included a variety of snacks, especially rainbow-themed ones. Among these were rainbow goldfish...

Iowa Caucus Results Delayed

Iowa Caucus Results Delayed

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
February 5, 2020

The results for the Democratic Iowa Caucus, the first vote of the 2020 election, were delayed because of quality checks conducted by the Iowa Democratic Party on Monday, Feb. 3. The checks were conducted...

Democratic candidates (left to right) Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, and Amy Klobuchar took to the debate stage in Iowa on January 14th, 2020.

All eyes on Iowa

By Jenna Wilson-Levin, Staff Writer
January 30, 2020

Two weeks ago, six of the thirteen democratic candidates for president took to the debate stage in Des Moines, Iowa in order to convince democratic Iowans to support their bid in the democratic Iowa caucus...

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