The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard
The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard
The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard
Clara Martinez

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor

Clara Martinez (’24) is the Lead Culture Editor for The Standard. She began journalism as an editor for the Middle School newspaper The Scroll and joined The Standard in Grade 9. She enjoys covering breaking news and writing about current events in Latin America. Outside of journalism, Clara plays piano, writes creatively and is on the Community Action Council.

All content by Clara Martinez
The Apple Fire burns July 31, 2020 in Beaumont, California, becoming one of thousands in California’s climbing rates of wildfires. Students from California remember their encounters with wildfires and how they have changed over the last few decades.

Californian students look back on decades of wildfires

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
March 1, 2023
A fire spreads through St. Mark’s Church in St. John’s Wood Jan. 26. The London Fire Brigade responded to the scene at 11 p.m.

Local Victorian church burns down

Clara Martinez and Sophia Bassi
January 27, 2023
A maintenance team member repairs a fallen ceiling tile in the Top Orange supply closet Jan. 12. Another ceiling tile fell in Bottom O an hour prior.

Two High School Pod ceiling tiles fall, one hits student

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
January 17, 2023
Lou Michelson (’24), pictured on the far right, dances in the musical number “What You Want” during a rehearsal Sept. 23 for the High School fall production of “Legally Blonde.” As a new student from California, Michelson received the news she was cast as the lead character, Elle Woods, shortly after the new school year began.

New Grade 11 student cast as lead role in ‘Legally Blonde’ production

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
September 26, 2022
K2 Teacher John O’Toole stands with one of many Queen Elizabeth II poster portraits hung in his classroom. O’Toole attended the Queen’s lying-in-state ceremony Sept. 16 and spent the 10-day mourning period following her death reflecting on previous encounters with the Queen.

John O’Toole mourns Queen Elizabeth II after 45 years of correspondence

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
September 21, 2022
“My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh follows a wealthy Columbia University graduate living on the Upper East Side as she spends a year in a drug-induced coma. During the summer, this novel joined a plethora of trending TikTok beach reads.

#BookTok Review: ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ questions material happiness, privilege

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
September 12, 2022
Two hours after the public announcement of the Queen’s death Sept. 8, crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace backdropped by a flag lowered to half-mast. The official notice from the Royal administration consisted of two sentences posted on the gates as a double rainbow framed the Palace.

Death of Queen Elizabeth II ripples through community

Rudi Chamria, Grace Hamilton, Clara Martinez, and Maarya Shafqat
September 9, 2022
Faustina Tavasolli (’23) uses a free cubby to store her bag during a free period Sept. 7. The cubbies have undergone multiple attempts of individual possession among Grade 12 members since the beginning of the school year, with students using sticky notes, typed labels and laminated name tags to secure a locker.

Bottom O cubby regulation divides Grade 12 students

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
September 9, 2022
Sinan Sensurucu (’23), Tristan Weiss (’23) and Sam Singer (’23) attend the Wireless Festival, a three-day series of music performances, at Crystal Palace July 2. After two years of festival and concert cancellations due to COVID-19, London became a hub for music, with artists such as Travis Scott and Elton John returning to sold-out audiences.

Summer music rewind: Resurgence of concerts, music festivals attract crowds

Clara Martinez, Anahi Pellathy, and Maarya Shafqat Adil
September 5, 2022
Leo Shasha (’25) and Noah Sadrian (’25) play ping-pong on the field before the start of activities June 10. Alice Agostinelli (’22) said this was her first time attending Bangers and Bash. She said as the school year wraps up, she is glad to have this final memory of the community coming together. “Im really excited for graduation, but Im kind of sad,” she said. “I liked that this is the last memory Ill have with my friends.”

[Photo] StuCo hosts Bangers and Bash event at Canons Park

June 13, 2022
Grade 12 students engage in a tug of war competition May 31. Finalists in the tug of war competition – Grades 11 and 12 – will face off to determine the winner June 10 at the Bangers and Bash event.

[Photo] Students compete in Spirit Assembly games, earn spirit points

June 6, 2022
In Texas, two teachers and 19 students died in a school shooting at Robb Elementary School May 24. In response, Head of School Coreen Hester sent a community-wide email May 25, opening up conversations about the impact of the shooting on students, parents and teachers.

Texas school shooting spurs discourse on gun control

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
May 30, 2022
Exploring the lives of Mariam and Laila – two women in Kabul, Afghanistan – “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini tells a harrowing story of struggling to survive under the control of the Soviets and the Taliban. Despite being published 15 years ago, the book resurged in popularity with more than five million views under its TikTok hashtag.

#BookTok Review: ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ narrates heartbreaking reality of misogyny

Clara Martinez, Lead Culture Editor
May 27, 2022
Following a cleanup at the St. Johns Wood Church Grounds, Sustainability Council Co-President Skyler Sweidan (22), SusCo member Dylan Linton (23), SusCo Co-President Victoria Figueroa (22) and SusCo member Suvana Wasu (25) distribute treats. The event between High School and Lower School volunteers took place on Earth Day, April 22.

SusCo hosts daily sustainability activities for Earth Week

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
April 27, 2022
Exploring the lives of Mariam and Laila – two women in Kabul, Afghanistan – “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini tells a harrowing story of struggling to survive under the control of the Soviets and the Taliban. Despite being published 15 years ago, the book resurged in popularity with more than five million views under its TikTok hashtag.

#BookTok Review: ‘One of Us is Lying’ makes up for stereotypical characters with captivating plot

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
April 6, 2022
Seth Friend (’22) and Baxter John (’22) bring in alternative methods of carrying school supplies on Anything But a Backpack Day Feb. 17. Students had the opportunity to dress up and win spirit points for their grade. To encourage participation, Cameo videos of public figures were posted on the StuCo instagram page.

StuCo posts Instagram Cameos to encourage “Not Spirit Week” participation

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
February 18, 2022
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[Photo] Diverse representation in youth media spurs social progress

February 18, 2022
With the rising popularity of comparing zodiac signs, some community members have begun to evaluate the accuracy of their assigned characteristics and predictions based on birthdate. Students representing each of the 12 zodiac signs weigh the importance of aligning their designated traits with identity.

Students explore influence of zodiac signs on individuality

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
February 16, 2022
As decided by the administration, spring Alternative Trips will no longer be going forward. Instead, High School students will participate in grade-level “bonding” activities throughout the week, per Director of Student Life James Perry.

Administration cancels all Alternatives, Ecology, sports trips

Clara Martinez and Nick Zirinis
February 10, 2022
The first #BookTok Bookshelf review of 2022 presents the wintery romance of “One Day in December,” written by Josie Silver. The novel has garnered over 860,000 views under its TikTok hashtag and explores romance in the wake of tragedy through a decade-long love triangle.

#BookTok Review: ‘One Day in December’ balances plot complexity with endearing readability

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
January 28, 2022
The first #BookTok Bookshelf review of 2022 presents the wintery romance of “One Day in December,” written by Josie Silver. The novel has garnered over 860,000 views under its TikTok hashtag and explores romance in the wake of tragedy through a decade-long love triangle.

#BookTok Review: ‘The Secret History’ draws in readers yearning for prestige

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
December 10, 2021
With 1.9 billion views under its TikTok hashtag, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas is one of the most popular books circulating the For You page. The first novel of a five book series, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” narrates the story of 19-year-old Feyre when she is kidnapped and taken to the faerie realm Prythian.

#BookTok Review: ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ introduces sophistication to fantasy genre

Clara Martinez , News Editor: Print
October 27, 2021
With 1.9 billion views under its TikTok hashtag, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas is one of the most popular books circulating the For You page. The first novel of a five book series, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” narrates the story of 19-year-old Feyre when she is kidnapped and taken to the faerie realm Prythian.

#BookTok Review: ‘All the Bright Places’ sheds light on teenage mental struggles

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
October 1, 2021
With over 80% voter turnout, new Student Council representatives were elected Sept. 24. Following a four day online voting period, five students in each grade have been selected to represent the student body during Thursday meetings and various committee gatherings.

Students elect StuCo representatives with over 80% voter turnout

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
September 27, 2021
The varsity boys celebrate a goal after scoring against ACS Cobham. The team won this match 8-0.

[Photo] Photo Gallery: Fall Fest brings community together to watch soccer games

September 23, 2021
With 1.9 billion views under its TikTok hashtag, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas is one of the most popular books circulating the For You page. The first novel of a five book series, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” narrates the story of 19-year-old Feyre when she is kidnapped and taken to the faerie realm Prythian.

‘Circe’ defies typical #BookTok expectations

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
September 17, 2021
With 1.9 billion views under its TikTok hashtag, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas is one of the most popular books circulating the For You page. The first novel of a five book series, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” narrates the story of 19-year-old Feyre when she is kidnapped and taken to the faerie realm Prythian.

#BookTok Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
September 10, 2021
Ruby Read (’23) and Ellie Taylor (’23) act in a scene filmed at 47 Grove End Road May 8. Read and Taylor are both enrolled in the Advanced Acting: TV and Film class and collaborated with two other film classes to produce three-minute films for the annual High School Film Festival.

Annual Film Festival to premiere online, showcasing student productions

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
June 15, 2021
Members of the community reflect on how characteristics of ASL, among those of other schools, impact students’ learning environment. Social dynamics, diversity, curriculum and student population are all topics of discussion that surface when comparing ASL to different school systems.

Students, faculty explore dynamics of different education systems

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
June 14, 2021

Social interactions and cliques

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
June 14, 2021

Students worldwide

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
June 14, 2021

School environment

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
June 14, 2021

Socioeconomic status

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
June 14, 2021
Kleidi Likola (’21), Charlotte Fink (’22) and Danna Rubesh (’22) pose as their characters in the fantasy realm of “Dungeons & Dragons” during a performance June 2. The play had 12 cast members that had been rehearsing for the production since January.

Advanced Acting Play Production class performs “She Kills Monsters” amid COVID-19 restrictions

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
June 7, 2021
Max van Zyl (’21) attempts to steal the ball from an opponent during the varsity boys’ game against Cobham May 26. Cobham defeated ASL 3-0 in ASL’s last game of the season.

Soccer teams play final games of season, recognize Grade 12 athletes

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
May 28, 2021
Evelyn Bond (’22) organizes her AP Biology notes using colorful subheadings and diagrams. From notetaking to bullet journalling, putting a pen on paper comes in a variety of forms and each serves different purposes.

Journaling serves as outlet for not solely organization, but also creativity

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
May 26, 2021
Grade 12 graduation will take place at Central Hall Westminster June 12 with extra COVID-19 regulations and will be available to watch over livestream. Grade 12 students may only invite two guests.

Grade 12 graduation to be held at Central Hall Westminster

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
May 21, 2021
This year, the Advanced Placement exams occur May 5 to June 10. In comparison to the 2019-20 school year, some alterations to exam format options have been maintained as a result of COVID-19 while others have returned to normal.

AP exams undergo changes to format, location

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print
May 13, 2021
Eleanor Ilyas (’24) applies lotion as a part of her daily hydrating skincare routine. Different skincare products cater to unique skin types, and the most effective results depend on finding the right match.

Effective products enhance skincare routine

Eden Leavey and Clara Martinez
May 4, 2021
The community reflects on George Floyds death after the conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Floyds murder spurred a wave of worldwide protests over the summer of 2020.

Derek Chauvin verdict provokes discussion surrounding US criminal justice system

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
April 29, 2021
East Asian students and faculty discuss recent hate crimes and personal experiences with anti-Asian discrimination March 30. For the first time, the East Asia Culture Club held an in-person affinity space for East Asian members of the ASL community.

Affinity space held in light of escalating anti-Asian discrimination

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
April 2, 2021
Olivia Lang (’22) dribbles away from Casey Johnson (’23) March 29 and looks to pass to a teammate.

Photo Gallery: Girls, boys soccer play in final week of mini-season

Kira Crutcher, Clara Martinez, and Eden Leavey
April 1, 2021
Dance students rehearse their routine in December for a pre-recorded performance video. Students in PE, dance and fitness are not required to wear masks while exercising as long as social distancing and COVID protocols are followed.

Students have option to wear mask in dance, fitness, PE, Well-being classes

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
March 23, 2021
After the murder of Sarah Everard and recently surveyed statistic about sexual harassment was released, female students are more concerned for their safety on the street. A commonly suggested method for self defense is to keep a key held between your fingers in order to have more impact if an offender were to become violent. Photo illustration by Clara Martinez.

Murder of Sarah Everard, UN survey result spark conversation around sexual harassment

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
March 19, 2021
From the day campus closed on March 13, 2020, the last year has brought lockdowns, isolation, and millions of deaths. But, through the challenges of COVID-19, the ASL community reflected on the pandemic and the positive outcomes that have come to light.

Unprecedented: One year with the virus

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
March 15, 2021
Abastillas teaches first grade in 2009-2010, including current Grade 12 students Emily Forgash (’21) and Eric Henrikson (’21). Abastillas started teaching at the school in 2008, and has since taken her influence beyond the classroom and into the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion work at ASL.

Jennifer Abastillas works to diversify world of education

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
March 4, 2021
Almost every book in the Romance genre can be categorized into one of many common tropes. Enemies to lovers, forbidden love, and fake relationships are all examples of general storylines that can be greatly diversified depending on the characters, location, and time period.

Top 8 novels for each romance trope

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
March 2, 2021
17 year old Olivia Rodrigo’s debut single “drivers license” has surpassed all other songs on Spotify and has remained at No. 1 on the charts since its second day of release on Jan. 8. The popularity of the song can be traced back to the widespread impact of social media and surrounding drama.

Community debates validity of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘drivers license’

Rudi Chamria and Clara Martinez
February 22, 2021
William Iorio (’22) revises for a class at 6:30 a.m. in Connecticut, equivalent to 11:30 a.m. in London. As all students are expected to attend synchronous Zoom classes, Iorio begins his classwork before dawn.

Timezones impact students’ DLP experience abroad

Sophia Bassi and Clara Martinez
February 11, 2021
Despite the trials and tribulations of 2020, the year has finally come to a close. Upon reflection, each month has been attributed a song fitting to the events that occurred. Make sure to scan the codes with your Spotify app to listen along!

A year-in-review: Spotify 2020 Wrapped

Rudi Chamria, Vittoria Di Meo, Eden Leavey, and Clara Martinez
February 1, 2021
Aequitas Week is an annual event organized by the Social Justice Council. Due to COVID-19, the week has been moved to March, during which students will attend split sessions with opportunities for activism on the second day of workshops.

Aequitas Committee changes date to March, adapts sessions to COVID-19 restrictions

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
January 26, 2021
Starbucks has released its new holiday drink specials. Staff Writers Sophia Bassi and Clara Martinez review the the Toffee Nut Latte, Eggnog Latte, Truffle Deluxe Hot Chocolate and Gingerbread Frappuccino.

Starbucks seasonal drinks review

Sophia Bassi and Clara Martinez
December 18, 2020
Until further announcements from the government Dec. 2, small businesses continue to be in danger of closing. Store managers reflect on the impact COVID-19 has had on their businesses, as well as their predictions for the future.

Small businesses on high street battle lockdown

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
December 1, 2020
Brooke Beesley (’22) and Amber Auh (’21) compose a melody in Choir class. Until further notice, students are prohibited from singing despite U.K. government guidelines allowing them to do so.

Prohibition of singing clashes with government guidelines, per scientific studies

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer
October 22, 2020
New from Singapore, Sam Hamilton (’23) adjusts to the High School through finding the similarities between Southeast Asia and London. Hamilton said that the variety of cultures in London remind him of his previous home and brings a feeling of community, despite the vast difference in population. “Its just super interesting to meet people from all around the world,” he said.

[Photo] 14 new students reflect on their transition to the High School

October 8, 2020
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